Update On McCarver Elementary

We are off to a great start with McCarver Elementary. I can't tell you how impressed I've been with those who have served with such joyful hearts! Thank you so much! I know many of you have been praying and please continue to pray. Today is their first day of school!!!

Tuesday night's Back-To-School Ice Cream social went great. The staff were so grateful for our involvement in distributing uniforms and serving ice cream. In years past, the teachers were required to rotate into the uniform room and serve ice cream, which took them away from connecting with their new students and families/guardians. We had way more people than we needed for the job, but it sent a message to the school that we are all in!

By going to the community, we were able to collect a ton of school supplies and uniforms! It was a great return on taking a stroll down your streets and knocking on a few doors! The staff felt very confident that the supplies would be enough for a long time.

On Wednesday, a group of NCCers went over to McCarver to serve the teachers and staff lunch. This was their last planning day before the students returned and we felt it would be nice to let them know we were standing with them. Alexander Goeting made pulled pork, which was unreal, and we served chicken and salad as well. Each teacher received a business card from us with an encouragement to call us if they need anything.

We found out something very interesting while we were there. There is a group of teachers who have gathered before school to pray for the school. I couldn't help but feel that we were one answer to their prayers. I also can't help but wonder what God is up to!? So exciting.

Next week the three Year Teamers, Karissa, Matt and Caleb, will meet with the guidance counselor and find ways to serve on a regular basis. Please know though that this is not reserved to the Year Team. If you have time to tutor, monitor a recess, help with lunch, or whatever, please let us know!

So proud to serve with such a wonderful group of people! Thank you so much!

Want to Go to Zimbabwe?

Newfrontiers-USA churches are putting together a team of people who have a heart to serve cross-culturally and we're sending them to serve alongside the churches in Zimbabwe. For more information please visit this site. If you are interested in going, please contact Bo Noonan.

Audio from the Marriage Course...

Is now available...

http://bit.ly/d2EQJj

What is All This Apostolic Talk?

In a recent interview, Terry Virgo explains the difference between being 'missional' and 'apostolic'. You may have heard us say that New Community Church is a part of an apostolic movement called Newfrontiers. This may help bring some clarity.

Terry Virgo: "Apostolic" vs. "Missional" from Jubilee Church on Vimeo.

Our Big Announcement!

I am so grateful to be serving with such a wonderful group of people here at New Community Church. Your response to the following announcement on Sunday was phenomenal!

In case you missed it, here it is...

Last Spring two of our Small Groups used their outreach day to serve McCarver Elementary School on Hilltop. The school was incredibly grateful. In fact, the principal later mentioned to Jeff and Natalie Eckart that he wished a church would 'adopt' them! Who are we to say no!?!?!

So, starting this school year, we are adopting McCarver Elementary.

The demographic that makes up McCarver's district is the poorest in the state of Washington. The overwhelming majority of students do not live with both parents, and many live without either parent. Some come from shelters or even the streets. Needless to say, they don't have the funds for school supplies or the required school uniform.

We will essentially become the PTA. Making sure the kids have their uniforms, shoes, belts, jackets, and school supplies. This week our small groups will be dropping off grocery bags around their neighborhoods asking them to fill them with school supplies and uniforms. Some are going to their places of employment and asking them for donations as well.

On August 31 we will attend the back to school night and scoop ice cream so the teachers can be available to the students and parents/guardians.

Throughout the year we will be serving the teachers and students in various ways. We hope to tutor students, help organize recesses, support the teachers, and much more.

I am ecstatic about this as our heart is to bless this city! Thanks again for your eager response! Please do pray for resources to be released and for workers to step forward.

Don't Take Sam's Word For It!

One of the things I love the most about being a part of New Community Church is our involvement in Zimbabwe! I know many of you have heard from Sam and Marlene Poe on their involvemnt, but check out this video interview of Mbonisi Malaba. Let's keep praying for the churches in Zimbabwe and particularly the church plant we are involved in in Kezi, Zimbabwe.

I particularly love Mbonisi's (aka Bones) explanation of the Sovereignty of God!

Interview with Mbonisi Malaba from Jubilee Church on Vimeo.

Marriage Restored

I recently mentioned to a friend of mine that we were hosting John and Linda Lanferman's marriage course. He told me that they had done the course a few years back in his church. He then told me about a couple that attended the course who were on the brink of divorce. They said they had a loveless marriage and there was no hope. They went to the course with no expectation other than to feel worse about their marriage. God had other plans.

During the course God began to soften their hearts toward each other. John and Linda encouraged people who were struggling in their marriage to engage in a seven week process that has couples really work through issues together. At the end of this seven week process the couple didn't only agree not to get divorced, but they now have a love filled marriage.

If you haven't signed up yet, please consider doing so by emailing Michael Gray or visiting the facebook page. Please also consider bringing friends along who you know could benefit from this.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday night at 6:30 pm!