We continue offering worship via Facebook Live at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays - please join us on our Facebook page for this opportunity!

If you have trouble joining Facebook Live, the worship videos will be available by each Monday on New Life's YouTube Channel.

Thank you to all who have been participating in our weekly worship!

View last Sunday's 9:30 am service from Sunday, December 4 - click here.

ACCESS WORSHIP

Join us for worship Sundays at 8:15 a.m. (Traditional) and at 9:30 a.m. (Praise Band Worship) which is also always livestreamed on our Facebook page and available on our YouTube page any time after, not just when we're live. Our most recent worship services are also posted to our website on Monday mornings and are featured in the weekly newsletters on Wednesdays. Masks are optional but encouraged if people want to wear them.

WEDNESDAY DINNER AND ADVENT DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

You are invited to join others in the New Life community for dinner Wednesday nights at 5:30 pm through Dec. 21– TONIGHT we'll have breakfast foods, and then at 6:30 pm we'll gather in the Worship Center for an Advent Devotional Service. Pastor Heather will lead us in reading scripture and poems together and singing some favorite Christmas carols. Join us!

WE'VE GOT SOME UPCOMING EVENTS - "SAVE THE DATES!"

January has new opportunities coming up!

· December 31 — New Year's Eve - OFFICE CLOSED

· January 1, 2023 — New Year's Day & 1st Sunday Breakfast - Worship in PJs

· January 2 — OFFICE CLOSED

· January 4 — Epiphany Party at 5:30 p.m.

· January 5 — Bible Study Group begins new series "Bad Girls of the Bible"

· January 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - OFFICE CLOSED

· January 29 — Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

· January 30— American Red Cross Blood Drive here from 11 am - 6:30 pm

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ACCESS THE CHURCH DATABASE (Community Church Builder, or "CCB")

Curious about the church's database? Did you know you can enter and update your contact information and view your own giving profile? Follow this link with step-by-step directions provided by our church treasurer Ken.

YEAR-END GIVING

First of all, we are so thankful for all the ways you already financially support the ministry of St. Matthew New Life! We pray that you will continue to give in any way that you can, and potentially consider an additional end of the year gift. As we look forward to 2023 and beyond, we hope that you’ll help New Life end the year on a very strong note! There are also other ways to give: from your IRA (if you're over age 70 ½ ), stock appreciation transfer, or living will or trust giving. If you have questions about any of this, please let the office know and we can give you more information. Please remember that all year-end giving needs to be postmarked by Dec. 31! As always, this ministry only happens in and through you! Thank you!

Don’t forget our online option and automated giving! Just go to our Vanco page where you can log in to your account. Once you’ve logged in, it should take you to your giving detail. If you click “Edit” you can edit amount, frequency, and account. Once you've signed up to give electronically, please let the office know if you no longer need offering envelopes and we can have those discontinued for you.

YOUR OFFERING

Thanks for your support to meet our financial obligations. Consider giving online, if you aren't already! You can select a one-time donor or recurring donation, and it's easy to do - just click the box below to begin. Or as always, you can mail in your donations to New Life.

NEW LIFE SATURDAY BOOK CLUB

The New Life Book Club led by Melanie Stepherson will meet next on Saturday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Classroom. We will be discussing Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas. This is the story of British abolitionist William Wilberforce, and his role as human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament. 

This account of Wilberforce's life will help many to become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America.

Stamping Group

Monday, December 12 - 6:30 p.m.

On the second Monday of the month, New Life Church hosts a rubber stamping group in the Community Room. The group makes beautifully designed and crafted greeting cards. All are welcome to join in this fun evening of stamping and fellowship. Contact leader Cheryll Steinke to let her know you'll be participating or with any questions.

Common Threads

Ginny Olson and Gail Kriel lead knitters and crocheters in the Common Threads group, to make prayer shawls and blankets for the prayer shawl ministry. Sessions take place at Ginny's studio on the second Tuesday evenings of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday mornings of the month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. To sign up and for info, email Ginny.

The group meets next on Tuesday,December 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Free prayer shawls are available at the church for anyone who would like one.

MEN’S GROUP

Hey guys! We're offering a time for the men of our community to gather and be strengthened in their faith, and we invite new people to join us anytime! The next time we'll get together will be on Saturday, December 17th from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the church. We are working on some potential projects and gatherings. If you have questions, please let the office know.

Sunday Mornings

New Life Kids

Join us during the 9:30 a.m. service for a children’s message and craft.

Explorers & eMerge

Youth Faith Formation is every Sunday after 9:30 service. THIS Sunday we will be shopping at Target for Big Brother Big Sister gifts. Meet in the community room at 10:30 and we will carpool over together. Let Jessica know you are coming here!

MISSION TRIP 2023 - Sarasota, FL

Trip Dates: Sunday, July 9th - Friday, July 14th

We will be spending the week in Sarasota Florida to bring relief and restoration to the victims of Hurricane Ian.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the informational meeting! The majority agreed that they would rather fly. I will continue to look into flights and as of the right now we still plan on the cost being around $300 - $500.

There are only 15 spots available for youth and chaperones. The deposit and sign up are due by December 18th.

It was such a great day at Breakfast with Santa! About 400 people came out to enjoy! Thank you to all the helpers!

If you are interested or want more information on any of the activities, feel free to reach out to Jessica Korrison.

SOCIAL PURPOSE FUND

Throughout the pandemic, we have been able to help so many families in the community because of this fund. Most recently, due to inflation especially at the gas pump, we have distributed almost $2000 in much-needed gift cards. Please know that if you are experiencing any financial need (rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, medical, unemployment/furlough, etc.) you only need to let Pastor Heather know. This information will be kept confidential to her and our financial officers (treasurer and bookkeeper).

Also, because of these increased needs, if you would be able to give to this fund, please submit checks with "Social Purpose Fund" in the memo or give online to that fund.

Other ways you and your family can partner: support black-owned businesses (click here for a list and for other ways you can help).

Again, thank you for caring and sharing!

TEEN GIFT DRIVE

It's that time again - the annual New Life Teen Gift Drive to gather gifts for middle and high school students in our area. We will once again be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County to distribute the gifts we collect. The now familiar Gift Box will be set up at church through THIS Sunday, December 11.   

We do have a few gift ideas but the best approach is to get advice from a teen. If you would prefer, the BBBS folks have put together an Amazon Wishlist to purchase items and have them shipped directly to them.  This is the link for the wish list if you are interested: https://a.co/8r3x8tV.

Teen gift ideas: Paint by numbers, Card or board games, Bluetooth speaker, Hydroflask stickers, LED photo clip lights for a room, Headphones, sweaters, nail polish, socks, Carhart winter hats, glove spa-like face masks. OR gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.

New this year there's an option to donate money for our middle and high school youth to go shopping THIS Sunday on December 11th. We will be shopping at Target for Big Brother Big Sister gifts. Meet in the community room at 10:30 and we will carpool over together. Let Jessica know you are coming here!

Questions? Contact Kathy Michaelis at [email protected]. g manage during this time of year.

One More Idea for the Holiday Gift Giving...you could donate towards the social purpose fund with a $50 Woodman's gift card and bring it to the church office.

SOUL SANTA - December 16 event

Preparations ahead of time

Dinner with Soul Santa started in 2008 as an event to bring together a few families in the community to share in a holiday celebration. The event, hosted in partnership by Foster Dane County along with Nehemiah, has grown massively since then and is often sold out in advance.

The dinner is centered around meeting the cultural needs of families of color by giving children an opportunity to see a Santa who reflects their cultural identity. In addition to a hearty holiday meal, attendees sing Christmas songs, make crafts, and play games together. The event is free for all families that RSVP so don’t miss out!

If you would like to learn more or donate toward this event please contact them here.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE JANUARY 30TH

New Life Church will be the venue for a Blood Drive of the American Red Cross on Monday, January 30, 2023. Mark your calendar to save the date! Times will be from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

The Red Cross North Central Blood Services Division of Sheboygan Ave. in Madison is hoping for about 20-25 blood donations. All donation appointments will be made through their website:

redcross.org/local/wisconsin/about-us/locations/southwest-chapter.html.

Please Keep These People in Your Prayers

Donna Butler’s grandson Anthony, Shaq Brown, the friends and family of Carolyn Dawson, Boyd Fleming, Terry Hines (Dave Kolmodin's cousin), Michele Kiefer, Dave Kohlwey's brother Neil, Gail Kriel, Patti Kolmodin, Vicki Landes, Hailey Lennberg, Annie O'Kane, Kathy Nelson's brother LaVerne (hospitalized after a bad fall), Stephanie Peck (grandfathers in hospice), Alvina Phillips, Trish Splettstoesser, Bobby Spridco, Cheryll & Bill Steinke, Bill Sterud, Russ & Shirley Theel's son-in-law Gil Franco, Carolee Zick, and Barb Zimmerman.

If you would like to be included on our prayer list, please contact the church office. Permission is required from the individual for us to print their name. Individuals will on the list for one month unless requested. Please let us know if there is someone to be added, or if someone has improved or healed and can be taken off the list.

This Sunday and Updates for this Week

December 11, 2022

8:15 a.m. Traditional Praise Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Contemporary Praise Worship Service

(also livestreamed on Facebook Live)

9:30 a.m. New Life Kids

10:30 a.m. Youth Faith Formation (Community Room)

Schedule of Events This Week

Wednesday, December 7

9:00 a.m. — Carolyn Dawson burial (west side of Madison)

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Synod Office meeting here at New Life (Classroom A)

5:30 p.m. — Dinner in Community Room

6:30 p.m. — Advent Service

Thursday, December 8

9:00-11:00 a.m. — Bible Study Group Breakfast (off site)

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Shawns' MCF Band practice (ReCreation Center)

Saturday, December 10

9:00-10:00 a.m. — Contemporary Praise Worship Band Practice (Worship Center)

9:30-11:30 a.m. — New Life Book Club (led by Melanie Stepherson) (Classroom A)

Monday, December 12

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Stamping Group (led by Cheryll Steinke) (Community Room)

6:30 p.m. — NLC team for Awaken Dane meeting (Louise Miller's house)

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Athletes of Faith Group (ReCreation Center)

Tuesday, December 13

6:00 p.m. — Youth Team meeting (via Zoom)

6:30 p.m. — Finance Team in-person meeting (Bookkeeper's Office)

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Common Threads Group (led by Ginny & Gail at studio)

6:00-7:00 p.m. — Jeff & Shawn's "Shine" Band Practice (ReCreation Center)

Office hours are Monday through Thursday. Please feel free to contact staff members of New Life by email at [email protected] or by calling the office at 608-223-9337. Contacts are listed here.

New Life Staff:

Rev. Heather Hayward, Pastor

[email protected]

Jessica Korrison, Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator

[email protected]

Kathy Scholl, Office Assistant/Newsletter

[email protected]

Mike Berchem, Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Shakia “Queen” Turner, Property Manager

[email protected]

ELCA South-Central Wisconsin Synod website:

https://scsw-elca.org/

New Life Church Council:

Iris Christenson, Secretary

Brian Coel, Vice-President

Jim DePass

Rick Krueger

Joe Milanese

Janice Newell, President

Tom Olson

Shawn Peters

Linda Sime

MacKenzie Swanson

Jan Wilson

Ken Wundrow, Treasurer