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The New

Millennium  October 2009

The Newsletter of New Life United Methodist Church

On The Inside: What will God do in 2010?r  Power Night Children’s Worship Update Touch-Down Piggy Bank Offering Kid’s Canned Food Drive Fellowship Dinner and Fall Fun Mission Garden Thank you Preschool Brunswick Stew Congregational Care Youth Stuff  Offering Christ Today Older Adult Ministries College Student Addresses

Church Of fice Hours:

Increasing God’s Footprint One of my favorite activities

as a child was getting new shoes. For one, it’s always fun to get something new, but more importantly, it meant that my foot was growing bigger! I remember one year strapping on a new pair of Zipps after dutifully demonstrating on that metal shoe-sizer that in fact I was ready for the next size size up. When I got home, I ran all over the place until I was wisely encouraged to to “try them outside.” Outside I ran over mounds and jumped over our planter and scaled our fence – with my new Zipps there was no doubt I could go further, faster and higher! I think the same is true in our spiritual lives as individuals and as a church. The more we give our lives to Christ, Christ, the more God is able to use us – in a way, way, we can go further, faster and higher! I’ve heard people say, say, “All the church wants is my money.” money.” Part of me wants to respond, “That’s not all God wants… he wants your entire life!” Financial stewardship is one very important part of stewardship (in fact, it is often one of the last parts of stewardship we are willing to give over to God). However However,, stewardship from a Christian Christian perspective is much broader.

Monday - Friday 9:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. Church Staff checks phone messages throughout the day day.. Pastor Maxwell is available for appointments days and evenings and is glad to schedule at convenient times.

Christian stewardship is the understanding that all we have and all that we are is a gift from God and while we are on planet earth, we are simply managers of what God has given. As we invest in creation, the ministry of the church, and our relationships, we do so as an act of love for God, with a desire to see the kingdom expand and the blessing of seeing the gospel go to others.

Worship Opportunities:

Now when I get new shoes, I don’t have the excitement of my foot getting bigger (probably a good thing when I get new shoes it’s because my shoes are worn out or I’m looking for a new style. Although my footprint isn’t getting any bigger, it’s exciting to think about how we can increase the size of God’s footprint on the world the more we give our lives to Jesus – everything we have and all that we are!

Christian Education (all ages): Sundays 9:45a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:30a.m. and 11:00a.m.

Each week of this sermon series in worship from Oct 18 – Nov 1, we want to do something that puts puts our faith in action. As we put our faith in action we are able to make a greater impact on our culture. The degree to which we are able to increase God’s footprint on the world is determine by how far we are willing to go with God – ½ way, 2/3, ¾ or all out and full speed ahead!

It may not be a pair of Zipps, but it’s my prayer that every time we put on a pair of shoes, we pray “Lord, where do you want me to leave your footprint today?” So strap on your shoes so that we may be empowered by the Holy Spirit to go further, faster and higher and let’s do something together all for the sake of increasing God’s footprint! Pastor Mike

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What Will God do in 2010? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your your strength.'… and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30 - 31 Transforming lives through Jesus Christ is the mission of New Life United Methodist Church. We have had the blessing blessing of experiencing transformation for ourselves as well as seeing the transformation of others through mission and ministry ministry.. Even though this past year there was great talk concerning the “dif ficult economy” the  presence of God’s God’s handiwork was all around around us! Just think of the ministry ministry that occurred  because of the faithful generosity generosity of friends of New Life… …Leaders were trained to help organize and facilitate the ministry of the church; Christian community was nurtured through the development of new small groups; a mission garden was envisioned, planted and watered; missionaries ministered with the underresourced of Washington, D.C., those with special needs at Camp Rainbow Rainbow,, the homeless of Richmond, and residents of a nearby nursing home; prayers, cards, baskets and food were delivered to those in need of care; children, youth and adults utilized curriculum that lead to deeper growth in Christ; our grounds and facilities were beautifully kept; New Life mugs were delivered to visitors and so much more! During August and September, Ministry Teams Teams have been faithfully considering the many different ways we will share God’s God’s love in 2010. Just as it has been true in the past, it is only by our faithful financial contribution to these ministries that they will occur and have the fruitful effect God desires in the future. During October, we will have the opportunity to make a commitment to the Lord by Sunday, October 18, as a special act of financially supporting ministries such as these. On Sunday, worship, we will, like so many faithful who have gone before us, carry our offering forward to the altar of the Lord. It is our best effort to give give of what God has given given us so that the resources that have been entrusted to us will be invested in transforming lives through Jesus Christ. We have certainly been blessed by God’s generosity toward us through Jesus Christ and we have the privilege to share that blessing with others through supporting the mission and ministry of New Life UMC. Thank you for prayerfully considering considering how you will financially be a part of transforming lives through Jesus Christ.

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SAVE THE DATE 

Who: New Life Congregation and Friends -- all ages! What: Fellowship Dinner and Fall Fun When: Sunday Sunday,, October 18, 6:00pm Please join us us for a time of sharing sharing a meal and fun fun activities. We will be be having a “trunk or treat” for the children in the parking lot (children go from car to car “trick or treating”), as well as other activities. activities. You don’t have to have children children to join in on the fun! Invite friends! friends! For more information, please contact contact Sharon Pastore at 349-3566 or [email protected].

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Mission Garden

 A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped with with the garden, prayed for its success, and enjoyed the fresh vegetables and flowers. We will be closing out the garden soon. The fences, stakes and plastic will be saved for next spring. Seeds have been collected. The remaining plants will be tilled back into the soil and the soil will be enriched in preparation for next nex t year. This mission project is ongoing….and there is plenty of room for those who would like to participate. When my daughter brought her two young sons to help in the garden at 7:30am, she was not sure how long they would last. They weeded, picked tomatoes and beans, harvested seeds from sunflowers and marigolds and the garden slowly grew to be their garden. Linda Andrus’s two granddaughters lent their helping hands ……with their grandmother’s guidance soon they were proud of what they could do and what they had learned. The garden became their garden. Imagine my surprise when I overheard my two older grandsons, ages 13 and 14, talk about planting a garden of their own….they own….they loved the fresh beans. The interest the children grew to know was cultivated by the adults and their attitudes……..Come join us….see the wonder of children learning, teach them how to work with their hands and to discern what is good and what is not good. These are memories and skills that will be carried into adulthood. Share with them your faith and awe of God’s God’s presence in our world. This mission project is growing….and there is plenty of room for those who would like to participate. Barbara Roe

Ed and I would like to thank everyone for the cards, food, visits and kind words that were sent our way at the passing of my brother, Winburn Cosby. We feel so blessed to be a part of such a caring church. Margret and Ed Higham 

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New Life Weekday Preschool Colors It Fall  Fall is in the air air at New Life Weekday Weekday Preschool. What an exciting time of year. The leaves are are changing colors and starting to fall fall to the ground. The pumpkins are are ripe for picking, seeds are scooped for counting and the air is crisp. Our exciting adventure adventure this month is a trip trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Patch. There, the children children will experience a hayride, pick a pumpkin, watch the pig races and visit the farm animals.  A great morning to experience God’s creation. creation. New Life Preschool is a ministry of New Life United Methodist Church and has begun its 8th year. We have a few spaces available available for 3-year olds at this time. If you would like more information about the preschool, please contact Tracy Cooper,  Preschool Director at 794-4522 or [email protected]  [email protected] 

New Life Older Adult Ministries Stew Sale Place your order early because they sold out last year!!! Older Adult Ministries will be making Brunswick Stew On Saturday, October 10th Pick up time will be 12:00 noon Proceeds toward: Older Adult Ministry s projects & education Price: $ 6.00 quart All are welcome to come, learn and experience the fine art of stew making in huge cast iron pots. Call Pastor Jimy 794-4570 or Olive Jane & Frank Stiller 897-0678 There will be a sign-up sheet for Brunswick Stew on the Information Table in the Gathering Area for those who would like to reserve their quarts early. ‛

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Congregational Care Do you know of someone in our church community who is in need of care? Please contact our church office or Robin Ann Gauthier @ 804-350-9045. Do you have a prayer concern/request you want to share with your church family? 1.

Visit www.newlifeumc.org and click on Eprayer to submit your prayer request. If submitting via computer is not for you, you may call Robin Ann @ 804-350-9045.

2.

On Sundays, Sundays, at worship worship service, service, your prayer request may be placed in the offertory plate for the prayer team and/or church family.

Do you know of employment opportunities within your company or elsewhere  that  th at yo you u ca can n sh shar are e wi with th ou our r Jo Job b Ne Netw twor ork k Tea Team m for those who ma y be in need of work ? If so, please contact Anne Pierce at 379-5733 or Laura Adkins at 320-8358, [email protected].

"Celebrating God's People" A special thank you to our New Life Shepherds for gathering the flocks together for a time of great fellowship! It was great to be together and a meaningful time for all!

Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

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WHAT IS G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. ALL ABOUT? G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. is New Life UMC’S Youth Group. We meet on Sundays: *To be involved in MISSIONS *Learn through DISCIPLESHIP programs *Experience WORSHIP Y  Youth-Style outh-Style & *To FELLOWSHIP through fun activities

G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. Stands for: Grounded in the Redeeming love of Christ, we Aspire to make the Voice of God  Youth outh. heard and Inspire others to learn about him Through our Y

2009 October and November Youth Youth Events October 4th

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Crazy Love Video & Book Discussion

October 11th

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Crazy Love Video & Book Discussion

October 18th

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Crazy Love Video & Book Discussion

October 25th

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Crazy Love Video & Book Discussion No Youth Group – Enjoy your Weekend!!

November 1st November 8th

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Crazy Love Video & Book Discussion

November 15th 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Mission Project

November 22nd 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Game Night

November 29th 4:00-6:00 p.m.

No Youth Group – Happy Thanksgivi Thanksgiving!! ng!!

**If you are a youth and/or a parent of a youth in grades 6-12th please be sure to get your e-mail address to Lori Epps so that she can add you to the Youth Group Distribution list. This is the best way to communicate with such a large group of youth at New Life Church. We look forward to you joining us in communication! Contact Information: Lori Epps, director of Youth Ministries [email protected] youth@newlife umc.org church: 794-4522 cell: 239-8318

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Francis Chan with New Life Youth WORD FROM THE YOUTH DIRECTOR  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  – Romans 12:2 T.V .V.. advertisements, magazine images, store-front displays…..we displays…..we are all all bombarded with the imagery of who the world wants us to be. Paul tells us in Romans to “not conform to the pattern of this world”. However, he never said that that we wouldn’t be faced with challenges. We find ourselves being defined by what we wear, wear, what we drive, or where we live. It is very easy to get caught up in the latest and the greatest. However, the the challenge that Paul also gives us is to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. Beginning in October, October, you will have the chance to be “transformed”. The youth group will be studying a thought-provoking book by Francis Chan entitled, “Crazy Love”. Chan challenges us to think about the following questions: Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it? Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, tangible, even radical, solutions? Well, ifif any of these questions ring true for you, I challenge you to be in community with us as we study the book Crazy Love. We will be looking at 2 Chapters a week for the next 5 weeks along with a challenging video that Francis Chan has put together to provide thought-provoking discussion. Please see the advertisement on the previouse page for more detailed information about our book discussion. As always, for more information about G.R.A.V.I.T G.R.A.V.I.T.Y .Y., ., please talk with Lori Epps, Director Director of Youth Ministries Ministries at [email protected] church: 794-4522 or cell: 239-8318.

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 Youth Study “Crazy Love” What: When: Time: Duration:

5 week Youth Study, based on Francis Chan s book Sunday Nights 4:00-6:00 p.m. October 4th, October 11th, October 18th, October 25th (skip Nov. 1st) and end with November 8th

Format:

We will be participating in a Large Group Opening, Watching the Video Series in Large Group, Splitting into Jr. High High & Sr. High Discussion Groups to talk about the t he book & prayer requests and then coming back together for Large Group Hang-Out Time at the end. “Have you ever wondered if we re missing it?

Why:





It s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe – the Creator of nitrogen nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor – loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacri ficing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss. Whether you ve verbalized it yet or not…we all know something s wrong. ‛





Does something deep inside your heart long long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn t working harder at a list of do s and don ts – it s falling in love with God. And once you encounter encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. “Because when you re wildly in love with with someone, it changes everything.” - by Francis Chan ‛









Challenge: Commit to read the Francis Chan book book called, Crazy Love. Don t worry if you feel like you can t commit to read the book, we still want you to come to the study….Lori will be putting out a Chapter Summary each week that will be easy to read and follow if you didn t have time to read that week s chapters. – However, you will get more out of the study if you can commit to read the book. I promise it will change your perspective and your relationship with God!) ‛







*Commit to read the summary of the chapter *Commit to come to the 5 weeks of the study *Commit to share during discussion group time *Commit to pray during the 5 week study for yourself and  your youth group

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New Life Youth Retreat

Take a ride on he waves and join us for an exciing ime a our 2nd Annual An nual Beach Rerea!

Who?

Anyone who wans o have ons of fun wih Awesome Youh, Grea Food, Dynamic Programs, & an Amazing Locaion.

hanging-ou, u, learnin learning g abou God’s plan for Wha:? We will be hanging-o

us and His grea love, playing games, and enjoying one anoher’s company company..

When? Where? Why? Cos?

December 4,5,6 Gainsforh’s Beach Cotage in Norh Carolina Because i would no be he same wihou you!!! $30, which will cover food, ransporaion & maerials *scholarships available if needed Deadline o sign-up is: Sunday, Ocober 25h Please see Lori Epps for regisraion.

Did you know……

Cool Youth News!!

Austin Sybert is blowing his trumpet for the Midlothian High School Trojans! Emily Sybert is Captain for the Midlothian High School JV Field Hockey Team! Emily is also playing clarinet for the band! Katrina Edmunds made the JV Volleyball Team for Powhatan High School and was chosen as a Team Captain! Lydia Alberti-Quinlan made the Varsity Volleyball Team for Powhatan High School! Lydia joins us as an exchange student from Spain and is staying with the Edmunds family for the next year. year. Welcome! Philipp Probst joins us from Germany where he will be staying with the Cooper family for the next year. year. Welcome! Germany where he will be staying staying with the Hobbs family family Chris Castner  joins us from Germany for the next year. Welcome! We have AWESOME YOUTH at New Life Church and we are so very Proud!! If you know of something we can celebrate on behalf of a youth, please pass that information along to Lori Epps, Director of Youth Ministries.

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Offering Christ Today: Today: Church - For Members Only or Whosoever Will?  by Kwasi Kena Ritual response: While teaching an undergraduate communication course, I learned this two-word

phrase. In communication, ritual responses are automatic utterances said in reply to some question such as, “How are you doing?” “Fine.” I wonder if local churches sometimes slip into ritual responses with regard to evangelism.  Ask a local church, “What is your mission?” and you will likely get a rapid-fire response, “T “To o make disciples of Jesus Christ.” For emphasis, the person responding may point to the mission statement splashed across the bottom of the Sunday bulletin. My follow-up to that response is, “Really? Then tell me about the various ministries, plans, activities, and programs you offer speci fically for preChristians.” A long, throat-clearing pause often follows. Why does mention of making disciples solicit so many ritual responses? Rick Richardson, author of Evangelism Outside the Box, provides some insight. Richardson notes, “Often when we start to make witness a passion and a priority, we run into a major barrier: Our ‘boxes,’ mental models of ministry and evangelism that keep us from pouring our passion into new ways of witness” (Richardson, page 17). Campus ministries, such as InterV InterVarsity arsity,, Navigators, and Campus Crusade for Christ, have a long, active history of evangelistic outreach. But even these ministries have discovered ministry “boxes” in their camps. Too many of their strategies were pointedly geared to speak to the issues of a past generation. In 1991-1992, Campus Crusade noticed it was bearing less and less fruit. So it restated its mission: “to turn lost students into Christ-centered laborers.” Then Campus Crusade changed what it counted to only new conversions and commitments to Christ. What do you count? The mission of the local church remains the same: Make disciples of Jesus Christ. To realize that mission, local churches may need to refocus. Start with what you count; then, move to what you finance. I grew up in a denomination heralded for its emphasis on doing evangelism and converting people to Christ. I became the chairperson of evangelism in my local church and looked at the church budget. There was a $1,200 line item for “pigeon removal” and zero next to evangelism. What do you finance? If people are moved in worship to give their lives to Christ in your local church, how does your church respond? Are staff (paid or unpaid) prepared to pray with individuals? Is someone ready to help the new Christian gain footing in the faith? Is there a Christianity 101 course, an introduction to the Bible class, or Prayer Essentials experience offered? What preparations have you made for new Christians? When the focus of the local church is reaching people for Christ, the ministries, budget, and priorities reflect that mission-aim. Here is simple way to assess where your local church is focused. Make a list of all the ministries, programs, events, and activities conducted by your congregation. Assess their primary purpose by placing one of the following codes next to each entry. AMD -- Actively Makes Disciples : These are activities specifically designed to reach people for

Christ and form disciples.

MDS -- Makes Disciples Secondarily:  Example: Contributing financially to a local charity that helps

the homeless.

FOB -- For Our Benefit. Example: Sunday school teacher recognition dinner. TPB -- To Pay Bills.  Example: rummage sale.

Every church will have entries in each of the four categories. The critical question is, how much effort, energy, and income does the church direct toward reaching pre-Christians for Christ? Church: Is it for members only or whosoever will?

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New Life Older Adult Ministries

Be ready for fun and excitement! We are not retired but re-treaded!! Lunch Bunch

 Arrangements for our Lunch  Arrangements Lunch Bunch meeting place place will be made made by someone different each month. Thank you to each of the volunteers who have taken a month. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR NEWSLETTER EACH MONTH TO FIND WITH WHOM TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION. Let’s mosey on down to Spinnaker’s Restaurant, after church on October 11, 11, the second Sunday. Sunday. Please let us know by the Thursday (Oct.8th.)) of that week if you are coming, so we can make the arrangements. Thanks to Ralph (Oct.8th. and Judy Foreman for arranging this luncheon, 794-7369. Bible Study Workshop  - Every Friday at 10:30

Come and participate in our continuing DVD presentation and discussion using the Paul’s Letter to the Romans; A series by James E fird. This is a wonderful study of the early Christian Church and the writings writings of Paul. This This study will expose new opinions opinions of Paul. Questions ?? call Pastor Jimy, 794-4570. Boomers and Beyond, Lunch Bunch and Bible B ible Workshop - Calling all adult ministries.

We will be preparing ingredients for Stew making after the Bible Study Workshop on October 9th. Adult Adult Ministries will be making Brunswick Stew- On Sat, October 10th Stay Awake! In November there will be a speaker from the Health Department to inform us

concerning Sleep and related Sleep Disorders. Adult Ministries Mission Project. - Fish Bowl Ministry

There will be a fish bowl in the gathering area to place a request concerning a small task that you might need around your home. Please no longer that 1hour. This may involve Boomers helping you out or you volunteering to help someone else. But, the Fish Bowl is a place to start. Alzheimer’s Support Group - October 14th

Each 2nd Wednesday at 10 A.M, the Alzheimer’s Association conducts a Support Group Meeting here at New Life. If you have a loved one affected by this disease or any dementia like behavior, there is much to be gained and learned by coming together with others. There is a large support system in place, place, so come and learn learn the avenues of help. help. Legal, Medical, Medical,  Assistance, and and Educational Educational aspects of dementia dementia are addressed. If you are a caregiver and have dif ficulty being able to attend, call Pastor Jimy Edwards for assistance, 794-4570. Boomers and Beyond - your help is needed with our New Life Preschool Monday through

Thursday mornings. Maybe your grandchildren live away or have grown up. You You can share the wonderful gift you have for children by helping in reading, telling stories, craft prep, etc. Share with Tracy Cooper, Preschool Director, 794-4522, how you might be a blessing to the little ones.

New Life United Methodist Church

900 Old Hundred Hundred Road Road Midlothian,, Virginia 23114 Midlothian 2 3114 Of fice: 804-794-4522 of fi[email protected] Rev. Mike Maxwell:  [email protected]  [email protected] www.newlifeumc.org

The Evangelism team is gathering addresses for Care packages and notes of encouragement to be sent to New Life college students. We we would like them to know they are remembered back home. You can place this form in the offering plate or e-mail addresses to Jaci Holmes at [email protected] by October 31. Mailing address for student: Name______________________________________________________   Address __________________ _____________________________ ______________________ ______________________ ____________ _  _____________________  __________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ________________  _____   _____________________  __________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ________________ _____ email address: ___________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________  ___ 

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