New Life in Christ Church Weekly Update - February 10, 2023 |
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This Sunday: February 12, 2023 |
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9:00 am Contemporary, Life Center
11:00 am Traditional, Sanctuary
Message: "Foundation"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Important Announcement: TIME CHANGE! |
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Begins Sunday, March 5, 2023
8 am – Praise in the Park, Gilchrist Park
9:15 am – Traditional, Sanctuary
10:45 am – Contemporary, Life Center
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- Aslan Loomis - How can we help?
- Cuba Medicine Distribution
- Shower Ministry Clothing Needs
- Hospitality Team Meeting - February 22
- Ash Wednesday - February 22
- Newcomers Lunch - February 26
- Parent's Night Out - February 24
- United Christian Women Gathering - February 27
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Dear New Life Church Family & Friends:
As many of you are aware, Pastor Mike & Debbie Loomis’s grandson, Aslan, was born with a very rare medical condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome. He spent weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and he is now home with a feeding tube and tracheostomy. Both of these necessary, life-saving interventions require 24/7 care. Aslan’s parents, Sean and April, have both been unable to return to their jobs to provide this necessary care for their infant son. They have been taught the procedures needed for life-sustaining home care for Aslan. The effects of Aslan’s health problems are devastating to this family in numerous ways. We cannot change Aslan’s diagnosis or future medical interventions that will be required as he grows from infancy. So, how can we help?
Pray. We have been praying for the Loomis families, and especially for Aslan. As God’s hands and feet, we wondered how we could best help Sean, April, and Aslan. What the future holds for this special-needs child and his family isn’t clear, but we can clearly see and recognize the immediate need for financial assistance.
Love Donations for Aslan. We appeal to the hearts and love of our New Life Church congregation and friends to provide financial support to help defray the medical expenses of the Sean Loomis family. Sean and April have already endured enormous medical expenses and in order to be home to care for Aslan, their sources of income have significantly decreased. They have applied for assistance, but that is a lengthy and laborious process. Time is of the essence.
Please consider making a generous “Love Donation for Aslan” with a check to: “New Life Church” and a memo line notation: “Donation for Aslan Loomis”
Thank you for your prayers and for taking the time to reflect on this love request for Aslan.
In Faith and Hope,
Linda Gillen & Friends of New Life Church
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Cuba Medicines Distributed |
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Our Cuba Mission Team carried 150 pounds of medicines to Cuba last week in three duffel bags. Here are some pictures of the medicines being distributed by our Taguasco Sister Church. Thanks to our members for shopping for and contributing medicines which are totally unavailable in Cuba. |
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Shower Ministry Clothing Needs |
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The following are the only items needed at this time:
Men
-New underwear in packages (sizes S, M, XL, XXL)
Gently used and no stains in:
-Shorts (casual, cargo or jeans) sizes 28, 30, 32, 34
-Jeans sizes 28, 30, 32, 34
-Belts in all sizes
-Tennis shoes, casual shoes, or sandals in all sizes
Women
-New underwear in packages sizes S, M, XL, XXL
Please bring your donated items to the bin in Lenox Hall. Thank you!
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Do you have a birthday month approaching? The Scholarship Committee would like for our Bridge readers to remember the “Birthday Box” donation program with an opportunity to contribute to the higher education scholarship fund for our future recipients. During the month of your birthday, consider donating one dollar for every year old that you are. For example, if you are 50 years old, you would donate $50. If you desire to financially support this program, you can drop off your donation to the Birthday Box located in the Life Center foyer on the information table. May you have a happy birthday by donating a blessing to a future recipient! |
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Members and Friends of our church will camp at Hardee Lakes County Park from Monday February 13 until Friday February 17. The park is about 40 miles from Church and the camping sites are on a lake. We will enjoy the campfire and will hike, canoe, kayak, fish and enjoy each others company. You can come for the week or as much time as you want. Our Hosts are Linda and Peter Gillen, 941-661-8367, and they are on site 47. For more information about the park and to make reservations, call 863-761-1100. Let Peter or Linda know when you make your reservation so that they can include you in the activities. |
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Men's Fellowship & Breakfast - February 18 |
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The Men will be meeting on Saturday, February 18th at 8:00 am in Lenox Hall. Tom Parker will be our speaker. He recently joined Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as the lead person and will be talking about his new role and vision for reaching youth. Tom was previously the Area Director for Young Life. A Continental Breakfast and beverages will be provided. There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP by Thursday, February 16th below or email Wayne Sharp: sharpww@me.com. |
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Today Matters - February 18 |
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We will hear from 3 very special local "angels" at our next Today Matters event on Saturday, February 18 - Tidewell Hospice, the Punta Gorda Police Department and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Mark your calendars to attend and hear about all they do for our community and it's residents. |
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Join our Hospitality Team! |
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We will have a training and informational meeting on opportunities to be part of our Hospitality Ministry - whether as a greeter, usher, or part of the "cookie club"!
Join us on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:30 am in the sanctuary.
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Our Ash Wednesday service will be at 7pm on Wednesday, February 22 in the sanctuary. |
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New to New Life Church? Join us for Lunch! |
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If you are new to New Life Church, we invite you to join the Pastors for lunch on Sunday, February 26 after the 11:00 service. Please RSVP by February 23. |
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Save the Date for Feed the Harbor, which will be on Sunday, February 26 from 9 am - 3 pm. Learn more about Feed the Harbor HERE.
Feed the Harbor is a one-day opportunity for all the churches of Charlotte County to come together and fill the local food pantries while providing the community with a picture of what it means for Christ-followers to be the "hands and feet of Jesus."
New Life Church is in charge of the Airport Road Publix.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
We need volunteers on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 8:30AM to 3:30PM.
Shifts change at noon. Each shift needs:
- people to distribute shopping lists at the door
- people to collect the food as shoppers pay
- people to collect the food as shoppers leave the store
- people to take food to sorting tables
- people to sort food into appropriate boxes and put on specific pallets
- people to assist food pantries with loading food into their vehicles
We need for someone to be the leader that day.
We need someone able to transport tables morning and afternoon.
We need everyone to volunteer to help and shop!
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Sign up to help with Feed the Harbor by contacting:
Chris Wilkens, 941-276-4416
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United Christian Women - February 27 |
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Calling ALL Women!
Mark your calendars for Monday, February 27 at 11:30 am for a fun and informative lunch in Lenox Hall. The lunch is provided by you, as we ask that each of you bring a salad of your own choosing to share. Our special guests of honor will be Pastor Bob, his friend Nicky and some of Nicky's buddies. They will help us to share ideas and plan ahead for the future of our United Christian Women. Invite a friend to join in the fun! This gathering is for ALL women, not just members. Please join us!
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Greetings Everyone,
I have some exciting news to share…Barbara Moses will be performing a concert of favorite hymns. The program is entitled, “An Afternoon of Hymns on the Harp”. The concert will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 4:00 PM in the Historic Sanctuary. This event is free – no tickets are needed.
“An Afternoon of Hymns on the Harp” Concert – March 26, 2023, at 4:00 PM
Barbara Moses, Harpist
Free Concert – No Tickets Needed.
The Chancel Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM and plays at the 11:00 AM 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 6:00 PM in the Historic Sanctuary and sings Sundays at the 11:00 AM Service. The Chancel Choir is open to anyone interested – no audition is necessary.
Please contact me for more information or questions.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music – February 12, 2023 - 11:00 AM Service
Prelude: Canon Of Grace – L. Lamb
Chancel Ringers & David Bellows, Director
Opening Hymn: 374 Standing On The Promises
Offertory Anthem: Lord Of The Wind And The Sea – L. Larson
Jay Mumper, Congas
Doxology 95
Closing Hymn: 368 My Hope Is Built
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – R. Hobby
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Greetings New Life Church family and friends --
February is well underway and planning for Lenten services and Easter Sunday celebrations are being completed, which gives me a sense of normalcy following the lengthy weeks post-hurricane which seemed less than routine. And while we look forward to our beautiful traditions, I also sense God bringing new life into the growth of our church family. New Bible studies, small group opportunities as well as a place and time to share coffee, doughnuts, and conversation between worship services on Sunday mornings. Cookies for new guests give us a chance to meet and make new friends. This results in new opportunities to serve in one of the many volunteer areas at New Life Church. It's the best and easiest way to get involved and grow in faith. We will have a training and informational meeting on opportunities To be part of our hospitality ministry - whether as a greeter, usher, or part of the "cookie club,"! We will meet on Wednesday 2/22/23 @ 10:30 am in the sanctuary. I will share that when we were new, someone lovingly pushed us into helping (I had no idea what that meant) but it was the beginning of many beautiful blessings. I used to wonder what my purpose was after I could no longer work. There were no flashing lights directing me, although God put a passion right in front of me when someone simply asked "Will you help welcome folks today?" God has given us our unique gifts and talents to achieve what He wants us to do. We are perfect just as we are because that's how He made us. 1 Peter 4:10 Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. Many of you are aware of my health issues and also are aware that God has shown such mercy and great love to me. While I'm certainly not perfect, through prayer and service, our Father in heaven has shown how He loves us through kindness, humility, mercy, and patience which I try to pass on by praying for others. I'd like to encourage everyone to join us in a prayer effort throughout Lent. I realize schedules don't allow us to meet daily for prayer but we can all take a moment at noon each day and say the Lord's Prayer to ourselves. Set your phone alarm or some other means to remind you of the time; invite your friends and family to participate and let's see what wonderful things can happen.
Now, a quick update: I was supposed to be done with my IV antibiotics this Wednesday 2/8, however, my current x-ray came back showing "worsening of the bone infection" in my foot. Plan now is another week of IVs and then if improvement probable suppressive antibiotic therapy for the very long term. I continue to be blessed by your love and prayers. I will pray for you!
Please watch for more info on upcoming events!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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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.
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
Sign up to receive text messages & daily devotions by calling the church office.
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All past issues of The Bridge are available on our website HERE.
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