First of all, we need to cancel bible study tonight because of the weather and no parking at my house. Sorry!
God is AWESOME!
Just last month I asked for prayer as we were seeking some office space in the building we are currently meeting. I was kind of bummed out when I was told we could not rent a room. (I kind of knew it was coming because the superintendent told me of the boards intent to not rent any more rooms.)
So, I prayed and asked God "what's next?" I have learned God always has a plan and He works on His time table. My personal desire for office space and belief that a more "definite type" presence for New Church would benefit not only our regulars but show the community that we are here to stay, had me wondering if I missed God's leading?
"But God..." I love seeing that phrase in the Bible. When you see it God is about to do something that changes things. BUT GOD has opened up a door to use a facility in Atlanta!
Sunday I received an email from a fellow pastor expressing the decision of his church to move to bloomington. This meant that the building (that seats 300 with a full basement) would be empty. (This building is owned by the Assemblies of God.) After speaking with the area director earlier today He informed me they would allow us to use the building for a year. (He also informed me that they are planning on replacing the old boiler in the spring.) Having known the pastor I knew the utilities run around $1,000 due to the age of the building and lack of insulation, so I waited to see how much using the building would cost.
BUT GOD....He informed me for a year there would be no rent! What? Yes, at least for one year we will not be paying rent!
Our dreams and plans for Sunday School, Bible Study meeting area with parking, a place for youth to call their own, closer nursery facilities, not having to put up and tear down every week, and plenty of office space......it all has been answered rent free for a year!
Now what? Well, we still need to pray all this out as too God still moving in people to give as there will be some expenses, and New Church has definitely been given a great blessing that brings an equal responsibility.
We need to finish the year strong with our breakfast this Sunday and our New Years party!
What a God! Don't just consume the blessings....seek to be a blessing to those God brings into your path!
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
Wednesday
Sunday
New Church Service, December 14
Christmas is coming soon! The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior is right around the corner. Scott had a great message of the gift of Jesus. The children lit the next Advent candle and we sang great Christmas hymns.
New Church - December 7, 2008 Advent "The coming Messiah"
Now is the time of Advent announcing the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ who died for us! Let us pay homage to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Scott's sermon honored the birth of Christ as the children lit the Second Advent candle!
Invite a friend for breakfast December 21 at 8:30 a.m. It is free! If you want to volunteer to bring some breakfast items, give Scott a call.
Thursday
Update December 5
Winter has definitely hit here in Atlanta. Drifting snow covers the ground and the frigid temperatures add to icy conditions that can make traveling hazardous. The awesome thing is God knows all of that and knows where His kids are.
Last night Deanna was taking our children and another families children home from Awanna when the Expedition began to spin. The truck stayed on the road...slid to a stop...and she was able to head on home without a scratch to anyone or the truck, just a few shaken up people (one kid even went to sleep on the rest of the ride home).
Even when we don't directly invoke or aks for God's coverage.....He is still there!
New Church has a lot coming up:
-This Saturday the men will be meeting at Scott's house for a prayer breakfast at 9a.m.
-We will be hosting a breakfast on December 21 to reach out to our community and friends as well as others who would like to eat then attend their own church. There will be no fee for this breakfast.
-We have rented the gym and another room for new years eve. We will be having snack, board games, and some games for the youth and kids in the gym.
Our bible studies are still continuing. The ladies are working through their study and the group meeting at Scott's in moving to the next 4 lessons on what Christianity is about.
God answers prayer! So, please continue to pray for the effectiveness of New Church. The events coming up offer a great opportunity for us to invite friends and allow them to get to know New Church and reflect God's love. We still are waiting to here if we will be able to rent a room for office space.
Thank you for your support and prayers as God continues to expand his kingdom one soul at a time.
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Last night Deanna was taking our children and another families children home from Awanna when the Expedition began to spin. The truck stayed on the road...slid to a stop...and she was able to head on home without a scratch to anyone or the truck, just a few shaken up people (one kid even went to sleep on the rest of the ride home).
Even when we don't directly invoke or aks for God's coverage.....He is still there!
New Church has a lot coming up:
-This Saturday the men will be meeting at Scott's house for a prayer breakfast at 9a.m.
-We will be hosting a breakfast on December 21 to reach out to our community and friends as well as others who would like to eat then attend their own church. There will be no fee for this breakfast.
-We have rented the gym and another room for new years eve. We will be having snack, board games, and some games for the youth and kids in the gym.
Our bible studies are still continuing. The ladies are working through their study and the group meeting at Scott's in moving to the next 4 lessons on what Christianity is about.
God answers prayer! So, please continue to pray for the effectiveness of New Church. The events coming up offer a great opportunity for us to invite friends and allow them to get to know New Church and reflect God's love. We still are waiting to here if we will be able to rent a room for office space.
Thank you for your support and prayers as God continues to expand his kingdom one soul at a time.
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Sunday
New Church Service November 23, 2008
What an uplifting service! Jimmie Gresham gave the message today and it was from his heart. Jimmie preached on the 23rd psalm. He stressed that God is always with you through his son Jesus Christ. Jimmie, Patti, and Cari led the singing in some very traditional hymns with upbeat music such as "How Great Thou Art".
Communion was a moving time with direct communication with our Lord. After the message, Kent joined the others up front and all four led the congregation in "Three Wooden Crosses." The message is simply, we all are lost and can not come to God with the cleansing of Christ's blood.
Monday
Update, November 17, 2008
Ever looked at things and just thought things were "just the same?"
Sitting back and just enjoying the statusquo is a "dream". The same amount of effort exerted to "keep things the same" could actually bring about vast improvements.
The same principles apply to ministry. All too often we become enamored with "our accomplishment" we convince ourselves we are practicing "christian contentment" as we sit back and enjoy a "job well done." So much so that we loose sight of God's vision/mission of an ever expanding kingdom.
As I search Scripture I find one instance when someone sits down and is able to enjoy a job well done....know who that is? He is worthy, but he doesn't just sit. We are told he tirelessly and constantly is pleading for people and causes that are dear to his heart.
New Church Ministry states as it's goal "ever expanding irresistible community." The statement itself requires constant channeled effort and God's supernatural blessing and direction. God has recently brought some opportunities New Church's way:
1. We have taken part in thanksgiving baskets for two communities
2. Plans are being formed to join with the community center in offering some sport camps
3. Praying for God to open the door for us to have an office in the building we use on Sunday's. This would offer us the opportunity to have a consistent presence.
4. Planning a Christmas Breakfast for fellowship and outreach December 21st
5. Following a lead to help expand a local food program in the McLean area
6. Extend financial help to those in need
7. Participating in "Operation Christmas Child"
Church gatherings have God bringing many different faces, our music is being enhanced with the formation of a "lead group," special engagement speaker "Big Jim' Gresham will be speaking November 23, and God continues to show His power through answered prayer.
Jesus stated his church would be characterized by abounding joy, caring financially for those in need, fellowship, praying for and with one another, and the growth of His kingdom on earth. New Church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is showing fruit and signs of being a church where Jesus is Lord, Owner, and Boss.
Keep checking out the website for updates and photo's www.newchurch4u.com
...note how you can help give to new church by using the "good search" engine powered by yahoo when you designate new church as your charity. (details on website)
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Sitting back and just enjoying the statusquo is a "dream". The same amount of effort exerted to "keep things the same" could actually bring about vast improvements.
The same principles apply to ministry. All too often we become enamored with "our accomplishment" we convince ourselves we are practicing "christian contentment" as we sit back and enjoy a "job well done." So much so that we loose sight of God's vision/mission of an ever expanding kingdom.
As I search Scripture I find one instance when someone sits down and is able to enjoy a job well done....know who that is? He is worthy, but he doesn't just sit. We are told he tirelessly and constantly is pleading for people and causes that are dear to his heart.
New Church Ministry states as it's goal "ever expanding irresistible community." The statement itself requires constant channeled effort and God's supernatural blessing and direction. God has recently brought some opportunities New Church's way:
1. We have taken part in thanksgiving baskets for two communities
2. Plans are being formed to join with the community center in offering some sport camps
3. Praying for God to open the door for us to have an office in the building we use on Sunday's. This would offer us the opportunity to have a consistent presence.
4. Planning a Christmas Breakfast for fellowship and outreach December 21st
5. Following a lead to help expand a local food program in the McLean area
6. Extend financial help to those in need
7. Participating in "Operation Christmas Child"
Church gatherings have God bringing many different faces, our music is being enhanced with the formation of a "lead group," special engagement speaker "Big Jim' Gresham will be speaking November 23, and God continues to show His power through answered prayer.
Jesus stated his church would be characterized by abounding joy, caring financially for those in need, fellowship, praying for and with one another, and the growth of His kingdom on earth. New Church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is showing fruit and signs of being a church where Jesus is Lord, Owner, and Boss.
Keep checking out the website for updates and photo's www.newchurch4u.com
...note how you can help give to new church by using the "good search" engine powered by yahoo when you designate new church as your charity. (details on website)
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Sunday
Great Service at New Church!
Autumn Wolff took the official count and we had 36 people today! The songs were upbeat and moving. Our communion prayers groups were a close time with Jesus!
How Would Jesus Vote! New Church Service November 2
How would Jesus Vote! The best bet is to vote how Jesus would vote when you go to the booth on Tuesday. Prayer and communion were strong and brought us closer to Jesus. The singing was fine. Attendance was 43!
Thursday
Update!
God is great!
Every week we have welcomed new people, the ladies Bible Study is going well, and God is answering prayer through successful medical procedures and through physical and spiritual provision. New Church is blessed to have a small group of singers working on leading worship
We are preparing to reach out to our communities through Thanksgiving baskets and searching for opportunities to bless others around Christmas time.
Prayer request: Continue to ask God to bring new contacts our way, "vision focus" to not think the "opening" is the end of the journey, God continues to bless financially the ministry as we meet others' needs.
The rest of this update is more for regular attendees....so read on if you want.
I am ever an evaluator. This may be a fault of mine, but I constantly ask "what could be done better or what I missed." This thinking can be useful but can also lead to a "production" mentality where the perfection of the process can become the "end."
There is a lot happening during a church plant and much of it is a learning process. Patience, willing to adapt, flexibility, and just flat out reliance on God all are key. As we navigate this process adjustments need to be made, not for change sake but to enhance effectiveness.
Beginning Sunday we are going to "tweak" things a little:
1. The refreshments will be moved closer to our seats.
2. We will use the front door so the nursery is easily accessed and we will enter the gym closer to the refreshments and seating.
3. We are going to try and use an attendance pad to help us get more information on our visitors for better follow up.
These are just a few of the practical steps we are going to try to hopefully and prayerfully enhance a sense of community and encourage deeper relationships. If you have any ideas please forward them. God does not only speak too and dwell with the pastor, all who have accepted Christ are priest and called to be Spirit filled.
Those who serve in the nursery I encourage you to arrive early and be ready so we can receive graciously those with young ones. Those who are not involved with the nursery, we need help greeting people as they arrive and offer friendly directions to the nursery and gym, we need help setting up starting at 8:30 so everything can be ready to go, and we need continued help tearing down after services.
God is moving and blessing New Church. We all need to remain in prayer and encourage one another to not grow weary in serving.
As the pastor I am blessed to be a part of New Church and appreciate all your efforts as we partner in ministry to follow God together.
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Every week we have welcomed new people, the ladies Bible Study is going well, and God is answering prayer through successful medical procedures and through physical and spiritual provision. New Church is blessed to have a small group of singers working on leading worship
We are preparing to reach out to our communities through Thanksgiving baskets and searching for opportunities to bless others around Christmas time.
Prayer request: Continue to ask God to bring new contacts our way, "vision focus" to not think the "opening" is the end of the journey, God continues to bless financially the ministry as we meet others' needs.
The rest of this update is more for regular attendees....so read on if you want.
I am ever an evaluator. This may be a fault of mine, but I constantly ask "what could be done better or what I missed." This thinking can be useful but can also lead to a "production" mentality where the perfection of the process can become the "end."
There is a lot happening during a church plant and much of it is a learning process. Patience, willing to adapt, flexibility, and just flat out reliance on God all are key. As we navigate this process adjustments need to be made, not for change sake but to enhance effectiveness.
Beginning Sunday we are going to "tweak" things a little:
1. The refreshments will be moved closer to our seats.
2. We will use the front door so the nursery is easily accessed and we will enter the gym closer to the refreshments and seating.
3. We are going to try and use an attendance pad to help us get more information on our visitors for better follow up.
These are just a few of the practical steps we are going to try to hopefully and prayerfully enhance a sense of community and encourage deeper relationships. If you have any ideas please forward them. God does not only speak too and dwell with the pastor, all who have accepted Christ are priest and called to be Spirit filled.
Those who serve in the nursery I encourage you to arrive early and be ready so we can receive graciously those with young ones. Those who are not involved with the nursery, we need help greeting people as they arrive and offer friendly directions to the nursery and gym, we need help setting up starting at 8:30 so everything can be ready to go, and we need continued help tearing down after services.
God is moving and blessing New Church. We all need to remain in prayer and encourage one another to not grow weary in serving.
As the pastor I am blessed to be a part of New Church and appreciate all your efforts as we partner in ministry to follow God together.
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Don't come to Church too early! Daylight savings time, fallback one hour!
Don't forget that you set you clocks back one hour on Saturday night so you have an extra hour! FALL BACK, Spring ahead!
Sunday
New Church October 26 - What a blessing!
Another great service with over 40 people! Patti, Cari, and Scott helped lead some very inspiring songs. Prayer at communion time brought us close to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Scott delivered the next in the series on THE PIT.
Thursday
Face Book Page - Please send your photos!
I am making a Face book page of photos and names. Nothing fancy. Please send me a digital photo that you would like published. I can take your photo if you wish and put it in myself. My email is saintjerome@yahoo.com Thanks! It is always great for community to put names with faces!
Kent
Kent
Sunday
Pit Series - Sunday, October 12
We had 39 people in attendance for New Church. The songs were inspiring. Communion was awesome! Scott delivered the second in the Pit series. The new rear screen projector is great!
Wednesday
Bible Study, October 8, TONIGHT!
Bible study tonight at 7 at my house.
Be there if you can.
God has put a lot before us...a mission.....r we ready....r u ready?
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Tuesday
What's next?
God is good!
New Church had it's official grand opening last Sunday and we experienced our largest gathering yet! 70 people celebrated God's goodness and grace as our first service drew many new faces as well as many supporters.
Just as our initial message spoke of how to avoid spending life in the pit of despair and betrayal, I am forced to ask "What's next?" The opening of a "New Church" is a grand thing, but there are lots of churches within a 30 mile radius so what is next?
I could pontificate and let you know my hearts feelings and what I would call a church success, but you get plenty of that! So, I am asking those who attend and support New Church to respond and let me know what a church should be and I will post it in our next update along with my comments.
Keep visiting the website. Kent does a great job updating with photos and informing everyone on what is going on around the ministry. www.newchurch4u.com
Prayer:
-That opening Sunday is not the only Sunday we see new faces.
-We are still looking and waiting for God to provide some musical help. Using videos and Cd's is great and God has provided in that way, but it would be great to have some live production and some music leaders.
-Scott is asking for prayer for his schedule. Balancing the entire scope of life right now leaves him feeling like nothing is getting done with excellence but a lot is getting done o.k.
-God 's protection on families. This goes beyond just those "traditional" families. However the family is made up Satan thrives on chaos and conflict. God may use the chaos to draw people back to him, but it can also throw people into a "pit" as well.
-We have a few people we are trying to help with aid and we are asking God to help multiply our efforts.
Don't forget to praise God!
-Great launch
-Lot's of people have given and sacrificed to see God move in New Church
-Everyone chipped in Sunday and served our guest
-The provision of some technical wants to help our services be smoother
-New local guests
-Praise God for those supporters who were able to come to our first service.
-We have a couple of new Bible Studies in the works
-God has provided a place for the youth to meet in Atlanta
-God provided another computer for us (we had a screen problem with our laptop)
God is alive and on the move!
Don't be caught flat footed....follow!Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Sunday
New Church Launch!
A great Launch Day! Seventy people attended our inaugral day. What a great blessing! The songs were inspiring. During communion we reflected and communicated with our Lord. Scott delivered his first in the series about Betrayal, Pit Happens! A truly great start.
Thursday
Nursery
We do have a room to use that has toys and such. What we will be lacking is changing mat, baby swings, playpen, and that is about it.
A side note...we will need people to help direct people in the parking lot and greet people...showing people where the nursery is....and we will be setting up at 8:30a.m this week so everything will be ready so we can greet people.
This Sunday may not be a great "worship" experience for some. We all need to be working extending hospitality. That does not mean we should not enjoy oursleves, but especially this week we need to focus on others.
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Wednesday
Ready, Set, Launch!
What a God thing!
Last Sunday night we enjoyed some great fellowship around the fire as we ate and shared what God has been doing in our lives, how we got where we are, why we believe we are were we are, and I was blessed to share some thoughts on where I believe God is leading us to go.
I have said it before, and I hope to say it repeatedly, I am truly blessed to be serving at New Church. God has allowed me to witness some amazing growth steps in many partners as we have taken a huge step of faith.
Sunday evening I was amazed as some of the recent attendees share what God has been doing in their lives on and the encouragement and sanctuary New Church has been for them. One comment that I really loved (trying to remember it word for word): "my family and I are in need of some healing and I feel this a place that will allow or help us do that." WOW! The very thing we are striving for and want to be in a church God is bringing to pass!
Another comment was how simple things are at New Church. Isn't the gospel and love of Christ simple?
We are almost at "opening" Sunday. Many have been personally invited. Please pray that in the coming weeks and months New Church is able to shine the light of love into the darkness of people's hearts and pain as we reflect Christ. Pray that we as a church stay on our knees humbly before God and not take a bit of His glory but return all the praise to Him as he allows us to be a part of seeing people's lives be changed.
Our first six weeks will be focused on addressing "felt needs" as we dive into the life of Joseph and look at how BETRAYAL, although definitely painful and damaging, can be turned into good when we look up to God instead of around at our circumstances.
Announcements:
Keep checking out www.newchurch4u.com as Kent keeps things updated with photos and such.
Bible study still on Wednesday evenings at 7 at Scott's.
New bible study options will be emerging very soon.
God gave us a "want" this week in providing for the purchase of a projector and rear projection screen for our services allowing the children's church to use the other projector and screen.
Thanks to all for your support and prayer support!
God is alive and on the move! I hope we aren't too self involved to miss Him?!Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Tuesday
BETRAYED...what to do when “pit” happens.
The question is almost ridiculous to ask, because if you have been on this earth for some length of time you have felt the sting of betrayal in some way. Your best long-time childhood friend who stole your first love, your confidant who blabbed your deepest dearest (and possibly darkest) secret, then there is that co-worker who stole your ideas or clients, or maybe you have even felt deep betrayal through a cheating spouse, a wayward child, or the deep sting that always accompanies family betrayal.
Whatever the severity and whenever the occurrence we have all been thrown, shoved, tripped, or tricked into the “pit.” The pit is a place where it seems we can’t possibly go any lower, a place we would not go of our own initiative. The pit is dark, hopeless, damp, smelly, and maybe even filled with adders, vipers and other dangerous elements.
What do you do when you find yourself in a pit? A pit of any depth can cause serious damage!
New Church (currently meeting at the old McLean Elementary School on Sundays at 9:30a.m) is offering a 6 week study, beginning October 5, looking at how to deal with Betrayal and the damage it causes.
New Church is a non-denominational group of authentic imperfect people who are meeting together to encourage one another through a relaxed atmosphere which includes a variety of worship styles. When we say come as you are...we mean it! (Appropriate clothing to be in public of course.) Nursery is provided every week and Children’s Church is provided for ages 5 to10 on alternating weeks. Check us out at www.newchurch4u.com.
Monday
Wiener Roast at the Turner's house was great!
We had a great turnout at our Wiener Roast. Kent would especially like to thank Deanna for the delicious chicken chili. Thanks everyone for attending! It was a great time! Check out all the photos in the announcement corner.
Wednesday
God is amazing!
Proof:
-Last Sunday we were blessed to not have enough room! Children's church was overfull and we needed more chairs! (over 50 souls)
-Our sound system order has been upgraded due to an ordering problem on their end.
-We as a church have been presented with a couple of opportunities to significantly help some people as God has given us the resources to share His love through benevolence.
-All our needs have been met as we move toward launch and even some of our wants are being supplied.
-Our children's ministry is taking shape in great fashion fueled by great partners and God bringing more kids too us.
-We have seen partners pray over and minister to other partners...in other words...everyone truly is practicing and becoming "priest/pastor" and not just looking to the talking "head's."
Now, all of this is taking place because of God's unquestionable unwavering blessing as we, and those who support this new work, continue to pray and give our resources and selves to Him. This truly embodies our church with attitude slogan... humbly serving and obeying.
As we march on to our launch October 5 we have stepped up our efforts (these can never ever replace God's blessing or moving). We placed adds in the local papers as well as following up on our personal invites.
Prayer request....
God will continue to lead us.
New Church will not think of it's success or blessings as deserved, but see them as a stewardship we are to watch over and manage for Him as He would.
Scott and Deanna's relationship will withstand some of the extra pressures as well as protection for their family time.
God would protect the partners (attendees) of New Church as Satan loves to attack and divide especially when unity is needed.
Please...Please....Please keep praying! Prayer works!
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Tuesday
Scott at the Olympia Ministerial Alliance
Here are pictures of Scott at the Olympia Ministerial Alliance. Nice shirt Scott! The photo showing our logo is front and center on the olympia web page at www.olympia.org
We are spreading the word!
Sunday
Thursday
Wiener Roast! Campfire! September 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Those who are able, September 28 we will have a campfire and hotdog roast from 6-8p.m. AS WE PRAY TOGETHER AND DISCUSS WHAT GOD IS DOING AND IS LEADING US TOO.
LoCATION TO BE DETERMINED LATER.Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Wednesday
Bible Study at Scott's, September 17
We planned and we prayed! We counted the blessings that God has given New Church! Wow!
Tuesday
Update - September 16
Remember that story of Abraham taking Isaac up on the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice? What happened....after Abraham did all the prep work and prepared to sacrifice his son God provided a ram. Who knows how long the ram had been stuck in the thicket, but the fact is Abraham did not notice until God pointed it out.
God truly provided a "ram in the thicket" for New Church. As we approach the October 5 launch date one key piece of equipment we have not acquired yet is a sound system. Those who get our updates know that we have been praying for God to provide all our needs and even our wants. Well, I hit my knees even more last week after our community service in Atlanta was over. A day and a half later I received a call asking me if I had received a card in the mail. Honestly, I had not checked the church mail for some time.
In the box was our "ram!" New Church was blessed with a gift of $5,000!
The gift provides not only for the complete sound system (including recording device to place our messages on line and make Cd's) but also help convert half of Scott and Dee's garage into a much needed office.
The next 2 weeks leading up to our launch we will be looking at prayer in our Bible Study and Services. Why do we pray and not see results? There are lots of reasons and I am sure we have all heard tons of sermons on the issue, but maybe sometimes we are to busy focusing on the sacrifice that we are not seeing the "ram."
Sometimes we can truly focus to much on what we can do and we do look up to God for a miracle; but we miss that God has already provided a ram. Again, this highlights the need for a local church family. Brothers and sisters who point out what we are missing and encourage us to see God's entire picture.
Please continue to pray that New Church will reach the disconnected. Disconnected covers those who know God but have allowed their relationship to grow cold, it covers those who have been hurt and never want to get involved again, and it definitely covers those who have never given their hearts to God.
Bible study this week at the Wolff's 7p.m.
Before church this week there is a pancake breakfast in the gym for the American legion.
Keep checking out our www.newchurch4u.com to see what is going on.
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Tuesday
Bible Study Wednesday, September 10
Please plan to attend the Wednesday evening Bible Study.
They will be crucial as we prepare to launch. Not only will we be discussing strategy and approach, but we will be spending time in prayer together.Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Attention Youth and Parents!
ICTC will be in Springfield, IL on November 7-8, 2008. It is for teens and the cost is currently $45. It is an overnight trip. See link below for a form for any youth that want to go to ICTC. They just need to print it off and turn it in to us.
Rachel Turner
New Church Youth Page and Form for ICTC
(CLICK THIS LINK YOUTH! )
Rachel Turner
New Church Youth Page and Form for ICTC
(CLICK THIS LINK YOUTH! )
Letter to Parents about ICTC
Youth Leaders: Chip & Rachel Turner
Chip: (217) 871-0833 & Rachel: (309) 242-9632
Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you about an exciting event coming up in November for youth in
Rachel and Chip Turner
Monday
Update of Update
Forgot to tell all to check out the links below to see all the photos from the Fall Festival.
Have a blessed Day!
Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
editiorial note:
The links for the photos are down at the bottom of this page. As pages are added, you will need to go to past pages on the right side to see old posts. Kent Added: September 9 - I just added photo links to the right side of our website.
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
editiorial note:
The links for the photos are down at the bottom of this page. As pages are added, you will need to go to past pages on the right side to see old posts. Kent Added: September 9 - I just added photo links to the right side of our website.
Update - September 8, 2008
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
What a week! I can honestly say I am glad it is over and happy God saw us through it.
Paul stated in Galatians that we should not grow weary because in due time we will reap if we don't give up.
One of the hardest things to do is keep on stepping when the mountain seems insurmountable and you are not making the progress you thought you should make. I believe Satan loves it when we set expectations without consulting God. Whenever we set a standard or set up a vision of what success is it becomes easy to get frustrated and stressed out when those expectations are not being met. All too easily we convince ourselves that we are trying to achieve all this for God when the goals were actually ours...not His.
This weekend I fell into that trap big time! I have been preaching and preaching we are to not overlook the importance of one life changed...what are we willing to pay or give up to see one life changed?
The self imposed stress and all the business of this week had me skipping my personal time with God and in my dry/self-sustaining condition I began to look around for tangible results from all of our efforts this last weekend. I began to grumble and complain...inviting people was difficult because of our commitment to 2 straight weeks of community services... we didn't sell out at the breakfast.. and after hearing me whine Dr. Jay lowered the boom (in love); "If we made one connection it was worth it." The same line I had been using to encourage everyone else God used to break my misplaced self-confidence, arrogance and pride.
We did make several connections through the weekend activities and maybe more. Our float won first place (thanks to Betty, Sam, and Cheryl's great leadership), the community service was awesome (250 or so) and we had great support and participation from New Church at all our activities.
Now what? Well, community service next week at 10a.m again and we will work on providing some early refreshments as a church, the following week we will have our last service in the library before moving to the gym allowing our kids to use the library, all of this as we prepare to officially open October 5.
We still have some needs that we are waiting on God to provide: we will be needing some sound equipment components (mics, CD player, and recording device), we will be getting some children's material ordered here very shortly, and we are still praying for a copier.
God is amazing! Just a few months ago we decided to follow him in this adventure and He has provided beyond what we expected. That only tells me I need to expect more from God and I need to stop thinking small and only looking at what human effort can do.
Prayer:
Contacts....we have made several through the fall festival activities and with our services being combined for a couple of weeks pray that God keeps it on people's hearts and minds to come by for a visit.
Launch....the rest of our needs (as well as some of our wants) are met.
Leadership....honestly, Dee and I have been struggling the past few weeks and we are looking for a break....strike that...we are trying to schedule a break.
Leadership.....God would make it clear those who we need to invest in and prepare to lead new church.
Disconnected souls....those who have strayed from God, been hurt, or never accepted Christ as Savior.
Heart....a soft heart that can be easily touched by God and one that give our eyes clarity to see people as God sees them.
Finances....for outreach, salary,rent and office needs.
Where do we go from here?
We tackle the next project God has set before us and look and listen for the next assignment.
"Give us today our bread for today..." That is scary faith!Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Sunday
Our Atlanta Pastors in Christian Unity!
I have been a member of this community in one way or another for the last 51 years. I have never been more moved at an Atlanta Community Worship Service as I was today. Our Atlanta churches are genuinely lead by God fearing pastors! This video says it all:
Saturday
Thursday
Atlanta Fall Festival UPDATE! Important info!
SATURDAY
Most of the items needed for the breakfast on Saturday have been purchased or will be by tonight. The biscuits need to be “baked” for 6-8 minutes in a regular oven before putting them in the roaster. It has been suggested that if you are heating the gravy in the roaster, make sure that you start it early enough in the morning so that it gets hot but doesn’t but. The other option would be to heat it on the stove first and then transfer it to the roaster. If you would be willing to heat the biscuits or the gravy, please email me or call my cell (816-365-1196) to let me know and I’ll get the stuff to you either tonight or tomorrow. We have 432 biscuits that need to be heated and 8 gallons of gravy.
The theme for our float is “Go for the gold with God”. The theme is posted on the front of our float with our New Church banner at the back. There are gold cross medallions for people to wear. My kids will be dressed up like an athletes and if anyone else wants to dress up or do something with that theme…feel free. The judging for the parade is at 1:30 and the parade is to begin at 2:00. We can always use people to ride on the float, throw candy or walk beside the float and pass out cards. If you want to ride, please bring a lawn chair so that you will have something to sit on and make sure you are there no later than 2:00.
SUNDAY
The community service will be held at the park on Sunday. 9:30 is donuts and coffee and services begin at 10:00. Make sure that you bring lawn chairs for this so that you will have a place to sit down.
Thanks to each and every one of you who have helped in getting this weekend organized and who will be helping throughout it as well. It definitely takes teamwork to pull this all together.
GO TEAM!
Wednesday
We worked on the float tonight and tried on the new T-shirts and Hats!
The float is looking good! Scott broke out the new T-shirts and hats! Very very nice! We will look sharp this weekend.
Tuesday
Update September 2
This week is busy!
Church Sunday was great! One of our highest attendances and we had some visitors ( apart from Scott's Family).
Shirts and hats are ready. This Wednesday instead of meeting for Bible Study at Scott's, we will be meeting at 602 Race St. to finish our float, get our shirts, and spend some time praying for our town and the event of the fall festival. Everyone who can please attend at least for a few minutes. It won't take long to complete the project and it will be great fun!
Saturday morning will be the biscuits and gravy breakfast and then we will have the parade in the early afternoon.
The concession stand last weekend went great. We served a neighbor and broke about even while meeting some new folks and letting them know about our church.
Our "official launch" October 5 will be here before you know it! Take advantage of the opportunities God affords to invite someone to Church. Don't assume they will say no, what if they say YES. (if you need some information business cards let Scott know.)
Keep praying for New Church. We still have some needs and wants that God will provide and we always need prayer warriors who will pray God's protection and blessings over this work and it's leaders.
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
Monday
Concession Stand a great success!
The concession stand at Patti's went well. We had the idea of including a New Church card with a cookie or brownie. We made some brownie cupcakes for Sunday with a card in a baggy! Wow, what a great way to reach people! By the end of the day all the brownies were gone and about 40 cards went out to the people. They were all very grateful that we served them food and drinks for two days. We really gave them a bargain on prices and still netted about 170.00. Thanks again to all who helped!
Thursday
Concession Stand this weekend!
This weekdend New Church is running a concession stand at Patti McClintock's Horse Clinic. If you would like to help call Kent Hieronymus at 217-648-2760 and he will sign you up! The clinic will run on Saturday and Sunday. Patti is expecting 50 or more people on Saturday and 30 or more on Sunday (after church).
Monday
Update August 25, 2008
Greetings,
This past weekend was something great! The family enjoyed a great weekend that I did not think was needed as much as it really was.
Deanna totally surprised her sister for her 50th birthday and we were able to make some contacts and renew relationships as we shared what God has called us to and what he is doing at New Church.
Lots to update on and I apologize for not sending an update for a couple of weeks, but my computer is in counseling for a behavioral problem and is almost over it.
God is the blessed controller of all things! Mom used to say it a lot growing up...and it is soooo true. Our "God willing" launch date of September 21 has been moved to OCTOBER 5. This is due to God letting us know he is still in control and seeing if we are willing to go with His plan or force ours.
We will now be participating in the community service in Atlanta on September 7 at 10a.m as well as in the McLean community service on the 14 at 10a.m. Then I was asked if we would be flexible allowing the American Legion to have a fund-raising dinner in the gym on the 21st till 10a.m.
New Church is about going with God and not asking God to go with us. As these events have come up we have to ask ourselves what is God doing? Our mission is ever expanding irresistible community and what better way to meet that than to rub shoulders with the community instead of being exclusive to ourselves. We have three key words explaining our "church with attitude" slogan from Phil. 2...Humbly....Serve...Obey.
The delay will allow us to actually have a practice service in the gym before we have our opening and we will not be as rushed after our community services.
Chip is the latest victim, I mean servant who filled the pulpit and did a FINE job (so I heard). God has given us men who are willing to share and stretch themselves as they grow in Christ. The next hurdle will be putting all these guys together in a series while I am still there to heckle/encourage them.
Fall festival is coming and we will be ready to serve and engage. We will have an excellent opportunity to let folk know what God is doing as we attend the various functions and serve the breakfast.
Blessings.....lots! Service two weeks ago was awesome with the baptisms that followed, God has provided a laptop and a laser printer for New Church, and it seems that all our needs are being met at just the right time.
Prayer....launch, that we share and reflect God at the fall festival, the physical and financial needs as we approach launch, that God would allow us to grow closer as we prepare for launch, kids in school (college kids too), and continued prayer for Scott and Deanna as we juggle several things right now.
God is great! His greatness allows His goodness to surpass what we think if we stop making demands of Him and allow Him to lead. God's plans and thoughts are much higher than ours, so let's not bog God down with ours but let our request be known.
Don't forget to check out the website for pix and other such info. www.newchurch4u.com
Bible study this wednesday at Scott's 7p.m.
Have a blessed Day!Scott Wolff
(A real-fallible person serving a real-infallible, awesome, and gracious God!)
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