new life ramblings (10/30/09)

…thoughts from Pastor Troy

On Sunday we are doing our Big Give offering.  Put your gift in the offering or giving kiosk marked “Big Give”.  We are trusting God on Sunday for you to respond.  We will have no strong appeal. We are trusting God for an Exodus 36 miracle.  “More than Enough” to come in.  The groundwork has been laid.    This is a special edition of New Life Ramblings:  The Big Give Ramblings!   We are on time and on budget for our new building. Yesterday I gave a couple from our church a personal tour.  I love seeing people’s eyes when they see the possibilities and dreams. If you ever want a personal tour, email me. Either I or one of my pastors would love to walk through the building with you.  Weekdays at 4:30 PM is best time for the construction workers. Countdown begins—-22 Sundays and we move in! This is it. If we don’t receive $500,000 we will have to phase in the chapel.  The chapel will be used for Softer Sundays, The Well, Senior High Axis, Simply Worship, Renton Christian School, Funerals/Weddings, Community events, etc.  Without the chapel significant ministries will be impacted. We have not had ONE change order on this project.  The general contractor says this may be a first for them. We haven’t spent much of our contingency fund either. This is good news. The construction drawing set consists of 131 drawings. There are 49 architectural drawings that took 1300 hours, two bottles of aspirin and too many cups of coffee to count to complete. There is no recession if you are a plumbing contractor! The new building will have 26 water closets, 6 urinals and 22 hand sinks. There is no recession if you are a door supplier! The new building will have 62 door frames with 85 doors. Although the floor of the new building is relatively flat and all areas are accessible, the new building will have 168 steps. We have 8,831,200 lbs of concrete in the new building. Some have asked-can we give this by the end of the year?  Yes. Yes.  Yes. However— We have to communicate to our general contractor if we are going to finish the chapel or not by early November. Some have asked-can we just continue to give monthly even in 2010 and beyond.  Yes. I posted a blog called “Giving Muscles”  I would love to have everyone read this.  Read more HERE. We have already raised over $2 Million for this new building.  This is the biggest fundraiser in our history.   Thank you New Life! Over the last few weeks people have given $500 to $30,000 checks. Even one person committing to $100,000.  Equal sacrifice, not equal giving. We are up 7.5% in our giving from last year at this time.  God is blessing New Life.  Thank you for your generosity.  The best way to support the mission of New Life is to give systematically.    When we move into the new building we will move our kids into our current space.  They desperately need this space.  Last week we almost had 500 kids onsite. When we move out of this current building-our Junior Highers will move into the current Ally room (Upstairs).  They are very excited to have their own space. When we move out of this building—our nursery will have more space. When we move out of this building—we will build RCS a gym. We are making three financial assumptions:  Debt service not to exceed 25% of general income, receive 2.6 million in cash and pay off loan in 15 years. Day Light savings is Sunday-nothing to do with new building-but it does give us all more sleep. “Fall back” Read Luke 5 for Sunday.  Four stories.  One Jesus.  Redemption. You don’t want to miss the last five minutes of our services.  Buildings come and go.  Buildings burn down.  Buildings are a tool.  The church is you and me.  We are the family of God, bride of Christ, light of the World, body of Christ. In the words of late Michael Jackson-this is it! Let’s do it.  We are crossing the finish line.

new life ramblings (10/23/09)

What is on my mind?  What is happening at New Life? What is happening in my personal world?  Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and find out.
 

• Last weekend we changed the oil of 55 single moms at New Life.
• This week they are putting the stadium seating in our new worship center.  Looks great.
• Our big give offering is Sunday, November 1st.  We need another $590,000.  If we don’t receive this amount we will have to phase in the chapel.  The chapel will be used for Softer Sundays, The Well, Senior High Axis, Simply Worship, Funerals/Weddings, RCS chapels, etc. 
• Attention all ladies…Mark Friday night November 6th  at 7pm on your calendar.  Eileen Hunter will be speaking to all ladies on our UNITE Ladies event.   Sign up online for this FREE event.New Life Orientation is Sunday, October 25.  Sign up online. If you new to New Life or been around for a while this environment is a chance for you to hear the vision and heart of our church.  If you want to begin to serve at New Life or have any questions—New Life Orientation is for you.
• People spend around two weeks of their lives at traffic lights.
• I posted a blog this week called “Giving Muscles”.  I would love to have everyone read this.  Check it out HERE. 
• Butterfly Effect:  “It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world.”
• One small act changes everything.  During the Butterfly Effect we will discuss how one small prayer, one act of generosity and one conversation with a person far from God leads to large scale and unpredictable spiritual awakening.
• Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments where people pursue intimacy with God and community with people. 
• Our strategy statement (this is new) is “Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Bear Fruit”.  We plant seeds in our weekend gatherings, we grow roots in our groups and we bear fruit by serving our church, community and world.
• I met with our Elders this Tuesday night. Amazing leadership at New Life.
• Read Exodus 35:20-36:7 to prepare for Sunday.  I love this story in the Old Testament.

new life ramblings (10/16/09)

What is on my mind?  What is happening at New Life? What is happening in my personal world?  Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and find out.

• Serve Day is Saturday from 10am-2pm.  Bring your trash to the church. Tell your neighbors about this opportunity.  We are doing free oil changes for single moms.  It will be a great day.
• Attention all ladies!!!  Mark Friday night November 6th on your calendar.  Eileen Hunter will be speaking to all ladies at our UNITE Ladies event. You can sign up or get more information HERE.
• New Life Orientation is Sunday, October 25.  Sign up online.  If you are new to New Life or have been around for a while, this environment is a chance for you to hear the vision and heart of our church.  If you want to begin to serve at New Life or have any questions—New Life Orientation is for you.
• I posted a blog this week called “Giving Muscles”.  I would love to have everyone read this.  You can read it HERE. 
• The average person’s left hand does 56% of the typing.
• Did you know we have over 100 kids in Royal Rangers and Missionettes on Wednesday nights? 
• The Big Give is three Sundays away. (Sunday, November 1)
• Read Exodus 17: 8-16 to prepare for Sunday. 
• We plan our teaching series 12 months in advance.  This week I felt a burden to change our next series.  The new series is called “The Butterfly Effect”.  I am pumped.  Invite a friend.
• Butterfly Effect:  “It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world.”
• One small act changes everything.  During the Butterfly Effect we will discuss how one small prayer, one act of generosity and one conversation with a person far from God leads to large scale and unpredictable spiritual awakening.
• Spent some time with Gary Moreno this week.  Gary was our worship leader 4 years ago.  Great guy.  He is doing very well. 
• Check out Project Rescue.  We will be supporting with them in 2010.
• Check out Convoy of Hope.  We partner with Convoy of Hope to respond to extreme disasters and hungry people. 
• Check out Vision House and Vine Maple Place.  We partner with both of these ministries to provide homes for homeless moms.
• Our goal was $800,000 by November 1st.  We already have $200,000.  Someone committed $100,000.  We need another $500,000 by November 1st if all possible.  December 31 at the latest.
• Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments where people pursue intimacy with God and community with people. 
• Our strategy statement (this is new) is “Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Bear Fruit”.  We plant seeds in our weekend gatherings, we grow roots in our groups and we bear fruit by serving our church, community and world.

new life ramblings (9/25/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• Grouplink is this weekend.  Friday night @ 7 PM for men, women and young adults.  Saturday @ 5 PM for married couples.  All you have to do is show up. 
• Sign up for our 40 day fasting and praying.  I love seeing all the people sign up to pray.  You can sign up HERE.
• Follow me on twitter. 
• MarriedLife Live is Friday, Oct 9.  You don’t want to miss this.  Great date night.  Fun concert. I will be sharing on humor in your marriage…the couple who laughs together,  stays together.   You can get more information HERE.
• This week I have been thinking a lot about how cell phones have taken over our culture.  What is proper cell phone etiquette?  This is a conversation we need to have with our kids, church family, employees, loved ones and ourselves.   Here is one principle—be fully present.  Love the one you’re with.  What are some other etiquette rules for cell phone use?
• I had two people personally hand me checks for our new building last week—one check for $500 and one for $30,000.  Amazing.  Both gifts brought tears to my eyes.
• Mark Sunday Oct 4^th on your calendars.  We will “build an altar” in the new building.  Everyone will be given a stone and help build the altar.
• Sunday, Oct 4 we will be doing a video tribute to Pastor Tappero.  Pastor Tappero and the board bought the property we are on 30 years ago.  It will be a powerful moment.  
• Did you know that a donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule will not?
• Eileen Hunter will be at our UNITE ladies event Friday, November 6^th.  The theme of this evening is “Fight Like a Girl”.
• Read James 1: 21-27 to prepare for Sunday.
• Did you know we have 130 ladies at MOPS on Tuesday morning?  Amazing!
• We did a video on Sunday called “Confessions of a Pastor”.  I want every person who calls New Life home to watch it.    You can watch in on www.newliferenton.com
• We have had many requests for the “Taken” series.  We have this available in one package at the resource center.
• We are planning on seeing around 200 adults connect in a small group this weekend. Amazing!
• In the last couple of weeks 200 students have connected in small group. 
• PSALM 92:12-15 “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God….They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

new life ramblings (9/18/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• Small groups are beginning this fall.  Group Link is the best way to get into a small group.  Group Link is Sept 25-26.  Sign up HERE. 
• I meet with the Elders on Tuesday nights.  I thank God for these men and woman. They are full of faith and wisdom.
• Starting Point is an incredible environment for people checking out Jesus or beginning their faith journey.  If this is you—check out Starting Point orientation HERE.
• God has put on my heart six “Growth Essentials” for New Life.  I will be discussing these during the next few weeks.  These growth essentials provide us the blueprint for discipleship at New Life.
• GROWTH—Godly Disciplines, Right Relationships, Obey Scripture, Wise Stewardship, Tangible Ministry and Heartfelt Worship. Our discipleship strategy! 
• What an amazing Sunday last week.  Watching people write on the walls of our new building will be a moment I will never forget.  We will have pictures on Sunday!
• People have asked, “Can I still write on the walls?”  YES!  Sunday, Oct. 4^th we are going to “build an altar” in the new church.  Everyone will be given a rock.  We will place the rock at the altar of the new church. (also give people opportunity to write on walls again)
• We did a video on Sunday called “Confessions of a Pastor”.  Many have asked about it.  You can watch in on www.newliferenton.com We have 60 people doing Financial Peace University.  I love seeing people understand the Biblical mandate to be a Wise Steward. 
• Dr. Suess pronounced “Suess” in such a way that it rhymed with “Rejoice”
• Christmas Choir is open for people to join.  Join choir during this fall season to ministry to people.  
• November 1 is our “Big Give” offering.   
• Still a lot of money to come.  We don’t want to phase in the chapel or even slow down construction. We are in the red zone.  It will take everyone to get across the goal line.
• Karen Quintana is our new “Women’s Connection Director”.  She will do a great job being the champion for ladies at New Life. Karen’s first event will be an event in November. Eileen Hunters is speaking. 
• Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Bear Fruit.
• Our senior high ministry started their EPIC groups this.  Over 80 high school students and leaders involved with discipleship during the week. I love New Life!
• We have had many requests for the “Taken” series.  We have this available in one package at the resource center.
• Typically on Sundays I deep dive into one passage.  This Sunday we are talking about the “one another’s” in the Bible.  Read Romans 12:10 and Gal 6:2.  These are just two of many Scriptures we will study together.

new life ramblings (9/11/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• Today I thank God for America.  I pray for a spiritual awakening in our Nation. I pray for protection on this great land.
• This Sunday I will be preaching a message burning in my heart.  Three specific burdens God has given me for New Life.
• Read Psalms 1, Psalms 92:12-15 and Matt. 28:18-20 to prepare for Sunday.  I know I ask you every week to read the passage to prepare….but this week is specifically important.
• Small groups are beginning this fall.  Group Link is the best way to get into a small group.  Group Link is Sept 25-26.  Click here for more information.
• We have 60 people doing Financial Peace University.  I love seeing people understand the Biblical mandate to be a Wise Steward. 
• We had Taras Lesko make New Life a piece of art. He presented it to our staff.  Click here to watch video.  Amazing.
• We are baptizing a couple of students this week.  I love seeing people baptized in water.
• This Sunday we will walk through the new building. Write Scriptures on the wall.  Also write names of friends and family we want to see give their lives to Jesus. 
• Christmas Choir is open for people to join.  Join choir during this fall season to minister to people.  
• Last Sunday was standing room only in the 10:30am service.  Fall is a great time to consider getting up earlier and attending the 9:00am service or sleeping in and attending the noon service.
• Women blink nearly twice s much as men.
• Raising $2.6 Million has been our plan from the beginning for the new building.  A month ago I told the church we are $800,000 shy of our goal.  We set November 1^st as our target date to reach this.   $160,000 has already come in.  That is awesome!  Thank you.
• Still a lot of money to come.  We don’t want to phase in the chapel or even slow down construction. We are in the red zone.  It will take everyone to get across the goal line.
• We have added a third lane to exit off our property on 152^nd.  This will make significant improvements on Sunday!
• Karen Quintana is our new “Women’s Connection Director”.  She will do a great job being the champion for ladies at New Life. Karen’s first event will be a ladies event in November. Eileen Hunters is speaking. 
• 28 Sundays left in this building.  Our move in date is Sunday, April 4.  (Easter 2010)
• We sent out the Big Give Commitment card.  I would love to receive these by Sunday, Sept. 13.
• Thank you to everybody who filled out the online survey.  Very helpful as we consider a new schedule with the new building.  

new life ramblings (9/4/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

 

• Sept. 13 is a significant day for New Life.  It will be the first opportunity to walk through our new building. We are going to write on the walls the names of people we have a burden for.  We are all called to plant seeds of the Word of God in the hearts of people far from God.  
• This Sunday we are having the kids (K-5^th grade) join us for worship in the main auditorium.  We are going to pray for this generation after our worship time.  Then the kids will head back to their environments.
• As New Life begins Fall—I would love to see many of you choose 9am or 12pm as your main worship service. Our 10:30am service was standing room only last Sunday.  This is a problem every Pastor loves to have. 
• Simply Worship was amazing.  We have two remaining this fall—Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 4. 
• This week we had some conflicts between weddings and ministry at New Life.  We navigated through them for sure.  However—I can’t wait until we get the new building.  It will solve SO many problems.
• RCS school started…I love seeing all these kids at New Life throughout the week. One of the many ways we are training this generation.  
• Small groups are beginning this fall.  Group Link is the best way to get into a small group.  Group Link is Sept. 25-26.  You can sign up here.
• On Sept. 13 we are beginning one of the most important series I will ever preach at New Life called “IGrow”.  What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How do you grow spiritually?
• On Sept. 13 I will share three burdens God has put on my heart for New Life. I can barely wait to preach Sept. 13.
• The local church is called to preach Jesus, the gospel, the Word of God.  Not culture and not opinions. We are called to “plant seeds” of the Word of God. 
• We are adding a third lane to exit off our property on 152^nd.  This will make significant improvements on Sunday!
• Moths have no stomach.
• 30 Sundays left in this building.  Our move-in date is Sunday, April 4.  (Easter 2010)
• We sent out the Big Give Commitment card.  I would love to receive these by Sunday, Sept. 13.  
• We must fight for this generation.  Every parent, grandparent, uncle, niece, school teacher, brother or sister, coach, mentor-every adult in our church,—God wants to rock your world these next few Sundays. 
• Again—remember we will be praying for our kids this weekend (K-5^th grade).

new life ramblings (8/28/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• This Sunday we continue our series called “Taken”.  I am so pumped.  We are talking talk about fighting for this generation.
• Small groups are beginning this fall.  Group link is September 25^th and 26^th.  Click HERE for more information. 
• On Sept. 13 we are beginning one of the most important series I will ever preach at New Life called “IGrow”.  What does it mean to be a growing follower of Jesus?
• On Sept. 13 I will share three burdens God has put on my heart for New Life. I can barely wait to preach. This summer God has spoken to me very clearly on the future of New Life. 
• On Sept. 13 we are doing a “Writing on the Wall” celebration.  We will write names of people we want to get saved in this new building on the wall.
• Sept. 13 is a big day for New Life.  You don’t want to miss it.
• The local church is called to preach Jesus, the gospel, the Word of God.  Not culture and not opinions. We are called to “plant seeds” of the Word of God. 
• My baby left the house this week.  Off to Northwest University.
• This Sunday Jana will lead us in a special time for prayer for this generation.  My wife knows how to pray.  
• We are officially changing the name of New Life “Membership” to New Life Orientation.  More details to come.
• We are adding a third lane to exit off our property on 152^nd.  This will make significant improvements on Sunday!
• 31 Sundays left in this building.  Our move in date is Sunday, April 4.  (Easter 2010)
• We sent out the Big Give Commitment card.  I would love to receive these by Sunday, Sept. 13. (there is the day Sept 13. again)
• We must fight for this generation.  Every parent, grandparent, uncle, niece, school teacher, brother or sister, coach, mentor-every adult in our church,—God wants to rock your world these next few Sundays. 

new life ramblings (8/21/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• This Sunday we begin a new series called “Taken”.  I am so pumped.  We are going to talk about fighting for this generation.
• Read Matthew 18:1-10 to prepare for Sunday.
• Our Membership Orientation is this Sunday at 5:00 PM.  This is chance to hear the heart of New Life. You don’t want to miss it. Click here to sign up.
• In a couple of weeks we are adding a third lane to exit our property on 152^nd.  This will make significant improvements on Sunday!
• 32 Sundays left in this building.  Our move-in date is Sunday, April 4.  (Easter 2010)
• We sent out the Big Give Commitment card.  I would love to receive these by Sunday, Sept 6. (mail them to me or turn in giving kiosk)
• By age 60, most people have lost half their taste buds.
• If you have a twitter account, follow me.
• We must fight for this generation.  Every parent, grandparent, uncle, niece, school teacher, brother or sister, coach, mentor-every adult in our church—God wants to rock your world these next few Sundays. 
• Here is my prayer—help us fight with passion for this generation. Help us decide to parent, not delegate.   We repent for being passive.  Put in our hearts a passion for this generation.
• Go to our web site and check out our promo video.  Warning—it is emotional and stirring.  But this fight is emotional.  No apologies.
• New Life, I need you to pray.  On November 1^st I am trusting God for 60 people to give $10,000 to help us finish phase 1.  (a bunch will give less–a handful of people will give more)
• I met with the Elders this week.  I presented some thoughts I felt like God was saying to me. It was a divine moment with our Elders.  They confirm in my heart some of the new things God is speaking to me.  This fall I will be sharing a message called “iGrow”.  This may be the most important series I have ever preached. God has called the Church to fill the pews…he has called us to make disciples.
• Sept 13 is our “writing on the wall” day at New Life.  We are going to write names of people on the wall we want to see come to Jesus through this new building.

new life ramblings (8/14/09)

What a tough week.  One of my best friends, Roosevelt Hunter, passed away.  Jana and I are flying to attend his funeral.  They asked me to be a pallbearer.  A true honor.

• For those of you who don’t know Roosevelt, he was a brother to me.  An uncle to my girls.  A best friend.  We have known each other since 1993. My family and I are facing incredible pain right now. 
• Roosevelt Hunter was a friend of New Life.  Six months ago Roosevelt and I did a two week series called “The Perfect Storm”.  Roosevelt shared his battle with colon cancer.  Then Roosevelt came back in June for our “Man up” rally and youth rally.  We as a church fell in love with him and his ministry. We will stop and pray for his family on Sunday.
• I am so excited about this Sunday.  I am going to do a message called “Thirsty”.  I am praying that God would create thirst in all of us for Jesus.  I want to always be aware of what I call “sacred moments” with God.  I want to always be open to the Spirit of God interrupting my life. 
• Terry Kelly will be with us on Sunday.   For those of you who don’t know Terry—you will love him. He is an incredible worship leader that God is using all over the nation. We will have an extended time of worship at end of each service.
• Staring August 23, we are going to do a three week series called “Taken”.  I am so pumped.  We are going to talk about fighting for our kids.  They are being taken by the enemy and our culture. 
• There is a line in the movie “Taken” that keeps me awake at night.  “I don’t know who you are but if you don’t let my daughter go, I will find you”.  We need to fight for our kids. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this three week series.  You don’t want to miss it.  It will prepare you for fall. 
• November 1^st is our “Big Give” offering for our new building.  Turn in your Big Give commitment cards by the first of September! We need these final dollars to move into phase one of our new building.
• People are either like milk or wine…they get bitter or better with time.  Get better not bitter.
• If you have a twitter account…follow me.
• This has been a week of reflection for me.  Reflection—I am blessed way more than I deserve. Incredible wife.  Beautiful girls.  Amazing church! Good health. 
• All week we had Vacation Bible School.  300 kids.  Our children’s ministry rocks.