Kids Hope Needs 15 Mentors

When I was in fourth grade my siblings and I performed a skit for our church small group. The skit opened with my dad holding a flashlight over my head as I crawled on the floor searching for a lost dollar. My brother and sister each happened along the scene and joined me in the search. As the feverish hunt continued, my brother asked where I last saw the dollar. I pointed to the other end of the room and said “way over there”.  My sister then inquired as to why we weren’t looking over there. To which I exclaimed “because this is where the light is!”

One of the joys of working with younger children is to see how they make sense of the world around them. Their little minds are making connections and storing away images and ideas about how and why things work. It is a real blessing to be able witness and learn from the earnest innocence of a child, and it is a great responsibility to be a role model for the children in our church and community.

Just like the skit, children are drawn to light. They are drawn to sources of clarity, of explanation and understanding. They are drawn to people who can help them make sense of the world around them and influence what they will become as they continue growing. If you look at popular culture you will see many examples of people shining a light that leads straight into darkness and confusion, and the same is true in our community. There is brokenness and confusion in the homes and families around us, and this has devastating effects on the children in our community.

For the past several years New Life has been partnering with Kids Hope USA to bring the light of the Gospel to the Yorktown school system. By giving up one hour of your week to spend with one child you have an opportunity to impact that child’s heart with the truth of the Gospel and change their life forever. You don’t have to prepare lessons, just show up and play games, help with school work, listen and love on your child.

One hour a week may seem to some of you like a small amount of time, but God will use it to radically change lives. To others of you one hour a week may seem like a significant amount of time to take out your already busy schedule, but you know what, it’s even more significant to the child you could be spending it with.

In John 8, Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As I said before, children are drawn to the light. They are drawn to the clarity that beckons to them from the midst of confusion. You have a tremendous opportunity not only to change one child’s life, but to impact an entire class, an entire grade, an entire school, and an entire community, because as the light of the Gospel spreads more and more, people will be drawn to it.

With the 2011-2012 school year in full swing Kids Hope is getting ready to start up as well. We still have thirteen elementary students that need tutors. Please prayerfully consider giving up an hour of your time each week to be a light in life of one of these students.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~Matt. 5:14-16

Visitors Welcome Gathering this Sunday

As most all of you know we are in the process for planning a new sanctuary. The reason for this is God has blessed this church with a lot of new members and regular attendees. He has also brought many new visitors that are looking for a church. In response to this New Life has created a new ministry to address one phase of this growth. The name of this new ministry is The Welcome Team. Its mission is to address the questions and needs of these visitors.

The team will be holding its first gathering Sept. 11 during the third service. If you are a visitor or if you have been attending for a while and have questions about the church, you are welcome to attend this gathering. Please gather in the new wing by the coffee bar at 11:30.

Living the Gospel: St. Louis Missions Trip Update

“You cannot share the gospel with these people. You can sing songs, but not about Jesus. You can share Bible stories, but only Old Testament. And I would strongly advise against memory verses that have anything to do with work of Christ”

These are the kind of instructions you would expect to hear from a secular organization, school, university, or foreign country trying to sensor the work of the church. This is certainly not what you would expect to hear from an inner city church desperately praying and working to see their city revitalized by the gospel. Nevertheless these are the instructions we were given as we began our Backyard Bible Club ministry in St. Louis.

As many of you know in July we sent a team to St. Louis to with an inner city church called New City. Every morning we helped tutor children at New City’s summer school program. In the afternoon we did jobs like construction projects, yard work, painting, gardening, and visiting elderly or sick people. Every evening we led a Backyard Bible Club, which is like a VBS that takes place in a family’s backyard, a local park or other public place.

Many on our team had served during previous years in Mexico so we had a pretty good idea what to expect. We had worked for many weeks preparing Bibles stories, object lessons, songs, and games for our backyard Bible club. We did our best to prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. But the Lord has a way of stretching and challenging us even when we feel most prepared.

When we got our Backyard Bible Club assignment we were sent to a neighborhood primarily occupied by refugees. Many of these children came from families of Muslim background and are hostile towards Christianity. As a result we were told to primarily focus on building relationships with the children and their families.

We had to drastically change our plans and refocus all the training we had done. It was difficult to focus on sharing the gospel entirely in the way we interacted with the children and each other. As Christians it is so easy to rely on our ability or opportunities to tell others about the gospel and we often forget the importance of living the gospel and truly loving others.

After the first day we discussed how we could encourage and pray for each other throughout the week. One of our teenagers told the group about one of the boys who hit and spit on him. He told us that he found it hard to pursue the boy and even more difficult love him, but then he thought of Christ and remembered that He also had to endure being spit on and beaten. He told us the moment he thought of that not only did he feel the strength he needed to love the boy, but he also felt a deeper understanding of the salvation purchased for Him by the love and work of Christ.

This is one of the main reasons why short term trips like this are so important for our growth and development as Christians. We experience strength that can only come from Christ, and we see grace in situations we never thought we could endure. In 2 Corinthians 6:3 Paul urges the church not to put obstacles in anyone’s way so that no fault may be found in their ministries. In St. Louis we experienced this same charge in a unique way and were immensely blessed to see the work Christ did through us to expand His Kingdom.

Next year we plan on returning to St. Louis to serve this same community again. I strongly and humbly urge you all to consider joining us!

You can check out the highlights from the trip by clicking on on video link HERE

 

 

Snakes and Snails and Converse and Cupcakes

Last year, one of the youth group’s favorite events was Converse and Cupcakes, a sleepover party for the younger girls in the church hosted by the youth group girls. It was precious to see the older girls take the opportunity to serve and build relationships with the younger girls.

We are planning to host this same event this year and offer one for the boys as well. Snakes and Snails (the boys event) will be held on Fri. September 3rd, 6pm–10am the next morning. The boys in grades 1st-5th are invited to an overnight at the church with the Jr. High and High School boys.  Pizza and breakfast will be provided and they’ll have the opportunity to play games, watch movies, and get to know some of the older boys.

Converse and Cupcakes, the girls’ version of this party will be held on Fri., Aug. 26 6pm-10am the next morning. Again the Jr. High and High School girls will be providing crafts, games as well as pizza and breakfast to girls in grades 1st—5th.

Please RSVP on MyNewLife or contact the church office if you have any questions.

 

 

Parents of Youth Meeting on August 18

Attention all parents of youth group members: There will be a parents’ meeting on Aug. 18 at 6:30pm. We will cover some new policies, curriculum for the new school year, introduce you to our volunteers and other exciting upcoming plans for the youth ministry. Please mark you calendars so you can make sure to be there!

A Week at The Edge

In June we asked for your prayers as our junior high youth were heading off to summer camp. I wanted to take a moment now and let you know how God used your prayers and our week at camp to glorify Himself in the lives of our youth and leaders.

First of all, for those of you that may have missed the previous Lifeline article, let me give some of the details of the week we spent at camp. For the past five years we have attended “The Edge” a camp that meets on the campus of Covenant College in Chattanooga, TN. The entire structure of the camp is built to facilitate relationships between youth leaders and their youth groups. Each day we had morning and evening services that consisted of singing, skits, a lesson, and group devotions. The guys and girls split up for devotions in the morning, and in the evening we all met together to discuss what the kids had learned and anything God might have been teaching them throughout the day.

Though we had numerous fun activities, even a day at a water park in Atlanta, for me the best part of each day was the evening devotional. We were tremendously blessed to have such an attentive group of young adults who took in each lesson and used their personal time during the day to thoughtfully approach God in response. Not only that, but they were also willing to talk with the group
(see “Camp” on pg. 5)
about it! Each night our discussions deepened both in spiritual content and openness about life and faith.

On Wednesday we had “Commitment Night” where the kids are asked to take a serious analysis of their relationship with God. As mentioned in the previous article, I really appreciate the way this night is setup. They plan it in the middle of the week so that there aren’t as many emotionally influencing factors that are often present during the last night of camp. Instead of keeping the kids inside and playing loud or emotional music to get them hyped up they send them out into the campus to spend time alone with God. The kids are asked to write on a slip of paper a message to God and choose one of four words to describe their current relationship with Him: “repenting, returning, remaining, or running”. After about 15 minutes the kids return to the chapel and place their slips of paper at the foot of a wooden cross to symbolize the openness we have to approach God through the shed blood of Christ. One of our boys stood up and took the opportunity to take personal ownership of his faith and pursuit of Christ.

In 1 Kings 19 Elijah experiences a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire but the Lord was not present in them. But after the fire Elijah heard a low whisper and the Lord spoke to him. It is such a blessing to worship a God that meets us in trials and big events but also in the calm and quiet places in our lives. At camp we get to experience the grandeur and glory of our God as we see His vast creation, and we are overwhelmed with excitement during the numerous activities, singing, and experiences. However, it also provides a retreat to meet with God in the quiet and stillness of our surroundings and our hearts.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support while we were at camp. And an especially big thank you to Adriane Kattner and Jenna Bergman for helping us chaperone and lead the youth. It is such a joy and honor to experience the effectual work of our Savior as He continues drawing His children to Himself!

***Check out our highlights video from the Edge HERE!***

 

VBS Supply and Volunteer Needs

Please consider how you might help our VBS ministry this year. There are many needs for both volunteers and supplies.

Volunteers

We currently need 5 group leaders, 2 people to help with games, and 2 people that can show up each night to fill in anywhere they may be needed.

If you are at all interested in filling one of these positions, please contact the church office and we can get you more information.

Supplies

- 50 packages/sheets of stickers (flowers, hearts, animals, etc.)
- 12 packages of tissue paper (any color)
- 90 travel size toothpaste (any brand) *
- 90 adult toothbrushes (any brand) *
- 90 travel size shampoo (any brand, but keep in mind it is for the men at the Mission)
- 90 travel size shaving cream
- 10 packages of Q-tips
- 90  bars of soap (any brand)
- 90 dental floss *
-4 cases of bottled water (any brand)
- 140 coffee filters
- 140 clothespins (with springs)
- 140 pipe cleaners (any color)
- 8 spray bottles to be borrowed (to be filled with water)
- 20 packages of pom poms (any colors, any sizes)

*More supplies will be added in the next few days

Summer VBS July 24th-29th!

VBS is just a few short weeks away.

VBS kicks off on Sunday, July 24 at 6pm.  Each night there will be drama, music, crafts, games and of course learning about Joseph. Friday night we have a special family dinner planned where parents can hear about what their kids learned all week. This will be an amazing week! Register your kids now! If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

 

Reflections on Marriage

This week I’ve been preparing to give the homily at my brother in-law’s wedding. As I prayed through the chosen text, Genesis 29, and thought about the upcoming wedding I naturally began reflecting on the topic of marriage in general. Preparing to celebrate Jessy’s and my fifth anniversary this coming June I certainly recognize my inexperience when compared to many in our congregation who have and continue to lead strong, nurturing, long-lasting marriages. However, as I studied Genesis 29, the story of Jacob wedding Rachel, several themes emerged that are of particular encouragement both to newlyweds and couples in their twilight years.

The theme of waiting is present almost immediately in verse 18 when Jacob offers to work seven years in return for the hand of Rachel. Verse 20 goes on to explain that the years seemed like only a few days because of his love for her. Here we see a beautiful depiction of love and waiting on God’s timing. However, this is quickly followed by Laban’s deception of Jacob when, at the end of the seven years, he gives him Leah’s hand instead of Rachel’s.

Laban’s deception serves as a strong warning not to be taken in by the deception of how the world defines and depicts marriage and the physical and spiritual intimacy a husband and wife share. If we look at our culture we see many children’s stories or most romantic movies culminate with marriage. Regardless of what trials the characters are afflicted with you know the struggle will be over and all will be well when they stand together at the altar. Though marriage does make for a good happy ending we are often encouraged to think that it is the culmination of good triumphing over evil and the beginning of easier days.

The reality is we are sinful fallen people, and marriage will not fix or mask that, in fact marriage highlights it. Just as the light of the morning displayed to Jacob the deception of Laban so a married life displays the curse of the fall.  And that can be difficult to endure. It is difficult to endure honest critique and constructive criticism from the person you care most about in the whole world, and similarly it is difficult to confront the person you care about most with the truth they need to hear. Marriage provides a platform to sharpen one another spiritually, but this is often initiated by the friction caused by our sinfulness. This serves the primary function of marriage which is to point us towards Christ, our only Savior and our only hope.

We see in Genesis 29 after the deception of Laban Jacob serves another seven years for Rachel. This continued sacrifice testifies to Jacob’s immense love for Rachel. In the same way that we see the deception of sin in the deception of Laban, we see the love of Christ in the love of Jacob.

Five years of marriage isn’t even as long as Jacob served for Rachel’s hand, though Jessy and I did date for five and a half years before getting married. I do not pretend to have years of wisdom or experience behind me on the subject of marriage. But I do have the privilege of loving and leading a strong godly woman who earnestly seeks after the Lord and encourages me in this same pursuit. As I reflect on our time together I can say there are times when seven years seems like a day, and there are times when a day seems like seven years.  I rejoice that we have been united not to make life easier, but to make our relationship with God stronger.

 

 

More Than 100 Attend Awana’s Award Celebration

Thanks to all who helped to make the end-of-the-year Awana award celebration this past Wed. such a success! Thank you to those who contributed food, to those who came to help set up, for those who helped in the kitchen, for those who helped clean up. Everyone working together is what made this night memorable for the Awana children!

“Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Karen Bouw: faithful, dedicated, committed, organized, joyful, caring, passionate, encouraging, consistent, forgiving, humorous, respectful, appreciative, and “she wow’s me,” were words that were submitted when AWANA volunteers were asked to share one word they felt describes Karen. Karen’s commitment to the program, to the children who participate as to the volunteers is evident each and every week.  A most heartfelt thank you to Karen for her commitment, faithfulness, and all the hours dedicated to making the AWANA program the success that it is.

Hebrews 6:10…“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Awana will begin again on Sept. 14.

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