Home of Shalom Brings Music to Spokane Mall

By Isaac Meythaler

UCCCommunication Coordinator

From January 10 to April 11, Home of Shalom hosted public worship services on the second and fourth Sabbaths at the Northtown Mall food court in Spokane, WA. The first event on January 10 opened the series with more than 300 attendants. Since its opening night, the Loft Sessions averaged between 200-300 people in attendance. 

“People are looking for a community, not just a program to attend,” said Home of Shalom pastor, Tyler Kern. “That's our church, a safe place to call home, where your family is there for you, no matter what you're going through.”

Following an introduction from Kern, local Christian artists led a service blending praise music and their own personal testimony. Following the Christian artist, Kern would present a short Serve One More testimony on a recent Simple Act of Kindness Event (SAKE) before giving an altar call and a prayer where people were invited to come forward, and to join an upcoming SAKE opportunity along with other upcoming Home of Shalom events. 

The day before each event, the Home of Shalom ministry team would walk through the mall praying for God’s intervention and presence. The team ensured that volunteers were in place to greet people as they entered the food court area, engaging people in worship by bringing them closer. Volunteers also had prayer with everyone that was interested for a transformation to happen in their lives. 

One young adult, named Jon, came to the mall for a haircut, and left with a community. After his haircut, Jon heard live music playing and wandered over. Out of the crowd of people, he approached Kern who gave an introduction of the Loft Session and Home off Shalom. Jon shared that while he believed in Jesus, he had distanced himself from attending church. Two prayer warriors asked if they could pray with Jon, which he gladly welcomed. And, at the end of the evening his name was drawn in the raffle. Since that pivotal evening, Jon has become an active participant in Home of Shalom’s community.

Home of Shalom first came to the Northtown Mall for a Simple Act of Kindness Event in December 2025 providing free gift-wrapping in the Northtown mall in partnership with Faithful Chocolates, a Christian bookstore/chocolate shop. The owner introduced Kern to the Northtown Mall’s management to get approval for the all-day service project. A week later Kern returned with his idea for The Loft Sessions and, because of a relationship that started with service, it was approved.

“Starting a conversation, a prayer, or sharing encouragement are all ways we’re intentionally trying to reach people,” said Kern. “Through radical hospitality that extends beyond our circle.”

With good weather around the corner, Home of Shalom will be hosting Get Together outdoor worship experiences in Minnehaha Park on the second and fourth Fridays during the summer. 

“We'll also be starting a new ministry called ‘Unplugged,’ which will be an outdoor Sabbath service with no amplification and no phones,” said Kern.

For more information on Home of Shalom’s ministry, see homeofshalom.org.