Giving Update

Baptism - Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to Jordan Toy for getting Baptized on Sunday April 26th!

If you have been thinking about getting Baptized, or would like information about Baptism, check out our Baptism Website.

A Message from Mike Hannah

This year I’m celebrating 25 years of serving at New Life Community Church! By God’s grace I’m committed to serving for the long haul.  To make this work, I’ve tried to create a ministry pace that I’m able to maintain.  A crucial part of this is having breaks in my speaking schedule.  That’s why every six weeks or so, we’ll have someone else speak.  That’s about the right amount of time until I run out of gas from speaking.  It also gives you a chance to hear God’s word from other speakers.

Also, from time to time, I try to take an extended break. I did one of those two years ago in 2013.  I’m be doing another one this May.  Here’s the plan: We’ll be doing a seven week series called “By Faith”.  During the series we’ll look at stories of the Bible mentioned in Hebrews chapters 11.  I’ll kick off the series on April 26^th, and then for the next four weeks, we’ll have guest speakers come and share God’s word. Then on May 31^st I’ll come back and finish the last two weeks of the series. Below is the schedule. 

April 26^th –Mike Hannah

May 3^rd – Nick Bradshaw

May 10^th – Brian Parks

May 17^th – Chris Sonksen

May 24^th – Adam Smith

May 31^st – Mike Hannah

June 7 – Mike Hannah     
      

I’ll miss all of you while I’m gone, but I think you’ll enjoy some of the speakers that will be coming in! 

Gospel for Asia Outreach

Each month, our church supports a missionary in India through Gospel for Asia. The name of the missionary is Sailendro Kochhap, who serves in the Jeypore Odisha Region shown above.  Please take time to pray for Sailendro.  If you’d like to help financially support Gospel for Asia, just make a note on your giving that says “GFA”.  If you’d like to find out more about Gospel for Asia and the Jeypore Odisha Region, click here.

Are You Reading Your Bible?

Are you reading through the book of 2 Kings?  You are if you're following our Bible Reading Challenge.  The Bible is the inspired word of God that helps us to know God and follow Him.  Many of us own a Bible, but don’t have a regular plan for reading it.  
To help bring focus, we’ve put together a Bible reading plan that brings you through a chapter of the Bible each day.  If you follow this day-by-day checklist, you’ll be taking the next step toward knowing more of God’s Word.  Check out our website to download our Bible Reading Challenge checklist.

Presenting Mark Loomis as member of the church board!!

We are pleased to present Mark Loomis as a proposed member for the church board.  A period of thirty days is set aside for church feedback.  All comments are considered and barring any disqualifying concerns, the member is then able to serve.  We are setting aside from now until the end of May as a time for members to have input.  

You can direct any communication to lead@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Building Improvements

 

Dear New Lifers,

Our building is the place we worship God and it’s the home for our church family.  And…it’s time to make some improvements!  It’s been seven years since we’ve done any significant work to our church building.  Over that period of time, wear and tear has taken a toll.   Here are some of the items we need to address:

·      Refurbish and repaint the ceiling in the auditorium – The insulation has slowly been falling from the ceiling.  If you look up, you’ll see bare sections of ceiling and also half-fallen insulation.  We need to fix this. 

·      Improve Sound System and Lighting – There is buzzing and popping in our sound system due to damaged equipment that needs to be replaced.  We also need to update some lighting equipment.

·      Fix the AC/Heater in the auditorium – This winter many of you brought snow gear to deal with the arctic conditions in the auditorium. This is a result of the heater being broken.  We’ve had volunteers look at it, but it needs professional help.

·      Fix the AC/Heater in the Student Room  - On the other side of the heat spectrum, the AC unit in our youth room is on life support.  Temperatures in that room can sore to a stifling heat. 

·      Replace TVs– As many of you know, our church had several TV’s stolen.  We want to replace the TV in the Lobby and add one for the preschool class. 

·      And more… Throughout the building we have outdated equipment that needs to be replaced. There is paint touch up and numerous other smaller items that need to be fixed. 

We need your help to make these repairs.  The estimated cost for this project is $11,280.  Are you someone who is able to make a gift “over and above” your regular giving?  With your help we can improve our church home.  

If you can help, please include the word “building” with your gift.   We hope to move quickly with these improvements, and if possible, are hoping that all gifts can be given between now and May 15^th.  

Thanks for being a part of New Life!

The Biblical Value of Giving

Jesus says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). 
To learn more about giving, check out the giving page at our website.

Prayer Group

 
As followers of Christ we’re called to seek God.  Jesus tells us “ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7). 
  
In order to establish a stronger prayer presence in our church, we’ve launched a new prayer group.  This group is led by Mark Loomis and meets twice a month on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
  
This is an opportunity to gather together to pray for the church and for each other.  The next prayer group meeting will be on Saturday, May 9th at 9:00 am  at our church in Room #4.  For more information, email Mark at mloomy@aol.com.

By Faith: Week 1 (4.26.15 Message)

This past Sunday we started our new "By Faith" series.

To listen to the message or download the full outline, visit our website.

A Message from Mike Hannah

This year I’m celebrating 25 years of serving at New Life Community Church! By God’s grace I’m committed to serving for the long haul.  To make this work, I’ve tried to create a ministry pace that I’m able to maintain.  A crucial part of this is having breaks in my speaking schedule.  That’s why every six weeks or so, we’ll have someone else speak.  That’s about the right amount of time until I run out of gas from speaking.  It also gives you a chance to hear God’s word from other speakers.

Also, from time to time, I try to take an extended break. I did one of those two years ago in 2013.  I’m be doing another one this May.  Here’s the plan: We’ll be doing a seven week series called “By Faith”.  During the series we’ll look at stories of the Bible mentioned in Hebrews chapters 11.  I’ll kick off the series on April 26^th, and then for the next four weeks, we’ll have guest speakers come and share God’s word. Then on May 31^st I’ll come back and finish the last two weeks of the series. Below is the schedule.

April 26^th –Mike Hannah

May 3^rd – Nick Bradshaw

May 10^th – Brian Parks

May 17^th – Chris Sonksen

May 24^th – Adam Smith

May 31^st – Mike Hannah

June 7 – Mike Hannah           

I’ll miss all of you while I’m gone, but I think you’ll enjoy some of the speakers that will be coming in! 

Building Improvements

 

 Dear New Lifers,

Our building is the place we worship God and it’s the home for our church family.  And…it’s time to make some improvements!  It’s been seven years since we’ve done any significant work to our church building.  Over that period of time, wear and tear has taken a toll.   Here are some of the items we need to address:

·      Refurbish and repaint the ceiling in the auditorium – The insulation has slowly been falling from the ceiling.  If you look up, you’ll see bare sections of ceiling and also half-fallen insulation.  We need to fix this. 

·      Improve Sound System and Lighting – There is buzzing and popping in our sound system due to damaged equipment that needs to be replaced.  We also need to update some lighting equipment.

·      Fix the AC/Heater in the auditorium – This winter many of you brought snow gear to deal with the arctic conditions in the auditorium. This is a result of the heater being broken.  We’ve had volunteers look at it, but it needs professional help.

·      Fix the AC/Heater in the Student Room  - On the other side of the heat spectrum, the AC unit in our youth room is on life support.  Temperatures in that room can sore to a stifling heat. 

·      Replace TVs– As many of you know, our church had several TV’s stolen.  We want to replace the TV in the Lobby and add one for the preschool class. 

·      And more… Throughout the building we have outdated equipment that needs to be replaced. There is paint touch up and numerous other smaller items that need to be fixed. 

We need your help to make these repairs.  The estimated cost for this project is $11,280.  Are you someone who is able to make a gift “over and above” your regular giving?  With your help we can improve our church home. 

If you can help, please include the word “building” with your gift.   We hope to move quickly with these improvements, and if possible, are hoping that all gifts can be given between now and May 15^th.  

Thanks for being a part of New Life!

Life Group Questions for Personal Growth

Each week, we provide an outline during the weekend service. On one side, we provide the Bible passage to look at during the service. On the other side, there are discussion questions that connect to that same weekly passage. These questions are designed to interact and apply the passage.

These questions are used by our Life Groups that meet throughout the week. But these same questions can be used as a personal study tool. If you are not yet part of a group, you can use these questions during your personal Bible study time. They can provide an opportunity to dig deeper and reinforce the passage from the previous weekend’s service. Also, if you miss a service, both the message and the questions can be downloaded online.

Help Support a Child in Need this Sunday

Our church supports the Estado 29 Orphanage near Ensenada, Mexico.  The orphanage has an ongoing need of basic items to help care for the children.  On the fourth Sunday of every month we collect needed supplies for the orphanage.  A practical way to show Christ’s love is to donate items to the children at Estado 29.

  

This Sunday is the day to drop off donated items.  If you want to play a part, below is a list of items that are requested by the orphanage.  You can leave your donations in the drop off box found in the Kidzlife lobby. 

Household items
 ·   toilet paper
 ·   cooking oil 
 ·   dish cleaning liquid 
 ·   clothes cleaning liquid 
 ·   clorox 
 ·   pine-sol 
 ·   windex 
 ·   shampoo 
 ·   toothpaste 
 ·   deodorants 
 ·   feminine hygiene products

Food items
 ·   powder milk 
 ·   chocolate mix for milk 
 ·   coffee 
 ·   sugar 
 ·   beans 
 ·   rice

For larger items, please contact Jacob Ruiz to make arrangements for the supplies to be directly delivered to him. This will help to keep donations organized and ensure they get to the orphanage in a timely manner. You can reach Jacob at 760-218-9683.  
Thanks for playing a part in helping kids in need!

Digging Deeper through the Book of...

Are you reading through the book of 1 Kings? You are if you're doing our Bible Reading Challenge. We're encouraging members to read a chapter of the Bible each day, and right now we're in the last book of the Bible, the book of 1 Kings. Join us as we observe God, love, and life through our reading.

As you're studying the Bible, if you would like to take advantage of online Bible study tools, check out our Digging Deeper webpage. On it, you'll find free resources to dig deeper into God's word. Also click here to download our Bible Reading Challenge checklist for April. May and June.

New Series Starting this Sunday, April 26th

Sometimes in life you have to take a step of faith! Join us as we learn about trusting God when it matters most.  Be our guest on Sunday mornings starting April 26th for “By Faith”.  The start of a new series is the perfect time to invite others, so bring a friend.  Services times are 9:30 and 11:00 am so pick the time that’s best for you.

Are you on Facebook?  If so, help us get the word out about our “By Faith” series.  Click here to go to the facebook post, then “like” it and “share” it with others!

Savior: Week 3 (4.19.15 Message)

This past Sunday we continued our "Savior" series.

To listen to the message or download the full outline, visit our website.

Giving Update

Our Next Baptism Event is Coming Up!!

Join us to celebrate and support those getting baptized on Sunday, August 26th @ 1:30 pm.  The baptism will be at the Strobel's residence and maps will be available on the information table this Sunday.  Come show your support to all of those who are making this important step of faith. Question's?  Please email us back by clicking here or check out our website at for more info.

Mexico Outreach

Our church supports an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico called Estado 29.  Towards the beginning of each month, a team of volunteers goes on a one-day trip to Ensenada to help share God's love with the kids there.

Want to find out how to get involved?  Check out our outreach webpage here, or email us at info@newlifecommunitychurch.net.

Weekend Message Values

(Note: This is part of a larger series on the weekend messages. Click here to see the original post)

Different church’s and different speakers have different styles when it comes to the message.  Different styles are great, but the following are three values that hope shape every message at New Life Community Church. 

           We believe that messages change lives when they have…..

1) Biblical resonance – The speaker is saying what God’s word is saying

• Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

• 2Ti 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

• Matthew 28:20..Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…

• Mt 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

• 1Th 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

2) Life Relevance – That takes God’s word into people’s worlds and helps them put it into practice

3) Empowered and Prepared Delivery – That comes from a spiritually  prepared speaker who is ready to share God’s word.

Family Bowling Blast

Join us for a fun day of bowling and hanging out with other families at New Life on Sunday, May 3rd at the Norco Brunswick Bowling lanes.  The event starts at 1:30pm and the cost is $7 per person.  You can send us an email at info@newlifecommunitychurch.net or sign up at the info table on Sunday.

Communion in Life Groups

Christ calls us to take communion “In remembrance” of Him (Luke 22:19).  We serve communion from time to time in our weekend services and large group settings, but the primary place communion happens is in our life groups.  Communion takes place in the groups monthly, usually on the third week of the month.  So if you’re not plugged in to a life group, get involved.  You can find out more about groups by checking out the life group webpage.

Committing Your Life to Christ

Want to find out how to start a relationship with Christ?If so, we want to help you take the next step.  We’ve prepared some helpful materials that show what the Bible says about becoming a follower of Christ.  These self-study materials will assist you in taking the first steps to growing spiritually. 

To receive these materials, or to talk to someone in person, please contact us at connect@newlifecommunitychurch.net.  You can also check out our online information.

Life Groups are Starting Back Up!

Life Groups are Starting Up! Life group are weekly gatherings where you can connect with others to discuss the the passage that we looked at during the weekend service. A new life group session has started this week.

For more information on our groups check out our website, stop by the information table, or email us at: groups@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Savior: Week 2 (4.12.15 Message)

This past Sunday we continued our "Savior" series.

To listen to the message or download the full outline, visit our website.

Leader's Rally Tonight!!

Hey Leader's!  Join us tonight at 7:00pm for our April Leader's Rally.  Pizza will be served starting at 6:45pm.  We look forward to seeing all of our leaders there.  If you have any questions, please contact your staff leader.

Presenting Mark Loomis as member of the church board!!

We are pleased to present Mark Loomis as a proposed member for the church board.  A period of thirty days is set aside for church feedback.  All comments are considered and barring any disqualifying concerns, the member is then able to serve.  We are setting aside from now until the end of May as a time for members to have input.  You can direct any communication to lead@newlifecommunitychurch.net

Building Improvements

 

 Dear New Lifers,

Our building is the place we worship God and it’s the home for our church family.  And…it’s time to make some improvements!  It’s been seven years since we’ve done any significant work to our church building.  Over that period of time, wear and tear has taken a toll.   Here are some of the items we need to address

·      Refurbish and repaint the ceiling in the auditorium – The insulation has slowly been falling from the ceiling.  If you look up, you’ll see bare sections of ceiling and also half-fallen insulation.  We need to fix this.

·      Improve Sound System and Lighting – There is buzzing and popping in our sound system due to damaged equipment that needs to be replaced.  We also need to update some lighting equipment.

·      Fix the AC/heater in the auditorium – This winter many of you brought snow gear to deal with the arctic conditions in the auditorium. This is a result of the heater being broken.  We’ve had volunteers look at it, but it needs professional help

·      Fix the AC/Heater in the Student Room  - On the other side of the heat spectrum, the AC unit in our youth room is on life support.  Temperatures in that room can sore to a stifling heat.

·      Replace TVs– As many of you know, our church had several TV’s stolen.  We want to replace the TV in the Lobby and add one for the preschool class.

·      And more… Throughout the building we have outdated equipment that needs to be replaced. There is paint touch up and numerous other smaller items that need to be fixed.

We need your help to make these repairs.  The estimated cost for this project is $11,280.  Are you someone who is able to make a gift “over and above” your regular giving?  With your help we can improve our church home. 

If you can help, please include the word “building” with your gift.   We hope to move quickly with these improvements, and if possible, are hoping that all gifts can be given between now and May 15^th. 

Thanks for being a part of New Life!

Our Giving page has been Updated

We’ve updated the giving section of our website with a new look.  Check it out at www.newlifecommunitychurch.net

New Series - Savior

Jesus Christ changes lives!  Join us April 12th and 19th as we see how Christ does miracles in the lives of others.  Service times are 9:30 and 11:00 am, so pick the time that’s best for you. 

Why Guest Speakers are scheduled during the year

(Note: This is part of a larger series on the weekend messages. Click here to see the original post)

So… why are guest speakers scheduled during the year. The quick answer is: I’m not good enough, or interesting enough, or creative enough, or energetic enough to speak every Sunday! Dave Jacobs, a consultant to churches writes: “The senior pastor is not the only voice to the church, but he does need to be the main voice. A good balance is the pastor up there four or five weeks in a row and then someone else.” The amount of energy and focus to do the weekly message can be formidable, Speaking week after week is the #1 activity (along with counseling) that will leave me drained.  I’ve found that a sustainable pace is when I speak for about five to six weeks, and then have someone else come in, then I get up for another 5-6 weeks, then bring in someone with a fresh arm.Below are some benefits to the church and some benefits for me.

Benefits for the Church

• A more well-rounded understanding of God’s Word

 - Different speakers will have different take on a passage or a fresh perspective on the text.  There are some topics I’m going to get pumped about, and probably overemphasis, and other topics I’m more “ho-hum” about, and will underemphasize.  With only one speaker there is a danger of just getting the Mike Hannah version of the Bible – that’s not a good thing! A balanced diet is important when learning God’s word.

• It gives other speakers an opportunity to develop

.  If one speaker fills up all the speaking slots, it doesn’t allow other people to grow and develop.  The best scenario for the church is to have a team of competent speakers.  That way, if anything happens to one person, God’s word will faithfully be preached regardless.

• I can make progress on other projects that are important to the church. 

One the weeks I speak, a big chunk of my work hours are tied up by preparing the message.  On the weekends I don’t speak, those weekday hours are freed up for me to work on other items that are helpful for the church.  This might be contacting members, encouraging leaders, designing a new workshop, etc.

• You get a better lead pastor

 - If I don’t take a break, I get burned out, and speaking feels like going through the motions. By taking periodic breaks, when I do speak, you get a better me.  That’s a benefit to the church….and also a benefit for me…. Which leads me to the next section.

Benefits for Me

• I don’t burn out and die! 

 – When I was younger I could just go and go, the older I get, the more I need to stop and rest. The weekly process of creating and delivering a message can be incredibly draining. The truth is, after about six weeks, I’m get drained and need an opportunity to recharge.  If not, I lose enthusiasm, and start to go into autopilot mode with God’s word. In the Bible there’s a pattern on six on, one off. Six days of work, one day off, six year of working the land, one year for the land to rest.  So for me, an average of six on, one off seems to be sustainable. I want to be around for a long time

• I have time to do family things

 – On the weekends I speak, I spend time on Saturday preparing for the message, and then Sunday I’m at church delivering it. This makes it hard to plan family activities for when my family is off – the weekend. By having scheduled breaks, this allows weekend time for family every one and half months.

So, those are some of the reasons guest speaker are scheduled throughout the year.

Next Week’s Topic: Weekend Message Values

Become a Bible Centered Christian

God’s word is our guide for what we believe and how we live.  Whether you’re a new Christian or a long time believer, we want to help you take the next step in understanding God’s word.  Find out more about becoming a Bible Centered Christian by checking out our webpage.