• Cliff Mansley
• Jan 7, 2010

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METAMORPHOSIS

New Creation Church Newsletter

January 2010

 

MID-WINTER MIX-UP

Cabin fever getting’ kind of old? Then it’s time to shake things up with Mid-Winter Mix-Up!

Starting January 17th, we’re asking everyone to hop into a small group study group during the Sunday School hour. That’s right, we’re asking you to sign-up and get on board with a Sunday morning small group. For six weeks we’re going to mix college, high school and adults together in groups that will emphasize Bible study and togetherness. Every study will reinforce Pastor Cliff’s sermon series, “Passionately, From The Heart.” This series highlights three of the most  memorable parables of Jesus found in Luke 15. These parables actually paint a powerful picture of God, ourselves and what the church could be. This is  a terrific way for New Creation to kick-off a new year.

Whether you participate in “regular Sunday School” or not, we’re praying that everyone will commit to six wonderful weeks of Mid-Winter Mix-Up!

To sign-up please call Jean at 782-8200 or 437-7002. We’ll hook you up with a small group that should encourage the socks off of you!

WINTER WORK DAY

When is work fun? When it’s at New Creation! Working with friends makes every task a joy!!

There are a lot of small projects that need to be looked after around the church building… too many for one or two folks to manage. If everyone pitches in an hour or two, however, we’ll accomplish a lot in a little time.

That’s why Saturday January 16th  (9-12:30) we’re encouraging  everyone to come out for one great day of clean-up-fix-up-spruce-up of the New Creation building. Everyone will have work that matches their skills… some will clean, some will install new lighting (basement), some will mop or vac or dust, some will organize rooms and some will do whatever!.  Please bring cleaning supplies if you are able. Projects’ instructions will be prepared in advance so that you can make the best of the time and enjoy good friends along the way.

CLIFF’S NOTES:                  LOOKING BACKWARD… LOOKING FORWARD

This past month has been filled with a host of emotions for me. It started with the joy of the Christmas Parade and all of the wonderful kids and adults who participated. Then Abby took fourth place overall in the State gymnastics meet. Don’t know how she does it!

The very next day, about twenty folks went into the neighborhood caroling. It was, perhaps, the most touching moment of the season. Many people had never seen carolers before. There were even a few tears shed. It was a beautiful way to highlight the incarnation with our friends in the neighborhood. 
Kid’s Quest had a terrific Christmas party where children received beautifully illustrated Bibles of their very own. Many of them clutched those Bibles to their chest as precious gifts.

One of my favorite Christmas presents came during youth group in the form of a porcelain cross from a girl named Molly who very thoughtfully gave a gift to each member of the youth group.

Then came Martha’s Christmas Day Dinner… open to one and all. Folks from all over Joplin braved the icy blast to attend. Some came from the shelters, some were camping under the bridges, others just heard about the dinner or saw our sign and just came on out. It was a great way to wrap up the year.

This year started on a robust note in spite of another snow storm this past Sunday. Although we had a smaller crowd than usual there was a wonderful spirit during worship that drew people together in creative ways.

Friends, when I look back on just one month and then a full year I’m amazed at the many things that we’ve been able to do together... Sunday School, Middle School FUEL, Senior High SOUL, College and Young Adult, Kid’s Quest, Watered Gardens Lunches, an Interns Ministry, Kid’s Day Out, Vacation Bible School, block parties, neighborhood clean-ups, vacation Bible school, Kid’s Day Out, Bible Studies, dinners, Clement’s Classes… It’s really fairly astonishing!

What I love most about New Creation is the heart of the people who make up our congregation. I see a lot of humility, service, kindness, patience, and joy. When people are in need you jump right in to help! What a wonderful church family!

This coming year we have a lot more adventures to look forward to.  It’s impossible to tell you what they all will be because God has this wonderful way of surprising us with new experiences in our life together. What is most important, however, is that we continue to grow close to Jesus and to each other. This requires something important from you. It requires that you invest time and effort in establishing a daily time for prayer and Bible study. It also requires that you take time to meet new people at church. Don’t just say “hi” … take time to really talk to people. Ask them about themselves. Share something of who you are. Get involved. Serve. Share. Love. Live. This new year promises to be fantastic… but only as we grow close to God and to each other.

With Love in Jesus -

                        Pastor Cliff

NEW INTERNS

New Creation will be adding a number of new student ministry interns to our team this winter.  Jordan Sidebottom will be serving as the Children’s Ministry Intern. Scott Yount will join Ben Whetstone as a College Ministry Intern.  Josh Hutchinson and Zach Simpler will be serving in the youth and worship departments as interns. Ayla Sortorius will become a Middle School Ministry Intern. Nikki Linnear will serve as Middle School Ministry Intern. Back from Spain, Joseph Hobbs will be serving in a role yet to be determined.

Returning interns, not mentioned above, include Kevin Bray and Michael Thomas as Middle School Ministry interns, Tim Little as High School Intern, and Drew Neimeier as Worship Intern.

We are very blessed as a congregation to have so many gifted, enthusiastic ministry interns. Please remember them in your daily prayers this semester. And, of course, be sure to encourage them like crazy!

BLAKE AND ALEXA

Two great kids who have been involved in worship, Sunday School Kid’s Quest, Kids Day Out and many other aspects of New Creation Church have made a significant move! Many of you know Blake and Alexa from so many events and activities. Word is that they are doing very well in their new digs living with relatives in another part of the state. Alexa reports that they have made many new friends at school  and that they are very happy. She also reports that both she and Blake miss us very much. Keep them in prayer!

AMANDA HOBBS?

Do you know anyone by the name of  Amanda Hobbs? It sounds familiar, but no, you probably don’t know anyone by that name. On the other hand, you will soon know someone by that name as Joseph Hobbs traveled from Spain to Ireland this last semester to propose to the love of his life… Amanda O’Day! While details on the big day will be forthcoming be sure to take the opportunity to congratulate Amanda and Joseph when they return to New Creation in mid January! It appears that they’ll be getting hitched soon!!

HEATH AND JANUARY

They finally took the plunge! Hurray for Tylers!! Heath and January were the first couple ever married at New Creation Church. The service took place one Friday morning just before Christmas in the sanctuary. There was a genuine spirit of joy as Heath and January tied the knot!

January Webster and Heath Tyler first met Pastor Cliff at Watered Gardens last year and have become a very significant part of the New Creation Church family. They celebrated their wedding with a cake served up at Watered Gardens following the lunch that we served. What a fabulous day!

NEW CREATION HOODIES AND OTHER STUFF!

Oh baby! Have you seen the new sweatshirts with the New Creation logo on them? Boy, do they look fantastic! Normally, these “hoodies” would cost us about $40.– each, but because of a special sale price we were able to purchase them for only $15.– a piece. 

If you would like to don one of these fine looking sweatshirts contact Jean at 782-8200. We have a variety of sizes available, but hurry, as some sizes are running out. These are available only as supplies last.

If you are interested in a different item with the New Creation logo on it please check out the catalogue located in Jean’s office. You can get just about any kind of shirt, hat, coat, sweater or sweatshirt you can imagine. And, of course, who wouldn’t want to sport a New Creation logo?                                                          * New Creation does not profit from any sales of these items.

A FAREWELL TO DEAR FRIENDS

In just two weeks New Creation will say good-bye to two very, very dear friends. Charles and Barbara Cunningham will be moving to Vancouver, Washington where their daughter will be able to offer them the physical care that they need.

Charles and Barbara quickly became known at New Creation for their passion for Jesus, knowledge of Scripture and love for people. They have always been humble and generous. Charles has loved to do projects around the church… the first task I remember him doing was fixing thirteen leaky toilets thus reducing our water bill by hundreds of dollars. He’s done countless projects since then. I took the opportunity to visit with Charles about his experience with New Creation and here are a few of his thoughts… “When we first arrived at New Creation I liked what I saw was going on… a variety of music, good preaching, genuine friendliness,  and the way people reached out to new folks. I also looked at the facility and location and saw great potential. Since then I’ve discovered that this church is, indeed, all about the Lord’s work. We’ve loved the way the church shares the truth of the Gospel with those who don’t know the truth.

But above all, what we’ve loved most is the way people love on each other. Without Christ’s love you got nothin’. You’re just an empty gong. That’s not New Creation. The way people reach out and hug on and pray for each other has a deep affect on others. It’s a Holy Spirit love like I’ve never experienced anywhere else. The closeness at New Creation is evident. My dream for New Creation is that this love for Christ and others would grow across the city and nation so that people can really see what God can do!”

Charles and Barbara you will be dearly  missed! You’ve made a huge difference at New Creation!!

With Love,     Pastor Cliff and All Your New Creation Friends

January Prayer Page and Scripture Reading

"You can do more than pray after you have prayed;

but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed."  

- A.J. Gordon

 

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

 

1      (John 8, Jeremiah 1, Psalm 122) our hearts would be tethered to Christ in the New Year!

2      (Jn 9, Jer 2,  Psalm 123) our nation would refocus it’s heart on Jesus for 2010

3      (Jn 10, Jer 3, Ps 124) ongoing joy, strength, faith & friendship for Heath & January Tyler as they celebrate the first month of marriage together

4              (Jn 11, Jer 4, Ps 125) God would help us help children in need… especially those on the verge of                    homelessness

5              (Jn 12, Jer 5, Ps 126) Joseph and Amanda as they prepare for marriage

6      (Jn 13, Jer 6, Ps 127) our college students would experience a happy and restful break

7              (Jn 14, Jer 7, Ps 128) our nation and our desperate need to employ our people in meaningful labor.

8              (Jn 15, Jer 8, Ps 129) Charles & Barbara Cunningham as they prepare to move

9              (Jn 16, Jer 9, Ps 130) God would strengthen our financial giving at New Creation.

10           (Jn 17, Jer 10,  Ps 131) those who are hurting, lonely or ill in our congregation and community.

11           (Jn 18, Jer 11, Ps 132) the leadership of our Elders Dan Hanschu, Hank Hoffman and Scott Brehm.

12   (Jn 19, Jer 12,  Ps 133) God would continue to bless the wonderful ministry of Miss Jean at NCC.

13           (Jn 20, Jer 13, Ps 134) we would love one another with passion as Christ first loved us.

14   (Jn 21, Jer 14, Ps 135) practice kindness daily to those around us.

15   (Lk 15, Jer 15, Ps 136) our new and returning ministry interns would be richly blessed in 2010!

16           (Lk 16, Jer 16, Ps 137) our work day would be effective, fun and fulfilling

17   (Lk 17, Jer 17, Ps 138) our hearts would be filled with love for each other and especially “outsiders.”

18   (Lk 18, Jer 18,  Ps 139) our nation’s President and leaders would lead with honesty and integrity.

19           (Lk 19, Jer 19, Ps 140) the youth and  children of New Creation would be built-up in Christ.

20           (Lk 20, Jer 20, Ps 141) joy, passion and sincerity of heart would mark our worship services.

21           (Lk 21, Jer 21, Ps 142) your witness to ____________________ would be dynamic and effective.

22   (Lk 22, Jer 22, Ps 143) folks at New Creation would be known for our generosity.

23   (Lk 23, Jer 23, Ps 144) continue to bless our Kid’s Quest Ministry in 2010.

24           (Lk 24, Jer 24, Ps 145) Pastor Cliff would faithfully lead with love, compassion and biblical integrity.

25           (John 1, Jer 25, Ps 146) many new people would begin to attend New Creation Church.

26           (Jn 2, Jer 26, Ps 147) our youth ministries would be robust in faith and evangelism in 2010

27           (Jn 3, Jer 27, Ps 148) 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, Jer 27, Ps 149) our nation would be protected from the folly of foolish leaders

29           (Jn 5, Jer 28, Ps 150) God would raise up wise and godly leaders… repentant in spirit, humble in heart

30   (Jn 6, Jer 29, Haggai 1) the Lord would help us to more and more delight in Him!

31   (Jn 7, Jer 30, Haggai 2) each of us would be dedicated to witnessing to people in this community.

 

CHURCH DIRECTORIES

The long awaited church directories will arrive on January 17th. We’ve done our best to collect the best data possible. It may not be perfect, but it should be a helpful tool for you in contacting folks who are actively involved at New Creation. If we accidentally overlooked any of your info please contact Jean and we’ll make the correction for the second printing. In the meantime, please feel free to pick up as many copies as you think you will use!

THEOLOGY 101

Interested in the basics of Christian Theology? Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. a small group is meeting to discuss the standards of a Biblical faith from the standpoint of the Reformed tradition. There is no required reading outside of the group meeting. This class is designed for the beginner. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We meet in the Conference Room.

WATERED GARDENS

Watered Gardens is one of New Creation’s key mission partners. Every day the Garden offers critical assistance to hundreds of people in need.  There is high demand for gently used mattresses, furniture, cooking utensils, clothing and food. Demand for these items is up while contributions are down. Anything you can do to help out would be greatly appreciated. If you need items picked-up call the Garden at 623-6030. Watered Gardens is located at 531 South Kentucky Avenue.

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

Beth Hanschu (4) Diane Gullette (4) Jean Seibert (9) Pastor Cliff (10)

Amanda O’Day (14) Jane Mansley (17)

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

Childrens Intern Jordan Sidebottom * College Interns Ben Whetstone & Scott Yount * Ministry Intern Tim Little  * Worship Interns Drew Niemeier, Josh Hutchinson & Zach Simpler Middle School Youth Interns Kevin Bray, Michael Thomas, Nikki Linnear and Ayla Sotoris