March 15: Join Our Digital Gathering
Apostles Church Family,

As we have previously communicated, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are temporarily suspending our public Sunday worship gatherings for the next two Sundays at least. For now, smaller weekly gatherings will continue under the discretion of our people and official guidelines. 

In this email, we will explain how Apostles Church Brooklyn will move forward. Our decision was informed by recent recommendation of public officials and the desire not to put the people of Apostles Church Brooklyn or the students and families of P.S. 133 at risk.

Even with these necessary restrictions, we want to grow as a family and grow in our mission in Brooklyn. We’ve come up with some creative ways to make this happen.
Sunday Gatherings
Beginning this Sunday we will begin Digital Gatherings—live streaming the Sunday sermon, accompanied by a downloadable handout of scripture, music lyrics, and liturgy. This can be accessed on our website HERE : brooklyn.apostles.nyc/sundays . Our hope and desire is that our members and attenders will use the materials to worship at home. For those of you who feel comfortable, small gatherings of worship in your homes are encouraged using the guidelines below:

  • If you, anyone you live with, or anyone you have come in contact with, is not feeling well, or traveled to a high exposure location in the last two weeks, please do not hold a gathering or attend one.
  • If hosting, please keep gatherings to half the number of people your space can hold, as recommended by public health officials.
  • Leave shoes, bags, & coats outside of the apartment if possible, or at the door upon entry.
  • Ensure everyone washes hands immediately upon entering the gathering.
  • If serving food or participating in the Lord’s Supper, contain distribution (i.e. have one person serve instead of everyone serving themselves).
Community Groups
Community Groups will continue to meet in-person at the discretion of Community Group Leaders and Hosts using the guidelines above. For groups that decide to no longer meet, we’re ensuring Community Groups have a way to stay connected with one another, and we’re encouraging groups to hold virtual weekly meetings. Maintaining connection is vital both in communicating needs and staying touch during what may be a confusing and lonely season.

We are also working on launching more means of digital connection outside of Community Groups including prayer gatherings and even support groups for those who are sick or have been affected negatively in any way during this time.
What you Can Do
Reach out: If you are self-quarantined, in self-isolation, or if you are hospitalized, please contact your Community Group Leader or contact us at brooklyn@apostles.nyc . There is no shame in this or reason to hide. Our desire is to know your need so that we can respond with loving pursuit via digital communication and other forms of care. We want to do everything we can to make those most isolated become most connected.
 
Pray: Please pray for our church as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, pray for our leadership and volunteers who will help us remain active and engaged during these weeks ahead, pray for the women and men among us who are on the front lines as healthcare professionals, and pray for those suffering from infection.
 
We will keep you updated about how to stay connected, and support and mobilize our community. May we love our city with the gospel in the midst of this and trust in King Jesus above all else.

In Brooklyn as it is in Heaven,
Pastor Derek
Gospel Meditation |   Unstoppable Hope
Last week, Derek taught on Matthew 6:1–18. Listen to the full sermon HERE .

 To prepare your hearts for worship, please meditate on this passage from Psalms:
Psalm 131

I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
     my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
     too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
     like a weaned child with its mother;
     like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
     from this time forth and forevermore.

610 Baltic St
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Mailing Address:
300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201