An Update from the Elders
Remember March 8?
That was the morning that the clocks sprung ahead, and we all worked hard to get to church on time. After the two-minute intermission to let the kids out that morning, Scott explained the pause to our guests as not just a time of dismissal but that “Church is not just the sermon and the songs, it’s a community. That’s what matters.” Looking back, those are somewhat profound words. Church, and the work of the Spirit through LPC is done in community. But our normal community has been disrupted since that time! What does church and the flow of the Spirit look like now?
That’s a question the staff are currently grappling with at many levels. Yes, we continue to have sermons and songs on a Sunday morning. That’s important but, how do you continue to have and build community in a time of physical distancing. What does this movement of Christ followers called Lambrick Park Church look like and how does this movement proceed within such different parameters? I am very thankful for the incredible staff that we have and their giftedness in guiding us. I’m looking forward to continuing to see the evolution of ministry – kids, youth, women, men, young adults, small groups and more. I’m excited to know that the staff is working on an on-going plan to help us collectively serve and focus.
This letter is intended as a brief update from the Elders so you are aware of what is happening behind the scenes to enable you to pray and act effectively. Since Early March when Covid-19 shut down gatherings, the Elders have been meeting weekly (online) to closely monitor the situation. It was a blessing to meet with a variety of leaders from the church on March 16, spread out in the church commons. The collective thoughts, prayers, adjustments and sacrifices of many since that time has, by God’s grace, positioned LPC in a positive situation at this point. Positive in that we continue to hear of God working in and through you – even though we aren’t meeting together. And, positive from a cautiously optimistic financial position.
It’s not easy. In addition to many of us adjusting at work and school, all of us are adjusting at home and in society and we are also adjusting as a church community. The staff have sacrificed time and energy as they continue to support us all in ministry. Other leaders in small groups and other areas have also stepped up to ensure those who need more support are receiving it. Many of us have sacrificed financially and have not only continued with our church giving but have increased it.
Thank you.
Thank you for stepping up in prayer, in leadership, in giving, in practical support and in really being the body of Christ through a very strange Lenten season. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that as others look in, that they would sense Christ’s presence in our community. Pray that they would be drawn in and captivated by God’s love. Pray that the spirit would flow through us all in these challenging times.
A few practical updates for you.
- Wiseways has shut down and at this time is unable to offer day care. The Wiseways council made this decision with the support of the Elders. With the assistance of various government subsidies, it appears as though Wiseways will continue to meet its facility agreement to LPC. The decreased Wiseways revenue is expected to be offset for the most part by government subsidies. Don Crawford will continue as Director until the position transitions to Lisa Thompson in June. This will ensure care for the Wiseways staff team (who were laid off with the closure) and a smooth re-launching of the ministry when that becomes a possibility.
- The LPC Budget. Our current projections through June are optimistic based on a detailed assessment of our current giving, the church’s eligibility for government subsidies, and a concerted effort to reduce monthly expenses. The finance team has been supportive in analysing the data and we anticipate an even greater need of their efforts in the future. We are hoping to soon re-activate the budget planning process for next year.
- LPC Staff have been doing a great job. Thank you to the pastoral team for the adjustments in ministry. Thank you for a significant “pivot” in ministry from Scott, Kenzie, Simon and Glen. Thank you to Lucy for her work with communication and coordination. And, thank you to Ruth and Treace for many hours of work looking at finances and government programs and more. Collectively, you have served the LPC community well. Thank you.
We serve an amazing God. Last week, the song Christ be Magnified by Cody Carnes resonated with me. Yes, if creation were suddenly articulate, we would hear Christ magnified. Let’s all join in that chorus as we serve and adapt together yet apart.
May Christ be magnified in all we do. Blessing on the journey ahead.
On behalf of the Elders,
Chris Berghuis