Dear Friends in Christ, the Community of Lamb of God,
We continue to experience difficult decisions regarding “best practices” in dealing with COVID-19 . It was our hope that the best practices we have put in place would be enough, however, given recent updates we believe next steps are necessary.
The Executive Board, in order to combat the spread of the virus, made the decision to follow the recommendation of Bishop Pedro Suarez to abstain from congregational gatherings for the rest of this month of March. This includes Sunday worship and weekly meetings. The Executive Board feels strongly this measure, while difficult, is the best practice.
Because we have the capabilities to Live-Stream our worship services, we will Live Stream at 10:00 on Sunday mornings. At the top of this page, or just below, you will see the words “watch our services live” and just under those words you can click on the green button that says “Watch Live Service”. This takes you directly to our live stream. Make sure you click play on that video and wait for the stream to start. Clicking on "See All Videos" will take you to our YouTube Channel and our archive of services.
We continue to experience difficult decisions regarding “best practices” in dealing with COVID-19 . It was our hope that the best practices we have put in place would be enough, however, given recent updates we believe next steps are necessary.
The Executive Board, in order to combat the spread of the virus, made the decision to follow the recommendation of Bishop Pedro Suarez to abstain from congregational gatherings for the rest of this month of March. This includes Sunday worship and weekly meetings. The Executive Board feels strongly this measure, while difficult, is the best practice.
Because we have the capabilities to Live-Stream our worship services, we will Live Stream at 10:00 on Sunday mornings. At the top of this page, or just below, you will see the words “watch our services live” and just under those words you can click on the green button that says “Watch Live Service”. This takes you directly to our live stream. Make sure you click play on that video and wait for the stream to start. Clicking on "See All Videos" will take you to our YouTube Channel and our archive of services.
WATCH OUR SERVICES LIVE - SUNDAYS at 10am
If you have questions about live streaming, or have any trouble, you can reach Wendy Smith via cell phone at 239-826-7770 before and during the service. You can text or call and she will do her best to help you.
The service will be an abbreviated service; Prayer, Readings, and Sermon. While we would enjoy inviting others to join us for worship during this Live Stream, no one other than staff will be allowed in the building on Sunday morning. This is for your safety and well-being as well as that of the staff.
The service will be an abbreviated service; Prayer, Readings, and Sermon. While we would enjoy inviting others to join us for worship during this Live Stream, no one other than staff will be allowed in the building on Sunday morning. This is for your safety and well-being as well as that of the staff.
Staying Connected Boldly, Intentionally, and Joyfully
March 25, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Ever since my ordination, I have always wanted to write a letter to the people I serve using the salutation “A Pastoral Letter from Pastor Carol S. Gates”. It’s an eloquent greeting, fluent, articulate, well-expressed, stirring. It captures everything I want to say to you in a letter. I’ve waited for just the right moment in ministry to use it as well. A time when anxiety is high, uncertainty looms, yet together in faith we boldly move forward rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge the Lord is near!
Then I read the definition of a pastoral letter and let’s just say I don’t qualify. J However, the message I share with you this day is one which stirs the heart of the Stewardship Team and one we hope will articulate and express our thankfulness to the Lamb of God Community.
The success of the Vital Stewards Rx for Life is living testimony to the faithful witness of God’s people at Lamb of God. As of today, 105 pledges totaling $454,856.00 have been received. For someone who loves words, I’m at a loss as to which words to use which will express the totality of gratefulness being sent your way. It is a privilege serving beside you, sharing in ministry with you, worshipping with you. God’s work is truly done through your hands and it is with grateful hearts that we give thanks for your continuing support of ministry at Lamb of God.
I also want you to know that your Board of Trustees and Finance Committee are in constant communication with each other during the uncertainty of our times. They recognize the importance of managing income and expenses and communicating with you regarding Lamb of God’s financial picture.
Expenses have been reduced significantly with the closing of the church, Preschool of the Lamb, and the reduction of staff. Even with expenses reduced, our best estimate of a typical month will be approximately $35,000 per month of which $9363.00 is the mortgage payment. Going forward the mortgage will be paid out of the Mortgage Reserve account which will then bring monthly expenses down to approximately $25,000 per month.
It’s important to know that Lamb of God’s financial picture is good. Your leaders are diligent and faithful in their oversight of the financial resources given by God’s people at Lamb of God. They are not in panic mode. They are though being realistic about Lamb of God’s finances in a time of uncertainty and unknowns. Additionally they will continue to be diligent in overseeing Lamb of God’s financial picture making adjustments as necessary.
We recognize that the sudden downs and ups of the financial markets (they are going up as I write this) may have many of you concerned. During the uncertainties of these days, please continue to support Lamb of God with your prayers always and financial gifts as you are able. Until we once again are able to worship together in person, there are three ways for your offerings to be gifted:
1. Mail to our new mailing address: PO Box 867, Estero, FL. 33928
2. Credit Card: Go to Lamb of God website at www.lambofgodchurch.net and click on the green button which says: Support Us
3. Simply Giving: Contact Wendy Smith, Dir. of Operations, for automatic withdrawal at wendy@lambofgodchurch.net
While I may not have opened my words to you with a pastoral greeting, I end my letter with these words from Bishop Gary Wollershiem on my ordination day as he placed a stole around my neck while tears fell from his eyes:
“Receive this stole as a sign of your work, and walk in obedience to the Lord Jesus, serving his people and remembering his promise: ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” Matt. 11:28-30
Words to remember and Words to live by. Christ carries us now and always. We are yoked together in faith.
Serving together,
Pastor Carol
March 25, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Ever since my ordination, I have always wanted to write a letter to the people I serve using the salutation “A Pastoral Letter from Pastor Carol S. Gates”. It’s an eloquent greeting, fluent, articulate, well-expressed, stirring. It captures everything I want to say to you in a letter. I’ve waited for just the right moment in ministry to use it as well. A time when anxiety is high, uncertainty looms, yet together in faith we boldly move forward rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge the Lord is near!
Then I read the definition of a pastoral letter and let’s just say I don’t qualify. J However, the message I share with you this day is one which stirs the heart of the Stewardship Team and one we hope will articulate and express our thankfulness to the Lamb of God Community.
The success of the Vital Stewards Rx for Life is living testimony to the faithful witness of God’s people at Lamb of God. As of today, 105 pledges totaling $454,856.00 have been received. For someone who loves words, I’m at a loss as to which words to use which will express the totality of gratefulness being sent your way. It is a privilege serving beside you, sharing in ministry with you, worshipping with you. God’s work is truly done through your hands and it is with grateful hearts that we give thanks for your continuing support of ministry at Lamb of God.
I also want you to know that your Board of Trustees and Finance Committee are in constant communication with each other during the uncertainty of our times. They recognize the importance of managing income and expenses and communicating with you regarding Lamb of God’s financial picture.
Expenses have been reduced significantly with the closing of the church, Preschool of the Lamb, and the reduction of staff. Even with expenses reduced, our best estimate of a typical month will be approximately $35,000 per month of which $9363.00 is the mortgage payment. Going forward the mortgage will be paid out of the Mortgage Reserve account which will then bring monthly expenses down to approximately $25,000 per month.
It’s important to know that Lamb of God’s financial picture is good. Your leaders are diligent and faithful in their oversight of the financial resources given by God’s people at Lamb of God. They are not in panic mode. They are though being realistic about Lamb of God’s finances in a time of uncertainty and unknowns. Additionally they will continue to be diligent in overseeing Lamb of God’s financial picture making adjustments as necessary.
We recognize that the sudden downs and ups of the financial markets (they are going up as I write this) may have many of you concerned. During the uncertainties of these days, please continue to support Lamb of God with your prayers always and financial gifts as you are able. Until we once again are able to worship together in person, there are three ways for your offerings to be gifted:
1. Mail to our new mailing address: PO Box 867, Estero, FL. 33928
2. Credit Card: Go to Lamb of God website at www.lambofgodchurch.net and click on the green button which says: Support Us
3. Simply Giving: Contact Wendy Smith, Dir. of Operations, for automatic withdrawal at wendy@lambofgodchurch.net
While I may not have opened my words to you with a pastoral greeting, I end my letter with these words from Bishop Gary Wollershiem on my ordination day as he placed a stole around my neck while tears fell from his eyes:
“Receive this stole as a sign of your work, and walk in obedience to the Lord Jesus, serving his people and remembering his promise: ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” Matt. 11:28-30
Words to remember and Words to live by. Christ carries us now and always. We are yoked together in faith.
Serving together,
Pastor Carol
BOLDLY INCLUSIVE. INTENTIONALLY CHALLENGING. JOYFULLY CHRISTIAN.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
7:45 am
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10:00 am
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Sunday School in the Arbor
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PreSchool at the lamb
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Our school integrates Christian beliefs and values into a developmentally appropriate curriculum. We offer Christian daycare programs for Twos, Pre-K, and VPK classes.
Monthly themes provide a broad focus for the children’s activities and explorations. Children are introduced to bible stories and have weekly chapel time. |
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