hello from Pastor Bill and Cynthia! Along with our children, Khloe and Lukas, we are excited to share the story of how we answered God's call to start a new church in Nutley, NJ.
After serving for two decades in our church home in various roles including as Executive Pastors, we sensed that God was saying the time was now to leave all that we knew to follow where He would lead us. God had placed a dream in our hearts to begin a new work, but we didn’t yet know what that would look like. Our first priority was to pause from ministry and rest; to abide in the Lord, spend intentional time with our family, and discern His will for us. During a time of prayer, the name Solace came to our hearts, inspired by 2 Corinthians 1:3–4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” This scripture has shaped our vision for Solace Church, a place of healing, hope, and transformation. As we stepped out in faith, we began gathering for Bible study pop-ups. These early moments were filled with deep conversations, prayer, and vulnerability. After each study, people lingered in conversation, sharing stories of deep grief and loss: a family mourning the tragic loss of their young child, a young woman grieving the recent passing of her mother, another navigating the aftermath of a painful divorce, and yet another sharing the profound impact of losing a brother to gun violence. We shared that our own family experienced grief in leaving our church home to follow God's call into the unknown. It was at this moment that we looked at each other and knew—this is it. Solace Church was born before our eyes that day. After months of planning with an incredible team, we launched on November 24, 2024, with hearts full of expectation and surrender. Since then, we have watched God faithfully move touching lives, restoring families, and creating a community centered on Jesus. Solace Church exists as a place where families can encounter Jesus, experience healing, and discover their purpose. And we’re just getting started. Join us as we continue to follow God’s leading, building a church where people encounter Jesus, find healing, and live with purpose. Your prayers, generosity, and presence make all the difference.
Would you prayerfully consider partnering with Solace Church?
Solace Church launched on November 24, 2024, with an incredible team and a heart full of expectation! We’re already seeing God move in powerful ways, and this is just the beginning. Here’s how you can be a part of what God is doing in Nutley: Pray: Continue to lift up Solace Church. Pray for God's will to be done in Nutley as it is in Heaven, and for wisdom as we grow and disciple His people. Spread the Word: Share what God is doing at Solace Church on social media, with your friends, co-workers, and family. Your personal invite can be the first step in someone’s faith journey. Get Involved: Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a place to serve, we’d love for you to become part of our growing church family and help us impact lives for Christ. Give Generously: Your financial support helps provide the resources and tools needed to reach our community. Together, we are making a difference and bringing hope to Nutley and beyond. “The Lord rejoices to see the work begin” – Zechariah 4:10b Let’s build together!