Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Millennium
February 2009 The Newsletter of New Life United Methodist
On The Inside:
Interested in Joining the Church
Scout Sunday
Women’s Lunch Bunch
Join A Small Group
Music Guests
Music Notes from Mary Ellen
Fellowship Ministry Something exciting is happening at New Life
Job Network during the season of Lent.
Congregational Care Come and see!
Youth Stuff
Lent is the six weeks leading up to Easter. It is often a season
Wood Ministry
marked by reflection upon Jesus’ life, confession of our sins and
Worship Flowers
self denial after the example of Christ who died on the cross
Community Garden for us. Sometimes during Lent people consider what they will
Valentine Feature give up: chocolate, soft drinks, biting nails, and the list goes
Finance Committee Report on. I want to challenge you to pick up something that will help
Older Adult Ministires you grow deeper in your relationship with Christ: join the church
Church Office Hours: wide Lenten journey.
Monday - Friday
You will gain the most from the journey if you commit yourself
9:00a.m. until 3:00p.m.
during February and March to the three practices that make
Church Staff checks phone up the journey: attend a weekly small group, read and respond
messages throughout the day. to daily Scripture readings, and attend weekly worship. (Look
Pastor Maxwell is available for further in the newsletter for more information).
appointments days and eve-
nings and is glad to schedule at This church wide study is an invitation to learn six things
convenient times. everybody ought to know about God. The first disciples didn’t
Worship Opportunities: know much about Jesus when they began to invite their friends
to meet him. None of them had degrees in theology or years
Christian Education (all ages):
in Bible study. They just had the simple truth that an encounter
Sundays 9:45a.m.
with Jesus was life changing. The Gospel of John tells us that
Sunday Worship: after Philip met Jesus, he went to tell Nathaniel.
8:30a.m. and 11:00a.m.
Praise & Worship Service: “Philip said, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about
6:30p.m. on 3rd Sunday in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of
Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’
Family Night Dinner
February 22, 5:30p.m. ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’
Praise & Worship Service Nathaniel asked. ‘Come and see, said Philip.’” – John 1:45-46
to follow at 6:30p.m. Lent is a time of self-denial. You can do anything for 6 weeks.
Floris UMC Praise Team So eat all the chocolate you want, but join a small group and
will be our special guest! learn 6 Things Everybody Ought to Know About God – the
More information on whole church will be doing it – Come and see!
page4
February 2009 The New Millennium 2
Interested in joining the church?
You are invited to
Lunch with the Pastors
Sunday, February 8
12:30pm – 2pm
Whether or not you have been previously connected to a church, Lunch with the Pastors
is how you get connected in membership to New Life UMC. At this lunch you will have the
opportunity to get to know better your pastors and others who are joining the church at the
same time as well as understand what it means to be a Christian, a United Methodist, and
a member of New Life UMC. Following the Lunch, participants will have the opportunity to
decide whether or not membership is for them. If you know someone who is interested in
joining, tell them “Lunch is on us!” and to indicate their interest on the Registration pad or
call the church office at 794-4522.
New Life United Methodist Church would like to recognize the boys and girls who participate in
Scouting. They will help out in the service and participate in a responsive reading. There are no
names or groups called out during the service, so there’s no need to RSVP. Everyone is invited,
whether they attend New Life or not. The Scout is welcome to invite their group to attend!
If you would like more information, please contact Jennifer Van Derwerker at 598-9608 (Boy
Scout Sunday) or Cindy Butler, Director of Christian Education, at 379-3578 or education@
newlifeumc.org.
MUSIC NOTES
from Mary Ellen
This is a new year that the Lord has made. Even though the economy is disappointing
right now let us remember that we were created by God to worship Him. In the midst of our
plenty we often forget to be thankful for what we do have. There is an old hymn that says,
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God
has done.” As we look to God in praise, adoration, confession, and with petitions we must put
our trust in Him that He will guide and direct. As we stand at the door and knock He does hear
us and will bless us. Our mission as a church is to be a witness of Him to others that they may
know His love, peace, joy and comfort as well as His direction. I am convinced that the very
heart of God is displeased with the corruption, greed and self centeredness that are all around
us in our world today. This church will have new visions as we reach out to others in this
community and support each other in our faith walk in this new year.
When new people come to New Life UMC what kind of impressions do they get from being
in our services of worship? Are we filled with His Spirit so they see Christ in us? Let’s make a
new promise to loudly sing His praises and tell of His Love. Your heart-felt singing can reassure
others of your praise and worship of God, the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let your
songs of thanksgiving for His blessings be evident in your lives.
Do check our weekly schedule for the different music groups in this church and take
advantage of counting your blessings through music and making a positive stand for the Lord.
Come and share your gifts and talents, a good new years resolution.
February 2009 The New Millennium 5
Fellowship Ministry is Gearing Up!
With a new year comes a new, or at least revised, ministry at New Life! We are changing the
name of Family Ministry to Fellowship Ministry, so that members and friends of the church know
that this ministry is all about bringing people together in Christian fellowship, and so that we
have more opportunities to invite newcomers to our church events. Look for announcements
of Fellowship activities throughout the year, and make sure you join in on (and invite others
to!) the fun! Our first gathering was on January 18 when we ate dinner together before being
blessed by a service led by the Youth Praise and Worship Band.
The Fellowship Ministry will continue to organize the coffee and snacks offered on Sunday
mornings. If you would like to participate by bringing snacks to share, please call Mary Lou
Sybert (379-7911) or me.
This ministry will also be responsible for stocking the kitchen. If you have a need, please call
me. Personal dishes that are left after events will be placed in the bottom cabinet to the left of
the stove.
If an event is planned for the evening and you don’t like to drive at night, please call me to
let me know, and I will arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home. We want
everyone to participate in the events that are planned, and we don’t want transportation to be
an issue!
Fellowship Ministry is for everyone to enjoy, and we welcome any who are willing to help and
give ideas. Let me know if you are interested in joining our team!
Sharon Pastore
423-6476
dmpast@yahoo.com
Vacation Bible Study will be June 21- 25 and our theme is Camp E.D.G.E.
(Experience and Discover God Everywhere). As always it will be in the
evening with a snack dinner, a Bible skit , and classes/activities for all. This
is a fun family event!
Several people from New Life have already lost their jobs and several more are waiting for word about
their employment situation.
• This is how you can help with this networking mission. When you know of a full time, part time, or
temporary job opening in your organization please pass it on to Laura Adkins at cladkins@comcast.
net, 320-8358. She will post the job on the bulletin board in the Narthex at church. Supply a brief
job description, company name, address, phone number, website, and the date the job was posted,
when the posting will close, and your contact information. Every two weeks Ann Pierce or Laura
will follow up with you for a status check on the job.
• For those seeking employment: Contact Laura Adkins or Ann Pierce (piercejarhs@yahoo.com, 379-
5733) to let them know what type of employment you are seeking. They will anonymously post that
information on the bulletin board as well.
• Other resources:
The Career Transition Group hosted by Needles Eye Ministries meets weekly on Mondays and
Wednesdays at 7-8:30 am. The sessions include support, encouragement, networking, prayer
and bible study. For more information and location contact Lisa Rattner at 358-1284 or lrattner@
needleseye.org.
• Career and Connect at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, has human resource
professionals who can offer tips to aid job searches as well as a group that shares how to walk
through the emotional changes that job loss brings. The meetings are the second and fourth
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at 9155 Hungary Road, Room 122. For more information call 270-7613 or visit
goodshepherdumc.us.
Please feel free to offer other sources of information or suggestions on how we can support our friends
at New Life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Congregational Care Job Network
Do you know of employment opportunities within your company or elsewhere that you can share with
Congregational Care, for those in our church family that may be in need of work?
Help Wanted
Part-time Director of Christian Education- New Life UMC is seeking Christian based
enthusiastic leadership to recruit, train, support, and maintain participation of children,
youth and adult leaders which will provide a quality Christian education program. Previous
professional experience on a church staff is preferred. Please send your resume and letter of
intent to office@newlifeumc.org or to New Life U.M.C., Attention SPRC, 900 Old Hundred
Road, Midlothian, VA 23114
Congregational Care
Do you know of someone in our church community who is
in need of care, please contact our church office or Robin
Ann Gauthier @ 804-350-9045.
Congregational Care
Congregational Care Shepherd Ministry
Shepherd Meeting Anniversary
February 15th Reception
following 11 o’clock Sunday, March 1st
service following 11 o’clock
service
This will be a brief meeting in the narthex
for all shepherds. Hope to
Please join your shepherd and flock
see you there!
for a refreshment in celebration of
the 1st Anniversary of our Shepherd
Ministry.
February 2009 The New Millennium 8
WHAT IS G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. ALL ABOUT?
G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. is New Life UMC’S Youth Group.
We meet on Sundays:
*To be involved in MISSIONS
*Learn through DISCIPLESHIP programs
*Experience WORSHIP Youth-Style &
*To FELLOWSHIP through fun activities
Sunday, February 22nd: Praise & Worship Service Led By Floris Umc
Come out and support Pastor Mike’s former church as we listen for God through their
praises. Make plans to attend!
February 2009 The New Millennium 9
Summer Youth Mission Project
The youth of new life have a unique opportunity this coming summer. We will
incorporate a hands-on, awesome youth conference that is focused on missions
as part of our youth mission project this summer. DC/LA is a youth conference
that is an opportunity for students to join in the adventure of learning how to live
into the mission of God. It is a call to “be”, “love”, “serve”!! (please visit www.
youthspecialties website for more information on DC/LA) we will also have a free
fun day and then proceed to our mission in the inner city of Washington D.C./
Baltimore area. The dates for our mission trip are Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July
18. The mission trip will be open to all youth who have completed grades 6th-
12th. A $50 deposit is due no later than March 1st in order to secure a spot. If you
are interested in going on our mission project this summer please see Lori Epps
for a mission project packet and all the wonderful details. Also, if you are an adult
please prayerfully consider going with us as a chaperone. Your life will be changed
forever!!!
Wood Ministry
Our church is currently serving 6 or 7 families thru our wood ministry. We have been
supplying much needed firewood for several years now. Some of the families who
receive the wood not only heat with it but also cook with it.
On a cold December morning we had a wonderful group come together to serve our Lord,
by delivering and splitting wood for these families. We would like to thank Chris Kerns,
Jimy Edwards, Mike Maxwell, Ken Branum, Corinne Campbell, Chuck Stewart, Kurt
Cooper, Mike Littleton, and Trent Overvoe. We would also like to thank Robert Talley who
has helped many times make last minute deliveries and the Kling’s who have supplied a
large quantity of wood.
The wood ministry is currently accepting hardwood
donations that can be dropped off at the storage
area. Please contact Dale Scott with questions at
314-7448.
We would like you to know that the Mission
Committee is here to serve the needs of church
family, local missions and beyond. If you know of a
need please let us know.
February 2009 The New Millennium 10
You will find the new Flower Chart for 2009 on the wall behind the door to the church office.
What a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or pay tribute to a loved one.
If you have an interest in the project, please call Barbara Roe at 794-0226
or email at bobandbarbararoe@yahoo.com.
February 2009 The New Millennium 11
We are very grateful for the faithfulness of God, and God’s people, in
providing the financial resources necessary for the ministry of New
Life and our congregation. We realize that the past year was difficult
for many in our midst, but despite that, giving has remained strong. In
2008, we received the following:
We cannot overstate the importance of your gifts to the church. Although expenditures slightly
exceeded income, the stewardship of the leaders in the ministry areas kept the deficit to a minimum.
We all are facing another uncertain year, and the church is as well. In 2008 there were 76 pledges to
the general fund in the amount of about $255,500. This year pledges are significantly less – 66 pledges
for $215,250. We know from talking to some of our members that they do not feel they can pledge this
year because of the economic uncertainty, but they will continue to donate to the church as they are
able.
The budget that the Finance Committee is recommending to the Church Council is basically unchanged
from the 2008 budget, which was $323,462. The Staff Parish Relations Committee has kept all staff
members at the same salary level as in 2008 and only the Apportionments that we pay to the Richmond
District and Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church have increased. Still the budget is significantly
underfunded by the pledges to date. Therefore, we ask that if there are any changes in your financial
status that you communicate with Paul Davis, the Financial Secretary, any increase or decrease in your
financial support to the church. You may reach Paul Davis at 897-5671 or paul@postal-pal.com
We are trusting that God will provide the resources to continue the work of NLUMC. Thank you for your
continued faithfulness in sharing what He has given to you.
In Christ,
Dave Bailey
Our family would like to thank you for all Thank you New Life Family for
the thoughts, prayers and kindness during the shawl. It brings warmth of
Paris’ recovery from back surgery. It is so your love.
nice to know that people were thinking of us
during this time. Paris is doing well and we June Veith
are hoping for a speedy recovery. Thanks
again!
New Life
Older Adult Ministries Council
Be ready for fun and excitement!
We are not retired but re-treaded!!
Lunch Bunch
WE WISH TO GIVE GREAT THANKS TO OLIVE JANE STILLER, who
has always made our arrangements and taken our reservations ever
since the Lunch Brunch began. She has been so faithful in serving us
in this way. It is time to give her a break. Now the arrangements will
be made by someone different each month. At our January lunch we passed around a sign-up
list and it was filled for the whole year. Thank you to each of the volunteers who took a month.
REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR NEWSLETTER EACH MONTH TO FIND WHO TO MAKE YOUR
RESERVATION WITH.
This month, on the 2nd Sunday of February, the 8th , we will have our monthly lunch out after
Church Service at TOPEKA’S STEAKHOUSE at 4731 Brad McNeer Parkway off of Rt. 360 in the
Brandermill area. Come and enjoy the great fellowship and fun we always have. This time please
make your reservation with Loyce Edwards at 794-4570 or by e-mail at le1022@cavtel.net by
Friday Feb. 6. Call Olive Jane only if you want to; make your reservation as stated above. Thanks
and we will see you there; come HUNGRY.
Office:
804-794-4522
office@newlifeumc.org
Rev. Mike Maxwell:
pastor@newlifeumc.org
www.newlifeumc.org