New Year's Eve

Many of you might already have plans for New Year's Eve, but others will not. So, whatever: our home is open on New Year's Eve from 7 pm to midnight. Come and go as you please. We can chat and play Wii and other games like Balderdash etc. If you want to bring some drinks (soft drinks) and a little treat please feel free; but if not, that's fine. We'll pray over the water when the Shloer runs out!

 

Jack

 

Open Home

For those interested we'll be watching the "Aston Villa v Liverpool" game on TV tonight. It starts at 7.45. Some are coming earlier with Chinese etc and to play a few games on the Wii before the match. You are welcome to come along. Bring your own Chinese (food that is).

 

Jack

 

  

Weekly Contact 29 Dec 2009

Well wouldn't you know it; even during holidays I'm still expected to do a Weekly Contact? Only jesting! I'm glad that some of you missed it and were looking for it. Well here it is, albeit a day late!

 

This is the last Weekly Contact of 2009 and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to stay in touch with people through email, although nothing beats meeting face to face and connecting with each other in person. Television should NEVER take the place of church, regardless of what's on, whether it's Christian or the next best thing - Liverpool! and email should never take the place of connecting with people person to person. I look forward to staying connected and hopefully improving relationships in 2010.

 

What can YOU do to stay connected and to improve relationships in 2010?

 

Sunday Morning: was a short service with worship and a little bit of fun with the kids. If your child was on the platform and I did not speak to them personally please do not take it personal! There were so many kids with toys it made me feel like I was in the middle of "Toys R Us". I will hopefully send a few photos later.

 

This happened to be the last service at New Life City Church in 2009. Thanks to everyone who came along. You now have the opportunity of being with us for the first service in 2010 which is this coming Sunday at 11.30 am. Hope to see you then.

 

I hope you had a great Christmas and that you helped others get the most out of the season. If anything broke down, I hope you got it fixed, like the door of a coffee stand or a burst pipe.

 

Avatar: Kathleen and I went to watch Avatar last night in 3D. It was a good movie, but a disturbing commentary on what we as humans would do if we found life on other planets (not that there is life on other planets; so you don't need write back to ask!), but if there was and that planet had something we wanted we would kill them and take it. But hey, go and watch the movie.

 

Prayer: There are still people and issues that continue to need prayer. A few examples are Coleen's dad in hospital (I went to see him today and prayed with him); Billy Haddock's mother (I'll be calling to see her at home soon); Violet Miller's son Colin; Terry and Eileen; and Sylvia Moore's brother. Ther are many others who need prayer. Some make it church, while with others their illness keeps them at home. The Bible instructs us to pray for one another and to encourage each other.

 

Colin & Carole: are heading to Madeira (where they make great cake!) for week beginning this coming Thursday until 8 January. We trust they have a great time away and that Colin doesn't eat too much of that Madeira Cake! 

 

Enjoy the rest of the holiday and I wish you all a Happy and truly blessed New Year.

 

And remember: Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack   

 

 

 

Boxing Night

Hope y'al had a great Chrismas Day.

 

I'm starting a new campaign; it's called "Let's put the T back into Chrismas!"

 

Anyway, Liverpool v Wolves kicks off at 5.30 on ESPN. If you are a Liverpool Fan and you want to watch it you can come to my home for 5.30. If you want to watch it in HD you can go Craig McCurley's, but the company's better here!

 

Kathleen is throwing the home open from 7.30 for games on the Wi etc. So feel free to come along.

 

Other than that, see you in church tomorrow at 11.30 am

 

Happy Boxing Day (when the well off give fill up boxes with food and clothes etc to give the poor).

 

Jack  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you see the motorcycle?

************************************************
This correspondence is confidential and is solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy, distribute or retain this message or any part of it. If you are not the intended recipient please delete this correspondence from your system and notify the sender immediately.
No warranty is given that this correspondence is free from any virus. In keeping with good computer practice, you should ensure that it is actually virus free. E-mail messages may be subject to delays, non-delivery and unauthorised alterations, therefore information expressed in this message is not given or endorsed by Viridian Group Limited or any of its subsidiary undertakings unless otherwise notified by its duly authorised representative independent of this message.
Viridian Group Limited, Registered Office 120 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5HT Registered in Northern Ireland NI 33250.

************************************************

Cars; motor bikes and mobile phones do not mix!

*Do you see the motorcycle?* *Now do you see it?* *The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately* * 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she* * pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the* *motorcycle. The riders reaction time was not sufficient* *enough to avoid this accident. The car had two passengers* *and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact* *and landed 20 feet from where the collision took place.* *    All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were** * *killed instantly**. This graphic demonstration was placed at* *the Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety* *Department.* *Pass this on to car drivers or soon to be* *new drivers, or new motorcycle owners** **AND ESPECIALLY EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS A MOBILE PHONE!!!!!* * A picture is worth a thousand words.* *Wake up people, Stop talking on Mobile phones and* *Texting while trying to drive. Put your Mobile phone* *in the back seat !!!*

Prayer

We are told to pray for one another and to bear one another's burdens. Colleen Fulton's dad is very seriously ill. Colleen is under some "pressure" lately for several reasons. She has been putting in the hours to support her mother. Kathleen and I called to her parent's home tonight. We prayed with her dad before leaving. Please remember Colleen and especially her dad and mum at this time.

 

There are of course others who need prayer and encouragement. Please do you best to encourage one another during this Christmas season. Barnabas was an encourager. You will find the moment you think of others and begin to encourage others it will come back to you. So be an encourager and be encouraged.

 

I do not always hear things firsthand, so if you know of someone who needs encouragement or who needs prayer please send me an email.

 

By the way: one eagle eyed Deborah McCurley noticed the deliberate mistake in my Weekly Contact where I said the last service of 2010 instead of 2009! This is Sunday 27 December at 11.30 am.

 

Merry Christmas.

 

Jack 

Some Pics from Sunday Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Contact Sun 20 Dec 2009

Thanks again to all who came along and helped to make the weekend such a success. This was the last weekend before Christmas and many of you made the point of getting out to church. While I know that many more could have been out to New Life I was encouraged by those who were and also by the fact that many were out for the first time on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

 

The Dinner and New Life's got Talent

 

A great night last night. Thanks to all who were bold enough to enter the Talent Show. Everyone did really well, but as they always say "There can only be one winner" and that one winner last night was Aaron Nutt. Sadly for Daniel and Mia they were runners up for the second year in a trot. Maybe next year their parents will enter and perhaps win it for them! The Twins were late entries and were dark horses; you know "he's Johnny and I'm Jake and together we're called Johnny and Jake" or better still "Joke!" But hey, well done everyone.

 

Wedding

 

I did a Wedding Service today at the Belfast Castle for two American friends Tom Croyle and Christine Buchanan. They had an amazing day. Thanks to everyone for making them feel so welcome last night. They really enjoyed the evening and of course the wedding at the castle. Here's a couple of little photo :

 

 

 

 

Sunday Night Special

 

Thanks again to everyone who took part. This truly was a night for the children and of course the adults. Thanks to JC's and to Crown Jesus Ministries who put on an amazing Puppet Show. There were loads of strangers out tonight, these included parents of children and family and friends, besides a few who received a card through their door.

 

Special Thanks

 

To Colin Morrison for being so much involved and helpful whether it's been doing the weekly Newsletter, or the Cards to invite people to church, or liaising with the caterers and taking everyone's orders and money etc etc; thanks to everyone who came along to give out invitations on the Falls and on the Shankill. It was great to hear of people saying on both roads that they knew about New Life and where we were. We now need to stay focused on encouraging people (you heard me - encouraging people) to come along.

 

Christmas

 

The last I heard, Christmas is still on. There are only 4 more sleep nights until Christmas after tonight (Sunday). So let me, very sincerely, wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

 

Next Sunday

 

This will be our last service of 2010. It will be a short service, starting at 11.30 and ending at 12.30. Please pull out all the stops and put all excuses to the one side and come along for this special service. For those with children, bring them along with one of their toys they got for Christmas and we will bring them to the platform. 

 

Have a great Christmas week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack   

 

 

LEAFLETS

Colin Morrison has printed invitations to the Sunday night Christmas Special. He has already given some of these out, but is asking for help to hand the rest out on Saturday on the Shankill and Falls. Please contact him if you are able to help.

 

I will hand some out on Friday along the Falls Road at 2 pm for about an hour. Anyone want to come along let me know.

 

Where are all the budding evangelists? All you need to do is hand someone a little card!

 

Jack

What would you do?

 

I thought this was so funny and is worth sending on. This is a true story.

 

 

 

 

"Good news is that I truly outdid myself this year with my Christmas decorations. 

 

The bad news is that I had to take him down after two days.I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever.Great stories.  But two things made me take it down. First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.

 

Second, a 55-year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder and almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize that it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). 

 

By the way, she was one of the many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either.  I have more than a few tyre tracks where people literally drove up my yard."

 

 

Weekly Contact 14 Dec 2009

In the Spirit of Christmas, which is goodwill and peace to all men:

 

We are fast approaching the end of another year, so let's make the most of the weeks that are left. Once again I deeply appreciate seeing everyone come together to worship God and to study his Word. I do not normally do this, but yesterday morning I stood at the back of the church and was very much encouraged not only by the depth of worship, but also by the participation of all who had gathered. I know we are all different, yet we are one in the spirit and it is always good to see people stepping out of their comfort zones and letting go of inhibitions and just worshipping God. For some reason I think women find this so much easier than men, yet I was delighted to see many of our men just entering in. Keep it up men, for as wise men still follow Jesus, the father still seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

Jonathan brought an encouraging word to all who are hurting, who have been wounded and scarred. He asked several people to share about scars on their bodies. Many more could have done so; in fact some were disappointed they did not get the opportunity. Maybe another day! Or maybe not!

 

Anyway many raised their hands to reveal the fact they had physical scars; but I wonder who doesn't! Jonathan went to show that these scars are a permanent reminder of painful past experiences. Yet not all scars are physical, for many carry emotional scars that last a lifetime. These can be caused by the loss of a loved one or the loss of a friend; they can be caused by the sudden loss of employment or other unexpected traumatic experiences.

 

Isa. 53 "He was wounded (scarred) for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that was meant for us was laid upon him; and by his wounds we are healed". This verse shows that Christ has gone through suffering, but it ends in hope = by his wounds we are healed. Jesus knows rejection, for he was despised and rejected, and he understands our suffering and the things that scar us in life, but he heals the broken-hearted and he binds up our wounds.

 

We went into a time of prayer prior to communion and we prayed for those who needed healing from those things that scar us in life. I sense that even now, in sending this email I should do so with prayer. So if you are reading this and you know you carry scars that remind you of past experiences, perhaps even recent; scars caused by circumstances; scars caused by people; perhaps by friends or family or even Christians, I pray you will reach and receive healing; but perhaps you need to let go of your own anger and judgemental spirit, no matter how right you might be; just let it go, because that could be a major blockage to the blessing of God in your life. Just let go and receive healing from those wounds.

 

FIST: Quite number of "MEN" got together last night for another good discussion. Last week it was "Our devotion to God"; this week it was "Our devotion to Church". Keep it up men.

 

Prayer: Ten more shopping days and one more Thursday night Prayer Meeting to Christmas! But what excites you more? I know the answer! But just in case I get accused of being judgemental I am not telling you what it is! You just go ahead and answer it! But hey, there's still a lot of shopping to do and still a lot of praying to do and people to pray for.

 

Christmas Dinner: This Saturday 19th at 7 pm followed by "New Life's Got Talent". We have 130 booked in, but there is still room for a few more. Contact Colin at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com

 

If you are not coming to the dinner, please feel free to come along for the entertainment afterwards. We would plan to start this between 8.45 and 9 pm. So please come along and join in the fun.

 

Christmas Family Special: Sunday 20 December there will be NO Sunday morning service, but there will be the Christmas Family Special at 7 pm. It would be awesome if we had a full turn out as we celebrate Christmas together. This will involve the Worship Team; JC Kids and Crown Jesus Ministries.

 

As this is the 3rd Sunday of the month, the offering that night will be our building fund offering. Wouldn't it be amazing if this, the Sunday before Christmas, was the biggest offering of the year!

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANKS

Thanks to everyone who turned to help with sofas and tables. Ya'l did a great job. Coffee & tea will be available upstairs on Sunday mornings from 10.30 - 11.20. For Childcare purposes, only JC's Sunday School and Crèche should be upstairs after this. Everyone else should be in the service.

 

Thanks again.

 

Jack 

 

 

Help Needed

Sofas arrived today. We need to get them upstairs on Staurday morning. So this is a call for help. If you can give a bit of muscle and time, please be at City Life Centre on Saturday for 10 am. Thanks.

 

FIST: is on this coming Sunday. Doors open for drinks etc at 5.45. Programme starts at 6.15.

 

Christmas Dinner. We have over 120 booked in, but you don't need to miss out. We can still take a few more. Contact Colin Morrison.

 

Jack

Weekly Contact 6 December 2009

Tonight is my night at home while Kathleen goes to GLOW, so it gives me an opportunity to do this Weekly Contact early. So you might get this on Sunday night!

 

Anyway, I know I keep saying this, but we had another great time in church this morning. As soon as the Worship Team began to play and sing and people joined in there was an immediate sense of the presence of God. It was one of those mornings when everything seemed to connect and flow. During the singing of "How He Loves Me" I moved to the front and began to speak about God's desire to reach out to us and embrace us. I spoke of those in need of healing and deliverance, whether at home or in the service. I shared the names of those who needed prayer and then invited people to come forward.

 

Several people came to the front of the church. The worship team again began to lead us in "How He Loves Me"; and I began to pray for those at the front and for those not with us, while inviting people to think of others and to pray for them. It was an awesome time as we reached out to God together. Immediately after this I took to the platform to bring the message.

 

This morning's message was: "Christmas Under Pressure". This was a follow on to last week's "Christians Under Pressure". We saw that Christmas is under pressure from the following three things:

 

1. Global Warming (but China is coming to the rescue!)

2. Global Atheism (they threaten our day, but we do not threaten theirs, which is the 1st April!)

3. Christian Apathy (Christians who are easily bored and have no interest in promoting the truth about Christ or Christmas)

 

Both of these messages, "Christians Under Pressure" and "Christmas Under Pressure", can be ordered from our Church Administrator, Colin Morrison, for £3 each. Thanks again to all who came along and helped make the service another memorable experience. I only wish that others whom we have constantly reached out to would likewise join with us, but what more can we do?

 

Coming Events: I have attached our Weekly Newsletter, which is done by Colin Morrison. This gives details of all events. However, I want to mention the following:

 

PRAYER: Unless otherwise announced, there will be Prayer Times at City Life on Mondays from 11 - 12 noon; and on Thursdays from 7.45 - 9 pm.   

 

FIST: next Sunday night for all the men 

 

Christmas Dinner: Saturday 19th at 7 pm followed by "New Life's Got Talent". Still room for some more. Contact Colin at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com

 

Christmas Family Special: Sunday 20 December at 7 pm. There will be no Sunday morning service that day, but we would ask for a full turn out as we celebrate Christmas together. This will involve the Worship Team; JC Kids and Crown Jesus Ministries.

 

FINANCES: A huge thanks to everyone who gives regularly to the ongoing running costs for church, both in tithes and offerings. These tithes and offerings are the financial life blood of any church. Thanks also to those who contribute an additional £25 per month towards the repayment of our loan for refurbishment. This is a huge help. If you would like to become one of these please let me know. One person gave me £500 this morning as part of a £1,000 gift. Others have done this and more, and for all of this we are so grateful. Please continue to pray for our financial situation.

 

YOUR CHURCH! Is New Life City Church your church? If not, why not? If it is, then how do you contribute to the life and the development of the church? If everyone gave financially into Your Church as you have given during the past 2 months, how well would the church be able to cover its expenses? If everyone attended Your Church as much as you have done during the past 2 months, how well would they have attended? If everyone talked about Your Church in the same you have talked about it during the past 2 months, how well do you think the church has been talked about? As I said last week, if you do need encouragement or you need a visit, please email me direct and let me know. Your email will be confidential.

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack

    

Weekly Contact 30 November 2009

Good Monday morning everyone. Yesterday saw the end of our first full month at City Life Centre and was another fabulous day. Thanks to all those who, in this first month, have been so regular and so committed to what we are doing. We are still in the "Early Day's" season, but a great sense of expectancy as we move from one week to the next. Your ongoing and regular support is deeply appreciated.

 

Sunday Morning: For unforeseen technical reasons I have left off speaking on Hosea until the New Year (wow - New Year!!!). So yesterday morning I brought a one-off message entitled "Christians Under Pressure". I got an amazing sense during the teaching, which was confirmed several times afterwards, that this was a very timely message. The message has been recorded and can be ordered from Colin Morrison, our Church Administrator at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com

 

The main points of the message were:

 

There's only one way to work and minister, and that's under pressure. Yet there are those who use pressure as an excuse to opt out of something, rather than using it to motivate into involvement. So that everyone else get's blamed for them not being at church; not being involved and not reaching out to befriend.

 

We are all Under Pressure: There is pressure being a Pastor; there is pressure being a Christian; there is pressure in Life. No one has a monopoly on pressure.

 

Pressure has a twofold potential: It has the potential to Break You, and it has the potential to Make You. The same powerful winds that have the potential of throwing an eagle against the rocks and destroying it, also have the potential of lifting that same eagle above those same destructive forces and threatening rocks.

 

How do we rise up like the eagle? Isa. 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint". This is the starting point. You begin by waiting upon the Lord.

 

Pressure builds Character: The great Characters in the Bible were people who are remembered not for what they became, but are remembered for what they came through. We looked at Joseph; Daniel; David; and Paul, and we saw that the devil means for evil, God means for good.

 

Sunday night:

 

This was our first end of the month Special. Thanks again to all those who came out. It was another great night. It was great to see our Drama Team back in "Action". They did another fabulous presentation. Thanks Alison for stepping back in. We are now looking for more.

 

Jim Rea, Shankill Methodist Minister, was our guest speaker. He took to the platform and very quickly connected with us and we with him. His mannerism and presentation warmed him immediately to everyone present. His message focused on evangelism and on five ways that people are converted to Christ. These points were as follows:

 

1. Direct communication from God. For Saul of Tarsus, this was through a direct connection with Jesus Christ.

2. The Presentation (preaching) of God's Word. On the Day of Pentecost people were convicted as the Word was preached.

3. When the Word of God is Explained. In Acts 8 Phillip explained the Word of God to the Ethiopian who became a Christian.

4. Personal Introduction by others. Andrew introduced his brother Simon (who became Peter) to Jesus.

5. When people pray for the lost. Acts 2 "They prayed continually, and the Lord added to the church..."

  

Thanks again to Jim Rea for being our guest speaker at this Monthly Special. He mentioned Andy Terry last night who has been a Christian now for 6 years. We will try to book Andy for his testimony at our next Monthly Special which will be the last Sunday night in January.

 

OK, some announcements for the month of December:

 

GLOW:    Next Sunday night, 6 December at 7 pm, GLOW will be meeting. Once again ladies, this is your opportunity to get out and get together without having to look after the kids (including the big kid you're married to!). It's ok if you don't have any kids; this is just a great opportunity for women to meet and socialise and encourage each other. Come on, be positive! And as NIKE says, "Just Do It!"

 

FIST:        Sunday 13 December it will be the men's turn as FIST get together for the evening. More details next week.    

 

Dinner:    Saturday 19 December at 7 pm sharp. We have just gone over the 100 mark for those who have booked. Don't be disappointed, book now with our Church Administrator.

 

Christmas Special: Sunday 20 December at 7 pm. There will be no Sunday morning service that day, but we would ask for a full turn out as we celebrate Christmas together. Details of the programme will be given soon.

 

Christmas Day 25 December: This has been cancelled due to Rudolf catching the Swine Flu. Oh Dear! 

 

PRAYER: Unless otherwise announced, there will be a Prayer Times at City Life on Mondays from 11 - 12 noon; and on Thursdays from 7.45 - 9pm.   

 

Please keep praying for Eileen's husband Terry in hospital; Billy Haddock's mother in hospital; Violet's son Colin; Colleen's father who is home, but still ill; Jonathan's brother Mark, Ann and Jacqueline's father, and Julie's father. If I have missed any or you want to add someone to the list please email me.

 

Continue to pray for the church; for all that goes on in it; for all who attend; for those who have been absent; for those who are struggling and for those in need. You might be one of those who needs prayer, but a great starting point is to pray for others. If you do need encouragement or you need a visit, please email me direct and let me know. Your email will be confidential.

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack

3 Seater Sofa

Mark & Rachel have a Black Velvet 3 Seater Sofa to give away. Sounds cool!

 

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this please let THEM know by emailing mc00_uk@yahoo.co.uk

 

You would also need to arrange to have it picked up.

 

Jack 

This might help you sleep - now!

Boxes for Soldiers

A Message from the HOPE Team:

 

It was reported on the News today that the MOD have asked that people STOP sending boxes of supplies for the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The reason is because they have a huge supply of boxes and they are having difficulty shifting these and getting them out to the troops on the ground. They also say that delivering the boxes are actually putting soldiers at serious risk of attack. So we need to heed this and stop sending supply boxes to the troops until we hear otherwise.

 

If you have bought some stuff and you still want it to go to good use, please bring it to the church and give it the HOPE Team. They can put what you bring into hampers they are preparing for needy families at Christmas.

 

Thanks for all your efforts and for your support to those in need.

 

From Gemma on behalf of the New Life City Church HOPE Team.

Job Training etc

It seems like Rachel has started a ball rolling. Here's hoping it gathers no moss and that at the end of it there are opportunities that some might be able to take hold of.

 

To add to Rachel's email and to Kevin's message you need to keep in mind that Stadium Projects has a Start Back To Work programme and offers the same support outlined in Rachel's email. This includes job training; advice; work placements and possible short term employment. For more info please contact Tommy Latimer at higherforce@btconnect.com or 90586688 or call in and see him at Top House.

 

So if you are out of work and you are looking for possibilities (remember Bartimaeus!) and you have a shout within you, and you know what you want, then contact Rachel, Kevin or Tommy.

 

Blessings.

 

Jack  

Job Opportunity

This might suit someone reading this email. If it is of interest to you, please contact Kevin directly by clicking on his name.

 

From: kevin hornsby

To: pastor jack

Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 11:03 PM

Subject: RE: Morning!!

Jack
 
could you distribute the fact that FEED are looking for someone preferably with own transport to deliver. yes you guest it Muffins ?
Muffin man 2 the sequel the hours would be 9-12 4 or 5 days a week pay would be approx 100 ish a week, outgoing chatty people need apply i.e evangelist would be great spread muffins and the Gospel.
In his grip
Kevin

 

---

From: pastorjack@btinternet.com
To: pastorjack@btinternet.com
Subject: Morning!!
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:55:02 +0000

I got the following from Rachel Crothers and thought it was best to forward it. If you think it's appropriate to you, please feel free to contact her direct by clicking on her name, but only in relation to the actual content.

 

 

From: Rachel

 

Just got your weekly contact and noticed there that you wanted us to pray for people out of work at the minute

 

Don't know whether you know that my role in SWC is Job Skills Worker

 

I work with anyone who needs help, guidance or support when looking to get back into employment.

This can cover getting more job-related training, volunteering, or getting a job asap

I can help with job searches, applications, CVs and interview skills

 

Anyone is eligible for help or support

I work on an appointment basis, but will also work with anyone who walks into centre at any time

It's all free (some people think you have to pay to see me lol!!)

 

Please direct anyone that you think might gain from my help

 

It's all very relaxed and not like a recruitment agency at all

We have a drop-in where we can sit and have a chat and a cuppa, and also a one-to-one room for confidentiality reasons

  

Regards

 

Rachel

Job Links Worker

Shankill Women's Centre

151 - 157 Shankill Road

Belfast BT13 1FD

028 9024 0642

 

---

View your other email accounts from your Hotmail inbox. Add them now.

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner

 

Almost 90 have booked for the dinner. Some of these are friends of those who attend New Life. I have a cut off point of 120. The next 30 who book are in! Please do not say "It isn't fair!" You have been asked to book and order your meal. You can still do so by emailing the Church Administrator, Colin Morrison, direct.

 

Email Connect Group

 

Several people have signed up for this. We will soon launch this Connect Group. If you want in at the start and you have not already done so, please sign up by responding to this email with the words Count me in!

 

From your loving Pastor Jack

Morning!!

I got the following from Rachel Crothers and thought it was best to forward it. If you think it's appropriate to you, please feel free to contact her direct by clicking on her name, but only in relation to the actual content.

 

 

From: Rachel

 

Just got your weekly contact and noticed there that you wanted us to pray for people out of work at the minute

 

Don't know whether you know that my role in SWC is Job Skills Worker

 

I work with anyone who needs help, guidance or support when looking to get back into employment.

This can cover getting more job-related training, volunteering, or getting a job asap

I can help with job searches, applications, CVs and interview skills

 

Anyone is eligible for help or support

I work on an appointment basis, but will also work with anyone who walks into centre at any time

It's all free (some people think you have to pay to see me lol!!)

 

Please direct anyone that you think might gain from my help

 

It's all very relaxed and not like a recruitment agency at all

We have a drop-in where we can sit and have a chat and a cuppa, and also a one-to-one room for confidentiality reasons

  

Regards

 

Rachel

Job Links Worker

Shankill Women's Centre

151 - 157 Shankill Road

Belfast BT13 1FD

028 9024 0642

 

Weekly Contact 23 November

Praise God for another great day at New Life City Church. You can be sure that many of those who were at church yesterday morning had faced problems during the week; you can be sure that many went through difficult situations; you can be sure that many had been spiritually challenged; yet there they were; joining together in the presence of God and lifting their voices together to praise the one who had gone through so much for them. Thank God that each one was rewarded and blessed as God moved amongst us.

 

Mark Ritchie was such an encouragement as he spoke right into the heart of the church and into the hearts of those who had gathered. He brought a message from Mark 10 that was focused on the encounter between blind Bartimaeus and Jesus. The main points he made were:

 

1. Bartimaeus could see the possibilities. Though he was blind physically, he could see possibility. Sadly there are many, even in church, who though they can see physically, fail to see the possibilities. Someone said, "Possibility dances with those already on the dance floor" Thank God that with God "All things are possible", and especially when we come together there is the possibility of healing; the possibility of financial blessing, and the possibility of salvation.

 

2. Bartimaeus had a shout within him. Even though his circumstances worked against him, and even though others tried to silence him, there was a shout within that could not be silenced; in fact when challenged he shouted all the more, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" It's not what's around you or in front of you that matters; it's what's inside you that matters. Is there a shout inside you?

 

3. Bartimaeus knew what he wanted. Jesus asked him what he wanted, but only because it was important for Bartimaeus to speak it out and to declare what he wanted from Jesus. When Bartimaeus told Jesus what he wanted, it was not only out of need, but out of his willingness to see the possibilities and out of the shout he had within him.

 

Mark encouraged us as a church to see and believe in the possibilities, pointing out that the place where we now meet is a place of possibility that is filled with people of possibility. Thank God for the shout that went up yesterday morning. Let's keep the shout going; let it get stronger and louder in the coming weeks; and let's make sure that no one and nothing silences the shout within us. Thank God also for the two who responded to the appeal for salvation. That's two more great reasons to lift up a shout unto God!

 

Dedication: Danielle and Kris were truly blessed yesterday as they joined with family and friends for the dedication of baby Mason and young Darryl. This was another great opportunity to pray for the blessing of God in the lives of children; to be part of the lives of people, and to be a witness and a God-influence to family and friends.

 

FIST: Last week was the first Sunday night for GLOW, while last night was the first Sunday night gathering for the men of New Life City Church to come together under the FIST banner. There was a good turn out of 28 men. During the evening one man walked in off the street. He saw lights on and came in. He is Catholic. He said he felt safe coming into the building because of where it is. We split up into groups and discussed the following:

 

1) What are the key characteristics of a man devoted to God? 2) What are the required disciplines of a man devoted to God? 3) What are the greatest barriers that prevent us from being devoted to God?

 

Well done men for such a great night. I would encourage every man in New Life City Church to get involved with FIST and let's drive forward together. The same encouragement goes to the women and GLOW.

 

Sunday Night Special at 7 pm.

 

We plan to do a Sunday Night Special on the last Sunday of each month. This is for the WHOLE CHURCH. This is not a monthly alternative to the Sunday morning service, but is complementary to all we are doing. I would therefore ask you to plan to be at church on Sunday morning at 11.30, but to also plan to be with us for the Sunday Night Special. Our guest speaker will be Jim Rea who is the minister of the Shankill Methodist Church. I hope to see you then. Why not email your friends; Facebook, Bebo and Text them and invite them along? Why not?

 

Prayer: Monday morning Prayer from 11 am - 12 noon; Thursday night Prayer at 7.45 pm. Please pray for Billy Haddock's mother who is seriously ill in hospital; pray for Jason and Alison that the blessing of God will be upon them this week; pray for people out of work and for those who have gone through difficult situations recently, and perhaps still going through them. Continue to pray for Eileen's husband Terry; for Coleen's dad and for Julie's dad. Continue to pray for and to, as much as possible, encourage one another.

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack  

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

For All the Women Folk

Message from Chara:

 

Any girls wanting to go to Colour Conference in April I'm going to book flights this week. £ 46.00 at the mo so let me know if you want to go....

Email her at charamck@hotmail.com

Update on Special Notices

Christmas Dinner

 

The evening entertainment will be "New Life's Got Talent". We are hoping "Jedward" will make an appearance as our special guests.

 

Prayer:

 

Colin Millar (son of Violet and brother of Tracey Seawright) continues to need prayer. It looks like he has leukaemia. He's to go to the City Hospital for more tests to see what stage things are at and what treatment he needs. The doctor has said his condition is treatable.

 

Thanks.

 

Jack

Special Notices

Couple of special notices:

 

Sunday night FIST:  

 

Doors will open at 5:45 for tea and coffee. Programme starts at 6:15. Burgers will be served AFTER the main programme as part of the hang out time. I will still be bringing Scrabble!

 

PRAYER:

 

Coleen's father is still in hospital. Julie Scott's father is in hospital with a Heart Attack (he had it in hospital while there for a check up!). Eileen's husband is still in hospital. I was with him today for a while. He needs your prayer cover.

 

Tommy McGuicken, a personal friend and the pastor of Ballyclare Elim is in hospital with a Heart Attack.

 

Email Connect Group:

 

Several people have signed up for this group. I will be appointing a Group Administrator who will take responsibility for developing this Connect Group; for receiving and passing on appropriate information e.g. prayer requests, praise reports, words of encouragement, discussion points etc. I will also be part of it. 

 

The Email Connect Group is different from the Weekly Contact I send out. You will continue to receive the Weekly Contact from me and you are always welcome to write back etc, but the Email Connect Group is specifically for those who attend New Life for the purpose of creating another means to keep people connected and to provide another means of mutual encouragement. Please let me know if you want to be part of this Connect Group by responding to this email with the words "Count me in". I will shortly send the names of the Connect Group to those who are on it.

 

Christmas Dinner:

 

We still need you to let Colin Morrison know that you are "going to the ball". You also need to let him know what your choice of food is. Please let him know NOW. Send him an email NOW! Tell him you're going NOW! Make sure you're booked in NOW! Give him a call NOW! But TELL him NOW! Email him at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com or call or text him at 07729158128. The food will be great; the entertainment will be awesome. And don't forget to do it NOW! or sooner if possible!

 

Jack

Ps. Have you booked in for the Christmas Dinner? If not, why not book NOW!

Connect Group

Recently I made it known I will be starting a Connect Group on Sunday Nights. This will take place when there is no FIST or GLOW or Special Monthly event taking place. This will mean there will be something on at church EVERY Sunday night. I will let you know when the first of these is on. Every person is invited to this. YOU are invited to this Connect Group.

 

Besides this there IS a Connect Group in our home at 19 Clare Glen, usually every other Tuesday. There is one this coming Tuesday at 7.30 pm when several women come together to encourage and be encouraged. EVERY woman is invited to this. YOU are invited this Connect Group. There will be informal discussion and sharing; prayer and tea and whatever is brought to eat.

 

Now: my reason for writing at this time is because I want to start another Connect Group. It's an Email Connect Group. This will be different from the Weekly Contact that you receive from me. This will be an opportunity for you to be connected with me and for you to connect with others through me. So that whatever you share with me via email will be passed on to those in the Connect Group. This might be a prayer request or a word of encouragement from you to others in the group. It will mean that more of you can stay connected and pass on information that would be helpful, especially if you know of someone who could do with some support. This will also mean that when appropriate we can call to see people who are in need. Believe me, no matter how caring we think we are, we can so easily fail to be connected when it matters most.

 

If you are reading and you're thinking that you have not received the proper attention from us, or you know of someone else, please drop me an email.

 

If you want to join the Email Connect Group simply respond to this email with the words "Count me in".

 

Jack

 

 

Weekly Contact 15 November 2009

It's great to see the regulars, but also encouraging to see new people coming in each week. Thank you for your ongoing support. Once again we had an awesome time as we joined together in worship and as we studied together the Word of God, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

 

The Message: We were in Hosea again this morning; this time it was chapter 10. These were the main points:

 

V. 1 Israel had spread like a wild vine

V. 2 Their heart was Deceitful or Divided

        They had found an attraction in something else (False gods)

V. 4 The root of the nation was rotten to the core

V. 4 The Leaders of the nation could not be trusted (so what's changed?)

5 - 6 Kings and People will be carried off

V. 7 The Northern Kingdom will be no more

V. 8 The Altars will finally be destroyed

V. 8 The people will cry out in distress

 

But all is not lost, because when faced with judgement, God calls on the people to:

 

Sow in righteousness

Reap the fruit of unfailing love

Break up the unploughed ground

(go where you have never gone before and do what was never done before)

It is still time to seek the Lord.

 

Thank God that immediately afterwards one person recommitted her life to Christ.

 

Pastor David Hamilton and his wife Hillary from the Ulster Temple were with us in the service. Afterwards they told me how much they enjoyed the service. They said there is a great atmosphere in the place. David also said that last week he spoke on Hosea Chapter 10 in the Ulster Temple! How weird is that? He then said, after hearing that this morning I am going to have to go back to the drawing board! 

 

GLOW: I am sending this before the GLOW Meeting at City Life tonight. So if you are reading this and you are "a woman" then why not plan to get along to GLOW at 7 pm tonight.

 

FIST: Is for the men and is on next Sunday. It will starting earlier for something to eat and then for a fellowship time, followed by some chill out games (I'm bringing Scrabble along!)

 

PRAYER: Next Thursday night at 7.45 pm. I know we are all busy, but this might be the only time that God gets to hear from you!

 

Building Fund: Next Sunday is the 3rd Sunday in the Month. Once again this is your opportunity to make the offering something special. Even though we are now in the building, we really do need to keep making the effort. We are not yet strong financially; so we still need your help. Also those who have committed the additional £25 per month: this will be collected on the last Sunday of each month unless you are paying it in by Direct Debit. If you have not yet signed up for this and you would like to do so, please let me know.

 

Next Sunday at 11.30 am: Will be a Special Dedication Service for Danielle's baby. We will also have Mark Ritchie as our guest speaker. Mark is from Scotland. He was one of the main speakers at the Hillsborough Bible Week this year. He stole the show! People are still talking about him. Check out the event on Facebook. Why not send this invitation to those on your Facebook or text lists! Plan to come along and invite others with you.

 

Prayer needs: Coleen's father is back in hospital. He has MRSA in the lungs, which is quite serious. Eileen Smyth's husband Terry has been is hospital for several weeks; they both need your prayers and encouragement. Others continue to be in need of prayer. Friends from the US keep sending prayer requests e.g. Tony & Janice Suchy who have been with us at New Life write the following:

 

Jackie, Please have your church pray  for 2  friends. One is a man in his 30's with 2 young children. He was in a car accident and has severe brain and neck injuries. The doctors have no hope but his family believes that God can heal.Please join with his family and friends believing for a complete recovery. The other is a man in his late 50's. He had a massive heart attack and has not brain activity. Family is waiting for other family members to come from out of town to make the decisions to "pull the plug". Both situations are very sad. Thank you for your prayers.

 

Christmas Dinner: Sat 19 Dec. We need to know the numbers; so please BOOK NOW. Send Colin Morrison and email.

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack      

  

CORRECTION

Sorry folks, my mistake (this is collectable!)

 

This coming Sunday is NOT FIST, but GLOW as announced on Sunday night.

 

So men, stay at home and watch the kids (no, I don't mean John and Edward) and encourage your wife to get along to GLOW.

 

See ya'l soon.

 

Jack 

Weekly Contact 9 Nov 2009

David said, "I was glad when they said unto me "Let us GO to the house of the Lord".

 

Some people think they don't need to GO to the house of the Lord and some people are only glad after they have been, especially when it gave us what "WE wanted". But David's gladness was not just in being there or in getting from something from it, although were true and important, but his gladness was in going. I know that yesterday some were glad simply going to church, but I also know that many who were there were glad they were. 

 

It was another great day. Thanks to everyone who made such; whether it was getting the building prepared; the chairs assembled; the programme facilitated; or that you spent time in prayer for it; and that you came along and participated.

 

Sunday morning: I spoke on "Accepting God's Agenda" #9 from Hosea chapters 8 & 9. The key verse 8v7 "They shall reap the whirlwind", showing that while God's ultimate purpose is to redeem and restore, yet there are consquences for those who turn from him and reject him. Israel rejected God for man made images and idols; Israel rejected God's appointed leaders for their own appointed ungodly leaders. SO WHAT'S CHANGED? The following sign appears in front of a church in the USA:

 

THE "LITE" CHURCH

We only ask for 24% Commitment

We only ask for a 7.5% tithe

Sermons last 15 minutes

Services last 45 minutes

We only have 8 commandments; your choice!

Everything you ever wanted in a church... and less

My serious concern is that this is the kind of church that many Christians want to belong to today and that some are happy to facilitate.

 

Sunday night: A great night of worship with Mark Tedder and the WorshipPlannet Band. These are some comments I have aready received on Facebook:

 

Really enjoyed tonight brilliant time of worship my mum is really starting to get involved pray for movement in her heart (New Lifer)

 

"it was awesome Ty for hosting it. It was great to see Mark and Carrie again" (someone who travelled from England for the event!)

 

"Gr8 evening & so much better than The X Factory!!!" (a visitor from Ballynahinh)

 

thanks for having the event - could feel Gods Spirit in the house (a visitor from Ballymena)

My thanks to everyone who came along and supported this event. More are being planned. 

 

THIS WEEK

 

This Thursday at 7.45 pm we will have a time of prayer at City Life Centre. Why not plan to join with us and surprise God!

 

Sunday morning we are back at 11.30 am

 

Sunday night FIST is on for all the men. Come along and find out what's happening.

 

Congratulations to William and Sonya on their marriage on Saturday

 

Christmas Dinner: Sat 19 Dec. We need to know the numbers; so please BOOK NOW. Send Colin Morrison and email.

 

Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack      

 

 

 

Christmas Dinner

I have attached a menu for the Christmas Dinner. To keep things simple and to make sure we cover all expenses, the Christmas Dinner will cost £20 for everyone who is 15 and over. It will be £8 for 14 and under. From this we will cover heat & light and will give a tip to the caterers and servers. Anything left over will go into the Building Fund. This will be a good dinner and a great night out. Please email Colin and let him know you are going. He needs a £5 deposit or the whole amount paid. Let him know what your choice from the menu is. See menu below:

 

Email Colin at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com

 

 

Christmas Dinner Menu

 

 - Choice of Starter -

 

Homemade Vegetable Soup with Fresh Bread Roll

 - or -

Grapefruit & Orange Cocktail

 

- Choice of Main Course -

 

Roast Silverside of Beef

- or -

Stuffed Turkey & Ham

 - or -

10oz Sirloin Steak

(All of the above are served with both Roast &

Creamed potato & Seasonal Vegetables)

 

- Choice of Desert -

 

Pavalova with Fresh Fruit & Cream

- or -

Sherry Trifle

 - or -

Home Made Christmas Pudding & Custard

 

After Dessert Tea or Coffee will be served with Shortbread & Mince Pies