Recognition

by Marcia Reavely

We, as women’s ministry of New Life Church, have much to be thankful for this year. God has been gracious to us—giving us joyful gatherings as women, providing a wealth of teachers, using His Word to encourage and shape us, allowing us to meet one-to-one and over Zoom in spite of circumstances. We have been “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27), and God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes all that He intends (Isaiah 55:10-11). God is working among us as we lovingly labor in His Word and prayer in relationship with each other. It is God’s fruit, for His glory, and we do indeed have much to thank Him for!

There are also many people to thank for their labor of love for the Lord and for the women of New Life Church this past year. It is good and biblical for us to “give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:12). So, I want to follow the instruction and example of Paul and extend some recognition.

Thank you to the 2019-2020 Women’s Ministry leadership team—Michelle Glynn, Elaine Hochstettler, Layna Fullington, Toni Hedrick, Gay Haugen, Karla Thommen. They put in hours of sacrificial service, with love, and it has been a privilege to serve with them. Thank you to all who faithfully taught God’s Word to us this year—Meghan Haugen, Carolyn Rieger, Gay Haugen, Karla Thommen, Toni Hedrick, Sierra Edmonds, Debbi Robertson, Layna Fullington, Katie Maricle, Mallory Conley. What a group! What a blessing! Carolyn Rieger wrote a number of helpful Bible study questions for us to enjoy One-to-One. Thank you, Carolyn! Thank you to the many who contributed to the music—Leslie Estep, Kati Roberts, Alina Gauthier, Lauren Edmonds, and more. Hours of time went into videos and Zoom preparation, particularly from Lisa Reavely and Lauren Edmonds. Thank you! There were several writers who shared encouraging newsletter articles—Alina Gauthier, Kati Roberts, Lauren Edmonds, Sierra Edmonds, and Nancy Carlson, who also wrote Share the Joy devotionals. Thank you! Karla Thommen and Toni Hedrick organized the Panorama Retreat, and many of you helped pull it off. Sandi Saxe cut a mountain of onions wearing swimming goggles to provide food, and Gay Haugen graced us with her Panorama study. Thank you, one and all!

Kim Brandstetter printed reams of paper into handouts for us—thank you! Several of you were gracious to do the heavy lifting and come early and stay late to set up and clean up. You know who you are—thank you! Many of you cheerfully shopped, made soup and chili and cornbread and cookies and biscotti, brought flowers, decorated tables, washed tablecloths. It wouldn’t have been the same without you—thank you! Even the men got involved—Scott Haugen and Billy Ferguson and more. True service!

Numbers of you met with friends and neighbors and spoke truth into one another’s lives as you read the Bible one-to-one. Some welcomed new women in this way. Many discipled new Christians in this way. Others faithfully walked with a friend through the scriptures in this way. Some mentored younger women in this way. Your investment may not be known by many, but it is making an impact and the Lord sees. Thank you. Many of you are praying 5-for-5 for the women of New Life Church this summer. What a gift—thank you! God alone knows the fruit this will bear.

To each one of you, thank you for your participation and investment. As we met month by month, you served and loved and hugged and welcomed and encouraged and prayed and laughed and listened. You brought mascara, tied blankets, made and wrote cards. Even when our live meetings were curtailed, you continued to write notes and drop off food and call and text and pray and zoom and do all you could to encourage your sisters in the Lord. Together we are women’s ministry. Thank you for what each one of you has invested in the women of New Life Church and beyond this year. It is a joy to serve alongside you. Well done, my friends.

Spiritual growth is hard to quantify. There are no tick marks on the wall year by year to show our progress. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, can feel imperceptible day to day. But as we abide in Christ, receiving His life-giving and life-transforming love, He bears much fruit in us (John 15). The fruit looks like Christ, because it is the fruit of Christ’s Spirit that is slowly but surely remaking us. Life, with all of its ups and downs and victories and defeats, ticks along and in time you look back and realize you are growing. You are bearing fruit. We who belong to Christ are becoming who we already are in Christ, and that is the Good News! I hope, when all is said and done, that our lives will show that this was a year of marked spiritual fruit—for our joy and God’s glory.

It has been quite a year, as you can see from the photo review of 2019-2020! But God has been, is, and will be forever the same. Forever faithful to His promises, faithful to His people, faithful to His character and worthy of our trust. Let’s press on, sisters, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

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Panorama

Plans have changed for the summer study, Panorama: sweeping vista of God’s Word. Instead of meeting live, we hope to film the sessions in the next few weeks. We then plan to make them available on the church website and possibly as a live online class. Hopefully this will make the study more accessible for more people. We will let you know when it is ready!

The Panorama Bible reading plan, a 10-week survey of the major eras of the Bible, can be found under Summer 2020 on the West Linn Women’s Ministry page on the New Life Church website.

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Links

Here are some links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• How the Gospel Speaks into Our Longing for Normal —by Amber Thiessen.

• Let’s Talk—a new podcast for women at The Gospel Coalition. The second episode is on battling discontentment.

• Becoming Who You Already Are—by Gary Millar, author of Need to Know. If you read one, read this one.

• The Cure for a Lack of Fruit in Our Christian Lives—by Derek Thomas @Ligonier Ministries. So good—read this one, too!

• Hope for ‘Bad Sons’ on Father’s Day—or ‘bad daughters’, by James Choi @TGC. Father’s Day is past, but the truth is still the same.

• Sovereignty in the Midst of Suffering—@TGC. All the way to the end, good for the heart.

• The Ministry of Small Talk—@GCD. Even small talk matters and can lead to more talk.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our final for the school year, is scheduled for 7 PM, Thursday, June 4th on Zoom. Make a cup of tea and join us at bit.ly/JuneConnect. To prepare, be thinking about how you would answer these two questions: 1) What is one thing you learned in May? It can be silly, simple, serious, or substantial. 2) And what is one thing you hope to do in June?

If you miss it, or if we encounter technological difficulties, here is a video with the prerecorded parts of the evening.

June 4th, 1st Thursday Connect.

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Feedback

The Women’s Ministry leadership team would appreciate your feedback on Women’s Ministry this past year. If you haven’t yet, would you help by taking a few minutes and giving your input at this link: bit.ly/NewLifeWomenFeedback? Thank you for your participation!

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Summer

5-for-5 Prayer

One simple way we can all connect this summer is through prayer. If you are on the New Life Church West Linn mailing list, you should have received 5 names along with 10 weeks of suggested prayer prompts for summer. All you need to do is pray. If you want to do more, drop the women a note or get together with them sometime this summer. 5 women will be praying for you, too! If you did not receive a list and would like one, contact Elaine. The 5-for-5 Prayer prompts can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of the church website.

Panorama Study

Gay Haugen will be teaching a 5-week study called Panorama: a sweeping vista of God’s Word. We hope to have an evening session, a morning session, plus a video option. Class size will be limited, dates TBD. Contact Gay to sign up.

Panorama Bible Reading

The Panorama Bible Survey is a 10-week Bible reading plan that can be done separately or in conjunction with the Panorama study. It gives an overview of the narrative of scripture, from beginning to end. If you wish, make a plan to discuss the reading with another woman or a small group. The reading plan can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of the church website.

Need to Know

Need to Know by Gary Millar is a short guide to the Christian life. This new book is concise, thorough, simple, gospel-centered, engaging, and helpful for Christians old and new. Plus, it’s written by an Australian, so it has a cool accent. The book includes suggested reading and discussion questions. Purchase a copy and go through this one-to-one or in a small group this summer!

Simeon Trust Training

The Charles Simeon Trust Workshop for Women is designed to help women learn to study the Bible with a view to teaching. The course includes online videos, homework, and small group presentations. Cost is $19. Dates TBD. Contact Marcia to be part of a small group going through the study this summer.

1-to-1 Bible Reading: John

The last but perhaps best idea is to invite someone new to Jesus to read the book of John with you this summer. One-to-One Bible Reading handouts for John are available on the Women’s Ministry page on the New Life Church website.

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

We will meet via Zoom for our final 1st Thursday Connect of the 2019-2020 school year! Join in for smiles, encouragement, and teaching from the book of Ephesians.

• Thursday, June 4, 7 PM

• Zoom link: bit.ly/JuneConnect

• Or call in: 1-971-247-1195 with meeting ID 982-7200-3709

• Join with video and audio

• For assistance, contact Elaine: 503-314-4107

• Start signing in at 6:45

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FEEDBACK

The Women’s Ministry leadership team would appreciate your feedback on Women’s Ministry this past year. Together we are Women’s Ministry, and together we are “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). We want to invest in the things that are fruitful. Would you help by taking a few minutes and giving your input at this link: bit.ly/NewLifeWomenFeedback? Thank you for your participation!

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OPPORTUNITIES

Summer is usually slow-down time, but this year it feels we have had our slow time. With that in mind, here are several opportunities to help us “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27) this summer.  Some are for personal spiritual growth. Some allow us to reconnect in small groups but can also be done online. Others encourage us to connect and grow with someone new to Christianity this summer. One thing that each of us can do to minister to other women is pray. Look at the opportunities, make the necessary preparations, and make the best use of summer!

5-for-5 Prayer

One simple but impactful way we can all be involved in ministry to women is through prayer. Would you take 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week to pray for 5 women from New Life Church? If you are on the church mailing list, you should receive 5 names along with 10 weeks of suggested prayer prompts for summer. All you need to do is pray. If you want to do more, drop the women a note or get together and get to know them. 5 women will be praying for you, too! If you did not receive a list and would like one, contact Elaine. The 5-for-5 Prayer prompts can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of the church website.

Panorama Study

Gay Haugen will be teaching a 5-week study called Panorama: a sweeping vista of God’s Word. We hope to have an evening session, a morning session, plus a video option. Class size will be limited, dates TBD. Contact Gay to sign up.

Panorama Bible Reading

The Panorama Bible Survey is a 10-week Bible reading plan that can be done separately or in conjunction with the Panorama study. It gives an overview of the narrative of scripture, from beginning to end. If you wish, make a plan to discuss the reading with another woman or a small group. The reading plan can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of the church website.

Need to Know

Need to Know by Gary Millar is a short guide to the Christian life. This new book is concise, thorough, simple, gospel-centered, engaging, and helpful for Christians old and new. Plus, it’s written by an Australian, so it has a cool accent. The book includes suggested reading and discussion questions. Purchase a copy and go through this one-to-one or in a small group this summer!

Simeon Trust Training

The Charles Simeon Trust Workshop for Women is designed to help women learn to study the Bible with a view to teaching. The course includes online videos, homework, and small group presentations. Cost is $19. Dates TBD. Contact Marcia to be part of a small group going through the study this summer.

1-to-1 Bible Reading: John

The last but perhaps best idea is to invite someone new to Jesus to read the book of John with you this summer. One-to-One Bible Reading handouts for John are available on the Women’s Ministry page on the New Life Church website.

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LINKS

Here are links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Every Woman Needs the Whole Bible @Desiring God—yes! So good!

• Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You @TGC—helpful encouragement as we wrestle through this together.

• Ephesians @Look at the Book—wrap up your study of Ephesians with John Piper!

• Review: Need to Know by Gary Millar @TGC—excellent book and this review is spot on.

• No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus by Steffany Gretzinger—beautiful new song…“when I’m old and grey and all my days are numbered on the earth, let it be known, in You alone, my joy was found.”

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

1st Thursday Connect, our first via Zoom, is scheduled for 7 PM, Thursday, May 7th. Make a cup of tea and join us at bit.ly/1stThursdayConnect.

If you miss it, or if we encounter technological difficulties, here is a video which captures the music and teaching portions of the evening.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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ONE-TO-ONE BIBLE READING

Will you join us in reading Ephesians in May? Resources are available on the New Life Church website. The One-to-One Bible Reading studies can be done with a partner over Zoom or any other safe means available to you. Sign up here and let us know who you are partnering with or that you would like assistance in finding a partner for May.

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LINKS

Here are some links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• What We Need to Know @the corner shelf—what we need to know about God for hard times, with quotes from Betsie ten Boom.

• John Piper’s Encouragement for Moms in Suffering @Risen Motherhood—a walk through Romans 8.

• Philippians @Look at the Book—go back through it one more time!

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ROD AND GOD

by Nancy Carlson

I have a favorite son-in-law: Rod.  He’s my only son-in-law, but if I had a dozen more, Rod would still be my favorite. 

Every member of my family is my ‘favorite’, but this isn’t about them this time. This is a story about Rod . . . and God. 

Rod showed up in our lives one Saturday morning. Our daughter, Susan, then a senior in high school was taking advantage of a no-school day, and still snuggled in bed.

A knock on the front door, and there stood a scruffy looking young man asking if he could see our daughter.  "No! She’s still in bed.” 

“I’ll come back later,” he answered and left. 

Obviously, there were some questions when Susan got up, but long story short, she ended up marrying him (and trust me, it is a long story.)

Rod showed up at my door again this past Sunday. He came over to walk with me at the High School track, knowing I’d been home, avoiding contact with others, being among the many hoping to avoid a Virus that is sweeping through our world. As one of the ’seniors’ (a high-risk category), my family has lovingly quarantined me, checking in several times a day. Rod decided to come to my rescue.

As we walked around the track, I told him he could run ahead, but he’d already been out on his morning run. This time, this walk, was for me. When I got back home, I recalled another walk with Rod.

Twelve years ago, after my husband left to be with Jesus, I joined a one-on-one health club and exercised three times a week. It was time to get in shape so I could be fit and not a burden on my children . . . but I wanted to keep it a secret. Every year some of us spent a family time at Sunriver, and I was usually pushing my bike up the hills while the rest of them zipped right along on the bike trails.

This year I planned to ‘zip’ with them. “Surprise!”  We both were.

So we decided to try for the Gold and left one afternoon for Crater Lake. The plan? We would walk the mile down from the rim to the lake and the mile back up again. I was so proud of myself and made it down and back . . . almost. The last few yards at the top of the trail had been re-sanded and it was the most difficult part of the journey. I was breathing hard, while Rod walked beside me. 

“You can do this!” he said. “You can do this, you’re almost there!” And I did. The family stood at the top and applauded.

That moment and this day, this week, this difficult ‘Journey’ of a Virus that is keeping people confined, that’s changing our world, that is an inconvenience to most of us, but is also tragically taking lives, has reminded me that last time I checked, God is still in charge. A walk on the track with my son-in-law took me back to that day on the Crater Lake trail. Rod that day reminded me of the Holy Spirit. Rod and God! (Not necessarily in that order!)

We all want to finish this journey. We are tired, afraid, wondering what’s next, or will there be a ‘next’?  Yes! 

“You can do this!” God says, “You can do this!” He says it because HE walks beside us. That’s His promise. "You can do this,” He says, "you’re almost there!” 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17 ESV).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 ESV).

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OPPORTUNITIES

Do you like to write to encourage others in their faith in Christ? Would you consider writing a brief article for the Women’s Newsletter? Contact Marcia for more information.

The Women’s Ministry leadership team is beginning to plan for next year. Though we don’t know exactly what the route will look like, we do know the desired destination won’t change—it’s always “for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). We also know that we need each other on the journey. Paul urges us in Philippians to be “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). If you are passionate about these things, would you consider hopping in the car and helping toward that destination? Contact the Women’s Ministry team. We would love to talk with you about how you might serve.

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

1st Thursday Connect is going online via Zoom May 7th at 7 PM! It should be an adventure! We will see faces—yippee!—have fun, try some singing, learn from Philippians and start Ephesians for May.

Resources for Ephesians will be mailed to women on the church mailing list. Resources for reading Ephesians in May are also on the church website and can be accessed or printed as needed.

We encourage you to ask another woman to partner with you and go through the One-to-One Bible Reading for Ephesians in May. You can meet over Zoom, by phone, or any other safe way available to you. Thankfully, there are many ways for us to continue to connect with each other in God’s Word.

Would you like to make a video greeting for 1st Thursday Connect? Record yourself saying hi, your name, and a 10 second word of encouragement to the women of New Life Church. Text it to Gay Haugen at 503-319-6438 by Sunday, May 3rd. Thank you!

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LINKS

Here are some links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Before Your Suffering Comes: Five Rocks to Put Beneath Your Feet by John Piper @Desiring God—Important and pairs well with our Sunday sermon series in Job.

• Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me by CityAlight—learn this one to prep for Thursday, May 7th!

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MAMA

by Kati Roberts

“Mama, will you stay right by me aaaall day?” Lincoln, my 6 year old son, said to me with his arms wrapped around my neck. 

My constant presence has been particularly sweet for him during this quarantine. Before the world skidded to a stop, he had been going to full day kindergarten, never apart from me that much before. Even this late in the school year, he was still struggling with the responsibility to deal with the unknowns of his day without the security of his mama right there to help him. 

Being humans, we don’t know the future and, try as we might, we don't know how our story is going to play out.  When our world gets rocked by trials, it highlights for us the lack of control we have over our lives. This uncertainty plays on our fears. Rather than allowing the uncertainty to rule our thoughts, we must allow what is certain to rule us.  We can be certain of the character of God. He is ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and He does not forsake us.  He is so good and He loves us completely. Those aren’t just some things He feels or does sometimes, but they are who He is.  He completely embodies all the goodness that we could ever imagine. 

And that God is the one who says to us, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He has promised to stay right by us aaaaall day. 

The Israelites had to remind themselves of that fact also. In the book of Nehemiah, the leaders of Israel recount to them the faithfulness of the Lord throughout their history.  After rehearsing the story of God’s great rescue from Egypt the Levites proclaim, “By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night, to light for them the way in which they should go” (Nehemiah 9:12).

These supernatural pillars were such a vivid visual of God’s constant presence throughout their days and nights.  These wonders were always visible from wherever they were in the camp. They could look to them and find comfort with the Lord’s promise of His presence at any moment. He put His presence in the midst of their camp to be a constant reminder that He was leading them, He knew where they were and where they were going.  Every time they caught a glimpse of that cloud they would be reminded of His nearness and that He was leading them. Every time they saw the glow or felt the warmth of the fire they would be reminded that He was close by, even in the dark. The Lord offered His very presence so that they could rest, even in the midst of a scary uncertain time. They could have the peace that comes from having someone bigger, stronger and smarter to guide and manage their new journey into uncharted territory. Their only job was to follow; they didn’t have to figure any of it out for themselves, they could simply rest in His presence. 

In Ephesians 2:14 it says because of the blood of Jesus we have been brought near to God, “for He himself is our peace.”

His presence is peace, it’s ours to look at and be comforted from wherever we are.  That presence is our certainty in a world of swirling uncertainties. We can have peace because He has given us Himself and in Him we can rest. Rest from our worries, rest from our attempts to guide our own path, rest from having to carry our own burden.  We have His presence as a constant in our lives. We have access to that peace whenever we start to waver or worry. He has made all that He is available to us, He himself is our peace.  We can be reminded that He is leading us, He knows where we are, and He knows where we are going.  We can be assured every time we call out to Him that He is there, and He will not forsake us. We may not know where our “travels” are taking us, and we may not know what the future holds, but we do know that He is God and He loves us. We can be certain He is good and He is taking us to a good place.  We can have peace immediately because He himself is with us right where we are. He has a specific plan and destination in mind even though we don’t know what that might be. He offers His warmth and light to us as we go, in the midst of our uncertainty.   

At the end of that day, as I tuck in that very same boy who is now overtired and very cranky, he finally settled down when he pulled me in close for a hug and asked me, “Will you scratch my back?” Mama’s presence was able to calm his raging heart. God is able to calm our raging hearts, our weary souls, our worried minds simply with His presence. Look to Him today as often as you need knowing He is there, always. He is a constant certainty in our lives of constant uncertainty. 

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

Though we can’t yet meet in person, we can still connect in other ways for encouragement and teaching from God’s Word! 1st Thursday Connect will look a little different, but we plan to meet in May—on Zoom. We will have fun, see faces and smiles, learn from Philippians, and start Ephesians for the month of May. Will you make a cup of tea and join us?

• 1st Thursday Connect, May 7th at 7 PM

• Join the Zoom meeting with this link: bit.ly/1stThursdayConnect

• Or call in at 971-247-1195 with this meeting ID: 994-2642-0285

• Join with video and audio if possible

• Start signing in at 6:45 to work out any technical issues and get settled

• For technical assistance, contact Elaine at 503-314-4107

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• As the Foolish Women Speak by Julie Gossack—a monologue on Job from the perspective of his wife, written and performed by Julie.

• Floodplain by Sara Groves—a beautiful album.

• Jesus Loves Me This I Know @the corner shelf—truth for every heart.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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THE LORD IS AT HAND

by Sierra Parsons

Paul was a missionary and apostle, spending much of his ministry writing to churches to encourage them and help them lead lives for Christ—much like we would read a missionary letter of thanks, update and encouragement. While I am no Paul, I hope this letter for you will encourage and build you up using many of Paul’s words to the Philippians (all reference markers are from Philippians.)

Dear Believer, Sister, Friend, 

I praise the Lord upon my every thought of you (1:3), giving Him glory for the work in your lives as you continue to reach out to neighbors, family, and friends! You are continuing to be a part of the Church and help it grow, as well as helping everyone you know in their times of trouble and hardship. I do look forward to the day we can all be together and celebrate what God has been doing. 

You continue to count others as more significant than yourselves (2:3)— looking to their interests above your own. It can be difficult, but I know these sacrifices are for the expansion of the Gospel and the growth of the Kingdom. So we press on toward the goal of Heaven and eternal life in our Savior (3:13). It looks so much sweeter from here than ever before! 

It is easy to become bogged down and discouraged with the world around us. Constant news, disappointments, loss of loved ones, livelihoods, for some of us even perhaps some of our identity. But don’t let Satan lie to you about these things! Our citizenship is in Heaven; we are not a people of this world any longer (3:20). I know you are waiting eagerly with me for the the return of our Savior who has the power to transform our lowly bodies and make us true instruments for Him (3:21). 

Therefore, my prayer for you today is to stand firm in the Lord and His guiding care of your life (4:1). We think on the things above, all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, if it is worthy of praise and has excellence. In the midst of the craziness of the world, we hold on to the hope of God’s provision for our lives. His kingdom will come, and I pray with you, His will be done.  

This season is one of reflection, on the sacrifice of our Savior for the sins of the world. He was hung on a tree and gruesomely killed for our sins—but willingly took on the sacrifice of life itself so that we may live with him for eternity. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. May our reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand (4:4-5). 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you (4:23). 

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TOGETHER

Could you use someone to talk to or someone to pray with during these days of isolation? Is there something that you need? As sisters in Christ, we need each other—to walk the highs and the lows of life together. We are all wanting connection, wondering how each one is doing, wishing we could help in some way. Let’s not do this alone but continue to reach out to each other in the ways available to us, to see how others are doing and to share how we are faring. The Women’s Ministry team would also love to help. Please feel free to contact us anytime.

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• The Secret of Christ-Exalting Contentment @Look at the Book—After you have studied Philippians on your own, you might take a look at how John Piper explains it.

• Blessed are the Meek @Sermon Audio—This sermon by William Hughes, coupled with what we have been reading in Philippians on humility, drills deeply into the heart.

• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund—How does Jesus Christ actually feel about His people amid all their sins and failures? Read this highly recommended new book.

• Is He Worthy? by Fellowship Worship—a unique rendition, for our times.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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PEACE TO YOU

It’s an Easter for the history books, isn’t it. I hope you took some undistracted moments to read Luke 22-24 and relive the Resurrection Day that made history.

He is risen…beautiful, amazing, heart-stopping words. Especially for those living in the wake of recent death, enduring the separation due to disease, groaning with the stiffness of aging bodies, feeling the darkness of choices around and in us. He is risen indeed!

Those words are our life-line to hope while we live in a world still waiting. He is yet to come—to receive His bride, to bring final justice and deliverance, to make all things new. When that Day comes, we will experience Resurrection’s accomplishment fully, and what a Day that will be! For now, we wait in our own “Saturday” before Sunday. Jesus had spoken of what was ahead, of His resurrection, but His disciples didn’t quite get it. Jesus talked about what is ahead for us, too, but we don’t quite get it all either.

I do know this, while we wonder about what is to come, we can watch and wait full of hope because of another “watch and wait Saturday” that was followed by Easter Sunday. He is coming! “Peace to you!” (Luke 24)

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Resurrection Letters Live: Quarantine Edition—just one link today as we close out this quiet Easter Sunday. Here is Andrew Peterson singing his Resurrection Letters live for us this Easter, a great way to celebrate and worship.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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UNDISTRACTED

by Lauren Edmonds

What a strange Easter. It’s hard not to dwell on my disappointment at not celebrating with all of you at church, no family dinners, no “unnecessary” outings. But counting my losses, I started busying myself with new traditions and ideas to compensate and ensure that Easter was still nostalgic and anticipated. I thought maybe by my activities and recipes and readings I could make my heart and those of my family understand the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. 

Even the sparse grocery store shelves, though, remind me that through this turn of events much of the excess has been trimmed away and what I’m left with is quiet, time, and space. What a humbling reminder of the lifestyle and pace that Jesus modeled and of what He desires from us: our heart, our attention, and our worship. He commends Mary who sat at His feet, undistracted. “But Martha was distracted with much serving….But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40-42).

Would you consider setting aside whatever is distracting you today and pausing to read the Easter story (Luke 22-24)? Then, as we remember and marvel again at Jesus’ victory, may we be moved to celebrate and commemorate with whatever food is on our table and whoever sits around it. May God help our hearts learn both celebration and stillness. May what feels like a loss or a disappointment allow us to give our attention and affection to our King who is ALIVE. 

His story is our story (Romans 6:4-11). His life is our life (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Ephesians 2:4-7). His victory is our victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). His resurrection confirms for us that sickness and sin and grief and loneliness and even death are not the end of the story. So we grieve the bitter sting that sin has left on the world and we grieve what it cost Christ, but we long and anticipate even more for our risen King to return!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice…(1 Peter 1:3–9).

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• I Didn’t Know I Loved You Like This @Glenna Marshall—yes!

• I Love You From Over Here @the corner shelf—simple acts of love.

• We’re All Children Now @The Gospel Coalition—we’re always children. So good.

• Made Alive—a playlist for the children of God.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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Light in the Darkness

by Alina Gauthier

I did not grow up with liturgy or much structure to spiritual observance, so for me there is an added joy in reading the Bible or praying with purpose. This week I’m taking a pause from my normal devotional, interestingly in Exodus, to meditate on Luke 19-24 as part of Holy Week.

Today, I read Jesus’ trial and crucifixion in Luke 23. I invite you to take a moment and read it over for yourself. As you read, look for individuals or groups of people—“observers” who had been directly affected by Jesus’ death or who interacted with him. Here are the ones that stood out to me. Pilate and Herod—they became friends through the passing back and forth of Jesus during His trial. Simon of Cyrene—he literally helped carry Jesus’ cross. “A great multitude of the people and women lamenting”—mourners. The criminal who would be with Jesus in paradise. The centurion—who at the foot of the cross praised God. Jesus’ acquaintances and the women who followed Him from Galilee, including the disciples. Joseph of Arimathea—a member of the Jewish Council, the man who laid Christ in the tomb.

So many lives touched by the death of Jesus. So many different reactions to his death. I read of the mockery, the humiliation, the pain he endured, and I cried. I wondered how it all would have felt to them as they watched him breathe his last, his weakened body suspended in the sky. Heartbreaking. Unbelievable. Surreal.

Luke 23 ends with, “On the Sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.” The story breaks and pauses right before the joy of the resurrection. These people were in the middle of observing Passover, remembering the deliverance out of Egypt (fresh in my mind), recalling the goodness of God. Then they see the Man who is supposed to be the Messiah, a rabbi, a teacher, a prophet. Crucified. And then they pause, to observe the Sabbath. I know the Sabbath is a day of rest, but I wanted to know more. So like the nerd that I am I went and looked it up. My Jewish Learning has a helpful article to understand Shabbat in the Jewish tradition.

Shabbat begins at sundown Friday. It’s meant not only as a time of rest but as a reflection of enjoyment. It starts with a prayer read over bread and wine.

The sixth day: And the Heavens and the Earth and all they contained were completed, and on the seventh day God desisted from all the work that he had done. And God rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on that day he rested from all the work which he had done in creating the world.

[Leader:] By your leave, rabbis, masters, teachers!

[Diners:] To Life! Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and favored us, and given us in love and favor his holy Shabbat as an inheritance, as a remembrance of the act of creation. For this day is the beginning of all holy days, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. For you have chosen us and you have blessed us from among all the nations. And you have bequeathed us your holy Shabbat in love and favor. Blessed are you, Lord, who sanctifies Shabbat.

The timing of it all was ordained. On the very same day they watched the Messiah die, they have to say a prayer of thanksgiving and joy. I can only imagine the thoughts racing through their minds. I bet some felt numb, or unsure how to feel. Maybe they didn’t have time to process it all. Maybe some felt angry, vengeful. Perhaps others felt shattered, abandoned. Hopeless. 

The Lord let it all be. God intended for them to wait. To sit in the grief. No, to WORSHIP in the grief. To meditate, center, and focus on Him. To know that the plan for redemption was so much more than they could see at that present moment. God saw everything. He saw the grief and pain, but He didn’t address it right away. First, He said, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). He redirects them. “Me.” He says, “This is not about you, what you’re feeling, or your enemies. It’s about Me. My power. My holiness. My love.”

Is this not where we are right now? We’re grieving the loss of normality—of life with friends, of hugs and being outside and grocery shopping without anxiety attacks or stress dreams (what, this isn’t me, noooo). We’re in a state of crisis, so the news tells us, and don’t we feel it? We’re enduring an experience that is going to change the very nature of how we go about life from here on out, and while I hold on to hope eternal, some moments it’s hard and my heart is burdened by the weight of it all.

But look up again to that Shabbat reading. The parallels are clear: the prayer said over bread and wine, our communal elements, the Paschal Lamb of Passover, Jesus as the Sacrifice for our sin. And creation—I’m reminded of John 1:1-5:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The gospels tell us that darkness covered the land for 3 hours during Jesus’ death. And yet, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” After the waiting, the resting, the worshiping, came the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Ultimate and final redemption from evil. If there was still hope on the literal darkest of days, how can there not be right now? If Jesus can save us from the desolation of our souls, how much more can He save us from an earthly pandemic?

I know this, but in that instant of fear or grief or whatever emotion I might be feeling at the given moment, I need this reminder. Perhaps you do, too. Right now we are being asked to be still and worship in ways that feel foreign and strange in a time of trauma and grief where we can’t see an end in sight. But the resurrection reminds us that Jesus conquers all. And though the end of this season may be hard to see, His plan and His timing are perfect.

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RESOURCES

Resources for reading Philippians this month can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of New Life Church’s website. Open and print the resources as needed.

If you want to print the resources to fit your One-to-One Bible Reading notebook, here are some tips. Cut white 8.5 x 11 copy or card-stock paper in half. It should be 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Open the PDF file. Choose “portrait,” print “actual size,” in “color.” In advanced settings, select "statement” as the paper size. Select “print on both sides, flip on long edge.” Insert paper and print!

For your joy and benefit, continue to connect with another woman or two to read the Bible One-to-One. Reach out to someone and invite them to read with you over the internet or the phone. Send Marcia a message if you would like help connecting with someone or have questions about how to access resources.

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Social Distance, Don’t Social Isolate @TGC—productive ideas from Portland’s own Whitney Woollard.

• 7 Suggestions for Finding Joy in Isolation @Kimberly Wagner—another along the same lines.

• It’s Like in the Great Stories, Mr. Frodo @the corner shelf—how many are watching Lord of the Rings these days? There are so many great gospel analogies; here is one of them.

• Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament @Crossway—Nancy Guthrie’s videos on seeing Jesus in the OT are being offered free of charge through May 31st.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

If we were meeting in person this evening for 1st Thursday CONNECT, we would be celebrating our reading in Esther with a Persian feast. Did you notice how everything seemed to warrant a feast in Esther? If we were together, we would be having some Persian tea with our feast. You probably don’t have Persian, but you could at least make yourself a cup of tea as together we take some time to finish up Esther and prepare for Philippians in April.

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ESTHER

Reversals

The word “reverse” occurs only once in the ESV version of the Bible. That occurrence is in Esther. You probably saw a number of reversals, though, in the story of Esther. In place of Vashti, Esther, an exile, is made queen. Vashti refuses to come to the king when she is called; Esther comes when she isn’t called. The honor Haman thought the king was going to bestow on him goes to Mordecai. Instead of sending Mordecai to the gallows, Haman must honor him by parading him about the streets. Haman is hanged on the gallows he himself prepared for Mordecai. After his death, Haman’s house goes to Esther and Mordecai, the very people he tried to destroy. The king’s signet ring also goes from Haman to Mordecai who uses it to reverse the edit of Haman. When the second edict is signed, Mordecai trades his sackcloth for royal robes from the king. Many people, out of fear of the Jews, go from being an enemy of the Jews to calling themselves Jews. Then there is the great reversal in chapter 9 when the enemies of God’s people hoped to gain mastery over them, but God’s people gain mastery over those who hated them instead.

“Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them” (Esther 9:1 ESV).

In the end, Haman, who was second in rank to the king, is dead. Haman’s evil plans “return on his own head.” The Jews turn from sorrow to gladness, from mourning to a feast. Mordecai, a foreign servant at the gate of the king, grows in fame and power and is elevated to the high honor of second in rank to the king.

Much like the reversals we see in Esther, the Bible, without using the word, is full of reversals from beginning to end. The upside down nature of God’s Kingdom is everywhere—the first becoming last, the last becoming first. We see it when younger brothers are given the birthright over older (Genesis 4, 25, 48). Servants, like Joseph, become masters (Genesis 39-41). Gideon, timid and weak, becomes a warrior and leader (Judges 6-8). How many can you think of?

But even more significant than the reversals in individual stories, the one all the smaller ones point to, is the overarching reversal of the whole Bible. It is the big story of the Bible, the grandest reversal of all—the gospel. The story begins with rebellious Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden into a cursed world (Genesis 2-3) and ends with God’s people being restored into fellowship with Him in a new Creation, forever free from the curse of sin and death (Romans 8, Revelation 21). The Hero of the story, of course, is Jesus Christ who willingly accepts the most humiliating reversal imaginable when he leaves the glories of heaven to take on human flesh in order to die for his enemies, you and me (you could read the whole Bible here, but look at Philippians 2 and Romans 5). As we repent of our rebellion against God, another reversal, and trust Jesus Christ to rescue us (1 John 1, Romans 8), we are declared righteous instead of rebellious, justified rather than condemned, forgiven in place of guilty, a child and friend of God instead of an enemy. What other reversals happen for those who put their faith in Jesus?

If this story is new to you, if you have questions, if you don’t understand how this could happen for you, we would love to show you what the Bible has to say about how this reversal can be true for you. Please contact us.

Maybe you know many Bible stories, but you need to better understand how they all fit together. There are so many ways to do this. Best way, read the Bible! Read it over and over again. Start at the beginning and study until you begin to see how all the pieces fit together. That is a lifelong endeavor, so if you need a little help to speed up the process, here are a few ideas. YouVersion offers a condensed Bible reading plan that will help you discover the big story of the Bible chronologically with Bible Project videos interspersed for help. Gay Haugen teaches a Panorama study of the Bible. You can find videos on New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry Facebook group or take the class next time it is offered. There are also free classes and so many good books. Here are just a few.

• God’s Story is Our Story from Genesis to Jesus and God’s Story is Our Story from Acts to New Creation @YouVersion

• Free Online Learning About Theology and Life @The Gospel Coalition—Don Carson’s The God Who Is There beautifully covers the story of the Bible.

• Western Seminary’s Center for Leadership Development is offering an excellent free online course on Biblical Theology now through April 14th. Use coupon code BT0320.

• The Story of Redemption Bible

• The Child’s Story Bible—not just for children

• Christ from Beginning to End—one of the many good books. Look in the church library or past newsletters on the Women’s Ministry page on New Life Church’s website for more.

Perhaps you know the story and you really do believe it in general, but somehow it doesn’t seem to connect to your everyday life. It’s hard to see what in the world God might be up to when it feels you are just one of many characters in a comic strip that isn’t all that funny most of the time. I imagine Esther and Mordecai felt the same as they wrestled with decisions. Should I or shouldn’t I bow to Haman? Will I live or die if I approach the king uninvited? What will happen to all of God’s covenant people because of this horrible edict? Their sackcloth and fasting were real. They didn’t know the outcome. But we do get a glimpse of the gospel in Esther, a peak at their faith in God, when Mordecai preaches to Esther. He says, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14 ESV).

Mordecai must have known some of the promises of God, promises that had been given to Abraham and passed down through Isaac and Jacob and all the way to this exiled Jew in Persia (Genesis 17). He knew deliverance would come one way or another. It had to. The question was, how did God intend to use them? What was their role? Would they play their part? They didn’t know what the outcome would be, but the reversal that made Esther queen gave her an opportunity. She took it. No doubt, God has put us in positions and places with opportunities to be used by Him for the saving of His people, too. We also have promises from God, and we find them as we read the big story of God’s Word. Just as it was for Esther, even when we can’t see, God is here. Though God’s name isn’t mentioned in the book of Esther and often isn’t today either, God is active. God will save His people. He has a plan, and just as He carried it through in Esther’s time, He is doing it in ours. Do you believe it? Will you trust Him? Will you, like Esther, let Him use you?

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You might like to finish Esther with this Bible Project video.

Here are some tidbits about Purim and how the Jews celebrate it today to remember God’s deliverance in the days of Esther.

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PHILIPPIANS

Our book of the month for April is Philippians. Here is Layna Fullington with an introduction.

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ONE-TO-ONE SIGN UP

As usual, we would love to know how your One-to-One Bible Reading went last month and ask you to let us know who you will be partnering with this month. Please fill out the sign up form. This might be a good time to reach out to a new partner, to ask someone who might not have participated before, to seek out someone new. You can meet by phone or try a Zoom video call. If you want help finding a partner, let us know on the form. Thank you!

Resources for Philippians are on the church website. There is a prayer page on Joy, a reading schedule for Philippians, and One-to-One Bible Reading questions for 4 weeks in Philippians. Print or open it as needed.

Though we miss being physically together right now, there is much we can do to continue to “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27.) To that end, enjoy Philippians!

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PHILIPPIANS

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By Layna Fullington

I find it providential that Philippians was scheduled months ago to be our One-to-One Bible reading for this month. It seems we are living in uncertain and uncharted territory right now. Each new day stirs up all kinds of feelings and questions. “What is the purpose of all this?” “How can I stay true to my calling during this time?” We have only to look back at the life of the writer of Philippians, the Apostle Paul, to remind ourselves that God is at work, furthering his kingdom through the lives of his people. Paul’s missions were fraught with uncertain and uncharted territory, but He never forgot his high calling, which was to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentiles. As we look back at Paul’s time in Philippi, we see he faced highs and lows. But ultimately, we see the sovereignty of God as he strategically plants a church in Philippi. 

Paul’s history with the Philippians begins as he set out on his 2nd missionary journey, about 49 A.D. Paul, being told by the Spirit not to go into Asia at that time, is instead urged by a vision in the night saying “come to Macedonia and help us.” And so, led by the Spirit, Paul and his companions are perfectly placed in the Roman colony of Philippi, a chief city of Macedonia. Looking for a place of prayer, Paul encounters a group of women by a river. One of the women named Lydia, a godly woman from Thyatira who sells purple cloth, opens her heart to Paul’s message that day and is baptized along with her whole household. This same Lydia urges Paul saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the LORD, come to my house and stay.”  And so, with the conversions of Lydia and her household, the first church in Europe begins.

The next series of events brings persecution and suffering to Paul on his mission for the gospel. Again, on their way to a place of prayer, Paul encounters a slave girl with a spirit of divination. Paul, being grieved by her outbursts, frees her from the demon possession that has brought her owners much profit. Upset by the loss of profit, her owners incite a riot and cause Paul and Silas to be beaten and unjustly thrown into a dark jail cell. Here it is revealed to us that in the midst of this strange event, God has been at work all along. As Paul and Silas sit in the darkness and sing hymns to the Lord, an earthquake occurs, and they are miraculously unbound from their chains. Paul’s jailer, after waking and finding his captives unbound and able to escape, is prepared to take his own life. However, after finding his captives all accounted for, the jailer does not end his life but instead asks these missionaries the ultimate question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Not only does the jailer believe, but the very same hour he takes them to his home to wash their wounds and feed them. And like Lydia, he and his entire household are baptized.

Paul is only able to visit Philippi twice more before the Spirit moves him forward with his calling, a calling that leads to persecution, shipwreck, bonds, and even to the high courts of Rome where he delivers his own miraculous conversion story. It is widely believed that this letter to the Philippian church was written about 10 years after Paul first visited Philippi. It is also very likely that Paul was under house arrest in Rome when this letter was written, uncertain if he will be executed or not. We can assume that Paul felt much like we are feeling today: isolated from our brothers and sisters, unsure of what tomorrow will bring.

In this letter Paul expresses his desire to see these saints again and also to thank them for sending a gift through Epaphroditus, a fellow worker in Christ. But this letter does so much more than that. It reminds the saints in Philippi and also us today that we are held together by a common mission: to confess to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord.  It is in Him that we find the strength to continue our mission in a broken world. And it is in Him that we find joy in the most unlikely circumstances. Like Paul, we do not labor in vain. We press on knowing our citizenship is with a Holy King, and that my friends, gives us every reason to rejoice.           

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RESOURCES

Resources for reading and rejoicing in Philippians can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of New Life Church’s website. You will find a Prayer focus page on Joy, a schedule for reading Philippians in a month, and One-to-One Bible Reading questions on Philippians. Open and print the resources as needed.

For your joy and benefit, continue to connect with another woman or two to read the Bible One-to-One. Reach out to someone and invite them to read with you over the internet or the phone. Send Marcia a message if you would like help connecting with someone or have questions about how to access resources. We are building strong roots and making memories, with the Lord and with each other.

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Free Online Learning About Theology and Life @The Gospel Coalition—a boatload of courses, something for everyone. Don Carson’s The God Who Is There beautifully covers the story of the Bible. Knowing the big story of the Bible is great help in understanding and reading it well.

• 30 Edifying Things to Watch When Stuck at Home @The Gospel Coalition—some suggestions for those moments when you do decide to watch something.

• Deeply Rooted in Times of Trouble @Revive Our Hearts—a recent talk on rooting by Nancy Wolgemuth, with a Spanish translator.

• The Underrated Potential of One-to-One Bible Reading @TGC—encouraging!

• Even Ifs of April @Abigail Rehmert—change What Ifs to Even Ifs.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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STRIVING SIDE BY SIDE

The news, including this newsletter, is full of cancellations these days. I don’t know how you and your family are faring so far, but here are some snapshots of where I and my family have been this week.

Day 1, all smiles, happy for the slower pace, enjoying time to catch up on sleep and odd jobs and things we push off to run off to the next thing.

Day 2, still sunny, exploring outdoors while keeping a safe distance, trying new things like Zoom calls, making plans for quiet evenings.

Day 3, getting a little old already, missing friends and events, making decisions about what we really need and what is just a want, thankful for technology like never before.

Day 4, making some good changes, working at connecting better within our four walls, talking about things we are learning, considering that maybe the slower life is a thing we will want to hang onto.

Day 5, a little bored, trying to get creative, pressing on with normal where we can, depending on the Lord for the heart stuff that isn’t pretty.

Day 6, talking on the phone instead of texting more than usual, walking more than usual, wondering how long this will last and whether cancellations will bleed out of April.

Day 7, in the car for the first time all week, losses are starting to mount, bigger things in our lives are getting cancelled like all the rest of Layne’s speech and debate competitive season.

And that’s where I found myself Saturday morning when I woke—considering the losses, especially Layne’s loss. In light of that, I wrote her a note. It was for my heart as much as hers. We all have them. The losses at our house are fairly minor so far in the grand scheme of things. Yours may be much more significant. We all may face more. No matter what, though, we have Truth that cannot be lost or cancelled. Let’s help each other remember and believe. Though physically apart for a time, we are together, “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Layne,
I am sad with you about all the losses of this season, the fun of competing and hanging out with friends at debate club and tournaments and other places. For different reasons, softball ended and music and art were interrupted for you a couple of years ago. Losses are a hard part of life, and you are experiencing that reality and accepting it well at a young age. I don't know if this is the end of your NCFCA run, but either way it brings grief. You have poured time and energy into it and done well. You have learned a lot this year, done hard things, and succeeded. For that you should feel proud and happy, and I feel the same for you. We don't know the future, nor why this has to happen right now. It seems a big interruption to good things, and it is.

I can't help but wonder if Job must have felt the same, only to the nth degree. Why is this happening? What will the outcome be? He didn't know. We don't know. But our God is the same. He knew. And He knows. He had good for Job and He has good for us. Even without all the blessings in the end, Job learned and experienced more of who God is and worshiped Him, and that was of greatest benefit. We, too, can throw ourselves on Him, lean on Him, trust Him, learn of Him and worship Him.

There are a lot of skills to learn in debate--theory, research, listening, communicating, argumentation and more. But the best thing you can learn, and the thing I most want for you through debate competition, is to know and depend more fully upon your Heavenly Father. Thankfully, debate is not the only place to learn that. This very situation is another and probably far more effective one. In our losses and disappointments, we can lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him. We can cast our cares on Him and see Him care for us. We have extra time and motivation to spend with our Lord in prayer and His word, and it will be sweeter to us than honey.

We can learn in these months to submit more fully and patiently and cheerfully to God's will and plan. We can grow in trusting God when we can't understand. We can even rejoice! (Philippians 1, James 1, 1 Peter 1) Some, much, maybe all of the good from trials comes from leaning into our Father's arms and finding real relationship there, finding true comfort, knowing Him in a new and closer way that we couldn't have or wouldn't have without it. This is gold. This is worth any and every loss we may endure. I want that for you, and for me.

I love you and am seeking the Lord with you through all of this. I love how in Philippians 1:27 Paul exhorts us to “with one mind” be "striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." That is us, you and me and our family and our church. Striving side by side, at an appropriately needed distance for now : ), for the faith of the gospel. Let's encourage each other toward that grand goal and glorious end.
Praying for us,
Mom

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

1st Thursday CONNECT scheduled for April 2 is obviously cancelled. We plan to move our Persian Feast to May 7th if we are able to meet then. We will keep you posted on that meeting. In the meantime, continue to read Esther and feast on God’s Word. If possible, continue to connect with your One-to-One Bible Reading partner online or by phone. A free video meeting on Zoom is one of the ways you can do that. It is good for us to remind one another of God’s faithful providential care of His people in Esther’s day and in ours.

We will be reading Philippians in April, another timely book. There will be an introduction and resources available on the church website by the end of March. You can continue to connect online or by phone with your current One-to-One Bible Reading partner for another month if you like. If you didn’t have one or want to switch it up, reach out and ask someone or contact Marcia for help.

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OPPORTUNITIES

Simeon Trust Online Courses are on sale now through Easter, $9 instead of $19. The First Principles Course for women is a great place to start in learning to study God’s Word and to possibly teach it. Check it out, plus all the other great courses available. This is a good time to buy it and a good way to spend housebound time.

Western Seminary’s Center for Leadership Development is offering an excellent free online course on Biblical Theology now through April 14th. Use coupon code BT0320.

The local ministry, Omega Espresso Bar, is a bridge helping women in transition gain sustainable employment and productivity. They were featured at 1st Thursday Connect in March. Their fundraising luncheon scheduled for May 16 has been cancelled. As you think of them, pray for OEB and their interns and the coffee shops that partner with them during these challenging times. If you want more information on their ministry and how to support them, please visit OEB’s website.

There are a few local conferences for women coming up to put on your calendar. Gospel Coalition Women’s Training Network is July 10-11. Registration is open. Camp Tadmor Women’s Camp is also in July, the 17-19th. Nancy Guthrie will be teaching on Biblical Theology October 30-31 at Hinson Church. Registration opens May 1.

You are welcome to post encouraging verses and thoughts for each other on our private Facebook group: New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry!

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me and other songs by CityAlight—rich words to sing on repeat while you read Philippians

• How a “You Do You” Culture has made us Vulnerable to the Coronavirus @Canon Fodder—challenging and encouraging thoughts

• Rainy Nights, NYC: Portraits @Dappled Thoughts—beautiful style and content

• Much About Doing Nothing @Gracelaced—easy, fun ideas for your family

• Great Books @Reformed Perspective—an article about why they matter and a list of 50 great books to read

• The Story of Esther @The Bible Project—a good way to finish off the month in Esther

• How the World Worshiped on One of the Most Unusual Sundays in Church History @Tim Challies—pictures from around the world

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

Spring is coming, and with it, Nature’s makeover!

Makeovers come in various forms. An external makeover simply requires a new wardrobe and some makeup, the kind of beauty treatment Esther in the Bible may have received before she was chosen to be queen. In tougher times, it may take a mentor to help with a resume, job skills, and an internship. That is where Omega Espresso Bar (OEB) comes in, a ministry giving women in transition help with the skills and opportunity to make life changes. The true and best makeover is the internal change that is a work of God in our hearts. The gospel by nature transforms us, and though we may be far from who we want to be here and now, there is great hope in the promise of Jesus, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5, ESV).

This month we celebrate spring and makeovers and the deep makeover which sprouts from the gospel at 1st Thursday CONNECT, March 5, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will conclude our study of Jonah and Nahum, learn about the makeover ministry of Omega Espresso Bar and begin a study of Esther.

• Details: March 5, 6:30-8:30 PM, New Life Church West Linn

• Salad bar: Please bring a salad topping of your choice for the salad bar. Beans, veggies, fruit, nuts, olives, pickles, meats, cheeses, get creative! Greens, dressing, bread, and a special coffee bar will be provided.

• Mascara drive: If possible, bring a new package of mascara to contribute to the ministry of OEB and their partner, Divine Threads.

• RSVP: Text Marcia at 503-720-7197.

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GOSPEL MAKEOVER

How does the gospel change people on an on-going basis? This is a question of supreme importance—for those who want to change, for those who know they need to change, for those who can’t figure out how to change, for those who want to please God, perhaps even for those who don’t care. Since we are talking about makeovers this month, here are a few resources that might help you grow in your understanding of the “gospel makeover.”

• Need to Know by Gary Millar

• Unlimited Grace by Bryan Chapell

• Changed into His Image by Jim Berg

• Future Grace by John Piper

• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp

• Counsel the Word podcast has several episodes on sanctification

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OPPORTUNITIES

ENTRUSTED: Women’s Training Network is an excellent conference for all women who want to grow in their ability to use the Bible well, in ministry and in life. Registration is now open for the Portland/Vancouver conference which will be held July 10-11. Highly recommended!

Two conferences are happening this weekend in Portland! Ignite for women, put on by Western Seminary is Saturday, March 7. And a 9Marks conference on the gospel will be at Hinson Church Friday and Saturday.

If you are part of the Women’s Ministry Facebook Group, you have seen some recent meal train posts. If you create a meal train for someone in need from New Life Church and would like to let others on the Women’s Ministry Facebook Group know of the opportunity to serve, contact someone on the Women’s Ministry leadership team to get it posted. The team includes Elaine Hochstettler, Toni Hedrick, Gay Haugen, Marcia Reavely, Layna Fullington, Karla Thommen, and Michelle Glynn.

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LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Reading without Seeing: How Not to Study the Bible by Joshua Bremerman @ Desiring God

• How (Not) to Respond to Change by David “Gunner” Gundersen @ TGC

• No Condemnation by Kristen Wetherell

• Three Ways Grace Teaches Holiness by John MacArthur @ Crossway

• Being Off Our Food is a Sign of Sickness by Stephen Kneale @ Building Jerusalem

• Surrender Your Right to be Angry with Your Spouse by Melissa Edgington @ Your Mom Has a Blog

• Christopher Ash on teaching Esther @ Help Me Teach the Bible

• Nicholas Reid on teaching Nahum @ Help Me Teach the Bible

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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Is God in the details? I pondered it in a Prayer and Providence class at Western Seminary. I wrestled with it as I tried to make some sense of my part versus God’s part in my own life, especially in the loss of two babies. I poured over the accounts of Job, of Joseph, and of the pharaoh during the Exodus. I couldn’t deny it as I read the scope of scripture and saw God not only accomplish but announce happenings that no one but God could do.

Is God in the details? Have you seen it in 1 Kings? Like chapter 13, where a man of God proclaims to the king that a son of David named Josiah will one day make unspeakable sacrifices on this very altar. The sign given is that the altar will be ripped apart and the ashes poured out, and BOOM, the king’s hand turns leprous and the altar splits in two and ashes pour out. Don’t miss that the man of God pleads for the king’s hand to be restored, and it is (1 Kings 13).

Or, I’m just flipping through the pages here, Jeroboam’s wife goes to the prophet Ahijah to learn whether her sick son Abijah will live or die. Yes, indeed, disguised wife of Jeroboam, the boy will die before you get home. And “as she was crossing the threshold of the house, the boy died” (1 Kings 14). Take the more famous story of Elijah, for example, where there is no rain by the word of the Lord, unending flour in the jar and oil in the jug of the widow, fire from the Lord consuming a sopping altar, followed by rain like there was no tomorrow in response to a prophet on his knees (1 Kings 17-18). Details. What about Ben-Hadad? He leads the mighty Arameans into battle against Israel, a little flock of goats. Let’s fight them on the plains, the Arameans say, for their gods are gods of the hills. But God says, “Because the Arameans have said: The Lord is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys, I will hand over all this whole huge army to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20). Seven days later, King Ahab and Israel win. Then there’s the death of disguised King Ahab by the arrow of “a man who drew his bow without taking special aim and struck the king of Israel through the joints of his armor” (1 Kings 22:34 CSB). We could go on.

God is in the details. What does that mean? Lest we over-simplify this working of God in the affairs of His universe, laced throughout this sampling of stories are evidences of God interacting with His creation in real-time. When people heed the prophets’ warning, God responds. As people pray, God acts. Where there is repentance, God relents. Even the most wicked King Ahab is shown mercy from his due judgment when he humbles himself before the Lord (1 Kings 21). The way God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility work together is a complex mystery, for theologians to debate. It’s beyond me and certainly beyond this short blog post. But I think we can safely and biblically say that God is lovingly involved in His creation, fulfilling His Word and His promises, accomplishing His purposes, upholding His perfect character, and is powerfully able to do so down to the details. I think our humble minds can see that, even if we can’t explain it.

God is in the details. What does that mean for you and me? It means God is lovingly involved with us, still keeping His promises and bringing about His purposes according to His perfect attributes, and is powerfully able to work in the details of our lives. We may not understand the half of it, but I think I have seen it, even as recently as today. “God is in the details.” I’ve heard it from friends as they accepted the outcomes of small “circumstances” in their lives. It’s come up again when they had events on a much larger scale crash into their lives. Is God still in the details when, like Job, everything in me wants to say, “What? Why?”

We won’t see or know all the why’s on this side of eternity, but occasionally God pulls back the curtain and gives a glimpse into what He is doing in a situation that looks meaningless from our vantage point under the sun. When He does, like Job, all I can say is, "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:2-6 ESV).

God is in the details. I wonder if we’ll see it this month in the book of Jonah? Maybe a fish, maybe a storm, or a plant or a worm? I wonder if we’ll see it this week in our lives? More importantly, will we humbly pray and rest and worship God who is in the details?

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

We meet monthly to connect over dinner, activities, and teaching from God’s Word. Throughout the month we partner one-to-one to read, discuss, and apply passages from a specific book of the Bible. Resources are available at 1st Thursday Connect, in the church lobby, and on the church website. Our next gathering is February 6, 6:30-8:30 PM. Here are the details.

• Place: New Life Church, West Linn

• Dinner: Italian antipasto and minestrone

• Focus: Missions

This month, missionary to Italy, Alice Simmons, will encourage us with God’s work during her 40 years in Italy. We will hear from God’s Word in 1 Kings and begin our study of the books of Jonah and Nahum for February.

Text Marcia at 503-720-7197 to sign up. If you are on the regular attender list, you can also let us know by text if you will not be able to attend this month. Thank you!

If you took a baby bottle to fill for the First Image Pregnancy Resource fundraiser last month, please either bring your bottle to 1st Thursday Connect or return it to the church office by Sunday, February 9th. Thank you for your participation to help this important ministry.

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OPPORTUNITIES

• Arise: Ignite Compassion, a local conference for women hosted by Western Seminary, will be held Saturday, March 7. Registration is open.
  

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Beware the god of Open Options @ The Gospel Coalition—Pairs well with “the details” and 1 Kings.

• New and Notable Christian Books for January 2020 @ Tim Challies

• The Hope of Heaven in the Presence of Death @ Gospel-Centered Discipleship

• Reckless Love— album by Cory Asbury

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

“In the beginning.” Those are the important first three words of the Gospel according to John. John tells us in the beginning of his book that the Word was with God, creating in the very beginning. That Word became flesh and lived among us. Those two truths from John 1 shape humanity, reveal deity, and prelude Christianity. Beginnings matter.

The same is true of a new year. You’ve probably heard the quote, “Begin with the end in mind” (Franklin Covey.) What do you want for 2020? If you know what you are aiming for, you are more likely to begin well and end up where you desire. I can’t think of many things better for 2020 than being in God’s Word and reading it alongside my sisters in Christ, growing as women of the Word together. With that as our aim, Women’s Ministry will begin the new year with 1st Thursday CONNECT on January 2nd!

It may be cold outside, but we will be warm inside with chili and fleece and friends. Our teaching time will be from the book of John, and then we start a series of months in the Old Testament, beginning with 1 Kings in January. We will again pair up to read the Bible one-to-one. Would you also consider memorizing 1 Peter? At only a few verses a week, you can do the whole thing in a year. We may not know all that God has done in our lives through His Word and our one-to-one partnerships this year, but we can be confidence He’s done a lot. God promises His Word is an investment that never returns empty.

Babies are another beginning, and it is our privilege in January, the month of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, to come alongside the ministry of First Image Pregnancy Resource Center. Their mission is: Compassion toward those who are vulnerable, voiceless, or misled. Beginnings matter. We will learn more and work on a small project.

If you haven’t had a chance to read John yet, what better way to end the year than by doing it now. Hope to see you January 2nd!

• 1st Thursday CONNECT, January 2nd, 6:30-8:30 PM

• New Life Church West Linn

• RSVP on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197

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ENDINGS

As we close out 2019, here are some Women’s Ministry pictures from this fall for your remembrance and enjoyment. Thank you to all who have contributed—with food, teaching, serving, set-up, printing, purchasing, and attending. Yes, your very attendance is a contribution. Not only is your presence an encouragement, but ministry happens as we sit around the table with one another—speaking truth, sharing hope, offering a smile or a hug or a prayer. That matters, a lot, so thank you.

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Growing in Prayer @ Matthias Media—This helpful little book is on sale through 12/31!

• Plan Not to Fail in Your Quiet Time @ Gospel-Centered Discipleship—Some good ideas here. The main point: make a plan and make it now.

• 1 Simple Step to Encouragement by Al Gooderham—“Presence is the foundation of encouragement, it’s where it begins.”

• Your Buying Guide for Bible Study Resources: Updated for 2019 @ Knowable Word

• Is Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Enough? @ GCDiscipleship

• Share the Joy 2019 —A piano Christmas playlist. Because of Christ, we have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. Have a joyful Christmas!

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

SHARE THE JOY

There will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December. Instead, bring a friend and come for a special Christmas celebration—SHARE the JOY!

• Sunday, December 8, 4-7 PM

• New Life Church, West Linn

• Festive treats, crafts, book ideas, Bible resources

• Best of all, enjoy space to quietly reflect on the Advent of Jesus Christ. Nancy Carlson has taken scripture and written a set of Letters of Love which will be combined with music and visual beauty to create reflection stations. The letters, along with the scripture references, will be yours to keep for further reflection on Jesus’ love.

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1st THURSDAY CONNECT

Though there will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December, there will be 1st Thursday CONNECT on January 2nd! We will enjoy dinner, fun, and encouragement from God’s word in the book of John. More information to come, but grab your new 2020 calendar and pencil it in on day #2!

John has been our book of the month for November. We will be reading John through December as well, so it’s not too late to jump in. There are handouts available in the church entryway and on the church website.

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ODDS & ENDS

• Every once in a while, there is an event at West Linn High School which maxes out the parking around the high school and New Life Church. Unbeknownst to us, there were about 4 of those events on the 1st Thursday in November! Our apologies to those of you who drove around and couldn’t find a parking place. In looking at the high school calendar, it doesn’t look like we should have another one of those nights in the foreseeable future. But, in general, here are a few parking tips:

1. Come early if you can.

2. Grab a parking spot on the street first if you are able.

3. The upper parking lot at the high school is often an option—workout included!

4. If the church lot is full, pull in or text and let us know. We can shuttle people from parking spots farther away.

• Thank you again to Men’s Ministry for cooking breakfast for 1st Thursday CONNECT in November! It was delicious and so appreciated. Not only did they cook, but they stayed and cleaned up the whole kitchen. When you see Billy Ferguson, Annie Ferguson, Frank Hedrick, Lee Bennett, and Mike Polley, give them an extra thank you!

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Gratitude and the Dangers of a Good Life by Jen Pollock Michel

• Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray

• Your Buying Guide for Bible Study Resources @ Knowable Word

• 1st Thursday CONNECT—November Spotify Playlist, Songs for Morning

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

What habits or routines do you have that help you Rise & Thrive in the morning? We will pool our ideas on November 7th at 1st Thursday CONNECT and go away with some practical help. We’re having breakfast for dinner, cooked for us by some of the amazing men in our church because it happens to be “National Men Make Dinner Day.” Can’t wait! In addition, we will have teaching from Exodus and start two months in John over the holidays. There couldn’t be a much sweeter way to celebrate Christmas than by marveling at Christ in the book of John together!

When? November 7th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Where? New Life Church in West Linn

Sign up? On Facebook or text Marcia at 503-720-7197

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SHARE THE JOY

There will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December. Instead, we will be having a Christmas reflection and jubilation on Sunday, December 8, 4-7 PM. Put it on your calendar, plan to invite a friend, and spend an evening preparing your heart for Christmas.

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Camp in the Hard-to-Read Parts of the Bible by Erin Davis—Just what we have been doing this month! Here’s a good reason why, plus help on how to read them well.

• New Every Morning by Audrey Assad—A favorite Rise & Thrive song!

• Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortego—Another good morning song.

• Endless Alleluia by Cory Asbury— “In the morning when I rise…You’re the first thought on my mind…” Oh, to live an endless Alleluia.

• 5 Loopholes We Use to Excuse Sin by Will Anderson—A fitting followup to our Colossians study.

• When Motherhood Feels Like Death by Courtney Reissig—Good truth here.

• We Become What We Watch by Abigail Dodds—It’s not merely entertainment. It’s changing us.

• An Obedient Woman by Andrea Burke— “…obedience is better than whatever you think is better. It’s genuinely better. It’s not just duty; it’s the key to joy.”

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

MAKING IT REAL

Understanding the Christian life can feel difficult. What does Paul mean when he says in Colossians 2:29, “I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me”? Is it me? Is it Christ? We’d like to know how to perfectly piece that out, divide and conquer the tasks as we are taught to do. Whether we are mathematically minded or not, we’d really like a formula, wouldn’t we?

Christian, which means “little Christ," is by definition all about Christ and wouldn’t exist without Him and His work. Christ is the foundation. The Christian life is about us being transformed into a little image of Christ (Col. 3:10.) But when we come to passages like Colossians 3 with all of its imperatives laced with doctrine, it starts feeling sort of esoteric, like the Christian life is for the elite super spirituals. That is not at all what Paul wants us to think. He is urging every common Christian to strive for maturity since we have a new identity with Christ.

My Paul-like sentence in summary of Colossians 3:1-17 is this: Because of the worth and work of Christ, since you have a new identity with Christ, as you keep seeking the things above, as you put off the things of the flesh and put on the things of Christ, as you do everything in the name of Christ, little by little you become who you are in Christ. That’s a mouthful! At 1st Thursday CONNECT we broke it down a bit, coming up with some key questions to continually ask ourselves to help us flesh out our part in the equation.

1. What will I do today to keep Christ central and prioritize seeking Him?

2. What sin am I killing today?

3. How can I put on love in this situation?

4. What would it look like to do this activity in the name of the Lord Jesus?

How does this all come together, then? If a real life example would help put some flesh on it, here is one way God recently used Colossians 3 in my life.

One day last month an opportunity came up for me to do something that would help and serve my husband. I knew it was the right and loving thing to do, but my feelings weren’t following my mind. I had lots of reasons not to—I was tired and had plenty of other things to do. My “old hat” of selfishness was right there, so easy and comfortable to put on (Col. 3:8.)

But then I thought of you all, my sisters in Christ. I really did. Because we have been meeting One-to-One reading God’s word together (Col. 3:16), Colossians came to mind. I recalled that Colossians 3 says things like, “You have died; therefore, put to death your sin” (Col. 3:3-5.) I wondered, do I really believe that is my true identity? Is my life, like a mother with a baby, so wrapped up in Another that when I think of the cross, I say, “We died. We were raised to life?” I asked myself, “What it would look like to put on love in this situation?” (Col. 3:14) I knew the answer. But I still didn’t feel like doing it.

So I started praying (Col. 4:2.) “Lord, help me believe my true identity with You. You are the powerful one who is at work in me to change me and make me like You. Help me kill this sin of selfishness right now (Col. 3:5), put on love (Col. 3:14), and do this in your name (Col. 3:17.) Oh, and help me do it cheerfully.”

And then I just took the first step. And then the next right step. And I could hardly believe it, but I was unusually cheerful. Before I knew it, the job was done. Suddenly, oh my goodness, it dawned on me what Christ had done! But it wasn’t my goodness; it was the goodness of Another. Now I was beyond cheerful. I was full of joy and thankfulness for Jesus’ work! (Col. 3:17)

Did I do anything? Yes, a little. Did Christ do anything? Yes, a lot. I “walked.” He “strengthened with all power” (Col. 1:10-11.) What was the result? Love was at work binding and bringing harmony between my husband and me (Col. 3:14.) There was peace (Col. 3:15.) There was thankfulness to God (Col. 3:15, 16, 17.) And my faith in Jesus grew.

Yes, I am dead to sin! Yes, I am alive with Christ! Yes, my life is wrapped up in Another. Yes, I can live in the power and for the glory of the Lord Jesus. Yes, He is worthy of my trust! Yes, He is changing me little by little to become who I truly am in Christ. And when I fail, as I so so often do, He is forgiving (Col. 3:13.) Praise God!

Like Paul prayed for the Colossian church, “may we be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May we be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light!” (Col. 1:9-12.)

Let us not cease praying for each other as together we are becoming who we are.

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PANORAMA

It’s almost time to retreat! Sunday, October 6—yes, that’s tomorrow!—is the last day to register for the Women’s Retreat. We will meet at Hopkins Demonstration Forest Saturday morning, October 12, at 9:00 AM. Dress for the weather so you can take advantage of the beautiful outdoors! You can register on the church website and pay online or with cash or check at the door. Contact Marcia at 503-720-7197 if you have questions or need a ride. It’s going to be a great day!

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Killing Sin Does Not Make You New @Desiring God—A good read to go with Colossians.

• Seven Prayers for Those You Love @Desiring God—Another one from Desiring God, this one on praying big prayers like the ones in the epistles.

• Build My Life—Christy Nockel’s version of this song has been on repeat a lot lately.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

YOU MATTER

I can’t say it often enough, because the Bible says it often enough. Our togetherness matters. Being together as a local church, being together as sisters in Christ, these things are necessary. For one, they are a display to the world that we are new people with a new identity and a new family and a new powerful love. But getting together also affords us the opportunity to live out our new life in Christ. You just can’t do Colossians 3 on your own: bearing with one another, forgiving each other, putting on love, letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, letting the word of Christ dwell richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom. Colossians 3, and much of the New Testament, is written to “you” plural, not “you” as an individual. Living the Christian life alone is an oxymoron.

Now, I intend no pressure here. Please don’t feel badly if you can’t come on Thursday! But please do, not because I suggest it but because Jesus says it, connect with your body. Be active in your body. Bear with the members of your family, both physical and spiritual. Don’t let separation in time or space or relationship happen among you. But “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (plural), to which indeed you (plural) were called in one body (singular.) And be thankful” (Col. 3:14-15.) Your church family needs you (singular), and you (singular) need them (plural.) And did you catch that last add-on in Colossians 3? “Be thankful.” Are you thankful that Jesus designed his church this way? It’s not always easy, but it is necessary and it is for our individual and collective good. You matter, in both senses of the word.

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1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

Put on some flannel duds and let’s get together on Thursday, October 3, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will eat camp foil dinners, have an opportunity to help the homeless, finish Colossians, and get ready to “camp” in Exodus in October. Let us know you are coming on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.

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PANORAMA

Gay Haugen will be teaching us the big story of the Bible at our Women’s Retreat! It will be fun and interactive and so very useful in understanding God’s Word. There will be lunch and coffee and friends and worship and God’s beautiful creation to enjoy as well. Registration is $20 and is open through October 6th on the church website.

We will meet Saturday, October 12, 9-5 at Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Oregon City. If you need financial assistance or a ride to the retreat, please message Marcia at 503-720-7197. See the Panorama site for more details and registration.

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LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Today is the best day to learn about Providence @Revive Our Hearts—Several new articles on God’s Providence at Revive Our Hearts. Important truth.

• Wait! What (Not) to Ask When Hope is Deferred @Gospel Coalition—Waiting is one of the hardest things; asking the right questions helps.

• Freedom From a Self-Focused Life @Journeywomen Podcast—This is a pretty universal struggle, and Ruth Chou Simons offers much to chew on.

• Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons—Ruth’s new book—beautiful title and beautiful book—I’m eager to read it.

• Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler—Another beautiful and helpful new book!

• The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers—A short, rich oldie.

• Answering Difficult Questions @Help Me Teach the Bible with Nancy Guthrie—Thought-provoking insights from Nancy’s guest, Rebecca McLaughlin.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)