“A frozen Haribo gummy bear and a cup of coffee?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. We’re standing before Light & Life Church and School, and I can’t help but share this quirky detail about Pastor Benji Horning. Light & Life Church launched in Encinitas in January 2018. It was spearheaded by Benji and Jen Horning, their four children, and a dedicated team. Their mission? To spread the light, love, and redemption of Jesus in Encinitas and beyond. Light & Life Church isn’t just about Sunday services. It’s a vibrant community led by individuals with unique passions. Pastor Benji loves surfing, reading, and running, but his unusual snack combination definitely stands out. His wife, Jennifer, co-pastor and creative director, prefers roller skating in her house and dreams of vacations in Tokyo or Vienna. Light & Life Church is clearly a place where individuality is celebrated. Associate Pastor Stevy York, who calls North County San Diego “the Paris of California,” appreciates a good California burrito and strives to hear Jesus’s voice clearly. The youth pastors, Josh and Ambar Burt, welcome all youth with open arms, offering a space for connection and spiritual growth. Light & Life Church, as described by its staff, feels like a warm and inviting place. It is a community where faith, family, and individual quirks blend together. So next time you’re in Encinitas, maybe skip the frozen gummy bears and coffee, but do consider stopping by Light & Life Church. You might be surprised by the warmth and welcome you find.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a