NewLife@Home Extension
During Term 3 we have set up infrastructure in the Main Hall of the church building to enable a stable livestream broadcast on Sunday mornings as the central element of NewLife@Home. The main place to engage with NewLife@Home is ‘at home’ and we encourage congregation members to invite one another into their homes (where possible) to engage with it together.
From 11 October, we extend NewLife@Home to give opportunity for face-to-face connection with one another. We have trialled this over the past 2 Sundays. We are ready to invite congregation members to be present in the church building on Sunday mornings.
Our COVID-Safe Plan is functional and we are able to manage social distancing requirements. The COVID-Safe capacity of the Main Hall during the livestream broadcast allows 20-25 people to attend each Sunday.
Invitations to the church building will be coordinated by Brock Johnston and Life Group/Care leaders so you can attend with people you are in regular connection with. Everyone will be included.
Outdoor Service – 29 November
From 9 October, ACT churches are able to gather 200 people in suitable meeting spaces. We are planning an outdoor service at the church building on 29 November for everyone! In gathering again face-to-face we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
Re-gathering at Ngunnawal School
The Session is ready to make the next decision about re-gathering at Ngunnawal Primary School once conditions of meeting there can be managed. We don’t have a date for this.
Finances
We rejoice in God’s providence to his church and the generosity he has placed in the hearts of those he has drawn into gospel partnership at New Life. We encourage everyone in ministry partnership with New Life to give cheerfully, generously and sacrificially.
The giving details can be found on the church website:
https://discovernewlife.church/give/
INCOME (Jan-Sep) $360,271
YTD EXPENSES (Jan-Sep) $302,920
BANK BALANCE $75,706
Outcome on Vacant Block
After a long application process and an appeal, we have been advised that New Life Presbyterian Church has been found eligible for a direct purchase of the vacant block adjacent to the church building. The Committee of Management will now prepare a proposal for the Development Application stage and bring it to the congregation for consideration at the right time.
News from Session
Session has recently endorsed a request from Tim R (Elder) to take leave from Session until part-way through next year. Taking leave will free Tim and Elizabeth to give time to some significant health concerns in their extended family, while still taking care of their young children. Tim and Elizabeth are thankful for the leave and personal support from the congregation.
Coming up on Sundays
Next Sunday we return Matthew’s Gospel with a topical ‘Where is God… in riches?’ sermon with Tim Baron. Then we are on a chapter per week read from Matthew 20-28 to finish on 13 December. We are left with Jesus’ promise ringing in our ears as we keep going on his disciple-making mission:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Jesus
Grace and peace
Russell Smidt | Pastor