Season of Prayer Week 3

Today we are at the half way point of our season of prayer and fasting. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9). Here is the prayer focus for today:

Col. 4:2-6, Rom. 1:16

The focus for this week is to pray for ourselves as we seek to reach out to the lost. Pray for open doors to share the gospel, clarity in communication, boldness, and wisdom. Suggestion: Make it a point to spend some special time praying about this with your Life Group this week. Pray for the other members of your group to be used by God in this way. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:25).

High School Parent Newsletter - February edition

If your a parent of a high school student at New Life Church, or are a parent interested in the high school ministry of New Life Church, or are simply interested in the high school ministry of New Life Church, please check out the February edition of the Ignite newsletter by clicking here. In it you will find an article on adolescence, meeting times, upcoming events, birthday announcements and prayer requests.

Ladies Event A Smash Hit!

8390634...my ticket's number was called and I ran to the jewelry table with a yip of excitement, my first opportunity to capture that dazzling bracelet calling my name! The Ladies Accessory Exchange was such a huge success Friday evening we just couldn't be bothered to stop and snap photos--maybe next time! Laughter, excitement, chocolate covered strawberries, door prizes and hilarious games: just a small "snapshot" of the fun of the evening. A special thanks to Kim Brandstetter and Lori Elliott, whose masterful planning transformed the lobby of the Riverfalls Campus into a Parisian froufrou cafe/boutique for one evening only. Thank you also to all the fabulous ladies who attended. Stay tuned for a follow-up event, coming SOON!

Season of Prayer Week 2

We are now into our second week of the "season of prayer" at New Life Church. We are taking every Wednesday from now until Easter to fast and pray for God to work in powerful ways in our church. Here is the prayer emphasis for this week:

Eph. 1:18-19, Rom. 10:17

Spend today in concerted prayer for your lost friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. Pray that God might open their spiritual eyes so that they would know Him. Pray that might read the word of God which is able to produce faith in them. Pray fervently all through this season for those God lays on your heart.

Suggestion: Take some time on this day to pray together with at least one other person. Get them praying for your lost friends, and you begin praying for theirs as well.

FIVE FROM NEW LIFE ON MISSION TO GUATEMALA

Dianne Froode, Jon Glynn, Larry Richardson, and Val Matijacic with Dr. Brad Titus left Saturday, February 16th on a mission trip to Pampacche, Guatemala. Their activities will include a health clinic, vacation Bible school, home visitations, and construction projects.

The New Life Team will be joined by five others from a Portland Bible study outreach group. They will be working with the local church and community leaders, school teachers, and families. Pampacche is in a very remote and primitive area. Previously, the only way into Pampacche was by hiking. The New Life team will be returning February 24th. They would appreciate your prayers and financial support.

What's the Opposite of a Children's Book?

This is a post about SAM and Clifford but not "Sam, I Am" from Green Eggs and Ham or Clifford, the Big Red Dog. It is about the Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) at New Life Church and Pat Clifford, (not big, not red and certainly not a dog).

One of my chief concerns over the past few months has revolved around what to do with the Senior Adult ministry without Bob Spidal. He had served so ably and lovingly for so long, I wasn't sure how we could replace him. I am thankful that, though, with man it is impossible, with God nothing is impossible.

From the time the Cliffords moved from California about 4 years ago, God had been building within Pat a desire to serve Seniors. He didn't know what that looked like or how it would take shape, but God did. Yesterday, he began as the new Senior Adult Director at New Life Church.

He is a wise man with a subtle and hysterical sense of humor. I have every confidence that God will use him to be a great encouragement to the seniors. . . and to me! And this chapter will not be a children's book, but another story of God's faithfulness to his church.

Thank you!

Extra blessings on the following people who helped us move Saturday: George Milliken, Dale Austen, Matt Vorhees, Mark Hannifan, Mike Hartley, Alex Fuentes, Tim Smith, Hunter and Grayson Haugen, and Taylor Brandstetter who missed a ride and could not get there to help. Some of the ladies who also helped pack and put in place things were Cris Austen and Aaron Doyle. Lots of hard work was performed and a job well done. The Lord blessed also with a dry day.

—Bob and Barbara Montgomery

Season of Prayer and Fasting

If you missed church this last Sunday, you may not know that the staff and elders of New Life have called our church to a Season of Prayer and Fasting between now and Easter. We put out a prayer guide for the whole congregation to use. You can pick one up at church this Sunday if you didn't get one. Until then, here is the basic plan for the season:

We are asking that you would set aside every Wednesday between now and Easter as a special day of Prayer and Fasting (if Wednesday doesn't work, pick another day).

How that looks is going to be different for every individual and family within our church.

• Some may choose to fast from food and others may not.
• Some may set aside all other activities on those days.
• Others may just pray at meal times or in the evenings

We are not so much concerned about how you pray as we are that you do indeed pray. There is no pass or fail to this season of prayer. If you pray a little bit more, that is win. If this season of prayer is the impetus to a whole new commitment to prayer in your life, even better.

Below you can find some Scripture verses and suggestions for prayer for the first day:

Daniel 9: 1-19, 2 Chr. 7:14

Take some time today to pray for yourself, your church, and your nation. In humility, pray prayers of repentance for our sins past and present. Ask God to bring healing to our land. Pray for the revival of our church and churches around the world. Pray that He would use us to grow His kingdom here in West Linn and around the world. Reaffirm our absolute dependence on Him in everything we do!

Suggestion: Make this first day a private day of prayer. Commit yourself to prayer once again. Ask for God’s help to persevere.

S.A.M. Luncheon Tomorrow, February 13th

The Senior Adult Ministries will be resuming their monthly potluck luncheons tomorrow, February 13th. Please bring a dish to share and join us for a great meal, old-time sing, and a brief program. This is such a fun event, and a great opportunity for fellowship and encouragement. Please remind your favorite seniors NOT to miss it!

Couple Conference Update

This past weekend 17 couples (13 from our church and 4 from the community) gathered together to talk about building stronger relationships. Our presenter, Noel Meador did a fantastic job giving us tools to use to help our marriages.

One of the more helpful tools he gave us was the "Speaker Listener Technique." If you have not used this technique before, I would encourage you to check out the basics of the process at the web site: www.positive-way.com/family.htm

If you are looking for some help with your marriage, Lasting Relationships is great organization with some practical tools that can help you. You can find other conferences in our area by going to www.lastingrelationships.org.

Also, be sure to come to church over the next five weeks. Pastor Scott and I will be preaching a series from God's word on Marriage and Family.

Unique Ministry Opportunity

My name is Joshua Anderson. I am a 25 year old third year medical student at Des Moines University in Iowa. I am going to be doing a month long rotation at Weston Pediatric and Women's Clinic from 6/16/08-7/11/08. My wife( Myra) and I are looking for a place to stay during this time period. It is not easy to find a place to stay for just a month and we are not sure who we would be staying with. My wife grew up in a Baptist church in Marshalltown, IA so we thought this would be the best place to start. We are looking to stay with anyone in the church who might be willing to lend a helping hand and who have similar Christian beliefs as our own. We would be willing to pay some rent and do odd jobs around the house/church to help out.

Just a few things to know about us... We enjoy the outdoors, animals, exercising, watching movies, growing spiritually, and adventure.
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Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping this couple and Julia can give you their contact information. Or, you can email Joshua.

New Life Church Online Calendar!

The online calendar has been updated to reflect many exciting upcoming events! Please click here to check it out!!

A Prayer for Today

VOYAGE

O LORD OF THE OCEANS,
My little bark sails on a restless sea,
Grant that Jesus may sit at the helm and steer me safely;
Suffer no adverse currents to divert my heavenward course;
Let not my faith be wrecked amid storms and shoals;
Bring me to harbour with flying pennants,
Hull unbreached, cargo unspoiled.

I ask great things,
expect great things,
shall receive great things.
I venture on thee wholly, fully,
my wind, sunshine, anchor, defence.
The voyage is long, the waves high, the storms pitiless,
but my helm is held steady,
thy Word secures safe passage,
thy grace wafts me onward,
my haven is guaranteed.
This day will bring me nearer home,
Grant me holy consistency in every transaction,
my peace flowing as a running tide,
my righteousness as every chasing wave.
Help me to live circumspectly,
with skill to convert every care into prayer,
Halo my path with gentleness and love,
smooth every asperity of temper;
let me not forget how easy it is to occasion grief;
may I strive to bind up every wound,
and pour oil on all troubled waters.

May the world this day be happier and better because I live,
Let my mast before me be the saviour's cross,
and every oncoming wave the fountain in his side.
Help me, protect me in the moving sea
until I reach the shore of unceasing praise.

(From The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1975)

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday Video

This video should encourage you on a number of levels: the value of life, the importance of being involved. . . and the importance of memorizing the Bible! This video stars New Life Church's youngest film prodigy and was produced by Ronn Pricer. Thank you.