Prebyterian Church In America – Our denomination.
Heaven – How Can I Know For Sure? - (Evangelism Explosion Flash page)
October 2008
Monthly Archive
Date: October 26th, 2008
Length: 20:32
Scripture: Romans 3:26
Speaker: Pastor Dennis J. Gill
Date: October 19th, 2008
Length: 36:09
Scripture: Romans 3:25
Speaker: Pastor Dennis J. Gill
Our Nursing Home Ministry is one way we reach out to others in our community with Jesus’ love. If you would like to join us as we visit some special elderly residents who enjoy having company, contact Sue Mascara.
We support many Missionaries who are laboring around the world to share the good news of Jesus. The missions organization of our denomination is Mission to the World, but we also support missionaries sent through other agencies.
We are thrilled to be able to send one of our own members, Megan Stehle, on a short-term mission assignment!
Our Jr. High Group has now been combined with our Pioneer Club.
More information under Pioneer Club.
Pioneer Clubs are a ministry for elementary children. The clubs are similar to Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, but with a focus on Jesus.
The children in Pioneer Club earn both Bible Awards and Acitivity Badges, while learning to live for Christ. We meet on Thursday Evenings from 6:30-8:00P.M. It is for children who were 4 yrs. old by the start of this past school year-6th grade. We have four classes: Pre-K and Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade, and 5th and 6th grade. We have special events throughout the year as well. The schedule, as of now for the second half of the year is as follows:
* Thursday, March 25th Award & Recognition Night (closing)
The Pioneer Club theme verse for this year is:
“Come see what God has done, how awesome his works on man’s behalf.” Psalm 66:5
We’re excited to see what God is doing in our Youth Sunday School! There are classes for each age group, with a teacher and assistant in each room. The classes are designed to lead young people to know Jesus and the truth of the Bible through age-appropriate material. The growth of the Sunday School has motivated us to move toward adding to our building in order to better love and serve others as the family of God.
God has welcomed us into His “forever family,” and we especially welcome your family. We urge Moms and Dads to share the worship of God with their children, but on Sundays there is an excellent nursery available if this would help you concentrate better on God’s Word. The nursery is for children up to 3 years of age.
WIC is a spiritual mentoring and outreach ministry which focuses on the spiritual growth of women and the blessing of Christian sisterhood.
Women’s Bible Study
Women’s Bible study currently meets on Wednesday mornings
9:30 A.M. -11:30 A.M.
We are currently doing a Phillip Yancy Study
“The Jesus I Never Knew”
Child Care is provided at a minimal cost.
Mother/Daughter/Friend Banquet
Every May, WIC sponsors a Mother/Daughter/Friend banquet with a chosen theme, which exhorts women to lead a godly Christian life.
There are several opportunities for men to gather for ministry.
Other men’s breakfast opportunities are
Tuesday 6:30am at Lumpy’ Devotions, and discussion,
Wednesday 6:00am at NLPC for prayer and a cup of coffee
Thursday 6:30am Kings in Greensburg
Friday 7:00am Kings in Monroeville
For more information, contact the church by email (office@newlifepresbyterian.org.
We strongly encourage our congregation together in one of our several Small Groups twice a month. These groups meet in a home in different areas of town on different days of the week. Each is led by someone familiar with leading a small group, and most groups are attended by a church Elder. These groups take time to study the Bible in various formats, pray together, and learn to love one another better.
The different Small Groups are listed in the bulletin with the leaders’ phone numbers, or you may contact the church office by phone (724-744-4760) or email (office@newlifepresbyterian.org) for further information.
SMALL GROUP STUDIES
(Most groups meet from approximately 7 to 9 in the evening)
LEVEL GREEN – at the SEKERA home, 1ST Monday of the Month
TOPIC: Truth Project
TREASURE HUNTERS – WESTERVELT 2ND & 4TH Wednesday
TOPIC: TBD
NEW LIFERS – BOUQUET – GILL’S 2nd & 4th Tuesday’s
GILL’S HOME
TOPIC: The Life Of David
KING’S KLAN - ANDERSONS 2nd & 4th Tuesday’s
This Group Meets in Different Homes each Month within 10 miles of NLPCA
TOPIC: Truth Project
THE SEEKERS – JOHNCOUR’S probably a Thursday
This group meets in various homes
TOPIC: TBD
* TBD To be determined.
TO INITIATE A NEW SMALL GROUP CONTACT DENNIS
dennis@newlifepresbyterian.org
Sunday School is an exciting area for us. For adults there are 4 to 5 classes each quarter. Our aim is to help promote Christian maturity.
We regularly challenge believers to commit to growing in Christ. There are four areas which make up a mature Christian are mirrored in a series of four core classes. One of these curriculum classes is offered each quarter. (They are run consecutively each year.)
First is a basic Christian Beliefs class which challenges us to have faith in Christ alone for eternal life.
Second is a Christian Habits class. This class challenges us to establish good Christian habits that give us a foundation to grow.
Third is a Commitment to Ministry. This class helps us to discover our spiritual gifts.
Fourth is the class asking for a Commitment to Mission. Here we are challenged to commit ourselves to leading and loving others toward faith in Jesus.
We also offer a direct Study of the Bible each quarter. We believe it is vital that the Family of God be fed the Word of God.
There is also a Theology class offered most quarters.
There is a class on Basic Christian Beliefs offered most quarters for folks who are new to the church. To be a member of NLPCA church one needs simple be a Christian. There is are 5 vows one takes which are simple Christian faith,…I am a sinner… I trust in Jesus Christ alone as savior and Lord etc. The class however also covers many of the beliefs we believe the bible teaches. Though only offices must accept all these we offer this class by way of open discussion so that new members know who we are.
June 5 Cedar Creek Pk. Bike/Hike Picnic ~ 11-4 ~ Pavilion 19
June 27 After Service Luncheon ~ Sponsored by Small Groups
June 27-July 2 Vacation Bible School
Aug. 14 Oak Hollow Park Picnic
Aug. 29 After Service Luncheon ~ Sponsored by Small Groups
Oct. 23 “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Oct. 31 After Service Luncheon ~ Sponsored by Small Groups
Nov. 6 Thanksgiving Dinner
Our various efforts in Mercy Ministries are primarily led by our board of deacons, who respond to needs in our church family and the community around us.
Date: October 12th, 2008
Length:45:45
Scripture: Romans 3:25
Speaker: Pastor Dennis J. Gill
The purpose of this frequently asked question list is to answer some of the common questions about the building program. If you have a question that you don’t see here, please email it to: buildingfaq@newlifepresbyterian.org
1. What does this project involve?
This first phase of the project involves building a fellowship hall with new kitchen. The project will allow us to have fellowship events in a separate building decreasing the wear on the worship hall and on us. It will also enable us to expand any community events and recreational ministries that we do.
Eventually this will allow us to expand the worship hall, moving the library and some Sunday school rooms to the fellowship hall. It will also make for an easier transition when we add on the new education wing to complete the project.
2. How much will the project cost?
This first phase has an estimated cost of $800,000. This does not include any deductions for in-kind gifts of materials or labor. The entire project will eventually cost approximately $1,200,000.
3. How will the project be funded?
All things come from the Lord, who has placed the funding for this project in your hands. We see the funding coming from three sources. One is a prayerful pledge commitment of this congregation. This would be based on a ( 3 ) three year commitment, which we pray would raise the equivalent of one and a half times the annual church income. Second would be donations of in-kind gifts of material and labor. And finally, we anticipate borrowing $200,000, as approved at our annual congregational meeting. This amount would be less than or equal to the amount that was borrowed for for the original church building.
4. How will parking be accommodated?
Arrangements have been made in the planning of this phased project to maintain at least as many parking spaces as we presently have and eventually to increase that number substantially.
5. Does the project have multiple phases?
Our project consists of two phases. The first includes the fellowship hall with stage and new kitchen and two new bathrooms. The second stage will include the lower level parking and an education wing consisting of 10 class rooms.
6. When will the project start, when will it be completed, and how will the construction affect the use of the building and parking?
This trigger point has been set at $400,000. This trigger point is to be a sum of the balance of the building fund plus the pledges committed. An additional $200,000 of anticipated additional mortgage financing added with the trigger point amount of $400,000 would provide the minimum amount of funding required to commence construction.
7. Who do I contact to arrange a charitable trust?
One can call the Presbyterian Church in America Foundation at 800-700-3221. They are our denomination experts in this field and would be very glad to assist you. You may also talk with Jeff Ford about this matter.
8. How and when do I make my commitment?
We are praying that the majority of the congregation will be prepared to pledge their support by the end of August31, 2007. By then we will have had an opportunity to present the vision, project and needs in small gatherings sponsored by the small groups, in a few opportunities during Sunday school and at one large gathering.
9. Can I make a non-cash gift?
Yes, non-cash gifts, such as appreciated stocks, may be a wise choice for some; since the gains on such donated stocks are not taxable. We recommend you consult with your tax advisor. Again, we suggest you speak with Jeff Ford if you have questions about doing this.
Further, appropriate in-kind gifts are very welcome. Mr. Mark Gibbon is responsible for this area. You can contact Mark about what gifts would be appropriate and when to donate them Mark can be contacted at mgibbon@gmail.com.
10. Are the pledges part of the regular church Budget?
Our pledges are not to be part of our regular church budget. We will continue to do the work of the ministry throughout this project and be increasing the ministry after it is completed. The church budget is the funding for the work of the ministry; our pledges need to be beyond and above our regular giving to the church budget.
11. What are the dates of the capital campaign?
The work of the capital campaign has begun with the work of the BFC (Building Finance Committee). The campaign pledges for this first phase of the project are expected to be collected over a period of three years.
12. Is there anything that I can do, besides pledging, to help the campaign?
The most important thing we can each do in relation to this project is to pray consistently, fervently, and frequently for the project.
It will also be important to walk close with the Lord Jesus and be especially gracious to one another during this time. Building projects often give opportunity for spiritual growth. But they can also allow elements of our sinful natures to rise to the surface. This project will be a real spiritual challenge.
13. Is this a Pledge that someone will be monitoring?
There are a very limited number of people who will know the pledge specifics. Of course, the confidentiality of any pledge information will be carefully guarded. However a pledge is a real promise with a real expectation of its fulfillment.
14. I can’t remember the details of the new church building plans. Is there somewhere that I can see the new plans?
Yes the building floor plans, site plans and our views have been posted n the entrance hall of the church.
15. Is my pledge a part of my regular tithe?
A pledge to this special project is not to be part of your regular giving to the work of the Lord here at NLPCA (tithe).Giving to buildings specifically for the work of the Lord has been by free will offering since the first temple where “the people rejoiced…for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord” ( I Chronicles 19:1-9).
16. Will fundraisers be used for this project?
We use fundraisers exclusively for mission projects and the like. We believe it is our responsibility to use our resources to support the regular work and growth of the church.
17. How will we fund the additional operating costs for the new buildings?
We have anticipated an increase in the operational budget of the church. We have had a steadily growing budget and are praying this will cover the additional costs.
18. Can I have my pledges deducted from my bank account automatically?
If you are interested in this option we can provide you with more details.
19. Where can I see the progress we have made in this grace that God is giving, fund raising.
There will be a regular post on the New Building page of the website and regular updates in the bulletin and Beacon.
20. Why are the multipurpose area and the additional classrooms needed?
We believe God has placed us in a growing community which affords us many opportunities for ministry. These facilities will enable us to grow into these increased opportunities for ministry in various ways.
We believe we have the most important news ever and these facilities will give us more opportunity in obedience to Jesus’ Commission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
We can only imagine the many opportunities these buildings will afford us to serve and to love. Our purpose is clear in our Mission Statement:
“To Love and Worship God, To Proclaim Biblical Truth, To Love and Serve others as the Family of God.”
Many of you have noticed and some of you are in fact a part of the new life which has grown here at NLPCA since we began to worship in this building in 1997.
20. How much should I give?
We would not want to inhibit any from exercising their gift of generosity or limit the blessing of God’s promise to those who give “for God loves a cheerful giver.”
We are each being asked to give prayerful consideration to what God is asking of us. This is a gift above and beyond a sacrificial gift. This is an opportunity for growth in our personal spiritual life as well as enabling NLPCA to grow in ministry both among our family and in the community. We believe the Lord will lead you in this gift of appreciation for all he has done and as part of your service to Jesus, our Lord.
Our prayer is that by the blessing of the Holy Spirits work in our hearts we might experience miracle of the Macedonian churches which Paul speaks of in II Corinthians 8:1-5
“1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
“He (Jesus) who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave … to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up … speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:10-16
For several years now, our mission has been expressed as “to Love and Worship God, to proclaim Biblical Truth, to Love and Serve others, as the Family of God.” As God has continued His work in this, His family, we as a congregation have come to believe that we need to add more space as we continue our faithfulness to His work among us and in our community.
The biblical principle we have chosen for our venture is found in Ephesians 4:10-16: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
The Associate Coordinator for the PCA’s Mission to North America, Fred Marsh, explains the opportunity we face with these words: “This reality is based on one simple truth: The church is God’s special instrument through which He begins and completes His work. Entire nations and even cultures come and go throughout history, yet the Church of Jesus Christ remains. In each generation, the Lord calls out His people and equips them to reach others with the Gospel. You are a vital part of that church. The Lord has blessed each of us with time, talent and treasure to use for His praise …to use for the advancement of His Church.”
Now we, New Life Presbyterian Church, approach another step in what God is doing among us and in our community. The members of the Building Finance Committee will be seeking to explain the challenge and opportunity before us. We pray that this will help you form a framework for considering and praying over how our Lord would have you participate.
In the coming months, we will be providing the opportunity to discuss the details surrounding this venture and asking for your pledge of support. We invite your active participation in small gatherings designed for open, informative conversation. There will be opportunities for large group discussions and individual questions and conversations. Printed material will be available shortly.
We believe it is wise to have a target date for an indication of what you believe God is asking of you with regard to supporting our expansion. We believe prayer is where we first open the door for the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. We ask you to begin to pray earnestly about the Fellowship Hall Addition, Phase I. As God calls us to His work, we will be sharing further details, suggestions, opportunities and dates.
Date: October 5th, 2008
Length: 39:13
Scripture: Job 19
Guest Speaker: C.J. Williams
C.J. Williams is a professor at The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary