Where two or more are gathered....“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
– Matthew 18:20 |
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THE LATEST: All services, events and activities at RLC are cancelled until further notice due to recommendations regarding the Coronavirus pandemic
Parking Lot Social Time!
Starting Wednesday, June 3rd from 6:30-8:00 PM and each Wednesday going through August, RLC will have their own version of parking lot social distancing. This will always be weather permitting. 
Upcoming Virtual Bible Study Opportunities
August 5 @ 4p August12 @ 4p August 19 @ 4p August 26 @ 4p If you didn't received the invite and are interested email rlcnewberlin@gmail.com 
Book Club
Cancelled until further notice 
Tuesday, August 11th,
6:30 pm 
Mt. Meru Coffee
Order your Mt Meru coffee online. Free shipping on orders of $15 or more has been extended. https://www.mtmerucoffee.org Orders are taken on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Sign up in the narthex or see Tracy Hahn. 
Need a Prayer?
If you'd like the RLC Prayer Chain to keep you or someone you love in their prayers, or you would like to join our Prayer Chain, please contact Jane Fredach HERE |
A Message from Council President, Ron Reichert
Well, it’s August and it’s still 2020! We are RLC strong and we continue to adapt! My newsletter for this month is to share with you an email note (below) I received from Linda Jakubowski, our Music Director. Thank you Linda! Enjoy! We had a meeting the other night about moving forward. Everyone thinks of it in terms of opening the doors and having us all back worshiping together again. Yet, the statistics continue to warn us that is still very risky. As Ron recently suggested, we have to start thinking about a new normal. It is also important for us to lift each other up, and understand that our cup is not empty, it is overflowing. What I would like to reflect back to the council and members is that we are an extraordinary church. We are constantly evolving according to the needs around us. When we shut our doors in March, RLC was among the first to tape a service that members could view online. This was not easy to implement or without snags. With Mary’s drive and determination, and a lot of help from Caitlyn and Nick, they were able to put a process into place. When feasible, we moved from taping at home, to taping at church. We chose this method of delivery so that we could reach the greatest number of people in the safest way, on a consistent taping day, whatever the weather. When the time comes, it will be easily scalable. Members asked for communion, and we found ways to offer communion, first on the website, then added it to the current service format. In recent weeks, our choir members have started stepping up to be song leaders and soloists. Several people have volunteered to be readers. Bible Study is offered via Zoom. Coming soon, a short prayer, meditation and communion will be offered following our Wednesday Eve Social. Our Financial Team has acquired new software, and has been diligent in updating and digitizing our records. The new system will allow all of us to have a record of payments and deductions. It will make year end budgeting and balancing easier for all. (And I found out it was true) that we've secured a grant/loan from the PPP government initiative. Our giving has been steady, and financial statements are still being sent. Our Social Ministry Team has initiated the Wednesday night get-togethers, so that those who wish and are able can safely congregate. We are still involved at Divine Intervention Homeless Ministry, where meals are handed out. Members made 1,000 masks that were given away. Just to put that into perspective, FoxConn made 100,000. Considering their resources and ours, RLC did a phenomenal job! We are taking meals to families where help is needed, groceries to the poor and donations plus hands-on help to the food pantry. Our Property Team has not let up. Our outside property looks great. One week we cut a few of those beautiful iris to grace the altar, and share that w/ our members. One group, unable to meet inside the church, adapted and set up a table and chairs outside. While we’re away, the Narthex is being updated with some new wiring and a fresh coat of paint. We are still praying with and for our partner churches. I love to see the emails from Tanzania with pictures and prayers. We’ve been blessed to be able to donate some funds to our partners. Pastor is in communication with our members, especially the children, recently stopping by for a socially distanced visit with each one. So many visits and counseling sessions, that could once be coordinated into a Sunday morning, now require separate home visits. There are member to member phone chains that started up almost immediately. Members are receiving cards to let them know they are being thought of. Our letters to prisoners have been sent, so they are not forgotten. Our connection to each other is just as important as ever, but it feels different. God called us not to worship in a way that is convenient and comfortable. He calls us to go out into the world and preach the gospel of peace, kindness, generosity, and love. This is an amazing place, filled with amazing people. While many churches are stuck, we continue to be a light in the darkness. Let us stand fast and unashamed in our desire to keep everyone safe. In these days, weeks and months ahead, let’s strive to think outside the box. How do we volunteer and participate? How can we build on the ministries we already have? Maybe people can gather in small groups in their homes. Let’s take up God's challenge to be a church without walls. Thank you all for the great work you are doing, and for being so concerned and supportive. Linda Jakubowski 
Church Council Meeting MinutesJune 2020
RLC Website Adds ContentAs we continue to build upon our new website, the coronavirus situation has certainly made our online presence more front and center. To help keep the community of RLC going during this time, we have added a few special features...
1. Online Worship Services - Hopefully you have enjoyed Pastor Mary's services available HERE 2. Musical Selections - Linda Jakubowski has begun to suggest music selections available HERE 3. Coronavirus ResourcesCoronavirus Resources - A wide range of resources is available on this new page HERE We will continue to update the site on a regular basis, adding new features as they become available.
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