Love God
Love Neighbor
Make Disciples
E-News for February 21, 2018
From Our Pastor
Dear Church Family,

I am so grateful for you. It has been quite a journey since Fall 2014 when you welcomed me to the staff at New World. Since then, I began seminary, had a baby, was commissioned as a Deacon and became an Associate Pastor, completed seminary internship, graduated, and, as of last Tuesday, completed my residency! I am grateful for your patience as I worked to complete the essays and projects required for seminary and residency. Because of your support and encouragement (including extra work from volunteers on two supervising committees), I made it! I am excited to announce that the Central Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry voted that I be ordained as a Deacon in Full Connection at Annual Conference this June.

Although this is just another step in our journey together, I just want to pause today to say thank you! I’m excited for our journey ahead.

I hope to see you in worship this Sunday as I share about my recent mission trip to Haiti and preach on “Living Water.”

With gratitude,

Pastor Erin
Healthy Church Initiative Update...
SAVE THE DATES
The dates have been set for the next phase of our Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) process. The Pre-Consultation seminar is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, and the Consultation Weekend is April 27-29. Stayed tuned for more details.
Preschool Registration
New World Preschool begins 2018-2019 registration for currently enrolled students and church members on February 12, 2018. Registration opens to the public on February 26, 2018. Registration is on a first come-first serve basis and spots fill up quickly. If you would like more information about our preschool or how to get a child registered, please contact Ms. Amber Walter at 817-460-4212 or preschool@nwumc.org.
Mobile Directory
Using technology to help you stay connected, our mobile directory provides contact information on any device, anywhere. When you’re on the go, our mobile directory is right there with you.

Click here to log in and use the code new17 . If you have any questions, please call the church office for assistance. 
Lent Photo Challenge
Instead of giving up the usual chocolate or sodas for Lent, consider joining us for a churchwide Lenten photo project! Each day we will have a word or phrase for the day. Click on the image to enlarge the list of ideas. Reflect on what this word or phrase means to you. As you go through your day, take a photo of something that makes you think of the word or phrase. You may be surprised by how the Holy Spirit will lead you on this photo journey! Finally, each day post the photo on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) with the hashtag #NWLent2018. Let’s see where the Spirit leads us.
With love,
Pastor Erin
"Made for A Miracle"
by Mike Slaughter
Bible Study for Lent
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 & 10: 50 am
At some time in our lives, most of us have prayed for or hoped for a miracle-an event that seems impossible but is brought about by God's transcendent power. But when miracles occur, did you know that you have a role to play? Popular author and pastor Mike Slaughter examines the two components of every miracle: divine action and human responsibility. For a real miracle to take place, we must act with God, using whatever gifts, talents, and abilities we have and directing them toward God's work. We need to follow the examples of Mary in the birth of Jesus, Jesus' followers when he healed them and Jesus' disciples after he rose from the dead. This Lent, we will explore how we can use our God-given gifts and talents for God's glory. This study will meet at the 9:30 and 10:50 hour in room 24 on the following Sundays: February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25. Cost of the book is $14 and it is available in the main office.
Conner & Steven's CD
Now Available!
Included is music from the Prime Timers Christmas lunch, and two organ solos from Conner’s last 10:50 worship service. The price is $10 and the proceeds will go to the church. 
You can pick one up at the front desk. 
Checks should be made payable to New World with "Christmas CD" in the memo.
Name Tags
Every Sunday is NAME TAG Sunday: a great way for you to “put a name with a face” here at New World. 

So each Sunday everyone is invited to wear a name tag so we can begin a new season of greeting each other and our guests. We will have temporary name tags available in the Lobby and the Narthex. If you would like a permanent name badge, please email staff@nwumc.org and the Connection Team will make one.
Lost & Found
Did you know we have a lost & found collection box at New World? It's located in the lobby near the Children's Wing. If you think you may have left an item behind, please stop by to claim it. All items left after Sunday, March 4, will be donated.
Canned Food Drive
The children want to remind everyone to bring canned goods with you to church to help our neighbors in Arlington that are in need of food. 
Sunday Activities
The Joyful Noise Music Group will not meet on Sunday, February 25.  

Bible Explorers will not meet on Sunday, February 25, but Good News Music Group will meet at 5:30 p.m. 
Confirmation Class
The Confirmation class will not meet on Wednesday, February 21. 
The class will meet on Wednesday, February 27, in the Youth lounge. Pastor Erin Jackson will lead this session.  
Heifer International
The children are collecting money for Heifer International during Lent. The children were given banks to collect their money and calendars to learn more about how Heifer International helps people.  If you did not get a bank and calendar, come by the church office to pick one up.  
Summer Camp Dates
Mark your calendars for two fun and exciting events happening at New World this summer!
Music and Arts Camp - June 19-22
Family Bible Camp - July 11-14
Watch for more information about these exciting ministries! If you have questions or want to volunteer, please contact Kathy Alexander at the church office or at kathyalex@nwumc.org .
A Pondering on Prayer

Psalm 23 - A psalm of David

The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.
You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house
as long as I live.(CEB)

This is the Common English Bible translation. It is similar to other translations, but I list it here even though I prefer the phrase “as long as I live” to be translated “forever” as it is in the NIV and the King James Version.

As I write my soul aches for the loss of my friend, Mike Midkiff. I am working through the grief process and turn to the 23 rd Psalm. I tend to go here and linger with my thoughts when I am dealing with loss and sorrow, when things seem to be going wrong, and any time I get the “woe” feelings that come along in life.

I often use this psalm as a prayer when going through tough times. It reminds me of several things. One is that it reminds me that God does not promise us that we will never face tough times - it tells us that we most certainly will have those times. We often face those “dark valleys” mentioned here. David in this psalm says that in trusting God we will not be able to avoid pain, sorrow, or sadness, but we can rely on having God with us in the darkest of times.

The reason I used the Common English translation is for the last line. (Even though at the very end it does say “as long as I live” instead of “forever” ) I very much like the phrase “goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life” . Most often when in a novel I read of something “pursuing”, I know something bad is chasing. In movies when our heroes are being pursued it is usually tigers, someone with an ax or Zombies . In this case God's “goodness and faithful love” is pursuing us. It reminds me that I need to trust in God's goodness and love and to see me through those times when I most need help.

As I leave this pondering, please know that any deep thoughts and observations are not my own, but I either have heard or read these points by others much smarter and having a better grasp of the Bible than I. I just ponder and remember them as I read the 23 rd Psalm, and I know His goodness and love will pursue and capture me.

Keep the Faith,
Bill Womack

New World Intercessory Prayer Ministry
If you have a prayer article that you would like to share,
please send it to  communications@nwumc.org.
Lord, Hear Our Prayers...
Hospitalized
Betty Bentzel: Interlochen Rehab
Judy Chaplin: Baylor, Grapevine
Terry Dunklin: Interlochen Rehab
Robert Hankins: Surgical procedure, February 26
Leo Grace, father of Donna Riggall: Arlington Memorial
Jodi McMann: Kindred Rehab, Arlington
Bob McGrath: Harris Ft. Worth
Richard Merrill: Baylor Hospital, Dallas

Recuperating at Home
Evelyn Polanco; Kathy Shearer
 
Those Facing Cancer and its Treatment
Lynda Arnold’s sister, Jonda; Norma Lupton; Todd Milam 
Evelyn Tatom's husband, Bob 
Jamie Harris, Kathy Alexander's brother
 
Chronic Condition
Bob Chaplin; Leigh Jamieson    
Tradel Harris, Darlus Schoonover’s granddaughter
Our Gifts and Our Presence
February 11, 2018 - $17,258.77
Month to Date - $63,652.62
Year to Date - $125,555.06

Worship Attendance -226
Adult Sunday School - 77
Pastors & Staff
Mike Alexander
Senior Pastor

Erin Sloan Jackson
Associate Pastor of Missions
Interim Director of Student Ministries

Gena Anderson
Associate Pastor of Discipleship
 
Steven Couch
Director of Worship & Music

Kathy Alexander
Director of Children’s Ministries

Karen Richardson
Business Administrator

Heather James
Business Administrator
Becky Hankins
Executive Administrator

Gail Hall
Communications
 
Francisco Adon
Facilities

Amber Walter
Preschool Director
 
Newsletter Submissions: communications@nwumc.org