Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
January 30, 2021
Dear New Life Family,
Greetings friends! It’s been a long time since I have written a pastor’s update. But I wanted to take time to say “thank you” to everyone who called, texted, wrote cards and reached out to me Thursday for my birthday. It’s not every day you turn 50. I was very moved by all the love! Jacie wanted to do some sort of big get-together but that was going to be hard with COVID.
Also, on a different note, I wanted to take some time to update you on Sunday’s congregational meeting. I know it’s not as fun as a 50th birthday party, but it is important. I wanted to make sure you were aware of what was discussed since the decisions made affect us all.
There were three items on the agenda for approval: 1) Revised Budget, 2) Second Round of PPP Loan, and 3) New Deacon Nomination. Randy also updated us on progress with capital projects. We had very good discussion and all three items for approval passed unanimously. Click HERE for the congregational meeting agenda.
Here are a few updates on each of these. With regard to the last agenda item, Rob Peterpaul, our deacon nominee, informed us that he was withdrawing his name as deacon. There was a misunderstanding about expectations, so we apologized to him about this. The council will continue the discernment process about a fourth deacon and will let you know when we have another candidate for the congregation to approve. The PPP Loan application is in process. We will let you know when we hear back from the government and if we have been approved. Also, Randy encouraged us with the captial projects. He said even though it doesn't seem like much is happening right now with the pandemic, between drainage improvement, the classroom village project, new AC units and roofing insurance claim, there is about $200K being invested in our campus right now. Praise God for his provision even though we can't always see this!
Finally, with regard to the revised budget, I want you to know about this important decision and some changes that will come from this. As you are no doubt aware, our church size has been decreasing over the years. While we have adjusted in many ways, we haven’t adjusted our budget substantially so that our budget matches our church size. So, this budget revision accomplished this goal and will make our income and expenses sustainable long term.
The revised budget reduced annual tithes and offerings $78,000 to match our monthly run rate. We also reduced expenses. Most of this came from two areas: 1) Fellowship/Office/ Classroom building loan paid off 6 moths early. This eliminated expenses of $30,616 per year. 2) Pastor’s Salary. The council prayed about this and said that rather than let go most of our ministry staff, it would make more sense for me to reduce my hours. Currently I am working one day a week for Resonate Global Mission supporting our church planters. By switching to work two days a week for Resonate, and by taking a salary reduction, the church is able to save $30,955. Beginning February 1, I will be working 1/3 of my time for Resonate (about 2 days or 16 hrs/wk) and 2/3 of my time for New Life (about 4 days or 32 hrs/wk). In order to support this work, I will be applying to Resonate for a grant and also fundraising to go towards my salary.
I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of these changes. Things will be different for us as a church, and there will be adjustments that need to be made. Pray for me as I transition to a new schedule and raise funds to support extra Resonate work. Also, pray for our church.
One of the challenges we have as a small church is less people. That isn’t always a bad thing. But it does mean 1) we have to trust God more, not our own strength (e.g. think of the story of Gideon where God instructed him to fight with a smaller army so he would get the glory), and 2) we all need to realize how important it is to be the body of Christ together as a church, especially in these trying times. While I was encouraged by the 18 people on our congregational meeting Zoom call, I was also curious as to why so many people were not part of that meeting, given the importance of our agenda. We will need more than 18 people to carry out our work!
Friends, we will be talking more about what it means to be the church in the days ahead. But for now, please be aware of these changes, keep trusting God and encouraging one another, and let’s make sure we are all in, together with God and each other. Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
July 17, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
This Sunday we are trying something new! We are going to have Zoom Fellowship after church immediately following the worship service. Picture having good conversation in the lobby after church over coffee and cookies. Of course, you will have to bring your own coffee and cookies, but we want to provide opportunity to fellowship with one another.
Is this something you want? Is this something you are missing? I want to encourage you to participate, even if you personally don't feel the need for community. Because even if you don't feel the need for fellowship yourself, you can bless others with your presence. We can be Jesus to each other and create community together.
As your pastor, I enjoy preparing and delivering sermons each week. I trust that the content we are providing with messages and worship is encouraging for you. But one thing an online worship experience can't do is create community. We have to actually interact together to do that. So let's live into this part of our Christian life together.
The Bible is filled with encouragement about creating and sustaining community. When God made Adam he said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 2:18). So he created Eve. Even if you aren't married and have a family of your own, in Christ, we are all part of God's family. And it's not good for us to be alone. Also, there are so many "One another" passages, it's hard to count. We are to love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, pray for one another, etc. etc. Did you notice that all these "One another" passages are commands, not suggestions?
Some of us may be tired of one more Zoom call. But right now with COVID, this is one way we can connect with each other. We can be thankful for the gift of technology and take advantage of this. Also, some of us may be wired to be more introverted. That's OK. But we need community to. We can all bless someone else with our presence. So think about the needs of other people, even more than your own. Make this a priority. Paul said these words, "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phil 1:3-4)
If you are unable to get online for some reason, Zoom also allows you to call in by phone. So all of us should be able to participate. Here is the Zoom call info:
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To join by Video:
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To join by Phone: Dial (346) 248-7799; ID: 945 5515 8231
Zoom Fellowship will begin at 11 AM. That is about when our worship service concludes. We will be together as long as we would be in the lobby together. For some of us that's a long time! :--) Feel free to jump on the call as soon as you are able to. We will connect with each other and pray together. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
See you Sunday!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
June 12, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
I am tired. It's been a long week. Three brothers and sisters from my former church in New Jersey passed away the past few weeks so I was on the phone with their spouses grieving with them. Two days ago my aunt Karen, my mom's younger sister, passed away. They were very close. I am grieving along with my parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins who have lost a mom. I am also tired from all the events in our country with racial reconciliation. It's a lot to take in. On top of all this, we are also managing everything with COVID.
For my pastor's update this week, I don't have a lot to say. I shared on Sunday that it's important to listen, to learn and hold close our brothers and sisters who are grieving and angry over what is happening in our country with race relations. I am listening. I am learning. I am holding my friends close.
There is so much I could say, but I wanted to pass on a video from The Village Church up in Dallas. Pastor Matt Chandler did a great job focusing on justice and racial reconciliation. There is so much about this video that I like. He frames the issue well. The video is mostly a round table discussion with four African American staff at their church. Above all, the tone is one of empathy.
Friends, if there is anything I can say right now, it would be that we have empathy. Empathy is so important right now.
https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/justice-and-racial-reconciliation#video
Listen to the video. It was filmed four years ago, but is relevant today. In fact, I believe it speaks to us now, more than ever. Take time to listen. Ben open to what the Holy Spirit is saying. Ask God to do a good work in us.
For His glory and our good.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Pastor's Update: Coronavirus Edition
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
May 1, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
I wanted to update you on some details about reopening our campus. You have probably heard on the news about things reopening. The governor has addressed this. Businesses, restaurants and other establishments are slowly reopening.
What is our plan?
Our response team and council have been discussing this and recently adopted a phased reopening plan that will happen over the next month. Here is the plan.
Phase One (May 3, 10) = Preparation
Prepare the plan and the people to open our church campus up in a safe way. Chris (leader), Mike, Dawn, Deanna and Erika will get this ready. We need to order sanitation supplies, have clear protocols in place and team members assigned to various tasks to keep the campus safe.
Phase Two (May 17, 24, 31) = House Church
Campus is still closed but encourage people who want to or are able to meet, to gather in homes with a few other families (under 10 people total), watch the service together on Sunday AM and have lunch together. Max & Pam Way and Lori Pugh are coming up with a list for grouping people with host families. We recognize some people will not opt in for safety reasons (e.g. elderly, those with health conditions). That is OK. No pressure.
Phase Three (June 7) = Reopen Campus
Campus reopened for Sunday worship but recognizing some will stay home because they are more at risk (e.g. elderly, those with health conditions). Safety protocols will be in place. We will limit what we offer beyond Sunday worship (e.g. no food for fellowship). Need to flesh this out more.
Dawn shared that the school is looking at a phased reopening plan over the next month that will culminate in full reopening on 6/1. Keep them in your prayers. Erika said Vida may worship in homes sooner. They will do what works best for them.
All of this is done in the spirit of doing what is wise and safe for people using our best judgement. Health authorities have asked churches not to reopen until after May so we will honor their request.
This is our best plan with the information we have today. We will know more in the coming weeks what the data shows. If we need to, we will modify our plans. Please keep this situation in your prayers. Finally, stay patient with each other, as we recognize there are different perspectives on how and when it is best to reopen. Stay safe.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
April 17, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
Happy Friday to you! For my pastor's update this week I am forwarding two devotionals. One from Tim Keller, pastor in New York City, and the other from Dawn Smith, our NLCCS Director. Both are excellent and filled with comfort, encouragement, wisdom and joy. Listen, read and soak in the gospel.
This week was a little strange for me. We celebrated Good Friday and Easter. And then because our tech wasn't working properly and internet connection poor, we decided to pre-record our worship service. So we did that yesterday. It was a lot of work to preach twice last week and then turn around and prepare another message just a few days later. And it feels different to have my sermon prepared and delivered already. But the gospel message is still the same.
Sunday morning we will still worship together through our church Facebook page, but instead of watching live, we will have a Facebook watch party. We are making final edits on the service today and once everything is ready will send out the link for the service. Thanks for your patience with everything.
I hope each of you are doing well. If you are struggling, need help or just want to talk, please don't hesitate to contact myself, one of the elders or deacons, or another member of the congregation. We are here for you.
In the mean time, trust God, even in the difficult times. And remember Jesus' resurrection and how he is making all things new. Even now. Even in you.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
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Devotional for NLCCS Teachers: Sunday, April 12, 2020
By Dawn Smith
Today is not the end! It's the beginning. Well, if you journeyed with me through Holy Week, with Chrisitans at the Cross, this is the end of that journey; but certainly not the end of the story.
Read with me: Isaiah 65:17-25, John 20:1-18, and if you're up for it read Acts 10:34-43, too.
According to N.T. Wright, "The Gospels don't really reach a conclusion. They are like a sign post pointing us forward to something more that's still to come. And what is that something more What is Easter all about? And how can it help us find the hope that we need for the fresh tasks that God is calling us to in this community and in the world?"
Let's look again at the bass part of the story, Isaiah speaks of new heavens and new earth--and the writers of the New Testament pick up on this theme. God made this lovely beautiful earth, and he doesn't want to throw it away. He wants to abolish everything in it that's ugly and sinful and wrong. Everything that corrupts, distorts and destroys his beautiful world. And He wants to give it a giant makeover. New heavens and new earth, like the present one but with everything good and true and beautiful made even better. And nothing bad, sad or degrading --all of that abolished for ever. No more sorrow or crying or pain.
And that's why resurrection is what matters! It's as if Jesus has gone on ahead of us through death, and come out on the New Creation Side, and then come back to our side to plant the flag of that New Creation, God's new kingdom, right here in the now! "In other words, in Jesus ressurection a bit of God's future, of God's new heaven and earth has come forward in time to meet us here in the present.
Jesus has faced death, and let it do it's worst to Him and overcome that final enemy in New Life. He's gone through death and out into God's new world and returned to earth to tell us that the New Day has in fact dawned and that even though we feel sleepy and in fact, it's still dark where we are; the new world has begun and we'd better wake up and get busy.
And once we've understood this bass part, we can hear the tune! You see, to Mary, Martha and the disciples to that point resurrection was what would happen to everyone in the end when the New Day finally dawned and the Old Time was abolished forever. When they met Jesus, his body fully alive, it began to dawn on them slowly, that Jesus had taken all the sin and death and shame and sorrow of the world upon himself, so that by letting it do its worst to him he had destroyed its power, which means that now there is nothing to stop the new creation coming into being. Jesus' resurrection body is the first bit of that new creation, the sign of the new wold that is to come! It is the First Day of a new week! The dawn of a new age! It's the beginning!
It's the beginning of the mission of the church because of new creation has already begun, it is not our duty just to tell folks about Jesus as if he were their insurance policy. It's our mission to bring about more and more bits of His new creation in this community, in this world in the here and now! That is why we leave behind on the cross the bits and pieces of the Old Creation that make us sad and angry and tired and pray for God to show us where He can and will make New Creation happen in our lives, in our hearts, in our homes and not least in our community and the world. That's what being made new is all about, it's where the middle parts of the music come into their own! Our part, our community's part between the great Easter tune above and the promise of the New Creation below.
I don't know what plans God has for you or for us, and it doesn't even have to wait until there are more people to join in. He will show you. But for now we leave behind on the Cross all that is of Old Creation, and claim Jesus resurrection victory to do what He has called us to do. To plant his flag for Him in our little parts of this world.
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!
Dawn Dobbs Smith
Director, New Life Community Christian School
Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
March 27, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
Friday greetings to you! Is it just me, or does it feel like all the days are starting to bleed together? I hope you are having a good week.
After worship on Sunday I headed north to pick up our daughter Natalie. Her university shut down, so she had no dorm room to stay in. I drove for 15 hours, rested a bit along the way, then picked her up at a friend's house in Indiana. We then turned around and drove 15 hours back to Houston. We arrived safely in Houston very early Tuesday morning. The trip was long, but Jacie and I are both relieved to have her home and thankful for everyone's prayers.
For my pastor's update today, I wanted to encourage you. I included a video devotional by Tim Keller (see above). He talks about "Disciplines of Distress" and how we can all respond to COVID-19 spiritually. I was very encouraged by his words. Some of the best during this COVID-19 crisis. Take time to listen.
Our Council, School Board and Response Team have all been hard at work. Our campus is still shut down, but we are finding ways to respond and do ministry. Our deacons are working overtime. Our church staff are adjusting to doing ministry on-line. Our NLCCS teachers have been busy supporting families with in-home instruction. Lots of prayer and support all around.
So what can you do during this time?
Worship - we will worship again Sunday with Facebook Live from our church Facebook page. We are continuing to make adjustments. Here is this past Sunday's video. We will send out a link for our upcoming service this Sunday by text message shortly before it starts so you can watch the live stream directly without having to set up a Facebook account.
Prayer - we have a lot of needs to pray for. We will continue to keep prayer requests in front of us. Here are the latest prayer request list. Please don't hesitate to reach out with more requests.
Community - it was great to see so many people chiming in on-line during Sunday's worship service. We also hosted Community Quest on Wednesday night and had 15 people on our Zoom call. A few comments about community.
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We love you! - I have tried the best I can to reach out and connect with many of you. I am thankful for our deacons who have reached out to folks who may be in need or going through a difficult time. Our elders and deacons have been reaching out to folks in their districts and small group leaders are reaching out.
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Everyone is welcome at CQ - even if you haven't attended Wednesday night Community Quest before, we would love to have you! This week Randy led a short devotional and then we spent time checking in with each other. Next week we meet @ 7:00 PM. Please note new start time. Wouldn't it be great if the WHOLE congregation could connect Wed night and we could pray for and support one another?!!
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Finally, don't neglect fellowship - call people, check in with each other, reach out to folks for encouragement. If you are doing OK, see if there is someone else who needs a listening ear. If you are struggling, reach out.
Some of our groups are meeting on-line now. Here are a list of them:
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Prayer Gathering - Sun 9 AM (call Randy @ 832-652-4538)
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Adult Sunday School - Sun 9 AM (Zoom link)
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Bible Project Study - Tues 1 PM (Zoom link) NEW Group!
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Community Quest - Wed 7 PM (Zoom link) NEW Time!
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NOTE: Small group leaders, if your group is meeting on-line or by phone but you are not listed here, please let me know. I can add you to the list.
Learning - there are many free online studies out there right now. Here are a few from The Bible Project, Ascending Leaders, Faithwalking, The Leaders Journey, Calvin Seminary, CRC COVID-19, Fuller Seminary.
Serving - even though we may be home bound, or having to take precautions while out in public, there are still many ways we can serve and love our neighbor. Deanna included some practical ways in the Ennouncements. You can also network with area churches through Houston Responds.
Support - we have some amazing ministries, partnerships and church plants. I know the leaders of these ministries can all use encouragement and support. Why not reach out to them? Send a card, email or let them know you are praying for them. Check in, see how they are doing.
Here are our partner ministries, chaplains and church plants:
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NLCCS - Dawn Smith
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OTSHCA - Donna Molegraaf
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Square Inch Houston - John Eigege
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Ascending Leaders - Mike Johnson
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Faithwalking - Ken Shuman
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Marriage Revolution - Hans Molegraaf
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New Life Adoptions - Sandra Pickett
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Reimagine Houston - B.J. Ramon
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Army Chaplain - Richard Hill
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Casa de Oracion CRC - Christian Sebastia
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Mission of Faith CRC - Diego Hiriart
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Vida Nueva CRC - Leon Vidal
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Fil-AM CRC - Ronnie Lopez
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New Life Nepal - Krishna Pariyar
Giving - we can all continue to practice good stewardship. It is a little awkward not having a weekly plate to pass, but we can still give. Right now you can give on-line or send a check by mail. Detailed instructions for that can be found here. If you need more help with this, please let us know. Thank you.
That's enough from me for today.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Pastor's Update
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
March 13, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
How are you doing? The coronavirus is upon us. It is now officially a global pandemic. Our council, staff and school board have all been monitoring this situation. I wanted to keep in touch with you as your pastor.
As of today, we have not decided to cancel worship this Sunday. That said, please stay home if you are sick, feel unsafe going out in public, or are older and want to err on the side of caution. The CDC is recommending people older than 60 stay home for a few weeks.
We will take necessary precautions:
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Please wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Greet each other with a fist or elbow bump.
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Spread out across the sanctuary so we have some distance between each other. Social distancing can slow the spread of the disease.
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When we take the offering, we will have the offering plates at the back of church. Instead of passing the plates down the aisle, you can put your offering in the plate as you leave at the end of service.
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Lord's Supper is scheduled for this Sunday but we will cancel this.
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We will live stream worship so if you are home bound you can worship with us virtually. Simply go to our church Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/newlifecrc/)
These are immediate plans for Sunday. We have a team in place that will be providing more direction going forward. School board is also taking appropriate steps with our school. Lots of practical and logistical matters. Today I wanted to address how we can stay focused on the Lord through this situation.
The first thing I want to share is something Martin Luther said during The Black Plague. It has to do with trusting God but acting wisely. We can pray and take action. Thanks to Aaron and Deanna Horning for passing this on.
The second is Missional Practices we can keep in mind as we see this situation through the lens of ministry. What opportunities is God opening for us to love our neighbor? How can we spread the peace of Christ during anxious times? Thanks to Amy Schenkel from Resonate Global Mission for passing this on.
I hope you enjoy both the quote and article. Let's continue to keep in touch with one another, encourage each other and love well. I remember Hurricane Harvey a few years ago. It was difficult to go through, but that crisis also provided some of the most life-giving opportunities to live out the gospel together.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Martin Luther on The Black Plague
When Martin Luther was dealing with The Black Death plague, he wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now... "I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God." Luther's Works, Volume 43, pg 132.
Missional Practices: Coronavirus Edition by Amy Schenkel
I don’t need to tell you about the anxiety our country is feeling right now about the expectation that the Covid-19 virus will infect an increasing number of people in the near future. Our lives are all going to be disrupted for a bit, as large group gatherings are limited, cancelling events and seeing more people work from home.
However, in this disruption, we have an opportunity to take advantage of the break in people’s busy schedules. We can be persons of peace in anxious times. We can love our neighbors in new ways.
As we enter into this unexpected season, I encourage you and your congregation to consider what missional practices you can participate in. (Please take your own health and the health of your neighbors seriously, and if you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, or are feeling sick, do not meet in person with others). Here are some ideas:
1. Today the CDC recommended that persons over 60 plan on staying home for the next few weeks. Many of these people live alone and are worried about being lonely. Can you stop by your elderly neighbor’s house for a chat once a day? Can you help them learn how to use video conferencing to talk to their family who may be far away?
2. Invite another household over for church in your house. The church is wherever followers of Jesus are- it is not limited to a building. Suggestions: Don’t try to duplicate your church’s worship service. Instead, include things that work well in a small group: Dwell in God’s Word (See attachment), Pray for your neighborhood, city, country, and world. Share a meal together. Listen to a worship song on YouTube. Think about how you could serve your neighbors together.
3. In times like these, you may find yourself spending more time on social media than usual. Be aware of your presence in this space. How are you a person of peace online? How can you encourage and pray for your online network of friends?
4. As long as you can maintain social distancing, take walks in your neighborhood, taking the opportunity to pray for your community. Our Great Lakes Team is encouraging people to pray this prayer: Lord, we pray for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit in this place. Reveal Christ to us, shape us in the character of Christ, and equip us for the mission of Christ.
5. If you haven’t already, join the Nextdoor.com page for your neighborhood. This website originally developed from a church that wanted a way for followers of Jesus Christ to connect with their neighbors. As you ‘meet’ your neighbors online, are there ways that you can provide resources they need? Are there ways you can pray for them? Are you in need of anything that your neighbors can offer to you?