New Life Church Weekly Update

January 5, 2024

New This Week

• Thank You, from the New Life Staff
• Thank You, from the Children's Ministry
• Blood Drive, January 14
• Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, January 15
• Men's Breakfast, January 20
• First Steps Class, February 4

Thank You

Becca Tomasello, Director of Children & Family Ministries

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who shared their gifts, talents and time making 2023 an amazing year for our children and families. Our events would not have been possible without the time volunteers put in pouring themselves into the children at New Life Church. Most recently, with our Christmas Eve event, I am so grateful for everyone who showed up to lead crafts, games, do face painting and handing out info and fun bags to our guests. I appreciate all the amazing cookies that were donated to our bake sale! The children are beyond excited to see their game room start coming together.

I can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for Children's Ministry! 

Harmony Class, Begins Jan. 7

The Harmony Class will begin a new study this Sunday at 9:15 am in Lenox Hall. This six-week study, “Seeing God as a Perfect Father: and Seeing You as Loved, Pursued, and Secure" is presented by bestselling author and pastor Louie Giglio. In this powerful Bible study, Louie Giglio challenges our perceptions of who God is and points us to know him as a heavenly Father who is not absent or ambivalent but is available and ready to embrace you with his unconditional love and blessing. All are welcome to attend!

What does it mean to be a Wesleyan church in 2024?

This new study will be led by Pastor Earl Smith beginning Wednesday, January 10. The class will have two opportunities to meet. The first will be Wednesday mornings at 9:30 A.M. in Lenox Hall as an on-campus group setting. The second will be a ZOOM meeting on-line on Thursdays at 9:30. This ZOOM meeting schedule has been newly created by Earl.

To be on Pastor Earl’s mailing list for this Zoom class meeting please email him at revearl@hotmail.com. If you want to attend the class on-campus just show up on Wednesdays!

During this winter and spring we will take a look at subjects such as – who were John and Charles Wesley and how did they build a new denomination, how did the Methodist Church become so influential so quickly, and what are the principles we live by as Methodists and Wesleyans? New Life Church is committed to continuing in its Wesleyan roots. Just what does that mean? Let’s find out together.

Some of the resources we will be using include the following:

Men's Breakfast

The Men will be meeting on Saturday, January 20th at 8:00 am in Lenox Hall. Our guest speaker is Leo Modica, author of Mainstream Apologetics, a website that trains leaders to defend the truth claims of the Christian faith. He will be presenting “How to Engage with People on Matters of God’s Truth.” Leo will present the case for Modern Evangelism and our need to identify with people in this age of Relativism.

A Continental Breakfast will be provided. There is no charge for this event, but please make

reservations by Thursday, January 18th by contacting Wayne Sharp at sharpww@me.com.

First Steps Class

Are you considering becoming a member of New Life Church? Or, do you just want to know more about who we are and what God is calling us to be and do?

Then, join us for our First Steps Class, on Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 pm in Room 9.

This 2-hour session will be led by Pastor Mike as he takes you through what it is to be a Christian, and specifically, a Christian who worships, grows, and serves at New Life in Christ Church.

Sign-ups are extremely helpful to ensure we have enough materials and goodies for all. Please use the link below to sign up. Please contact Gail 941-639-3842 or gail@newlifeforall.church with any questions.

Download a Bible Reading Plan:

5 x 5 x 5 Plan: Download HERE | 5 Day Plan: Download HERE

Church Library Notes

In our library you will find many different books on the shelves. You will find commentaries and bible study guides, fiction and workbooks samples. You will find three shelves of Bibles. So many Bibles... all with the purpose of “instruction, correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:14

If you haven’t had the opportunity to do so, please come visit our church library. Browse the shelves and find a book that might give you some ideas about how to lead a small group. Or maybe a book to give you more inspiration on how to become the best disciple you can be. Come let our library support you in your walk with Christ.

Church history facts from our shelves….

In 1910 the white clapboard church structure was blown off it’s foundation. The church began the work building what is the church we know today. The brick came from an “ill-fated fertilizer plant” and also secured from an abandoned ice house. Beautiful stained glass windows were installed in 1915.

Jail & Prison Ministry, Volunteer Informational Session

January 17, 6pm in Room 9

Charlotte Re-Entry Initiative

 “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:36   

Please join us for a 1 hour informational session to learn about the serving opportunities in the Corrections Ministry in our community. 

Service Opportunities - We are seeking volunteers to work in our programs with:

• Male inmates at state prison – Punta Gorda
• Female and Male inmates at county jail – Punta Gorda
• Community follow up and mentoring with released inmates

Requirements:

• No experience necessary, just a caring heart
• You may but need not work inside the corrections facilities
• Volunteers with previous convictions are not excluded

Contact: David Ostrow, Director 847-651-8200, W. Craig Esterly, Director (412) 628-0836

Children's Ministry Updates

Becca Tomasello

We are so excited for a new year of programs! With the New Year approaching, it is time to update children's registration forms. You can find a copy on our website at https://newlifeforall.church/family-ministries/new-life-kid-zone/ or pre-printed copies in our classrooms.

We want a safe and fun experience for all children, so we have some new/updated safety measures in place for the new year. First and foremost, while we are so glad children want to bring their friends to programming, moving forward, no child will be permitted to stay in our children's areas without a registration form completed. We need to know of allergies or special needs and be able to reach parents in the case of an emergency. 

Second, there is a camera AND an intercom at the bottom of the stairs at the gate. This allows us to keep the gate closed as an extra layer of protection. If teachers do not realize service is over, they will be able to page up to the classroom to the teachers.

For nursery children, we have spent time this past year updating the nursery. We are just about done with the transformation. Beginning in January Pre-K kids (3 - 5) will be in room 11 and children 2 and under will be in room 12. All children will be checked in through room 11. We will not be supplying diapers, please bring your child with the necessary diapers and pull-ups. For children in both classrooms, please provide water bottles. We will provide snack.

Lastly, please don't forget to sign your child in prior to dropping off at the back of the Life Center. Nursery children will be checked in when they arrive at the nursery.

Hospital Visitation, Prayer Available

We want to know when you are having surgery or are in the hospital! We are available to pray with you before surgery and visit you in the hospital, rehab, etc.

Contact us through email: prayerteam@newlifeforall.church or call/text Pastor Bob, Minister of Pastoral Care (941) 585-9576.

Church Name Tags

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.