INFUSION of New Life from Pastor George and News to Note

“Discipleship 101:  Following Jesus” 
to listen to this past Sunday’s message, click here: www.newlifechurchmo.org/sermons  

     Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, in their book, The Sacred Romance (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), share the following:
     “If I'm not abiding in Jesus, then where is it that I abide? I once asked myself. I began to notice that when I was tired or anxious, there were certain sentences I would say in my head that led me to a familiar place. The journey to this place would often start with me walking around disturbed, feeling as if there was something deep inside that I needed to put into words but couldn't quite capture. I felt the "something" as anxiety, loneliness, and a need for connection with someone. If no connection came, I would start to say things like, "Life really stinks. Why is it always so hard? It's never going to change." If no one noticed I was struggling or asked me what was wrong, I found my sentences shifting to a more cynical level: "Who cares? Life is a joke."  
     “Surprisingly, by the time I was saying those last sentences, I was feeling better. The anxiety was greatly diminished.
      “My comforter, my abiding place, was cynicism and rebellion. From this abiding place, I would feel free to use some soul cocaine watching a violent video/movie, having more alcohol with a meal than I might normally drink, things that would allow me to feel better for a little while. I had always thought of these things as just bad habits. I began to see they were much more; they were spiritual abiding places that were my comforters and friends in a very spiritual way.
      “The final light went on one evening when I read John 15:7 in The Message. Peterson translates Jesus' words on abiding this way: "If you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon." Jesus was saying in answer to my question, "I have made my home in you, Brent. But you still have other comforters you go to. You must learn to make your home in me."
 
     *In what/whom do you “abide”?  Where do you turn for comfort and hope?
 
Based on John 1:43-52 & John 15:1-5:
     If you remain in me, I will remain in you, and you will bear much fruit. (Jesus in John 15:5)
 
A Prayer to Pray: 
     Heavenly Father, You not only created me for a purpose, You made a way for me to have access to a life-source (Jesus) in whom, and through whom, I can make an eternal difference this side of heaven.  Thank You for this indescribable gift among gifts which I have not earned or deserved.  As I abide (remain) with You, Lord, continue to make me more like You.  In Your powerful and transforming Name, I pray.  AMEN.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER…

Walter Hoffmann family, as they continue to grieve, remember and celebrate Walter’s life.
Bob Meyer (Larry Meyer's brother). Defective heart.
Kevin Brunkhorst, recovering from severe burns
Sally Ploof's father, having bypass surgery today
God's intervention in the Ebola epidemic.


Prayer Points from NLC Prayer Ministry
Father, we pray that our pastor will have an increase of vitality, renewal and vision  that is from You so that our church can take hold of the vision, then be revitalized as a caring committed community for Your Kingdom and purpose.  

A Special Thanks from Pastor George

   Thank you, New Life Church, for the many ways you expressed appreciation, thanks and encouragement over this past month.  October, being Pastor Appreciation Month, was a very affirming time as so many of you communicated care and encouragement through cards, emails, gifts and reminders of your prayers for me and our ministry together.  My family and I look forward to the trip to Branson in November, it will be a welcome break prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. 
    Thanks, again, for your partnership.  I continue to anticipate and look forward to what God is doing, and going to do, through our mutual ministry.

It's time to start thinking about Christmas!  Can you believe it?

New Life Church will be participating in the Downtown Washington Parade of Lights on Friday, November 28.  If you are interested in helping design/build a float, please see Jennifer Kazmaier or Amanda Griesheimer or e-mail the church office.  All are welcome to walk with the float in the parade as well.  More details to follow.

A Christmas decorations committee is also being formed.  If you would like to help with the decorating or planning, please see Angie Hilbert or Kelly Dohm or e-mail the church office.