A New Location This Sunday

New Life is meeting at a new location this week. In the 18 months of our life we have met in a lot of different places…a ballroom, Veterans Hall, coffee shops, lofts, Loose Park - and now we are heading over to the building we will eventually call “home” at least temporarily. For the present, we have access to use the 10^th floor for our Sunday services.

One of the characteristics of the New Life body has been flexibility. This new temporary location will provide the best facilities we have had so far…with a large space for the auditorium, kids space and nursery. I hope you can come on Sunday and check it out!

I want to use this time to give you an update in regard to the ministry progress and needs as well. The ministries below have been started and are powered by a strong desire to build deep, meaningful relationships for God’s glory. They are functional, however we can use more help in every area:

Kids Ministry – Stu and Terri Land continue to lead this remarkably well. As we have expanded space we will have expanded opportunities for the kids.

Teen Ministry – Mike and Myrriam are adding helpers and sponsors. In addition to weekly Bible study and regular activities, the teens are planning a mission’s trip to Haiti in August of 2009.

Fam Jam Ministry – Dave Thompson and the crew continues to have an awesome ministry every Sunday over at Chouteau Courts. There is a growing group of kids and adults that are taking steps to be more committed. Each week we have between 50-75 participants in the program.

Music Ministry – During the month of October we divided the music responsibilities between four different teams that are in charge of selecting music and then leading the congregation in worship one week per month. It has been awesome to follow the lead of many different members of the New Life body.

Real Life Downtown – We have continued to grow the monthly luncheons and have also added a Bible study on site at Hallmark with an average of 30 attending every week. We have plans to expand to more companies soon….this has been an incredible opportunity. For more info see www.reallifedowntown.org.

Women’s Ministry – This weekend the women are holding their first retreat. It will be held downtown at the Alladdin Hotel. A special thanks to Sarah Totta for leading the charge on the retreat and to Penny Bennett for leading the fall study.

The Dwelling – The Sunday night group has grown with the location at the Blend Coffee Shop. Bob Gibler has finished up a study on Ephesians and is currently leading a study on the history and compilation of the Bible.

Men’s Leadership Study – Every Saturday morning the men have been meeting to discuss The Treasure Principle, hold each other accountable and study the Biblical role of deacons.

Foundations for Life – We just finished the sixth and final introduction classes to New Life. There were a total of about 20 attendees on Tuesday night and Sunday morning. If you are interested in learning more about New Life we will offer this class again soon.

Small Groups – We have recently expanded to seven small groups located downtown, North Kansas City, Independence, Blue Springs, Lees Summit and Kansas City/Raytown. If you are interested in attending or leading a study there is more information on the web site.

Relocation – Over the past few months many of the New Life body have volunteered time and donated money to the new space. This has provided great opportunity for fellowship and teamwork. We stand committed to defining the church as the people and not a location.

Additional Ministries – Many of the New Life family are active in the prayer team, hospitality team, We are in the planning stages for a video ministry team, Friday night Bible study, introduction to foster parenting class, homeless outreach and whatever other opportunities God opens up :)!

Each of the above opportunities and ministry teams are connected to New Life because of the lives they represent and influence. Soon I will share some of the many different stories of lives that are being changed every day by the grace of God and the faithfulness of the New Life family. I hope you have a great weekend! I will be hanging out with my three daughters while the women have fun…