What a great Father's Day!  Every home needs a strong father.  If you haven't seen the movie Courageous, it is really a must see movie.  What a great job the produces have done in creating a story which touching on so many important issues for men, fathers, and families.

Next week (the week of June 24th) we are looking forward to launching small group Bible Studies using the Courageous Living DVD and discussion material.  If you are interested, please get signed up by calling 573-443-LIFE or e-mailing tom@newlifecolumbia.org.

Beginning this Sunday, we will focus on Courageous Living in our Sunday morning gatherings as well.  So come prepared to ask God for strength and courage.  I hope you will!

You're invited to the Church in Prayer prayer meeting beginning this Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (at the church office).

We will pray for about an hour.  Please join us as we seek God for our families, church, and community.  We have many things about which to pray.

Recently, I had a great time away with Luke on his graduation trip to the Boundary Waters.  Especially notable about the trip was the solitude, simplicity, and struggle of the trip.  I already miss it.  Life in Columbia is hectic and it can be difficult to focus on the really important things in life.  Prayer is an opportunity to re-focus your life on God and His plans for your life.  I hope you will join us for prayer.  The Psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God . . ." (46:10).

I LOVE AMERICA posters are available.  You can pick some up at the church office or at the ARC on Sunday mornings.  Help us spread the word about a great community event in mid-missouri.  Call 443-5433 if you want some posters.

Jim Coy on Family Life

Hey New Lifers!  If you missed Col. Jim Coy on Family life this morning on BOTT Radio (89.9), here is a permanent link to the program (http://www.familylife.com/audio/topics/faith/essentials/growing-in-your-faith/20120528-a-gathering-of-eagles).  Take a listen, you will be glad you did.  Thanks to all our heroes who have served (including Col. Jim Coy)!  Happy Memorial Day.

Boundary Waters adventure

Great to be back from the Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota.  We were in for 3 nights and 4 days, caught lots of fish and had a great time as Father and Son.  Really, it was a survival trip as the weather was uncooperative.  Wind and rain were our constant companions.  We caught northern pike, walleye, small mouth and one large mouth bass.  Luke caught one northern pike that measured 31".  If you ever get the chance to go to the Boundary Waters, you should.  Take rain gear.  High temperature was mid 50s and lows were in the 40s.