• Cliff Mansley
• Apr 1, 2010

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METAMORPHOSIS

                                                           

                                                            Resurrection Sunday

The Day of Resurrection is near! The Day when we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the brokenness of our world is almost here. Are you ready? Have you prepared yourself?

Preparing your heart for worship is always important. As we approach Easter Sunday please take time to prepare your heart. Reflect on the last days of Christ… perhaps turning to the last few chapters of any of the four gospels and reading about the days of Christ leading up to the cross. Palm Sunday (March 28)we will celebrate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with worship and a fellowship meal. Maundy Thursday (April 1) we will have a special celebration of the Lord’s Supper and a Service of the Shadows. This is a powerful remembrance of Christ’s betrayal and crucifixion. On Good Friday (April 2) and Holy Saturday (April 3) you are invited to participate in the very unique 12 Stones Pathway of Prayer (see below). Sunday April 4th is Resurrection Sunday. Please invite your friends and neighbors for this wonderful celebration! Also, please remember to  bring fresh cut flowers from your garden to adorn the floral cross. If you would like to dedicate an Easter lily to the glory of God in honor or in memory of a loved one there is a suggested donation of $6.00.

TWELVE STONES PRAYER PATH

 

 

 

 

 

 

When was the last time that you took an hour to spend with Jesus? Sometimes the pressures of life  keep us distracted from having quality time that we need with our Savior. That’s why we’ve designed the Twelve Stones Pathway of Prayer.

April 2nd & 3rd please plan on participating in this unique opportunity to draw close to Jesus. Twelve Stones will take you through a series of prayer experiences that emphasize different aspects of faith and life

To participate please call 782-7800 to reserve a time other than 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

It is recommended that you plan on setting aside at lease an hour and fifteen minutes to follow the path. Invite your friends to participate. Call ahead for childcare.           Open your ears…  Open your eyes…                       Open your heart… Encounter God.

EMPTY YOURSELF

Cliff's Notes

 

Do you know the difference between Eastern meditation and Christian meditation? Both encourage people to empty themselves of any thoughts about the self, but that’s where the similarities end. The Hindu desires to become nothing or “one” with the great impersonal nothing known as the Brahman Atman (god). The Christian, however, empties the mind of all self-motivated thoughts in order to have the mind and heart of Christ. It is an emptying or dying of the self in order that we may rise in Christ.               During Lent as we approach Easter we do more and more to focus less on ourselves and more on Christ. We want the word of God… the Bible… to fill our thinking. We want the Holy Spirit to rise within us.

That’s why we have worked hard to prepare Holy Week observances such as the Maundy-Thursday/Tenebrae service and the Twelve Stones Pathway of Prayer. We want you to empty yourself of you and fill yourself more and more with Jesus! That is why I pray the following prayer of St Paul from Ephesians 3:14-19 for you...

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Happy Easter One and All…

            Christ has Risen!                                                       Love, Pastor Cliff

 

NEW CREATION HAS AWESOME INTERNS!!

Have you ever noticed just how wonderful our college interns are here at New Creation? If you haven’t you must not be paying attention! We’ve been so blessed to have a team of young people who love the Lord, love the folks of New Creation and love the people in our community. They have served here without financial compensation or much recognition and yet, they have been generous with their time and resources.

As summer approaches as well as the end of the semester it will be hard to see our interns depart for a season. Nevertheless, it is with rich gratitude and deep affection that we thank the Lord and them for their service.  During the past two semesters our interns have helped to  dramatically change the face of New Creation.

Be sure to take time to thank each and every intern for their kind leadership and service… Drew, Hutch, Kevin,  Ayla,  Michael, Tim, Ben, Scott, Jonathan, Steve, Jordan and Joseph. 

Remember these friends in prayer as they prepare for exams and summer adventures as Christ’s witnesses!

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

 

Want to grow as a servant-leader within God’s kingdom? What a terrific opportunity for college and high school aged students to make a difference in the church and community while developing their leadership skills. Intern hours count toward community service requirements and transfer nicely to your resume. If you need formal credits for college no problem!

Intern opportunities are available in all areas including, Middle School, Senior High, College, Hospitality, Children, Pastoral and Worship ministries. It is possible to specially tailor internships as necessary.

For more information and an application see Pastor Cliff. If you are a returning intern no application is necessary at this time.  Call 782-8200 at the church office or 396-6175 (cell).

YOUTH NEWS

New Creation will join churches throughout our community after worship on Sunday April 25th at Landreth Park to raise funds for LifeChoices of Joplin.

There is a lot happening in the youth arena these days. Coming up on the agenda for both Middle School FUEL and Senior High SOUL is the 30-Hour Famine to help raise funds for one of the most successful Christian relief agencies in the history of the world! On April 23rd we’ll be holding a lock-in replete with games, service projects, speakers, worship etc. The entire event will focus on a deeper understanding of what we can do to make a difference with the poor in our community and in the world. The 30 Hour Famine begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Friends are encouraged to join us!

MIDDLE SCHOOL FUEL (special events):

• April 11th          YMCA POOL 3:00 pm
• May 2nd           Wildcat Park 3:30 pm
• May 7-8th        Lock-In???
• May 9th            Water Wars

NEW YOUTH NEWSLETTER TO BE LAUNCHED IN EARLY APRIL!!!

 

PALM SUNDAY

(fellowship dinner)

Just as the crowds gathered to celebrate Jesus Christ as the Messiah two thousand years ago so we will gather to wave palms and worship Palm Sunday morning. Following worship we will share a fellowship dinner Sunday March 28th New Creation will provide the meat,   drink, & paperware. We are asking everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

SERVICE OF SHADOWS

 

Maundy Thursday services will include a special remembrance of the Lord’s Supper and a Service of the Shadows. Together we will trace the dramatic last steps of Christ to the cross. We will gather for worship April 1st at 7:00 p.m. The sanctuary will be open for prayer at 6:30 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION

 Resurrection Sunday worship will take place at 10 a.m. We will have three baptisms. Please plan on preparing yourself in prayer the night before. Arrive early and bring your friends and neighbors. We will not hold small groups following worship, but will enjoy some sumptuous berries and cream in Fellowship Hall. We will need additional nursery volunteers and greeters. Contact 782-8200

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN…IN 2  SHORT LESONS!

You’ll never read the Bible the same way after you’ve experienced the Gospel of John in two intense Saturday morning sessions… in fact, you may never be the same after you take this amazing journey through the life, betrayal, trial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Saturday March 27th from 8:30 a.m. - Noon Pastor Cliff will lead us through the first 12 chapters of John known as the “Book of Signs.” The very next Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - Noon we will conclude our study of the “Book of Glory”… chapters 13-21.

What an amazing way for you to grow in faith as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday!

It is important that you sign-up in advance so that we have sufficient materials for everyone. Sign the one of the clipboards or call the church office at 782-8200! Invite friends!!

APRIL PRAYER PAGE AND SCRIPTURE READING

 

 

 “Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth;

help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.”
-Martin Luther

Please take time to pray daily for the church, family, friends, yourself and for or that…

1    (Galatians 1; Isaiah 31, Acts 1 ) many would participate in our Maundy Thursday/Service of the Shad            ows this evening

2    (Gal 2, Is 32, Acts 2 )         many would participate in our 12 Stones Pathway of Prayer today & tomorrow

3    (Gal 3, Is 33, Acts 3)          the strength of our Gospel of John intensive Bible study today

4    (Gal 4, Is 34, Acts 4)          the light of the risen Lord Jesus Christ would shine through New Creation today!

5    (Gal 5, Is 35, Acts 5)          we would be passionate, loving witnesses for Jesus Christ!

6    (Gal 6, Is 36, Acts 6)          we would willingly help & serve each other passionately, from the heart!

7          (Ephesians 1, Is 37, Acts 7) our small groups would strengthen our relationships and sense of unity

8    (Eph 2, Is 38, Acts 8)         our young Inquirers-Confirmation Class would grow in conviction and faith

9    (Eph 3, Is 39, Acts 9)         God would strengthen our long-term financial health at New Creation

10  (Eph 4, Is 40, Acts 10)       we would continue to grow strong and healthy in Christ-centered relationships

11  (Eph 5, Is 41, Acts 11)       our planning for VBS would be dynamic and effective and full of volunteers!

12  (Eph 6, Is 42, Acts 12)       we would be passionate about welcoming new people with robust hospitality

13  (Haggai 1, Is 43, Acts 13) Pastor Cliff and our Elders Scott, Hank and Dan would lead in Christ’s love

14  (Hag 2, Is 44, Acts 14)       all of our Ministry Interns… Tim, Steve, Kevin, Joseph, Ayla, Jordan, Josh, Jona      than, Drew, Scott, Ben, and Zac.

15  (James 1, Is 45, Acts 15) the spiritual leaders of our city… pastors, teachers, and mission leaders, etc.

16  (Js 2, Is 46, Acts 16) the effectiveness of our outreach at Watered Gardens today as we serve lunch

17  (Js 3, Is 47, Acts 17) three people who need to know Christ _________, __________, and _________

18  (Js 4, Is 48, Acts 18) God’s continued blessing on the wonderful ministry of Miss Jean

19  (Js 5, Is 49, Acts 19) those who are hurting, lonely or ill in our families, congregation and community

20  (1 Peter 1, Is 50, Acts 20) our mission partners Watered Gardens & the SramAshrams of India

21  (1 Pet 2, Is 51, Acts 21) our college students as they prepare for finals and the summer

22  (1 Pet 3, Is 52, Acts 22) the effective witness and discipleship of our Middle and High School youth

23  (1 Pet 4, Is 53, Acts 23) the youth of New Creation as they participate in the 30 Hour Planned Famine

24  (1 Pet 5, Is 53, Acts 24)our witness would be loving, joyful, and passionate throughout the community

25  (2 Pet 1, Is 54, Acts 25) we would be cheerful and generous in our giving

26  (2 Pet 2, Is 55, Acts 26) our interns who have given so generously of themselves this year

27  (2 Pet 3, Is 56, Acts 27) God would protect our country from our enemies from without and within

28  (Jude 1, Is 57, Acts 28) God would bless our preparations for the Mothers Day luncheon next month             for the women of the Lafayette House

29  (1 John, Is 58, 2 John)        the leaders of our country would hunger more for God than money or power

30  (Philemon, Is 59, 3 John) we would be passionately in love with Jesus and each other

April Scripture Memory Verse - Proverbs 3:5,6                                                                                                                                                           ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;                                                                                                         ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

THE FIVE FINGER PRAYER

 1.Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty.

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5.  And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Children’s Books  and

WATERED GARDENS LUNCHEON

It’s time to serve lunch at Watered Gardens again. We’ll be serving Friday April 16th. We’re looking for volunteers to cook, serve and clean-up between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Come for all or part of this great experience! Please consider contributing a lasagna from Sam’s or Walmart (12 needed) or one large can of green beens. Sign-up at New Creation or call (417) 438-2839.

 

SPRING

Feeling a little cramped lately? Need some extra space around the house or in the shed? Now is a great time to start cleaning out your “stuff”. New Creation is already collecting for the Spring Rummage Sale that will be held sometime in May. Please feel free to bring in any items that may be saleable and stash them at the back of the “ping-pong-table-room” located next to the kitchen downstairs. If you have questions or need assistance please contact Jean at 782-8200.

CHILDREN'S

 Kid’s Quest has been in full swing for six months! One thing that’s for sure is that our kids love to read. There’s just one problem… we only have a hand full of books! Any children’s books that you might be able to spare would be a huge help to our ministry. We also need children’s videos. While we prefer Christ-centered books and videos we can use all kinds of children’s materials. Please drop contributions off at church office.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PLANNING MEETING

 

Last year New Creation Church held our very first Vacation Bible School. It was awesome! God did great things during that week and you were a big part of it. This year we’re planning on holding our second VBS. Our prayer is that we will reach even more kids for Christ. We’re need all the volunteers that we can get. Please join us Sunday April 11th at 11:30 a.m. for our planning meeting. For more information contact Sharon Sherrod at 417-438-2839.

 

MOTHERS' DAY DINNER

For our friends of the Lafayette House

 

 This Mother’s Day New Creation is teaming up with folks from Journey Church to sponsor a Mother’s Day dinner for the moms of the Lafayette House. This event will be held at New Creation. We will need plenty of volunteers to help make this a very special day. Please contact Martha Brehm if you would like to assist. Martha’s phone number is 417-850-0725.                                                

Holy Week

At New Creation

Palm Sunday March 28th

Fellowship Luncheon 11:30 am.

Maundy-Thursday April 1st

Twelve Stones Prayer April 2-3

Easter Sunday April 4th

 

 This month we need your help with paper towel and toilet paper. Please drop off any contributions @ the NCC office.

April Birthdays and Anniversaries

George & May Markham (4) Sharon Sherrod (18) Glenda Willis (21)Paul Sherrod (24) Barbara & Charles Cunningham (27)

Kids Quest

Every Wednesday Afternoon from 3-5 p.m. Bible Stories, Games, Songs, Tutoring and More!!!

Middle School Fuel and Sr High Soul (Dinner served in-between)

4:00 - 5:35 p.m. Sunday Middle School Youth Group   *   5:45 Sunday High School Youth Group

Inquirers-Confirmation Classes

4:15 - 5:30 p.m. Thursdays

Small Groups (other than Sunday)

9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at New Creation - Prayer Group

 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays Dinner and Bible Study

Church Office Hours*

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday * Please call ahead for an appointment… 782-8200

Mission Fridays at Watered Gardens

10am-2pm every Friday at 531 South Kentucky Avenue

New Creation Interns

Children's Intern Jordan Sidebottom *

College Interns Ben Whetstone & Scott Yount                                                                                                Worship Interns Drew Niemeier, Josh Hutchinson & Zach Simpler                                                                  

Youth Interns Kevin Bray, Michael Thomas, Ayla Sartoris, Tim Little, Jonathan Hendrix, Steve Massey