• Cliff Mansley
• Mar 15, 2010

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METAMORPHOSIS 3.3 *

New Creation Newsletter

March 2010

*Adapted from full color print and photos… to receive regular newsletters contact us @ 782-8200

HOLY WEEK AT NEW CREATION

Crucifixion. It’s stark, cruel,  and beautiful. It’s stark and cruel for obvious reasons. Spikes though the hands and feet after a severe whipping and hung out to die a horrible death. Beautiful only when the Name that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of God is  “high and lifted up” to pay the price for the sins we committed.

Holy Week at New Creation is designed to help us remember the incomparable events that led up to and followed the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope and pray that you will join us for Palm Sunday on March 28th when we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when he was hailed as “Messiah, King of the Jews!” Maundy-Thursday April 1st we will hold a solemn remembrance of the Last Supper when our Lord was betrayed by Judas. This will be combined with the Service of the Shadows which takes us through the events leading up to the crucifixion. On Good Friday and Holy Saturday, April  2nd and 3rd, we will open the church for the 12 Stones Path of Prayer experience.  (Please sign-up or RSVP for 12 Stones).

Sunday April 4th we will celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ!

 

GOSPEL OF JOHN

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!!

 

Cliff’s Notes:           DEEP AND WIDE

Almost any kid growing up around churches during my generation sang that old song with hand motions… “Deep and wide, deep and wide there is a fountain flowing deep and wide.” Fun stuff… serious message. The fountain has to do with the blood of Christ that was shed for us on the cross. The song speaks of God’s amazing well of grace that is deep and wide.

When you stop and think about it there is more to the meaning of this simple kid’s song than meets the eye. We may want and depend on the grace of God that is deep and wide, but the Christian life just begins with the grace of God. Don’t you think the song also reminds us that our life in Christ is to be lived with depth and breadth? We’re to grow deeply in our relationship with Jesus and in knowledge of His word… the Bible. We’re also to grow broadly as we spread the good news of the gospel far and wide.

As we approach Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday (Easter) I want to encourage you to grow deep in Jesus Christ and wide in your witness.

Pray, study the Bible, stop sinning, love more, share the gospel, devote yourself to doing good, be kind, and participate in Holy Week. Soon you’ll find that your life and relationships will reflect the beauty of our precious Savior… deep and wide!

With Love in Jesus,

                Cliff

                Pastor Cliff

 

HOSPITALITY

Do you know that one of the highest values of New Creation is hospitality? That’s right… we’re in the business of “welcoming prodigals” home! Even if a person is not a “prodigal” we want every person who comes through the doors of New Creation to know that they are loved, celebrated, enjoyed, delighted in and cared for!  What better way to introduce people to Christ and to each other?

Every Sunday we put out a big spread of goodies for folks to enjoy. It’s really terrific! For some reason good food makes conversation and fellowship that much more sweet.

Here’s the rub. In case you didn’t  notice it… we’ve been growing! That, of course is fantastic!! But it also means that we need more people to volunteer to bring food. There are sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall and in the entry way or you could call Beth Hanschu  at 417-540-3856.

Please, please, please, we need your help with this wonderful ministry. Would you commit to bringing something delicious once a month or every week?  This is one of the coolest and easiest opportunities to help welcome people into the Kingdom!!!

PRAYING FOR MEXICO

Many of our high school and college students will be heading south of the boarder on missions to Mexico during March. Four of our high schoolers, Sam Brehm, Taylor Little, Kayla Byrne, and Joey Weathers will be headed to Mexico City and at least two of our college students, Ayla Sartorius and Kevin Bray will be off to work in the boarder towns. Please remember to pray for them as they go. They will see and do things that they have never done before. The language, food and customs will be different than what they are used to . In some cases they will see horrendous poverty. Please pray that whatever they do will be done for the glory of God and that they will reflect the beauty of Christ to all that they come in contact with.  Also, pray that they will experience significant spiritual growth as they seek to serve the Lord in Mexico.  And, of course, pray for their safe return!

TWELVE STONES PATHWAY OF PRAYER

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.

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

To participate in the Pathway of Prayer you are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a time. Specific blocks of times will be announced in the church bulletin and e-updates. Please feel free to contact the church office for more information.

It is recommended that you plan on setting aside at lease an hour and fifteen minutes to follow the path. It is also suggested that you invite your friends and loved ones to participate. For those who need childcare there will be designated times when babysitting will be available.

 

Open your ears… open your eyes… open your heart… encounter God.

 

PALM SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

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. New Creation will provide the meat,   drink, and paperware. We are asking that everyone bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. Sign-up please!

MAUNDY THURSDAY – TENEBRAE WORSHIP

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.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

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

ASTONISHING SMALL GROUPS!

Pastor Cliff will begin a new series of Sermons on the “Astonishing Claims of Christ”… and instead of going back to a Sunday School format we’ve decided to continue meeting in small groups. The “Astonishing Small Groups” will begin Sunday March 7th. Group leaders and group assignments will be published this Sunday. If, for some reason, your name is not listed don’t worry we’ll assign you to a group immediately. Just see or call Pastor Cliff at 782-8200.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know more folks around New Creation while growing closer to Jesus.

Once you’re in a small group don’t hesitate to invite your friends or folks who are new to New Creation to join the group. All of our groups are “open.” That means everyone is welcome to join in!

Your participation in small groups goes a long

March Prayer Page and Scripture Reading

 

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

 

1     (Genesis 30; Isaiah 1, John 1 )             we would be passionate for Jesus

2     (Gn 31, Is 2, Jn 2)      we would be cheerful givers

3              (Gn 32, Is 3, Jn 3 )God bless Kids’ Quest leaders and kids

4     (Gn 33, Is 4, Jn 4)      families & marriages be strengthened

5     (Gn 34, Is 5, Jn 5)      we would willingly help & serve each other

6     (Gn 35, Is 6, Jn 6)      many would step-up and help with Sunday hospitality food

7              (Gn 36, Is 7, Jn 7)our small groups would strengthen our relationships and sense of unity

8     (Gn 37, Is 8, Jn 8)      God would bless our high school and college students on Mission in Mexico

9     (Gn 38, Is 9, Jn 9)      God would strengthen our long-term financial health at New Creation

10   (Gn 39, Is 10, Jn 10) our Wednesday evening Bible Study-Dinner Group would flourish

11   (Gn 40, Is 11, Jn 11) our young Inquirers-Confirmation Class would grow in conviction and faith

12   (Gn 41, Is 12, Jn 12) we would be passionate about welcoming new people with robust hospitality

13   (Gn 42, Is 13, Jn 13) God’s blessing on Sarah Foglesong and Chuck Owens as they are married today

14   (Gn 43, Is 14, Jn 14) all of our Ministry Interns… Tim, Steve, Kevin, Joseph, Ayla, Jordan, Josh, Jona-                                         than, Drew, Scott, Ben, and Zac.

15   (Gn 44, Is 15, Jn 15) the spiritual leaders of our city… pastors, teachers, and mission leaders, etc.

16   (Gn 45, Is 16, Jn 16) wisdom, prudence, and godly vision would guide our Joplin mayor & city council

17   (Gn 46, Is 17, Jn 17) our effectiveness of our witness on the Missouri Southern campus

18   (Gn 47, Is 18, Jn 18) God’s continued blessing on the wonderful ministry of Miss Jean

19   (Gn 48, Is 19, Jn 19) those who are hurting, lonely or ill in our families, congregation and community

20   (Gn 49, Is 20, Jn 20) our mission partnership with Watered Gardens and the SramAshrams of India

21   (Gn 50, Is 21, Jn 21) God’s blessing on Joseph Hobbs and Amanda O’Day as they are married today

22   (Mt 19, Is 22, Lk 17) the effective witness and discipleship of our Middle and High School youth

23   (Mt 20, Is 23, Lk 18) the leadership of our Elders Dan Hanschu, Hank Hoffman and Scott Brehm.

24   (Mt 21, Is 23, Lk 19) our witness would be loving, joyful, and passionate throughout the communty

25   (Mt 22, Is 24, Lk 20) many would participate in the 12 Stones Pathway of Prayer

26   (Mt 23, Is 25, Lk 21) many would plan on participating in our Palm Sunday Fellowship Lunch

27   (Mt 24, Is 26, Lk 22) our intensive study of the Book of John be well attended and deeply meaningful

28   (Mt 25, Is 27, Lk 23) we would re-center our lives on Christ our King as we celebrate Palm Sunday

29   (Mt 26, Is 28, Lk 24) we would deepen our relationship with Jesus during Holy Week

30   (Mt 27, Is 29, Mk 15)               those at New Creation who are preparing for baptism this Sunday

31   (Mt 28, Is 30, Mk 16)               our hearts would be tender to the heart of God

 

DIRECTORIES

Church Directories with basic contact info are now available at New Creation. To get your copy please see Jean Seibert. 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. We will soon release an updated pictorial directory of New Creationists!

YOUTH DINNERS

 Every Sunday evening when our youth groups meet the dinner angel arrives around 5:30 p.m. with some kind of delicious meal for everyone to enjoy. It’s absolutely wonderful!

Our dinner angel needs some additional help in her winged squadron. Anyone willing to assist with preparing meals for our youth please contact Sharon Sherrod at 438-8460.

Your kindness means so much to all the youth!

NEW CREATION HOODIES

Want to get your hands on  one of those cool New Creation hoodies? They’re going fast! The cost is $15. That’s a deal! There are about ten left and we don’t have plans to order more.  Why not? Because our hoodies normally sell for three times what we paid for them and the sale is over.

See Jean if you would like to purchase one of these fine shirts!

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

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 April or 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Getting Married…

• Sarah Foglesong and Chuck Owens

March 13th

• Joseph Hobbs and Amanda O’Day

March 21st

• Matt Parks and Amelia Garrett

March 20th

Needed… volunteers to cook dinner for youth groups call Jean at 782-8200.

Cunninghams… Pastor Cliff had a great visit with them in Vancouver, WA. Charles and Barbara are doing very well

Coming in May… National

 

WATERED GARDENS

(The following is a letter addressed to Watered Gardens)

“All I can say is WOW! Thanks to you, I have a living room fit to invite anyone over, all the extras like towels, linens and dishes have really been a huge blessing. You made me feel dignified in my need and that is something truly rare! Thank you for delivering the furniture and putting it so neat in the car port, I wish we had been home so you could have seen the result  and effect… it’s just so lovely. Thank you for all you do and may God continue to bless you and your mission…”

 

BAPTISM – EASTER SUNDAY

Do you believe in Jesus? Have you made Him your Lord and Savior? Do you want to dedicate your life to following Him for the rest of your life? If you are ready to publically confess your faith as a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ or have questions about how to do that please visit with Pastor Cliff. We are planning baptisms for Easter Sunday!

 

This month is light bulb month. Please drop off indoor spot lights, 45-75 watt incandescent or florescent bulbs @ the NCC office.

March Birthdays and Anniversaries

 Luke Smith (13) Dan Hanschu (21) Charles Cunningham (25)

Drew Neimeier, Rachel Brehm (28) Johnnie Willis (31)

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

Childrens 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