Was that another awesome morning at New Life last Sunday, or was that just another awesome morning? Either way, it was just awesome. The presence of God; the anointing of His Holy Spirit on the worship and the word was tangible.
CU@theMANGER Thanks to everyone who took part. A special thanks to our 3 Wise Women from the East: Rose Edmunds, Natalia Spasowska, and Ana Liza Hipolito. You girls were just great! We should have had you sitting on motor bikes!
If any of you want to see the audio visual again, or let your friends see it, you can get it at
Thanks to Tommy, Shughie and Colin for helping set the stage with the "garage look". I know it looked a mess, but the stable where Jesus was born was no picnic area!
The purpose behind CU@theMANGER was to promote the true meaning of Christmas. At one time Christmas was the "bestest" time of the year enjoyed by everyone, but in today's world it is under sustained and blatant attack from atheism, secularism, materialism and many other 'isms! But another thing that puts Christmas under pressure is Christian apathy. The fact is, if we as Christians do not preserve and promote the true meaning of Christmas, no one else will!
This is not a call for us to be killjoys or Mr. Scrooge's, but a call for all Christians to clearly declare that Jesus is not only the reason for this season, but He's the reason for every season. He's the reason for life, because He is the giver of life. He should therefore be central to our Christmas celebrations. If He's not, then we might as well join with the above 'isms and call it Happy Holidays!
I did not get to my last point. In fact I never even mentioned it, which was that Patrick never thought of himself as St. Patrick, but he wrote these words when facing persecution and possible death, "Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me". These were the inspiration behind the song "God in my living". Although I never got to making this point, the Worship Team got up and sang "God in my living"! Now how in tune was that!
moMENtum, our men's ministry, met on Sunday night. Once again we were encouraged by each others company and fellowship and were blessed again by Craig Groeschel as he finished the series on "Forgotten Virtues". The four things he talked about in this series were, the forgotten virtues of HONOUR, LOYALTY, INTEGRITY, and (last night) GRATITUDE. Amazing teaching. You can see these again at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=craig+groeschel%2C+forgotten+virtues&aq=f
THIS WEEK: we once again have a full programme. There's lot's to do! People to meet! Fellowship, teaching, and encouragement etc. Including Life Groups in various homes and in FEED Cafe (email Gareth for details at Spudmurphy123@btinternet.com ); and prayer times Monday 11 am Thursday 7.45 pm; Saturday 10.30 am. If you've never yet been to a Life Group or a Prayer Time, why not plan to get along to one this week. You do not need to be alone; these are opportunities to get out and connect with others.
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Tuesday 21st December. £15 per adult; £6.95 per 'dinner eating' child! You need to let Lesley Hance know ASAP if you are going. Email her at paul.hance@btinternet.com and let her have £5 deposit when you see her at church. Thanks for doing this Lesley.
BOXING DAY: Our Sunday morning service will commence at 11 am and finish around 12 noon - 12.15. Let's get out and have some fellowship and fun together the day after Christmas. Kids, and Big Kids, can bring some of their toys.
Thanks again to everyone who stands with us and who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church. We deeply appreciate your efforts whether it's making teas and coffees or providing food; or cleaning the church; or looking after children in the crèche or at JC's etc etc. Whatever you do is deeply appreciated. Thanks.
Keep praying for and encouraging each other.
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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