In late January 2001, with twenty like-minded people sharing a love for God, a commitment to Him, and with our beloved Pastor, Rev. Dr. Milton L. Thomas, Sr, we began our journey on the path laid before us. We looked to Pastor Thomas for guidance as he looked to God for the same. True to His word, God touched hearts as doors were laid open. We worshiped in a storefront, in one another’s home and even a hotel conference room. Prayerfully, we also began the search for a building of our own.

November of 2002, Thanksgiving had a deeper meaning for us as we formally became “New Life Christian Ministries” with Pastor Thomas as our founding Pastor and Under Shepherd. We were blessed to purchase  our new home at 150 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA.

First Sunday in March 2003, Communion Sunday was our first service in our new home. During our years at 150, we offered and shared worship space with several other churches, and recovery groups who had been searching for a place to worship in.

Fast forward as we reflect on the years of worship experiences shared at what we lovingly called “150”. Times were changing. Our congregation had lost several members to illness. Some members had retired and moved to other states. Other members just left. As we had seen in so many other churches and faiths, some just didn’t feel the need to gather together to worship. Our church building, designated as “historical”, became a financial burden. The area was being developed by a city/state partnership with most of the properties around being sold and torn down for multi-purposes. It was becoming clearer as we voted to put 150 on the market.

Having received and accepted an offer for the purchase of 150, decisions had to be made as we fasted and prayed. Pastor made a call to the contact person at Calvary Baptist Church in Lowell and a meeting ensued with the pastor and trustees to discuss our use of the chapel and a start date.    

  

Our first service in the Spring of 2001 was in the Lenten season, a perfect time for us to reflect on our journey thus far. We were welcomed to the greater community at Calvary and were soon invited to join in their combined services honoring the varied cultures who worship the same God. What a blessing our journey has been. Prayer, fasting and trusting God’s plan for us was accepted and honored.

Today, we believed God has a plan for us to move forward trusting in His name. He has placed us as a co-ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, 60 Hastings Street, Lowell, MA. where we are at home, free to sing our song, ”We’ve Come This Far by Faith”.

We ARE New Life.

Thanks be to God as we carry on His Great Commission.

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