North Church Update - Week 8 (May 4-May 10)

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.

Week 8, week freaking eight! Just this morning I was texting with one of our church members who is now tracking time by this update. It's been a while since life was, well, normal. But here we are in the very not normal, but we'll continue to press forward in faith, trust, and love for one another and our neighbors because of the truth of who our God is.

As we prepare to reopen our lives and businesses in the next couple of weeks you might be feeling some anxiety and fear about what it might look like and what might happen. Let me encourage you from scripture.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:1–6

Many Psalms were songs of worship sung by God's people during the many stages of their journey with the Lord and one another. They were a comfort in fear and anxiety.

I have recently enjoyed this 'cover' of Psalm 23 by Shane and Shane, please take a listen and meditate upon the words as you do: https://youtu.be/OoojA0cLPWY

As we begin to prepare to  get back to slowly get back to normal we continue to provide resources for you in caring for one another and for yourself. Just check the blog page on the website and follow our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date resources and communications from the church.

Member Meeting - A member meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm online - https://zoom.us/j/8056385999 (Password: Jesus). We'll be talking about the state of the church, upcoming sermon series', some financial and planning updates.

There will be Facebook live worship at 6pm before the meeting if you would like to enjoy that head to the church's Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/NorthChurchABQ

Services – We will hold our services online until we are able to gather together once again.

Sunday’s at 9am and 11am

Every Sunday morning head to https://northchurch.online.church/ 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.

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 Nathan Stimson. Check the blog (northchurchabq.com/blog) and social media for the devotional resources and video stories to accompany the devotions.

We will 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 -- We are currently working through our Shine partnership to meet needs for our city’s children and families during this unprecedented time. Our church has been partnered with Arroyo Del Oso (ADO) elementary school for many years. We have met needs, cared for, and supported children, parents, and teachers there. Below are a few ways that we can serve ADO during COVID.

1. If you are able, please consider making cards or writing short notes expressing thanks and hope for the teachers of ADO. Teachers are working from home, remotely helping students learn. Many that I know are anxious for their students, who may not have academic help at home or are food insecure. Please have your kids, your family, and your friends write cards to show ADO that we care.

Please drop off any notes and cards to North Church by Monday, May 11. You can slide them through the gap in the front double doors and Pastor Jay will collect them.

2.We have been asked to help provide volunteers to maintain the outdoor/playground space at various schools during this time. Arroyo Del Oso is one of the schools that needs help. Individuals, families, or small groups can sign up (social distancing obviously needs to be maintained with one another .

Please sign up to help here: https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/need/detail/?need_id=507512 

3.You can help provide food for children and families. 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

Benevolence - 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 – 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.

We are gathering details for April's giving and will communicate that to you as soon as we have the information available. Thank you for continuing to give during this time:

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