9:00 am Contemporary, Life Center

Scripture: Luke:12-35-40

So, if you want to know Him more, begin with reading Scripture.

You will find two plans to help you do this. The first is a 5 x 5 x 5 New Testament reading plan. If you will spend 5 minutes a day, reading one chapter a day for 5 days, you will read the entire New Testament during 2023.

The second plan follows a similar structure: 5 days a week, but closer to 10 to 15 minutes of reading during those days. With this plan, you will read the entire Bible in 2023.

The church office will be closed on Monday, January 2nd in observance of New Year's Day.

The launch of a new year is a great time to get involved at New Life Church. We have many ministries and serving opportunities just waiting for YOU! Take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Form, letting us know what areas interest you, and we will be in touch to help you get plugged in.

We need your help! We have a great year planned for Sunday school, but few teachers. We need you as a partner in ministry! If you like kids, can read a lesson plan with minimal lesson planning, and desire to see all ages growing in faith, consider joining our team. We would like to find at least 8 more Sunday School teachers and at least 4 preschool teachers and a few substitute teachers. We want children of all ages to dive deep into the Bible!

Please contact Becca if you are available to serve:

becca@newlifeforall.church or 941-639-3842 ext. 213

We were so blessed to have Samaritan's Purse on our campus serving the community after Hurricane Ian. Here are some statistics shared by Shannon Daley from Samaritan's Purse regarding their time here:

Time on campus: 72 days from October 5, 2022 to December 15, 2022

Jobs completed: 863 (37.7 volunteer hours per job)

Volunteers: 1,114 (29.2 volunteer hours per person)

Hours of service:  32,536 or 813.4 work weeks

People who gave their Life to Christ:  169

We are looking for two part time nursery positions. If you, or someone you know are interested, please email your resume to: kathy@newlifeforall.church.

The job description can be viewed HERE, and is also on our website at the bottom of the STAFF page.

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

THE BACKSTORY - Beginning in 2023 Pastor Earl will be offering a new Bible study on Wednesday mornings. He wants to tackle this idea - What is the backstory behind many of the stories and people of the New Testament. For example, we'll hope to look at such things as - Who was John Mark and why did he become important to the apostle Paul? Why did Paul write that WOMEN should be quiet and not speak up in church? What does it mean to be a slave to Christ? What is meant by the statements that Christ lives in you? How did James, the brother of Jesus go from being a non-believer to a leader of the early church? What happened to the Apostles? What happened to Paul during all those years between his salvation and missionary years? Was Jesus ever sad, mad, angry, or scared? Did Jesus always know everything or was he as clueless as we are sometimes? So, if you might be interested in that type of a study join Earl January 4 in Lenox Hall at 9:30. And invite a friend to come with you!

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.

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. 

If you found yourself having to explain to someone who has never heard of God, Jesus, or the Bible, what would you say?

Whether you have been a follower of Jesus for a day, or twenty years, or want to learn more about him, you are invited to join us on a journey of discovering maybe for the first time, or rediscovering the central beliefs of the Christian faith.

Please join us for an eight-week study beginning January 17th. We will serve a buffet meal for those who want to eat and chat over dinner at 5:45 pm. Then, we will start in the Life Center at 6:30 pm before breaking into our groups.

There will be children's programming starting at 6:30 pm, so please bring the whole family, have dinner together, and get to know other people in our church!

I hope to see you there!

Any questions, contact: angela@newlifeforall.church

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.

Save the date for our first Blood Drive of 2023 on Sunday, January 22. Sign up in advance for your donation appointment HERE.

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.

david@newlifeforall.church 

This Sunday’s Music – Epiphany Sunday, January 1, 2023 - 11:00AM Service

Happy New Year New Life Church family!

   

2023! A new year! A time and opportunity to make new resolutions! A time for new determinations to transform problems or pain into purpose and our deepest hurts into joy! 2023 -- a time to fill our hearts with hope!

   

While I don't want to begin the beginning of a new year with problems about me, many of you have been asking, so here is an update. Starting last Thursday, I began a daily schedule of infusions of two different antibiotics which require 2.5 or 3 hours to administer. God knows how to provide me with uninterrupted prayer times! The infectious disease physician thinks I will need a minimum of 6 weeks of daily infusions to get this bone infection in my foot under control. One of my prayers is for patience!!  I had my CT scans Wednesday to evaluate the mass discovered in my abdominal area. We will await these results (with patience) and prayer.  I am overwhelmed by your support of love and prayers. It is the "best medicine" and both Don and I are so appreciative. I ask for your patience as I try to work out schedules that accommodate Doctor appointments, work appointments and 3 hours a day at the IV Clinic. 

  

I feel surrounded by God's love and I believe He is interested in speaking with us, especially during difficult times like these. In Psalm 32:8, the Lord says; "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." This is a promise that He will give us direction for our life. In Proverbs, He tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."(3:5-6) God is our instructor and guide, but sometimes we don't listen because we're trying to solve our own problems. When I try to solve difficulties on my own, I end up discouraged and even more weary. God doesn't want us to carry huge emotional burdens on our own, in fact I believe that no matter if our difficult situations are large or small, He is training us to come to Him in times of trouble or in times of joy and celebration. Both situations are a time to praise Him in worship and prayer. I am learning to be willing to wait, if needed for His solution. I know that regardless of the outcome of any situation, God has promised to work all things together for our good and His glory (Rom.8:28)

   

I am grateful for your prayers. We are blessed to be part of a church family that supports each other with prayer and love. Watch for upcoming events for our prayer journey.  I wish you all a New Year filled with love, laughter and good health; and of course heartfelt prayer. Thank you for your prayers.  I'm praying for you!

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.