• Cliff Mansley
• May 12, 2010

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NEW CREATION CHURCH of JOPLIN
MAY NEWSLETTER

METAMORPHSOSIS 3.5

 

DEEPER DISCIPLESHIP

 

What makes a church alive, thriving and robust? What causes people to say to themselves, “I want to be a part of that!”?

The answer to the second question is sometimes “church bling”… coffee shops, book stores, stadium seating or whatever. But the better answer for both questions has more to do with seeing people who are dazzled by Jesus - they love Him, they worship Him, they can’t wait to be with Him, they talk to Him, they tell others about Him, and they mark their lives by what we’re told about Him in the Bible.  People who strive to put Jesus first in their lives will always be more loving, generous, kind, thoughtful, joyful, peaceful, patient and passionate… always!

Go a step further and you’ll find that churches that are vibrant for the long haul have a growing number of people who will “disciple” others in the faith. That is, they naturally come alongside others who are newer believers and they encourage them to grow deeper in their walk with Jesus. They take time, they are patient and they are purposeful in how they communicate the faith.

So who are you discipling? Who are you encouraging to grow deeper in the faith? Pray about whom God would have you disciple… a friend, a child, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you met at New Creation? You don’t have to be perfect. Just willing. The more of us who disciple others the more robust and attractive we become!

 

RUMMAGE SALE

Oh boy do we need help! Our basement is filling up fast with all kinds of wonderful stuff! And we are hoping to have even more stuff for a mega-rummage sale! Please drop off any saleable items to the church as soon as possible.

We need helpers who will assist in organizing, pricing, cleaning, arranging and selling. Every Tuesday after prayer group (around 11 a.m.) and every Wednesday after study group (around 11:15) the basement will be open for volunteers to work together in organizing this amazing event. Who knows, we may even share lunch together!

All proceeds will go to support our summer youth and children’s ministries.                                           Saturday May 22nd from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

CLIFF’S NOTES:                                  PRAYER AND POLITICS

Yikes! Do those two things fit together? When I was growing up we were reminded by some that “religion and politics don’t mix.”

In today’s culture you might think that old adage is still true. After all, the National Day of Prayer which the United States has observed since 1952 was found to be unconstitutional by a U.S. District Court judge in Wisconsin .  Many Americans were shocked when Franklin Graham, of all people, was uninvited by the Army to   participate in the National Day of Prayer observance at the Pentagon because of statements that were deemed harsh toward Islam (never mind that militant Islamists have declared war on America!). Our President has complicated things further by saying that “America is no longer a Christian nation.”

How sad that our government seems so intent on running from God. Now more than ever we Americans need the help of the Almighty. In the face of terrorist threats, government spending that threatens our national security, unfettered greed on Wall Street, astronomical unemployment, the loss of much of our industrial base, the expansion of government as opposed to individual rights and freedoms, political corruption at every level, the rising rate of divorce, growing brokenness in families, the increase of drug abuse, a tidal wave of pornography and infidelity, high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (Jasper County has

the highest rate in Missouri) and the list goes on.

Allow me to go on the record dear friends… prayer and politics can and must mix! Prayer for our country, prayer for our politicians, prayer  for our marriages, families, and children. Prayer for our military, prayer for our economy, prayer for our enemies, prayer for  our honor and freedoms and alliances. Whether it’s politically correct or not, whether it’s government sanctioned or not… it is in the end God sanctioned and as followers of Jesus Christ we must do it.  So please pray on our National Day of Prayer… pray every day… passionately and frequently!  

With Love in Christ, Pastor Cliff

 

BETH MOORE STUDY… REVELATION!

We live in a world turned upside down… and it is Scripture that turns it right side up!”  Mark your calendars… Over ten weeks beginning June 7th we will be studying the Book of Revelation with Beth Moore. “Here and Now - Then and There” is a Bible Study designed just for women.

You’ll be amazed to discover just

how relevant this ancient book is for today.  You’ll discover things you’ve never dreamed of. But most importantly you’ll uncover a beautiful blessing…  “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

We hope that you’ll invite your family, friends and neighbors to this powerful Bible Study on Revelation. In the meantime, if you have questions, please feel free to call Martha Brehm at 623-4648.

 

MOTHER’S DAY DINNER… FOR OUR FRIENDS AT THE LAFAYETTE HOUSE

We will be serving Mother’s Day Dinner together with the women of Journey Church for our friends of the Lafayette House. May 8th at 6 p.m. we will serve dinner here at New Creation Church. We’ll have great food, entertainment, fellowship and crafts for the kids.

We would love for everyone to help. Desserts are needed as well as small items that can be placed in gift bags for the women. Helpers to prepare food, to serve and clean-up are needed. Of course, we will need women who will sit and visit with our friends while they eat.

Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost of the meal and crafts. Set-up begins at 4 p.m. Please call Martha Brehm for more information at 623-4648.

KID’S DAY OUT

Coming Tuesday June 1st Kid’s Day Out is back by popular demand! Last summer we had a fantastic time with Kids K-5th Grade (with Middle, High School and College Staff). This year we’re planning even more fun adventures along with our usual swimming and hiking. Your kids will also enjoy crafts, singing, prayer, skits, games and Bible stories. Every day is a different experience! If you would like to register your child or serve as a volunteer  please contact the office at 782-8200.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SonQuest Rainforest is coming to New Creation July 12th thru 16th. All kids K-5 are invited. We are still looking for additional volunteers to add to our already strong staff. Call 782-8200 to sign-up or register your child.

SUMMER TUTORING

How would you feel if your child could walk into the classroom next fall feeling confident and prepared for their subjects? What would it be worth to you to see your son or daughter improve their grades by one, two or three letters? Paid tutors usually cost $20 per hour minimum. New Creation will be offering FREE tutoring in math, reading and study skills on Thursdays this summer. You must sign-up in advance. For more info call 782-8200 or see Lisa Keele.

SUMMER ADDRESSES

Where will you be this summer? Will you be going home or working at a camp or doing some other fun adventure? Please call the church office at 782-8200 to let us know where you will be. Please include your name, full address, e-mail address and phone number.

GRADUATING?

Are you graduating this May? Please let us know who you are, where you will be living and what you will be doing.  Call 782-8200.

Right now we are aware that Alec Eubanks will be graduating from Carl Junction High School, Tim Little and Kyle  McConkey from OCC and Shawn Cheney from MSSU.

BAPTISMS

Mother’s Day May 8th we will be baptizing Patti Pinnell, Seth Pinnell and Savannah Pinnell into the Church.  Patti, Seth and Savannah have all expressed a sincere faith in Jesus Christ and a desire to follow Him all the days of their lives. Let’s welcome them into the family of God with lots of love!

May Prayer Page and Scripture Reading

Thank God for all the marvelous organization there is in Christian work, for medical missions and finely educated missionaries, for aggressive work in every shape and form; but the key is not in any of our organizations, the key lies exactly to our hand by our Lord’s instruction, “Pray.”

-Oswald Chambers

Please take time each day to pray for the witness, depth, and passion of New Creation Church. Always begin your time with God praising Him for His many amazing qualities. Pray for friends, family and neighbors who do not know Jesus. And by all means pray each day for/that…

1      (1 Kings 1; Daniel 1, Mark 1 ) the millions of people hurt economically by the major oil spill in the gulf

2      (1 Kgs 2, Dn 2, Mk 2 ) we would worship the Lord today and always in Spirit and in truth!

3      (1 Kgs 3, Dn 3, Mk 3)  our small groups would strengthen our relationships and sense of unity

4      (1 Kgs 4, Dn 4, Mk 4) our college students as they prepare for finals and the summer

5      (1 Kgs 5, Dn 5, Mk 5)  we would be passionate, loving witnesses for Jesus Christ!

6      (1 Kgs 6, Dn 6, Mk 6) we would willingly help & serve each other passionately, from the heart!

7              (1 Kgs 7, Dn 7, Mk 7) for the ladies of the Lafayette House and our Mother’s Day Dinner tomorrow.

8      (1 Kgs 8, Dn 8, Mk 8) thanks for our mothers & the many blessings that so many are to their children

9      (1 Kgs 9, Dn 9, Mk 9)  God would strengthen our long-term financial health at New Creation

10   (1 Kgs 10, Dn 10, Mk 10) we would continue to grow strong in Christ-centered relationships

11   (1 Kgs 11, Dn 11, Mk 11) our planning for VBS would be dynamic and effective and full of volunteers!

12   (1 Kgs 12, Dn 12, Mk 12)we would be passionate about welcoming new people with robust hospitality

13   (1 Kgs 13, Hosea 1, Mk 13) Pastor Cliff and our Elders Scott, Hank and Dan would lead in Christ’s love

14   (1 Kgs 14, Hs 2, Mk 14) thanks for the wonderful blessing we have had with all of our Ministry                                                        Interns… Tim, Steve, Kevin, Joseph, Ayla, Jordan, Josh, Jonathan, Drew, Scott, Ben, and Zac.

15   (1 Kgs 15, Hs 3, Mk 15) the spiritual leaders of our city… pastors, teachers, and mission leaders, etc.

16   (1 Kgs 16, Hs 4, Mk 16) our children and their leaders as we prepare for summer Kid’s Day Out, Tutor-                                ing and Vacation Bible School.

17   (1 Kgs 17, Hs 5, Galatians 1) two people who need to know Christ _________ and _________

18   (1 Kgs 18, Hs 6, Gal 2) God’s continued blessing on the wonderful ministry of Miss Jean

19   (1 Kgs 19, Hs 7, Gal 3) those who are hurting, lonely or ill in our families, congregation and community

20   (1 Kgs 20, Hs 8, Gal 4) our mission partners Watered Gardens & the SramAshrams of India

21   (1 Kgs 21, Hs 9, Gal 5) the effective witness and discipleship of our Middle and High School youth

22   (1 Kgs 22, Hs 10, Gal 6) the success of our rummage sale… and especially our witness

23   (2 Kgs 1, Hs 11, Ephesians 1) our graduates, Alec Eubanks, Tim Little, Shawn Cheney & Kyle McConkey

24   (2 Kgs 2, Hs 12, Eph 2)our witness would be loving, joyful, and passionate throughout the community

25   (2 Kgs 3, Hs 13, Eph 3) we would be cheerful and generous in our giving

26   (2 Kgs 4, Hs 14, Eph 4) the future building of a Christ-centered rehabilitation center for men in Joplin.

27   (2 Kgs 5, Joel 1, Eph 5 ) God would protect our country from our enemies from without and within

28   (2 Kgs 6, Joel 2, Eph 6 ) each person at New Creation would learn to disciple another person in faith

29   (2 Kgs 7, Joel 3, Titus 1) our worship of God would be pure and holy, passionate and focused on Jesus

30   (2 Kgs 8, Haggai 1, Titus 2) those who are still suffering from earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and elsewhere

31   (2 Kgs 9, Haggai 1, Titus 3) the strong, passionate witnessing of Christians everywhere, especially New Creation

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

^“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”

 

CONFIRMANDS

 Two of our Middle School students, Paul Sherrod & Abby Mansley, have been studying diligently with Pastor Cliff over the past three months. Together they have  examined  the Scripture, memorized passages, studied church history, discussed doctrines & analyzed world religions.  Recognizing the promises made by their parents to raise them in the Christian faith they will confirm their baptism publicly during worship May 23rd. Be sure to encourage them!

 

MEN’S STEAK BREAKFAST

Men of New Creation unite!!! FridayMay 13th at 6:30 a.m. we will be gathering for an outstanding breakfast of steak, eggs, pancakes, hash browns yeah baby… this is going to be fantastic! But more than just food we’ll be sharing some powerful experiences of faith as well as hearing from Men’s Fraternity founder Robert Lewis. RSVP 782-8200.

WORK DAY

Saturday May 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon we are asking that everyone volunteer an hour or two to help with some key work projects around the church. We have some closets that need cleaning, furniture that needs moving, cement that needs pouring, doors that need staining and assistance in setting up for the rummage sale. Please, please, please we need your help! Call 782-8200 and we’ll be sure to have donuts and coffee ready for you!

 

WATERED GARDENS

She was glowing when she came into volunteer and said she wanted to give back. We hardly recognized her! The last time she was in, life was literally falling apart at the seams for Teresa. Methamphetamine addiction had destroyed her job, her family, and was taking her life. At that time she had been working with us through a court-appointment. We never know how our community service workers’ lives might change after their time here, but Teresa would testify that being at the garden can be the first life transfroming experience with Jesus…”

Love, James & Marsha Whitford

 

WEDNESDAY BOOK STUDY

A new book study group has formed on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room. We are studying A Call To Spiritual Reformation (by D.A. Carson)… “priorities from Paul and his prayers ...God doesn’t demand hectic church programs and frenetic schedules: he only wants people who know him more intimately.”   

Rumor has it that this group enjoys delightful goodies from Paradise Donuts. Everybody is welcome!For more information call 782-8200. We hope to see you there!

 

INTERNS

 We have so much to be thankful for when it comes to our Ministry Interns at New Creation. They willingly serve in the areas of youth, children, worship, hospitality and college ministries. As this season winds down please take time to thank and encourage each of our students including Jordan Sidebottom, Ben Whetstone, Scott Yount, Drew Niemeier, Josh Hutchinson, Zac Simpler,  Kevin Bray, Michael Thomas, Ayla Sartoris, Tim Little, Jonathan Hendrix, and Steve Massey. All of these students have offered their love and service to the New Creation family. Thank you, thank you!!!                                                                                              

 

FOUR-STATE AWAKENING

June 9-12 people from all over the four-state area will be gathering at the Missouri Southern State University stadium. Many months ago pastors began gathering in prayer, asking God to bring revival to our part of the country. Right now event leaders are asking for hundreds of volunteers to assist with prayer intercessors, parking attendants, interpreters, greeters, stadium attendants, choir, clean-up crew, and altar workers. If you are able to assist in any of these areas please contact coordinators at or check out the website at www.4stateawakening.com.

The keynote speaker for this event is Vance Pitman who has planted nine churches throughout the Las Vegas, Nevada area in seven years. His current church meets in a high school gym with a core group of more than 2,000 people.

National Day of Prayer

Thursday May 6th

@ 12 Noon

On the steps of the Justice Center on Third Street Downtown

Be There Prepared to Pray!

 

 This month we need your help with Kleenex, Clorox Wipes and Hand Soap. Please drop off any contributions @ the NCC office.

 

May Birthdays and Anniversaries

China Long (1st) Sam Mansley (27th) Ben Whetstone (29th),  Beth and Dan Hanschu (29th)

Kids Quest

Kid’s Quest has concluded for the season… but have no fear… Kid’s Day Out is coming June 1st!!!

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