Timber!

On Memorial Day a crew took out the trees in front of the Riverfalls campus. It proved more work than I had hoped for, and I am still sore. It was a great way to spend the morning working alongside some of the fine men at New Life Church. Enjoy this small part of the day!

Baby News: It's a boy! It's a boy!

We have added two new baby boys to our New Life family! On May 13th, Tim and Heidi Rice welcomed Samuel Nickolas Rice, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 19 inches long. Garrett Gene Ross was born to Merle and Terri Ross on May 20th. Garrett weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 18 inches long. Congratulations to both families. Welcome, Samuel and Garrett!

Current Events Discussion Group: Environmental Responsibility

“Environmental Responsibility”
May 28th @ 7:00pm, Riverfalls Campus

Mission Statement:
The Current Events Discussion Group (CEDG) exists to explore and evaluate contemporary social, political and cultural issues so that each member may discern and apply their personal faith convictions within their daily lives.
The opinions and views expressed at the CEDG reflect those of the person who gave them and not New Life Church.

Discussion:

We will be reading only part of an article by Michael Bullmore entitled, “The Four Most Important Biblical Passages for a Christian Environmentalism.” Aaron chose the article and created an excerpt that includes the introduction and his treatment of only one of the passages, Genesis 1-2. This truncated version was sent by email to members, but if you are seeing only the blog, you can pick out the portions from the entire article at http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/OTeSources/01-Genesis/Text/Articles-Books/Bullmore-Environment-Trin.pdf

We can add the other scriptures to our reading list even though Bullmore’s treatment of them will not be included in our reading.
Psalm 104, Genesis 9:8-17, and Romans 8:18.

The second article is decidedly lighter. Entitled “It’s Not Easy Being Green”, this short editorial puts a finger on the political dilemma facing Christians and fueling some thought for questions 3 and 4. (It made me wish I had time to watch the Bill Moyers “Is God Green” series she mentioned.) http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2008/marapr/8.54.html?start=1

We will begin discussion with these questions:

1. In today’s world, what does it look like to “subdue and rule” the earth?
2. Do we have the right to simply use the resources of the earth or
the responsibility protect and preserve them?
3. How do we draw the line between care for the earth and care for people?
4. Why should (or shouldn’t) Christians care about the environment?
Is there a distinctly Christian position on the environment?
5. If someone believes that the end times are imminent, does that change our
responsibility to the earth?

The Lord Protects "New Life" Sailboat Owner

I think you will remember Cal & Remy Watson who were attending Riverfalls before they moved to Vancouver. Just wanted to share this beautiful answer to many prayers for Cal. --Louise Bennett

On May 2nd, Cal Watson in his sailboat the 'New Life', was run aground on the beach at Gold Beach, south of Coos Bay. He was sailing the boat to San Francisco to sell it. They informed us that he was heading out and we began praying for the journey. The storm that caught the boat was not supposed to be so big or come as quickly as it did. The GPS was not working as it should. Cal was caught off guard but it is apparent that God was in control.
The people that came down to check it out said that was one spot on the beach that was not covered in big rocks. There is a very narrow way that is clear of boulders in the breakers and creates a smooth beach. One person said that it was simply a miracle that he did not hit any of the rocks on either side. As you can see in the picture, the boat seems to have just glided onto the sand. Cal is completely unhurt and there is very little damage to the boat.
This link will take you to the newspaper website reporting about it in 'The World' - a local newspaper.

http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/05/05/public_records/police_reports/doc4a00786434aa4676866948.txt

Don Thompson Passed Away on May 16, 2009

With a grateful heart I want our church family to know that my dad, Don Thompson, passed away on Saturday, May 16th. So many have expressed concern and prayed on our behalf over these last years of his failing health and I thank you for your love and support. I am confident of God's saving grace in his life and relieved that he has been released from the hardship of infirmity.

In lieu of a formal service, we will have a family gathering in a few weeks to celebrate his life. Any gifts can be directed toward the upcoming NLC Missions trip with Cadence International Ministries in honor of his military service to our country.

Cris Austen and family

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Last night Taylor Reavely was honored as the Collegiate Athlete of the Year for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has been leading the huddle at Clackamas Community College this past year. They have seen record numbers of students involved.

Cathy Woods, the Volleyball Coach at CCC, was also named Coach of the Year for her support of Taylor and the huddle at Clackamas.


Taylor was asked to speak and give his testimony for the entire Portland Area FCA gathering. He shared the platform with Olympic wrestler turned pastor, Dan Russell and Neil Lomax, former NFL quarterback.

As some of you remember, I used to lead a group at West Linn High School. Several parents and students are looking forward to trying to start a huddle there next year. It represents yet one more good opportunity to serve the High School.

The Elkins and the Hannifans were present, as well, to explore the possibilities of being part of a group at Rex Putnam High school and starting a group at Milwaukie High Schools. Pray for our young people as the endeavor to reach their campuses.

CCLITV

I just found a worship video site where you can watch and learn new worship songs. You don't have to wait for them to be sung at church. Check out CCLITV.

Quarterly Business Meeting Moved to June 14th

The Quarterly Business Meeting for New Life Church will meet on June 14th at 6 p.m. at New Life Church Riverfalls. This is a change from the original date.