CHURCH MERGER - A LETTER FROM PASTOR HODARI WILLAIMS

Dear Members and Friends of New Life Presbyterian Church,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray that this letter finds you in good health and spirits. Today, I am writing to share an exciting and vital development in the life of our congregation. A moment of hope and potential calls for our collective prayer, discernment, and open hearts.

In an era where churches across the country face challenges in membership and ministry, it has become increasingly evident that we must seek innovative and collaborative ways to strengthen our witness and further the work of the Gospel. In this spirit of unity and shared mission, I bring to your attention the possibility of a merger between New Life Presbyterian Church and our sister congregation, First Afrikan Church.

It is important to emphasize that a merger has not been finalized; instead, the pastoral leadership and the Sessions of both New Life and First Afrikan Church have agreed to embark on a journey of exploration and discernment. We are beginning this process, and we invite you to join us in prayerfully considering this exciting possibility.

Our motivation for exploring this merger is not born out of desperation but rather out of necessity—a necessity to create a more powerful, communal-minded Africentric Christian witness in Greater Atlanta. By joining forces with First Afrikan Church, we have the potential to pool our resources, talents, and passion for ministry to make an even more significant impact on our community and beyond. Together, we can build upon the rich legacies of our congregations and continue to be a light in the world.

As we move forward, I urge you to remain prayerful and open to whatever path God and the Ancestors call us to walk. This decision requires careful consideration and discernment by all congregation members. As we proceed, your input, questions, and thoughts will be valued and considered.

In the coming weeks and months, you will have opportunities to engage in discussions, share your perspectives, and participate in joint worship opportunities. On November 5, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. New Life and First Afrikan church will worship online and in person at 6600 Old National Hwy. I encourage you to participate actively, attend congregational meetings, and participate in this exciting journey of exploration.

In closing, remember that our faith teaches us that remarkable things can happen when we unite in unity, guided by the Holy Spirit. The possibilities are endless, and I believe God will lead us on a path that will enrich the lives of all we serve.

May God bless us on this journey, and may His wisdom and grace guide our steps.

Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Hodari Williams, Team Leader and Senior Pastor
New Life Presbyterian Church