M3 Thanksgiving Faith Offering
Sunday, 26th May 2024
“IN ORDER THAT IN THE COMING AGES HE MIGHT SHOW THE INCOMPARABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE, EXPRESSED IN HIS KINDNESS TO US IN CHRIST JESUS. FOR IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH—AND THIS IS NOT FROM YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD— NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST. FOR WE ARE GOD’S HANDIWORK, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS TO DO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO.”
Ephesians 2:7-10
Hello Life Church family,
Every year at Life Church we come to a special season of giving financially in faith to the future. We have been blown away every year by your willingness to keep saying yes. Many of you have been a part of giving over and above your regular giving for decades, and because of your faithfulness we have continued to move forward and bless many people in our city, the nation and through our collective heart for global mission.
Whenever we sit to write this letter, our heart is always full of gratitude for what’s been and in anticipation with faith for what’s to come. At the same time, I pray that you also would be full of faith and passion again this year and I pray none of us would lose focus on the value of what our annual M3 thanksgiving faith offering achieves.
We still have so much to achieve together, so much to trust God for and have faith for. We have so many more people to reach, a Gospel to preach, people to strengthen and generations to encourage and disciple.
Colossians 3:17 says ‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’.
Whatever we find ourselves doing, our heart should always be to live our lives in a way that glorifies God. That’s why we can say ‘giving is part of our worship’. It’s keeping Jesus as the focus of why we give.
What a joy to put Christ at the centre of all we do. This year we want to say thank you again for your yes!
With love and gratitude,
Carl and Ange
Your Why - Our Saviour’s Command!
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus’ command to go was for every individual who is a fully devoted follower of Jesus. It’s not just for those who are called to the far side of the earth, but a call to each of us to reach out to the people in our lives. It’s both!
We will continue to push forward in mission. We believe as we do that, we bless the Father’s heart and we in turn receive His blessing. Jesus’ command had
so many layers to it. It is essential for us to spread the good news that blesses others, but it’s equally as good for us to focus outward beyond ourselves and to serve the needs of others.
Mission both locally and globally for us is increasing year on year and together we continue to support:
Global - Mozambique, Laos, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Thailand (Muangthong Life Church, Life Church Hmong people, House of Hope, Online Outreach Ministry). Local - La Vida Youth Trust: 6 x 24-7 youth workers, after school programme, breakfast club, youth drop-in centre, community events.
Check out our page on Missions for further details on all this exciting work.
Your Why - The Father’s Heart!
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
For the King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40
When we care for and help the vulnerable, the struggling, the broken, the hurting, and meet the needs of others we are ministering to, it’s an area that is personal to the Lord. He says the words ‘brothers and sister of mine.’ People that belong to Him - His children. Jesus is saying, when you bless others, you bless Him.
Mercy opens the heart to mission - the response of mercy honours God and opens the heart to receive the good news about Jesus while revealing God’s love for them.
The Mercy fund allows us to assist those in need with the essentials of living, such as food, warmth, shelter and mental healthcare that falls outside of the public health system. Having a fund for the care of people enables us to respond immediately in emergency situations as well as with follow up care and support.
Your Why - Having Great Faith For The Future.
NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK THINK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US.
Ephesians 3:20
We have a heart to keep growing - growing in our depth and growing in our reach. We have a belief that a healthy church that is completely focused on Jesus will keep moving forward and not get stagnant. A vibrant church that cares for and loves its people while focusing energy towards those who don’t know Christ. We want to be part of seeing God’s Kingdom advance and that happens through the local church both gathered and scattered. We want to keep dreaming and believing for great things in our future.
Some things we are focused forward on:
To continue to pay for the land purchased last year for the future home of our growing Selwyn Campus. We continue to believe and pray for God’s miraculous provision and strategic ways to finance this project.
To establish community ministries in Lincoln to increase our presence in the community.
To reduce debt from previous builds and land purchases to release the future vision of the church.
To have margin to be able to say yes to opportunities when they arise.
Continuing investment in our Assistantship programme and development of people. Development and staffing of our campuses as they grow.
Continued improvements to La Vida.
For any upfront giving or ongoing regular payments of pledges, here are the account details you can give to:
Life Church
02-0874-0128275-29
Particulars: Your Name
Reference: M3
You can also give via our app if preferred - just select 'M3 giving' from the drop down list after you select your campus.
Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.