We are in need of 2 volunteer golf cart shuttle drivers for each worship service (on campus only). If you are willing to serve one or more Sundays, please sign up by following the link HERE.

The United Christian Women will be holding our Christmas gathering on Monday, December 12th at 11 am in Room 9. Please bring a dish to share and your "Thank Offering." It seems like forever since we last met, so we are excited to be able to gather to celebrate Christmas.

We invite all ladies of New Life Church to join us!

The youth and staff of Crossroads Hope Academy cordially invite you to put on your most festive holiday attire and join us on December 14th at 6 pm in the Life Center to celebrate Christmas, Crossroads style!

Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Carmelo's Italian Ristorante, learn a little bit about Crossroads, and help show these boys what Christmas is all about. Crossroads is asking all guests to please RSVP to Liz Green (liz@crossroadspg.org) by December 9th. You may also contact Liz if you are interested in volunteering for party set up or providing some homemade sweets and treats for the dessert table. 

We will be having a Parent's Night Out - Children's Christmas Pajama Party on December 17 from 5-8pm. An opportunity for parents to get last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping done!

Children will watch a movie, have some hot chocolate & cookies, along with a special visit from Santa! Don't forget to wear festive Christmas PJ's.

RSVP to becca@newlifeforall.church by December 10.

Volunteers needed on Christmas Eve for our Living Nativity, craft tables and games! If you are interested in assisting, please contact Becca at becca@newlifeforall.church.

For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Christmas Season can be very painful. Added to the memories of Christmases with those we have lost, there is a seasonal pressure to put a smile on and join the festivities. Join us for a time of honor and remembrance at our Blue Christmas Service, December 18 at 4pm.

Melodie Austin, 941-661-0842 or email melharryaustin@yahoo.com

We will begin a new Beth Moore study on Thursday, Jan 5th at 9:00 am in the Life Center. We will be studying the Gospel of John in her study book, Beloved Disciple. The study is 11 weeks in length and will meet Thursdays at 9:00am. The cost of the book is $20.00 which will be paid the first day.  

Larry’s Bible Study on Revelation will be continued on January 4 at 6:30 pm in Room 13. We will continue where we left off in May with the Rapture. We will replay the the movie “Left Behind,” and in weeks following we will continue in Tim LaHaye’s book, Revelation Unveiled, Chapter 10, and of course the Bible, Revelation Chapter 4.

Larry Keller, 941-391-3940 - keller657b@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 8, 2023, The Harmony Bible Class will begin a new 8-session study by Andy Stanley called, “Follow,” in Lenox Hall beginning at 10:15 am.  Religion says, “Change and you can join us.” Jesus says, “Join us and you will change.” There is a huge difference.  His invitation is an invitation to relationship, and it begins with a simple request: follow me. Andy Stanley takes us through the Gospels as he traces Jesus’ teaching on what it means to follow. Prepare for your eyes to open, your feet to move, and your faith to be radically transformed. If you were waiting for an invitation to Follow in His Footsteps – this is it.  Jesus says “follow.” All are welcome to join us for this fascinating journey!

Please RSVP to Gail in the office, 941-639-3842 or email gail@newlifeforall.church to let us know you are planning to attend.

We would love to get to know you better and invite you to Pizza with the Pastors!

Please RSVP by clicking HERE.

On January 16 our Zoom Bible Study will start a study on Old Testament Characters. Come join us while we learn how to apply the Old Testament scriptures to our own lives. You can buy this $10 book on Amazon HERE. If you would like to join us, contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@ msn.com. We meet every Monday on Zoom from 10-11. This class will go to April 3, 2023.

Today Matters Mental Health Ministries is bringing back our speaker series on Saturday, January 21st. We are so excited to welcome Holly K. Oxhandler who is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at Baylor University. Holly has written a book for caregivers everywhere, in every role, who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Her book is titled The Soul of the Helper and it will be for sale on Sunday mornings between services. It would make a great Christmas gift for someone on your list.  The cost will be $20 each or 2 for $35.

Members and Friends of our Church will meet for a week of fun at Hardee Lakes County Park from Monday February 13 leaving on Friday February 17. The park is about 40 miles from Punta Gorda and the camping sites are on the lake. While there we will hike, canoe, kayak, fish and enjoy sitting around the campfire and having our evening meals together. You can come for the whole week or as much as you want. Our hosts are Peter and Linda Gillen and they are on site 47. For more information about the park and to make reservations call 863-767-1100. If you want to go, let us know.

Peter Gillen: 941-661-8367

Tom Little:  941-769-0002

We will be returning to the Airport Road Publix to ring the bells for the Salvation Army from November 26th to December 23rd.

Sign-up sheets will be available on Sunday between the worship services at the Gazebo. You can also email bellringers@newlifeforall.church and someone will contact you to sign up.

The Chancel Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00PM and plays at the 11:00AM service once a month. If you are interested in joining our handbell group and can read music I want to talk to you!

The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00PM in the Historic Sanctuary and sings Sundays at the 11:00AM Service. The Chancel Choir is open to anyone interested – no audition is necessary.

Greetings New Life Church family and friends --

It's hard for me to accept the fact that Christmas is only a couple short weeks away. While things aren't as hectic as when the kids were little, it seems life in a Church schedule of activities, events and worship is busy enough.  Please check The Bridge for announcements and schedules of events. Be sure and pay attention to the locations- whether the event is in the Sanctuary or the Life Center building, to avoid extra and unnecessary walking.

* Friday 12/9 @7pm in Life Center: Christmas Harp Concert by Barbara Moses.

* Sunday 12/18 @4pm in the sanctuary. This is a special service for anyone who has grieved the loss of a loved one and find this time of year especially difficult. There will be a 15 minute program of special music before the service. All are invited.

* Sunday 12/11 following the 11oclock service -- Pizza with the Pastors in the Life Center. This event is for new guests who are interested in more information and getting to know our Pastors.

The Christmas Eve schedule is as follows:

Gilchrist Park:

10:00am - 12:00pm Live Petting Farm, pony rides, crafts & games.

12:00 pm Children & Family Service

3:00 pm Contemporary service

Life Center services:

6:00 pm & 8:00 pm Traditional

Both the 6& 8 o'clock services a musical program 30 minutes before each service.

Sunday 10:00 am Combined service in the Life Center.

*** This should make it apparent that I need you! With 4 services on Christmas Eve I'll need several volunteers. Many of you already know that to serve brings many blessings to you. I especially need extra help at 6and 8pm so we can hand out not only communion but candles to all guests. It's not hard but I do ask that you arrive 30 minutes before the service. If you have not served before, don't worry we will meet and go over instructions when you arrive 30 minutes early. Please let me know if you can help by either :

Text: 941-661-4156 or - email: rosie@newlifeforall.church.

Contact me if you have other questions otherwise message me with the service time you can help with.  Thank you!

Now, a quick and heartfelt thank-you for your prayers during my recent surgeries and lengthy period of post-op infection. It has been a difficult few months but the power of prayer has altered the course of my life so many times and I am humbled by God's love through all if you.  My Doctor thinks we are doing well with the healing of my foot. I am off antibiotics and wearing a real shoe! As I was thanking him, he told me that he knows he gets the glory and thanks because he's the surgeon; but he knew that I had to fight a terrible battle to get through the pain and complications from meds etc. He was aware that I had called on an army of prayer warriors and duly impressed. So my heart is filled with love for each of you who took time to pray on my behalf. I believe praying for others is an ultimate act of love. Jesus even commanded us to love and pray for our enemies or people who want to do us harm. I have seen transformations happen when enemies become friends-- it's hard to be antagonistic towards someone who loves you and prays for you.

I am humbled and grateful for your prayers and continued well wishes. I will continue praying for you!

12:00 pm, Children & Family Service

3:00 pm, Contemporary Service

6:00 and 8:00 pm, Traditional Services

We will have one combined service at 10:00 am in the Life Center

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.