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.

The youth and staff of Crossroads Hope Academy cordially invite you to put on your most festive holiday attire and join us on December 14th at 6 pm in the Life Center to celebrate Christmas, Crossroads style!

Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Carmelo's Italian Ristorante, learn a little bit about Crossroads, and help show these boys what Christmas is all about. Crossroads is asking all guests to please RSVP to Liz Green (liz@crossroadspg.org) by December 9th. You may also contact Liz if you are interested in volunteering for party set up or providing some homemade sweets and treats for the dessert table. 

We will be having a Parent's Night Out - Children's Christmas Pajama Party on December 17 from 5-8pm. An opportunity for parents to get last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping done!

Children will watch a movie, have some hot chocolate & cookies, along with a special visit from Santa! Don't forget to wear festive Christmas PJ's.

RSVP to becca@newlifeforall.church by December 10.

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.

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.  

We would love to get to know you better and invite you to Pizza with the Pastors!

Please RSVP by clicking HERE.

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.com. We meet every Monday on Zoom from 10-11. This class will go to April 3, 2023.

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.

Members and Friends of our Church will meet for a week of fun at Hardee Lakes County Park from Monday February 13 leaving on Friday February 17. The park is about 40 miles from Punta Gorda and the camping sites are on the lake. While there we will hike, canoe, kayak, fish and enjoy sitting around the campfire and having our evening meals together. You can come for the whole week or as much as you want. Our hosts are Peter and Linda Gillen and they are on site 47. For more information about the park and to make reservations call 863-761-1100. If you want to go, let us know.

Peter Gillen: 941-661-8367

Tom Little:  941-769-0002

We will be returning to the Airport Road Publix to ring the bells for the Salvation Army from November 26th to December 23rd.

Sign-up sheets will be available on Sunday between the worship services at the Gazebo. You can also email bellringers@newlifeforall.church and someone will contact you to sign up.

Download our December 2022 Youth Calendar HERE.

Join us for a festive harp concert of beloved Christmas carols presented by the talented harpist Barbara Moses. This is a free concert – no tickets required. This concert event will be held in the Life Center. Share a flyer with a friend or neighbor: CLICK HERE

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.

Prelude: Variations on ‘Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People’ – A. Heiller

Opening Hymn: 184 Of The Father’s Love Begotten

Offertory Anthem: Advent Processional – A. L. Page

Doxology 95

Hymn: 220 Angels From The Realms Of Glory

Closing Hymn: 242 Love Came Down At Christmas

Postlude: Wake, Awake For Night Is Flying – P. Manz

Greetings New Life Church family --

   

December is here-- am I the only one who thinks this has been quite a year so far? Pastor Mike and our leadership team worked hard navigating the disafilliation process we went through, we prayed, (a lot) and blessed our church with a new name reflecting our mission. Cycles of Covid flared up occasionally, and I like some others developed health issues, leading to 2 more surgeries. And then, in late September we were struck by a massive, wide-spread hurricane named Ian. And yet, in spite of the turmoil, trauma, and resulting hardships faced by many, I feel like we witnessed God at work time after time-- easing our fears and showing us that prayers of praise when discouragement pours down is proof that we are never alone.  God is with us always and even if our steps falter, He holds us up and we don't have to be afraid or discouraged. Devastating storms or health crises easily create havoc and trauma in our lives and I for one lived in fear and uncertainty about what my future would bring. I am blessed that the power of prayer helps me to rest on God's Word. I ask our Father to help me remember that I don't need to be afraid or discouraged because He is with me, and will never leave me. Deuteronomy 31:6 says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."  We all have times of struggle and it's easy for the old feelings of panic to creep in - but I believe our Father longs for us to trust Him. As we read in Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge ". Like a parent wants to hear about her child's problems, God listens to our cries coming from our hearts. I believe that prayer trumps panic. Every. Time.

Check out our Prayer time on Thursdays at noon. 

   

Don't forget to watch The Bridge for events you won't want to miss! There will be a beautiful Harp Concert presented on 12/9 @ 7pm in the Life Center, by harpist Barbara Moses. There are several opportunities for volunteer serving at upcoming services; particularly on Christmas Eve.  Please contact me with questions and to let me know how you can help. 

  

I'm praying for you!

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

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.