North Church Update - Week 4 (April 6-12)

Friends,

During this time of COVID-19 restrictions, we want to keep you up-to-date with what is going on throughout the church. You can expect an email every Monday with updates, the plan for the coming week, and any church-related information that might be helpful for you as you navigate life.

I know it doesn’t feel like it, but it is Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). If you traditionally practiced some liturgy (prayer, readings, etc.) for this week, I encourage you to continue that practice as best as you can to focus yourself on the work of Jesus on your behalf. Please try to join in with the prayer, devotional content, and rhythms of life with the church this week, culminating with Good Friday and Easter services this weekend.

Just a reminder that the most up-to-date communications from the church are through our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Services – We will hold our Good Friday and Easter Services online this coming week.

Good Friday - 6:30pm (April 10)
Easter Sunday - 9 am and 11 am (April 12)

We’ll continue to use the https://northchurch.online.church/ platform unless another option becomes available. We have looked around at other options and there isn’t another one that allows for the interaction between pastors and church members. So try the online.church platform and If you have issues with using it, head straight to northchurchabq.com/sermons or to our YouTube Channel and the full services will be there.

Easter Invitations -- Click here for an attached an online invitation card for you to print or email to your neighbors, family, and friends inviting them to our online Good Friday and Easter services.

I also have professionally printed cards available for you to either pick up at the church or that can be dropped off at your home for those of you who are able to safely walk around your neighborhood. Email connect@northchurchabq.com if you would like the pre-printed cards to give to your neighbors to invite them to Easter Services.
 
Prayer Meetings -- The elders will host daily prayer meetings Monday-Saturday through Zoom. Please join in this communal time of prayer for one another, our church, our city, and our world.

The meetings will be at this link at the days and times below: https://zoom.us/j/8056385999  Password: Jesus

Prayer Meeting	Pastor	Time
Monday	Greg	12:00 pm
Tuesday	Nathan	7:00 am
Wednesday	Bob	7:00 pm
Thursday	Jay	12:00 pm
Friday	Ryan	10:00 am
Saturday	Kenyon	1:00 pm

Local Business List -- In an effort to support local businesses associated with the church (Gal 6:10) we are gathering information so you might be able to support these businesses at this time. Please add local business information that you are connected with either through family relations, friendships, etc. to the list, and If you are able, please consider supporting these establishments.

Link: Local Business List

Community Groups -- While we are under the Governor’s stay at home order and unable to gather in groups larger than five, our normal group rhythms must change. In all likelihood, you’ve already done this, but I want to encourage you not to stop meeting entirely and find a way to connect even if it is to just chat and talk about how you’re all doing. You can use these free services: Skype, Zoom, Discord, What’s App, etc. to allow group members to meet without leaving home.

Reach out to your Community Group leader and see if there is a plan to use one of these services. If you aren’t in a Community Group, reach out to Thomas and Eryn Beechem at connect@northchurchabq.com and get connected to a group even in this time of physical isolation.
 
Resources -- This week we will post devotionals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by Pastor Bob Paulsen. Check the blog (northchurchabq.com/blog) and social media for the devotional resources and video stories to accompany the devotions.

Pastor Jay and his wife Jess continue to post tips, tricks, and resources for family worship, devotionals, and spiritual formation on Social Media on Tuesday and Thursday as you lead your families at home.

Mercy and Benevolence -- Thank you to all who replied to our form about helping out during this time. Please stay ready as needs develop.

We are currently working through our Shine partnership to provide food for our city’s children and families during this unprecedented time.

There are two package types being put together – one is a Snack Pack and the other is a Food Box. You can donate any or all of the individual items from this link: feednmkids.com/snackpack/ for the Snack Pack or Click here for the Food Boxes. Please do not include items without a shelf life of at least 3 days.

Donations can be dropped off Monday and Tuesday, from 8 am - 4 pm at:
Eastern Hills Baptist Church
3100 Morris St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 298-8455

North has an existing benevolence policy that is primarily for our covenant members and those who call North Church home. You can request help HERE.
 
Budget Changes – We have made cuts in spending in every area we can without disrupting essential operations and in anticipation of increased budget spending in the area of benevolence to serve our church and our community. This budget reset brings us to right around $69k per month, cutting about $3k per month out of expenses.
 
Please continue to give to North Church as you are able. You can mail a check to the church (4700 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109) or give online at northchurchabq.com/give

Individual/Small Group Prayer – Please gather virtually with other brothers and sisters in Christ to pray. I’d encourage you to pray through a psalm or just cry out to the Lord to save those who don’t know him during this time and to miraculously bring about an end to this season of sickness, social distancing, and uncertainty.
 
In Christ,
Pastor Ryan