• Cliff Mansley
• Dec 3, 2009

• Media Links
• Subscribe

METAMORPHOSIS

New Creation Newsletter

December 2009

(This newsletter is adapted from our hardcopy graphics and photos are not included. To receive a hardcopy of the newsletter please contact our church offices at 417-782-8200)

 

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Worship

5:00 p.m.

December 24th

Nursery Care Provided

Share Faith… invite a friend

 

CHRISTMAS AT NEW CREATION

 

For some folks Christmas comes like a freight train. Thanksgiving hits, then Black Friday and zammo! We’re off to the races!!  Everyday is a shopping day, a party day, a decorating day… do people still do baking days? Until, finally, sick of it all, we collapse in an exhausted heap.

If you stop for a moment and just breathe, you’ll begin to realize that Christmas has more to do with the wonder of a little child… but not just any child, God incarnate, who crossed the expanses of the heavens to come to earth in order to save us from our sins.

That’s why we celebrate “Advent” at New Creation. We want people to slow down and consider the extraordinary ramifications of God in the flesh. Advent is a very ancient church tradition that helps us examine different aspects of the coming of Christ during the four weeks prior to Christmas.

Every Sunday we’ll light a different candle of the Advent wreath in worship. Each candle signifies something beautiful about the truths of Christmas such as hope, love, peace and joy! On Christmas Eve we’ll celebrate by lighting  the Christ candle. In the meantime, let’s remember to grow close to Jesus as we wait and watch, study and pray, sing and  witness to others.

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY – OPEN HOUSE

December 20^th

Come one, come all to the New Creation Christmas Party December 20th (6 - 9 p.m.) at Pastor Cliff and Jane Mansley’s house. There will be singing, feasting and plenty of friendships to enjoy!

Please bring something delicious to share as well as a “gag-gift” or “white-elephant gift” (in other words… don’t make it serious… make it funny!) for the traditional gift exchange. Whatever you do don’t spend more than five or ten dollars on a gift. In fact, some funky item from around the house will do just fine!

Come for the entire evening or stop by for a few minutes… either way we’re looking forward to seeing you for the celebration! Please feel free to invite your family and friends. We’re going to have a fantastic evening! For more information call Jean Seibert at 782-8200.

 

CLIFF’S NOTES:

FINISHING STRONG

Two years ago New Creation was only a dream. We held our very first trial-run worship service on Christmas Eve at the Chapel in the woods. It was beautiful. Hundreds of luminaries blazed the way leading up to the chapel. Inside pin lights and bows adorned greenery that was placed there for just such an occasion.

Back then we didn’t have a name, a building, any identifiable ministries… just a growing sense that God wanted us to start a new church in Joplin.

Since that first Christmas Eve we’ve run quite a race… we’ve added more and more people, started an after school ministry, a middle school ministry, a high school ministry, a college ministry, a Sunday School ministry, a Watered Gardens ministry, an interns ministry… ministry, ministry, ministry! It’s hard to count the many things God has led us to do… block parties, neighborhood clean-ups, vacation Bible school, Kid’s Day Out, Bible Studies, dinners, Clement’s Classes, Christmas floats, you name it!

Every time a person comes to New Creation who is new there are always people eager  to welcome them, love them, encourage them and help them any way we can. So often I see people give whatever they can whenever they can. We have a generous congregation.

As we near another Christmas and the end of another year I want to encourage you to consider the financial needs of our congregation.  Would you consider helping us end the year on a strong financial footing with a Christmas gift over and above what you would normally contribute? I plan to… won’t you?

Love in Jesus,   Pastor Cliff

 

WINTER RETREATS

Time to mark your calendars! The Middle School, High School and College groups are planning on winter retreats for the following dates…

January 22nd and 23rd the Middle Schoolers are planning to go on a great adventure… location to be announced!

February 5th and 6th the College Students will be taking an Arkansas winter retreat.

February 13 thru 15th the Senior Highs will be going on their very first Big City Surprise expedition! That’s right… we’ll be packing up and moving out for a short, but intense journey to parts unknown. Cost is $60. per person.

Although many of the details are still in the works, please set these dates aside so you don’t miss the fun!

 

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

New Creation Church has been growing by leaps and bounds this fall. This is fantastic news!

With growth comes new joys and responsibilities. Many of the women of New Creation have agreed that it’s time to start organizing to undergird many of the valuable ministries that have been springing into existence. This is why we’re getting the word out about the new Women’s Ministries Team. This ministry is not only designed to strategically support the overall ministries of the church, but also to encourage, inspire and strengthen the needs of women in our congregation.

Please contact Sharon Sherrod (417-438-2839 ) for more information as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity!

CHRISTMAS POINTSETTIAS

If you would like to sponsor a poinsettias in honor or in memory of someone please see Jean Seibert. $5 suggested donation. You may take your poinsettia home with you after Christmas Eve worship. In the meantime your poinsettias will help to make the atrium and sanctuary blaze with Christmas colors!

CHRISTMAS FLOAT

We still need a few more kids to ride the New Creation float in manger scene costumes (we’ve got ’em!), as well as adults to walk alongside the float to hand out candy. We will meet at the Church at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday to suit-up and share some pizza!

For more info contact Pastor Cliff at 417-782-8200 or 396-6175.

 CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Everyone is invited December 13th for an evening of Christmas caroling in the New Creation Church neighborhood followed by hot chocolate and cookies. Please dress appropriately for the weather and plan on bringing a flashlight and/or candle! Starts at 6:00 p.m. Time to spread the Christmas joy!!!

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHIRTS

Still trying to find the perfect gift for a friend or a family member? Why not buy them a shirt with a New Creation logo embroidered on it? Yep, that’s right you can pick out virtually any kind of shirt or blouse from hoodies to button downs, polos to t-shirts or any number of other items including jackets, sweaters, hats and tot bags. Lots of color choices.  Just stop by our church offices and pick out an item. Costs vary widely. New Creation does not make a profit on any item. Turn-around-time is about a week and a half.  Orders must be in no later than December 14th to guarantee delivery before Christmas. Pick up items at church office.

REMEMBER ACTS OF KINDNESS

Look around our New Creation Church building and you’ll find calling cards with a simple message and information about New Creation on it.  When we first distributed these cards our hope was that people would use them every time they did something kind for someone else… like helping them move furniture, cut their grass, shovel their sidewalk, bring in their mail, buy them dinner etc.

Unfortunately, most of us have forgotten what these cards are for. Our hope is that you’ll pick up a few of them and put them in your wallet, purse or car and every time you do some act of kindness for another person, you invite them to our church on Sunday or at some other point in the week. This is a terrific opportunity for us to introduce faith into the life of another person.

 

December 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             (Luke 1, Romans 10, Psalm 63) we might rediscover the meaning of Christmas through the quiet               anticipation of Advent.

2             (Lk 2, Rm 1 Psalm 93) that our Christmas parade float would be successful in our effort to witness.

3              (Lk 3, Rm 12, Ps 94) the strength and vitality of our outreach to college students as they prepare for        final exams and term papers

4              (Lk 4, Rm 13, Ps 95) God would help us help children in need… especially those on the verge of                     homelessness

5              (Lk 5, Rm 14, Ps 96) we might grow closer to Christ as each day grows closer to Christmas.

6              (Lk 6, Rm 15, Ps 97) the effectiveness of our new worship Step and Drill Team and that Nikki’s    strong leadership would truly impact many middle schoolers for Christ.

7              (Lk 7, Rm 16, Ps 98) our nation and our desperate need to employ our people in meaningful labor.

8              (Lk 8, Galatians 1 , Ps 99) the strength, growth, passion, vision and stamina of our interns: Ben Whetstone, Tim Little, Kevin Bray, Michael Thomas, Drew Niemeier, and Scott Yount.

9              (Lk 9, Gal 2, Ps 100) God would strengthen our financial giving at New Creation.

10           (Lk 10, Gal 3,  Ps 101) those who are hurting, lonely or ill in our congregation and community.

11           (Lk 11, Gal 4, Ps 102) the leadership of our Elders Dan Hanschu, Hank Hoffman and Scott Brehm.

12           (Lk 12, Gal 5,  Ps 103) God would continue to bless the wonderful ministry of Miss Jean at NCC.

13           (Lk 13, Gal 6, Ps 103) we would love one another as Christ first loved us.

14           (Lk 14, Ephesians 1, Ps 104) practice kindness daily to those around us.

15           (Lk 15, Eph 2, Ps 105) each of us would be dedicated to witnessing to people in this community.

16           (Lk 16, Eph 3, Ps 106) joy, passion and sincerity of heart would mark our worship services.

17           (Lk 17, Eph 4, Ps 107) our hearts would be filled with love for each other and especially “outsiders.”

18           (Lk 18, Eph 5,  Ps 108) our nation’s President and leaders would lead with honesty and integrity.

19           (Lk 19, Eph 6, Ps 109) the youth and  children of New Creation would be built-up in Christ.

20           (Lk 20, Philippians 1, Ps 110) our Christmas Party tonight at Pastor’s would bring us closer together.

21           (Lk 21, Phil 2, Ps 111) your witness to ____________________ would be dynamic and effective.

22           (Lk 22, Phil 3, Ps 112) folks at New Creation would be known for our generosity.

23           (Lk 23, Phil 4, Ps 113) continue to bless our Kid’s Quest Ministry in the year to come.

24           (Lk 24, Malachi 1, Ps 114) Pastor Cliff would faithfully lead with love, compassion and biblical integrity.

25           (John 1, Mal 2, Ps 115) many new people would begin to attend New Creation Church.

26           (Jn 2, Mal 3, Ps 116) God’s blessing on Joseph Hobbs and Amanda O’Day as they prepare to come home from Spain and Ireland.

27           (Jn 3, Mal 4, Ps 117) God would provide for our partner mission in India… the Sram-Ashrams as led by our dear friends Dr. K. Clement and Sathya. That the 325 study centers would thrive.

28           (Jn 4, Habakkuk 1, Ps 118) our nation would be protected from the folly of foolish leaders

29           (Jn 5, Hab 2, Ps 119) God would raise up wise and godly leaders… repentant in spirit, humble in heart

30           (Jn 6, Hab 3, Ps 120) the Lord would help us to more and more delight in Him!

31           (Jn 7, Jude, Ps 121) the year 2010 would be a year of faith, hope, and love!!

 

NURSERY ROTATION

Jesus once said, “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.” We consider children to be very precious at New Creation. We are blessed with strong leadership and care in the nursery. We would like to expand our volunteer base, however, and create a consistent rotation. If you would like to volunteer in the nursery please see Karen Brock. to get in the rotation.

 

WATERED GARDENS LUNCHEON

December 18th from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. we need all the volunteers that we can possibly muster to assist with cooking, serving and cleaning-up for our bi-monthly luncheon. If you are able to lend a hand, in any capacity, please contact Jean at the NCC office… 782-8200.

 

TUESDAY PRAYER

Need prayer? Join us! Need to pray? Join us!! Need to learn how to pray? Join us!!!

Every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. there is a group of prayer warriors who gather in the conference room to pray for friends and neighbors as well as the life and spiritual vitality of New Creation Church. We would love to have you join us!

 

NEW MEMBERS

Interested in discovering more about the vision, mission and core beliefs of New Creation Church? Considering making a public commitment to joining New Creation Church? This is an important class that will help you determine whether or not your ready to throw your hat into the ring with New Creation for the long-haul.

Don’t Be A Grinch!

Class will be held immediately after Sunday School on January 16th. We will start with lunch and be done by about 3:00 p.m. RSVP 782-8200.

Times have been tough in Joplin lately as they have across the country. More and more people are living on the edge. Jobs are getting scarce. Money is tight.

Maybe you don’t have much money either, but maybe you have a used couch, chair, pot or pan to contribute. If you have clothes and other things that you are no longer needing please consider contributing them to Watered Gardens as they will gladly distribute them to those in need. Call ahead at 623-6030 if you need a pick-up or deliver items to 531 Kentucky.

Dr Clement and the SramAshrams of India

 Just as New Creation Church partners with Watered Gardens here in Joplin so we also partner with the SramAshrams of India. You may recall the amazing classes Dr. Clement instructed this past winter. Please remember Dr. Clement and his wife Sathya in your prayers this Christmas as they seek to train thousands of pastors, church planters, Bible translators and church lay leaders with seminary level classes and vocational training. There are now more than 300 study centers throughout south-central India.

 

TONY UPDATE

It’s been nearly a month since our dear friend Tony packed his bags and shipped off for Fort Benning, Georgia. It sure isn’t the same around New Creation without him!

Tony has done well at boot camp though he has suffered from a severe cold and a fractured knee cap. That certainly makes life challenging!

We are hoping that Tony is able to make it back home to Joplin and to his friends at New Creation. Assuming he is able to make it back for Christmas we’re lining up homes where he can stay for a few days here and there. If you are able to help us with housing please contact Jean at 782-8200.

If you would like to write Tony an encouraging note please use the following address...

RN 206 Pvt Anthony M. Brazas

Dco2-58 Inregt198 inbde

9375 Conway Drive

Ft. Benning, GA 31905-49

 

This month is paper products month! Please drop off paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, copier paper etc  @ the NCC office.

December Birthdays and Anniversaries

 Madeline Sherrod (27) Sinclair Abbott (12)

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

Small Groups

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

10:00 a.m. Wednesdays - An Introduction to Reformed Theology

 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

Drew Neimeier, Worship * Scott Yount, Children * Tim Little, Ministry * Kevin Bray, Youth                                                       Michael Thomas, Youth * Ben Whetstone, College