For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Christmas Season can be very painful. Added to the memories of Christmases with those we have lost, there is a seasonal pressure to put a smile on and join the festivities. Join us for a time of honor and remembrance at our Blue Christmas Service, December 18 at 4pm.

12:00 pm, Children & Family Service

3:00 pm, Contemporary Service

6:00 and 8:00 pm, Traditional Services

We will have one combined service at 10:00 am in the Life Center

Volunteers needed on Christmas Eve for our Living Nativity, craft tables and games! If you are interested in assisting, please contact Becca at becca@newlifeforall.church.

The church office will be closed on Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday and on Monday, January 2nd in observance of New Year's Day.

We are looking for two part time nursery positions. If you, or someone you know are interested, please email your resume to: kathy@newlifeforall.church. 

The job description can be viewed HERE, and is also on our website at the bottom of the STAFF page.

We are in need of 2 volunteer golf cart shuttle drivers for each worship service (on campus only). If you are willing to serve one or more Sundays, please sign up by following the link HERE.

Melodie Austin, 941-661-0842 or email melharryaustin@yahoo.com

We will begin a new Beth Moore study on Thursday, Jan 5th at 9:00 am in the Life Center. We will be studying the Gospel of John in her study book, Beloved Disciple. The study is 11 weeks in length and will meet Thursdays at 9:00am. The cost of the book is $20.00 which will be paid the first day.  

Larry’s Bible Study on Revelation will be continued on January 4 at 6:30 pm in Room 13. We will continue where we left off in May with the Rapture. We will replay the the movie “Left Behind,” and in weeks following we will continue in Tim LaHaye’s book, Revelation Unveiled, Chapter 10, and of course the Bible, Revelation Chapter 4.

Larry Keller, 941-391-3940 - keller657b@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 8, 2023, The Harmony Bible Class will begin a new 8-session study by Andy Stanley called, “Follow,” in Lenox Hall beginning at 10:15 am.  Religion says, “Change and you can join us.” Jesus says, “Join us and you will change.” There is a huge difference.  His invitation is an invitation to relationship, and it begins with a simple request: follow me. Andy Stanley takes us through the Gospels as he traces Jesus’ teaching on what it means to follow. Prepare for your eyes to open, your feet to move, and your faith to be radically transformed. If you were waiting for an invitation to Follow in His Footsteps – this is it.  Jesus says “follow.” All are welcome to join us for this fascinating journey!

Please RSVP to Gail in the office, 941-639-3842 or email gail@newlifeforall.church to let us know you are planning to attend.

On January 16 our Zoom Bible Study will start a study on Old Testament Characters. Come join us while we learn how to apply the Old Testament scriptures to our own lives. You can buy this $10 book on Amazon HERE. If you would like to join us, contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@ msn.com. We meet every Monday on Zoom from 10-11. This class will go to April 3, 2023.

If you found yourself having to explain to someone who has never heard of God, Jesus, or the Bible, what would you say?

Whether you have been a follower of Jesus for a day, or twenty years, or want to learn more about him, you are invited to join us on a journey of discovering maybe for the first time, or rediscovering the central beliefs of the Christian faith.

Please join us for an eight-week study beginning January 17th. We will serve a buffet meal for those who want to eat and chat over dinner at 5:45 pm. Then, we will start in the Life Center at 6:30 pm before breaking into our groups.

There will be children's programming starting at 6:30 pm, so please bring the whole family, have dinner together, and get to know other people in our church!

I hope to see you there!

Any questions, contact: angela@newlifeforall.church

Today Matters Mental Health Ministries is bringing back our speaker series on Saturday, January 21st. We are so excited to welcome Holly K. Oxhandler who is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at Baylor University. Holly has written a book for caregivers everywhere, in every role, who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Her book is titled The Soul of the Helper and it will be for sale on Sunday mornings between services. It would make a great Christmas gift for someone on your list.  The cost will be $20 each or 2 for $35.

Please join us 15 minutes before the Blue Christmas Service, December 18 at 4:00PM in the Historic Sanctuary for a beautiful program of Flute and Organ music.

Please join us 30 minutes before our Traditional Christmas Eve Services, December 24 at 6:00PM and 8:00PM in the Life Center for a festive program of Christmas Caroling, Handbells, Choir and Organ music.

The Chancel Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00PM and plays at the 11:00AM service once a month. If you are interested in joining our handbell group and can read music I want to talk to you!

The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00PM in the Historic Sanctuary and sings Sundays at the 11:00AM Service. The Chancel Choir is open to anyone interested – no audition is necessary.

Greetings New Life Church family,

Wow! As I sit here in prayer asking God to direct my thoughts and words - all I keep thinking about is the amazing fact that Christmas is a week away. I think about the fact that the events leading up to this year's holiday season have been difficult and unusual - and then I remember that the past few years have been similar; different reasons -- Covid vs. hurricanes etc but problematic nonetheless. Like our lives -- most of us face difficult situations at times that we work through, and settle into a period of calm and all good things. When a new life situation occurs I sometimes find myself questioning what I'm doing wrong. What I'm learning, is that these cycles are periods of growth in faith for me. Why do I mention this now? Because for me these challenging times happen frequently during busiest times in my life. I'm learning now to recognize the quiet times and praise God daily by asking for grace and continued calm especially when heading into hectic periods of life. That has been a huge blessing in my life, and allows me to serve with joy in all circumstances. We will always have ups and downs but to have joy in all situations gives me hope and is a beautiful way to praise God during the hard times. " Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

‐ 1THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

I choose to be grateful when I get bad news because I know I am loved and a child of God. Do I have moments of questioning- of course- but they pass quickly with prayer. I am blessed!

   

I still need volunteer help at each of the Christmas Eve services.  Please arrive 30 minutes before the service for information and instructions..

Please email me or text to: 941-661-4156.  You will be blessed by your service and I am grateful. 

I'm praying for you!

When you come to the church campus, please wear your New Life Church name tag.

If you do not have a church name tag, you can order one HERE.