CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH MARKS ITS 80TH YEAR IN LA CRESCENTA.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

LA CRESCENTA - Crystal Brubeck joined Christian Life Church back in 1936, when she was just 6 years old. And as long as her pastor preaches the Gospel exactly, Brubeck plans to never leave.

``Our pastor preaches straight from the Scripture,'' Brubeck says. ``Scripture is alive here. I would tell someone, come with me to my church, where the word of God is preached, the music is wonderful and beautiful, and where we're like one big family.''

Current and former members of the church will reunite Sunday for the 80th anniversary of the church, located since 1929 at Montrose and Ramsdell avenues. The Rev. Rick Dodd expects an overflow crowd, from the tremendous response by former members and pastors at the Assembly of God-affiliated church.

``The foundation of the church is the Bible. The church hasn't changed because the Gospel hasn't changed,'' Dodd said to explain why he believes Christian Live Church has endured for 80 years.

``We haven't redefined the book. It's just as relevant now as it has been for all these years. We believe 100 percent in the Bible.''

Florence Roberts was a teen when high school friends invited her to a ``young people's rally'' meeting at CLC in 1947. She recalls that day as a life-changing experience.

``I gave my heart to the Lord, and I've been with the church ever since,'' she said. ``Our pastors have preached a personal relationship with God. We follow our leaders, and as long as they preach the Word, I will stay.''

Roberts lives in the Sycamore Avenue house where CLC first met in 1922. She and Brubeck have spent hours compiling a ``picture museum'' from the hundreds of photos sent to them. Their posters and a slide show will be part of Sunday's service. Church members will share memories and proclamations from civic leaders will be announced.

When someone takes Brubeck up on her offer to visit CLC, they may be in for some surprises. Christian Life Church isn't for the old at heart.

``Some people might say that my style of preaching is old-fashioned. I'm loud,'' Dodd said. ``I'm extremely passionate in what I believe.''

The music ministry at CLC is described by Dodd as contemporary, while Roberts says it's ``making a joyful noise.'' While she enjoys the music and approves Dodd's style of preaching, what makes her excited is how the Holy Spirit works at CLC.

``If you feel the Holy Spirit, you might just raise your hand,'' she said. ``We have people who are moved to go forward to the altar. Maybe you will move with them. It's as the Holy Spirit moves you. You have to come to the Lord and ask.''

The Rev. Rick Dodd will lead the 80th anniversary celebration at the 11 a.m. Sunday service. A barbecue lunch will follow. A dinner at 5:30 p.m. precedes Bible study classes at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. La Crescenta Christian School, for ages 2 to sixth grade, is located on the church property. Christian Life Church, 3013 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta. Call [phone].

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Longtime church members Crystal Brubeck, left, and Florence Roberts are helping their pastor at Christian Life Church, the Rev. Rick Dodd, with preparations for Sunday's service marking the congregation's 80th anniversary. The La Crescenta church was built in 1929.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer