Hi there, New Life Family.
Well, these are really changing times, arent they? Last week we were getting ready to open services to accommodate up to 50 people, but within the space of a few days, restrictions were reintroduced, and now we are back to having only 20 people in a worship service, or church related meeting. Home meetings are restricted to only 5 guests in the house. At this stage, we are happy for people to attend Sunday services on site, but would ask that you please just phone ahead and let us know you are coming in case we have to prepare the overflow room for extras. In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying the online services. We have had lots of folk call as a result of the live-stream services, requesting prayer and making enquiries. I do believe that this element of our ministry will be an ongoing part of life at MNLCC. We are also encouraging you to gather in small groups for communion and Bible study, and of course fellowship. Remember to observe the physical distancing guidelines, and health and safety protocols such as hand-washing and sanitising surfaces. And please – don’t be offended – but please stay at home if you are at all unwell – you are welcome to call and we will pray for you and organise a home visit if you require. We certainly care about you, and the pastors and leadership team are working hard to meet the pastoral needs of the church. We would love to hear from you! We would also love to hear your stories and testimonies.
Let me recap a little from Psalm 121. “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains – from where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
Jesus looked at a mountain as well. He told his disciples they could speak to the mountain and it would be cast into the sea. There are mountains to face. There are storms to ride out. But God is the One who watches over his people, he doesn’t sleep – not even a nap! He knows what we are going through, and he says he is there to help us through it. I will not focus on the problems, the issues, the virus, the unrest, the economy, the uncertainty. I will keep my eyes on Jesus. I will do what I see him doing and say what I hear him saying. He is bigger than any battle you may be facing. And he promises to be there in the shadows and the valleys. He watches over our going out and our coming in.
May God continue to bless you and keep you in these coming days.
Lots of love to you each one.
Glenda
Here is a good old song that may cheer you up. It is a bit of an “ear worm”, so only listen to it if you want to be singing it the rest of the day! 🙂
https://youtu.be/2KiDj7qGL10