The Church Is . . .

Really excited about the upcoming series, "The Church Is . . ."  The church has always been an important part of my life as a pastor.  For me, every sunday is like super bowl Sunday.  Increasingly, however most Americans don't attend church or even feel animosity or suspicion towards the church.  How has the church impacted your life?  During the month of September, I hope you will join us each Sunday for the series and consider why you're a New Lifer.  See you Sunday!  Pastor Tom

Speaking of Victory

Can't help myself, but I am very proud of my three kids who competed in the HyVee Iron Kids in Columbia this past Saturday.  They all placed in the top five which means they can compete again in Des Moines later this September.  Way to go John, Jess, and Ben.  It's fun to be a winner!

Hope of Victory

At New Life this month we have been focusing our lives on heaven.  We have considered Jesus' promise of eternal life (John 3:3); Jesus' promise of heaven (John 14:1-3), and the reality of Christ Jesus' return (1 Thessalonians 4:17).   this week we are looking at heaven as the ultimate victory in life and the life to come.

Yes, the Bible is a book of victory and the Christian faith provides every person the hope of ultimate victory regardless of what circumstances we face in the here and now.  I hope you will grab ahold of the hope which we find in the Scriptures.  The assurance that we have the ultimate victory in eternity can transform our attitudes and actions today.  Join us Sunday as we celebrate the Hope of Victory!  Pastor Tom

Parenting Conference

Looking forward to this year's parenting conference on September 9-10 at the ARC (1701 West Ash Street).  The Cost is $10.00 per person.  "Building a Healthy Home" is our theme for 2011.  IF you would like to join us, please call 443-LIFE (5433).

More Fishing

Just got back from the New Life float trip.  Wow!  What a beautiful day.  Perfect weather and everyone who made the trip created some great memories together.  We caught four trout.  Let's do it again next year.

Lessons Learned

Summer time on the farm is a great time to learn some of life's greatest lesson.  This past week my family spent a few days on the farm bucking bales.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get away form work, but the pictures of all the fun got me thinking about life lessons on the farm.  Here's just a few - 1) Work is fun.  I'm amazed how much fun my kids can have in 90+ degree weather loading up hay bales on the farm.  Too often we view work as a problem rather than a pleasure.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that work is a gift from God; it's an opportunity to produce something of value.  2) Working together as a team increases productivity and mutual respect.  Video games do not produce mutual respect.  When my kids play video games for a day they end up fighting, complaining, and upset with each other (not always but often).  Working on the farm together produces a cooperative spirit and a desire to help each other reach a goal.

Have a great week.  Pastor Tom