New Life Church Weekly Update

November 10, 2023

This Sunday: November 12, 2023

8:00 am Praise in the Park, Gilchrist Park

9:15 am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

10:45 am Contemporary Worship, Life Center

Message: "Courageous"

Scripture: James 2:14-22

Pastor Angela Hinchman

New This Week

Shoebox Deadline, this Sunday!
Portrait of the Bride
Jimmy Wayne Concert, tickets available this Sunday for purchase
Praise in the Park, November 19 - in Sanctuary!
December Shower Ministry Needs
Larry Keller Bible Study, New Study Begins December 6
Cuba Medicines Needed
Christmas Eve, Children's Ministry Volunteers Needed
Kid Zone Christmas Bake Sale - Treats Needed!
Women's Beth Moore Bible Study, begins January 4

Portrait of a Bride

Linda Gillen

After months of planning, this day came and just under 100 women enjoyed the energetic, gifted & charming Leigh Anne Brown as she presented her “Portrait of a Bride, an Evolving Silhouette!"

And oh, what a delightful light fare lunch of tea sandwiches, skewered fruit pieces and ooooh those delicious homemade cupcakes!!!

Both UCW & non-members stepped up with their time, donations, support and hard work that made this Program the success it was! Thank you all, so very much!

Harmony Class

The Harmony Class will begin a new study this Sunday, November 12th at 9:15 a.m. in Lenox Hall. “The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent”, by Susan Robb, explores the angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. This four-week Advent experience will dive into the history of the angel Gabriel and other angels in the Bible. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Operation Christmas Child

Just as reminder... your packed Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes should be returned this Sunday but no later than Sunday, November 19th. Thank you for your help in bringing The Good News of Jesus Christ to children around the globe.

The New Life Church Goal Page for Packing a Shoebox Online will be available until December 31st. Click on the “Go to Your Goal Page” button below.

Build a Shoebox Online

Concert Tickets Available Sunday

Jimmy Wayne, former foster kid turned award-winning Nashville recording artist, author,

and inspiring speaker will share his music and passion for foster care reform at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, November 17. Proceeds benefit Crossroads Hope Academy.

Tickets are $40 and will be available for purchase this Sunday after the 9:15 and 10:45 service outside of Lenox Hall.

Praise in the Park, November 19

Due to a Craft Show at Gilchrist Park, Praise in the Park will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, November 19.

December Shower Ministry Needs

-Small men’s underwear (new and in packages)

-Men’s cargo shorts and jeans sizes 28, 30, 32, 34 (smaller sizes very much needed!)

-Men’s small, medium, large, 2X, 3X casual shirts and t-shirts

-Men’s tennis/boat shoes and sandals sizes 10 and up

-Men’s belts

-Lightweight blankets

*Please make sure all items (with exception of socks and underwear) are lightly worn and free from stains*

Men's Breakfast, November 18

All men are invited Saturday, November 18th at 8:00 am in Lenox Hall. Pastor Bob Carlson will be discussing Israel in light of recent events, and the importance of Israel to Christians.

A Continental Breakfast will be provided. There is no charge for this event, but please make reservations by Thursday, November 16 by contacting Wayne Sharp at sharpww@me.com.

Surviving the Holidays

Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a loved one? No matter how long it's been, grief can make the holidays a painful time, but there is hope. Our GriefShare program is once again offering an encouraging seminar to help those dealing with grief survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. We want to encourage you to sign up for this 2 hour seminar today, and join us Saturday, November 18 from 10am until Noon. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. For reservations or information, please call or text Melodie Austin at 941-661-0842 or you may email her at melharryaustin@yahoo.com.

Reservations must be made before Monday, November 13th.

Today Matters, November 18

On the heels of the attack on Israel, our guest for November and Today Matters Mental Health Ministries, will discuss firsthand accounts of the region and personal experience dealing with the various terrorist groups. Former US Navy SEAL Commander, Dan O’Shea, his experience and subject expert on counter-terrorism will share the truth about how these various groups work. Dan has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and other networks as the subject expert, giving insight into the inner workings and his history while on numerous tours rescuing innocent men, women, and children in the region. This is a “Do Not Miss” program on Saturday, November 18th starting at 4:00 pm sharp!

Food Donation Needs:

Fully Cooked Turkeys (50 needed)
Green Beans, Large Can
Yams, Large Can
Turkey Stuffing, Large Box
Mashed Potatoes, Large Box
Gravy, Large Jars
Pumpkin Pies

Please label all food donations "THANKSGIVING" and deliver them to Lenox Hall or the Life Center, beginning November 5.

ALL cooked turkeys should be delivered the MORNING of Thanksgiving, 8-10:30 am to Lenox Hall for carving.

Places to Serve:

Food preparers and Food servers (for the pick up meal line)
People to Deliver meals
Security persons (2)
Pie and bread preparers.
Turkey Carvers
Clean up crew (3 to 5)
Decorating Crew (Wednesday prior between 12-2)

To Volunteer, Contact:

Sherri O'Connell

Email: sherri.oconnell1003@gmail.com

Call/Text: 941-916-4050

Foster Care Christmas Luncheon

The Foster Care Christmas Luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 2nd in the Life Center. We have 130 kids registered for this event! Please help us to make this a special Christmas for these children by providing them with gifts. If you are willing to purchase a gift for under $25, please stop by the table in the Life Center on Sunday before the 9:15 and 10:45 am services. Please attach the card to the unwrapped gift and return it to the Life Center outside room 6 by November 26.

Thank you so much for helping us bless these children.

Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed

We will be returning to the Airport Road Publix this holiday season to ring the bells for the Salvation Army (November 25 - December 23). Please sign up for a time to ring the bell by using the link below, or you can call Gail in the church office 941-639-3842.

Bell Ringer Sign Up

Larry Keller's Bible Study

Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, Room 13 & Online (Zoom)

December 6th we will begin a 12-week study on God’s grace.

We will be using Dr. David Jeremiah’s materials called, "Captured by Grace."

The study guide is available for purchase HERE.

Contact: Larry Keller

Email: keller657b@gmail.com

Phone: 941-391-3940

Cuba Mission Trip, December 8

The December 8 Mission Trip to Cuba is getting ready to go with Geri Bodner, Shirley DeJean, Tom Little, Wayne Sharp, Shirley Stewart, and Becky Van Pelt participating. They will be visiting our sister churches and missions to encourage our fellow Christians and show our support for their bringing people to Jesus. Each will carry a 50 pound luggage to be filled with medicines and children's kindergarten Sunday school supplies. Now we need 6 large suitcases which can be dropped off at the Bargain Boutique. We can also carry iPhones, iPads, and laptop computers. These electrical devices must have chargers and be cleared of personal information. A list of the needed supplies can be found on the "CUBA" Box located in Lenox Hall where gifts can be left. For questions, call Tom Little, 941-769-0002, kalani@comcast.net.

Cuba Medicines

On our earlier trips to Cuba we passed pharmacies with block long lines of people waiting to get medicines. On trips this year, the pharmacies were brightly lit and totally empty. There are no medicines in rural Cuba, not even a bandaid. We plan to take six suitcases full of medicines and bandages on our December 8 trip. Your gift can be left in the "CUBA MEDICINE" BOX on the mission table in Lenox Hall. A suggested list on most needed medicines is attached to the box and you should take a copy. These over-the-counter medicines can be found at Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS and other retailers. All medicines must not have been opened and must be sealed. No liquids can be taken. If there is an expiration date, it must be past December 2024. If you have a question about these medicines, contact Geri Bodnar, 941-628-4012.

A Word from Worship

Greetings New Life Church family and friends,

To say that the past couple weeks have been busy is no exaggeration. Our church has celebrated the lives of three of our members and also was blessed to celebrate the baptism ceremony of our own adorable Zyera Tomasello, daughter of Becca and Matt. Somewhere in the midst of these special and important worship blessings, UCW had a very successful event entitled "Portrait of a Bride." All of these opportunities to worship and praise our Heavenly Father occur for different life situations, but are each a time of great blessings. As coordinator of these various services, I am well aware of the huge blessing I receive each time I am able to work with families to help even in a small way to celebrate and honor the Life of their loved one. These are truly great gifts and I am humbled to serve. It led me to an article in one of my Dayspring magazines, titled "You are Blessed!" When I think about it, we are truly blessed, each and every day. Did you know that blessings involve both giving and receiving? Blessing others in biblical times was a vital part of life. To bless people meant many things - to praise them, to pray for them, and to commit them to God's care. I know that God sends lots of blessings to my life and yours as well. To receive His blessings does not always mean we enjoy tangible gifts,- life, joy, peace, abundance, children, health, reputation freedom etc. But it does mean the gift to develop a much deeper special relationship with Him and part of this means becoming a blessing to others. We must be careful not to think of blessings in terms of material things. Deuteronomy 28:2 "You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.," His greatest gifts are more valuable than money or even things, - but in things like peace of heart, spiritual growth, and the confidence of eternal life. I believe God wants us to share this truth with other people and thus be a great blessing to them. Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." We have many opportunities here at New Life Church and in our community to share blessings with many. It gives me such great hope to recognize the many blessings I receive every day when I share them with others. Please remember that Surviving the Holidays program is coming up on 11/18. Look in the Bridge for info or call the church office. This is a perfect example of blessing someone who might need this support. Also please watch for upcoming important dates of events happening in the next few weeks.

Reach out and bless someone this week!

I am praying for you!

Rosie Young

Worship Coordinator

rosie@newlifeforall.church

Christmas Eve, Children's Ministry

Volunteers & Christmas Treats Needed!

Craft / Games Leaders

If you are available to help Christmas Eve from 12:30 - 3:00 pm at Gilchrist Park, please sign up using the link below:

Serve on Christmas Eve Signup

Christmas Treats

We are planning a Christmas Treat Bake Sale to benefit our Children's Ministry. Treats would be needed in the Lenox Hall kitchen by Thursday, December 21. Please label all treats and if any nuts are in the recipe let Becca know. (becca@newlifeforall.church)

Advent Study:

"An Unlikely Advent" by Rachel Billups

Led by Pastor Earl Smith

Wednesdays 9:30-11 AM, Lenox Hall

Begins November 15

This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.

Pregnancy Solutions Annual Fundraising Gala, December 12

The Pregnancy Solutions Annual Fundraising Gala on December 12 will be a night to remember, having a meal with like-minded individuals who share a passion for reaching families in their time of crisis. Your partnership will impact more than 2,600 lives in 2024, bringing hope and stability to families throughout our area. Your contribution will create lasting change and provides essential resources to those who need them most. Because of your generosity, our clients engage in one-on-one mentorship, education, material support, and group class opportunities…all at no cost to them!

Our church members may share a table with Debbie Harrington as Host. To register to go the website: https://pregnancysolutions.org/gala/.

Women's Bible Study - Cost: $20, payable at the first session

Childcare reservation deadline: December 23, 2023

Dates to Remember - Mark your Calendars!

November 18, Men's Breakfast

November 18, Surviving the Holidays

November 18, Today Matters

November 19, Blood Drive

November 23, Community Thanksgiving Dinner

December 2, Foster Care Christmas Luncheon

December 3, Town Hall Meeting

December 8, Harp Concert

December 17, Blue Christmas

December 24, Christmas Eve

Schedule your November 19 Blood Donation Appointment HERE

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.