This Sunday's Theme:

"The Answer is Always Jesus"

Romans 1:1-6

In-person and Live Stream to Facebook and YouTube at 10:30 AM

Hello Church,

For those in Arizona, it is the longest stretch of hot days in history! I must admit that I am feeling a bit guilty for spending another week in the Midwest, while you are all suffering. But no worries – we will soon experience the heat again as we travel home tomorrow!

On August 6^th I am inviting you to join me and other leaders from New Covenant for a Day of Prayer and Fasting. Last week I tried to share about the biblical view of fasting from Jesus’ teachings. This week I would like to touch on how to fast.

First, pray about the day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide you and be at the center of whatever you do. I believe that when we dedicate time to fast and pray, we enter into humility before God so the Holy Spirit can stir us up, awaken our church, and provide healing and reconciliation to a broken world. We are praying specifically for New Covenant to experience a revival of faith and for us to be actively involved in serving our neighbors.

How should I Fast?

I have some questions for you to ask yourself before you begin a fast so that you can be prepared to fast.

1. Do I have medical concerns that limit my fasting. I always say that if you have any serious medical condition, you should consult your primary care provider first before you fast. Ask them if it is safe for you to fast. For some, fasting may not be helpful for your physical health.
2.  How long will I fast—one meal, 12 hours 24 hour? If you have never fasted you may not want to fast for a full 24 hours. You can begin by fasting for 8 or 12 hours. Don’t try to take on too much if you have not fasted before.
3. What kind of fast will you undertake? Some fast while only drinking water only. Others fast by drinking clear fluids like Coffee and Fresh Juices,. Others fast using the Daniel Fast which allows for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Pray and ask God to guide you into which kind of fast you feel led to do. If you have never fasted before, it may be helpful to start out with the Daniel Fast or the clear fluid fast. If you do the full fast, fast for a shorter period, the first time.
4. Another question might be, “as I fast, what will I fill my time with”? Social Media – Screen Time? How much time each day will I devote to prayer and God’s Word. In other words, with what will I fill the time that I usually use for eating?

By praying and making these decisions ahead of time it will help prepare you so that you can sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures enter in. On August 6^th during worship, we will also be commissioning our Preschool staff so join us for this very special day!

This week we are learning from Mike Frost, once again, two new missional habits. The first of which is what it means to “learn” Jesus, and secondly, what it means to actively listen to the Holy Spirit. We will be learning what it looks like to spend time once per week in God’s Word- specifically the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (the first four books of the New Testament) learning the attributes, characteristics, rhythms, and personality of Christ. We will also be learning what it means to make time once a week to actively listen to what the Holy Spirit is prompting/propelling you to do. Join us this week to learn more than just Jesus’ greatest hits, rather who He really is while exploring real and practical ways to hear the Holy Spirit audibly in your life. Keep blessing and eating with others in your circle.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Steve

• Prayers for a successful abdominal surgery for Vanessa's father this Friday. We pray that it is free of complications and he is able to heal quickly.
• Prayers for Katelyn and and Stephen McMahan as they are in Boston for a procedure at the end of the week that will give Goldie the best chance of being born with a four chambered heart. Prayers that the procedure is successful and that all of the medical staff would be guided by your presence, Lord.
• Prayers of thanksgiving that Jan Andrews' (Dave Andrews' stepmother) recurrent shingles case is resolving.
• Prayers for peace and prognosis for Dean Ostrand.
• Shelley Chips (close friend of Debby Andrews) & their family have lost their oldest son, Ryan. Prayers for comfort and peace as they navigate this time of immense grief.
• Prayers for healing for Justin following a work accident.
• Prayers for healing for Katie's mom who was admitted to the hospital.
• Prayers for healing, faith, and guidance for Margie following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for comfort for Steve and Michelle as well as their family following the loss of his stepfather.
• Prayers for John McKinvin, brother in law of Patti and Nancy, who is battling bladder cancer. Guide John and his doctors on the right course of action.
• We pray for complete healing for Kathleen Reese's husband Bob, following a Covid infection.
• We pray for Stephanie Darkoch's brother- bring healing to him, and for Mike's continued healing.
• Prayers for Irina's son and his current work situation.
• Prayers for the family and friends of Mary Lewis.
• Prayers for effective treatment and healing for Kimi, friend of Aurien Preiss who has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.
• Prayers for complete and speedy recovery for Sheri Hanchar, following knee surgery.
• Prayers for the Ostrands' niece, for a diagnosis of her health issue.
• We pray for Penny Estess as she meets with cardiologists and undergoes tests for rapid heart palpitations. Please bring her your healing, Lord.
• Prayers for effective treatment for Paul Collins' brain tumor. May Paul and his family stay strong and feel God's comfort.
• Prayers for all young parents, for patience, peace, and overflowing love in their homes.
• Prayers for Uncle Ronnie's health and safety and for his family, that they may all feel strengthened and experience God's peace during this difficult time.
• Prayers for healing for Troy's brother in Colorado who suffers from Parkinson's.
• Matt Knopf of La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church has been diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Prayers for strength for him and his family as he undergoes treatment.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brothers, Len and Larry and also his wife, Ann, for healing; and also Daphne and Cassidy for God’s guidance.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.