In this season, we sense more than ever God’s call to “deepen” our ministry – by developing leaders, strengthening our ministry in Elmhurst, and nurturing New Life East, our congregation on Long Island. 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 2022, I am overjoyed to see the life that is taking place in our community. We have seen a steady resurgence of activity in many parts of our church family, and when I think about this season of our life together, the book of Haggai comes to mind. In the Old Testament, the people of God experienced seasons of exile and return; disruption and calm. We have journeyed through a similar path.
In large part, 2020 was a year of death and desolation. 2021 was a year of slow recovery and plenty of uncertainty. 2022 has been a year of restoration and returning. We continue to grieve the losses of the past few years, yet, we hold on to the hope found in God’s presence. As we continue to return, we have some opportunities to restore some of the places in our community and build for the future.
In the book of Haggai, after years in exile, the people of God returned to a land that had seen significant damage. The temple was in ruins, and the spirit of the community had been wounded. But in their return, the Lord instructed them to give attention to the rebuilding of the temple, and to the resurgence of worship and community building.
Our exile is not exactly the same as what was experienced in the book of Haggai, but we know what it means to be in a “foreign land”––even in our own neighborhood. The disruption the world has experienced has pulled us away from what was familiar. Yet, we return, and with hope. But our return and rebuilding will require everyone’s participation.
We are looking to rebuild ministries, continue the work of restoring our building in Elmhurst, and seek a new place of worship for our vibrant, growing congregation in Long Island. We are seeking to strengthen our New Life Community Development Corporation (New Life CDC) and to further nurture the work that’s happening through Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.
In the coming year, we have three big objectives:
This year’s goal is to reach $550,000 by December 31, 2022. All donations made after Thanksgiving
will go towards this Christmas Offering. In the last two years, because of your generosity—in the midst of a pandemic no less—you faithfully gave, and we exceeded our goals. I am so thankful for your faithfulness. Here we are two years later with an opportunity to do the same!
Over the course of our thirty-five years, we have been a blessed 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 within 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
As part of our commitment to our missional value, we will…
Continue to support our new congregation, New Life East, on Long Island as it searches for a new place to gather and worship.
Strengthen our congregation in Elmhurst by resourcing the ministries that fuel our mission (NextGen, Community Life, Sunday Worship, etc...)
Most pastors and leaders spend the majority of their time keeping the church running. Very few have an intentional pathway for discipleship or for making disciples. Our mission at Emotionally Healthy Discipleship is to invest deeply in the lives of pastors and church leaders in the following ways:
In March 2023 we will complete our first 18-month intensive cohort of 9 pastoral couples to deepen their personal discipleship and leadership. In the summer of 2023, we will invite 8 new couples, many from around the world, to apply/join our second 18-month intensive cohort.
Raise up “Point Leaders in Training” to lead and teach the EHD Course for Pastors & Leaders Course in their denominations/movements/networks. Our goal is to multiply this unique Leadership Course globally through digital and in-person training.
Your support continues to nurture and expand the growing movement of EHD around the world – particularly in Latin America, Africa, Latin America, UK/Europe, and Asia/Australia). We continue the important work of translating all our resources into Spanish (e.g. website, training materials, e-books). This growing treasure chest of materials enables us to more effectively mentor Latino church leaders in North and South America who serve the 440 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
In our community development efforts, we will continue to serve our marginalized and underserved neighbors in Elmhurst & Corona. We will strengthen our efforts in three areas:
Listening, learning, and adapting: in all aspects of life, we’re navigating things that continue to change, almost daily, at school, in our offices, in what we once needed, and in what we need today. That’s especially true at New Life CDC where we want to continue to hear from our neighbors about the ways we can invest in the flourishing of our community through current programs.
Being intentional in networks: We don’t do this alone as individuals, and we don’t do this alone as a single body of Christ. In 2023, we’ll continue to deepen partnerships with other local ministries, schools, churches, and nonprofits.
Being imaginative: As we work to adapt what we’ve done before, we are seeking new skills and opportunities God has for us. We’ll continue to test and develop new solutions as we encounter opportunities to demonstrate the love of God, providing practical relief for those facing increased food and housing insecurity, especially our immigrant neighbors.
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