New Life Christian Church

PASTOR’S REPORT

Dear Saint (s),

At the time of this newsletter I trust you have all received Chris Fahey’s letter and his impending leaving. As you all will read he is not leaving the church nor will his influence upon the staff (and me personally) not be understood or known. I also have to say I’m super blessed they are going to be around and we will be able to tap into Chris and Kathy’s broad scope of knowledge and care. However, that being said we will certainly miss his daily fellowship, care, and just being able to shoot the breeze with him. He is my friend forever and I will miss our “drives” and long talks. This is one top notch guy.  Chris has also asked for 6 months away from church duties, etc, just to get some much needed refreshing and rest. For that reason, please honor that. Love him and Kathy (and kids) and let them know how much you have been blessed with all he has done for us as a church – but leave the “pressure” for those on staff. We will help you in any way we can. We cannot replace a Chris Fahey and won’t even attempt to do so – but we do love and cherish each life that is here. Change is always difficult – but change is also necessary for each and every one of us. With that in mind, we bless Chris and Kathy and are already doing everything we can do to help them in this time of transition. God Bless you Chris!

The building is really beginning to take some shape. It’s exciting to see the foyer so close to completion and soon the steel and flooring will go into the Sanctuary itself. We are much closer than most think – but still have some hurdles to get through. Can you pray about giving? Anything you could give over the next month would only allow us to finish this project that much more expediently. Please also remember we don’t ask for finances simply to ask. We ask because it all equates to lives affected and therefore eternal reward. The Bible is very clear on this subject and we are called as those to not only preach the Gospel but also to Occupy a Land. We are the Army of God going forth – please keep that in mind with your tithes and offerings. Also, please remember to check out the website at www.newlifenny.com and find out the Men’s Work Schedule. It’s very important you find your “day” and be there to complete the tasks at hand. Also, if you’re name isn’t there and you want to work – simply call the church office and we’ll gladly put you on the list.

One last thought for you this month – please continue to be faithful to your Home Groups. This is one of the life lines of our church. This small group allows you to get to know one another in an intimate fashion and also gives you such great study on specific topics and yet also church wide. I can’t emphasize its importance enough and I’m trusting you will read this in the Spirit and hunger of the Lord. He is equipping His people in His way.

Well……love you all!

Pastor Kirk

33LIVE REPORT submitted by Christopher Hopper

Greetings Church Family!

By far the most amazing news I have to share this month is in regards to this morning’s activity at Thousand Islands High School. I had the distinct privilege and honor to speak for one hour to the entire student body at T.I. High in Clayton, NY. My lovely wife even closed with a song. It was arranged through the wonderful relationship I have with the principal, Joe Gilfus, as well as with the many teens and families that are an integral part of our youth ministry. 

For those that know me, and those that are a part of 33 Live, during this morning’s address they’d surely recognize the same passion and zeal I have at a Wednesday night youth meeting, the same Biblical principles spoken, the same cause-and-effect analogies, and the same anointing–except without five words, “God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible.” I even had a public prophetic word for one young lady; though I’m sure everyone there simply thought I was “encouraging her.” Which, I was, except it wasn’t me doing the encouraging. She came up afterwards with tears streaming down her face and asked me, “How did you know all that stuff about me?” Because the Lord knows everything, all we need to do is listen. It was so beautiful.

In studying Jesus, I am acutely aware, now more than ever, of how relevant He was indeed. He was relevant to an entire generation, meeting them where they were at, going to their level and bringing hope. And the funny thing is, He never mentioned His name once, save maybe in introduction. But what He did do was remarkable…

…He moved in power.

There was such a beautiful presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit this morning in that hall, but of course they didn’t know that. Why were guys coming up to me afterwards and telling me they were trying to hold back tears? Why did that one girl come forward and ask through tears how I “knew all that stuff about [her]”? Simply, because whether they were aware of it or not, they were coming in contact with the Spirit of the Lord, He just happened to be inside of me.

I’m convinced that we don’t need to protest. We don’t need to blast people with scripture. We don’t need to point out their faults or yell at them. We don’t even need to mention the name of Jesus–as blasphemous as that sounds to many. We need to be Jesus!

As I was nervously tapping before the assembly this morning (yes, I still get butterflies), my associate youth pastor, Jim Shaw (a graduate of T.I. High!), leaned over to me and said, “Bro, you have nothing to worry about. These kids need a voice. They’re dying for leadership.” And it hit me. We’re not the underdogs; we’re the Sons and Daughters of the King! We are the priests to our high schools, the priests to our businesses, the priests to our school boards and PTA groups, to our employers and clients. We’re the ones called to stand in the gap and actually be Jesus to them. The Church that I believe the Father has in mind is one that will occupy and advance with the power of His anointing at all times. In the grocery stores, in the library, pumping gas, paying bills and having lunch with co-workers. While we are baby sitting kids, while returning items at Wal-Mart and talking with your server at a restaurant. If we will understand and release the power of the Holy Ghost inside of us, we will truly turn the world upside down like the disciples did.

In the time it took my to write this, I just heard back from the principal and they’re pitching me dates to come speak to the middle school.

We serve an awesome God!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT submitted by Christian Fahey

I recently heard something powerful from a brother on the West Coast.  He reminded listeners that the purpose of war is victory; the purpose of victory is occupation; and the purpose of occupation is advancement.  When Israel ceased to have an enemy, they ceased to have miracles.  We must be vigilant against the comfortable tendency to simply guard what we’ve been given instead of taking it out to where it’s needed.  God does not want us to have a fortress mentality, hunkering down inside the comfort of the sanctuary, waiting for Jesus’ return.  His parting commands were ‘Go!’ and ‘Occupy ’til I come.’ Let us not fear to go ahead and invade the kingdoms of this world.  Light is infinitely more powerful than darkness.”

KIDS CHURCH submitted by Leah Woodkirk

I have spent a lot of time this week thinking about “my” kids. I am so proud of each and every one of you. I had the pleasure of having dinner with the Bovier family in February; it was so much fun spending time with them. It was really eye opening to me though, because I spent quite a bit of time talking with Trace, and seeing how much he has matured and grown in the last year. It caused me to start paying attention to the progress the other kids are making as well. For example: Hadley Ludlow has become very brave and now attends KIDS Church every week without a problem. She has conquered her shyness, not an easy task. Paul Fairchild has learned to use his humor to make kids feel welcomed and a part of us. Nathanael Kerscher is a great helper and sees what needs to be done without me having to ask for help. These are just a few of the kids that are becoming great leaders! I see incredible potential in all of you and your growth is amazing!

We are continuing our study of the ABC’s. This month we will studying the letters E and F. You will be learning about encouragement and faith! Also, this month we are celebrating Easter, be ready to memorize some verses about this very special holiday.

I love you all! Miss Leah

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD submitted by Karleen Bognaski

March is “cuddle” month here at Operation Christmas Child.  For the children this month, we want to keep them warm and snuggly so we will be collecting small stuffed animals, hats, mittens, scarves, socks, small blankets and anything to cuddle with.  There are plenty of sales this time of year on winter items.  Just remember, the cuddly toys must be able to fit inside a shoe box. 
 
Remember to pray for Patty Jennings as she assists Operation Christmas Child in Africa. It is a tremendous opportunity for her to see the “fruits of the labor” for her many years of dedication to the outreach of Operation Christmas Child in this area.  Thank you and God bless.   

MISSIONS REPORT

Congo

Capital: Brazzaville
Size: 342,000 sq. km.
Population: 2,289,000
Religions: Christian 85% Muslim 2% African Traditional 11% Other 2%

CHALLENGES FOR PRAYER

Pray for stability in the nation in times of painful economic and social transition

Pray that Christians with high moral and spiritual standards may be appointed to positions of affluence

Pray for revival and restoration of churches that have failed

Pray that believers may be bold in challenging the powers of darkness

Pray for the training of believers in the three Bible schools in the Congo

Pray that the churches may effectively win and disciple young people

The Lord has challenged us (NLCC) to touch every country in the world. So every month we choose a nation (alphabetically) and we target them by prayer and giving. Souls are ripe; please join us in taking this opportunity to bring in the harvest! If you would like to give, please add a note on your offering that it is for the “Country of the Month”. Thank you.