Kathy Bowser is pastor of Celebration on the Lake Church in Payne Springs. The church primarily serves Cedar Creek Lake's LGBT community, but all people are welcome at the congregation's interfaith worship services. The church was founded in 2003 in a strip shopping center, and it relocated to a new 4,800-square-foot building on Highway 198 in 2009. CedarCreekLake.com: Why was the church started when there already were so many churches in the Cedar Creek Lake area? Kathy Bowser: We wanted an open and affirming church for the LGBT community. We attended a lot of other churches in the area, but we didn't get the sense that they were open and affirming. They were nice people but with so many gay and lesbian people living and weekending on the lake there was a need for a church where people could be exactly themselves and fully participate and take leadership roles. We didn't think that could happen in the other churches. CedarCreekLake.com: How would you describe the congregation's faith and style of worship? Bowser: We all come from different backgrounds and religious traditions. We have a church that is interfaith, not non-denominational. We not only recognize Christianity but all religions. God speaks to people of the world in many different ways through their religious traditions. We light Advent candles and Menorah for Hanuka. We are very diverse. Our style of faith is similar to Methodism and Disciples of Christ. We use scripture and hymns from those kind of traditions. We have communion every Sunday for those who want to take part in it. CedarCreekLake.com: What has been the reaction of of other churches to your presence on Cedar Creek Lake? Bowser: We're very grateful for the positive reception. We were approached by Payne Springs United Methodist Church. They wanted to help us get up and running. We occasionally still share fellowship and do things together. I get together regularly with a group of pastors from the area to talk over things. There are three Methodists, one Lutheran and one Presbyterian in the group of pastors. CedarCreekLake.com: What is the church's mission? Bowser: Our mission statement is to create an inclusive place of worship and nurture spiritual growth and spread God's love. We went deeply into debt to build a church specifically for our community, but we welcome all. We have workshops, speakers and an Alcoholics Anonymous group, and we are the only support for the HIV/AIDS Pantry. We also support and make contributions to the Cedar Creek Lake Community Food Pantry, the animal shelters and the libraries. We've got a lot going on. CedarCreekLake.com: What message do you have for the community for Christmas? Bowser: When we think about Christmas we realize it is about Jesus Christ being born and all he brought to the world in his message. Jesus gets reborn in everyone of us every year. It is a chance for renewal in all of us for love, peace and hope. We give to each other all of the things he brought to the world. Services are on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call 903-451-2302 for information.