Life is Tremendous!

Currently Reading:
Life Is Tremendous! By Charlie "Tremendous" Jones.

A few gems:

Did you hear about the two men were in jail? Tom said to Joe, "Where are you going?" "To the electric chair," Joe replied. "More power to ya," chirped Tom.

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave. -- Calvin Coolidge.

He gives three laws he suggests will help make life tremendous:

1. You must be learning to say something positive to everybody all the time.
2. You must be learning to see something postive in everything that happens.
3. You must be learning to See It Big and Keep It Simple.

Connecting Point 9/18

Don't forget, if you attend or have even thought about attending New Life Church Riverfalls you're invited to the Reavelys' back yard Sunday evening at 5:00.

We'll have time to hang out together. We'll probably have a game to play. We'll also pray together.

Please bring food that reminds you of Fall (Candy corn, apples, pumpkin pie, venison, etc.) that you can share. Thank you.

New Life Servants

Bob and Barbara Montgomery have been serving at New Life Church for hundreds of years. They've always been behind the scenes working in the kitchen (pictured here), making coffee, folding bulletins, going on mission trips, working at coffee cart, stuffing bulletin inserts at the last minute and a hundred of other impromptu opportunities.

Bob and Barbara were the first to sign up as launch team members for the New Life Robinwood. They came to me the week after we decided to start another church and said, "We don't know where it will be, but we can help by being janitors at the new church."

Bob and Barbara can be found in the kitchens now of two church buildings. They now fold bulletins for both congregations. They will frequently do some act of service like coffee cart at NLC Riverfalls and then head down to NLC Robinwood for more. Their unselfish service to the Lord and to both congregations is a beautiful thing. I'm sure the Lord will remember it. (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.)

Bob and Barbara, thank you.

Hurricane Katrina Relief

Good News! CBAmerica is partnering with Delta Ministries to send teams for support for victims of Hurricane Katrina. This means new opportunities for us to be involved. An exploratory team is being sent down to Louisiana this weekend. Once they return and form a plan we will know the next practical steps. Thanks for your continued interest and prayers.

Showers of Blessing at Men's Camp

Thirty-one men from New Life endured a deluge on Saturday at Camp Tadmor. Steve Farrar encouraged them to remain steadfast when afflicted.

The food was terrific. One man said it was good enough to warrant a trip for the food alone, you didn't need a speaker or good weather or friends to hang out with.

The blessings rained down because of their rain-forced time together, great encouragement from the speaker and the great food.

Connecting Point 9/11

Don't forget, if you attend or have even thought about attending New Life Church Riverfalls you're invited to the Reavelys' back yard Sunday evening at 5:00.

We'll have time to hang out together and share something sweet and something salty that you bring with you to share. We'll probably have a game to play. We'll also pray together for our country and for hurricane victims.

New Life Servants

Ken and Joanne Weiss were disappointed when someone suggested we highlight them as New Life Servants. They have always shied away from attention and the spotlight (as you can see them doing in this picture).

If I were to tell the truth, the whole idea of highlighting people with servants hearts originated when I was thinking of them. My initial word for it was "Hero". God's word for it is "servant".

Ken and Joanne were heroes from almost day one as they loaned their computer expertise to the church. They do our church website. They publish the electronic VOICE. They design and print of the postcards and invitations we use at church. And, they run to help when our computers won't work at the church. They also help other ministries with their websites and operational needs.

Yes, but that doesn't explain the dirt on Ken's shirt in the picture or the "Robinwood" banner in the background. No, it doesn't. In a previous life, Ken learned to do construction work and is not afraid to use it to serve the Lord. He has worked almost ceaselessly to get the Robinwood buildings ready for use. He's created and manages a project list on the 'members' part of our website.

Ken and Joanne embody the servant spirit that will allow us to succeed at being one church in many locations. Recently someone needed to make a decision about some project at Robinwood. They looked to Ken because he was always there working and probably knew better what to do than any of the rest of us. In response, he shrugged his shoulders and said, "Tell me what to do and I'll do it. After all, I don't even go here."

He's also regularly building something for "Skate Church" or The Luis Palau organization.

So, Ken and Joanne -- Thank you. You are serving the Lord, but you are heroes to me.

Showing God's Love In A Practical Way

Pastor Nathan & I used our new beverage backpack this morning. It was great fun. We'd love to offer the opportunity to anyone in the church.

You don't have to be a great spokesperson for God or the church. In fact, we didn't say anything other than, "Would you like some free hot chocolate," to anyone until they asked. Most just made comments almost anyone would enjoy receiving. "That's so cool." "Wow." "Are you like the free-hot-chocolate-guy?" "Look honey, he's got hot chocolate in the backpack!" "I brought my own hot chocolate, but I want some from the backpack. The thermos is so 'old-school.'"

It is so easy to respond when someone asks, "Why are you doing this?" Our responses varied. We tried, "To show the love of Jesus in a practical way." "We are trying out our new backpack." "We are starting a church in the neighborhood." "I've spent plenty of time on the soccer field sidelines and was looking for a way to show mercy to those who are still there." "Our church has been giving free hot chocolate to WLHS kids for a long and we decided to take it on the road." (Well, I didn't get to use that one -- next time.)

We would love to have one two-hour shift, from 9-11:00 each Saturday to go from one soccer game to another and give away free hot chocolate or coffee. We'll get you everything you need to have a great time. Only a few of you have ever been as popular as you will be with the new backpack!

You can sign up by leaving a comment with the Saturday date you'd like. Two people will need to go together. Feel free to leave questions, too.

Make a friend. Join a Life Group.

Do you want to experience the Christian life with others? Join a Life Group. Life Groups are small groups of 3-10 people who meet weekly or every other week. They give group members an opportunity to make friends and do life together. In a Life Group, you will be able to share what is going on in your life, pray with others, and discuss different passages and topics from the Bible. There are groups for young marrieds, men, women, parents, everyone. Groups are forming now. Interested? Contact me.

Sunday at New Life Riverfalls

Last Sunday at New Life Riverfalls we had an outstanding Lord's Day. Scott Creps preached a great message on the Authority of the Bible. He spoke from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Sunday evening we had an outdoor party in the Reavely's back yard. Forty-five or so people came, shared fruit and bread, and played the Mad Hatter game. We had a good prayer time for our church and for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

(Next week it starts again at 5:00. Bring something sweet and something salty to share.)

New Life Servant Search

If you have been encouraged by a New Life servant and think they ought to be recognized. That would be a great help. Please comment below and we'd love to recognize them.

Robinwood Landscaping Plan

Last Tuesday several of us met to discuss what to do about landscaping around the parking lot at Robinwood. We decided the following:

1. We would get a dusting of barkdust blown in by launch time. (But after pricing it and talking with Nathan we decided against it). Bob and Barbara Montgomery have done a great job getting the islands and bare spots looking clean and presentable.
2. We will get bids on sprinklers as soon as possible. But they will not be ready by launch.
3. In the islands we will take off a foot of dirt and bring in top soil.
4. The two trees closest to the South entrance will come out before the landscaping begins in earnest.
5. We will see if we can get some boulders to landscape with from various construction projects throughout town.
6. We will put up signs at each entrance. These may not be up by launch depending on whether we will get the boulders.
7. We are going to research other attractive parking lots to get an idea of vegetation.
8. After all this, then we will develop a plan for what plants to plant where.

If you would like to be part of the process or if you have access to cheap (free) boulders, barkdust, or plants, please let us know and we'd love to have you be part of the action.

Parents, Read This Book!

Even though I'm not a parent, I recently read a book about parenting that I thought was well worth passing on to everyone who is. The name of the book is "The Power of a Praying Parent." This book was written author Stormie Omartian who is known for her other books in "The Power of a Praying..." series.

The book was written for anyone with children, no matter how old or young those children may be. If you're interested in learning new ways of praying for your son or daughter, please get this book today! You can find it at most Christian and corporate bookstores.

Wondering what we've been doing?

New Life Church: Robinwood spent the Labor Day weekend at Champoeg State Park. While there we were able to participate in Farmstead Day and experience life as it was in the 1860's. It was fun for all ages.

On Sunday we met outdoors, which also reminded us of "earlier times". "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isa. 55:12 NIV The trees clapped with us as we worshipped the Creator in His Creation. Our outdoor service was followed by a "good old fashion barbecue".

"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne." Psalms 47:5-8 NIV

New Life Church: Children's TEAM Meetings - TONIGHT

It is the first day of school - Wow! Can summer really be over? It's also time to gear up for Fall at New Life Church. Check out these opportunities to serve!

We have some children's team meetings scheduled for tonight, both meetings will take place at the NLC: Robinwood.

6:00 PM / NLC: Robinwood - Treasureland (Sunday morning - program) If you are involved currently or wish to learn more about NLC: Robinwood's Sunday's children's ministry, come at 6 PM.

7:00 PM / New Life Church's new Mid-Week "Treasure Island" program. Come and get involved in this exciting new ministry at New Life! All are welcome to attend at 7 PM

Mt 18:4-5 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

New Life Servant

Last Friday morning Kelly Zook had a knock at her door. When she opened the door, there was her neighbor who lives behind them. He introduced himself and asked, "Are you Christians?"

Kelly answered, "Yes."

The conversation became more unusual when he asked if the Zooks had been praying for him. She told him they had been praying for his whole family.

Then he thanked them for caring and praying for him and explained that he had just recently rededicated his life to the Lord.

Kelly had asked Ashley to come and listen to what he was sharing. Turns out she was the one who had a burden on her heart for this family. (Kelly admits, "Matt and I had been content to ignore their noise and arguing. We tried to avoid contact with them.") Ashley invited them to the New Life Easter service. She prayed for them regularly. She invited one of their daughters to Sports Camp. That morning she got to see God working through her.

What a surprise and delight it was for Kelly and Ashley to rejoice with him in God's faithfulness. It was also wonderful for Ashley to see some fruit of her love for others and her obedience to the Lord.

A Local Opportunity to Help Hurricane Survivors.

The Oregonian reported this morning that some hurricane refugees with seek temporary relief in Portland. The city of Portland is creating a temporary shelter.

The local chapter of Salvation Army will be collecting clean clothes and non-perishable foods to be used at the Portland shelter. They will announce specific items and drop off locations on Wednesday or Thursday. They are expecting the first group of hurricane survivors to arrive on Friday. We will check back with them mid-week for an update to see if there is anything New Life Church can help with. Stay tuned.

craigslist | Katrina 2005

Here is a list of agencies that are accepting donations and even volunteers for Katrina assistance. It also has links to affected areas besides New Orleans.

The bottom half of this page is all church-related assistance organizations. If you can't give, please pray that Christ would be honored as Christians make a difference in this difficult time.

craigslist | Katrina 2005

New Lifers Deployed For Hurricane Relief

While most of us are enjoying a holiday, Mike Polley and Aaron Orendorff (I'll add a picture of him as soon as I get one), are on their way to New Orleans. Both are involved with the Oregon National Guard and were deployed this weekend to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Please pray that they will be ambassadors of hope. Please pray, too, for their wives, Sally Polley and Amanda Orendorf, as well as the Polley children.

Give Wisely

You are so generous and I've gotten so many inquiries about how to be involved helping hurricane victims. Please give wisely and beware of Hurricane Katrina Scams. If in doubt, work with organizations you know. I am confident the ones we've posted here will be trustworthy.

Church-to-Church connections for Katrina relief

I thought I might be finished posting relief opportunities, but another interesting one came across my desk this morning. Leadership Network is acting as a communication channel for some (limited) church-to-church support for Katrina victims.

Youth Fall Kick-Off

Here's a reminder that the High School group is having their Fall Kick-Off and BBQ tonight at Robinwood. H.S. youth, their parents, and immediate families are invited. The Youth Group will supply all the condiments and side dishes, you just need to bring your own meat. Grilling will start at 6:30 with an informational meeting about our upcoming year and some of the exciting changes that are in store for us beginning about 7:30.

P.S. stay tuned for an update about our new and logo...

Riverfalls Connecting Points

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Hint #1 -- It's the Reavely's yard.
Hint #2 -- The problem is not that it's brown. That may be a problem, but not the one I'm talking about.
Hint #3 -- The problem is easy and fun to fix.

So what's the problem?

The problem with this picture is . . . you're not in it!

But that's easy to fix. If you attend New Life Church Riverfalls, or have even thought about it, please come to the Reavelys' at 5:00 on Sunday evening night, Sept. 4, 11, 18, or 25. You will meet new friends and/or spend time with old ones.

This Sunday, Sept. 4 we're asking everyone to bring fruit and bread (i.e. -- rolls, muffins, bagels, etc.) to share.

What is life like for those entering college?

Here is an annual list from Beloit College about what life is like for those entering college. They do this so their professors understand the people they are teaching. It is a helpful reminder for all of us.

Annual Mindset List

CB America's response to Hurricane Katrina

For those of you who would like to work within the Conservative Baptist family of ministries here is their plan for Katrina Relief. They are waving any administrative fees so all your gifts will go directly to where they are needed.

The Salvation Army National Headquarters

The The Salvation Army National Headquarters is also providing relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

New Life Servants

Mark and Bonnie Hannifan went above and beyond in service to the church and to the Lord's people last Sunday. In planning the baptism and helping get 13 people ready to communicate the gospel, I had forgotten that refreshments don't just happen by themselves.

So, at 10:30 on Sunday morning I asked Bonnie if she thought she could do anything to help. She said, "Yeah, no problem. How many do you expect?"

"Well, if you figure one family for each person being baptized, about a hundred," I replied. So they set about getting simple refreshments for a hundred people.

They carted them to the Haugen's back yard and found about 200 people sitting there! So, they went back to Costco to get supplies for the rest of us. Mark and Bonnie, thank you for your extra effort to make our afternoon a good one.

Northwest Medical Teams

Here is Northwest Medical Team's Disaster Relief Response for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse, the group we participate with in Operation Christmas Child is also working to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Christian Emergency Network

The Christian Emergency Network is another relief organization helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. This site includes ideas for praying, caring and sharing.

I will pass on other Christian organizations as I discover them. I do not have any connections to route money directly to a local church or other individuals.