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 were so blessed to have Samaritan's Purse on our campus serving the community after Hurricane Ian. Here are some statistics shared by Shannon Daley from Samaritan's Purse regarding their time here:

Time on campus: 72 days from October 5, 2022 to December 15, 2022

Jobs completed: 863 (37.7 volunteer hours per job)

Volunteers: 1,114 (29.2 volunteer hours per person)

Hours of service:  32,536 or 813.4 work weeks

People who gave their Life to Christ:  169

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.

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

THE BACKSTORY - Beginning in 2023 Pastor Earl will be offering a new Bible study on Wednesday mornings. He wants to tackle this idea - What is the backstory behind many of the stories and people of the New Testament. For example, we'll hope to look at such things as - Who was John Mark and why did he become important to the apostle Paul? Why did Paul write that WOMEN should be quiet and not speak up in church? What does it mean to be a slave to Christ? What is meant by the statements that Christ lives in you? How did James, the brother of Jesus go from being a non-believer to a leader of the early church? What happened to the Apostles? What happened to Paul during all those years between his salvation and missionary years? Was Jesus ever sad, mad, angry, or scared? Did Jesus always know everything or was he as clueless as we are sometimes? So, if you might be interested in that type of a study join Earl January 4 in Lenox Hall at 9:30. And invite a friend to come with you!

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. 

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.

Save the date for our first Blood Drive of 2023, on Sunday, January 22. Sign up in advance for your donation appointment HERE.

The launch of a new year is a great time to get involved at New Life Church. We have many ministries and serving opportunities just waiting for YOU! Take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Form, letting us know what areas interest you, and we will be in touch to help you get plugged in.

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.

Caroling (Sung by all)

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.