Important Update

Dear New Life Family,

Be assured that we are praying for you and your family.

As you know our nation and world is facing a health crisis. At New Life we are committed to responding with faith, hope, courage and compassion. How the church responds at times like this sends a message especially to those that are not believers.

As a community of faith, we are taking the COVID-19 seriously and seeking to take the necessary precautions at our New Life locations to avoid unnecessary risks.

As of today we are moving forward with our Sunday March 15^th gatherings at New Life Oak Forest.

Your spiritual health and physical safety is a high priority. We will continue to keep you informed as we daily monitor the situation. We are choosing during this time when many feel afraid and alone to be present as a community of faith.

If you are physically vulnerable, sick or family of to someone vulnerable we are working towards a live stream option, and would be glad to talk and pray with you over the phone.  If you would like to schedule a phone call please email me at andrewb@newlifechicago.org.

We are being thoughtful to ensure a safe and healthy space to worship on Sunday and will be doing a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the building, as well as:

• We will forego the 2 Minute Mingle (introverts rejoice)
• We will not be using bulletins (Download the New Life app)
• We will not be passing offering bags (Please worship through giving online or donating in the box at the back)
• We will not be offering food or drink at this time.

Please, if you are sick – do not come to the on-site service! Be overly cautious about this. If you are feeling even a little under the weather and say to yourself, “I’ll be OK.”  Please know – we love you, but we do not want to you come. Join in service online.

We will continue to monitor the situation, following the leading of the CDC and city officials, making further adjustments as needed.

I was talking about this with my kids today and I told them we don’t have to be afraid, because we can trust the Lord.  Our motto is “We aren’t afraid, we’re just being smart.”  As your pastor I want to encourage you not to have a spirit of panic or fear. Take the necessary precautions and be wise but look for opportunities to pray for people gripped by fear and share your faith as opportunities arise.  Our hope is in God and we aren’t afraid, but we do want to be smart about how we handle this situation.  May God be glorified.

I am proud to pastor this amazing community of faith that rises with resilience and hope at times like this. Remember you are loved and not alone.

Blessings,

Pastor Andrew and Allison Bierlein