North Church Update - Week 11 (May 25-May 31)

Friends,

During this time of COVID-19 restrictions, we want to keep you up-to-date with what is going on throughout the church.

I pray that this Memorial day will be a time of reflection and enjoyment of one-another for you and your families even in the midst of our current crisis.

Yesterday was the first time we held both online and in-person services simultaneously since we moved to online only services on March 15th. If you were one of the 140 or so folks who gathered yesterday it was a joy to see you. If you weren't able, or comfortable gathering yesterday just know that you are loved, valued, and when you feel comfortable to gather again in-person we will have a celebration!

This week we will hold services in the same way that we did yesterday both in-person and online. Please remember to RSVP if you want to attend in person so we can organize the room and safely gather together.

Once again, If you are at risk or don't yet feel comfortable gathering with groups, our services will continue to be streamed on our online platform at 9am and 11am. Please join in there.

Services – We are going to hold a single in-person 9am service until we reach our capacity to safely gather together which is approximately 170 people in our auditorium, then we'll add back the 11am service.

If you are coming back to in-person service please be ready and willing to comply with our gathering restrictions.

In Person: 9am Please RSVP Here

Online: 9am and 11am: https://northchurch.online.church/ 

COVID Communications - Since early March we have been living in a COVID restricted way. I felt that it was extremely important to increase communications overall of our communication mediums (e-mail, social media, web, CCB, pastoral calls, devotionals, family resources, zoom check in's, CG support, prayer meetings, etc.) so that you could be shepherded and cared for.

Clearly, I still want you to feel shepherded and cared for but in the coming weeks the volume of communications will begin to wind down a bit.

We're able to do things like Coffee and a Chat with a pastor at the church building on Wednesday's at 10am, In-person services, etc. So we'll begin to communicate less through e-mail and blog as a result. I'm going to take some time off in June on a short sabbatical to rest, spend time in solitude with the Lord, and see some of New Mexico with my family. I'll be back in the office the last week of June and back in the pulpit in July. During June if you have needs please reach out to Pastor Jay and he'll make sure you get connected with what you need (j.kennedy@northchurchabq.com).

Coffee and A Chat - Since we can gather in groups at the church building please join the staff pastors on Wednesday's at 10am for coffee and a chat.

No agenda or planned conversation, just a time where we can gather and have some time with one another, talking without a screen between us.

Bring your own coffee. We'll meet in the lobby and spread out for a chat.

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

Resources -- This week we will post devotionals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by Pastor Kenyon. 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 with our friends at Desert Springs church to provide relief supplies to the Navajo Nation.

1.Financial donations for COVID relief were used to purchase some non perishable food and toiletry items. We will be providing ongoing donations to Navajo Nation during this time, if you'd like to make a donation of non-perishable food or a financial donation to support this effort please contact Pastor Greg Bump (g.bump@northchurchabq.com)

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.

April's financials were as follows:
Giving - $79,900
Spending - $66,588

Thank you for your generosity! 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