NEW LIFE CHURCH ELCA

WEEKLY E-MAIL NEWSLETTER

Sunday Worship Times:

Traditional Praise Worship 8:15 a.m.

Contemporary Praise Worship 9:30 a.m., also livestreamed on Facebook Live

7564 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison WI 53718

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Join us on Facebook or YouTube / Join our email list here

Website: www.newlifelc.com

WORSHIP

This week's message is

"Tough Sayings of Jesus"

Matthew 5:21-37

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!

To view the service from February 5, 2023 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.

INFORMATION SESSIONS COMING UP!

If you would like to know more about St. Matthew’s New Life Church in the hopes of joining, please join Pastor Heather and others for some Information Sessions in advance of our next Welcome Sunday. She'll be offering two Information Sessions and you can attend either one: Saturday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. OR Sunday, February 26 at 10:30 a.m. If you are new here or would like to join our community, you're welcome to attend either session. Just let Pastor Heather know! Welcome Sunday will take place on March 5th at either service.

THIS SUNDAY

On Sunday, February 12, we will have many reasons to gather and celebrate as a community! Come wish Kathy Scholl (and her husband Verne) blessings in retirement! Kathy has been the office assistant since 2019, and we would like to thank her for her ministry among us! Also, the youth will be offering a SOUPer Bowl fundraiser for their FL Summer Mission Trip. Take soup home with you or eat it here after either worship service. Thanks!

(Photo courtesy of Linda Millar)

ASH WEDNESDAY

February 22 at 6:30pm

Please make plans to begin the Lenten journey with us! Pastor Heather is planning something a little different as we begin this path toward the cross this year. Her New Year’s message was all about this being a year about reconciliation based on 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, so we will dive into that during our Lenten journey as well. The word we hear on Ash Wednesday – that we are dust and to dust we shall return – is all about God reconciling us to himself through Christ.

Come join in a time of worship that will look a little different. We will gather as a community at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center, but then be sent out from there to explore many prayer stations around the building that invite us to go deeper into this concept of reconciliation.

Pastor Heather will also be available from 12:00-12:30 pm to distribute ashes and provide Communion for anyone unable to attend the evening opportunity. There will be no livestream for this service.!

LENT

We will continue to explore this idea of reconciliation throughout the Lenten season on Wednesday evenings. We are excited to come back to sharing dinners together starting on Wednesday, March 1st at 5:30pm – come join us and please consider providing items for these dinners by signing up! Then at 6:30pm, Pastor Heather will be leading an adult faith formation called “The Difference Course.”

Difference is a course that explores what it means to follow Jesus in a complex and divided world, seeing transformation through everyday encounters.

Based on 2 Corinthians 5, we will spend five weeks looking at God’s call to be the kind of people who are a reconciling presence in the midst of a conflicted world. More to come about this, but make plans to join us!

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? Please go to the New Life Church website at newlifelc.com and there is a tab at the top of the page that says "Directory." For instructions, just follow this link with step-by-step directions provided by our church treasurer Ken.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WELCOME TEAM

We always encourage and appreciate volunteers for the Welcome Team to help out with parts of the worship service, such as greeter, welcome table, usher, tellers, coffee server and Communion helpers.

Here is the sign-up sheet for FEBRUARY. We can still use a few more helpers this Sunday and the rest of the month!

Here is a link to a sign-up genius form for the Communion/Altar Care shifts too.

Anyone is invited to join the Welcome Team at any time!

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 and go to our Vanco page, where you can log in to set up or access 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. Or as always, you can continue receiving envelopes and mail in your donations to New Life.

VANCO(Give Online)

CONNECTIONS

Ministry

Adult Ministry

WELCOME OUR NEW OFFICE MANAGER

While we will be sad to see Kathy go, we’re excited to welcome Pamela Durden as our new office manager beginning February 13. She has many years of experience in customer-based positions, as well as a church administrator, and she served in the U.S. Navy for many years before that. Pam looks forward to meeting many of you – either in person or over phone and email. Please welcome her!

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

BOOK OF REVELATION STUDY

Pastor Heather is leading an Adult Bible Study, spending six weeks doing our study online together (we will also forgo dinner for this period of time).

On Wednesdays at 6:15 pm we're exploring a wonderful study of the always-intriguing Book of Revelation. If you would like to get a copy of the book Pastor Heather is using (which she would recommend), please find it HERE for $15. Here is the Zoom link for the class.

We hope you’ll plan to dive into this great study with us!

This painting was created by Ronna Trapenese for the upcoming band “Day Away” (May 6). Please thank Ronna for sharing her gift with us!

Need a Breakfast Host for March

On the First Sunday of the Month we like to enjoy a nice breakfast between services, hosted between 9:00-11:00 a.m. The next "First Breakfast" will be on March 5th, and we DO NEED someone to sign up to host it! If you need menu ideas, please let us know.

See sign-up sheets for 2023 on the left kitchen serving window. We'd love to have your help! It could be a couple of families/friends, a small group you meet with, even a whole ministry team! It's fun and easy to do, and we can help you with details. Contact us in the church office to let us know.

Children & Youth Ministry

Sunday Morning

New Life Kids

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

SOUPer Bowl Sunday is THIS SUNDAY

The Mission Trip youth will be serving soup, bread and dessert after 1st and 2nd service. This year we will have the option for to-go or dine in.

Middle Schoolers - Let's go to Boulders Climbing Gym!

Sunday, Feb. 26th from 2pm-4pm Cost is $25. Sign up here! Friends are welcome!

The Elizabeth House is a safe space for pregnant women or those who have just given birth. We will be reorganizing their pantry and kitchen.

High School Service Opportunity at the Elizabeth House on Friday, February 24th from 9:30am - 12:15pm

We will meet in the New Life parking lot at 9:30 am to carpool over together and will be back at 12:15 pm for pick up. Sign up here or let Jessica know if you have any questions!

MISSION TRIP 2023 - Sarasota, FL

Who: Youth currently in grades 8-12

What: Partnering with Luther Springs and Lutheran Disaster

Response, we will work alongside those impacted by

Hurricane Ian, helping to clean up, repair and rebuild.

Where: Based out of Faith Lutheran Church, Sarasota, FL

When: Sunday, July 9th - Friday, July 14th, 2023

Registration can be completed here and the $100 deposits can be made by check or online. We are asking that the next payment of $200 be made by February 26th and the remaining balance due on April 30th.

New Life Church Easter Egg Hunt! Save the date for Saturday, April 8th. Does anyone want to help plan and inventory the Easter items we have? If so, let Jessica know!

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

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL PURPOSE FUND

Throughout the pandemic, we have been able to help so many families in the community because of this fund. By the end of 2022, we have distributed close to $12,000 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!

KINGDOM JUSTICE SUMMIT

March 3 & 4, 2023

You are invited to a dynamic weekend event that invites the broader Church together to wrestle with the question, "What is Kingdom justice?" and dream about what it might look like lived out in our community. We will explore Biblical Justice and inspire you to consider faithful next steps. This year's theme is "Reimagine & Reengage" and a county-wide gathering will be held at Upper House on Saturday, March 4. Optional Community Dinners on Friday, March 3 are new this year and will be hosted at five locations around Madison, including New Life!

Learn more and register: kingdomjusticesummit.com Registration deadline: Sunday, February 26. Pastor Heather has two scholarships available for this event – please contact her for more information!

MOVIE DISCUSSION

In honor of Black History Month, come watch JUST MERCY, with Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson, based on the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson, 2014. We will spend three Sundays (starting at 10:45) watching and talking about a message of hope, justice and mercy – and perseverance in the face of injustice and racism. Come join us in the Classroom on Sundays February 19, 26, and March 5.

DIAPER DRIVE IN FEBRUARY

We will again be collecting diapers during the month of February for donation to the Nehemiah Center and the residents it serves. Please feel free to bring in packages of diapers of any size.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

WEEKEND SNACK PACK PROGRAM FOR KIDS

We helped pack bags for this wonderful program in the Monona Grove schools last November – and we will be doing it again in February and March! Click here for sign up and watch for more details coming next week, but make plans to help starting Sunday, February 19! Most of the packing events will be on Sundays. Thanks again to Nicole Hines and Vicki Schultz for heading up New Life’s involvement in this great program! If you’re unable to help with the packing, consider a gift to the Foundation at www.supportmgef.org Thanks!

New Life Book Club

This month we will be joining Nance Roepke, our founding book club member, for our book club. We will meet on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Talamore Senior Living at 2:00 p.m. The address is 275 N. City Station Drive in Sun Prairie.

We will be discussing the “The Sacred Romance” by Curtis and Eldridge. This book inspires readers to enter into the greatest romance of all time - one with God. Many Christians have unsuccessfully tried to satiate our heart hunger with the things of this world. This often leads to spiritual stagnation and unhappiness as God attempts to lavish us with His perfect love. Join us as we discuss,this very important book. If you have any questions contact Melanie Stepherson at Melanie.stepherson@gmail.com.

Please Keep These People in Your Prayers

Maggie Andres' daughter Kelli (medical treatments), Donna Butler’s grandson Anthony, Shaq Brown, Boyd Fleming, Jodi Franco and her daughter-in-law (medical issues), Raja Hassan's father (medical treatments), 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, Stephanie Peck's grandfathers, Alvina Phillips, the family of Stan's sister-in-law Melva Phillips, the family of Steve Rayments (friend of Jeff Lennberg), Trish Splettstoesser, Bobby Spridco, the family of Bob Schenk, Cheryll & Bill Steinke, Bill Sterud, Russ & Shirley Theel's son-in-law Gil Franco, family of Grace Volkman, Jan Wilson's sister Pat, 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

February 12, 2023

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 (ReCreation Center)

10:30 a.m. Party for Kathy Scholl and "SOUP-er" Bowl Sunday fundraiser for youth

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, February 7

Pastor Heather in Carefree, AZ for conference (through February 10th)

Wednesday, February 8

6:15 p.m. — Adult Faith Formation (via Zoom) (led by Pastor Heather)

Thursday, February 9

9:00-11:00 a.m. — Bible Study Group (led by Betty Sundbakken) (Classroom A)

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

Saturday, February 11

9:00-1:00 a.m. — Contemporary Praise Worship Band Practice (Worship Center)

2:00-3:00 p.m. — New Life Book Club (led by Melanie Stepherson) (Talamore Center in Sun Prairie)

Sunday, February 12

10:30 a.m. — Party for Kathy Scholl (retiring) and "Soup-er Bowl" Sunday fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip (Community Room)

Monday, February 13

Pamela Durden begins as Office Manager

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

7:00 p.m. — Athletes of Faith (ReCreation Center)

Tuesday, February 14 — Valentine's Day

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Common Threads (led by Ginny & Gail at Ginny's Studio)

CONTACT

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

New Life Staff:

Rev. Heather Hayward, Pastor

pastor@newlifelc.com

Jessica Korrison, Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator

youtheducator@newlifelc.com

Kathy Scholl, Office Assistant/Newsletter

newlifelc@newlifelc.com

Mike Berchem, Bookkeeper

bookkeeper@newlifelc.com

Shakia “Queen” Turner, Property Manager

shakiamturner@yahoo.com

ELCA South-Central Wisconsin Synod website: