LIFEPOINTE EMAIL - 03.17.2020

Dear LifePointe Family, 

I hope you all are managing these unusual days with grace and peace! You are certainly being held in our hearts. 

I wanted to give you some updates for our LifePointe schedule.

DECISIONS BASIS

First, let me say that my heart is to lead us in these times with what we perceive is a best and most wise decision process. We highly regard ROMANS 13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” However, our LifePointe leadership decisions are primarily a result of what we also believe is best, not just blindly abdicating to the government, the media or fear. 

It is our conviction that we have a moral obligation to those that are at higher risk, to participate in physical distancing (social distancing), while practicing greater relationship connections. If just one of our LifePointer’s are put at risk due to age or having a compromised immune system, it is just enough for our church family to rally in protection of them. To practice “social distancing” for the greater society, and to protect people we don’t know, is really our moral line. These decisions are about basic Christian empathy and compassion, and in no way giving into fear or compromising the biblical commands to assemble. I’m honored to lead a church family that understands and leads in this way.

We are creatively working to find new ways of doing ministry and making increased meaningful connections while we are practicing physical distancing. This can be our church’s finest hour. What we believe about the Real Jesus and the Power of Redemption will come alive in these moments. We can learn creative ways to do church that we never knew was possible. We will be better on the other side than we were before. 

VIDEO UPDATES

I released a video update of our heart and thoughts on the topic of the COVID-19 virus, religious controversies, politicized extremes, the cancellation of in-person Sunday gatherings in transition to online gatherings, and how to root yourself in God's grace of peace, faith and love during stressful times. More videos are coming! Feel free to share them. https://youtu.be/IT3SNoDMlZo

SUNDAYS – MARCH 22 & 29

LifePointe is moving to Sundays online for the weekends of March 22 and 29. We are NOT cancelling our experiences; we are just moving them to online.

Scripture gives us the importance of meeting in HEBREWS 10:23-25 NKJV “Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The writer says,“so much more as we see the Day approaching!”

I encourage you to make this a priority for you and your families. You might consider shifting your attitude by getting up early, dressing like you would for in-person church and be a participant in the service experience.

ONLINE GROUPS 

Tina and I are creatively working to provide everyone who is on our LifePointe roster with a weekly online Group. Tina and I will be leading each online session on your appointed day/time to lead you in fun, ice-breakers, laughter, spiritual strengthening and prayer. These Groups will start next week. Be watching for emails in the next day or so to see when your Group is scheduled. You don’t have to sign up as we are placing those who aren’t presently in a physical Group in brand new Groups. If the times don’t work for you let us know and we will flex with you to make sure you are taken care of.

ONLINE SURGE YOUTH

Our Youth Leaders will join us for online Youth gatherings each Wednesday. We will have special things planned with love, laughter, connection, listening and prayer. Be sure to join us at 7:00pm each Wednesday night until we can resume meeting in physical spaces. 

KIDS CHURCH

We are in process to help you as parents minister to your younger children. 

  • Kuest Student Leadership - Our friends Tom and Kathy Toney have one of the greatest Christian curriculums for training kids to be leaders. They are offering it for free and it will cover 30 days of activities. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/tom.toney.7/posts/10221010881572785

  • Kidamazoo – Valley Family Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan is showing their Sunday Kids worship experience each week while we are in the “social distancing” season. You can watch it with your kids after LifePointe’s online experience, by going to www.valleyfamilychurch.tv . 

REIMAGINE RETREAT

We are postponing indefinitely our Reimagine Retreat that was scheduled for March 26-28. We will be returning your fees as soon as possible.

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU!

  • Maintain your faith! Process fears, trauma-triggers and stressors with grace, kindness and truth.

  • Stay connected. Participate in online Sundays, Groups and our Prayer times.

  • Play Facetime games with friends and other families – share jokes, videos and talk together about them.

  • Be present with your family.

  • Let us know if you are out of food and money. We want to help!

  • Give electronically.  

  • Pray for our nation! 

PSALM 23:1-6 NKJV 1 A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You [are] with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Pastor Patrick and Tina

Patrick NorrisComment