Farewell to Fred and Becky

If you didn't sign up at church and plan on attending the celebration for the Hartings this Sunday, please email patty@nlcc.to. Also let Patty know if you will be able to bring a dessert.
Here is a memory Landi Moore shared of Pastor Fred's time with us.
The Christmas my nephew was 5 he was intrigued with the drummer boy. When Pastor Fred was assigning parts for the Christmas pageant, Nathan asked if he could be the little drummer boy. Pastor Fred said - well we've never had a drummer boy, but sure we can do that. He put an extra light in a little boy's Christmas that year!!When I started attending New Life, the thing that drew me most was the worship. It was so refreshing to be in the presence of the Lord. Thank you, Pastor Fred!!Landi
Fred and Becky are also known for their sense of humors. In honor of that, here are a couple of pictures, courtesy of the Henry's.

A Farewell to Fred and Becky

On Sunday, September 30th, we will be celebrating the ministry, lives, friendship, and our love for Fred and Becky Harting. The 30th will be their last Sunday with us, after nine years, and plans are underway to try and show our appreciation to them and their family. The truth is, no matter how perfect the plans are, we won't be able to truly express our gratitude. How can we sum up in one morning, nine years of selfless service, of shared laughter, of tears shed, and of warm hospitality. Jenni Sprague summed it up perfectly, "No matter how hard I try, there is no easy one or two line phrase to write to say how much Fred and Becky mean to New Life and how much we will miss them. The laughter, the passion for our Lord, the dedication to our church--words cannot sum up all that Fred and Becky have done to make New Life Community Church the kind and loving place that it is today. The Harting family will be greatly missed and warmly remembered for all they have done at New Life Community Church. I will miss them something fierce!!"

Our first Sunday at New Life, over eight years ago, Fred walked up to Andy and me and said, "You look like you can sing." He spotted us, welcomed us, and from that day we were whole-heartedly a part of the New Life family. His gift for hospitality is simply unmatched. Mimi Klotz says, "It's amazing how quickly you can grow to love two people so dearly."

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us in celebrating these two, greatly loved individuals. Help us simply drown them in love, hugs, and prayers. I'll have my Kleenex with me, the same ones I'm grabbing for now. Specific details of the celebration are coming, but it will be after the service and you can count on two things, food and music!

New Testament Books

If you ever need a "pick me up," just come visit the 2nd-4th grade class! These kids have ENERGY! It's wonderful. We learned this past week that the Bible is our instruction manual for life. They

looked up solutions to a problem in the Bible and then acted out the solutions in a skit. They did a great job! We're also working on memorizing the books of the New Testament. Many of them are close already and Alec Brooks is there! Way to go Alec!

An Evening of Chocolate!

Chocolate ice cream, chocolate eclair, rocky road bars, german chocolate. You name it, it was there. Our women's evening of chocolate and relaxation this past Friday provided enough sweets for a small army. There was good food, cozy couches, manicures, pedicures, and good conversation.

Thank you to the Murrays for letting us crash at their home, and thank you to Sallie Thompson who did our nails! It was a

wonderful evening ladies! Thank you!

Two Youth Take the Plunge!

Two weeks ago, two of our youth were baptized during the youth meeting held at Patty's house in Sheridan. We're so happy Hannah and Colleen decided to "take the plunge" and declare their love for Jesus.

Take these words of Paul to heart, girls:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. I Timothy 4:12

Let the Children Come to Me.

With the mention of "Children's Ministry," there are two main responses. Either you're officially submerged in that world and tune in, or most likely, you tune out because it doesn't apply to you. Maybe you were in that world but now your kids are grown. Maybe your kids are young and you need a break for church activities. Maybe, "I like kids but they're not so fond of me." Maybe you wouldn't mind helping, but you assume others are taking care of it. Or maybe you're just plain afraid of them, I've been there.

Whatever stage of life children are a part of, Jesus never left it. Luke 18:16 But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. No matter where you are in life, if you look around you at church, and you see children, that means you are in that stage of life. These children are not "theirs" or "yours." They're "mine," "ours". If your part in our children's ministry is to pray for it, that is as crucial and important as any other role. If, however, you can volunteer for ONE Sunday each month, to help, to snuggle, to laugh, to console, than what's stopping you? Speaking very candidly from a young mom's heart, I can't tell you in words the value of seeing someone else love my children with me and desire to teach them of our Heavenly Father. By the time Sunday rolls around, quite honestly, we're tired parents. There are NO words to fully verbalize our gratitude to those who help. There are so many WONDERFUL, EXCITING things happening! Much hard work and heart is being poured into the frame and structure, they just need hands. Especially as we quickly approach the day of two services again.

Please pray about helping. You can note on your welcome card if you have interest in helping.

Love to you all,

Jenessa

I Hide Thy Word in My Heart!

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

What's a verse on your heart today? Let's encourage each other! Post it as a comment (you don't need a blogger account) or email it to nlccblog@yahoo.com.

Fall Kick-off

Fall is around the corner, and the Heavenly Dog Lunch was the perfect way to welcome it. Thank you to everyone who helped; who knew gaucamole and hot dogs made such a 'heavenly' combo?! Let's all gather again on Wednesday, as our family nights begin. Dinner will be served from 6-7p.m., with classes from 7-8p.m. The following classes will be offered.

Adult Class: Discovering Our Spiritual Gifts, led by Rev. Jeff White.

Student Ministry: See Pastor John Crump for more details.

Elevate, 8-12th grades, The Case for Christ, led by Andy Denniston.

Crosswalk, 5th-7th grades, Grapple Curriculum, led by Brett Brooks & Mark Henry

Children's Ministry: See Pastor Fred Harting for details

Nursery care for infants-2 1/2 year olds.

Classes for Preschool and K-4th.

All are welcome, no registration needed. Let's be contagious!

I Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.