CityLife Riviera
Find out more about our history and DNA, which influences how we operate on a daily basis.
💡 Our vision
May all see the Glory of God.
When God is present and when He acts, His glory shines forth and He is visible to all. Our desire is to experience His presence so that every human being may see the glory of God and have the opportunity to encounter Him. We want the sound of His glory to be so loud that no one can ignore it.
🧑🏼🌾 Our mission
Spreading the word about Jesus Christ around us.
Making disciples who make disciples.
Showing God's love in society.
❤️ Our values
Love
We are a family that cares for each other to help everyone grow in their relationship with God and others.
Respect
We make it a point of honor to welcome and listen to others, valuing their potential.
Simplicity
In everything we do, we strive to remain humble and approachable in order to be effective.
Passion
Everyone gives their best in everything they do.
📖 Our story
In 2016, Edith and Blaise, accompanied by a small team, received the idea of establishing a church on the Riviera that would be accessible to everyone.
They began praying in the streets of Vevey to understand God's will regarding this church planting project. Very quickly, they became convinced that they should open a space “in the heart of the Riviera.” The Rex cinema made its premises available to them, and the first celebration took place on October 2, thanks to a team of enthusiastic volunteers.
Since then, growth has been exponential, and thanks to God, CityLife Riviera has witnessed many miracles and conversions.
In 2025, Arnaud gradually succeeded Blaise to take over leadership of the community. This epic story is only in its first chapter—come write the rest with us!
🧭 The management team
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Hey,
I am passionate about God and what He does in people's lives. Seeing His glory revealed and transforming hearts motivates me to always give my best.
I am blessed to have been married since 2020 and to have a beautiful little boy who is full of joie de vivre. My family and I love God with all our hearts and have dedicated our lives to Him.
My biblical journey led me to the School of Evangelism (CFaN), then to a Bachelor's degree in theology at the Jean Calvin Faculty (Aix-en-Provence), and finally to a Master's degree in theology at Spurgeon's College in London.
I also love taking on sporting challenges—it's both relaxing and stimulating for me. So if you have an idea for a challenge I haven't tried yet... Let's talk about it, I'm ready to give it a go!
Arnaud Bersier - Direction
arnaud@citylife.ch
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Hello,
From the age of six—a long time ago, I admit—I was immersed in a life of faith, trust in God, and letting go.
I have been married since 1983, and I have never regretted this commitment or the covenant I made with my wife. We have four children, all married, and about ten grandchildren. It is an immense privilege to serve God as a family, within the same church. He is so good!
I began my training as a farmer—and yes, even today, I love nature, fields, and harvests—then I worked in various sectors until I answered the call of God that I received in my early childhood. I attended IBETO Bible school in Switzerland when our last child was just born. It was an exciting experience: I was amazed to learn more about God and to experience intense times in His presence, with visitations from the Holy Spirit that still move me today when I think back on them.
My passion, as you will have understood, is the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I devote my whole life and energy to it. I love to see people turning to Him, leaders rising up here in Switzerland and wherever we travel in the world.
When I find a moment of respite—sometimes I have to seek it out—I enjoy walking, cycling, or playing padel tennis with my wife. But my ultimate pleasure remains thermal baths. In these simple and precious moments, I feel fulfilled and deeply happy to serve Jesus.
Blaise Thomi - Direction
blaise@citylife.ch
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Hello,
Ever since I was little, I had a desire in my heart—without really knowing what it meant—to be a missionary. Today, I am serving God and His Church, and it fills me with passion, amazement, and deep emotion. Seeing God work in people's lives and enabling them to understand and respond to their calling fills me with joy.
Married since 1983 and so happy to have said “I do,” I feel fulfilled alongside Blaise, a loving, honoring husband who is filled with zeal for his Lord. Our four children, our children-in-law, and our grandchildren are very dear to me. Seeing them grow up, spending time together, at church and in our homes, renews me enormously.
As a couple, we began our ministry as missionaries in France, then in local churches. Although we have different gifts and callings, we are passionate about churches because they embody God's vision to shine in society. I trained at Rhema, where I immersed myself in Bible study and discovered so many new biblical truths. I had the joy of transitioning from student to teacher... and it is always a joy to share what the Holy Spirit has allowed me to understand.
I love life, mission, nature, and spending quality time with family and friends. Of all the sports activities I've tried, walking remains my favorite, whether on flat ground or by the sea. Mountains? I love to gaze at them from my balcony, but climbing them is a little too intense for me.
I really look forward to sharing a time of praise and worship with you, growing together in our faith and passion for Jesus.
Edith Thomi - Pastoral
edith@citylife.ch
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Hi!
I am passionate about one thing: glorifying God. And when I have the opportunity to share my faith, I truly feel like the most fulfilled man in the world.
I have been married since 2019 to an extraordinary woman whom I love with all my heart. Together, we are moving forward hand in hand in this beautiful adventure of marriage.
In terms of my educational background, I have had the joy of attending several Bible schools: CfaN's School of Evangelism, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM), and currently, I am continuing my studies at HET-Pro.
What excites me most of all is seeing lives transformed when people discover God. There is nothing more beautiful in my eyes.
And when I'm not immersed in my studies or evangelism, you'll probably find me on a wakeboard or snowboard. So if you want to meet up... see you on the street, at the lake, or in the mountains!
Mehdi Damiano - Evangelism
mehdi@citylife.ch
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Hello,
We are YveSab to our friends! We are so grateful to be able to serve God together, in our church, and also through various Bible schools in Europe and Canada.
We have always been passionate about God's Word and, over the years, we have completed several training courses together: the Adelea worship school, the AIMG (Healing Institute), Campus Crusade for Christ's Living Free, Rhema Bible School, and the School of the Supernatural. We have often moved from the role of students to that of teachers... and sometimes even leaders. It is clear to us that training is a gift that God has entrusted to us, and we are committed to serving Him wholeheartedly in this area.
Married since 1994, we are the happy parents of three grown children. Two of them are married, and each serves the Lord with their own gifts: this is a source of immense joy and pride for us.
For my part, I, Sabine, had a dream of becoming a nurse (don't laugh, I really believed it). But over time, God revealed another calling in me: teaching. I was first a schoolteacher for many years... before realizing that this gift was meant to be used in the service of Jesus.
As for me, Yves, I began my career in biology as a certified laboratory technician. But like Sabine, teaching called to me more strongly. After studying at the HEP, I even became a teacher there. I served for many years as a schoolteacher, but one day I said goodbye to that career to answer, along with Sabine, God's call on our lives.
When we are not in front of our books or computers, we like to get out in the fresh air, walk, and discover nature. It is a way for us to contemplate the beauty of creation and praise God for His wonders.
In short, our greatest joy is to see lives transformed by His Word and to train disciples of Jesus who, in turn, make a difference in the world.
Yves & Sabine Dupraz - Training
formation@citylife.ch
📍 Find us
CityLife Riviera Offices
Rue des Bosquets 31, 1800 Vevey. Premier étage à droite, horaires variables.
Place of celebration
Cinéma REX, Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau 6, 1800 Vevey. Culte le dimanche matin.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions
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It is a Christian community that places Jesus Christ at the center and places particular emphasis on the importance of a personal relationship with God.
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No, there is nothing suspicious or hidden here, rest assured! We are an open and transparent Christian church. You don't have to take our word for it, you can attend any service, without obligation and as often as you like, to form your own opinion.
Our church is part of MouvementPlus, an officially recognized association. This Swiss association brings together more than 30 evangelical churches in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. It is a partner of MissionPlus, which encourages the establishment and multiplication of churches among ethnic groups not reached by the gospel throughout the world.
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Like them, we believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible.
The difference is that we place particular emphasis on the importance of living out our personal faith and having an authentic relationship with God on a daily basis.
We believe that the same Holy Spirit who accompanied the first disciples of Jesus with miracles and healings is still at work today.
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At CityLife, a celebration lasts a maximum of 90 minutes. You will mainly discover:
Songs during which you are free to participate (lyrics displayed, music loud enough so you can't hear your potential off-key notes)
Prayers
A brief message based on the Bible, in a simple and friendly atmosphere.
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Not at all. You are welcome just as you are, regardless of your beliefs, background, gender, or culture, even if you are just curious. CityLife is a church for those who don't have one.
There are no special gestures or prayers to learn. Nothing will be imposed on you, and the church is busy enough that you can participate practically incognito ;)
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No. Come as you are, in simple, comfortable clothing.
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Yes. We offer several groups tailored to children and teens, so they can discover faith at their own pace.
There is no obligation to participate; they are simply available.
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No. Our services and activities are free of charge. An offering is taken to cover expenses, but it is not mandatory.
Evangelical churches are not supported by the government. They exist thanks to voluntary donors who enable them to continue sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
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The church is led by a senior pastor and a leadership team. Decisions are made collectively and transparently.
The leadership team is accountable to an administrative committee, which in turn is accountable to the association's general assembly, composed of volunteers who hold positions of responsibility within the church.
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Yes. Contact us and we will work together to see how we can support you.
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Yes, of course. You can contact us to talk, pray together for healing or deliverance, or receive support.
🎶 Worship songs
A preview of the live music style available at every Sunday morning celebration in Vevey.
🌍 One big family
Our church is affiliated with MouvementPlus, an officially recognized association. This Swiss association brings together more than 30 evangelical churches in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. It is a partner of MissionPlus, which encourages the establishment and multiplication of churches among ethnic groups around the world that have not yet been reached by the gospel.