New Life Community

NLC Connect - April 1, 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:13:02 +0000

connect with God's Word

connect your calendar

THURSDAY, APR. 2:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, APR. 3:
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Created New" Kids' Art Event - Family Center
6:15-6:45 p.m. - Good Friday Prayer Service - West Foyer

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5:
6:30 a.m. - Community Sunrise Service - Rose Ann Vuich Park Bandshell
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:15 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Extended time this week!
Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Kids check in and attend the service before being dismissed to their classes and an egg hunt; kids' pick up location will be announced Sunday morning
Baptisms!

No Youth Group or GriefShare Support Group this week

TUESDAY, APR. 7:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, APR. 8:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, APR. 9:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY/SATURDAY, APR. 10-11:
Celebration for World Relief at Fresno Pacific University - for events, schedule, food options, maps, etc., please visit westcoastmccsale.org (volunteers are also needed in the booths and for clean-up!)

SUNDAY, APRIL 12:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class (last session on 2 Peter) - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT Coffee & Conversation - Patio
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room & Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, APR. 14:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study series' end party - Room 114/115
2:30 p.m. - Final Good News Club meeting for this school year - Jefferson School
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (3/29): …....... $2,436
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $208,546
Budget to date: ……………...........……..…...….. $242,078
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……....…….. $9,593

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she recovers at home and does physical therapy, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Karen Madrid is thankful for healing; pray for Manuel Madrid as he waits for more tests and a surgery date.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: John Regier (back in his patio home and saying "God is so great--He answers prayer!"), Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, and those attending GriefShare.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

The Valley Before the Resurrection

The other day, my youngest asked me a question while we were listening to “Flowers” by Samantha Ebert.
There is a line near the end of the song that says:
“When I'm on the mountain and looking down below I'll see a valley of flowers that needed time to grow. I’ll thank You for the rain, the hurt, and days of pain…”
she asked, “Why would someone be thankful for pain?”
Honestly, it’s a question many of us are still asking.
And it feels especially fitting during Holy Week.
Before the resurrection, there was a valley.
Jesus walked through betrayal, suffering, and the cross before the empty tomb. We often want to skip ahead to Easter—but Holy Week reminds us that God does not rush past pain.
Because something grows there.
As I tried to answer her, I said, “Sometimes the hard things are what God uses to grow something beautiful in us.”
Not because pain is good—but because God is faithful.
Just like flowers need rain, our lives are often shaped in the valleys. And when we look back, we may begin to see that those hard seasons were not empty—they were growing something.
This Holy Week, may we trust that God is present in the valley, even when we cannot yet see what He is growing. May we hold onto the quiet hope that the story is not finished.
Because the cross was not the end--
Sunday is coming.
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” — Matthew 28:6

NLC Connect - March 25, 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:53:24 +0000

connect with God's Word

At New Life Community, church isn’t just something we attend—it’s something we experience together.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 25:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 26:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 29:
(Salt & Light Class resumes April 12 to conclude study of 2 Peter)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio (Easter basket donations are due today--return filled baskets to the cart in the patio)
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (BBQ chicken, rice pilaf and brownies will be provided by our Kitchen crew; please bring a salad large enough to serve 8-10 people to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207/Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

MONDAY, MAR. 30:
9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - YFC Kids' VBS Event - Gym

TUESDAY, MAR. 31:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - YFC Kids' VBS Event - Gym

WEDNESDAY, APR. 1:
9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - YFC Kids' VBS Event - Gym
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, APR. 2:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, APR. 3:
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Created New" Kids' Art Event - Family Center
6:15-6:45 p.m. - Good Friday Prayer Service - Patio or West Foyer

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5:
6:30 a.m. - Community Sunrise Service - Rose Ann Vuich Park Bandshell
9:15 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Extended time this week!
Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Kids check in and attend the service before being dismissed to their classes and an egg hunt

Sermon series for March as we prepare for the Good News of Easter!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (3/22): …........ $4,114
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $206,110
Budget to date: ………………........…..…...….. $234,009
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $9,282

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she recovers at home and does physical therapy, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Karen Madrid is thankful for healing; pray for Manuel Madrid as he waits for more tests and a surgery date.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: John Regier, Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, and those attending GriefShare.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Created New: An invitation worth sharing

There is something powerful about an invitation.
Not just any invitation—but one that carries hope, love, and the promise of something new.
This Sunday, we experienced a glimpse of that kind of invitation in such a beautiful way.
On Sunday morning, something special happened.
Our kids paused in the middle of service. The room grew quiet. Together, we prayed and asked the Lord a simple but meaningful question:
“Who can I invite? Who is that one person that I want to know Jesus?”
One by one, names and faces came to their hearts. We began to share their names out loud.
Friends. Neighbors. Classmates. Family members.
They went home with special invitation bags—filled with a reminder of our Easter theme, “Created New,” along with an invitation to our Good Friday kids event and Easter service. But more than that, they carried something deeper: a sense that God wanted to use them to reach someone else.
It was a holy moment—watching children listen for God’s voice and respond with courage.
And later that evening, our youth stepped into that same invitation in a powerful way.
Led by Mike and Nori Naylor, they spent time praying over homes in our community and leaving Easter invitations. Each door they approached wasn’t just a house, but a place where God’s love could enter in a new way.
Simple acts. Faithful steps. Eternal impact.
And it’s a reminder for all of us.
Sometimes we overthink invitations. We worry about what to say, how someone might respond, or whether it will make a difference. But the truth is, God doesn’t ask us to have all the answers—He simply asks us to be willing.
Scripture reminds us:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Easter is the celebration of that very truth—that through Jesus, we are made new. And that’s not something meant to be kept to ourselves.
It’s something we share.
There’s a line from a worship song that echoes this beautifully:

“Take me back to where we started, I open up my heart to You.”

What if your invitation is the moment someone opens their heart to Jesus?
What if a simple text, a conversation, or even handing someone an invite becomes the doorway to transformation?
This week, we want to encourage you to do what our kids and youth modeled so well:
Pause.
Pray.
Ask God, “Who can I invite?”
And then take that step.
You don’t have to do it perfectly—you just have to do it faithfully.
Because an invitation might seem small…
…but it can change everything.

NLC Connect - March 18, 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:48:57 +0000

connect with God's Word

Saturday evening our youth gathered for a worship night. It was a really special evening as students came together to worship, pray, and spend time with one another.
On Sunday, we celebrated the kids who completed their February Bible reading challenge with Donuts with the Deacons. The morning was full of laughter, donuts, balloon volleyball, and temporary tattoos as we celebrated their commitment to spending time in God’s Word.
Our youth also had a fun Easter Paint Night, where everyone got to hang out, paint, and enjoy time together while getting excited for the Easter season.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 19:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MARCH 22:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Check out a basket and fill it with candy, eggs, or basket filler items, and pray for the kids before returning it by next Sunday, March 29.

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Baptism interest meeting - Room 114/115 (immediately following the service)
(Today's New Members' Class has been postponed)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207/Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 24:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 25:
(Red Cross emergency preparedness drill on campus)
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 26:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 29:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (last session on 2 Peter)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio (Easter basket donations are due today--return filled baskets to the cart in the patio)
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (BBQ chicken, rice pilaf and brownies will be provided by our Kitchen crew; please bring a salad large enough to serve 8-10 people to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207/Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

MONDAY, MAR. 30:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. - YFC Open Gym for high school & middle school youth - Gym

TUESDAY, MAR. 31:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
10 a.m.-3 p.m. - YFC Open Gym for high school & middle school youth - Gym

Sermon series for March as we prepare for the Good News of Easter!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (3/15): …......... $7,140
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $201,995
Budget to date: ……………….........…..…...….. $225,940
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $9,067

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she recovers at home and does physical therapy, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Pray for Karen Madrid as she recovers from surgery, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for her and waits for a surgery date.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: John Regier, Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

NLC Connect - March 11, 2026

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:09:07 +0000

connect with God's Word

We love gathering for Sunday service at NLC. So grateful that we have space for all ages and stages to learn about Jesus!
Our Sunday night youth class took some time to pray in preparation for the Youth Worship night.
LIFT enjoyed fellowship and Bible study on Tuesday morning. What a great space for community and growing closer to Jesus!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 11:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 12:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, MAR. 14:
6:00 p.m. - Youth Worship Night, sponsored by Youth For Christ - Worship Center (event starts at 5:15 with tacos on the patio!)

SUNDAY, MARCH 15:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Archie Copeland

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207/Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 17:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 19:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MARCH 22:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Check out a basket and fill it with candy, eggs, or basket filler items, and pray for the kids before returning it by Sunday, March 29.

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:30 a.m. - New Members' Class - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207/Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 24:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115

Sermon series for March as we prepare for the Good News of Easter!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (3/8): …........ $5,268
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $194,855
Budget to date: ………………….............…...….. $217,870
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,990

Total income as of 2/28 (all budget sources): .. $202,389
Total expenses as of 2/28 (budgeted): ……......… $189,326

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she recovers at home and does physical therapy, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Pray for Karen Madrid as she recovers from surgery, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for her and waits for a surgery date.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: John Regier, Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Hard Seasons

There are seasons in life that feel heavy.
Not the everyday kind of hard—the kind that comes with busy schedules, long days, or unexpected inconveniences. I’m talking about the deeper kind of hard. The kind that settles into your heart. The kind that makes you question, wrestle, and sometimes simply sit in silence because you don’t have the words.
Lately, I’ve been walking through a hard season.
And when you’re in those moments, it’s easy to wonder where God is in the middle of it all. You pray. You reflect. You search for meaning. Sometimes you feel peace, and other times you simply feel tired.
But something about this time of year has been grounding me.
As we move toward Easter, we spend more time thinking about Jesus’ journey to the cross. It’s easy to rush past that part of the story because we know how it ends. We know that resurrection is coming. We know that the tomb will be empty.
But before resurrection came suffering.
Before hope broke through, there was heartbreak.
Before the empty tomb, there was the cross.
Jesus Himself walked through a season of deep anguish. In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed with such intensity that Scripture tells us He was in great distress. He knew what was ahead of Him. He knew the suffering He would face.
And yet He walked forward.
Not because it was easy, but because God was working through it.
One verse that has been sitting with me lately is Romans 8:28:
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
It doesn’t say all things are good.
It doesn’t say we will always see the good while we’re in the middle of it.
But it does promise that in all things, God is still at work.
Lately I’ve also found myself reflecting on the song “Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me.” There’s something about that simple reminder that has been grounding me in this season—that whatever strength I have, whatever hope rises again, whatever courage helps me take the next step… it isn’t coming from my own striving.
If you’re walking through something heavy, here is the hope I’m holding onto:
I don’t have enough on my own.
But Christ in me is enough.
Not my strength — but His.
Not my endurance — but His.
Not my light — but His light shining in the darkness.
As we move toward Easter, I’m reminded that the cross was not the end of the story. What looked like defeat was actually the place where God was doing His deepest work. And in the same way, the hard seasons we walk through are not wasted. Even when we can’t yet see how, God is still working—shaping, restoring, and redeeming in ways we may only understand later.
So when the road feels long, I’m learning to hold onto this quiet truth:
I don’t have to carry it all.
Christ carries me.
And step by step, day by day, I keep moving forward—trusting that the same Savior who walked through suffering, through the cross, and into resurrection is the same Savior walking with me now.
Yet not I — but Christ in me.
And one day, when the journey is complete, I know the story will end the same way it began—with Jesus faithful every step of the way.

NLC Connect - March 4, 2026

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:51:43 +0000

connect with God's Word

Good News Club volunteers continue to share the message of Jesus with kids in our community!
Sunday Morning Highlights:
Kids are also helping teachers prepare classrooms before service on Sunday mornings. Thanks for serving, kids!
We’re grateful for the kids and families who participated in Bible Buddy Adoption Day and continued the practice at home by reading Bible stories and passages from Scripture together. It’s encouraging to see so many of our kiddos reading the Bible at home! As an extra incentive, kids have the opportunity to earn breakfast with our deacon team.
Our church community is also kicking off the Easter season by adopting Easter baskets to fill with goodies. The baskets will remain in the courtyard on Sunday mornings until they have all been adopted.
Our worship team continues to do an amazing job leading us in worship each Sunday morning.
On Sunday night, our youth enjoyed some exciting gym games along with a lesson focused on friendship.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 5:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, MAR. 7: Turn clocks ahead one hour tonight as Daylight Savings Time begins!

SUNDAY, MARCH 8:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Check out a basket and fill it with candy, eggs, or basket filler items, and pray for the kids before returning it by Sunday, March 29.

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 10:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 11:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 12:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, MAR. 14:
6:00 p.m. - Youth Worship Night, sponsored by Youth For Christ - Worship Center (event starts at 5:15 with tacos on the patio!)

SUNDAY, MARCH 15:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Archie Copeland

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 17:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Sermon series for March as we prepare for the Good News of Easter!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (3/1): ….......... $5,520
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $189,587
Received for Deacon Care Fund: ……...……… $205
Budget to date: …………………............…...….. $209,801
Needed weekly to meet budget: ….….…….. $8,847

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese (especially to regain elbow flexibility) as she recovers at home, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Pray for Karen Madrid as she recovers from surgery, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for her and waits for a surgery date. Eugene Enns wishes to thank the church family for their prayers on his behalf for a successful surgery and complete recovery--God is good.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: John Regier, Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Connect to following Jesus

Over the next couple of weeks we'll hear from several of our teens who attended Winter camp at Hume this year. The first teen we will hear from is Alyza Dover.

Hi I'm Alyza! Our speaker at Hume was Grant Todd from Shadow Mountain Community in San Diego CA. and he is the founder of First Things First Ministries at his church. He is passionate about equipping families and churches to make disciples. He was amazing!

The first day of Hume Lake, Grant Todd spoke from Book of Genesis and honestly, it hit me hard. It didn’t feel like just a message I was hearing. It felt like God was speaking straight to me, like every word was meant for my life right then. I could feel Him moving in my heart, and it made me really think about how I’m living.

But what really got me wasn’t just the teaching — it was how God started showing me the truth about some of my friendships. I realized some of the friends I thought were really close weren’t actually helping me follow Jesus. That was kind of painful to see, but it was real, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it. Listening to Grant talk about being a disciple made me see that God wants me to be around people who encourage me in my faith, not people who pull me away from Him.

It was emotional — I won’t lie. I felt a lot during those sessions, but it wasn’t about feeling good or having a “camp moment.” It was about God showing me what really matters and giving me clarity about my life and the people I let in it.

I left camp feeling different — more aware, more honest with myself, and more determined to let God guide my choices, even when it’s hard. Grant’s teaching really helped me see that following Jesus isn’t just about what I say or do at church; it’s about the people I surround myself with and how I let God work in my everyday life.

I also got the chance to talk personally with Grant and his wife for a few minutes, and it was incredible. They actually listened to me, asked about my life, and prayed with me. It wasn’t just advice from a stage — it felt personal and real, like they genuinely cared about what God was doing in me. That conversation stuck with me, and it made me feel even more encouraged to follow Him fully.

To anyone reading this who’s trying to figure out their faith or their friendships: pay attention to what God is showing you. Don’t just follow the crowd or stay comfortable. Let Him guide your heart and the people you spend your time with. He wants what’s best for you, and sometimes that means making hard choices — but it’s always worth it.

NLC Connect - Feb. 25, 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:59:54 +0000

connect with God's Word

Campus Life held their annual banquet on Friday evening. We are grateful for the stories that were shared and for the many lives being impacted through the ministry of Campus Life. It is always encouraging to celebrate what God is doing in and through this community.
Sunday was filled with joyful connection, including train rides, a family lunch, and karaoke. We are thankful for the laughter, fellowship, and opportunities to gather together as a church family. Sunday mornings at New Life Community continue to be a special time of worship, community, and celebration.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25: (Prayer Group is cancelled this week)

THURSDAY, FEB. 26:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MARCH 1:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion Sunday
Offering for the Deacon Care Fund, and donations of nonperishable food and cleaning products welcome for the Sharing Hands Pantry

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAR. 3:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAR. 5:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, MAR. 7: Turn clocks ahead one hour tonight as Daylight Savings Time begins!

SUNDAY, MARCH 8:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

Sermon series for March as we prepare for the Good News of Easter!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (2/22): …...... $5,466
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $184,067
Budget to date: ………………….............…...….. $201,732
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,724

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese in the hospital following an accident, John Regier as he continues to recover, and others who have been ill or are caring for loved ones. Pray for Karen Madrid as she recovers from surgery, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for her and waits for a surgery date. Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Eugene Enns asks for prayer for complete healing following his recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. The GriefShare support group meets on Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115. The graveside service for Rosella Isaak will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 11:00 AM at the Reedley cemetery.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Connect to the HRC

Below is a transcript from the Home Resource Center Presentation from this past Sunday. Cece Olea did an amazing job sharing how much the HRC has grown and ways we as a Church can support this important ministry.

I want to take a few minutes to share about the growth and impact of what God has been doing through the HRC.

As some of you may know, the Home Resource Center started as a response to a real need in our community.

Families at Open Gate were moving into empty spaces with no beds, no couches, no tables, just a house, but not yet a home.

And we believed that we,
as the church,
could help change that.

In fact, we made a commitment to step in and help fill this need in our community.

And every year, this church has stepped up.

Since 2021, the Home Resource Center has grown by nearly 648%.

To date, we have served 153 families.

That means more children with beds to sleep in.
  More families sitting together at a table.
  More homes filled with dignity.

Behind every one of those numbers is a real story.

A single parent starting over.

A family rebuilding after hardship. 
Someone finally getting a fresh start.

And this ministry has grown because of YOU.

Because you saw a need and chose to respond.

Now we’re stepping into a new season and we need your help.

We are beginning to share the story of the Home Resource Center more intentionally throughout the community.

We have formed community partnerships through CarePortal who works with Child Welfare Services, and Parenting Network here in Dinuba.

We’re renewing our relationships with the fire and police departments.

And just recently, we have begun attending the Dinuba Unified Stakeholders meetings and are beginning to see how the HRC can be a blessing to the families suffering hardships in the community.

We are also trying develop a network with other nonprofits on how we can refer HRC recipients to receive services such as resume assistance and job skills.

We also have a new page on our website.
All you need to do is:
Go to: newlifedinuba.org
Click the 'Connect' tab
Select 'Home Resource Center'
Or visit directly: newlifedinuba.org/homeresourcecenter
We are also on social media so that more people can learn about us and can get involved.

You can follow us on IG @nlchomeresourcecenter
Through these platforms and partnership, people can:
  • See the impact happening in real time  • Learn what items are needed  • Share posts with family and friends  • Invite coworkers and neighbors to be part of the mission

And this is where you can play a huge role just by resharing.

You may not always have furniture to donate.

But you can still be part of the ministry.
And we also want to invite you to serve alongside us in very practical ways.

We are currently looking for volunteers who are willing to:
  •People with trucks that can help pick up and deliver furniture  • Help move items during deliveries  • Help clean and prepare furniture for their future homes
These things make a huge difference and allow us to serve our community.

So today, I want to invite you to partner with us in a simple way:

Follow. Share.
Donate Tell someone.
Pray
 And if you’re able, volunteer. 648% growth that’s all God there.

And I don’t know about you but I want to be involved in what God is doing.

So please volunteer.

There will be a sign up sheet in the foyer if you’re interested in volunteering.

Thank you for supporting the HRC!

NLC Connect - Feb. 18, 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:46:39 +0000

connect with God's Word

NLC Kids had an unforgettable ice skating adventure—complete with falling snow and an epic snowball fight!
On Sunday night, NLC Youth traded in their usual routine for chef hats and pizza-making fun, while taking time to reflect on how the choices they make shape their lives.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 19:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, FEB. 20:
6:00 p.m. - Youth For Christ Annual Report Banquet - Family Center Gym - Come enjoy a great meal and hear how God is working in local schools!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (new series begins on book of 2 Peter)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (pasta, salad & garlic bread will be provided; please bring a dessert to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 24:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
4:30-6:30 p.m. - Annual Soup Supper fundraiser at Palm Village in Reedley - Enjoy great food with the people who live and work at Palm Village!

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 26:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MARCH 1:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (last session in current series)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion Sunday
Offering for the Deacon Care Fund, and donations of nonperishable food and cleaning products welcome for the Sharing Hands Pantry

NLC Kids Winter Jam

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (2/15): …...... $5,353
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $178,601
Budget to date: …………..........………..…...….. $193,662
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $8,607

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese in the hospital following an accident last week, and John Regier as he continues to recover. Pray for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover from surgeries, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for his wife Karen and waits for a surgery date. Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Eugene Enns asks for prayer for complete healing following his recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. The GriefShare support group meets on Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115. The memorial service for Carl Wohlgemuth will be held Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2:00 PM at Palm Village. The graveside service for Rosella Isaak will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 11:00 AM at the Reedley cemetery.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Your Story is Still Being Written

NLC Youth been reading a devotional called The Comeback Kid that highlights people in Scripture who experienced deep adversity — some because of what was done to them, and some because of what they did themselves.
Two stories stood out to me: Joseph and Saul.
Joseph’s story in Genesis reads like a long unraveling. Betrayed by his brothers. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused. Forgotten in prison. There were countless moments where he could have believed his life had been permanently derailed — that what others did to him had marked him beyond repair.
Saul’s story, found in Acts of the Apostles, is different. Saul actively persecuted Christians. He approved of violence. If anyone had reason to believe they were unredeemable, it would have been him. And yet on the road to Damascus, Jesus met him — not to erase him, but to transform him. Saul became Paul. The persecutor became a church planter. The one who caused harm became someone who carried hope.
Two very different starting points.
One common thread: redemption.
Joseph’s adversity was done to him.
Saul’s brokenness was acted out by him.
And yet neither man was beyond the reach of God.
There is a part of my own story that I never asked for. An experience at the hands of someone else that carried shame with it — a chapter I would never choose to write for myself, and certainly not for anyone else.
For a long time, that shame tried to attach itself to my identity. It whispered that I was marked. Damaged. Altered in a way that disqualified me.
Somewhere along the way, when shame tried to define me, the love of God interrupted that narrative. When the voice in my head whispered “unredeemable,” Scripture said something entirely different.
As we move toward the season where Jesus’ death and resurrection are at the forefront of our minds, we are reminded that redemption is not abstract. It is the very heart of the gospel.
The cross declares that nothing is too broken.
The empty tomb declares that nothing is too far gone.
Romans 8:38–39 says:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing.
Not what we’ve done.
Not what was done to us.
Not shame.
Not regret.
Not our worst chapters.
The thoughts that tell us we are unredeemable — those do not come from God. When we study Scripture, we find quite the opposite. We find a God who pursues runaway sons, restores betrayers, elevates prisoners, and transforms persecutors.
We are not unredeemable.
We are deeply loved.
We are not forsaken — quite the opposite — we are never alone.
Joseph’s story didn’t end in a pit.
Saul’s story didn’t end in persecution.
And your story does not end in shame.
Your story is still being written.

NLC Connect - Feb. 11, 2026

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:20:06 +0000

connect with God's Word

Otto and Marjorie helped us meet the Gutierrez family, missionaries to Portugal. We’re thrilled to begin supporting their family and their work!
Super Ice Cream Bowl Sunday was a sweet success for NLC Kids!
Jaxon stepped into the story, acting out the grateful leper who came back to thank Jesus.
Our NLC Youth had fun shaping clay versions of themselves—creativity at its finest!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 12:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (last session in current series)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Tim Geddert

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

MONDAY, FEB. 16: Presidents' Day Holiday (office closed)

TUESDAY, FEB. 17:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 19:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, FEB. 20:
6:00 p.m. - Youth For Christ Annual Report Banquet - Family Center Gym

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (new series begins on book of 2 Peter)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 24:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
4:30-6:30 p.m. - Annual Soup Supper fundraiser at Palm Village in Reedley - Enjoy great food with the people who live and work at Palm Village!

NLC Kids Winter Jam

Interested in attending a Digital Marketing workshop on Feb. 18 for your business? It will be held at Living Word Fellowship in Dinuba, co-sponsored by the Center For Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific University. No tech expertise required--just bring your enthusiasm! Click here for details: https://files.snappages.site/N8DCKB/assets/files/20260211081401568.pdf

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (2/8): ……...... $3,031
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $173,248
Budget to date: ……………….........…..…...….. $185,593
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $8,495

“Souperbowl” Offering for Open Gate: $501

connect to God through prayer

Pray for John Regier in the hospital in Fresno. Pray for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover from surgeries, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for his wife Karen and waits for a surgery date. Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Eugene Enns asks for prayer for complete healing following his recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, including the family of Carl Wohlgemuth, who passed away recently, and Janet Southard as she plans her aunt Gina's memorial service. The next 13-week GriefShare support group will begin Sunday evening, February 15, at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

There is something sacred about a circle. No one is at the head. No one is elevated. No one is hidden in the back. Just people — eye to eye. In my current school setting, when conflict breaks out, we don’t hand students a microphone and tell them to defend themselves. We don’t let the loudest voice win. We don’t shame. We don’t cancel. We pull chairs into a circle.
For those unfamiliar, a restorative circle is a structured conversation where participants sit in a circle and take turns speaking one at a time — often holding a talking piece. The guidelines are simple but powerful: listen without interrupting, speak honestly from your own experience, and treat one another with dignity. The goal isn’t to win an argument. It’s to build understanding, repair harm, and restore relationship. We teach students to listen. We ask them to speak from their own experience. We slow everything down. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes there are tears. Sometimes it takes time.
But something holy happens in that space.
Repair.
Ownership.
Understanding.
And often — reconciliation.
Recently, I facilitated a circle with 7th graders about the roots of violence. We talked honestly about what fuels it — anger, isolation, humiliation, fear, feeling unheard. At the end, I asked them, “Knowing what causes violence, what actions can we take?” There was a pause.
One student quietly said: “Maybe… maybe if everyone had a place like this. A place where they could talk and no one's judging them… they would stop crashing out. Because they have someone to listen to them.” Seventh graders. They already understand something many adults forget: Violence often grows where listening is absent. Explosions happen where people feel unseen. That student wasn’t asking for control.
He wasn’t asking for louder arguments. He was asking for a circle.
Meanwhile, our culture often chooses something different.
We choose comment sections over circles. Speed over reflection.
Reaction over relationship. But what if the Church modeled something else?
What if instead of reacting publicly, we leaned in relationally? What if instead of labeling people, we asked curious questions? What if instead of trying to win,
we worked to understand?
In a circle, we don’t ask, “Who is right?”
We ask, “What happened?”
“How were you impacted?”
“What do you need now?”
“How can we repair harm?”
Peacemaking isn’t passive. It is courageous. It requires humility. It requires restraint. It requires believing that restoration is possible. Maybe our divided world doesn’t need louder opinions. Maybe it needs more spaces where people can sit with no judgment.
Maybe it needs more circles.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

NLC Connect - Feb. 4, 2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:54:39 +0000

connect with God's Word

We are so thankful for the men who get up early every Tuesday morning to pray for our church and our community. Interested in joining? There is room for you!
We also have an amazing team that faithfully shares Jesus through our Good News Bible Club. What an amazing outreach in our community!
On Sunday morning, Ron Froese and Norma Froese shared about an upcoming 3-hour workshop this Saturday on Faith and Finances. There is still time to sign up!
NLC Kids and Youth kicked off Winter Jam yesterday! In the morning, our youth had a Bible scene clay creation competition, and our kiddos and their families adopted their Bible Buddies. In the evening, our youth enjoyed Snow Day activities in the gym. And this is just the beginning — more fun winter surprises are coming over the next couple of weeks!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 5:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, FEB. 7:
11:00 a.m. - Foundations in Finance Workshop - Room 114/115

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NURSERY

"Souperbowl" Offering at the north foyer door - drop a dollar (or more!) in the soup pot for Open Gate! (Checks may be made out to Open Gate directly.)

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 10:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room (new 12-week study begins in book of Luke)
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 12:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (last session in current series)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Tim Geddert

NLC Kids Winter Jam

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (2/1/26): ...... $5,650
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $170,217
Budget to date: ……………..........……..…...….. $177,524
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,313

Total income as of 1/31 (all budget sources): .. $180,161
Total expenses as of 1/31 (budgeted): …….....… $157,878

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Pray for Elliani Rivera who is hospitalized for the flu. Pray for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover from surgeries, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for his wife Karen and waits for a surgery date. Eugene Enns asks for prayer for complete healing following his recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, including the family of Carl Wohlgemuth, who passed away last week, and Janet Southard as she plans her aunt Gina's memorial service. The next 13-week GriefShare support group will begin Sunday evening, February 15, at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

Love that has a name

I recently had a simple conversation with a parent that made a deep impression in my heart. We were talking about the amazing mentors and leaders we have for girls at New Life Community. I mentioned one of them by name—Dulce—and the parent smiled and said, “I know Dulce. She just loves my daughter.”
That stopped me in my tracks.
What an incredible testimony for a follower of Jesus—that your name becomes synonymous with love. Not influence. Not talent. Not busyness. Just love.
It made me reflect on the many quiet expressions of love I see in our community every day. People who agree to be prayer partners for kids they barely know. People who step into the role of spiritual godparents for brand new believers. People who make meals for families facing medical procedures just to lighten their load. People who take time out of their Sunday to bring meals to our unhoused community. People who furnish homes for community members in need.
This is love with no scoreboard.
No favors owed.
No strings attached.
Scripture reminds us what this kind of love looks like:

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
— 1 John 3:18

True love doesn’t ask, “What do I get in return?”
It asks, “How can I show up?” This kind of love reflects the heart of Jesus—who loved us before we could offer anything back, who gave without condition, and who calls us to do the same. This week, ask yourself: What would it look like for my name to be connected to love?
Not because you announced it.
Not because you posted about it.
But because someone experienced it.
Maybe it looks like praying faithfully for someone who doesn’t even know your name. Maybe it looks like serving quietly. Maybe it looks like loving someone who can’t repay you. May we become the kind of people where others can say,
“I know them… they just love.”
And may that be one of the clearest ways we point people to Jesus.

NLC Connect - Jan. 30, 2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:22:45 +0000

connect with God's Word

NLC Kids and Youth gathered in the gym for a fun and meaningful missions service with Otto and Marjorie Ekk! They taught us what missionaries do, how we can support them, and how kids and youth can be part of God’s big mission too. Our kids and youth also made colorful cards for the Gutierrez family, missionaries to Portugal, and practiced how to pray for their family. It was a great day of learning, creating, and sharing God’s love!

connect your calendar

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion
Sharing Hands Pantry donations welcome, as well as Deacon Care Fund donations

11:15 a.m. - Women's Ministries Soup Fundraiser ($5 per pint for a variety of homemade soups; proceeds help women attend the annual retreat)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 3:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4:
11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Fundraiser lunch for Open Gate Ministries at Palm Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, FEB. 5:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, FEB. 7:
11:00 a.m. - Foundations in Finance Workshop - Room 114/115

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NURSERY

"Souperbowl" Offering at the north foyer door - drop a dollar (or more!) in the soup pot for Open Gate!

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 10:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Here's a link to a new song for Sunday!
https://youtu.be/i-ajM6XIyZQ?si=x_s2D_-Gg6RArRPq

NLC Kids Winter Jam

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (1/25/26): ..... $3,167
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $164,566
Budget to date: …………..........………..…...….. $169,455
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $8,227

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Pray for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover from surgeries, and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for his wife Karen and waits for a surgery date. Eugene Enns asks for prayer for complete healing following his recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. The next 13-week GriefShare support group will begin Sunday evening, February 15, at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (Peru), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.
Please pray as we seek a Worship Ministries Leader. If you know someone who may be a good fit, please direct them to the "Job Openings" page on our website.

NLC Connect - Jan. 21, 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:01:10 +0000

connect with God's Word

Even though it was foggy outside, the energy in Connecting Point was bright and welcoming! Thank you to our incredible volunteer team for your hard work in creating a warm and hospitable environment every Sunday morning.

Our worship set on Sunday was powerful and meaningful. Which song spoke to your heart this week?

We are grateful for Carlos Huerta’s heartfelt and impactful message in our January preaching series, “Money Shouldn’t Make You Miserable.” If you missed the service, you can catch the recording online.

On Sunday, we also celebrated 20 of our NLC Kids and Youth who completed their Advent devotionals with a Pizza with Pastor Lunch. We are so encouraged by their desire to grow in relationship with Jesus!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 22:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NURSERY
10:00 a.m. - "Mission Possible" for kids & youth - Family Center Gym
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (tortilla soup and a dessert will be provided by the Kitchen Team--please bring a salad large enough for 10 people to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, JAN. 27:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 29:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center
6:00 p.m. - Hymn Sing - Palm Village Chapel in Reedley

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion
Sharing Hands Pantry donations welcome, as well as Deacon Care Fund donations

Sermon series for January! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

Soup'port our Women's Ministries by purchasing homemade soup!
Sunday, February 1, after the worship service
$5 per pint, with a variety of soups available

Are you interested in leading a GriefShare support group? Please contact Martha Sawatzky (559-859-1235) for more information.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (1/18/26): ..... $4,798
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $161,399
Budget to date: ………………...........…..…...….. $161,385
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $8,069

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Pray for Eugene Enns as he has surgery on Thurs., Jan. 22 and for Manuel Madrid as he cares for his wife Karen and waits for a surgery date, and for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover from surgeries. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who had a miscarriage.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for Martha Sawatzky as she seeks leaders for the next GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (back in Peru living in a half-finished house with no windows or floors and lots of mosquitos and scorpions--goal is to finish it in 2 months before new school year begins; oldest son Isaac is living with an uncle in Dinuba as he finishes high school), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.

Connect to Pray & Go

Pray & Go is not door knocking, it is prayer walking. The purpose is to let our neighbors know that someone cares enough to pray for them.
The Bible tells us in Luke 10 that Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs to minister to the surrounding communities. The disciples came back with joy and reported the amazing things that they were able to do in Jesus’s name.
Since the relaunch of Pray & Go in November of 2025, prayer teams have prayed for 137 households in our church neighborhood. (This does not include the apartments in the complexes that are prayed over as a whole). Although we are not knocking on the doors, sometimes someone comes to see what we are doing. This is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus by offering to pray for them.
Already the prayer teams have reported divine encounters with several people. One team member reported that a parent of a former student of hers was driving by and stopped and asked for prayer for healing from her recent shoulder surgery. This team was also able to pray in both English and Spanish for several ladies and their family member. The youth who meet on Sunday evenings also participated. They reported meeting some teen girls and inviting them to church. Praise the Lord!
Everything you need to participate is available at the table at the north entrance/exit to the Worship Center, including detailed instructions. Please contact Nori Naylor (559.768.5285) with any questions.
--Nori Naylor

NLC Connect - Jan. 14, 2026

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:17:04 +0000

connect with God's Word

So thankful for those who gather at NLC on Wednesdays to lift up our church community in prayer. Interested? There’s always room for you!
On Sunday mornings, NLC is the place to be — we’re so grateful for everyone who helps make our Sunday services possible.
Our Sunday night youth are learning to live out their faith by praying over homes in the neighborhood. We’re thankful for Mike and Nori and for the Pray and Go ministry here at NLC.
Women’s LIFT started back up on Tuesday — what a beautiful space to fellowship, connect, and grow closer to Jesus.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 15
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

MONDAY, JAN. 19: Office closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TUESDAY, JAN. 20:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 22:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

Sermon series for January! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

Are you interested in leading a GriefShare support group? Please contact Martha Sawatzky (559-859-1235) for more information.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (1/11/26): ...... $4,200
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $156,602
Budget to date: ……………...........……..…...….. $153,316
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $7,970

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Mae Ewert, who is at Palm Village (skilled nursing room #401--visitors welcome) for rehab. Pray for Terry Chappell, who is hospitalized for health issues. Pray for Eugene Enns and Manuel Madrid as they anticipate surgery, and for Eilene Moreno and Karen Madrid as they recover. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who has a high-risk pregnancy.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for Martha Sawatzky as she seeks leaders for the next GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (back in Peru living in a half-finished house with no windows or floors and lots of mosquitos and scorpions--goal is to finish it in 2 months before new school year begins; oldest son Isaac is living with an uncle in Dinuba as he finishes high school), Cecil & Tracy Ramos (Thailand), Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez (Portugal), and Johnny & Denise Esposito (Cambodia).
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children around the world.

Connect to a Holy Purpose

This weekend, one of my favorite people in our kids' ministry community was hospitalized. Terry is a volunteer who faithfully serves our children with such quiet joy and steadiness. On Sunday, the class he usually serves in made cards for him, and all of our kids’ classrooms paused to pray for him. It was a simple moment — markers, prayers, and whispered hopes for healing — but it was also deeply holy.
Yesterday, I called Terry to check in on him. I expected to hear annoyance, frustration, or discouragement. Instead, I heard peace.
He told me that he believes everything happens for a reason — that nothing is by chance. He shared that he is trying to understand what God might be doing through this season, and how God might be using even this hospital stay for something meaningful. He spoke about the opportunities he’s had to share his faith with others, even now, even here.
We talked about how sometimes we don’t get the “reason” right away. Sometimes it’s revealed later. Sometimes it’s revealed quietly. Sometimes it’s revealed not in answers, but in how God uses us in the middle of uncertainty.
What struck me wasn’t just Terry’s optimism — it was his posture.
Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” he seemed to be asking,
“God, what are You doing through this?”
That is a posture of trust.
That is a posture of surrender.
That is a posture of purpose.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Not that all things are good — but that God is present and purposeful in all things.
Terry’s response is a quiet sermon to the rest of us. It’s a reminder that faith is not just something we profess when life is easy — it’s something we live when life is uncertain. It’s choosing to believe that God is still writing the story, even when the chapter is uncomfortable.
It’s living with a sense of higher purpose and higher calling.
This is how God invites us to live — not in fear of the unknown, but in trust of the One who knows.
Terry, if you’re reading this: we love you. We’re praying for you. And kids' ministry cannot wait to have you back soon.
May we all learn to live with the same quiet confidence — that God is at work, even here.

NLC Connect - Jan. 7, 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:23:55 +0000

connect with God's Word

Thank you, Sunday Service team, for helping to create an atmosphere of excitement and worship as we kick off the new year!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 8:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class (new series begins) - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, JAN. 13:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study (new series begins) - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

THURSDAY, JAN. 15
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

MONDAY, JAN. 19: Office closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TUESDAY, JAN. 20:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Sermon series for January! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

Are you interested in leading a GriefShare support group? Please contact Martha Sawatzky (559-859-1235) for more information.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (1/4/26): ..... $21.463
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $152,402
Budget to date: ………………..........…..…...….. $145,247
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $7,859

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Eilene Moreno (mother of Aneesa, Amourah and Ali) who is recovering from surgery. Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid as she recovers from heart surgery and he is waiting for a cancer surgery date. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who has a high-risk pregnancy.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, including Elaine Isaak, whose mother Bonny passed away Dec. 26. Pray for Martha Sawatzky as she plans the next GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (planning return to Peru soon; housing needed for oldest son Isaac as he finishes senior year in Reedley), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to a Renewed Heart

Every New Year comes with its own set of traditions.
Some people make resolutions.
Some eat specific foods for luck or prosperity.
Some start new planners, set new goals, or choose a word for the year.
This year, our family did something simple but surprisingly meaningful — we deep-cleaned our house. Every drawer. Every closet. Every corner. There is something that feels deeply right in your soul when you walk into a clean, uncluttered space. It brings a sense of peace, clarity, and fresh beginning. But if you’ve lived in a house with kids, work schedules, and the normal busyness of life, you know that feeling doesn’t last forever. Dishes pile up again. Laundry multiplies. Shoes reappear in the hallway. Life is beautifully full — and naturally messy. And the same is true of our hearts. Scripture reminds us:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (ESV)

Just like our homes, our hearts collect things over time — worry, bitterness, exhaustion, distraction, unconfessed sin, unhealed hurt. None of this means we are failing; it means we are human. We are living, loving, working, parenting, serving, and surviving.
But the New Year offers us a holy invitation: not just to organize our schedules or improve our habits — but to invite God to gently clean our hearts.
Not with shame.
Not with pressure.
But with grace.

A clean heart doesn’t mean a perfect life. It means a heart that is open, honest, and regularly brought before God. It means noticing what has accumulated and choosing to release what no longer belongs. So here is a simple New Year challenge: Before you rush into new goals, new plans, or new expectations — pause and pray. “God, what needs to be cleared out in me?” “Where do You want to bring freedom, healing, or renewal?” “What am I carrying that You never asked me to hold?”

The beauty of the gospel is that God does the deep cleaning we cannot do ourselves. He doesn’t just tidy the surface — He renews us from the inside out. As we step into this new year, may we be people who don’t just start fresh on the outside, but allow God to start something fresh within us. A clean home feels good. A renewed heart changes everything.
--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - Dec. 31, 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:05:52 +0000

connect with God's Word

Enjoy these pictures that help to share the joy of our Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.

connect your calendar

THURSDAY, JAN. 1
Happy New Year!
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion Sunday
Deacon Care Fund offering, & donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry

11:30 a.m. - Deacons' Lunch Meeting - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, JAN. 6:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 8:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class (new series begins) - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

Sermon series for January! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (12/28): …...... $5,814
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $130,938
Budget to date: ………….............………..…...….. $137,178
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,248

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Eilene Moreno (mother of Aneesa, Amourah and Ali) who is recovering from surgery. Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid as she recovers from heart surgery and he is waiting for a cancer surgery date. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who has a high-risk pregnancy.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, including Elaine Isaak, whose mother Bonny passed away Dec. 26. Pray for Martha Sawatzky as she plans the next GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (planning return to Peru soon; housing needed for oldest son Isaac as he finishes senior year in Reedley), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Where LOVE leads me

Pictured above: Painting by one of our NLC Youth

Love is an emotion and an action toward others and yourself. Love is something that we base our relationship with Christ on. In 1 Corinthians 13 it says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” The Lord is calling us — He wants His people to love everything around us, and He has shown us how we should love.
I am a 3–4 year old teacher in children’s ministry, and the love of the Lord has led me to teach God’s Word to these children. Through Him, I am able to show patience, kindness, and compassion.

During the Advent season, Christians prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus and to celebrate. Jesus is the greatest example of God’s love for the world. He gave His one and only Son to lead His people. He gave His one and only Son to love His people. And He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins.

In John 3:16 it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I pray that everyone has a great holiday season and remembers the love that Christ has for us — and that we would show that love wherever we are.

--Michelle Villarreal

NLC Connect - Dec. 17 & 24, 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:56:22 +0000

connect with God's Word

LIFT Bible study holds their annual Christmas party. Their celebration looks JOYous!
Salt and Light Bible Class enjoys their Sunday morning weekly meetings. Interested? Come check it out!
Child Dedication is such a special time for our families. Thank you, New Life Community, for walking alongside these families as they guide their families towards Jesus.
Pastor Cody Fedor preached on Joy last Sunday. Missed the service? You can watch the recording on our website.
NLC Youth enjoyed a nativity paint night on Sunday night.
PC: Pastor Brad and Amanda Dover

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 18
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center (RSVP to Brian or Christina Willems if you plan to attend the Christmas dinner next week)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (end of series)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

4th Sunday in Advent: Love

No Youth Group

TUESDAY, DEC. 23: No Bible studies or Healing Room

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24:
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service

THURSDAY, DEC. 25:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups' Christmas dinner (RSVP to Brian or Christina Willems) - Education Center

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
(Salt & Light Class will resume January 11)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker David Delgado-Lemus

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal (bring a dessert to serve 10 people to share--pizza and salad will be provided)
No Youth Group

TUESDAY, DEC. 30: No Bible studies or Healing Room
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31: No Prayer Group
THURSDAY, JAN. 1: Happy New Year! (Office will be closed)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Dining Room
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion Sunday
Deacon Care Fund offering, & donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry

11:30 a.m. - Deacons' Lunch Meeting - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

Sermon series this month for Advent! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (12/14): …..... $6,882
Offerings Received this year to date: ..…. $120,151
Budget to date: …………..........………..…...….. $121,039
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $8,093

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Amanda Dover, whose uncle Troy passed away. Pray for Eilene Moreno (Mom of Aneesa, Amourah and Ali) who is recovering from surgery. Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid as she has heart surgery on Dec. 18 and he is waiting for a cancer surgery date. Elva Cardona requests prayer for a 30-year-old family friend Dusty who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemo in a local hospital away from family. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who has a high-risk pregnancy.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, especially during this Christmas season.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (planning return to Peru, housing needed for oldest son Isaac as he finishes senior year in Reedley), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

When JOY feels hard

Pictured above: Eva and her daughter Amelia before they light the third advent candle

A time where I can say joy was very hard for me or is hard is when my dad is gone for deployments or long periods of time. What makes it difficult is knowing honestly I could be the only male in the house and the fact that he’s not coming home later. Sometimes it feels heavy and lonely, and it’s not something I can just ignore or pretend doesn’t matter.
Though it is difficult, you can always find joy in something that seems impossible to enjoy, and for me it’s doing something that I like. Things I do can be like playing with my sisters, playing video games, or even calling my dad. Those small moments don’t make everything perfect, but they help remind me that joy can still exist even when things are hard.
Advent can remind us that joy is not pretending everything is okay, but it helps us think about the better positive things and not only the negative. The Bible reminds us of this in Romans 12:12, which says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Joy doesn’t mean the hard stuff goes away — it means holding onto hope while we wait.

--Samuel Aquino

NLC Connect - Dec. 10, 2025

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:16:57 +0000

connect with God's Word

Christmas season is in full swing at New Life Community!! What is your favorite NLC Christmas tradition?
Caroline Ehoff gives a Home Resource Center update and prayer. We are so grateful for the valuable work they do.
Women's Ministry held their annual Christmas cookie exchange on Sunday afternoon. The event provided a sweet time of fellowship for all the ladies in attendance.
NLC Youth enjoy time spent with one another at youth night!
PC: Delilah Isaak and Amanda Dover

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 11:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Third Sunday in Advent: Joy
Guest speaker Cody Fedor
Child/Parent dedication

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, DEC. 16
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:00 p.m. - Open Gate Staff Party - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 18
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115 (end of series)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

4th Sunday in Advent: Love

No Youth Group

TUESDAY, DEC. 23: No Bible studies or Healing Room

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24:
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service

Donations of money or household items in good condition are welcome! Please contact Phyllis Enns or Carolyn Ehoff first to see what items are currently needed.

Sermon series this month for Advent! If you missed a message, click on the link on the home page to watch it (or watch again!).

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (12/7): …........ $4,962
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $113,269*
Budget to date: ……………...........……..…...….. $112,970
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,061

*Includes $28,406 specified for Missions toward
goal of $25,300 in November. Additional
$3,583.15 given to Missions has been added
to the Missions Fund for future use.

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Amanda Dover, whose uncle Troy passed away Monday. Pray for Eilene Moreno (Mom of Aneesa, Amourah and Ali) who is having surgery on the 12th. Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid as she has heart surgery on Dec. 18 and he is waiting for a cancer surgery date. Elva Cardona requests prayer for a 30-year-old family friend Dusty who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemo in a local hospital away from family. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her friend Shelby, who has a high-risk pregnancy.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, especially during this Christmas season.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

In a noisy world, connect to PEACE

Pictured above: Southard family shares about Peace and light the second candle of advent.

Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Advent is supposed to be peaceful, but life feels loud with school, social media, and expectations. I’ve realized that some of the noise is inside me too. It tends to look like worry and stress that doesn’t stop. Some of the “noise” I experience in my life are school assignments, deadlines, and feeling like I always have to catch up. Peace feels completely different. It makes me feel calm like I can finally breathe again. It's moments like these where I no longer worry about everything all at once.
Lately I’ve been trying to intentionally create small moments of silence. This might look like praying for a minute or putting my phone down and just playing sports. One moment I felt that quiet peace was when I took a break from my phone and went to a quiet park for a few minutes. Everything felt still and I could finally relax and think clearly. It was a small moment, but I felt so calm inside. In those quiet moments, I feel God inviting me to slow down and find real peace.
--Aneesa Moreno

NLC Connect - Dec. 3, 2025

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:38:32 +0000

connect with God's Word

Christmas season is in full swing at New Life Community!
A huge shout-out to our decorating team for bringing the beauty and joy of Christmas to life throughout NLC.
Our church family loved gathering and connecting before service—there’s nothing like starting Sunday with community.
NLC Kids kicked off Advent with a special combined Kids Church and Family Devotion Kit launch. Thank you to our incredible volunteers for creating such meaningful moments for our kids and their families.
NLC Youth had a blast making Christmas gifts for friends and family at our 2nd annual Craft Fair! What a fun and festive way to start off the Christmas season. Thanks, youth team!

PC: Amanda Dover

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 4
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, DEC. 6
5:30 p.m. - Dinuba Electric Light Parade - Downtown

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

2nd Sunday in Advent: Peace
Donations welcome for Deacon Care Fund (at exit door) or the Sharing Hands Pantry (collection barrels in the foyers)
Child dedication parent meeting right after the service (in preparation for the 14th)

3:30 p.m. - Women's Cookie Exchange - Room 114/115 (bring 2 dozen cookies and the recipe!)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, DEC. 9
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Year-End Party - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 11:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Third Sunday in Advent: Joy
Guest speaker Cody Fedor
Child dedication

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, DEC. 16
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (11/30): ….... $2,499
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $108,307*
Budget to date: ……………........……..…...….. $104,900
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….…….. $7,982

*Includes $28,406 specified for Missions toward
goal of $25,300 in November. Additional
$3,532.64 given to Missions (to date) will be
added to the Missions Fund for future use.

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Pray for Zephaniah Solorzano as he recovers from surgery. Elva Cardona requests prayer for a 30-year-old family friend Dusty who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemo in a local hospital away from family.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended the GriefShare support group
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Hope

Advent is the season when Christians slow down and remember what it feels like to wait. People in the Bible waited hundreds of years for the Savior God promised. They didn’t know exactly when He would come, but they held onto hope—believing God would keep His word.
Hope isn’t just wishing.
Hope is trusting that God is at work, even when you can’t see what’s coming yet.
And honestly… we all know what waiting feels like. Waiting for that crispy Totino's pizza to come out of the air fryer... those long-awaited packages from your Temu order.... that Brandon Lake concert... or maybe that's just me:)
Right now, I’m hoping for an electric scooter for Christmas. I’ve been dropping some hints to my mom like: “Hey, if I had a scooter, I could run and grab things from the store so fast… hint hint.”
I don’t know if it will happen, but the waiting feels exciting. There’s something about hope that makes your heart lean forward, like you’re expecting something good.
That’s what Advent is about.
We remember the world waiting for Jesus, and we also remember **we’re still people of hope today**. We hope because Jesus came once, and He promised to be with us and come again. Our hope isn’t just about gifts or wishes—it’s about trusting that God is doing something good in our lives, even when we don’t see it yet.
Waiting is hard—but hope reminds us that God keeps His promises. Advent teaches us to stay waiting, stay patient, and keep our eyes open for what God is doing.

--Lydia Aquino

NLC Connect - Nov. 26, 2025

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:17:44 +0000

connect with God's Word

Pastor Brad was interviewed last week by our partners at Gleanings for the Hungry. We are deeply grateful for the incredible work they do—both in our community and around the world.
We also welcomed Dina Gonzalez-Piña, Executive Director of West Coast MCC, as our final Missions Month speaker.
Our morning concluded with our Annual Thanksgiving Lunch and a Holiday Boutique supporting the HRC.
Here at New Life Community, our hearts are full. We truly have so much to be thankful for!
PC: Pastor Brad, Amanda Dover and Eva Morazan

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26: No Prayer Group this week

THURSDAY, NOV. 27:
Office closed Thurs./Fri. for Thanksgiving
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups & Thanksgiving meal - Education Center

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

First Sunday in Advent
Advent kits handed out to kids & youth

11:30 a.m. - Youth Craft Fair - Room 207

TUESDAY, DEC. 2
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
DUHS "Be Future Ready" Student Conference -- FC Gym, Dining Room, Rooms 111 & 113
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 4
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, DEC. 6
5:30 p.m. - Dinuba Electric Light Parade - Downtown

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio or Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

2nd Sunday in Advent

3:30 p.m. - Women's Cookie Exchange & Game Night - Room 114/115
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, DEC. 9
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Year-End Party - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Kids will get to experience the Wonder of Waiting for Jesus as we kick-off our Advent season on November 30th in the gym. Family advent kits will be sent home on the same day!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (11/23): ....... $29,468*
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $105,808*
Budget to date: …………………............….…….. $96,831
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………...….. $7,845
*Includes $28,406 specified for Missions
toward goal of $25,300 this month—thank you!

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Pray for Zephaniah Solorzano as he recovers from surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended the GriefShare support group
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges due to the government shutdown.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Redemption

In May 2025, Michelle began her FFA journey, dreaming of working with animals one day. She chose a goat to raise for fair—an adorable brown-and-white little one from Manteca. She named her Lilly. Daily trips to the school barn, early mornings, feeding, training, and bathing became routine. Michelle worked hard, and the bond between her and Lilly grew deep.
Fair week arrived quickly. Michelle showed Lilly beautifully and earned 3rd place, and later a blue ribbon in showmanship. But the joy of the fair also carried a heavy reality: at the end of the week, the animals would be auctioned. As I watched the parade of well-cared-for animals and proud students, my heart ached. I prayed constantly that Lilly would be bought by someone who would spare her life.
When Lilly was auctioned, the fear of losing her hit hard—We came to the realization that Lilly's buyer had plans to slaughter her. The news was bleak but something in us refused to give up hope.
The next day, after calling around and praying nonstop, Michelle located the buyer’s number. She gave them Lilly’s ear tag and was told she could come see if Lilly was still there. We drove over immediately. And there she was—safe, alive, and still wearing her pink collar. When we asked the price, the worker smiled kindly and said, “Many families come back to buy their FFA animals.” Hope bloomed again.
Michelle contacted a farmer named John from Dutch Hollow Farms—someone who was willing to take Lilly as a pet if we could get her to Modesto. He agreed. Now all we had to do was get her home until he was ready. We placed Lilly temporarily in our backyard enclosure, but she cried nonstop, missing her herd. She cried at the school barn too. It reminded me of how we cry to God—fearful, uncertain—never realizing He is already working everything out for our good.
Finally, the day came to take Lilly to her new home. We loaded her gently into the back of our Ford, prayed for safety, and made the two-hour drive to Modesto.
When we arrived, Farmer John greeted us warmly. He led us through the barn photo area, then to the pens where she would live. He placed Lilly in her new pen, fed her hay, and she immediately relaxed—no more crying. She even turned back toward Michelle as if to say, “I’m safe now, Mom.”
Farmer John gifted Michelle a Dutch Hollow Farms hydroflask and a box to pick out miniature pumpkins. We took pictures, breathed deeply, and thanked God for every step He guided.
Lilly’s story could have ended at the auction ring.
But instead, it became a story of redemption, rescue, and God’s tender care.
Just as Scripture says:

“Look at the birds of the air… your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
— Matthew 6:26

God cared about a small goat named Lilly because she mattered to Michelle.
And if He cares this much about one little goat,
how much more does He care for each one of us?
We said our goodbyes with grateful hearts and hope to visit Lilly at future Dutch Hollow events. Her journey—and ours—reminds us that God redeems what seems lost and writes better endings than we ever could.

--Eva Morazan

NLC Connect - Nov. 19, 2025

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:38:01 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Anena Glandon and Dulce Gonzalez
Congratulations to Brianna Moreno, who took a beautiful step of faith by choosing to be baptized on Sunday! We are celebrating with you and praying for all that God has ahead.
This Sunday also marked Week 3 of Missions Month, where Pastor Christian Uwajeh shared a powerful message that challenged and inspired our church family.
Our NLC Kids (2nd–4th grade) spent the morning exercising their “gratitude muscles” with a fun and meaningful craft that helped them reflect on God’s goodness.
Meanwhile, NLC Youth took their faith into the community with an energetic scavenger hunt—building teamwork, connection, and joy along the way.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 20
5:30 p.m. - Gleanings' Love Feast with Pastor Brad being interviewed - contact the NLC office if you would like to attend this dinner and worship service
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups (RSVP by Nov. 25 to Brian or Christine if you plan to attend the Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 27, and what side dish or dessert you would like to bring to share)

SATURDAY, NOV. 22
10:00 a.m. - GriefShare "Surviving the Holidays" (includes brunch) - Room 114/115

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
(No Salt & Light class this week)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
Offering goal $25,300 this month (designate check/cash/online for Missions)

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal (please bring a dessert to share) - FC Gym
11:30 a.m. - "Home Decor Christmas Sale" to benefit the Home Resource Center - FC Gym (donations also welcome!)
(No evening youth group)

MONDAY, NOV. 24:
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Youth For Christ youth activities in Room 207 & FC Gym

TUESDAY, NOV. 25
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
No Healing Room ministry this week

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26: No Prayer Group this week

THURSDAY, NOV. 27:
Office closed Thurs./Fri. for Thanksgiving
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups & Thanksgiving meal - Education Center

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

First Sunday in Advent
Advent kits for kids & youth

Did you know that our Home Resource Center has helped 49 families so far in 2025, and given out 63 beds (with bedding!)? That represents lots of kids no longer sleeping on the floor! We currently have only one bed on hand. Donations of money and gently used household items are always welcome! Please contact Carolyn Ehoff or Phyllis Enns for more information on volunteering (especially with picking up or delivering furniture and household goods) or donating.

Kids will get to experience the Wonder of Waiting for Jesus as we kick-off our Advent season on November 30th in the gym. Family advent kits will be sent home on the same day!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (11/16): .......... $1,821*
Offerings Received this year to date: …….$76,341*
Budget to date: …………………...........….…….. $88,762
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………….. $8,372
*Includes $2,160 specified for Missions
toward goal of $25,300 this month

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Pray for Richard Clemmer and Tristan Ringhofer as they recover from surgery. Pray for Zephaniah Solorzano and his upcoming surgery on November 21.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended (and led) the GriefShare support group. Invite someone to the "Surviving the Holidays" session on Nov. 22.
Pray for our final Missions' Month guest speaker: Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the offering goal to fund our missions and outreach budget for the year.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges due to the government shutdown.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

NLC Connect - Nov. 12, 2025

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:47:50 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Pastor Brad and Amanda Dover
Pastor Brad, along with several church leaders, attended the PDC Convention at Bethany last week.
The PDC celebrated Otto Ekk as he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for the decades of service he and his wife, Marjorie, gave in Portugal.
Missions Month is in full swing at NLC! We were grateful to hear from Pablo Chavez on Sunday. If you missed the service, you can watch it online.
Our NLC Kids & Youth Volunteer Lunch was a phenomenal time of food, fellowship, and searching for “Evidence of Faith.” We are deeply grateful for our volunteers who faithfully share Jesus with our children and students.
Interested in joining this amazing team? Contact Jessica—there’s room for you!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12: 6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 13: 6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, NOV. 15: Women's Ministries' Baking Day - Kitchen

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Baptism
Guest speaker Pastor Christian Uwajeh

11:15 a.m. - Women's Ministries' Bake Sale - stock up on pies and zweibach, and help send women to the annual retreat
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, NOV. 18
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room (starting a new study)
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 20
5:30 p.m. - Gleanings' Love Feast with Pastor Brad being interviewed - contact the NLC office if you would like to attend this dinner and worship service
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SATURDAY, NOV. 22
10:00 a.m. - GriefShare "Surviving the Holidays" (includes brunch) - Room 114/115

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
(No Salt & Light class this week)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
Offering goal $25,300 this month (designate check/cash/online for Missions)

11:30 a.m. - Family Meal (please bring a dessert to share)
(No evening youth group)

TUESDAY, NOV. 25
6:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

During the volunteer lunch we recognized the following volunteers for displaying NLC's aspirational values:
Welcoming: Justin Griggs
Joyful: Candace Godfrey
Prayerful: Michelle Villarreal
Hopeful: Anena Glandon
Reconciliation: Tristan Ringhofer
Additional award to Terry Chappell for his faithfulness in service to our students!

This year we will have pies and zweibach available for sale!

Did you know that our Home Resource Center has helped 49 families so far in 2025, and given out 69 beds (with bedding!)? That represents lots of kids no longer sleeping on the floor! We currently have only one bed on hand. Donations of money and gently used household items are always welcome! Please contact Carolyn Ehoff or Phyllis Enns for more information on volunteering (especially with picking up or delivering furniture and household goods) or donating.

Learn More about Tulare County food distribution locations

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (11/9): ........ $10,659*
Offerings Received this year to date: …….$74,520*
Budget to date: …………….........……..….…….. $80,693
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………..….. $8,216
*Includes $1,520 specified for Missions
toward goal of $25,300 this month

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Pray for Richard Clemmer and Tristan Ringhofer as they recover from surgery. Pray for Zephaniah Solorzano and his upcoming surgery on November 21.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended (and led) the GriefShare support group. Invite someone to the "Surviving the Holidays" session on Nov. 22.
Pray for our Missions' Month guest speakers: Christian Uwajeh and ministry in Tanzania, and Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges during the government shutdown.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Otto and Marjorie

In a culture where the Gospel moved slowly and churches took years to form, Otto and Marjorie exemplified “long obedience in the same direction.” Their ministry reminds us that discipleship, church-planting, and cultural engagement are not instant-results work, but journeys of perseverance and faith.

Their story inspires us at New Life Community in this Missions Month:

We are reminded to pray for the long-haul in mission, trusting that God is at work even when fruit unseen.
We are challenged to engage both gospel and community: spiritual transformation and practical care go hand-in-hand.
We are invited to root ourselves in relationships, culture, language, and local context — because the good news of Jesus is incarnational.

Otto & Marjorie: thank you. Thank you for your decades of faithful presence in Portugal — for your tears, your perseverance, and your willingness to adapt, learn, and serve. Thank you for embodying the Gospel in both word and deed, and for entrusting the next generation of leaders to carry the torch. Your legacy is seen not only in churches planted, but in lives transformed and in generations who now stand on your shoulders. Thank you for continuing the work of local missions here at New Life Community, recognizing that God still has great work to do through you in Dinuba.

How We Can Celebrate:

Pray for them by name — for continued wisdom, joy, and health as they continue in this season of ministry and life.
Ask them to share their story at your table, in your small group, or with your children — let the next generation hear how God used ordinary people to change lives.
Consider how God might be calling you to invest long-term in mission — whether locally or globally — trusting that your presence matters.
Let us, as a church community, celebrate them during Missions Month--acknowledging how their work allows us to deepen our own commitment to Gospel witness.

NLC Connect - Nov. 5, 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:52:00 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Pastor Brad, John Warkentin and Amanda Dover
Mike and Nori Naylor gave a demonstration during the Sunday morning service for the Pray and Go ministry. There are opportunities during mission's month to join a team that is praying over our community. Sign up today!
Our Church had the opportunity to show appreciation to Pastor Brad and his family on Sunday. We are grateful for and continue to pray over our Pastor and his family.
Kevin Dalafu helped us to kick off mission's month at NLC. We are grateful for YFC and the work they are doing with youth!
Communion Sunday is a time to reflect with gratitude for all Christ has done for us.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 6
Pacific District Conference at Bethany Church in Fresno
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups
6:30 p.m. - Dawnings Pregnancy Resource Center's Fundraising Banquet (RSVP to 559-595-9323)

FRIDAY, NOV. 7
Pacific District Conference at Bethany Church in Fresno

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speakers Pablo Chavez & family (missionaries in Peru)

11:30 a.m. - Kids'/Youth Volunteer Training - Dining Room
(No evening youth group)

TUESDAY, NOV. 11
Veterans Day
(No Men's Bible Study--new study begins next week)
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12: 6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 13: 6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, NOV. 15: Women's Ministries' Baking Day - Kitchen

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Baptism
Guest speaker Pastor Christian Uwajeh

11:15 a.m. - Women's Ministries' Bake Sale - stock up on pies and zweibach and help send women to the annual retreat
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, NOV. 18
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room (starting a new study)
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

This year we will have pies and zweibach available for sale!

Learn More about Tulare County food distribution locations

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (11/2): ........... $3,173
Deacon Care Fund giving: ............................... $186
Offerings Received this year to date: …… $63,861
Budget to date: ……….........…………..….….….. $72,623
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..…….. $8,273

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Pray for Richard Clemmer as he recovers from surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended (and led) the GriefShare support group. Invite someone to the "Surviving the Holidays" session on Nov. 22.
Pray for our Missions' Month guest speakers: Pablo Chavez and family (missionaries in Peru), Christian Uwajeh and ministry in Tanzania, and Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Pray for the Pacific District Conference Nov. 6-7 in Fresno, and for our delegates (Ron Brown, Otto Ekk, Brad Isaak, Jordan Ringhofer, and Ken Sawatzky) as they participate.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges during the government shutdown.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to a Village of Faith

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

This past Sunday, our church family had the joy of gathering around the Rivera family as they dedicated sweet baby Elliani to the Lord. Standing together—parents, pastor, and several women from our Wednesday night Bible study—was a beautiful picture of what God intends for His people: faith lived out in community.
Baby dedication is never just about one moment. It’s about a future—about hope, prayer, and a promise. Parents commit to raising their child in the ways of Christ, and the church commits to be the village that helps shape her story. As we surrounded the Riveras, we were reminded that God designed His people to grow together, to support one another, and to share in the holy work of forming young disciples.
We need each other.
In a world that tells us to do life alone—carry the load, keep your head down, push forward—God invites us into a different way: togetherness. Through our recent Wednesday night study, we explored how the early church lived life side-by-side—praying, sharing, bearing needs, and lifting one another up. That same kind of community was on display as we prayed over baby Elliani.
Raising a child to know Jesus is not meant to be a task carried alone. Parents are the primary disciplers of children, but God gives us a spiritual family so that no one walks the journey in isolation. Every prayer whispered, every encouraging word, every act of kindness is part of helping a child grow to know the love of Jesus.
When the Rivera family stood before us, they were not just making a commitment to God. We were making one too—promising to be part of baby Elliani’s life, helping her learn the truths of Scripture, showing her what it looks like to serve, and reminding her she is deeply loved and never alone.
As we celebrate baby Elliani, let us also reflect on our role in helping raise the next generation.

Who are the children or teens in our church we can encourage?
Who can we pray for consistently?
Is there a family we can support with meals, childcare, or friendship?
Is God calling us to serve in kids or youth ministry?

We don’t just watch children grow—we participate in their growth. The dedication of baby Elliani wasn’t only a moment for the Rivera family; it was an invitation for all of us to step in and help nurture a young life toward Christ.

Lord, thank You for the gift of baby Elliani. Bless the Rivera family as they guide her in Your ways. Teach us to be faithful villagers—encouraging, praying, and walking alongside one another as we raise children to know You. Knit us together in Your love so that every child who enters this place feels seen, supported, and surrounded by Your people. Amen.

NLC Connect - Oct. 29, 2025

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:53:56 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Pastor Brad, Joshua Aquino, John Warkentin and Amanda Dover
So thankful for our volunteers who share Jesus with kids at our Good News Club. Thank you for showing Jesus to these students!
Our NLC Kids kicked off Family Fun Day with Pumpkin Day on Sunday morning.
We are so grateful for our huge group of volunteers and partners who made our Family Fun Night a huge success. Thank you for serving our community well!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (final session)

THURSDAY, OCT. 30
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Daylight Savings Time ends tonight--turn clocks back one hour

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Pajama Day for kids--see details in the picture below!
Communion Sunday
Guest speakers from Youth For Christ to kick off Missions Month
Donations accepted financially for the Deacon Care Fund, and nonperishable food and household items for the Sharing Hands Pantry

11:30 a.m. - Deacons' lunch meeting - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, NOV. 4
Election Day
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, NOV. 6
Pacific District Conference at Bethany Church in Fresno
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups
6:30 p.m. - Dawnings Pregnancy Resource Center's Fundraising Banquet (RSVP to 559-595-9323)

FRIDAY, NOV. 7
Pacific District Conference at Bethany Church in Fresno

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speakers Pablo Chavez & family (missionaries in Peru)

11:30 a.m. - Kids'/Youth Volunteer Training - Dining Room

TUESDAY, NOV. 11
Veterans Day
(No Men's Bible Study--new study begins next week)
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

This year we will have pies and zweibach available for sale!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (10/26): ........ $7,205
Offerings Received this year to date: ..…. $60,688
Budget to date: ………………..........…...……….. $64,554
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………...….. $8,158

Total income to date (all budget sources): ... $67,214
Total expenses to date (budgeted): …....…..… $61,915

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues. Brian Willems says thanks for the prayers and soup, and he is recovering well from recent surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who attended (and led) the GriefShare support group.
Pray for our Missions' Month guest speakers: Bruce Smith and Kevin Dalafu from Youth For Christ, Pablo Chavez and family (missionaries in Peru), Christian Uwajeh and ministry in Tanzania, and Dina Gonzalez-Pina from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Pray for the Pacific District Conference Nov. 6-7 in Fresno, and for our delegates (Ron Brown, Otto Ekk, Brad Isaak, Jordan Ringhofer, and Ken Sawatzky) as they participate.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community and those facing food insecurity and financial challenges during the government shutdown.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez (in US on furlough), Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Community

Aneesa Moreno is one of our New Life Youth. Thank you, Aneesa, for sharing about your experience at our Wednesday Discipleship Initiative!

My experience at Wednesday discipleship nights has been such a meaningful part of my journey for church. Each week I found myself sitting in small groups with people I didn’t know, but over time, those unfamiliar faces became friends. I even got to share coffee and deeper conversations with two wonderful ladies who truly blessed me with their kindness and wisdom.

Beyond the connections, I’ve been learning so much about God through the videos and discussions. One video that stood out to me was that conflict in community isn’t a flaw but a formative part of growth. The speaker, drawing from years of pastoring house churches, described a “cycle of community” and challenged the cultural tendency to walk away too soon. It reminded me that spiritual and emotional maturity come from staying committed, being vulnerable, and embracing the long term relationships God places in our lives.

I would be more than happy to attend more nights like these for church.

NLC Connect - Oct. 22, 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:52:27 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Pastor Brad and Amanda Dover
There are still two more sessions for our Wednesday Discipleship Initiative. Come join an amazing group of people who are learning new ways to be in community with each other!
Aneesa Moreno was the winner of our 2nd annual NLC Youth pumpkin painting contest. Congrats Aneesa!!
Thank you to our amazing group of volunteers who spent their Saturday afternoon preparing for Family Fun Night. Another HUGE thank you to those of you who decorated buckets and filled them with candy. Have you signed up yet to volunteer for Family Fun Night? It's not too late!
Our preschool to first grade class had a sea-parting experience on Sunday as they learned about the Exodus from Egypt. Thank you, Amelia and Michelle, for helping to bring this Bible story to life!
NLC business meeting took place on Sunday. Thank you to the Trustees for all of the work you put into this gathering. We are grateful for all you do on behalf of our congregation! And thanks to members who attended and approved the budget.
Our NLC Youth spent their Sunday afternoon volunteering at our sister church, Templo de Oracion. The highlight for our young people was their first tractor ride with Pastor Juan!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (for those who signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 23
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:30 a.m. - Quick Family Fun Night Volunteer Meeting with Pastor Brad right after the service
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Family Fun Night - Family Center Gym & patio/lawn areas (volunteers here by 4:45 p.m.)

TUESDAY, OCT. 28
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group (final session) - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (final session for those who signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 30
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Daylight Savings Time ends tonight--turn clocks back one hour

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Communion Sunday
Donations accepted financially for the Deacon Care Fund, and nonperishable food and household items for the Sharing Hands Pantry

Take a fall picture with friends or family this Sunday in the west foyer!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (10/19): ....... $3,014
Offerings Received this year to date: … $49,937
Budget to date: …………………...........……….. $56,485
Budget Goal: .............................................. $419,602
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………….. $8,215

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues; and for Brian Willems as he recovers from surgery.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those attending the GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community as they navigate life under this administration.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Community

Geri Warkentin is participating in the Wednesday night Discipleship Initiative. Thank you, Geri, for sharing your experience with us!

John and I have always valued community and have sought out ways to have a small group experience wherever we have fellowshipped. When Pastor Brad offered this opportunity to dig deeper into the idea of community, we knew we wanted to be a part of this 5-week experience.

Using John Mark Comer’s book and video series “Practicing the Way” we have been encouraged to share our hesitations, fears, joys and lives within the small group. Our first "homework assignment" was to share a meal with others. The next week we were to meet and ask each other about highs and lows since our last meeting.

This time John and I each met with our own table group for coffee, which gave us the opportunity to share more authentically. When we met at the tables on Wednesday we were just learning to share our thoughts with others. I would say that our takeaways from our meeting for coffee was that we now have the beginning of a friendship with those we met up with.

We are excited about developing deeper relationships and authentic community.

NLC Connect - Oct. 15, 2025

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:31:21 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: John Warkentin and Joshua Aquino
Our Sunday morning Worship Team set the tone beautifully as they prepared to serve our church community. Thank you for creating an atmosphere of praise and reflection that helps prepare our hearts before the sermon.
A heartfelt thank-you to New Life Community for your love and support this Sunday as I received my ministry license certificate. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our families and to grow in ministry alongside this church.
Special thanks to Anena Glandon for gathering supplies for our 2nd–4th grade class to create a fun fall craft! The kids were thrilled to share their beautiful pieces of fall décor with friends and family. We love and appreciate our volunteers who make these moments possible!
Meanwhile, NLC Youth had a blast during their annual pumpkin painting contest! One of our teens even painted a creative portrait of Pastor Brad.
Over the past few weeks, our teens and kids also worked together to create artwork in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month. Thank you, Pastor Brad, for your faithful leadership and care for our community—we appreciate you!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (for those who already signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 16
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, OCT. 18
12-3 p.m. - Family Fun Night setup begins -- Family Center Gym

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Return filled Family Fun Night buckets -- bags of candy are also welcome!

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Guest speaker Brian Ross

11:30 a.m. - Semi-Annual Members' Meeting (immediately following worship service)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, OCT. 21
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
8:00 a.m. - DUSD Meeting - Dining Room
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (for those who already signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 23
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:30 a.m. - Quick Family Fun Night Volunteer Meeting right after the service
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Family Fun Night - Family Center Gym & patio/lawn areas (volunteers here by 4:45 p.m.)

TUESDAY, OCT. 28
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group (final session) - Room 114/115

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROPOSED BUDGET

Sign up to help with set up, carnival games, and/or clean up!

You can also borrow a bucket to fill with candy or small items -- follow the instructions on the table! Filled buckets need to be returned by October 19. Bags of candy are also welcome!

Take a fall picture with friends or family this Sunday in the west foyer!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (10/12): ....... $2,886
Offerings Received this year to date: …….$46,923
(New fiscal year began Sept. 1)

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues; and for Brian Willems. If you would like to make soup for Brian's special diet as he recovers from surgery, please contact his wife Christine.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those attending the GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community as they navigate life under this administration.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Service

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

This past Sunday was a beautiful picture of what it means to be the body of Christ in action. From our Worship Team creating space for praise and reflection, to our children joyfully crafting and our youth expressing creativity and gratitude, we saw so many unique gifts at work.
Moments like these remind us that service is not about perfection or performance—it’s about the heart behind it. Every act of service, whether singing, painting, teaching, or encouraging, becomes an offering of worship when it’s done with gratitude and love.
Receiving my ministry license was a humbling reminder that ministry is never a solo calling; it’s a shared journey. We each have something to offer that reflects the heart of Christ. When we serve with thankful hearts, we invite others to encounter His presence through us.
As we enter a new week, may we look for opportunities to serve with joy and gratitude. Whether it’s through a kind word, a creative act, or a helping hand, let’s remember that God multiplies even our smallest efforts when they’re offered in love.

Lord, thank You for the privilege of serving You and others. Help us to see our daily acts of service as opportunities to share Your love. Give us hearts of gratitude, eyes to notice needs, and hands willing to help. May everything we do bring You glory. Amen.

NLC Connect - Oct. 8, 2025

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:49:19 +0000

connect with God's Word

PC: Pastor Brad Isaak, Amelia Villarreal, and Aneesa Moreno
Over 30 people joined us on Wednesday evening to explore what it means to practice community in the Christian life.
A special thank-you goes out to our amazing volunteers who cared for our 2nd grade and under kiddos, allowing parents to fully participate in this practical study. The children enjoyed outdoor playtime, popcorn, and a movie together!
We’re also grateful for our Connecting Point team, who faithfully provide delicious refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere before each service—thank you for serving so joyfully!
Lastly, we celebrate Pastor Brad, who continues to invest in students through the Ignite! Club at Dinuba High School. We’re thankful for Campus Life and the spaces they create for young people to experience faith and belonging in their schools.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (for those who already signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 9
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SATURDAY, OCT. 11
Immanuel Schools' 17th Annual Auction in Reedley - visit immanuelschools.com or call (559) 638-2529 for ticket information

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Sign up to help with Family Fun Night or to a fill bucket, or both!

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Celebration of licensing for Jessica Aquino
Come ready to write a note of appreciation or share a story

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, OCT. 14
No Men's Bible Study
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15
6:00 p.m. - Discipleship Initiative - Dining Room (for those who already signed up)

THURSDAY, OCT. 16
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
Return filled Family Fun Night buckets

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:30 a.m. - Semi-Annual Members' Meeting (immediately following worship service)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207

TUESDAY, OCT. 21
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROPOSED BUDGET

Sign up in the north foyer to help with set up, carnival games, and/or clean up!

You can also borrow a bucket to fill with candy or small items -- follow the instructions on the table! Filled buckets need to be returned by October 19.

Take a fall picture with friends or family this Sunday in the west foyer!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (10/5): ........ $4,898
Deacon Care Fund offering: ………..………. $140
Offerings Received this year to date: .... $44,037
(New fiscal year began Sept. 1)

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Manuel and Karen Madrid and for healing, peace and wisdom for decisions to be made about health issues; and for Brian Willems. If you would like to make soup for Brian's special diet as he recovers from surgery, please contact his wife Christine.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those attending the GriefShare support group.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for the undocumented in our community as they navigate life under this administration.
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito in Cambodia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to Global Impact

Here is an update from MCC for this year's school kit challenge. We packed just over 100 school kits at NLC this year. It's amazing what the body of Christ can accomplish when we work together!

Hello friends,
Thank you for taking part in this year’s MCC School Kit Challenge!
We want to share with you — and we invite you to share with your congregation — what a difference you have helped to make.
Thanks to the work of people like you throughout the U.S. and Canada, we went well above our goal of 25,000 school kits for the 2025 challenge.
Working together, you, your community and other devoted supporters packed ...

Each of the 29,639 school kits you shared will be a gift and treasure for a student dreaming of a bright future — and for the loved ones, teachers and community members dreaming alongside them.
And we want to share with you the latest news about the impact that MCC school kits are making right now.
CLICK HERE
Over the course of three years, MCC partner Help Channel Burundi is working to get school kits into the hands of 60,000 students, many of whom are orphans or come from families who could not otherwise afford basic supplies like pencils and notebooks.
Your generous support is helping to open up new opportunities to these children, and decreasing the chances that they'll need to drop out of school.
This is just one example of how school kits are touching the lives of students and families across the globe.