December 2023

As we reflect over the year, and we consider each of you, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We are so thankful to be able to serve Jesus alongside you and to witness God's faithful hand at work in our church, families, workplaces, and schools. God has appointed each of us in this time, in this place, so we can impact the life of someone else today. Our city needs Jesus, there will be an end, and BeLoved City Church has room.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10

BeLoved Family we’ve seen you rise in response to God’s faithfulness in the way you show love towards one another, you’ve been seeking the heart of God, and you’ve sown your time, energy, and finances into a vision and mission that is bigger than any one of us. We are growing and going together and because your hearts remain open to Him, we are beginning to experience what it means to thrive in the presence of God, we are making a difference for eternity. He is truly at work in us. This is exciting!

Celebrating 2023

2023 is almost a wrap! What a year we’ve had! Jesus is faithfully building His church. We celebrate another year of storing up treasures in heaven with people who have faithfully devoted themselves to leading others to take the next step on their spiritual journey. We know if we remain faithful, trustworthy, and laser focused, we will continue to see the amazing things God is already doing and about to do.

#heretostay
We’ve raised 35% of our 1-year goal. Thank you for going above and beyond to be a Kingdom Builder! As part of our vision to build a life-giving church, we see a full-time place to call home. We started this journey as a portable church, yet we see so much more potential to expand our impact in our city.

Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle ruined cities. Isaiah 54:2-3 NLT

If you're able to consider a year end gift to help bring us closer to our #heretostay goal, please note that all donations received by end of day on December 31st will receive a tax receipt for 2023.

We moved!
Sept 17th was the first Sunday at our new location. We appreciate the more efficient prep time, less stairs, AC and heat, lit parking, cell and internet service ...just to name a few! Huge shout out to the team who brings their best every week! Seeing beyond yourself to serve with love and joy in creating moments for people to meet Jesus! This is how we grow and go together. Thank you!

Angel Tree Christmas
This December, a couple of BeLoved City Groups were able to partner together in helping two families affected by incarceration by connecting them through a gift from parent to child. This is just one of the many opportunities where we get to be part of the ministry of reconciliation and sharing God's love to someone else.

Get Ready for 2024!

As we grow forward into a new year with the vision to build a life-giving, multi-generational church, with the emphasis of relating to the younger unchurched and dechurched population of Nanaimo.

Here are a few things coming up soon:

New Years Eve Service and After Party
We will praise and worship Jesus loud because we love Him so much, and because we can! We will also celebrate! At BeLoved, we work hard, play hard, and laugh often! This is an event to bring your friends to. Sunday, December 31st at 7PM.

21 Days of Prayer
We start every year off with devoting ourselves to prayer and fasting. It’s all about putting Jesus first as we kick off the new year. For 3 Mondays in January, we will gather for prayer and worship as a church. It's an opportunity to prioritize in coming together to prepare our hearts to receive from God. When we practice seeking Him first, we will see His power and glory move in our lives, our relationships, our workplaces, and our families.

School of Ministry
Developing church leaders is at the heart of who we are. Our nation needs leaders who are Biblically literate, filled with the Holy Spirit, all-in for Jesus and His church, and who have had practical hands-on experience leading in a local church. Applications opening February 2024! Alongside a practical ministry internship, we will be hosting theology classes on Sunday mornings. This is still in the development stages but will include a monthly subscription to resources and self-study materials for at home during the week. Stay tuned as we get ready to roll out more details.

Merry Christmas

Along with the whole of BeLoved City Church leadership, we thank you for your continued love and support. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout the Christmas season and ringing in a new year.

Love,
Pastors Chris and Angela