News

Liberty City update: “Something close to God’s heart”

Emily Kirkendoll June 26, 2024 News No Comments

Liberty City is a charitable organization that enables each of our communities to meet needs in their local neighborhoods. In Union Square, Downtown, and Brooklyn, Liberty City provides ways for every member of our church to be involved in outreaches and initiatives to build relationships and serve our city.

Nathalie and Darrell Cheng lead our Liberty City team in Brooklyn. Nathalie shared how being the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighborhood has helped their team prioritize giving to others when there is an opportunity or need.


What are some of the specific outreaches Liberty City has been leading in Brooklyn?

This month we got to do a couple cool things! So excited for the rest of the summer.

On June 6th, we worked with a faith-based food ministry outreach specifically for the homeless and shelter populations near Tompkins Square Park called Hope for the Future Ministries. There were enough volunteers to distribute food, so our team was just able to minister and pray with people on the line. It was a huge blessing because people on the line were so open to prayer and people on our team were challenged to step up and step out in their faith and pray out loud for the needs of others. It was amazing.

On June 13, we went to Brooklyn Teen Challenge in Clinton Hill. On the first two Saturdays of the month they have a food pantry for the community. It’s a drug rehabilitation where the focus is 100% on God, and helping people find that personal relationship with Jesus. Usually the women’s group that is in the program hosts it and volunteers assist. This Saturday, all the women in the program were serving at another event in the city and Brooklyn Teen Challenge didn’t have anyone to help. Between us and another group, there was more than enough people and everything went smoothly for the 100+ people in the community who rely on the pantry. The women who help run the pantry were just so thankful to God for us. Some of our team again got to pray for people in line and we added another layer to our relationship to Brooklyn Teen Challenge. It was just beautiful to see how God has transformed lives and the love and kindness they give to others and the dignity and respect that comes through with this food pantry.

On June 20, we met for a planning session for a back-to-school event we are trying to host near the end of August. It was wonderful! Everyone contributed ideas, their experience with these types of event, and connections in the community. We are relying on God and praying for everything to be led by Him to bring Him glory so we will see what happens.

Have any good stories or relationships come from your being out in the city?

Through our partnership with them, Brooklyn Teen Challenge developed a relationship with us and they helped us get someone into their drug rehab. Everything was just truly a miracle and we are praying that this person’s life is changed forever and they find God. It just was so God-designed, the chance interactions, conversations, just led to this person to being able to get into a detox program and then into Brooklyn Teen Challenge right away, when his family had previously been worried about how they would pay for it. BTC just told us, “Hey, don’t worry about that. If the person is willing to come, we WILL have a bed for him.” Just awesome, awesome love.

What do you love about being a part of the Liberty City team?

I love seeing my church family get out there and give of themselves! It’s just such a cry against selfishness, and the lies and temptation that we are faced with living in this amazing city! “Oh, there’s not enough time, I’m too busy, I need to focus on myself.” And doing it all for something that is close to God’s heart—caring for others, helping others who need it. It’s just real Christianity: we are blessed, we are loved, He gave us everything, and because of it the people on any Liberty City team show that they want to give that love to others. Not just when it’s convenient or when it’s easy, but they are taking time out of their day, prioritizing giving to others when there is an opportunity or need, and thanking God for letting Him use us.

Is there a particular team member you’d like to recognize for their outstanding attitude or contribution?

I am not kidding, everyone is amazing. And there is a few Dar and I would like to recognize, but for this opportunity I’d like to recognize Marie Singh. She is extremely kind, gentle, loving, and backs it up by always being there (on time and with a huge smile), crediting everything to God and willing to serve in anyway she can. She has a heart for those who are in need and whenever we talk about how we can help the community she always makes sure that we are not only going to pray for people but take an action that will improve their lives and show the love of Christ.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Emily Kirkendoll June 21, 2024 News No Comments

What an honor it is to lead families, to raise children, to invest in a new generation! We pray that God would give all of our fathers wisdom to lead, to show restraint when necessary, and to speak life into our children, so that with wisdom they would understand God’s hand moving through them as fathers. We pray that they would build homes marked by godliness, with children growing up in the Lord, excited about him and his house, and loving people and making a difference wherever they go. We pray that the family of God would be a place where the fatherless find a home and where men who desire to have a family would find purpose, hope, and fulfillment while they wait for what God has promised them.

And we speak this blessing over all men who take up this important role:

May you dream more than others think is practical.

May you expect more than others think is possible.

May you choose wisely without earthly bias.

You have people to influence that you have not yet met.

You have lives to change that are waiting for your arrival.

You were strategically placed wherever God takes you by his grand design, just so you can become everything that he made you to be.

That place is the place where you can grow best.

That place is the place where you can be most fruitful.

That place is the place where the future is changed because of your presence.

May you bless your children and may they become giants in the faith under the mighty hand of God.

You were made by God to be here for such a time as this.

Happy Father’s Day.

Coming Up at Liberty Church

Emily Kirkendoll June 20, 2024 News No Comments

Welcome to Liberty! Here what’s new in church life.

Liberty Church Downtown’s New Venue //
#thisiscommunity, Summer Community Groups //
Father’s Day, June 21 //
Swaziland missions trip applications due July 1 //
Liberty Live

Liberty Church Downtown’s New Venue

Our Soho Community has officially moved Downtown to its new location on 41 Broad Street! Extensive renovations are taking place at the Scholastic Theater and a new home opened up for us at the Broad Street Ballroom.

It has been an amazing space with great classrooms for our growing Liberty Kids program, easy access to more subways and is in one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city.

Although we’ve loved our time on Broadway in Soho these past three years, the move comes at a great time, with an opportunity for new growth and new things as God is calling our church to rise up and build, both for our community and for generations to come (Isaiah 58:12).

Lead Pastor Paul Andrew says, “Every time we’ve taken a step, God’s moved us forward. God knows the end from the beginning, and I just have every confidence of it growing and being better for us in ways we can’t even imagine yet.


#thisiscommunity: Check out what our Summer Community Groups are up to


Throughout the summer, Community Groups meet weekly around the city to solidify friendships in our three communities. They extend our ministries (like Visionaries, She is Free, The Company and more) and create an environment that nurtures spiritual growth.

Take a look at some of the groups that are getting to know each other and spending time around our city with the Instagram hashtag #thisiscommunity.

If you are interested in joining a group please visit libertychurchnyc.com/sandbox/groups.


Father’s Day | Sunday, June 21

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate, honor and pray for all the men in our church on Father’s Day. This is a great time to bring the men in your life as we recognize their impact in our lives.

Swaziland missions trip applications due July 1

There are still spots available if you’re interested in joining our team as we travel to Swaziland trip this fall, October 19th - 28th. Click here to find out more about our upcoming October trip.

Liberty Live

If travel or business has you out of the city, you can still be part of Liberty Church! We Livestream our entire 11am Downtown service each week at libertychurchnyc.com/sandbox/libertylive so you can stay connected even if you’re away. And you can connect with our team and other Liberty Live viewers through our chat feature.

Swaziland: More about our upcoming October trip

Emily Kirkendoll June 13, 2024 News No Comments

“Once you go to Africa, you’ll go back in your mind every day for the rest of your life.” —Dan Ohlerking, Children’s Cup Co-Founder.

The kingdom of Swaziland lies within the borders of South Africa and has a population of 1.4 million people. 21.3% of Swazis live in cities. 25.1% are evangelical Christians. The GDP per capita is $5200 (compared to $48,100 in the US), and the life expectancy for a Swazi is around 49 years. An estimated 40% have HIV/AIDS. There are 120,000 orphans in Swaziland.

Since 2011, Liberty Church has partnered with Children’s Cup in their mission of bringing humanitarian and spiritual aid to areas devastated by war, natural disasters, disease, and the cycle of poverty. Children’s Cup’s long-term approach to transforming communities and their comprehensive care for orphans and vulnerable children brings the message that “Hope’s name is Jesus.”

After joining Liberty Church on a missions trip to Zimbabwe with Children’s Cup, Gethin and Bex Amoss were sent out as Liberty Church’s first missionaries, and have been working at the Children’s Cup CarePoint in Swaziland since 2013. We are so thrilled for our trip in October to take part in the work they are doing in Swaziland.

From October 19–28, our team will participate in site visits and feedings, host a family fun day outreach, visit a home for orphans called “I Am Not Forgotten,” and experience both a night safari and a sunrise safari.

Trip Costs

The Swaziland trip is about $1000 more affordable than past trips Liberty has taken to Zimbabwe. In addition to flights, which run around $1000, the cost is $1620 for a double occupancy room or $1990 for single occupancy. The costs include ground transportation, meals, accommodation, sightseeing trip, and medical travel insurance.

Important Dates

If you are interested in joining our team this fall, please email [email protected]/sandbox. The online application and $500 deposit are due on July 1st. On August 1st, the physician’s waiver and liability waiver are due along with a copy of your passport. All fees and flight confirmations are due by August 15th.

We hope you’ll consider joining us on the week and a half that will change your life.

 

Changes to our Union Square and Soho services on June 7th

Emily Kirkendoll June 2, 2024 News No Comments

Please note the following changes to our regular service locations.

Union Square—June 7th only

LOCATION:

Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church
155 E 22nd St
New York, NY 10010

COMBINED SERVICE TIME:

The service will start at 6:00pm with the Lounge opening up at 5:30pm.

Click here for directions to Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. The closest trains are the 6 at 23rd or the N/R at E 23rd. It’s only a few blocks from our regular service at the Union Square Ballroom in Union Square.

 

Soho Moves Downtown to Broad St (between Beaver St. and Exchange Place)

Also on June 7th, our Soho community is becoming Liberty Church Downtown. The Broad Street Ballroom is just around the block from the iconic Trinity Church and the historic Federal Hall, and it faces the New York Stock Exchange.

LOCATION:

Broad Street Ballroom
41 Broad St
New York, NY 10004

SERVICE TIME:

The service will still start as usual at 11:00am, with the Lounge opening up at 10:30am.

Click here for directions to Broad Street Ballroom. Nearby subways include the 2/3 and 4/5 at Wall St, the R and the 1 at Rector St. The J/Z trains do not run to Broad St on Sundays.

Soho Community moving services to a new home June 7th

Emily Kirkendoll June 1, 2024 News No Comments

On June 7th, the Soho community is moving to a new location further downtown. Extensive renovations are taking place at the Scholastic Theater and a new home has opened up for us at 41 Broad St, the Broad Street Ballroom.

It’s a beautiful space with great classrooms for our growing Liberty Kids program. The location is accessible to more subways and is in one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city. The Broad Street Ballroom is just around the block from the iconic Trinity Church and the historic Federal Hall, and it faces the New York Stock Exchange.

The service starts as usual at 11:00am, with the Lounge opening up at 10:30am. If driving, please allow extra time to find street parking (free on Sundays) or use the parking garage at 39 Exchange Place.

Click here for directions to Broad Street Ballroom. Nearby subways include the 2/3 and 4/5 at Wall St, the R and the 1 at Rector St. The J/Z trains do not run to Broad St on Sundays.

Enlarge the places of your tent

Although we’ve loved our time on Broadway in Soho these past three years, the move comes at a great time, with an opportunity for new growth and new things as God is calling our church to rise up and build, both for our community and for generations to come (Isaiah 58:12).

Lead Pastor Paul Andrew says, “Every time we’ve taken a step, God’s moved us forward. God knows the end from the beginning, and I just have every confidence of it growing and being better for us in ways we can’t even imagine yet.”

Influencing a city

We believe, as Proverbs 11:11 says, “By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor [because of them] the city is exalted.”

And the Broad Street Ballroom is a hub of influence and growth. Jessi Green, Community Pastor of Liberty Church Union Square, shared that in the event industry, it’s well known as a place to reveal and launch big things. “Every great new product launch happens at the Broad Street Ballroom. I went to an event for Samsung, and probably the best event I’ve been to in the city was at that venue.”

Our Soho community is full of visionaries and influencers. As we put a stake in the ground in the Financial District, we get excited about God’s redemptive purposes, as well as the legacy of godly leaders who changed history in this very place.

As Brooklyn Community Pastor Kristen Tarsiuk noted when walking the neighborhood, “The nations come to this spot. The world will be gathering at our doorstep. But it’s also a place of family, where kids are running on the sidewalks. And there’s a space open just for us.”

We can’t wait to worship together as Liberty Church Downtown for the first time in our new location on June 7th.

 

Swaziland Missions trip: Last info session on June 11th

Emily Kirkendoll May 25, 2024 News No Comments

We’d love you to join us for our next missions trip to Africa, October 19–28th. We will be taking a team to Swaziland in southern Africa where Children’s Cup have a large number of CarePoints and churches serving their neighborhoods. There will be two Information Sessions about this trip, and you’re welcome to attend either of the two:

  • Sunday, May 24th, 12:45pm after the service at Soho, 557 Broadway
  • Thursday, June 11th, 7:00pm 64 Fulton St, Ste 502

If you are interested in joining us, or would like more information, please email [email protected]/sandbox.

We will work alongside our missionaries Gethin & Bex, who are doing phenomenal work in Swaziland (check out their website here). Gethin and Bex are also expecting twins—our two youngest missionaries—and we’re excited to reunite with them and celebrate with them.

Bex wanted to send a personal invitation and greeting to Liberty Church:

“We are so excited to see the details for the October trip being sent out and really cannot wait to have the Liberty team here on the ground in Swaziland. Swaziland is such a beautiful country and Children’s Cup is so well established here it will give you a great understanding of what exactly they do here and in other countries. We also are looking forward to showing you what exactly we have been up to since moving out here and what new projects we have been able to get involved in, as well.
“Since January, Gethin and I have been working with the Discipleship Team which takes care of the hands-on management at the CarePoints; including supervising the facilitators, preschool, feeding, Bible and youth clubs, as well as bomake (cooks) ministry. We work with four amazing ladies who are all Swazi nationals. Our role since January has been setting up Dorah, our new department leader, in her role and transition into being a leader. She has been doing an amazing job and we have been stepping back more and more each day.
We also have been working with the team on helping organize and carry out some of the big yearly events that happen in the CarePoints. In March, we were helping facilitate community meetings at each of the communities where our CarePoints are. Furthermore, the last few weeks have been organizing powercamps for each of the CarePoints. The powercamps are a fun event for the children to attend during the school holidays; you can see more about the powercamps at our website Gethinandbex.com.
“We are so thankful for the continued support and prayers from our Liberty Church family.”
Lots of love,
Bex and Geth