New Life Church Weekly Update

October 17, 2025

This Sunday: October 19, 2025

9:15 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

10:45 Contemporary Worship, Life Center

Message: "The True Vine"

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Pastor Casey

New this Week:

Thank You, Playground Rebuilding Gift
My New Life in Christ Church Experience, Craig Holcomb
Fields of Faith, October 22
Family Night, November 5

OCC Packing Party

Last Sunday night our teens hosted their Annual shoebox the packing party. Together we packed 138 Shoeboxes a new record for this event! In attendance were approximately 80 students, parents, members of our church, and even our community at large came out to support this event. They had a great time packing Shoeboxes while to listening to Christmas music. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship around the table as they wrote special notes for the child receiving the shoebox.

Now it's YOUR TURN to pack a shoebox!!

Boxes ready for filling can be found in the Sanctuary, Lenox Hall and Life Center. Take one (or more!) home with you this Sunday, and bring back to the church by Sunday, November 23rd.

Thank You, Playground Rebuilding Gift

AJ Rilat, Director of Children's Ministry

As the director of the Children’s Ministry, I would like to thank the Endowment Committee for seeing my vision and supporting the building of a play area for the children and families of New Life Church. Rebuilding a playground was not a priority when our campus suffered through 3 major hurricanes with major damages.

The Endowment Committee managed to rebuild and repair essential buildings for worship, Bible study, and Fellowship and a play area for the children. Thank you, for your unwavering commitment and support to restore our campus.

The Ark play structure was not essential, but much needed. You have restored and repaired our buildings and with the Ark play structure that is now ordered and will soon fill that beautiful fenced grassy area, you have also restored the hope of having young families and children to continue the legacy of our faith here at New Life Church.

Our church will continue to grow as we serve the Lord, sharing the Word here in our community. Thank you for restoring and rebuilding New Life Church.

Boldly Pray the Kingdom Forward

Because His Reign is Our Victory

My New Life in Christ Church Experience

by Craig Holcomb

Late last May I was diagnosed with having 4 heart arteries in different stages of being blocked. We had been following these for several years, but now was the time to attack them by open heart by-pass surgery. We had to wait 10 weeks to see the surgeon, and then another 4 weeks to have the surgery. The blockages were hereditary, as my dad and both his parents passed with heart issues.

The journey began with those servants of Jesus in our church who found out about my upcoming surgery and began to pray for me. The surgery was August 4th. The day before surgery we had a combined meeting of three of our committees to look at flood panels to cover all of our doors and windows on the campus after last year’s storms. We had about 15 of us in the room.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Pastor Casey called everyone over to lay hands on me and pray for my surgery, the doctors and nurses, and for my wife, Denise, who would have to deal with me during my recovery. I have always been on the giving side of the laying of hands on someone, never on the receiving side. It was a very humbling experience because all of these servants of Jesus were boldly praying for me and those who would be performing the surgery. I left feeling very good blessed about the surgery and having the backing of so many praying members of our church.

All of the prayer groups, and individuals of our congregation, began praying for me, my surgery, and my poor wife who had to take care of me afterwards. For some reason, many prayed for Denise because they thought I would not be a good patient?!! I had never been on the receiving end of a lot of folks praying for me. Again, very humbling and very powerful.

“Bring people to the feet of Jesus in prayer.”

On August 4th, at the Lee County Heart Facility, after they prepped me and had started the IV’s, I sort of woke up, and at the end of my bed was Pastor Bob. One of many of Pastor Bob’s gifts is to visit those who are in hospitals, nursing homes, at home, and anywhere they are when in need of prayer for recovery. So I thought, gee Pastor Bob is here, so I either didn’t make it through surgery and he was here to send me to the Lord, or I was about to go into surgery. The drugs certainly were confusing me. He didn’t have one of his “buddies” with him, talking for him, so I thought I was safe yet!

We joked and Pastor Bob prayed for me, the surgical staff, the nurses and doctors who would take care of me that day and afterwards. When he was praying it was like all the prayers that everyone else had been praying for me came out at once. I felt at peace with the Holy Spirit watching over me, and all the caregivers who were performing the surgery.

After surgery the prayers, cards, texts, and phone calls were still coming in. The short ending is that I had no pain whatsoever after surgery. My recovery has been excellent, and my rehab exercise at the hospital 3 days a week has given me some of the strength back that is needed to repair the heart and the lungs. This will continue through December, but each day has been better than the day before.

“When you are praying you are partnering with Jesus.”

So taking all of what Pastor Casey has been teaching us with the Psalms, especially the last one, Psalm 110, the prayers and support from our church have been an incredible and humble experience for me knowing that our church members are consistently praying in partnership with Jesus, and working positive results for many who are in need.

May God continue to bless New Life in Christ Church as we work in partnership with Him by “boldly pray the kingdom forward because his reign is our victory.”

Fields of Faith, October 22

Tim Buck, Director of Youth Ministries

All are welcome to join us next Thursday Oct. 22nd as we partner with Fellowship Christian Athletes for “Fields of Faith." This special event is totally free and will take place at Charlotte High School football stadium. It all starts at 6pm with food, then 6:30-8pm will include singing, prayer, testimonies from students, professional athletes, and more.

Charitable IRA Contributions

Are you taking required minimum distributions from an IRA? Did you know that you can make contributions or special gifts to the Church through this distribution process, and you will not pay Income Tax for funds directed to the Church. If you are interested, contact your financial advisor or IRA custodian and ask about Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Bell Ringing Coordinator Needed

Each December, our church faithfully rings the bell for the Salvation Army at the Publix on Airport Road. This year, we’re looking for someone to take the lead in organizing the volunteer schedule.

If you feel called to serve in this way, please contact Kathy or Katherine in the church office — we’d love to have your help!

Our Children's Ministry Need iPads

We’re looking for gently used iPads to use in our Kid Zone. iPads work best with our check-in system and printers. If you’re able to donate, please ensure the device is a 9th generation or newer (4 years old or less).

Donated iPads can be brought to the Church Office, Life Center, Room 1 (Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm). Thank you so much for helping us serve our families more efficiently!

Our Prayer Room has been beautifully restored through a generous gift from the Moenning family — given in memory of Mrs. Jean Moenning and in honor of Dr. John Moenning.

Please join us Sunday, October 19th, between services (10:15–10:30 am)

in the Prayer Room for a special time of dedication as we thank God for this sacred space

and the generosity that made it possible.

Blood Drive, October 19

The Big Red Bus will be on campus Sunday, October 19th from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm.

Donors receive:

-Cancer Awareness T-shirt

-$20 eGift Card

-Chick-fil-A Coupon

-Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Schedule your appointment HERE.

CANCELLED - Theater Set Design Meeting, October 19

The theater set design meeting originally scheduled for October 19 has been cancelled. Thank you for your understanding!

A Word from Worship

Greetings New Life Church family and friends,

What beautiful days we are having with sunshine, yet not sweltering heat. It reminds me that I used to worry about anything and everything, had no self confidence and felt negative much of the time. I was the kid that always came in last so was always picked last for teams. Ugh! Of course I didn't know at that young school age that my many medical issues were getting ready to make themselves known, but it probably wouldn't have made a difference. As years passed, I never went to church of any kind. Like many others life happened but I knew someone or something was missing. I tried a couple of alternative religions but clearly that didn't solve anything. Years passed and my bone disease progressed until I needed a 12 hour surgery to reconstruction my spine. And my sweet sister in law introduced me to the chaplain who worked with her at the hospital. He sat with me that very early morning before surgery and said "Rosie have you prayed?" I looked at him and admitted that I didn't even know how to pray, but that simple question was the turning point in my life. Now those of you who know me now,

understand how important prayer and closeness to God are in my life. Have my medical problems gone away? No - they continue with new problems at various times in my journey. But I now know that He is always by my side and while bad things might rear their ugly situations at times, I am never afraid or ever alone. I have been blessed to share my experiences with many of you and I love talking about my prayer journey with anyone who's willing to listen. My blessings have passed on to my friends and family who have seen the changes in my life. This gift from God is meant to be shared with others so they too get many blessings. My granddaughter contacted me last evening to say that her beautiful 23 month old baby- my great grandson had just had a seizure and they were in an ambulance on the way to a hospital. Her words to me were: please pray for my baby. I told her I would get the word out to the prayer warriors and many prayers were coming. I'm happy to report that all is well and he's home. She was overwhelmed by the response to prayer. As she said" prayer really worked and we are so grateful ". We have an awesome God and He encourages us to stand strong even if our bodies are sometimes weak. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Even in our challenging days our options are to trust in God. In Him we have all we need not only to survive but to thrive. Prayer and service to Him is a way learn to share our faith with others.

I'm praying for you!

Rosie Young

Worship Coordinator

rosie@newlifeforall.church

Pizza with the Pastor, November 2

Are you NEW to New Life Church? We would love to get to know you better and invite you to Pizza with the Pastor! This casual lunch and time for conversation with Pastor Casey will be held right after the 10:45 service the first Sunday of each month, in Room 9. Childcare is available upon request. Please RSVP using the link below:

Pizza with the Pastor

Family Night

All children and their families are invited for dinner, fellowship and fun the first Wednesday of the month in Lenox Hall. Please RSVP to Linda Olson this month, lindaolson@comcast.net.

New Life 101

November 9 & 16, 2025

New Life 101 is for anyone new or new-ish who wants to know more about New Life Church. Classes are held over two consecutive Sundays from 12-1:30 pm in Room 9. Both sessions are required for anyone considering church membership. Lunch will be provided (as will nursery, upon request).

Dates to Remember - Mark your Calendars!

OCTOBER

Today Matters, October 18

Prayer Room Dedication, October 19

Blood Drive, October 19

NOVEMBER

Pizza with the Pastor, November 2

Family Night, November 5

New Life 101, November 9 & 16

Surviving the Holidays, November 15

Today Matters, November 15

Community Thanksgiving Dinner, November 27

Thanksgiving Dinner - November 27T

Donations

Joey DePetro, joey@newlifeforall.church

All large boxes and large cans, please:

Stuffing (dry in a box)
Green Beans
Dehydrated Mashed Potatoes
Turkey Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Fully Cooked Turkey:
Must be brought in the morning of Thanksgiving. No sooner please.

Donations may be brought to Lenox Hall, Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm.

Volunteers

Chris Wilkens, cfmorson@comcast.net

This year New Life's Thanksgiving dinner will be a free, open to the public, sit down dinner, place settings, real dishes, full menu, and lots of fun, love and fellowship!!!

I am amazed that so many signed up to serve in many areas! But we need so many more!

We will be having two shifts to serve: 11:30-1:30 and 1:30-3:00. Having two shifts makes it easy for those on your feet and allows those serving to also join us for dinner! Other groups will begin much earlier or work later. The 11:30 group arrives 1/2 hour before we start. We will begin with prayer, answer questions, and everyone will have time to get to their stations and be ready. 1:30 - 3:00 will arrive a few minutes early to shadow their counterpart and be ready. Explanation of "bussers": Each will be assigned 1 or 2 tables. The people will sit, you get their dinners from the kitchen, bring them their drinks, serve their pie, and clean up the table for the next folks. "Floaters" will help wherever necessary!

Again, these are the areas for serving:

Wednesday set up: 10:00-12:00

Greeters: Shifts 1 and 2

Bussers: Shifts 1 and 2

Turkey Carvers: 9:00-12:00

Kitchen Help: Joey is the boss!

Clean Up: 2:30-4:30

Drinks: Shifts 1 and 2

Floaters: Shifts 1 and 2

Shut in delivery: 10:30 - 12

PLEASE CONTACT ME:

CHRIS WILKENS AT cfmorson@comcast.net OR YOU CAN CALL ME AT 941-276-4416 WITH YOUR FIRST AND SECOND CHOICES ONLY. PLEASE REPLY SOON - IT TAKES A LOT OF SERVANTS TO SERVE THIS WONDERFUL EVENT!!

And now I ask you to pray over this Thanksgiving dinner, that all the glory and honor goes to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all who come, all who serve, and all who enjoy this meal delivered to them, will be blessed beyond measure!

Help Us Keep in Touch!

Can you spare 2 minutes to verify / update your information in our church database?

You can upload a current profile photo, confirm or change contact info, and household details - directly through our Church Center app. Scan the QR code with the camera on your mobile device or click the link below. Thank you!!

UPDATE 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.

New Life Name Tags

If you would like a name tag (magnetic or pin style), you can request one HERE or by calling Katherine in the church office 941-639-3842 ext 106. Suggested donation, $6 per nametag.