New Life Community

NLC Connect - August 19, 2026

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:52:47 +0000

connect with God's Word

The community came together to celebrate the opening of Dinuba Intermediate School—a wonderful milestone for our students, families, and community!

At New Life Community, we also celebrated Back to School Sunday. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather and pray over our students, school staff, and families as they begin a new school year. We also shared a special prayer of blessing over the MCC School Kits before they are sent out to bless children in communities around the world.

From celebrating a new school in our community to sending students and educators into a new year covered in prayer, we have so much to be thankful for!

connect your calendar

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 20:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, AUG. 27:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRI.-SUN., AUG. 28-30:
Fall Festival at Hartland Christian Camp -- go for the day on Saturday or the whole weekend!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

Guest speaker Angel Menchaca
Last Sunday in our fiscal year

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (pizza and root beer floats will be served--please bring a salad or side dish to share with 8-10 people)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

Hartland's QR code to register for housing if you want to experience the whole weekend -- Saturday just for the day is free!

Sign up using the QR code or click here, or fill out the form on the Welcome table on Sunday morning. Lunch will be provided for workshop attenders.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (8/16): ................$4,788
Offerings Received this year to date: ...........$333,412

Additional Income received (Ministries, Facility Rental & Interest) to date: ... $27,990
Total Income this year to date (96% of estimated expenses): ……..…..........… $361,403
Estimated Expenses to Fiscal Year End (Aug. 31): ……….……...……......…..…….. $376,467
Needed to meet expenses (estimate): …..….......................................................….. $15,064

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Janice and Matt Hoy as they plan the memorial service for her father, Dennis Harms, at NLC on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10:00 AM.
Thanks for praying for Elva Cardona's great-grandson Santiago, who was born July 27 with breathing difficulties. He is home now and doing well!
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Manuel and Karen Madrid (Manuel is recovering from surgery and anticipating another surgery), and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew (still has blood clots) and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is at Sierra View on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other, and pray for those involved in the budgeting process as we seek to be good stewards and plan for next year.

Celebrate Recovery Summit

Brian and I (Christine) had the privilege of attending the Celebrate Recovery Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, this year. These conferences bring thousands of Celebrate Recovery leaders from all over the world together to learn new ideas, collaborate with one another, and renew our passion for helping those who feel lost, broken, or hopeless, as well as those who are on a journey of recovery from drugs and alcohol.
There is something incredibly powerful about being in a room filled with God’s people who have learned to overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups and now have a passion for serving others. These leaders use their own experiences and the CR guideline’s to help others develop the tools they need to heal, grow, and move forward. Standing in a sanctuary and singing praises to God alongside thousands of other people moves your soul in a way that is difficult to put into words. It can only be described as a truly spiritual experience.
My own Celebrate Recovery journey started when I came as a support person for someone else. That person attended one time and left—but I stayed. I carried a great deal of trauma from my past, and by staying involved, completing step studies, and eventually serving in leadership, I continued to grow and heal from the things I had experienced throughout my life. Through this journey, I learned more about who I am, that I am enough, and that God can use the difficult parts of our past to help someone who is walking through those same struggles today. Our stories can remind others that they are not alone.
Our NLC Celebrate Recovery family is truly a tight-knit family. We are always ready to help one another, and when one of us falls, we rally around that person and help them get back up and continue moving forward. There is no judgment and no shame—just grace, encouragement, and the love of God.
My prayer for NLC is that more people will walk through the doors of Celebrate Recovery and discover that God’s broken people are mighty. We are all more alike than we sometimes realize. Regardless of what life has thrown at us or where we are in our journey, we can use our experiences to show God’s love and support to others. Sometimes people come to us so broken that they cannot even stand on their own yet. That is when we stand beside them, love them, and help them take the next step.
I am incredibly grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to attend the Celebrate Recovery Summit, spend time and have fun with other leaders, learn from people from around the world, and most importantly, witness God move in mighty ways. I came home encouraged, renewed, and reminded of why this ministry matters so much.
God can take our hurts, habits, and hang-ups and turn them into a testimony that helps someone else find hope.
Brian and I also do Celebrate Recovery Inside and are in Valley State Prison on Friday nights.

NLC Connect - August 12, 2026

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:31:35 +0000

connect with God's Word

Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

What a joy to celebrate those who took this beautiful step of faith through baptism!
Mae celebrates 104 years of life! Happy Birthday, Mae! What an incredible milestone!
Our youth spent their last Sunday night before school starts enjoying a little friendly flight competition!
Our interns represented New Life Community in partnership with Parenting Network at a Back-to-School event right here in Dinuba. We love getting to serve our community together!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12:
Dinuba, Immanuel & Kings Canyon schools begin
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

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

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

New sermon series begins
"Back to School" Sunday with some ages/grades promoted to new classrooms
Prayer for MCC school kits going to students around the world

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 20:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Hartland's QR code to register for housing if you want to experience the whole weekend -- Saturday just for the day is free!

Sign up using the QR code or click here, or fill out the form on the Welcome table on Sunday morning. Lunch will be provided for workshop attenders.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (8/10): ................... $4,155
Offerings Received this year to date: ...........$328,624

Additional Income received (Ministries, Facility
Rental & Interest) this year to date: …....…... $27,990
Total Income this year to date
(94% of estimated expenses): …….........……. $356,614
Estimated Expenses to Fiscal Year End
(Aug. 31): ……….……......................………..………. $377,729
Needed to meet expenses (estimate): ….....……. $21,115

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Janice Hoy at the death of her father, Dennis Harms, on August 9. Dennis' memorial service will be held at NLC on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10:00 AM.
Please pray for Elva Cardona's great-grandson Santiago, who was born July 27 but is still in the hospital with breathing difficulties.
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid (Manuel is recovering from surgery and anticipating another surgery), and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew (still has blood clots) and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is at Sierra View on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Gracefully Broken

This Sunday, I had one of those mom moments that I want to hold onto.
Two of my girls were singing on the worship team and, as their completely unbiased mother, I can confidently say they sounded absolutely amazing. Truly. No notes. I will not be accepting any differing opinions at this time.
But somewhere between being ridiculously proud of them and trying not to be that mom, the words in this worship song really spoke to me.
The song was Gracefully Broken, and in my mind plays a loop of my daughters singing the bridge:
“All to Jesus now, holding nothing back.”
I watched them singing those words, and I had this thought:
They don't really know what they're saying yet.
And I don't mean that in a bad way. They believe what they're singing. They love Jesus.
But they haven't lived enough life yet to fully understand what holding nothing back can actually mean. They haven't had enough of those moments where following Jesus means trusting Him even when the outcome isn't what they wanted.
Someday, those words will mean something different.
There is so much goodness to reflect on in this song. It opens with this picture of bringing everything we have before God and placing our hearts on the altar again.
I've been thinking about that image.
An altar isn't where we put the things we don't care about.
We put something on the altar because it matters.
And maybe that's what surrender really is.
I think sometimes we come to Jesus hoping we've finally found the thing that's going to make everything work.
I see versions of this all the time in both areas of my work—in the church and in restorative justice.
We're always looking for the magic bullet.
If I get baptized, the negative influences will go away.
If I go to church this Sunday, I'll have a good week.
If I pray enough, God will fix this.
If I raise my kids to know Jesus, they'll always follow Him.
And honestly, I see the same thinking in restorative work:
If we start doing circles, our classroom will finally be peaceful.
If we teach kids the right tools, they won't fight anymore.
If we implement the right program, everything will change.
I wish transformation worked that way.
But it doesn't.
You can do the right thing and still receive a terrible diagnosis.
You can raise your children to know Jesus and watch them make choices you never expected.
You can dedicate your life to serving God and still get hurt in unimaginable ways.
You can forgive someone and still have a relationship that isn't restored.
You can teach every restorative tool you know and still have two kids arguing on the playground tomorrow.
Following Jesus doesn't give us control over what happens next.
And maybe that's exactly why surrender matters.
Surrender isn't a transaction where I give Jesus my life and He gives me the outcome I wanted.
Surrender is saying:
Even if I don't know the outcome, I'm still Yours.
It's putting my heart on the altar without first asking God what He's going to do with it.
And that's harder.
Because when I think about what is actually on my heart, it's not abstract.
It's my family.
My children.
My calling.
My work.
My relationships.
My future.
My reputation.
The things I've prayed for.
The things I'm grieving.
The things I desperately want to turn out a certain way.
Those are the things I would much rather hold tightly than place on an altar.
As I watched my daughters singing on Sunday, I realized something else:
They're on the altar too.
Maybe that's one of the hardest surrenders for me as their mom.
I can teach them about Jesus. I can pray for them. I can bring them to church. I can model faith for them. I can cheer obnoxiously loud inside my head while they sing on the worship team.
But I cannot write their stories.
I cannot guarantee that they will never hurt.
I cannot make every decision for them.
I cannot control what their relationship with Jesus will look like twenty years from now.
I have to entrust them to Him.
Again and again.
Jesus says in Luke 9:23:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
I've been thinking about that word:
Daily.
Because surrender isn't something I did once when I decided to follow Jesus.
It isn't something that happened once when I was baptized.
Yesterday's surrender doesn't automatically take care of today's fears.
Every day brings something new that I want to pick back up from the altar.
And sometimes it's not even something new.
Sometimes it's something I surrendered yesterday that somehow ended up back in my hands today.
So I put it back.
My family.
My children.
My work.
My plans.
My expectations.
My need to know how everything is going to turn out.
Maybe that's part of what it means to be gracefully broken.
Not that God delights in breaking us, but that we allow Him to break our grip on the illusion that if we just do everything right, we can control the outcome.
We can't.
But we can trust the One who holds it.
Watching my girls sing this Sunday, I realized that someday the words they're singing will mean something completely different.
Someday surrender won't just be a beautiful song on a Sunday morning.
It will be a decision.
And as their mom, there's a part of me that wishes I could keep them from ever having to discover how difficult that decision can be.
But I can't.
What I can do is show them what I've learned to do when life doesn't turn out the way I thought it would:
Go back to the altar.
Not because following Jesus guarantees the outcome we want.
Not because surrender means everything will suddenly get easier.
But because surrender was never about controlling the outcome.
It was about trusting Jesus with it.
Maybe that's the invitation for me this week.
And maybe it's the invitation for you too.
What have you picked back up from the altar?
What are you trying desperately to control?
What would it look like to put it back into His hands?
And then tomorrow, when you realize you've picked it up again?
Put it back.
Again.
And again.
All to Jesus.
Holding nothing back.
My plans.
My future.
My family.
My heart.
All of it.

--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - August 5, 2026

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:50:28 +0000

connect with God's Word

On Sunday, we gathered as a church family to worship and celebrate His goodness.
Women’s Ministry hosted an amazing Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser this Sunday! All funds raised will help women attend the retreat in September.
Sunday night was filled with laughter, water games, and unforgettable memories as our youth celebrated the end of summer with a fun-filled Water Night!

connect your calendar

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 6:
DUSD Meetings - Family Center
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Women's Retreat deposits due today (pay online or in-person using the offering box)

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

Baptism
Kids' Promotion Day (new classes next Sunday, depending on age/grade)

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, AUG. 11:
10:00 a.m. - Summer LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115 (end of series)

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12:
Dinuba, Immanuel & Kings Canyon schools begin
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

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

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

New sermon series begins
"Back to School" Sunday with some ages/grades promoted to new classrooms

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (8/3): ..................$16,663
Offerings Received this year to date: ........... $324,469

Additional Income received (Ministries, Facility
Rental & Interest) this year to date: ….....…... $27,990
Total Income this year to date: ……....……...… $352,459
Estimated Expenses to Fiscal Year End
(Aug. 31): ……………...……….....................………. $376,800
Needed to meet expenses (estimate 6.5%): … $24,341

connect to God through prayer

Please pray for Elva Cardona's great-grandson Santiago, who was born July 27 but is still in the hospital with breathing difficulties.
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert (who is celebrating her 104th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 1-4 PM in the Community Room at Palm Village--the NLC congregation is invited!), Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

The Ministry Before the Ministry

When people ask about my trip to Lithuania, they usually want to hear about camp—the worship, crafts, conversations, salvations, and the incredible children we had the privilege of serving. Those moments were unforgettable, and I could fill pages with stories of God's faithfulness throughout the week.

But the truth is, our ministry began long before the first camper ever arrived.
When our team reached the campgrounds, there were no children waiting for us. Instead, there were cabins to clean, beds to make, moss to clear away, spiders to sweep out, and supplies to organize. For two days we quietly prepared spaces for children we had never met.

At first, those tasks felt ordinary. They weren't the moments anyone would post on social media or remember years later. But as we worked, I found myself realizing that love often begins in the unseen.
Every bed we made quietly said, "We've been expecting you." Every clean cabin whispered, "You matter." Before we ever taught a Bible lesson or sang a worship song, we were preparing a place where children could feel welcomed, safe, and loved. Looking back, I think God was preparing more than the campgrounds. He was preparing our hearts.

When camp began, I was reminded of something I often say in my work with children and youth: Every behavior tells a story. Each child arrived with a unique personality, different experiences, and a story only God fully knew. Some were loud and energetic. Others were quiet and cautious. Some tested boundaries. Others simply wanted someone to notice them. It would have been easy to focus on behavior alone. Instead, I found myself asking a different question: What might this child be carrying? That simple question changes the way we love people. It shifts our focus from correcting behavior to building connection. It invites us to respond with curiosity instead of assumptions, compassion instead of frustration. I was reminded once again that behavior is often communication, and behind every action is a person longing to be seen, understood, and loved.

One little boy in my group, Petras, reminded me of this in a way I'll never forget.
Petras has autism, and one afternoon during lunch our table had accidentally been forgotten when water was being served. As everyone around us received their cups, Petras realized we had been missed and became understandably upset. Rather than rushing past the moment, I asked him to take a few deep breaths and assured him that I would make sure he got some water. I found a pitcher from another table, poured him a glass, and set it in front of him. He took a long drink, looked up at me with complete seriousness, and in his gruff little voice said, "You are my hero. You saved my life." It made everyone around us smile. To most people, it was just a glass of water. But to Petras, it wasn't really about the water. It was about being seen. That moment has stayed with me because it reminded me that we never truly know what someone else is carrying. Sometimes what feels like a small act of care can mean everything to someone else. A few moments of attention, a kind response, or simply noticing someone who has been overlooked can communicate something far greater than we realize.

Another moment that continues to make me smile happened with a young girl named Vilta.
Vilta wanted to participate in the camp talent show, but she was incredibly nervous. Three teammates and I offered to sing with her, and throughout the week we practiced together. Little by little, her confidence grew. Then Thursday night arrived. As we stood backstage waiting for our turn, Vilta turned around with fear in her eyes and quietly said, "I don't think I can do this." I smiled and said, "Girl, you've got this. We're here for you." We walked onto that stage together. And she absolutely shined. Watching her sing, I realized something beautiful: courage often grows in the presence of people who believe in us. Sometimes all someone needs is to know they don't have to face something alone.

As I reflected on Petras and Vilta, I couldn't help but think about Jesus. Again and again throughout the Gospels, Jesus noticed the people everyone else overlooked. He welcomed children when others dismissed them. He stopped for the hurting. He responded with compassion before correction. He saw beyond behavior and into the heart.
That is the kind of ministry I witnessed in Lithuania, and it is the kind of ministry I want to continue practicing back home. This trip also reminded me that these lessons aren't just for children. Every person we encounter has a story. Every coworker, every student, every parent, every neighbor, every friend carries experiences we cannot see. We don't always know why someone responds the way they do, but we can choose to respond with grace instead of judgment, curiosity instead of assumptions, and presence instead of rushing past. Lithuania reminded me that ministry isn't only found in teaching lessons, leading worship, or standing on a stage. Sometimes ministry looks like making a bed no one knows you made. Sometimes it looks like cleaning a cabin so a child feels welcomed before they ever arrive. Sometimes it looks like noticing the child who was forgotten when the water was passed out. Sometimes it looks like standing beside a frightened little girl until she discovers she really can do it. These moments may seem ordinary, but I believe this is where the heart of Jesus is most clearly seen—not only in the extraordinary moments, but in the quiet, faithful acts of love that tell people: "I see you." "You matter." "You don't have to do this alone."

I came home from Lithuania incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve.
The children reminded me that ministry begins long before we speak. It begins in the way we prepare a place, the way we notice the overlooked, and the way we choose to stay present with people in both their struggles and their victories.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for our team, encouraged us, and made this trip possible. Your support made it possible not only to share God's love with children in Lithuania, but also to witness His love in ways I didn't expect. The ministry before the ministry matters. Because every behavior tells a story, and sometimes, the smallest acts of love tell the greatest story of all.

- Jessica Aquino, Children's Ministry Director

NLC Connect - July 29, 2026

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:12:49 +0000

connect with God's Word

On Sunday, we gathered as a church family to worship, learn from God's Word, and celebrate His goodness. From the sermon to our children's classes, every part of the morning was an opportunity to grow in faith!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JULY 30:
10:30 a.m. - Memorial Service
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, JULY 31:
3-5 p.m. - Parenting Network Resource Fair - Delgado Park (NLC interns participating)

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry and Deacon Care Fund

11:15 a.m. - Women's Ministry's Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser - eat in Dining Room or take it to go
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, AUG. 4:
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 6:
DUSD Meetings - Family Center
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Women's Retreat deposits due today

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

Baptism
Kids' Promotion Day (new classes next Sunday, depending on age/grade)

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, AUG. 11:
10:00 a.m. - Summer LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115 (end of series)
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (7/26): ……... $6,089
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $307,757
Budget to date: …………………...........…...….. $379,256
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……..….. $22,369

connect to God through prayer

Pray for people traveling for ministry: Ken and Martha Sawatzky returning home from Vietnam and Thailand.
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for family and friends of Bob Martin as his memorial service will be held at NLC on Thursday, July 30, at 10:30 AM.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect to Board of Trustees

My name is Amelia Villarreal, an intern for NLC, and one of the greatest blessings of serving at New Life Community Church is getting the opportunity to learn from the faithful men and women who have helped shape our church for generations. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ron Brown, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to hear about his journey of serving the Lord and the heart behind his leadership.

Ron and his wife, Judy Brown, have faithfully called New Life Community home for more than 50 years. Throughout those decades, Ron has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Children's Ministries, Stewardship, Christian Education, and many other areas of ministry. For nearly 40 years, he has answered God's call to serve wherever the Lord has led him.

Professionally, Ron spent his career as an accountant, giving him years of experience managing finances. Looking back, it's easy to see how God was preparing him long before he ever became Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

As Chairman, Ron helps oversee the church's financial and administrative responsibilities while working closely with the elders. While the elders shepherd the spiritual life of our church, the trustees care for the practical and administrative needs that allow ministry to flourish. Ron explained that the two leadership groups regularly seek one another's wisdom, pray through important decisions together, and work in unity for the good of our church."We've got a great leadership team," Ron shared. "That's working very well."

One of the most memorable moments from our conversation came when I asked Ron what led him to say "yes" to becoming Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Although Ron now leads Unity Meetings, prepares meeting agendas, and moderates church business meetings, he admitted that accepting the position of Chairman wasn't easy. In fact, when he was first asked to serve, one Bible story immediately came to mind: Matthew 14:22-33. Ron reflected on the moment when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water during the storm. Peter wanted to go to Jesus, but stepping out of the boat meant trusting God in the middle of uncertainty. Ron confessed that he felt much the same way.
"I didn't feel ready," he shared. Like Peter, everything inside him wanted to stay in the safety of the boat. The responsibility felt overwhelming, and he knew he couldn't do it in his own strength. But God continued to call him, and Ron chose to trust Him. Instead of focusing on the waves, he chose to fix his eyes on the One who was calling him. That moment became one of the defining lessons of his leadership. "It's His church," Ron said. "It's not my church."
Those simple words show the way that Ron approaches every responsibility. Whether leading meetings, making difficult decisions, or planning for the future, he continually points back to Christ as the true Leader of our church.

As we continued talking, Ron reflected on several significant moments that the Board of Trustees has navigated over the years, including the decision to return worship services to the sanctuary and conversations surrounding the church's fencing project. These weren't merely business decisions; they were opportunities for our leadership team to seek God's wisdom together.

Rather than taking credit, Ron repeatedly emphasized that God worked through the entire leadership team. "God used leadership," he said. "The team, not me."
He also shared that there are always future challenges to consider: future leaders, future finances, and future ministry. But he finds peace knowing those things are ultimately in God's hands.

One of my favorite moments during the interview happened when Ron's longtime friend, John Regier, joined our conversation. Together, they began reminiscing about where their ministry journeys first started. Long before Ron was leading meetings or serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he and John were simply two young adults willing to help wherever they were needed. Their first ministry together was Jet Cadets. The two laughed as they remembered helping children memorize Scripture, sing songs, earn awards, and grow in their faith. They recalled buses bringing neighborhood children to church, special award trips, and the excitement of watching young lives shaped by God's Word. Listening to them share those memories, it was obvious those years still held a special place in their hearts.

It was a beautiful reminder that faithful leadership often begins in the smallest acts of service. More than 50 years later, those memories still bring smiles to their faces.
Ron's story didn't start in the boardroom. It started by investing in children, serving alongside friends, and simply saying "yes" wherever God called.
When I asked Ron what has kept him serving year after year, despite the responsibilities and challenges, his answer came without hesitation.

"The call."
For Ron, serving has never been about recognition or position. It has always been about faithfully answering God's invitation, one step at a time.
He also made sure to express how grateful he is to serve alongside Pastor Brad and his wife, sharing that working with them has been a true blessing. Ron spoke warmly about the unity within our leadership and how thankful he is for the way God has brought people together to serve New Life Community with one heart and one purpose.

Before ending our conversation, I asked Ron what he would say to someone who feels God stirring their heart to serve but isn't sure where to begin. His answer was simple. "Get started." He explained that not every ministry will be where God ultimately calls you to stay, but you'll never discover the gifts He has given you unless you're willing to take that first step. Looking back over his own life from Jet Cadets to Children's Ministries, to Stewardship, and now serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, it all began with one simple "yes."

Leaving our conversation, I couldn't help but think back to the Bible passage Ron shared about Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:22-33.
God wasn't looking for someone who had every answer. He was looking for someone willing to trust Him. For more than 40 years, Ron Brown has continued stepping out in faith, following wherever the Lord leads. His story is a beautiful reminder that faithful service isn't built on confidence in ourselves; it's built on confidence in the One who calls us.

NLC Connect - July 22, 2026

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:01:06 +0000

connect with God's Word

Our youth enjoyed a Sunday evening of volleyball, swimming, and great fellowship as they built friendships, encouraged one another, and grew together in community.

This past week, our Home & Resource Center has been busy as volunteers cleaned, organized, and sorted donated household items to prepare them for individuals and families in need.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JULY 23:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JULY 26:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Last day to sign up for the Women's Retreat (at the Welcome table or online)

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

Guest speaker Juan Castillo

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (pasta with meat sauce, rolls, and a fresh garden salad will be served--please bring a dessert large enough to serve 8-10 to add to the meal)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

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

FRIDAY, JULY 31:
3-5 p.m. - Parenting Network Resource Fair - Delgado Park (NLC interns participating)

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry and Deacon Care Fund

11:15 a.m. - Women's Ministry's Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser - eat in Dining Room or take it to go
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4:
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Each school kit allows one child to go to school!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (7/19): ……...... $1,066
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $301,668
Budget to date: …………………..............…...….. $371,186
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……...….. $19,666

connect to God through prayer

Pray for people traveling for ministry: Ken and Martha Sawatzky in Vietnam and Thailand. Otto & Marjorie Ekk and Jordan & Tristan Ringhofer will attend the National Mennonite Brethren Convention this week in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the theme "Cultivate: Living on Mission with Jesus."
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for family and friends of Bob Martin, who died July 18 at the age of 81. He joined this church in 1995, and had been involved in evangelism, teaching, leading Bible studies at Open Gate, and other service behind the scenes until health issues kept him from actively participating. A memorial service will be held at NLC on Thursday, July 30, at 10:30 AM.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Serving Through Stewardship

Hi New Life Community! My name is Tristan Ringhofer, and I was asked by one of our wonderful interns to talk with you a bit about my role as a Trustee for our church. I have had the privilege of serving as the Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees at our church for just about 1 year now. When I first stepped into this role, I knew it would involve responsibilities regarding facilities, assets, and liabilities, but I have grown to see it as so much more than that. It has truly become an opportunity to serve God and support the ministry he is doing through our church.

The role of a Trustee is centered around stewardship and helping ensure our church has a strong foundation. Our board works closely with church leadership to oversee our church property and finances, making sure we are being wise and responsible with the resources God has entrusted to us. We prayerfully consider spending, help ensure our church remains financially healthy, and work to make choices that support both the current needs of our church and its future ministries.

Trustees also have the privilege of partnering with our Elders and Pastor Brad as we make decisions together. We participate in the formal hiring process for staff positions and work to ensure that we are unified as a leadership team, supporting our pastor, and helping our church continue to move forward in the direction God is leading.

My favorite part of serving as a Trustee is getting to use the skill set I have gained as an administrator to serve our church in areas such as making and communicating difficult decisions, interviewing, and supporting staff. It has also been a privilege getting to know the hearts of our Elders and fellow Trustees, especially through our unity meetings. It is an honor to know that the work we do ultimately helps create opportunities for people to know and grow closer to Christ.

I serve God through this role by remembering that everything we have belongs to Him. The finances, the buildings, the ministries, and the people of our church are all gifts from God, and I see my role as helping faithfully steward those gifts. It is a blessing to serve alongside other leaders who love our church and desire to honor God in every decision we make. Thank you for allowing me to partner with our church in this way.

-Tristan Ringhofer

NLC Connect - July 15, 2026

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:51:48 +0000

connect with God's Word

On Sunday, we gathered as a church family to worship, learn from God's Word, and celebrate His goodness. From Connecting Point to the sermon and our children's classes, every part of the morning was an opportunity to grow in faith!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JULY 16: (No CELEBRATE RECOVERY this week)

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

TUESDAY, JULY 21:
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JULY 23:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JULY 26:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Last day to sign up for the Women's Retreat (at the Welcome table or online)

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

Guest speaker Juan Castillo

Women's Ministry Survey Link

Each school kit allows one child to go to school!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (7/12): …........ $17,980
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $300,603
Budget to date: …………………...............…...….. $363,117
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….....….. $17,000

connect to God through prayer

Pray for people traveling for ministry: Jessica Aquino in Lithuania, Ken and Martha Sawatzky in Vietnam and Thailand, and Brian and Christine Willems attending a Celebrate Recovery Summit this week.
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger, who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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, and for people in the aftermath of earthquakes in Venezuela.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect to a VBS volunteer

This summer, New Life demonstrated its heart for serving our community by welcoming children to Sun-a-palooza with eager smiles and colorful seashore decorations. Our volunteers, led by Jessica, Dulce, and Amelia, were prepared to connect with students to make the week a meaningful and faith-filled experience.

Leading crafts together with Maria, we had the opportunity to work with students to emphasize each day’s main Bible point and story through hands-on activities. Through faith footprints, rainbow cereal necklaces, ocean slime, and paper lanterns, it was clear to students that God is faithful and always keeps his promises to us.

A memorable moment for me occurred during our first evening as the children decorated faith footprints. Our discussion centered around who God is to them, and it was wonderful to hear their responses. The children acknowledged: God is kind. God is good. God helps me. God is my savior. God loves me. These truths are guiding principles that help frame their understanding of the incredible God that we serve and offer hope when life is challenging.

Our God delights in seeing children grow to know Him more, and this fun-filled week created countless opportunities for them to do just that. Sun-a-palooza was a wonderful event, and I was glad to volunteer alongside a great team that cared for every individual who stepped into our nautical adventure.
By: Delilah Isaak

Featured children's quotes from VBS:
“Making a balloon out of gas was fun. We mixed two things together that started making gas and went into the balloon. Pop! You had a balloon filled with gas.”
Rohan Isaak (age 7)

“I liked going on stage and doing a song!”
Mathias Isaak (age 5)

NLC Connect - July 8, 2026

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:04:38 +0000

connect with God's Word

Our Sunday service was extra special as our NLC Kids took the stage to celebrate an incredible week of Sun-A-Palooza VBS!
As we wrap up an unforgettable Sun-A-Palooza VBS, we're filled with gratitude for the volunteers who served with the love of Jesus!
Last Sunday, our interns, Amelia Villarreal and Dulce Gonzalez, transformed into "human hotdogs!" as a fun reward for our NLC Kids reaching their fundraising goal.
Youth Night was packed with laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories as our students enjoyed a trip to the arcade!

connect your calendar

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

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

SUNDAY, JULY 12:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Guest speaker Justin Hiebert from Mennonite Brethren Foundation

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, JULY 14:
10:00 a.m. - Summer LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

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

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

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

TUESDAY, JULY 21:
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (7/5): …..,...,,... $7,859
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $282,622
Budget to date: ………………...........…..…...….. $355,048
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……........….. $17,122

connect to God through prayer

Pray for people traveling for ministry: Jessica Aquino in Lithuania, Ken and Martha Sawatzky in Vietnam and Thailand, and Brian and Christine Willems for a Celebrate Recovery Summit.
Continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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: Jessica Aquino (Lithuania), 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, and for people in the aftermath of earthquakes in Venezuela.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect to VBS

As we reflect on the incredible week of Sun-A-Palooza VBS, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Our church was filled with laughter, worship, crafts, and, most importantly, the truth of God. We are deeply thankful for every child, family, volunteer, and leader who contributed to making this week a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness.

Throughout the week, our children learned that God always makes a way, keeps His promises, and calls each of us to live with authentic, BIG faith. Through the stories of Noah, Moses, Abraham and Sarah, and David, they were reminded that no obstacle is too great for God and that He is always faithful to His people.

Our theme verse, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1), served as a daily reminder that faith means trusting God even when we can't see what He's doing, knowing that He is always working for our good.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers, leaders, parents, and youth for being the hands and feet of Christ and for faithfully investing in the next generation. Because of your servant hearts, seeds of faith were planted that we trust will continue to grow for years to come.

As we say goodbye to another wonderful VBS, we celebrate not only the memories created but also the faith that was strengthened. Our prayer is that every child continues to remember that God's love never changes, His promises never fail, and He is always with them wherever they go.
-Amelia Villarreal

NLC Connect - July 1, 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:44:07 +0000

connect with God's Word

This week, NLC is celebrating Sun-A-Palooza VBS! Each evening, they're worshiping, learning God's Word, making new friends, playing games, creating crafts, and discovering how they can shine the light of Christ in their everyday lives.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, JULY 1- 2:
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Sun-A-Palooza" Vacation Bible School continues - Family Center
(No CELEBRATE RECOVERY here this week)

FRIDAY, JULY 3: Independence Day observed (office closed)

SUNDAY, JULY 5:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry and Deacon Care Fund

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (please bring a dessert to serve 8-10 people; the Kitchen Team will provide Hawaiian BBQ pork sliders with pineapple slices, fixings, chips and fresh watermelon)
Youth Group is off-campus in the afternoon

TUESDAY, JULY 7:
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

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

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

SUNDAY, JULY 12:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Guest speaker Justin Hiebert from Mennonite Brethren Foundation

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, JULY 14:
10:00 a.m. - Summer LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (6/28): …,,,... $4,228
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $274,764
Budget to date: ……………..........……..…...….. $346,979
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……...….. $16,093

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Vacation Bible School this week--for the kids who come and their families, and for the many volunteers who serve with joy in various areas.
Pray for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, recovering at home from a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Evelyn Romero, Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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, and for people in the aftermath of earthquakes in Venezuela.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect with MCC internship participant

Hello, beautiful church community! My name is Dulce, and I am an intern here at New Life Community. I am participating in an internship program called Summer Services through MCC. As part of this program, I had the opportunity to travel to Akron, Pennsylvania, from June 8th to June 12th. This trip was mandatory for orientation and lessons that prepared us for our summer experience.

At first, I was very nervous and scared about the trip, but once I arrived in Akron, everything started to improve. I made friends with people from various places, and we got to know each other more deeply than we expected. The games we played were fun and interactive, which helped us build relationships. I particularly enjoyed our debate sessions, where we could express our opinions and understand each other's perspectives. However, my favorite part of the trip was hanging out with the worship team during their practices and worshiping together. I also loved spending time with others after hours, engaging in conversations, playing card games, and visiting the MCC center in Akron.

Throughout this trip, I witnessed how God was working in the lives of others my age, each facing their own struggles. It was comforting to see that even though we all have challenges, God is helping us through them. This experience taught me that I don’t have to have everything under control; as long as I have God by my side, everything will be okay. I also learned to trust Him to lead me, recognizing that there are areas in my life where I still need to grow.

NLC Connect - June 24, 2026

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:22:54 +0000

connect with God's Word

The church welcomed this year's summer interns, Dulce and Amelia, as they shared their plans for the season ahead. Please join us in praying for them as they grow in leadership, faith, and service throughout the summer.
Volunteers spent the week preparing activities for Sun-A-Palooza VBS, beginning June 28th!
Church staff gathered this week for a time of discussing upcoming events and celebrating what God is doing through our church.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JUNE 25:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JUNE 28:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - VBS Volunteer Meeting -- Family Center Gym
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Sun-A-Palooza" Vacation Bible School begins! - Family Center

MONDAY-THURSDAY, JUNE 29-JULY 2:
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Sun-A-Palooza" Vacation Bible School - Family Center
(No CELEBRATE RECOVERY here this week)

SUNDAY, JULY 5:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry and Deacon Care Fund
Commissioning for Jessica Aquino's ministry trip to Lithuania

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (6/21): …,..,,... $4,928
Received for Deacon Care Fund: ……......……… $377
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $270,536
Budget to date: …………………..….............….. $338,909
Needed weekly to meet budget: …...…..….. $14,907

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Vacation Bible School next week--for the kids who come and their families, and for the many volunteers who serve with joy in various areas.
Pray for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, recovering at home from a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Evelyn Romero (back home!), Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as she undergoes chemo; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect with SOAR participant

Hi, my name is Lydia Aquino,

This year, I had the opportunity to attend the SOAR mission trip in Bakersfield, and honestly, it was one of the most incredible weeks I’ve ever experienced.

The theme for SOAR was authenticity, based on Romans 12:9: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Throughout the week, I saw what authentic faith and real love can look like.

One of the biggest things that stood out to me was seeing God work in so many different people. I watched people who were hurting, struggling, or unsure about their faith draw closer to God. During one of the worship nights, people were invited to come to the cross and give their worries to God. As worship continued, many people went forward to pray. It was a very emotional moment, and you could truly feel God’s presence in the room. Several of my friends shared afterward that they felt God speaking to them and working in their hearts. Seeing that happen was something I’ll never forget.

Another highlight was serving throughout the week. We participated in a prayer walk where we prayed for churches, businesses, homes, and people throughout the community. At the end of the walk, I even volunteered to pray out loud. Normally, I don’t always feel confident doing things like that, but God helped me step out of my comfort zone.

We also served at a thrift store and helped organize donations. Something that really stuck with me was realizing that even small tasks, like hanging clothes or sorting picture frames, can make a difference in someone’s life. What felt small to me could be a huge blessing to someone else.

Later in the week, we served with Sky’s the Limit, helping organize food and clothing for people in need. It was a great reminder that serving others is one way we can show God’s love in practical ways.

At Heritage Fest, we helped set up games and give away free food. While we were serving, I saw someone give their life to Jesus. It was amazing to see God working not only within our group but also in the community around us.

Of course, SOAR wasn’t only about service. We also had a lot of fun. We went to Six Flags, played games every night, participated in sports circles, made new friends, and got to know people from other churches. One thing I loved was how we could go from laughing and having fun together to worshiping God and praying for one another.

The worship and speakers were incredible. Through their messages, I learned more about real love, real faith, and what it means to follow Jesus authentically. I also appreciated how people from different backgrounds came together to worship God as one family.

By the end of the week, I felt closer to God than when I arrived. More than anything, I was encouraged by seeing people who weren’t very close to God begin taking steps toward Him. Watching God change lives right in front of me was something I’ll never forget.

SOAR was an amazing experience, and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it. Even though the week is over, I’m praying that what God started in all of us will continue long after SOAR ended.

NLC Connect - June 17, 2026

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:45:35 +0000

connect with God's Word

After an incredible week at SOAR Bakersfield, our NLC Youth spent a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Youth celebrated a week of growing in faith and discovering more about Jesus' love for them.
The classroom, decorated with colorful balloons, showcases the first night of VBS in Traver. Our NLC family is joining our sister church in serving throughout the week.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17: (No Prayer Group this week)

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

FATHER'S DAY SUNDAY, JUNE 21:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Special gift for dads & men!
Last week to sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)
Dawnings' fundraiser ends--please return all bottles with your donations
Meet Justin Hiebert of MB Foundation, a financial planning part of our denomination

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

MONDAY, JUNE 22:
6:30 p.m. - Pre-budget Q&A Meeting - Room 114/115 (come and ask questions as we begin gathering information, setting priorities, and working on the financial plan for the next year)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, JUNE 25:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, JUNE 28:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00-7:00 p.m. - "Sun-A-Palooza" Vacation Bible School begins! Every day through Thursday at the same time.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (6/14): …...,,,... $4,991
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $265,608
Budget to date: ………………….............…...….. $330,840
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….....….. $13,999

Total income as of 5/31 (all budget sources): .. $278,445
Total expenses as of 5/31 (budgeted): ……......… $297,578
Any questions? Please plan to attend the Question & Answer Session on Monday, June 22, at 6:30 PM in Room 114/115!

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, recovering at home from a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Evelyn Romero (back home!), Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who is home on hospice.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as her cancer has returned and she started chemo last week; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer that has flared up, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for Joshua Aquino serving on a fire crew during this fire season. Ask God to protect him, give him strength and wisdom as he serves.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect with our Interns

Hello, beautiful church family, my name is Dulce Gonzalez!! I am so glad for the opportunity to be able to serve my community for another year as an intern. This year, I am doing an internship with MCC and our church community. I am so grateful for this opportunity and what it holds for me. Something about me is that I will be attending Fresno Pacific University this Fall semester. I will continue my studies in psychology and work toward my Bachelor’s degree. Some of my hobbies are drawing, painting, playing volleyball, and, most recently, cooking. This summer, I will be teaching in my classroom and working with the youth. Also, I will be helping the children's ministry and preparing for upcoming events this summer. I am looking forward to meeting and building connections with people in our community. My Favorite Verse is “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”- Matthew 6:34

Hello everyone, my name is Amelia Villarreal. I'm currently 20 years old, and this is my third year serving as an NLC intern. I feel truly grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to serve my community and share God's love with others. I serve as the Early Childhood Development Leader at NLC, where I teach children from kindergarten to 1st grade! This upcoming fall semester, I will be attending Fresno Pacific University to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Also, throughout my time as an intern, I will continue teaching my classroom, work with youth, and stay connected with all of you by overseeing our NLC blog and social media. A verse that deeply encourages me is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

NLC Connect - June 10, 2026

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:46:57 +0000

connect with God's Word

Pray for our group in SOAR Bakersfield this week!

connect your calendar

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

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 14:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Guest speaker Tim Geddert

11:30 a.m. - Semi-Annual Members' Meeting immediately following the Worship Service - Sanctuary
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room/Gym

TUESDAY, JUNE 16:
10:00 a.m. - Summer LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17: (No Prayer Group this week)

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

FATHER'S DAY SUNDAY, JUNE 21:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Last week to sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)
Dawnings' fundraiser ends--please return all bottles with your donations

LIFT Women's Bible Study will meet monthly during the summer in Room 114/115, and all women are welcome!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (6/7): …....,,,,... $4,148
Received for Deacon Care Fund: …….....,,……….$97
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $260,617
Budget to date: ……………...........……..…...….. $322,771
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……....….. $13,249

connect to God through prayer

Pray for our 22 SOAR participants (including Brad Isaak and Jessica Aquino) in Bakersfield through Saturday for a week of training and ministry.
Pray for Evelyn Romero in rehab following a hospital stay; for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, recovering now at home from a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who has lymphoma.
Pray for Tessa Fiscus and her family as her cancer has returned and she started chemo this week; for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer that has flared up, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for grieving families in our church, loved ones, and all those affected as we mourn losses. Information for upcoming "Celebration of Life" service: Kelly Friesen--Friday, June 12, 11:00 AM at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose (livestream link is https://www.youtube.com/@LincolnGlenChurch).
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

NLC Connect - June 3, 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:09:55 +0000

connect with God's Word

Sunday was filled with celebration as we recognized our graduates and welcomed the start of summer in NLC Kids!

connect your calendar

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

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 7:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry (nonperishable food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, etc.) and the Deacon Care Fund

(No Youth Group)

MONDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 8-13: SOAR in Bakersfield

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

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 14:
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Guest speaker Tim Geddert

LIFT Women's Bible Study will meet monthly during the summer, and all women are welcome!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (5/31): …....... $10,399
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $256,470
Budget to date: …………………..............…...….. $314,702
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……....….. $12,549

connect to God through prayer

Pray for the 22 SOAR participants (including Brad Isaak and Jessica Aquino) from NLC next week as they travel to Bakersfield for a week of training and ministry.
Pray for Evelyn Romero in rehab following a hospital stay; for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, hospitalized following a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew and her friend's stepdad Roger who has lymphoma.
Pray for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer that has flared up, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for grieving families in our church, loved ones, and all those affected as we mourn losses. Information for upcoming "Celebration of Life" services: Nathan Galvan Espindola--Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM at NLC (with lunch to follow); Kelly Friesen--Friday, June 12, 11:00 AM at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose (livestream link will be available soon).
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Full-circle moments

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about full-circle moments.
As I prepare for an upcoming trip to Lithuania and get ready to share my testimony with our youth group, I've found myself reflecting on all the ways God has woven together the threads of my life. Looking back, I can see His fingerprints in places that felt confusing, painful, and even random at the time.

One of those stories begins with a comforter.
When my daughter Emma was just nine months old, our family found ourselves in the middle of a medical crisis. What began as a frightening situation quickly became a season filled with difficult decisions, uncertainty, and more questions than answers.
As a young mom, I was terrified.
We spent days navigating hospitals, specialists, and treatments. Eventually, Emma's condition required an emergency transfer from Valley Children's Hospital to Stanford Children's Hospital. Everything happened so quickly. There wasn't time to process what was happening, much less prepare for it.

If you've ever sat beside a hospital bed wondering what comes next, you know how lonely those moments can feel.
During that season, I depended heavily on the compassion of nurses, doctors, friends, and complete strangers. Their kindness became a lifeline.
One month after Emma came home, we returned to Valley Children's for a follow-up appointment. While we were there, a nurse approached me.
At first, I was surprised that she was looking for us. Then she explained.
When Emma was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, there had been a comforter waiting for her. The transfer happened so quickly that the nurse never had the opportunity to give it to us. Rather than letting it go, she held onto it, hoping that one day our paths would cross again.

She handed me the comforter and told me she couldn't take credit for the gift.
"This is from the Mennonites," she said. I remember being deeply moved.
At the time, I only knew about Mennonites from a historical point of view. I certainly didn't know that this simple comforter would become part of a much bigger story.
I brought it home and treasured it.

Over the years, it became more than just a blanket. It became a reminder of God's faithfulness during one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Every time I saw it, I remembered the nurse who cared enough to save it, the strangers who had made it, and the God who had carried us through those uncertain days.

Then life kept moving.
A few years later, in the middle of a global pandemic, our family found ourselves invited to attend a Mennonite Brethren church.
A few years after that, I accepted a position with MCC.
Now, part of my work connects me to people around the world through an organization known, among many other things, for providing comforters to families facing hardship, crisis, displacement, and disaster.

One day I shared the story of Emma's comforter with a coworker.
She listened carefully and then smiled.
"I'm pretty sure I know which church your comforter came from."
I just sat there for a moment.
What once felt like a random act of kindness suddenly felt connected.
The comforter that comforted me during one of the darkest seasons of my life likely came from the same faith community that would later become part of my own story.
A gift from strangers had become a thread connecting years of God's faithfulness.

The older I get, the more I realize that God often works this way.
When we're in the middle of the story, we want answers. We want explanations. We want to know why difficult things are happening and where God is leading us.
But most of the time, He doesn't hand us the finished picture.
Instead, He gives us the next step.
A nurse who remembers.
A comforter made by strangers.
A church we never expected to attend.
A job we never imagined having.
A testimony we never thought we'd tell.
Years later, we look back and realize that God was stitching together something beautiful all along.

The comforter still lives in our home.
Its fabric has faded a little over the years, but its meaning has only grown deeper.
It reminds me that even when life feels uncertain, God is at work.
It reminds me that small acts of kindness matter.
And it reminds me that sometimes the things that make the least sense in the moment become the stories that make the most sense years later.
Perhaps that's what a full-circle moment really is—not discovering that everything happened for a reason, but discovering that God was present in every part of the journey.
Even when we couldn't yet see the pattern He was creating.

--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - May 27, 2026

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:10:50 +0000

connect with God's Word

Through each of life’s seasons, church is a place you can go to be seen, be known, and be reminded that you never walk alone.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113
6:30 p.m. - Properties Meeting - Room 114/115

THURSDAY, MAY 28:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 31:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115 (end of series on Jude)
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Guest speaker Chelsea Webber
Graduate recognition during the service (and during lunch)

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal (tacos and cake will be provided; please bring a salad to serve 8-10 to add to the meal)
(No Youth Group this week)

TUESDAY, JUNE 2:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room (final session until August)
Church Camping Trip through Saturday, June 6, at Sequoia National Forest
(Healing Room ministry will resume July 7)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3:
8:00 a.m. - DUSD Meeting - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 7:
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Communion
Donations welcome for Sharing Hands Pantry (nonperishable food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, etc.) and the Deacon Care Fund

(No Youth Group)

MONDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 8-13: SOAR in Bakersfield

SUNDAY, JUNE 14: Semi-Annual Members' Meeting immediately following the Worship Service

LIFT Women's Bible Study will meet monthly during the summer, and all women are welcome!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (5/24): …........ $5,410
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $246,071
Budget to date: …………………............…...….. $306.632
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….....….. $12,395

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Evelyn Romero in rehab following a hospital stay; for Aydien Becerra as he recovers from surgery; for Jonas Stucky, hospitalized following a skateboarding accident; continue praying for Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, and Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew.
Pray for Eugene Enns as he battles an additional type of cancer that has flared up, and for others dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: Mae Ewert, Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Please pray for grieving families in our church, loved ones, and all those affected as we mourn losses. Information for upcoming "Celebration of Life" services: Nathan Galvan Espindola--Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM at NLC (with lunch to follow); Kelly Friesen--Friday, June 12, 11:00 AM at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose (livestream link will be available soon).
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Looking forward to SOAR

I am so excited to go to SOAR this year because it is such an amazing opportunity to worship God alongside so many incredible people. One of my favorite parts about SOAR is being surrounded by friends and meeting new people who all love God and want to grow closer to Him. Everyone is so welcoming, kind, and encouraging, which makes it feel like a big family. Being together in God’s presence and sharing our faith creates such a special experience that I always look forward to.

SOAR is also exciting because of all the fun memories and friendships that come from it. Last summer, I remember playing late-night volleyball games, laughing, and making memories that I’ll never forget. I got closer to people from my church that I never thought I would become friends with, and I even made new friends along the way. Silvia is also amazing because she is so kind and caring and helps make SOAR such an awesome experience. I love that SOAR brings together teens and people who love God, creating a place where we can have fun, worship together, and continue growing in our faith.

--Lydia Aquino

NLC Connect - May 20, 2026

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:43:19 +0000

connect with God's Word

We are grateful to walk through life together as a church family — studying Scripture together, worshiping God together, and celebrating the meaningful moments and milestones in one another’s lives and in our community.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20:
No Prayer Group--pray for the family receiving furniture and household items tonight from the Home Resource Center

THURSDAY, MAY 21:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 24:
Salt & Light Class will not meet, but will conclude the series on Jude on May 31 before a summer break
9:00 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Highlight a Bible verse or write a note for a high school graduate!
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)
Last day to pay for your campsite for the church camping trip

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group "Let's Taco 'bout It" - Community Room & Gym (for all incoming 7th-12th graders)
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115 (final session)

MONDAY, MAY 25: Memorial Day (church office closed)

TUESDAY, MAY 26:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113
6:30 p.m. - Properties meeting - Room 114/115

THURSDAY, MAY 28:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 31:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115 (end of series on Jude)
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Sign up to volunteer at VBS, or register a child (or both!)

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

Guest speaker Chelsea Webber
Graduate recognition during the service (and during lunch)

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

Click here to pay online

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (5/17): …........ $2,881
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $240,661
Budget to date: …………………............…...….. $298,563
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….....….. $11,929

Total income as of 4/30 (all budget sources): .. $251,252
Total expenses as of 4/30 (budgeted): ……...… $258,875

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Evelyn Romero at Kaweah Delta Hospital and being treated for an infection; continue praying for Norma Froese, Manuel and Karen Madrid, Kristel Salazar's nephew Matthew, and those dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: 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 who have attended GriefShare (final session May 24).
Please pray for a grieving family in our church, loved ones, and all those affected as we mourn the heartbreaking loss of a dear child. Details about arrangements and opportunities to support this family will be communicated out as they are coordinated with the family in the days ahead.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

When Grief Feels Heavy

There are seasons in life when grief settles quietly into our hearts and stays longer than we expected. Sometimes loss comes suddenly. Sometimes it unfolds slowly over time.

There are many kinds of loss we may experience throughout our lives—the loss of a loved one, a relationship that ended too soon, a job, our health, our independence, or a future we imagined for ourselves or for someone we love. There are even moments when we carry sorrow for a child whose path in life looks different than we once hoped or expected. And sometimes the weight of it all feels almost impossible to carry.

In moments like these, it can be difficult to find the right words to pray. Difficult to understand what we are feeling. Difficult even to know what we need. Scripture is this great reminder to us that God does not move away from people in grief. He moves toward them.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18

That promise matters in seasons of sorrow because grief can make us feel isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. It can feel like we are standing in the middle of a storm with no strength left to hold ourselves up.

One of the gifts I am grateful for in seasons of grief is music. Sometimes when words fail us, songs help us pray, reflect, remember, and rest in God’s presence.
I love how the worship song Jireh begins with the phrase, “I’ve never been more loved than I am right now.” What a gentle truth for grieving hearts. Not someday when healing comes. Not after the questions are answered. Right now — in the tears, confusion, weariness, and sorrow — God’s love remains steady.

Another line says, “You would cross an ocean so I wouldn’t drown — You’ve never been closer than You are right now.” This reminds me of Psalm 34:18. In our deepest pain, God does not abandon us. He draws near to the brokenhearted and remains present in the middle of our sorrow.

I am also reminded of the hymn Day by Day, which speaks of finding strength and mercy one day at a time. In grief, sometimes we cannot look too far ahead. Sometimes God simply gives us grace for today — or even just for this moment. What a comforting promise found in the words, “Every day the Lord Himself is near me.”

Sometimes faith in difficult seasons does not look strong or polished. Sometimes it simply looks like taking one breath at a time and trusting that God is still near to the brokenhearted.

If your heart feels heavy today, may you give yourself permission to grieve honestly, to rest when you need to, and to remember that even in the storm, you are deeply loved and never alone.

--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - May 13, 2026

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:30:33 +0000

connect with God's Word

From the IGNITE Club at Dinuba High School, to the DCMA gathering for pastors, to the SOAR fundraiser, to celebrating the incredible women of New Life Community this Sunday—it has been a beautiful reminder of what happens when people come together with purpose, faith, and heart.
So grateful for every conversation, every prayer, every act of service, and every person who showed up this week to encourage and uplift others. Moments like these remind us that even small acts of faithfulness can make a lasting impact in our community.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room (final session)

THURSDAY, MAY 14:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 17:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Highlight a Bible verse or write a note for a high school graduate!

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

Guest speaker Jeff Copeland
Last day to turn in graduate information
Church camping trip payments are due by May 23 ($50)

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

TUESDAY, MAY 19:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library (this ministry will resume July 7 after closing during June)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20:
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Group - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAY 21:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 24:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:00 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks
Last day to highlight a Bible verse or write a note for a high school graduate!

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group "Let's Taco 'bout It" - Community Room & Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115 (final session)

MONDAY, MAY 25: Memorial Day (church office closed)

TUESDAY, MAY 26:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

Click here to pay online

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (5/10): …....... $4,767
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $237,780
Budget to date: …………………...........…...….. $290,494
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……....….. $11,364

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she does physical therapy after surgeries, 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. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her nephew Matthew (age 22), who is living with chronic medical issues from past surgeries.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: 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, including Manuel Madrid (father), those attending GriefShare, and family and friends of Kelly Friesen. The memorial service for Kelly will be held Friday, June 12, at 11:00 AM at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose, and will also be livestreamed.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

That kind of Love

One of my favorite “moms” in history is Amy Carmichael, a missionary who devoted her life to serving and caring for vulnerable children in India. What I love about her story is that her life reminds us that motherhood does not always look traditional. Amy never married and never had biological children of her own, yet she became a mother to so many through the way she loved, protected, nurtured, and cared for others.

As a missionary, she opened her heart and her home to children who needed safety, comfort, and belonging. The children she cared for called her “Amma,” meaning mother. I think that is such a beautiful picture of what love can look like. Motherhood is not only biological—it can also be spiritual, compassionate, sacrificial, and deeply intentional.
Amy Carmichael’s faith shaped the way she loved people. She saw value in children that the world often overlooked. She chose to stay faithful in hard places. Even through pain and difficulty, she continued serving others with humility and love. Her life challenges me to think about how we care for the people around us. Are we creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and loved? Are we willing to slow down enough to truly care for others the way Jesus did?

One of Amy Carmichael’s journal reflections that has always stayed with me is:
“He said Love...as I have loved you. We can not love too much.”
I think that quote captures her life so beautifully. Her love was not just words—it was action. It was sacrifice. It was choosing to give her life away for the sake of others.
I also love how childlike faith connects to her story. Children trust so freely. They believe boldly. They love openly. Sometimes as adults we complicate faith, but Amy’s life reminds me that loving people well is one of the clearest reflections of Christ we can offer the world.

One verse that comes to mind when I think about her life is:
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Such a simple verse, but also such a challenging one. Amy Carmichael lived this out daily. Her love was active. It protected, comforted, advocated, and served.
This Mother’s Day, I’m especially thankful for the women who have mothered in nontraditional ways—the mentors, teachers, foster moms, caregivers, spiritual mothers, missionaries, volunteers, and women who simply choose to show up and love others faithfully. The world needs more of that kind of love.

--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - May 6, 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:43:02 +0000

connect with God's Word

We are so grateful for our incredible team of volunteers who make ministry happen every week at New Life Community—from Wednesday night childcare to Sunday services. Take a moment this week to thank a volunteer for all they do!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, MAY 7:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 10:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:00 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT FUNDRAISER - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Donations welcome for our summer SOAR mission participants

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

Mother's Day, with a special display table in the patio area!
Dawnings' "Change For Life" fundraiser begins--pick up a bottle at the Welcome Table in the north foyer, and fill it with coins, currency, or a check (payable to Dawnings) to support their pregnancy resource work in Dinuba -- return it on or before Father's Day, June 21

No Youth Group or GriefShare meetings

TUESDAY, MAY 12:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, MAY 14:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 17:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Last day to turn in graduate information
Church camping trip payments are due by May 23 ($50)

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

Click here to pay online

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (5/3): …........ $3,089
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $233,013
Received for Deacon Care Fund (5/3): ………. $270
Budget to date: ………….........………..…...….. $282,424
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……....….. $10,976

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she does physical therapy after surgeries, 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. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her nephew Matthew, who is waiting for medical test results.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: 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, including Manuel Madrid (father), those attending GriefShare, and family and friends of Kelly Friesen. The memorial service for Kelly will be held Friday, June 12, at 11:00 AM at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose, and will also be livestreamed.
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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Let the Children Come

“Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at Fresno Pacific University, and something they said reiterated my belief about children and the Church:
Kids are not just the future of the church—they are the church right now.
It’s a simple idea, but it shifts everything.
In this passage, people were bringing children to Jesus, hoping He would bless them. But the disciples tried to send them away. Jesus’ response is powerful. He doesn’t just allow the children to come—He welcomes them. He protects their place in His presence.
“Do not forbid them.”
Jesus saw something in children that reflects the very heart of the Kingdom.
This past Wednesday during childcare at Open Bible night, I witnessed something small—but truly meaningful in light of this conversation about children and faith.
A 7-year-old girl shared that she had hurt her finger several weeks ago. Then she said, very simply and confidently: “God healed my finger.” There was no hesitation. No overthinking. No need to explain it away. Just certainty.
It struck me how matter-of-fact her faith was. She didn’t wrestle with doubt or try to rationalize what happened. She didn’t feel the need to prove it or qualify it. She just believed.
As adults, we tend to approach things differently.
When something goes wrong, our first instinct is often to:

Analyze the situation
Problem-solve
Try to fix it on our own

And prayer becomes… second.
We rationalize. We question. We hesitate.
But children? They go to God first.
They trust that He sees them. That He cares. That He is present in even the smallest moments—like a hurt finger.
And maybe that’s exactly what Jesus was pointing to.
If children are the church of now, then moments like this matter more than we realize.
Every time a child:

Prays with confidence
Shares what God has done
Trusts without hesitation

That is the Church in action.
Right now.
And maybe part of our calling isn’t just to teach children—but to learn from them.
To remember what it looks like to:

Pray first
Trust simply
Believe boldly

Let’s Not Forbid Them
At New Life Community, we have the privilege of creating space for children to come to Jesus—not just physically, but spiritually.
And as we do, may we also allow their faith to shape ours.
This week, may we be a community that:

Welcomes children fully
Listens closely to their faith
And remembers to go to God first

Because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
And maybe, just maybe, we’re being invited to become more like them.

Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - April 29, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:52:19 +0000

connect with God's Word

We’d love to help you get connected at New Life Community! Join us for Open Bible Study on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings for all ages, and Sunday nights for our youth.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, APR. 29:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, APR. 30:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center
6:00 p.m. - Community Hymn Sing at Palm Village, 701 W. Herbert Avenue in Reedley

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 1 & 2:
NLC Prayer Booth at Rose Ann Vuich Park during Cinco de Mayo celebration -- contact the church office at 559-591-1176 to sign up for a 2-hour time slot

SUNDAY, MAY 3:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - Connecting Point - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Guest speaker Otto Ekk
Communion
Donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items welcome for the Sharing Hands Pantry, along with financial donations to the Deacon Care Fund

11:30 a.m. - Deacon Meeting - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room & Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, MAY 5:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6:
12:00 p.m. - DCMA Lunch Meeting - Dining Room
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, MAY 7:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SUNDAY, MAY 10:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:00 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT FUNDRAISER - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Donations welcome for our summer SOAR mission participants

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

Mother's Day!
Dawnings' "Change For Life" fundraiser begins--pick up a bottle at the Welcome Table, and fill it with coins, currency, or a check (payable to Dawnings) to support their pregnancy resource work in Dinuba -- return it on or before Father's Day, June 21

No Youth Group or GriefShare meetings

TUESDAY, MAY 12:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

New men's Bible study topic begins Tuesday morning, May 5!

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

Click here to pay online

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (4/26): …......... $1,982
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $229,924
Budget to date: ………...........…………..…...….. $274,355
Needed weekly to meet budget: …….....….. $10,538

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she does physical therapy after surgeries, Maya Madrid who is recovering from surgery, 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. Kristel Salazar requests prayer for her nephew Matthew, who is waiting for medical test results.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues.
Also remember: 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, including Manuel Madrid (father), family and friends of Kelly Friesen, 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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Why Lithuania?

This July, I have the opportunity to go on an ACTION trip with Multiply to Lithuania. While I’m there, I’ll be serving at a kids camp—spending time with children, building relationships, playing, laughing, and sharing about Jesus.
Some of the kids we’ll meet have a small awareness of who Jesus is. Others are coming from a local orphanage and may be hearing about His love in a deeper or more personal way for the first time. That alone feels incredibly meaningful. There’s something powerful about showing up, being present, and reminding kids that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
I know some people might wonder… why Lithuania?
It’s a fair question.
But the more I’ve prayed and reflected, the more I’ve realized—this trip connects so closely to what God has been shaping in my life for years. My heart has always been drawn to kids--to creating spaces where they feel safe, known, and connected. Whether it’s here at New Life Community or across the world, the mission is the same: love kids like Jesus does.
This isn’t stepping away from what God has called me to—it’s stepping further into it.
That’s what makes this trip feel so aligned. It’s not random. It’s not disconnected. It’s part of a bigger story God has been writing all along.
I’m also incredibly grateful. Grateful for a church family that supports, encourages, and sends. Grateful that I don’t go alone, but with the prayers and love of our community behind me.
And I’m especially thankful for our amazing summer interns—Dulce and Amelia—who will be holding down the fort in NLC Kids Ministry while I’m away. They bring such joy, intentionality, and care into everything they do.
Even more than that, I’m confident in our kids and youth teams. We have leaders who show up week after week to love, guide, and invest in our kids and youth in such a genuine way. Knowing that our kids are surrounded by people who reflect the love of Jesus makes it so much easier to take this step of faith.
This trip is a “yes.”
A yes to trusting God.
A yes to going where He leads.
A yes to loving kids—wherever they are.
I would love your prayers as I prepare and as we go. That God would open hearts, build connections, and remind every child we encounter that they are deeply loved.

--Jessica Aquino

NLC Connect - April 22, 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:51:16 +0000

connect with God's Word

Open Bible Study started last Wednesday. There is still room for you to join at 6 pm tonight! We will be discussing "Meditating on Scripture."

SOAR participants held a fundraiser on Sunday morning during Connecting Point. Thank you, NLC, for supporting our young people!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, APR. 22:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, APR. 23:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, APR. 25:
5:30 p.m. - Immanuel Schools' Open House in Reedley

SUNDAY, APRIL 26:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT Coffee & Conversation - Patio
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Baptisms!

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (please bring a dessert to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room & Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, APR. 28:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

WEDNESDAY, APR. 29:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, APR. 30:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center
6:00 p.m. - Community Hymn Sing at Palm Village, 701 W. Herbert Avenue in Reedley

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 1 & 2:
NLC Prayer Booth at Rose Ann Vuich Park during Cinco de Mayo celebration -- contact the church office at 559-591-1176 to sign up for a 2-hour time slot

SUNDAY, MAY 3:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT FUNDRAISER - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries

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

Communion
Donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items welcome for the Sharing Hands Pantry, along with financial donations to the Deacon Care Fund

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

TUESDAY, MAY 5:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (4/19): …....... $4,660
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $227,942
Budget to date: …………………...........…...….. $266,286
Needed weekly to meet budget: ……...….. $10,087

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she does physical therapy after surgeries, Maya Madrid who is recovering from surgery, 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, and they also mourn the loss of Manuel's father last week.
Pray for those dealing with long-term health issues and cancer treatments.
Also remember: 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, including family and friends of Kelly Friesen, 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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Connect to SOAR

Hi, my name is Lydia and I’m in seventh grade. Last year I went to the SOAR mission trip, and it was honestly one of the best experiences ever. I learned a lot about God and what it means to really abide in Him and stay connected to Him in everyday life. The lessons were actually interesting and helped me understand my faith in a more encouraging way.

I also had so much fun the whole time. One of my favorite things was the late-night volleyball circle games because everyone would join in and just laugh and have a good time. It didn’t matter if you were good or bad at volleyball, it was just about having fun together. I made a lot of new friends there, which was really special to me.

Something I didn’t expect was getting closer to people from my own church that I never thought I would be friends with. Now I talk to them way more, and it made me feel more connected to my church. The leaders, like Silvia, were super kind and made everything feel really welcoming. They made it easy to be yourself and not feel judged.

SOAR helped me grow in my faith but also helped me grow as a person. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things, which I’m really glad I did. It showed me how important it is to build relationships and support each other.

That’s why I really want to go back to SOAR this summer. I want to keep growing in my faith and make even more memories. I’m also excited to reconnect with the friends I made and meet new people too. I just know it will be another amazing experience that I won’t forget.

NLC Connect - April 15, 2026

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:40 +0000

connect with God's Word

This is the beauty of community—held together by something greater than ourselves.

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, APR. 15:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

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

FRIDAY, APR. 17:
6:00 p.m. - Youth For Christ Auction & Dinner - Pipeline Church Barn in Visalia
(Doors open at 5:30 pm with the Silent Auction and Dinner beginning at 6 pm. Live Auction will begin around 7 pm. Click on the link https://one.bidpal.net/tkyfc/welcome to register to bid. You can bid either in person or remotely.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 19:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class (new series begins on book of Jude) - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT FUNDRAISER - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Donations welcome for our summer SOAR mission participants

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

Guest speaker John Richardson

5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room & Gym
6:00 p.m. - Mennonite Men's Chorus Concert - Reedley MB Church
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, APR. 21:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, APR. 22:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room

THURSDAY, APR. 23:
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

SATURDAY, APR. 25:
5:30 p.m. - Immanuel Schools' Open House in Reedley

SUNDAY, APRIL 26:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT Coffee & Conversation - Patio
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
11:15 a.m. - Family Meal - Dining Room (bring a dessert to share)
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Community Room & Gym
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

TUESDAY, APR. 28:
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room

Interested in being baptized on April 26? Please contact Pastor Brad or Jessica Aquino for more information.

The sign-up link is also available on the website under the Connect/Adults tab.

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (4/12): …........ $8,387
Received for Deacon Care Fund: ………......……$285
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $223,282
Budget to date: ………………….............…...….. $258,217
Needed weekly to meet budget: ….….….….. $9,816

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she does physical therapy after surgeries, Maya Madrid who is recovering from surgery, 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: 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.
Pray for events on the calendar and people connecting with God and each other.

Open Bible Night

Hey friend, we’re excited to launch a new midweek space called Open Bibles on Wednesday nights in the Community Room (side room on north side of the gym). Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to the Bible or have been reading it for years.
Together, we’ll grow in understanding God’s Word and build confidence in exploring Scripture both personally and in community.
Bring a Bible (we’ll have extras if you need one), something to write with, and a friend!
Each week, we’ll read Scripture, pray, and explore it through conversation. Over five weeks, we’ll practice different ways to engage the Bible:
Week 1 (4/15): Reading Responsibly
Week 2 (4/22): Meditating on Scripture
Week 3 (4/29): Praying God’s Word
Week 4 (5/6): Living Out Scripture
Week 5 (5/13): Reading for Others
Come ready to engage, ask questions, and listen well. We’re excited to gather around God’s Word together.
See you Wednesday!
—Pastor Brad
P.S. Please sign up young children for childcare in advance so our volunteers can prepare.

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

NLC Connect - April 8, 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:03:40 +0000

connect with God's Word

On Good Friday, our kids stepped into the story through art—remembering that in Jesus, we are created new.
Easter morning was filled with color and joy at our Art Hop before service.
The resurrection story came to life for our kids through Resurrection Eggs, shared by Martha Sawatzky.
We witnessed five baptisms—beautiful declarations of new life.
Laughter and celebration continued with an Easter egg hunt and baskets for each child. Thank you, New Life Community, for your generosity!

connect your calendar

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

WEDNESDAY, APR. 15:
6:00 p.m. - Open Bible Night - Community Room or Dining Room

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

FRIDAY, APR. 17:
6:00 p.m. - Youth For Christ Auction & Dinner - Pipeline Church Barn in Visalia
(Doors open at 5:30 pm with the Silent Auction and Dinner beginning at 6 pm. Live Auction will begin around 7 pm. Click on the link https://one.bidpal.net/tkyfc/welcome to register to bid. You can bid either in person or remotely.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 19:
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Growth Class (new series begins on book of Jude) - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT FUNDRAISER - Patio

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and pastries
Donations welcome for our summer SOAR mission participants

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

Guest speaker John Richardson

See detailed schedule here!

connect through giving

Offerings Received last week (4/5): ….….... $6,350
Offerings Received this year to date: .…. $214,896
Budget to date: …………………..….............….. $250,147
Needed weekly to meet budget: ………..….. $9,748

connect to God through prayer

Pray for Norma Froese as she recovers at home and does physical therapy, Maya Madrid who is recovering from surgery, 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: 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.

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.