Dear New Life Congregation,
In this time of pandemic and on-going disruption, and especially in this Christmas season, the staff of New Life want to bless you with peace and grace. As we have been dealing with necessary adaptations to our plans at church, we know that you also have to make changes, adjustments, and even sacrifices. This week we’ve reminded ourselves of the need to rest on God’s grace, sufficient for all that we must endure. And so we bless you.
We have been so excited about the Bethlehem Walk that we’ve been planning since September, and have been announcing for some time now. The idea was to allow people to go through the church building with decorated stations that tell and reflect on the Christmas story. It would have been so exciting to welcome you through the building. The latest restrictions from any kind of gatherings or events have forced us to make changes.
So, we hope to present to you an online version of the Bethlehem Walk that will be our gathering point for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You will be at home, but we will virtually gather to celebrate our Saviour’s birth through video.
Weekly online services will also continue to be produced for Sunday worship in your own homes. This virtual gathering will be the only way to meet until at least Sunday, January 10, 2021. We encourage you to participate in these online services and keep connection with New Life Church. If you have any needs or concerns, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with us. Email or call the church, or use Pastor Nathan’s direct line (604) 743-8001. We will continue to assess when we might resume in-person gatherings for Sunday worship and other ministry groups.
Thank you for extending so much encouragement to the New Life staff in this peculiar season. At times it has been exasperating to continually adapt ministry with changing health restrictions. Thank you also for your continued faithfulness in giving to ministry at New Life Church. We have worked hard to keep focused on worshipping together, on sustaining a sense of community, and extending a hand of grace and mercy to the people around us. Your donations have made that possible.
As we near the year-end please consider a gift that will continue to sustain New Life Church as we move into a new year, with great anticipation that no matter the circumstances, we can proclaim the love of God to our neighbours.
In Christ,
Nathan Elgersma (Lead Pastor)