Troy H. Jones

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• Wow!  I love what God is doing at New Life.  People are hungry for His word.  SO excited for Red Letters. If you missed today-watch online.
• Nine people gave their hearts to Jesus yesterday. This never gets old.
• We had 28 first or second time guests.  Unbelievable!!!!!!!
• Jesus transforms our hearts, He doesn’t simply inform our heads.
• Lots of people asking about the sign I used for the 8 attitudes of Jesus. Click here.  
• For those of you who attend the 11:00 service…I got a little crazy today. : )
• Homemade Ice Cream-my new favorite.  Jana is making some Monday night. 
• We have way too many store bought, mass produced Christians in the church.  We need some old fashion, God-made disciples of Jesus.
• The red letter edition was invented by Louis Klopsch, (1899). Klopsch worked at a printer shop.  He came across the words of Jesus in Luke 22:20 which says: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which I shed for you. This inspired Louis to ask his mentor what he thought of printing the words spoken by Jesus in red, to which he replied, “It could do no harm and it most certainly could do much good.
• Challenge:  Read Matthew 5-7 this week. Read it as many times as possible.
• Challenge:  Bring  your Bibles to church and shut off your cell phone.
• Lots of kids at Vacation Bible Camp this week.  The church is full of kids.  Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.  I will post pictures.
• I did a slide show for my girls.  View on my Facebook.  Get ready, you will cry.
• I want to challenge EVERYONE to read Matthew 5-7 as many times as possible this summer.  We will spend six weeks here. If you read it once a week—this would be six times reading the Sermon on the Mount.  Read, reflect and repent as you digest the Word of God.
• We need more shuttle drivers and senior bus drivers for New Life.  If interested contact Ricardo.Quintana@newliferenton.com
• My text for new Sunday is Matthew 5:21-26. Click here to read.  Get ready.  I am believing God to restore broken relationships next Sunday. Can’t wait!!!!!!
• We are doing Puget Sound blood drive Tuesday, July 20th.  Click here to sign up.
• I had 4 people ask me about Growth Groups this Sunday.  Registration for fall Growth Groups opens Monday August 30th.  They will fill up quickly.  You can register online or in the catalog on Sundays.  Again, they won’t open until August 30th. 
• Growth Groups are a 10-12 weeks commitment and happen on campus and at home during the week. We have an incredible line up this fall.  (Again, sign up begins Monday, August 30th)
• Did you know we do two services in main auditorium and two in north auditorium every Sunday (Softer Sundays and the Well)?  I want to encourage everyone to check out Softer Sundays and the Well sometime.  You will love them.  Softer Sundays @ 9am and The Well @ 12:30pm. 
• My youngest daughter turns 17 on Tuesday.  Happy Birthday Chelsey…I am SO proud of you!!

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• Freedom isn’t a license to sin—it is a platform to serve. 
• Galations 5:1-15.  I loved our text on Sunday.  Read it again.  Reflect on it.
• The church was full on July 4^th. Amazing to see God fill His house.
• I have been sick for the last few days.  God’s hand touched me during the message. I thank God for His favor and healing.  
• Tuesday Night it was unbelievable at New Life.  Renton Salvation Army had their annual fundraiser.  We had The Mayor, The EriAm Sisters and Marcie Maxwell in the house. Loved hearing the heart of Salvation Army. 
• The greatest thing about Tuesday night was watching our volunteers serve the community.  A shout out to all the host teams and media crew who made Tuesday night happen.
• Red Letters begins next week. SO excited for this series.  Digging into the words of Jesus.  Doesn’t get better than this.
• I want to challenge EVERYONE to read Matthew 5-7 as many times as possible this summer.  We will spend six weeks here. If you read it once a week—this would be six times reading the Sermon on the Mount.  Read, reflect and repent as you digest the Word of God.
• I am working on my notes for next Sunday—Read Matthew 5:1-16.  Incredible text.  Jesus is more concerned about your inside than your outside.  Jesus is more concerned about your relationships than religion.  Read and get yourself ready for next Sunday. 
• I am sick of people talking on their cell phones in public (ie. church, restaurant, on a date with their spouse, etc).  Respect people around you.  When I talk in public I will walk away and find a private place to talk.   Ok, I am preaching now….
• Getting away for a couple of days with the family this week. Love my girls.  Love my wife. Love my life. 
• Many pastors don’t like the summer—I actually enjoy the summer. Lots of guests checking us out.  People are a bit more relaxed.  Sunshine (at least some).  We will dig deep into Matthew 5-7. 
• Plan now to join a Fall Growth Group.  Registration is the month of September.  Just a few weeks.
• Jana and I are SO blessed to serve you and this community.  We love and pray God’s favor on all Newlifers!!!!

• On Tuesday, New Life will be hosting a community fund raising event for Renton Salvation Army.  State Representative Marcie Maxwell will be speaking & the Eriam sisters from the Renton Highlands (the three sisters from America’s got talent) will be in concert.  Excited to see the community use our church campus.
• This weekend I started to organize all my family pictures. I have 10,835 on my computer.  Wow.  That is a lot of work to organize.
• Loved receiving communion as a church family today.  It never gets old to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Trying to pick up my Iphone 4 this week.  Crossing my fingers.
• We are all samples for Jesus.  We are the aroma of Christ.  Jeffery Portmann did an incredible job today helping us get this.  I can’t believe he cooked bacon in church. 
• Next week is 4th of July.  Start off your day at New Life.  Services at 9am, 11am and 12:30pm.  We will talk about our freedom in Christ.
• Buy your fireworks from our youth ministry this week. Click here for info on three stands. 
• Can’t wait to preach this summer.  We begin “Red Letters” in two weeks.  14 days.  Looking at the words of Jesus.
• On Sunday nights I try to hangout with our youth ministry.  Love watching students worship Jesus.
• Please silence your cell phones during worship. 
• Open up your Bibles this summer.  Read all the Red Letters. Great summer challenge.
• We had 21 1st and 2nd time families this weekend. God is good.  1 gave their heart to Jesus. 
• In the lobby yesterday we had a couple upset that I didn’t follow up on a sensitive email. I spent a couple of hours looking for this email. Couldn’t find it. I hate when this happens. My bad. If you’re reading this…please make contact with me.
• Many pastors don’t like the summer-I actually enjoy the summer. Lots of guests checking us out.  People are a bit more relaxed.  Sunshine (at least some).  We will dig deep into Matthew 5-7.  
• If you want to give a camp scholarship click here. Your scholarship makes a difference for students who can’t afford camp.
• Trying to decide if I want to get an Ipad.  What do you think?
• We are about to go on our 3rd mission trip to Haiti.  Love hearing the reports of people who come back.  Today I saw some great pictures of churches we are rebuilding.  This simply never gets old.
• On Friday Jana and I ran into SO many people in the community from New Life.  We love what God is doing in this community through YOU!!

I am shocked how sloppy so many leaders are when it comes to time management. I don’t think leaders are lazy—I think they are sloppy.  Big difference.

We complain how busy we are.  Leaders, grow up!  If you are too busy—you need to repent.  This is your fault.  Not your church, spouse or job. 

Way too many families are being destroyed because people don’t know how to manage their time.  We blame it on the job, society, and anything else we can blame it on. You have to learn how to manage you—not time.  I know I am calling this time management—but it would be better stated “you” management. Stop being sloppy. Stop blaming your boss.   Get control of your time.  Get control of you. 

Sometimes in ministry world I hear wives complain the “church” keeps my husband too busy. Listen to me ladies—read this closely. If your husband is too busy—it has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MINISTRY.  Either he doesn’t want to be home with you or he is being sloppy with his time management in his life. Either way—change has to happen!

Here are 10 basic tips for time management. (or “you’ management)

1. Get the facts.  Track your hours for three weeks. I have met many leaders who THINK they work 50 hours a week.  But in reality they only work 38 hours a week.  You have to face reality.  Track it.  Prove it. Some of you think you are too busy—the truth is you’re not. 
2. Create a “to do” list.  Master the basics.  Everyday, write a “to do” list. I don’t care if you do this on your computer, Iphone or pad of paper.  Do it. 
3. Work your calendar.  Your calendar is your life.  Don’t just put this in the hands of your assistant. Work it. Say yes. Say no.  Look ahead 3 months, 6 months and even a year.  If there is too much going on—SAY NO.
4. Develop a rhythm in your week.  Get a good work schedule.  Identity the core things that make you successful.  Schedule blocks of time every week when you do these things.  Example: speaking is essential to my job.  So I have blocks of time on my calendar every week when I prepare.
5. Start a “Stop Doing List”.  Seriously. From time to time, I will make a stop doing list. I make this list once a quarter. What can I stop doing?  Now.  Just stop it.  You may have to delegate this or simply have no one do it. It is amazing how much time we waste.
6. Develop sacred times you don’t work.  I do everything I can to NOT work Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.  (at least 3 of 4).  My day off is Friday.  As a pastor my biggest work day is Sunday. I protect these days. 
7. Remember Parkinson law: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. I totally agree.  Example: it can take me 1 hour or 5 hours to clean my office. Say—I will work on this project for one hour. And be done.  We waste so much time on projects that should only take us half the time. (I set my appointments for 30 minutes not 45.  I get more done in 30 minutes than I do 45 minutes.  Easy)
8. Remember Pareto Principle: roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.  Here is what this means practically—20% of my time gets 80% of my results.  20% of the things on my “to do” list get 80% of my results.  Remember this.  I am always trying to figure out—what to stop doing.  Don’t waist my time. Be careful here—if you say no to the wrong thing you could get fired.
9. Watch distractions like emails, meetings, blogs, facebook and twitter. Lots of wasted time. Come on leaders, be honest—much of your day is wasted time.  You are robbing yourself, your company and your family.  Your spouse would love to spend that hour with you that you wasted on facebook.
10. Improve your skills.  Seriously. Maybe you can take a computer class and save yourself tons of time each week because you know the computer better.  Maybe you can read a book on delegation and harness this skill better.  Why does it take some people one hour to do something and others 3 hours to do the same task?  Sometimes it is skill and experience.  Improve on that particular skill.

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day. 

• I decided to get rid of New Life Ramblings and replace with Sunday night ramblings.  This is one step I am taking to protect my Friday Sabbath.  I preached myself into conviction!
• Wow!  What a Sunday at New Life!  When Sam was singing “How Great Thou Art” at the end of the service I feel like I was in heaven.  Amazing. I love our worship at New Life.
• I met so many first time and second time guests today.  I love that people are inviting their friends and family to church. I had one long-time church member say-”everyone should grow a row”…in other words—everyone fill one row at church. I like it.
• I spent some time in Softer Sundays.  I love this video venue.  I am SO excited for what God is doing in this service.
• 4 students gave their lives to Jesus at Axis tonight. I love seeing students hunger after God.
• 55 people showed up to New Life Orientation.  Wow!  This blew us away. We had people who were first time guests on Sunday come back to New Life Orientation.  People are down right excited about what God is doing at New Life.
• Worship—anything we do with the intent of bring honor, glory and worth to God.
• Worship is about God-not you!
• Just because we have hands raised doesn’t mean we have hearts surrendered. 
• Click here to listen to Sunday’s message on worship.  
• We had 19 first and second time families fill out the connection card. Amazing.
• We had 9 people give their lives to Jesus today.  Church, all heaven celebrates this.  Let’s celebrate the goodness of God together.  
• Water baptisms always stir faith and vision in me.   We baptized 6 today. THIS NEVER GETS OLD.   
• Quote of the day-”Best message I have ever heard on tithing last weekend”.  Incredible. Rarely will you hear someone excited about you preaching on tithing.  I love this church. 
• Someone told me today they started to attend New Life because they met Jana in a laundry mat. My first thought-”how cool is that!”  My second thought-”Jana never goes to a laundry mat”.  (either way-I am glad my wife invites people to church)
• Our staff did a fun video-you have to see this.  Click here to watch
• Jana and I park our car off campus at Ron Regis every week.. I so appreciate the shuttle drivers.  Ralph Shaw (and others) are phenomenal. 
• I love seeing people arrive early to church.  Arrive early-stay late-hangout.  Drink coffee.  One of my favorite moments of the day-watching people drink coffee in lobby. 
• I am SO excited for NEXT Sunday-preaching on communion.  We will receive communion together.  Can’t wait!  Seven days!  Come-let’s do it now.
• I posted a “question and answer” sheet on my blog. Click here to read.
• I love New Life.  I love what God is doing!  I don’t take the favor of the Lord for granted.
• During New Life Orientation someone asked-”What is your view of marriage and divorce?” I love the fact that people feel comfortable to ask these tough questions.  (btw-God forgives and restores)
• On Friday I watched my daughter play powder puff football. Being a dad is way more important than being a pastor.
• At New Life Orientation I framed our church strategy a little different-We organize our ministries into three major  buckets-Weekend Gathering, Growth Groups and Serving Opportunities.  We gather, we grow and we serve.  That is New Life!  This is how we make disciples.  This is HOW we fulfill our mission of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.   
• Talk about serving-I love talking to the crew who went to Haiti.  Life changing experience for them. I love serving our world.
• I am exhausted.  Preached 3 times. Taught for 2 hours at New Life Orientation.  Monday will be a Holy Hangover. Lots of coffee to keep me awake.  

The Grace of Giving

Straight Talk from Pastor Troy

In 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul said, “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

For those who call New Life home, giving cheerfully and sacrificially of our finances is part of our worship. A believer does not work to accumulate personal wealth or possessions, but to be a good steward of God’s resources and model Jesus to our brothers, sisters, and community.

Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the primary ways we serve God is by cheerfully giving God our “firstfruits” (2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9).  God expects us to give, not to meet some petty, required percentage, but by digging deep and sacrificing for the sake of the gospel because Jesus sacrificed for us and all that we have is His anyway.

People ask me questions all the time around the subject of giving and specifically tithing.  Here are responses to some of those questions:

1.     What is the difference between tithing and giving?

        Principle: They are both found in Scripture.  Giving is what we were born to do.  Tithing is a very specific way we give.  Tithing defines God’s beginning point in our giving as Christ followers.

        Practice:  Jana and I love giving.  We tithe 10% to the local church and then give to missions, building fund and other heart-felt opportunities. Tithing is a floor for us, not a ceiling.  We are not paralyzed by meeting some petty, required percentage – we are driven to be good stewards of God’s resources.

2.     What is a tithe?

        Principle:  The literal meaning of the word tithe is “a tenth” or 10%.  A tithe is the firstfruit of your harvest.  This is given to God through your home church in faith as a practical means to finance the mission of the church (Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23)

        Practice:  Jana and I have been tithing for almost 30 years. (It was easier when I worked at McDonald’s).  We believe in the local church and that our tithes make a difference.

3.    How do you tithe?

        Principle:  Find a systematic way to tithe.  Such as following each paycheck, once a month, or having it automatically taken out of your check, etc. (1 Corinthians 16:2)

        Practice:  Jana and I write a check once a month. Many automate their giving through their bank.

4.    What kind of attitude should I have when I tithe?

        Principle:  The Bible says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

        Practice:  Most of the time Jana and I give cheerfully.  Sometimes out of pure discipline. But we do it because we love God and people.  We also think giving is foundational to being a healthy human being (1 Corinthians 13:3).

5.    Isn’t tithing just an Old Testament concept?

        Principle:  Giving is a Biblical concept.  Tithing is found in the Old Testament.  Generous and sacrificial giving is found in the New Testament (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35). Tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament but the bar is raised considerably by Christ and the apostles of the early church.  Christians must give whenever there is a need to be met.  Those who get lost in a percentage amount have lost the whole point of giving.

        Practice:  Usually this question implies the New Testament requires less giving.  Actually the opposite is true.  In the New Testament they actually sold land and gave it to the church.   The New Testament church went way beyond the tithe.  This is why tithing is just a beginning point in my giving.

6.    Should I give first to missions or tithe?

        Principle: Our first and foremost responsibility is to tithe.  This is both a scriptural truth and a practical truth.

        Practice:  Here are priorities of our giving:  We tithe first, give to missions second and then prioritize our building commitment and other heartfelt areas as God leads us.

7.     If I send kids to camp or am not reimbursed for ministry expenses can I include that as part of my tithe?

        Principle:  No!  The tithe belongs to the storehouse (Malachi 3:8-10).

        Practice:  Personally I love paying kids way to camp.  It is worth every penny. This is why Jana and I push ourselves in giving beyond tithing.

8.    What should I do if I can’t afford to tithe? Can I start with a smaller amount?

        Principle:  Start somewhere.  The Biblical standard is to tithe. Honestly, you can’t afford NOT to tithe.  If you wait until you can afford it—you will never start.  Start today!

        Practice:  I think the big question is “are you going backward or forward with your giving?”  No matter how much you give or don’t give right now – we should always be asking this question.

9.    I want to tithe but my spouse doesn’t want to, what should I do?

        Principle:  Very good question.  Be on the same page with your spouse.  Most people don’t reject the idea of giving.  Instead of pushing the “tithe” concept agree on charitable giving.  You will be surprised how open your spouse may be about giving if you frame it in the context that we should give back to this world.

        Practice:  My wife likes tithing.

10.   Is tithing just an adult thing? When should my children begin to tithe?

        Principle:  You can’t start too young to teach your kids to tithe (and save).

        Practice:  Since my girls were walking I have made sure they tithed 10% and saved 10%.  I tried to get them to give to me 10% but Jana wouldn’t let me go there.

11.   Do I need to tithe on a financial gift? Tax return? Bonuses?

        Principle:  If in doubt, tithe.

        Practice:  Yes, on the financial gift and bonuses.  I don’t tithe on my tax return because I already tithed on my gross.  (Although, a tax return is a great opportunity to be a generous giver)

12.   Can I tithe through volunteering my time and saving the church staffing expense?

        Principle:  We need to learn to financially give our money and time. The answer is no.

        Practice:  Jana and I give my time and money.

13.    Is it ok for me to get a tax deduction from giving?

        Principle: Yes, this is called wisdom.

        Practice:  We get a tax deduction for my giving

14.    If I tithe will God bless me financially?

        Principle:  Yes (Proverbs 11:24-25, Proverbs 3:9-10)

        Practice:  He has blessed Jana and me.

15.   Should I tithe off of my gross income or net (after taxes and deductions)?

        Principle:  If in doubt, round up.  The firstfruits principle would indicate gross.

        Practice: Jana and I tithe on our gross income.

16.   Can I give my tithe on a credit card? Is it ok to get airline miles off of my giving?

        Principle:  This scares me.  Although in theory it is possible, you should never go in debt by tithing.  Most people should not consider this option.

        Practice:  We have not and do not tithe on my credit card!

17.    If I am in debt, should I get out of debt before I begin to tithe?

        Principle:  No, begin to tithe first.  I know this sounds strange but God will open up heaven and begin to give you wisdom to get out of debt.

        Practice:  Get out of debt.  Depending on how far in debt you are, I would recommend you get help.  Crown Financial is a great place to start.

Sit back and relax.  These are just random thoughts from me, your pastor.  A bunch of tweets in one email.  If you  are into twitter or Facebook make sure you follow me  all week.  These are just random tweets on life, church, my family, God and faith. I thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ. I am forgiven.  Set free.  Restore to me the joy of my salvation. We are baptizing people this weekend. Water Baptism is a public declaration of an inward transformation.  This never gets old.  You don’t want to miss this weekend. A shout out to everybody who is arriving early to New Life.  The 9:00 AM service is full on the bottom.  Now to fill  the stadium seating at 9:00 AM Worship isn’t about sacrifice-it is about surrender. Worship isn’t about rules-it is about relationships. Worship isn’t about music-it s about God. Can’t wait to preach on Sunday about “heartfelt worship”.  Read Hebrews 10:19-26 to prepare. Our staff put together a fun video this week.  So many people have enjoyed this. Here is a link. I love our team.  New Life Orientation this Sunday! Seriously you don’t want to miss this.  If you are been coming for one week, one month or even years-sign up here to attend New Life Orientation.  Sign up or show up!  One of the new Seahawk assistant coaches just enrolled his child in K-Prep for next year. Our first trip to Haiti was a huge success.  Wow!  Love seeing New Life serve our world. Challenge—Arrive early—stay late-drink coffee.  Make it your business to be at church 20(at least) minutes early.  If you arrive at the airport one hour early-why not church? Many people are asking about Growth Groups-we have many going on now. However-this fall we are planning on making some intentional changes. Our goal-every child, youth and adult in a Growth Group. I think everyone should try out Softer Sundays at least once. Amazing venue. Having the new lobby is like having one big Sunday “school” environment.  Where we can talk, hang out and enjoy God and life. Thank you for filling out the Connection Cards every week.  It is making a difference.

Sit back and relax.  These are just random thoughts from me, your pastor.  A bunch of tweets in one email.  If you  are into twitter or Facebook make sure you follow me  all week.  These are just random tweets on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• Serve day is this Saturday. We are painting six mobile homes in Wonderland Estates.  I love this place.  This is the church in action!
• So many things for moms this weekend…changing oil for single moms on Saturday, receiving offering for homeless moms on Sunday, chocolate  and flowers for all moms, and incredible conference with Nicole Johnson next weekend.  I love this weekend. 
• Many of our Growth Groups are serving the community this weekend. I can’t say it enough.  This is the church. 
• We gather on Sundays. We grow in groups. We go and serve this community and world.  Simple.  Powerful. 
• “Rituals”-SO excited about this series.  I love Scripture.  This weekend we’re talking about the Sabbath.
• Simply Worship was amazing.  One of the largest Simply Worships ever.  God is moving.
• Sign up to get baptized in water here.
• We are sending a construction team to Haiti this weekend. Pray for them.  God has called New Life to GO!!! 
• 11 people gave their lives to Jesus last weekend.  SHOUT!!!!!!
• Many people are asking about Growth Groups-we have many going on now. However-this fall we are planning on making some intentional changes. Our goal-every child, youth and adult in a Growth Group.
• Attention ladies….You don’t want to miss UNITE. Nicole Johnson is the speaker.  You can sign up here.
• I saw Iron Man 2-not impressed.
• Challenge-sometime try out Softer Sundays at 9:00 AM.  It is an incredible environment  
• Thank you for filling out the Connection Cards every week.  It is making a difference. It encourages people to fill it out when they see you fill it out.  We had 11 people give their lives to Jesus last weekend.  Go God!
• Many people are asking about Communion.  We will teach on the power of communion in a couple of weeks.  I love it.  We receive communion monthly together.  For those of you who want it weekly-check out our 12:30 service.  We receive communion weekly in the Well.
• Rick Warren said “We tend to over-estimate what we can do in the short-term and underestimate what we can do in the long-term”.  Can you imagine what New Life can do for the Kingdom of God over the next 10, 20 and 30 years for Jesus?  Long-term commitment to the Mission of God + the local church = revival, momentum and a downright, uncontainable move of God!
• Attention moms—tell your whole family the greatest gift they can give you is to honor the Sabbath with you every Sunday but especially this Sunday-Mother’s Day.
• Happy Mothers day mom!  (many of you don’t know-my mom is a faithful member of New Life.  She is the best)

Sit back and relax.  These are just random thoughts from me, your pastor.  A bunch of tweets in one email.  If you are into twitter or Facebook make sure you follow me all week.  These are just random tweets on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• What an incredible weekend last Sunday.  It was an honor to have Pastor Rick speak.  I will remember this day forever.
• We are beginning a new series in May called “Rituals”.  There are a handful of rituals that have been proven and tested for thousands of years.   These are rituals that have stood the test of time and never go out of style.   Why do we baptize people? Why do we receive communion? Why do we worship?  Why do we have altars? Why do we tithe?
• Simply Worship is this Wednesday.  Only have two more until summer break.  Be there.
• I am SO excited about Serve Day.  We are doing oil changes for single moms, serving Wonderland Estate.  Also-we are encouraging growth groups to find a service project and do it. If you need a financial grant for this service project click here.
• This Saturday (tomorrow) we will be doing an all church gathering for all current and interested growth groups/small groups leaders at New Life.  If you are interested show up Saturday at 10:00 AM at New Life. We will be done by 11:30 AM.
• Attention ladies….UNITE is only a few weeks away.  Click here to sign up
• New Life receives communion monthly in our main services.  Typically the last Sunday of the month. We receive communion weekly in the Well
• We brought in $7k for Mark and Stacy Newell last weekend.  Thank you for your generosity.  A bunch of us Pastors personally delivered this to the Mark and Stacy.  You have to love this. 
• Thank you for filling out the Connection Cards every week.  It is making a difference.
• Water Baptism this weekend.  Love seeing people get baptized in water
• Once a year our pastors participate in the Northwest Ministry Network Conference. (a network of over 320 churches).   Two cool things happened this year. Here they are:
• Number One:  The Northwest Ministry Network honored Pastor John Tappero for 70 years of ministry.  It was amazing to witness this historical moment.
• Number Two:  I was elected to represent the Northwest Ministry Network on a national level.  (The technical title is “General Presbyter”).  What an honor!  The favor of God is on New Life.   I don’t take this lightly or for granted.  Jana and I are blessed to serve you. By God’s grace doors are opening for New Life to have a voice in this community, nation and world.  
• Rick Warren said “We tend to over-estimate what we can do in the short-term and underestimate what we can do in the long-term”.  Can you imagine what New Life can do for the Kingdom of God over the next 10, 20 and 30 years for Jesus?  Long-term commitment to the Mission of God + the local church = revival, momentum and a downright, uncontainable move of God!
• Read Romans 6:1-7 to prepare for Sunday.  We begin our new series “Rituals”.  You don’t want to miss one of these next six weeks.  POWERFUL!!!
• Attention moms—tell your whole family the greatest gift they can give you is to honor the Sabbath with you every Sunday but especially next Sunday-Mother’s Day.

Sit back and relax.  These are just random thoughts from me, your pastor.  A bunch of tweets in one email.  If you are into twitter or Facebook make sure you follow me all week.  These are just random tweets on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• Grand Opening and Building dedication this weekend.  Pastor Tappero, Pastor Duncan and Pastor Rick will all be with us.  You don’t want to miss a moment.  Arrive early.  Hangout afterwards.  Grab coffee.
• The last 40 years, New Life has had only four pastors. I thank God for this legacy.  We will all be together this weekend.  Somebody take a picture…amazing!
• Just took a survey.  88% of our people feel comfortable inviting a friend, family member or someone far from God to New Life. I love this place!
• We are beginning a new series in May called “Rituals”.  There are a handful rituals that have been proven and tested for thousands of years.   These are rituals that have stood the test of time and never go out of style.   Why do we baptize people? Why do we receive communion? Why do we worship?  Why do we have altars? Why do we tithe?
• Attention Softer Sundays-Pastor Rick and Susan will be in your service live at the end.  A great chance to say hi to them personally after the service.
• We already have 396 students enrolled for this fall in K-8 at Renton Christian School.  If you are looking for a quality Christian education for your child, check our school out at: www.rentonchristian.org. 
• On May 1^st we will be doing an all church gathering for all current and interested growth group/small group leaders at New Life.  If you are interested at all click here to sign up.
• We just started our first week of the Spring Semester of Women’s Growth Groups.  We have registered 110 women in 8 classes offered.   Awesome! 
• New mantra at New Life—”Arrive early, hangout afterwards”.  Have a cup of coffee.   You don’t want to miss a moment of the service
• New Life receives communion monthly in our main services.  Typically the last Sunday of the month. We receive communion weekly in the Well
• Attention ladies-we are doing a huge ladies conference with Nicole Johnson. Click here for tickets.  Buy now.  We expect to sell out. 
• We will be showing a video this weekend called “$20 and a Handshake”.  This video will be a tribute to our history of New Life.
• God is going to do something BIG this weekend.  I can’t wait.  Arrive early.
• Thank you for filling out the Connection Cards every week.  It is making a difference.