Four more days until the night when all ladies in the NYC area can come together to attend Liberty Sisterhood Girls Night In on Thursday, May 23rd. We asked Shawna Kaszer, who co-leads Liberty City, on how this vital women’s ministry has impacted her life:

“Liberty Sisterhood is a family of covenant friendships with women I respect and admire. Older, younger, at different walks and in different seasons, there is always a sister nearby to offer advice, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and a good laugh to share.

“My beautiful Mom passed a few years ago, but God has not left me without many spiritual Mothers in my life thanks to Sisterhood. Having women I can turn to that pass down wisdom, prayer, and encouragement has been such a reminder of God’s love for me. In turn, I have the honor of passing down wisdom, prayer, and encouragement to younger women I call sisters as well.

“Through good times and bad, joy and sorrow, I know that I will always have this group of women by my side. Countless phone calls, texts, dance parties, tears and laughter have already been shared between us all, and I’m honored I get to be a part of a family of such real, genuine, capable and remarkable women.

“When we come together and bring all of our life experience into one room, I feel empowered and supported to take on whatever is waiting for me in the world. Recently, I found a passage in a book called “Spiritual Java” that says it well:

“Best of all, covenant friendships, when they are built on knowing each other after the Spirit, have the effect of calling us back to our true identity in Christ. They refresh our connection to our purpose and to who we are in Christ, and when our vision for those things is renewed, usually our strength is renewed, too.”

Community Group sign-ups begin this Sunday, May 19th and launch the week of June 3rd. These groups are the primary way that we disciple and care for the people in our church. There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone at every stage of life. The groups are also a great way to build relationships and get plugged into our community. Just ask Kara Branch, one of our Liberty Church members who recently shared on how Community Groups impacted her life:

“I have been involved in several community groups since attending Liberty. My initial purpose for signing up for them was not only to study the word of God on a more personalized level during the week but also to meet people, find connections and feel more welcome in this vast metropolis. I have lived in several major cities around the U.S. and abroad but found that moving to NYC was the most difficult move emotionally, financially and spiritually. Within my first few months of moving here, I seriously questioned whether I was following God’s path in my life. Although I was succeeding professionally and slowly meeting people, I had an overwhelming feeling of loneliness.

“In October of 2011, I was involved in my first community group hosted by Steve and Rhema Trayner. Even though I was new and didn’t really know anyone, I was always received with open arms and kind words. I started looking forward to attending church on Sundays and my community group because those were the days that I felt the most uplifted and connected to this city. Through my first community group experience almost two years ago to my most recent community group, “The Art Story”, I have been able to look back on everything and realize that each group, whether socially-based or more spiritually-based, shared the same things in common:

• I have been able to grow personally in my relationship with God and have honestly wanted to seek daily time with him throughout the week and not just Sunday.
• Each group has introduced me to some of the most amazing, talented, compassionate and spirit-filled people whom I love and am so proud to call my friends
• Community groups have deeply impacted my investment, my connection and involvement at Liberty in many ways.

“I am proud to serve and proud to be able to see our church family grow into the vision Paul and Andi have for this church. I look back on the person I was two years ago that saw community groups as a means to escape from the trials and loneliness that NYC can bring to the person that I am today. I know that the guidance, love and prayer that I have received in my community groups has allowed me to conquer the fear this city can bring and grow exponentially in my walk with God.”

Thank you Kara Branch for sharing your experience with us!

Sign up online or in the Guest Lounge on Sundays.

As Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to honor a couple of our spiritual moms in our communities. Whether you are away from your own or the holiday brings up bittersweet memories or feelings of loss, God is always bringing spiritual mothers in our midst to encourage us and to finish our lane in life well.

Jenny Andrew

“I first met Jenny at Tribeca Cinemas and her smile was so disarming it took me some time to notice I had been seated in the front row. Jenny is a wonderful mentor and is amazingly thoughtful. She not only invites people to be themselves but helps them to grow in the gentlest of ways. She has no qualms about breaking down any barriers to friendship and can quickly become your favorite and most enthusiastic cheerleader. Jenny thanks for extending your love to the family of Liberty.” - Cathy O’Connell

Mavis Green

“Two and a half years ago I started going to Liberty Church and met Mavis while going through a difficult time in the area of dating. Mavis would sit with me on early mornings and work out areas of fear and abandonment. I can’t even count the amount of times I have sat with Mavis. She stood by my side and helped me combat lies I had believed for over 27 years. We have laughed over coffee and have dreamt about the future. She would speak to me about the kind of man that deserved my heart and would tell me how God feels about me. She has become like family and I never thought in a million years I would end up dating her son. Regardless of my relationship status, I know that Mavis would be a mom to me for life. I can say without reservation that my life wouldn’t be the same without her. I’m blessed to be her friend and to be a spiritual daughter to her.” - Jessi Marquez

Happy Mothers day Jenny and Mavis! We thank you for your sacrifice of being spiritual mothers to many at Liberty and beyond!

Grow | Launches Sunday, May 5th
Have you been thinking about making Liberty Church your home? Join us for a new 4-week “Grow” course designed to help you get planted, discover who we are, what we believe, and how you can get involved. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up at the Connections Desk in the Guest Lounge, or by emailing: [email protected]. 9.30am in Lower Manhattan at Scholastic, 5.30pm in Union Square at NY Film Academy

Visionaries Gathering | Friday, May 10th
Visionaries is the business community of Liberty Church and we gather regularly to equip, encourage and enable each other to see our personal visions and the vision of our church come to pass. RSVP via: http://libertychurchnyc.eventbrite.com. 7:30pm, 359 Broadway, Floor #2 (Between Franklin & Leonard)

Mother’s Day Services | Sunday, May 12th
We can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing moms! Join us at both communities and bring your mother, grandmother or friends who are moms. We’d love to honor them and pray for all that they do and the difference they make in our lives.

All Team Meeting | Friday, May 17th
If you are currently volunteering or would like to start, we encourage you to join us for our upcoming All Team Meeting. This is a special time where we come together to hear at a leadership level the vision that God has given our church and rally together as a team. RSVP via: http://libertychurchnyc.eventbrite.com. 7:30pm, 359 Broadway, Floor #2 (Between Franklin & Leonard)

Community Groups | Sign Ups Begin May 19th
Community Groups are the primary way we care for our church. They’re a great way to build relationships and get plugged into our community. Sign-ups for our summer season begin on May 19th, and groups launch the week of June 3rd. We have a group for people at every stage of life. Sign up online or in the Guest Lounge on Sundays.

Montauk Pop-Up Church Launch | Sunday, May 26th
This summer we’re launching our first pop-up community to serve Montauk and The Hamptons. Help us spread the word as we reach new people, many of whom live in NYC but spend their summer weekends there. Services will run every Sunday morning through Labor Day weekend. 11am, Washout: 240 Fort Pond Road, Montauk, NY 11954

Liberty Sisterhood Girls Night In | Thursday, May 23rd
Join us as guest speaker, Ps. Sharon Kelly from Wave Church, Virginia Beach brings the word. Sharon is a mentor and friend to Andi, and has been instrumental in changing her life. It will be a night gathered around food, worship, the word and friendship, so invite your friends, don’t come alone, and let’s have a fun night! RSVP via: http://libertychurchnyc.eventbrite.com. 7:30pm, 359 Broadway Floor 2, (near Franklin)

Liberty City

• Neighborly Outreach: Saturday, May 4th: 10:30 AM Join us downtown as we deliver practical items and visit residents on the Lower East Side.
• Bag Packing Party: Sunday, May 19th: 2:00pm We’re getting time together as a team while packing and preparing bags for June’s Neighborly delivery.
• Art and Graphics Etsy Workshop: Wednesday, May 22nd: 7:00pm Come be a part of our workshop for teens at Covenant House as we teach, bring inspiration, and give guidance in the area of art and graphic design.

Hope to see you in church,

Paul & Andi Andrew
Lead Pastors

We are so excited and thrilled to hear from our very own Family and Pastoral Care Pastors, Bob & Mavis Green, who are pillars in our church. They will be imparting an incredible, life-changing message, “For Freedom”, and you don’t want to miss! Join us at Lower Manhattan and Union Square on April 28th.

Our guest speaker series continues this month as Ben Rodgers, Executive President of Children’s Cup, joins us at both communities on April 21st. Ben lives and breathes “missions” so prepare to be inspired.

Hope to see you there.

We are so excited about this month’s guest speaker series. Join us at both of our Lower Manhattan (11:00am) and Union Square (7:00pm) communities to hear from Pastor Mike Murphy of Shirelive in Sydney, Australia. He’s a mentor to our own pastors and has had a significant impact on our church.

Hope to see you there.

Brooklyn Launch Team Meeting | Friday, April 5th
We’re continuing to build momentum with our Brooklyn Launch Team meetings. So bring a friend and join us as we pray for a big turnout. A light meal and childcare will be provided. Please RSVP via http://libertychurchnyc.eventbrite.com. 7pm, EveryDay Athlete (136 Union Street, Brooklyn)

Grow | Launches Sunday, April 7th
Have you been thinking about making Liberty Church your home? Join us for a new 4-week “Grow” course designed to help you get planted, discover who we are, what we believe, and how you can get involved. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up at the Connections Desk in the Guest Lounge, or by emailing:[email protected]. 9.30am in Lower Manhattan at Scholastic, 5.30pm in Union Square at NY Film Academy

Ps Mike Murphy | Sunday, April 14th
Join us at our Lower Manhattan community to hear from guest speaker Pastor Mike Murphy, of Shirelive in Sydney, Australia. He’s a mentor to our own pastors and has had a significant impact on our church.

Ben Rodgers | Sunday, April 21st
We’re excited to announce that the Executive President of Children’s Cup, Ben Rodgers, will be speaking at both communities this weekend. Ben lives and breathes “missions” so prepare to be inspired.

CityWide Worship | Friday Apr 26th
You’re invited to gather along with key leaders from Liberty Church as we join with other churches from across the boroughs in a unique display of unity. Childcare will be provided through 5th grade. Families who plan to attend are asked to RSVP at: citywideworship.net/childcare. Or to serve in hospitality or childcare, contact [email protected]. 7pm, Calvary St. George’s (209 E 16th Street between 3rd & Rutherford)

Liberty City

• Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive for Covenant House: We’re cleaning our closets and donating clothing. Bring your donations to the Liberty City’s Open Meeting on Friday, April 12th. Covenant House will be picking them up to give away to homeless teens. They especially need business attire for interviews. Please do not bring your donations to church services.
• Liberty City Open Meeting: Want to know more about Liberty City and how to get involved? Join us at Vision Night. Friday, April 12th at 7:30pm. This is the first volunteer meeting that will discuss Liberty City membership. Meet our awesome team, ask questions, and learn our mission, vision, and plans for the rest of 2013. We have lots to share so even if you’ve never volunteered with us, we’d love for you to come! Regular volunteers – this is an important night for you to join. RSVP [email protected] or get more info at the City Desk in the guest lounge.