Tomahawk Vineyard Re-Entry Update

Dear Vineyard Family,

My prayer is that this finds you and your loved ones doing well. Although this threat of the “Coronavirus”/COVID-19 is changing the patterns of our normal everyday lives, change isn’t always bad. Jesus is still and always will be reigning on the throne at the right hand of our Heavenly Father and no matter what, He will have His way, He will receive the glory and His kingdom will be advanced in this season! We have the antidote our town and world needs-JESUS! All the goodness that He brings to our lives cannot be taken from us; yet it is surely meant to be given away! And that is exactly what we will continue to do and grow in as disciples committed to Christ, his church and his cause!

Committed to Christ – Remember as you stay updated on what is going on around the world regarding the pandemic that you start with good, reliable information. The agencies and websites we are monitoring are The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO) and Wisconsin Department of Health. We recommend these resources to you as a good source of information. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we don’t just rely on human wisdom and information. We always keep our focus on God, who is on the throne and in control. We ask the Holy Spirit what He’s doing in the midst of this pandemic, look to our Bibles for guidance, and remember how God has always been faithful throughout human history. We encourage you to watch the news and stay informed, but please also take time to listen to what God has to say about the “Coronavirus”/COVID-19. Part of that is simply remembering what God has already shown us. Continue to stay connected to Jesus through the regular reading of your bible and prayer. It is during difficult times in our lives where our relationships with Jesus can truly grow as we learn to depend on Him more and more instead of ourselves.

Committed to His Church – Although we may not be able to meet face-to-face during this time, we need to stay connected to one another as God’s family. As individuals and families are currently isolated, they may become discouraged, depressed or anxious. During this time, keep your Northwoods Vineyard family in your prayers and also commit to encouraging our family members of the congregation through text, FaceTime or phone calls etc… Ask them how they are doing – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – and how you can pray for them. Is there a way you can help them? If so, then do it! This is what family is all about, and that is what we are – the family of God!

Committed to His cause – Although many around us are obsessed with the pandemic, filled with fear, worry and anxiety regarding the future, we need not succumb to fear, and we can offer the peace and hope that we have to others who desperately need it! This is our time to shine as disciples of Jesus in the things we do and say. We walk in faith, not fear. We can encourage the people around us to look to Jesus and trust Him with their lives and the lives of their family. We can pray for people as needs arise and trust Jesus to make himself real to them in tangible ways.

In this time, when people are desperately focusing on protecting and caring for themselves, we can live generously for Jesus! As you shop for groceries and supplies, think of others and only buy what you need so that everyone can be taken care of. If you have neighbors, check in with them to make sure they are doing ok and have what they need – especially if they live alone or are elderly. Ask how you can help them and how you can pray for them. Then continue to check in on them in the future. This season belongs to Jesus and His Kingdom. We all have the privilege to join Him in loving His world. Let’s together take advantage of every Kingdom opportunity with the folks He’s putting in our paths and on our hearts!

Here are a few things we are implementing as a church congregation during this time:

1. Sunday morning services are canceled for the next eight weeks or foreseeable future, effective 03/22/2020 adhering to the order of our President and Governor. This timetable is fluid and we will adjust accordingly and be communicating any possible changes. We will provide weekly sermons, worship, announcements and encouragement online through our website, our Northwoods Vineyard app and Facebook so that you and your families can continue to be encouraged in your faith. If you don’t have our church app, please download it so that you can stay connected and receive all notifications.

2. We are working to make growth groups available via zoom and other online meeting platforms so that we can stay connected in relationship, read the bible, discuss what God is speaking and pray for one another. We will keep you posted as to when these groups begin and how to connect to them.

3. Tune in to the weekly announcements to learn about our current and upcoming outreach initiatives and how you can help.

4. Lastly, we are asking that all who call Northwoods Vineyard your church family to continue to generously give financially to the church so we can meet all current and upcoming needs head on without taking any steps back. You may do so by consistently mailing your tithe by check to the church (418 Kaphaem Rd.) or by giving via the church app – We strongly encourage the use of the recurring option!

Thank You and Stay in Touch – Thank you for being a church community that is committed to Christ, His Church and His Cause. In these kinds of situations, it’s important that we as Christ followers continue to serve the vulnerable around us, that we keep an eye on our neighbors (especially those living alone or with health concerns), that we remain a non-anxious presence in an anxiety-filled world. Please continue to pray, to give generously to the work of the church, and to care for one another.

Should you have any questions, prayer request or would like to connect please don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Nate Nelson – 715-966-3064 nate.nwvc@gmail.com
• Shelley Nelson – 715- 612-1397 shelley.nwvc@gmail.com
• Tim Nelson – 715- 870- 1511 timnelson.nvc@gmail.com
• Jess Kato – 715- 612-0639 jess.nwvc@gmail.com
• Mare Ramsey – 608- 764- 0104
• Ross Nelson – ross.nwvc@gmail.com

May God cover you with His presence and empower you to reflect His light in this time,

Sincerely,

Northwoods Vineyard Staff & Board