We are thinking of you and praying for you as you continue in our first week of a new way of being. Over the last couple of days, the staff team have been developing resources that we hope will help to equip and encourage you over the coming days and weeks (and beyond!)
A Daily Reflections Blog
This is a space for parishioners to share what they have been learning during this time. We have already had a wonderful start to this blog, thanks to Barry Struthers. I would highly recommend you taking a look - click HERE to visit the site. To share an encouraging word or reflection, simply email [email protected].
Remember that you can also share these via our Facebook Group "Church of the Nativity"
We also have six new sections that we are working on that will have a host of resources for you, and will be updated regularly.
We will post the weekly sermon, prayers and notices video in this space. This will be made available at 8am each Sunday morning - you'll even notice a countdown timer to show you how long you have to wait!
Note that we will still be posting regular notices via our 'News and Events' blog.
FINANCES/GIVING
These are difficult times and with uncertainty about income and employment, the idea of giving money away when we either have little or are unsure about the future can be really tough.
Can we encourage you with the following reflections from Billy Graham:
- even giving a small amount is acceptable, because tithing and charity should not be used as a way to 'make God happy with us'. We can't buy God's favour, much less our salvation. Our salvation comes solely through Jesus Christ, who by His death and resurrection purchased our salvation for us, and now offers it to us as a free gift.
- Giving should be a result of something far deeper: our love for God and His work
- ask Him to help you respond to His love in every way you possibly can — including your giving. Even if it's only a small amount right now, give something — and trust God to use it for His glory
And if you are unable to give financially, you can pray for us; and for our wider community, our nation and our world. Please.
NOTE: For those people who would regularly give via envelopes, you may consider using this time to sort out online giving. If this is not an option for you, consider keeping a personal record and simply give this money when you are next practically able.
CONTACT US
While we are not in the office, we are still available to respond to you via telephone and email. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We will do our very best to respond within 24 hours, but if perchance you haven't heard from us, please be gracious. In our changing situation we are doing the best that we can.
EQUIPPING/TRAINING - IN PROGRESS
FAITH JOURNEY
We are compiling a list of resources that you may consider using while you have extra time. One of the most exciting opportunities is that we are able to complete the Ridley College Ministry Certificate FREE under the subscription paid for by our Diocese. Click HERE for further details.
COVID-19 RESOURCES - COMING SOON
We will also post all the latest and simplified information about Covid-19 resources here.
SMALL GROUPS - COMING SOON!
We're putting together a list of a range of resources that small groups may use to connect together. This will include things like ZOOM meetings, Facebook Groups, Messenger Chat, Skype and more.
There will also be a list of ideas of things that you can do together as a small group, even while we are physically separated.
FAMILY WORSHIP - COMING SOON!
This section is for families that have children and youth at home. We will put together resources and activities that you can do at home with your family. This will include a combination of activities that include both structured time (e.g. family devotions) and unstructured time (e.g. going on a virtual tour of a museum together)
The staff team at Nativity would like to thank you all for your words of encouragement and suggestions over the past few days. Together, our church can actually come out of this stronger than before. Continue reading God's word and hearing what HE has to say to you during this time, as we see illustrated beautifully in Barry Struthers' blog posts. Pray and look out for one another. And please, if you come across any great ideas for us in this time, share them with us. We want to build each other up.
You are so loved!
Blessings,
Kathy Taylor
on behalf of the Nativity Ministry Team