New Life Church Weekly Update

December 19, 2025

This Sunday: December 21, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:15 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

10:45 Contemporary Worship, Life Center

Message: "Hope's Obedience"

Scripture: Luke 1:57-68, 80

Pastor Casey

New this Week:

Church offices closed December 25 - January 1
No Today Matters in December
Sunday 8 am "Classic Worship", begins January 4
Cancer Support Group, January 7
Pastor Earl's Wednesday study, resumes January 7
Men's Breakfast, January 10
Intentional Christian Grandparenting, January 12
Astralis Chamber Ensemble, January 19
Bridge and Communication Requests

Holiday Office Schedule

The church offices will be closed December 25 - January 1, 2026. There will be no Sermon Recap email on December 29 or a Bridge issue on January 2, 2026. The Bridge will resume on January 9th. Merry Christmas!

No December Today Matters

Just a reminder - we will not be having a Today Matters program this month, but look forward to returning in 2026! Merry Christmas!

Blood Drive, December 21

The Big Red Bus will be on campus this Sunday, December 21st, from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm.

Donors receive:

Oneblood Sweatshirt
$25 eGift Card
Chick-fil-A Coupon
Wellness Checkup

Appointments are encouraged! You can schedule your appointment HERE.

Harmony Class, December 21

The Harmony Class will begin a new six-session study this Sunday, December 21st in Lenox Hall at 9:15 AM, “Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Power in Your Tomorrow” with Dr. David Jeremiah. This book examines Philippians 3:12-14 and offers six practical insights with a step-by-step plan for letting go of what’s behind you and discovering God’s plan for seizing tomorrow. Class materials are provided, and all are welcome to attend.

"Thank You" from Valerie's House

Amy Huddleston

Manager of Community Engagement & Partnerships

Valerie’s House is a place of hope and healing for grieving children and families, providing a safe space where they can connect, remember, and grow together after the loss of a loved one. We are so grateful to New Life Church and our incredible House Dad (Tim Buck) for opening their hearts and doors to host our holiday party. Your generosity, warmth, and love helped make the season brighter and created special memories our families will cherish.

Bargain Boutique, closing December 22

The Bargain Boutique will close December 22, 2025 and re-open January 5, 2026. We will use this time to relocate to the original, renovated building and relocate items from the old office to our new Donation Center. Donations will be accepted beginning January 5th. We will be having a Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce RIBBON CUTTING celebration on Tuesday, January 20th at 5pm and all are invited -- save the date!

Christmas Eve Live Nativity

We are looking for more shepherds!

If you are available on Christmas Eve to participate (4-6pm) contact AJ Rilat aj@newlifeforall.church.

Family Worship Sunday - One Service, December 28

The Sunday after Christmas we will have one "Family Worship" service in the Life Service at 10 am. Pastor Jorge Acevedo will be joining us and delivering our message. We will not offer nursery, children's Sunday School or coffee & donuts that Sunday as we give our Children's Ministry, hospitality team and staff a much-needed break!

Making Room for More!

Introducing Our New 8 AM Classic Service

We are excited to announce the launch of a new 8 AM Classic Service! The 9:15 service can get quite tight during the busy snowbird season. This extra service will help create more space for more people in our historic sanctuary. The 8 AM service will run seasonally, from January through March.

What to Expect:

Style and Culture: This will be a laid-back traditional service. Donuts and coffee will be available after the service in Lenox Hall.

Music: We will be singing straight from the hymnal.

Time: The service will be shorter but feature a full sermon.

Note for Families: Please be aware that no childcare or programming will be offered for the 8 AM service.

We look forward to worshiping with you in the New Year!

Are you new to New Life Church?

Pastor Casey would love to meet you!

Pizza with the Pastor, a casual lunch and time for conversation, will be held right after the 10:45 service (12pm) on the first Sunday of each month in Room 9. Childcare is available upon request.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, Dec. 31. Sign up HERE!

GriefShare, begins January 6

Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one.

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm or Wednesdays 10:00 am – Noon in Room 13

A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. At this 13-week group, you’ll receive valuable guidance and tips, leading you to relief, comfort, and piece of mind.

For more information or to sign up, please contact: Melodie Austin, 941-661-0842 or email melharryaustin@yahoo.com

Cancer Support Group, January 7

The Cancer Support Group will meet on Wednesday, January 7th at 6:30 in Room

9. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Ivor Percent from Florida Cancer Specialists in

Port Charlotte. Dr. Percent will talk about the latest clinical trials as well as answer

questions that the group has.

The Cancer Support Group is open to all patients, survivors, and caregivers. We are open to the community. If you have friends on a Cancer Journey, please invite them to join us. We welcome all new members. Our goal is to bring “Hope for Your Journey: Coping with Cancer Through Faith.”

Men's Breakfast, January 10

8 am, Lenox Hall

All men are invited to join us for breakfast the 2nd Saturday of each month in Lenox Hall. Bring a friend! A continental breakfast is provided.

RSVP by Friday, the week of the breakfast, to Wayne Sharp: sharpww@me.com.

Intentional Christian Grandparenting, January 12

“Unleashing the Power of the Blessing”

Monday, January 12, 1:30-3:00 pm, in Room 9

For our monthly meeting in January, the Intentional Christian Grandparenting group will explore the power of the spoken and written “blessing.” We will learn the importance of the Biblical blessing—a timeless gift that imparts five foundational elements, with the power to nurture self-worth and emotional well-being in our children and grandchildren of all ages.

Participants will view the video, “Unleashing the Power of Spoken Blessing” and discuss the five key elements of the blessing as presented in the book, The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance, by Dr. John Trent, Gary Smalley, and Kari Trent Stageberg. Afterwards, the group will discuss ideas for preparing and giving a blessing to our grandchildren for Valentine’s Day. It could become a life-changing gift.

Join us Monday, January 12, 1:30-3:00 pm in Room 9.

Contact: grandparentingmatters@newlifeforall.church for more details or to register.

SAVE THE DATE! January 19, 2026

We are looking forward to a very special event in the new year, the Astralis Chamber Ensemble! They will perform a free concert in the sanctuary on Monday, January 19 at 4pm. We are in need of a family to host the musicians for one night (1/19/26) - 2 females and 1 male, with a meal provided.

Interested in being a host family?

Please contact: MaryBeth Khamis, marybeth@newlifeforall.church

Word from Worship

Rosie Young, Worship Coordinator

rosie@newlifeforall.church

Greetings, New Life Church friends and family,

It occurs on the same date every year and yet how can Christmas be a week away? This year Christmas is somewhat different, because my beloved Don isn't here with us. While I miss him terribly, I know where he's celebrating, and how comforting is that. It's hard to believe it's been almost a year, but it's been a year of growth and yes, some struggles. I owe so many thanks to my beautiful family who surround me with not only physical help, but with arms wrapped around me with love. My grandson and granddaughters are like special gifts each time I am with them. My four sweet great grandbabies have been the best medicine ever. And you, my wonderful Church family have wrapped me in prayer more times than I could even mention. You have kept me going, and I am so grateful and blessed beyond belief. I thank our Heavenly Father every day for helping me find joy and acceptance in the changes in my life, and for reminding me that His grace never changes. I am grateful that I found a church home that taught me to pray. I read something awhile back about a prayer idea at Christmas which is easy to do : save each Christmas card you get and each day through Christmas, pray for one or more of the folks who sent a card. It's ok if you don't have a lot of cards, just pray for them over again. Wat a wonderful thing to do with your family!

Please let me know if you can at either of the Christmas Eve services. I need help with greeting, lighting candles and communion.

Warm Christmas wishes to each of you. I'll be praying for you!

January Study Opportunities

Pastor Earl Smith to Lead Wednesday Bible Study in 2026

Lenox Hall, Wednesday from 10 – 11:30 am

In keeping with a tradition that started when he retired ten years ago, Pastor Earl will once again lead a Wednesday morning Bible study during the winter and spring months. The class meets each Wednesday from 10 – 11:30 am. It will meet in Lenox Hall. Classes will begin on January 7. Just come when you can. There is no need to sign up. Everyone is welcome. He seeks to structure the class so that you will feel uniquely involved even if you miss sessions.

This year he wants to introduce us to the writings of Rev. N. T. Wright. His bio follows: N. T. Wright or Tom Wright, is a British New Testament scholar, Pauline theologian and Anglican bishop. He was the bishop of Durham and Lord Spiritual in the UK Parliament from 2003 to 2010. He then became research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary's College in the University of St Andrews in Scotland until 2019, when he became a senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall at the University of Oxford.

Wright writes about theology and Christian life and the relationship between them. He advocates a biblical re-evaluation of theological matters such as justification, women's ordination, and popular Christian views about life after death. The author of over seventy books, Wright is highly regarded in academic and theological circles for his "Christian Origins and the Question of God" series. The third volume, The Resurrection of the Son of God, is considered by many clergy and theologians to be a seminal Christian work on the resurrection of Jesus.

Women's Bible Study, January 2026

HEAVEN by Jennifer Rothschild

January 15 - February 26, 2026

9:30 -11:00 AM, Life Center

Cost: $20.00 (scholarships available)

Join us and discover the subject of heaven through a biblical perspective. As you walk through this study, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of what God has prepared for His children, but also learn how to live with confidence today as you look forward to the glorious unending that awaits. Don’t just wonder about Heaven -- embrace it with a faith that turns anticipation into excitement and peace.

If you have any questions contact Debbie Spahn, debraaspahn@yahoo.com or 772-708-6355.

New Life Facility Scheduling Process

Joey DePetro, Facilities Manager

joey@newlifeforall.church, 941-639-3842 ext. 108

As our church and campus activities grow, we are implementing a facility usage procedure. All non-staff events must follow these steps to secure a space. Compliance is required for approval.

Here's how to book:

Provide at least TWO WEEKS notice. Requests with less than 14 days will not be approved.
Contact me (Joey DePetro, Facilities Manager) directly. Reservations must go through me only. Email: joey@newlifeforall.church, Cell/text: 941-681-6718, In person: Room 6 in the Life Center, Monday-Friday 6 am - 2 pm
I will review the master calendar and (if needed) confirm availability of custodians and A/V technicians.
If your event requires custodial service, a building-use fee, or an A/V technician, payment is due ONE WEEK before the event.
Complete the Facility Usage Form and schedule a meeting with me. We need to discuss key details (such as insurance and setup requirements). The reservation is tentative until the form is submitted and the meeting occurs-no final approval without this.

If these steps are not followed, the reservation will be released, and we will be unable to

host the event. This process ensures our facilities are properly managed and events run as planned.

Please reach out with questions. Let's work together to keep things organized!

Facility Usage Form

Your Giving Makes a Difference

Denise Holcomb, Finance Manager

denise@newlifeforall.church

Charitable IRA Contributions

Are you 70 ½ or older? Are you taking required minimum distributions from an IRA?

Did you know that you can make contributions or special gifts to the church through this

distribution process, and you will not pay Income Tax for funds directed to the church.

If you are interested, contact your financial advisor or IRA custodian and ask about

Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Deadline for Contributions

Thank you for being such a generous church throughout the year! As we approach the

end of the year, to ensure that your financial donations to New Life in Christ Church are

included in your 2025 Contribution Statement, they must be received in the Finance

Office by noon on Monday, December 29th. Thank you for being so faithful.

Bridge and Communication Requests

Katherine Warden, Communications Director

katherine@newlifeforall.church

If you have made it this far in the Bridge this week, you have realized that New Life Church is BUSY!!! Many events, groups, celebrations, ministries... and in the new year, we will add even more ways to connect and grow together. With that in mind, I am in the process of building a stronger structure for receiving information.

To have your announcement included in The Bridge, please email it to me no later than 10 business days before publication. The Bridge email is sent on Friday mornings at 10 am. Due to the volume of information each week in the Bridge, I can only guarantee that it will run for 2 consecutive weeks. All submissions may be edited for space and content, and inclusion is at the discretion of the Communication Director and Pastor. All past issues of the Bridge are archived and available on our website here.

For items needing more than a short note in the Bridge, you will need to fill out a Communication Request Form. I have physical copies of the form in the church office, or you can download and print the form by using the link below. If you have Acrobat Reader, you can also fill it out online, download and print, then email to me.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about communication, anytime! I strive to do my very best to get the word out to our church family and community regarding all the ways to connect at New Life Church.

Communication Request Form

Dates to Remember - Mark your Calendars!

View the full Church Calendar HERE

DECEMBER

Blood Drive, December 21

Sunday, December 28 - "Family Worship Sunday" one service, 10 am

Christmas Eve, December 24
3 pm Contemporary Worship

Outdoor Live Interactive Nativity 4-6 pm

6:30 pm Special Music, 7 pm Traditional Service

JANUARY 2026

Church Offices CLOSED December 25 - January 1, 2026

8 am Classic Worship begins, January 4

Pizza with the Pastor, January 4

Cancer Support Group, January 7

Men's Breakfast, January 10

Intentional Christian Grandparenting, January 12

Family Night, January 14

Women's Bible Study begins, January 15

Astralis Chamber Ensemble, January 19

Bargain Boutique - Punta Gorda Chamber Ribbon Cutting, January 20

Help Us Keep in Touch!

Can you spare 2 minutes to verify / update your information in our church database?

You can upload a current profile photo, confirm or change contact info, and household details - directly through our Church Center app. Scan the QR code with the camera on your mobile device or click the link below. Thank you!!

UPDATE HERE

New Life Name Tags

If you would like a name tag (magnetic or pin style), you can request one HERE or by calling Katherine in the church office 941-639-3842 ext 106. Suggested donation, $6 per nametag.

Give Now | Find a Group | Find a Place to Serve | Calendar | Sign-up Hub

To offer new life in Christ as we seek, support, shape, and send disciples.

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 4 pm

(941) 639-3842 | www.newlifeforall.church

Download our app HERE

All past issues of The Bridge are available on our website HERE.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE BRIDGE!

Submissions to the Bridge can be emailed to katherine@newlifeforall.church.

The deadline for submission is 10 business days before publication.

All submissions are subject to editing for space & content, and inclusion is at the discretion of the Communication Director & Pastor. For other ministry or event promotion needs, please complete the Communication Request Form.