In this season, we sense more than ever God’s call to “deepen” our ministry – by developing leaders, strengthening our ministry in Elmhurst and establishing New Life East in the Fall of 2021. We trust God to lead us as we serve our community, our city and our world.
Dear New Lifer:
As we near the end of 2021, I have the words of the prophet Isaiah in my heart. Isaiah spoke to the people of God:
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Those words resonate in me because I sense God springing up new life among us. It’s been a hard and long two years since the pandemic began. Our individual lives—and of course our congregational life—has been disrupted. Yet, throughout the disruption and disorientation, God has been with us. I’m so grateful for the many ways you have served, generously given, and cared for others. We are far from a perfect church, but God has worked through so many of you in beautiful, healing ways. As we look to 2022, I am confident that there’s much more of that beauty and healing in store for us.
Sustaining a church community throughout a pandemic is no easy feat. But historically, the Church has thrived when things have looked bleak. Through the presence of the Spirit, wastelands can be transformed into gardens; the wilderness into a place of wonder. We have an opportunity to further our mission at New Life, and this Christmas Offering can provide powerful momentum towards that end.
In the coming year, we have two big objectives:
Additionally, we are deepening our commitment to train existing and emerging leaders through our New Life School of Formation, which officially started in September of this year with 34 leaders. And as we’ve seen over many years, by God’s grace, there continues to be great fruit produced through our New Life CDC and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.
This year’s goal is to reach $500,000 by December 31, 2021. All donations made after Thanksgiving will go towards this Christmas Offering. Last year, because of your generosity—in the midst of a pandemic no less—you faithfully gave. We exceeded our goal which enabled us to navigate ministry in a pandemic with grace and strength. I am so thankful for your faithfulness. Here we are one year later with an opportunity to do the same!
Over the course of our thirty-four years we have been blessed as a church community—we have a committed and generous congregation, a wonderful staff team, wise and godly elders, and a strong sense of who God has called us to be.
Please review the details above for more about our vision and ways to give. Then, pray and ask God how you are to participate. The potential impact on thousands of lives is very exciting!
In prayer and partnership,
Pastor Rich
Send me weekly emails
Sunday Service at 12:30pm
416 Woodland Drive, South Hempstead NY 11550 | east@newlife.nyc
