April 2024

 

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, the monthly gathering of New Life Women and friends, meets next on April 4. “Restart” is the theme. For dinner, we will be having a Persian feast in recognition of the fact that Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of the Israelites as they are slaves and exiles in the Persian Empire. In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we see God lead His people to “restart” in the land of Israel. They rebuild the temple and restore the walls.

In our world today, there are many who move to our country to restart, and we can help. This month, we are gathering supplies and will be making Restart Kits for Refugee Care Collective. Refugee Care Collective ministers to local refugees, and they have ongoing need of funds, kits, mentors, and volunteers. See their website for ways to get involved. If you signed up to bring item(s) for the kits, please either bring them with you to April’s 1st Thursday Connect or drop them off at the church prior to April 4. If you didn’t receive an assigned item or would like to do more, new twin sheets, twin blankets, and pillows are regularly needed.

 
 

We have been reading Ezra in March and will read Nehemiah in April. Resources to read along are available at 1st Thursday, online, and in the church foyer. They include handouts to help you read personally and also Side by Side. Ask someone to read the Bible with you this month or sign up if you would like to be paired with another woman to read and discuss selected passages from Nehemiah together.

If you would like to read the Bible Side by Side on Sunday mornings, a group meets in the lower fireside room at New Life Church West Linn during the 10:45 worship gathering. Come whenever you can, no preparation necessary.

If you missed or want to review any of the teachings from 1st Thursday Connect, you can find them on YouTube. Livestream of 1st Thursday Connect is also available.

 

The Connection Cafe

The Connection Cafe for women is coming up Saturday, April 20! Together we will enjoy a cozy morning connecting with friends over coffee and sweet and savory treats. There will also be gardening tips, optional creative projects, and a short encouraging talk about the hope Jesus offers.

Will you pray for and invite an unchurched friend to join you? Building connections between our church friends and unchurched friends is one way we can partner together to love our neighbors and share the good news of Jesus. Postcard invitations are available in the church foyer, or a digital version can be accessed here to invite someone by text.

Invite a friend and RSVP at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

 

Simeon Trust

Are you interested in learning to study the Bible better, particularly in order to teach? Then The Charles Simeon Trust Course, First Principles, is for you. First Principles is an online video course designed to help women learn to study the Bible well and prepare to teach. The video classes are paired with in-person meetings to share, practice, and discuss what we are learning. Women’s Ministry plans to offer this course this summer, and you are invited to participate. This is a good class to take multiple times, so even if you have taken it before, we encourage you to join us.

The cost for the online material is $19, and women’s ministry is happy to help financially as needed. Email Marcia Reavely if you have questions or are interested in participating.

 

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

 
Marcia ReavelyComment