Troy H. Jones

new life ramblings (11/6/09)

troyhjones — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:26:09 +0000

Sit back and relax. I love writing the New Life ramblings. These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.

The ladies event tonight will be incredible. They have 400 preregistered. Wow. Yes—you can show up at the door. Eileen Hunter is the guest speaker.
This has been one of the most powerful weeks of my life. To watch New Life stretch their giving muscles. After I left the service on Sunday I felt a supernatural strength words can’t describe. Just an amazing day.
Sunday we begin a two week series called “Relentless Compassion”. I am so pumped about these next two weeks at New Life. God—break our hearts for the marginalized, the poor and the broken of this world.
We are doing a blood drive at New Life on Friday, November 13. Sign up here.
My favorite moment last Sunday—I had some parents say, “Our kids want to give you the money for our Big Give.”….three kids had saved $100 and wanted to give it directly to me. I couldn’t help but think about the impact this would have on these kids.
We will celebrate the “Big Give” offering on Sunday. We received the largest offering in the history of New Life on Sunday.
In August we announced our Big Give goal of $800,000. As of Sunday we are at $600,000. (this includes cash, commitment cards and some verbal commitments). I am confident in the next 8 weeks we will bring in the remaining amount.
We gave the green light to the general contractor to finish the chapel. Very exciting moment. Some trust in chariots and some in horses…but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.
In a couple of weeks we begin a series over the Lord’s Prayer called “Our Father”. We are going to challenge everyone to pray the Lord ’s Prayer everyday for five weeks. Life changing. Lord, teach us to pray!
Strawberries have more vitamin C than oranges.
On Sunday, November 15, Missionary Alan Johnson is speaking in the morning. Then he will be available at 5:00 PM for a question and answer time with a missionary.
The chapel will be used for Softer Sundays, The Well, Senior High Axis, Simply Worship, Renton Christian School, Funerals/Weddings, Community events, etc.
I love Simply Worship. Something breathtaking about spending an evening in worship and prayer. The next three Simply Worships are: February 3, 2010, March 3, 2010 and April 7, 2010. Mark these on your calendars now. This means we only have two more Simply Worships in this current building.
Last weekend we had a church plant in Vancouver, Washington receive an offering for our Big Give. Their lead pastor Mark Newell is a great friend of mine. We helped plant their church. They brought in $1,100 for us. Amazing.
The Big Give offering was over 10 times larger than any previous building offering ever received on a given Sunday.
Someone even gave some jewelry to the Big Give….I am not sure of it’s worth…but amazing.
Read Luke 6:27-38 to prepare for Sunday.

new life ramblings (10/30/09)

troyhjones — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:36:08 +0000

…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)

troyhjones — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:07:33 +0000

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)

troyhjones — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:28:08 +0000

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.

Your Giving Muscles

troyhjones — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:12:21 +0000

Yesterday I had a conversation with our pastors and staff. I guess I would call it “your giving muscles”

We all have muscles. If you don’t exercise they get weak and fragile. Giving is a muscle you have to exercise. Jana and I learned how to exercise these muscles early in our marriage. I thank God we did. I remember the first time we gave $500 to missions. It hurt. It stretched us. It was essential as a young couple to learn to exercise this muscle.

How are you exercising your giving muscles? If you don’t tithe to the local church—it may seem overwhelming to begin. I get this. But—start exercising your muscles today. Start with lifting 10 pounds or anywhere. I have a deep conviction that our goal should be 10% of tithe to the local church. But—start somewhere.

I don’t lift weights. I know I need to. (Jana does. Does this count for me?) For now hear my illustration. If I started to lift weights I couldn’t bench press much. But—I need to start…with a little.

Start somewhere in exercising your giving muscles.

Here is what they say with weight lifting…The important thing to remember when it comes to strength training is that you must give your muscles more weight than they can handle–that’s how muscles grow.

You have to start giving “more than you can handle”. I don’t mean to be stupid. But…give more than you’re comfortable with.

Stretch yourself. If you are a faithful tither, remember tithing is the foundation to your giving, not the ceiling. Give to missions…give to hurting people…give to people groups who have never heard the name of Jesus.

If you randomly give in the offering just to make yourself feel better—start being systematic. Decide on a percentage and start. Have the goal to give 10%. But start with a few weights. If God has blessed you and gifted you to make a lot of money…don’t just buy another toy. Advance the Kingdom of God with your wealth. Write that $10,000 or $100,000 check to make a difference.

I had a couple sit down with me and say, “Pastor—we want to give in the Big Give Offering (Offering for our new building, November 1^st). But we don’t have any money. We are strapped. What would you do?” I said, “You need to stretch your muscles. Do this—both of you pray—ask God—What should you give? Share it with each other. Decide on this. “ It was funny they both already had a number in mind. Then I said, “Sell something. Do an extra job. Include your kids. Do a lemonade stand if you have to (just a joke) Stretch your muscles. As you give it—make this a spiritual act of obedience. Make it a declaration—my family won’t live in a selfish way. My family will be givers. We are out of shape now…but are going to make a spiritual declaration—God is our provider. God is the owner. Everything spending decision I make honors him.”

new life ramblings (10/9/09)

troyhjones — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:58:17 +0000

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 brought in over $8,000 for Convoy of Hope. Amazing to see New Life respond to the earthquake and tsunami victims.
MarriedLife Live is tonight! I am looking forward to spending the evening with a bunch of couples from New Life. Date night!
Jana and I spent a couple of days in Southern California meeting with leaders talking about sex slavery and human trafficking across this world. In 2010, New Life is going to partner with an Organization called “Project Rescue”. You can visit their website HERE. Project Rescue rescues girls sold to sex slavery.
After a victim is rescued she is taken to a Home of Hope — a safe place where she can heal and be nurtured. At Homes of Hope, victims also receive the loving message of Christ, counseling, education, general medical care, basic literacy training, and vocational training leading to financial independence. Hospice care is also provided for women with HIV/AIDS.
Serve Day is coming Saturday October 17. We are doing a free oil change for single moms. The response has been outstanding. We already have 40 women signed up. Click HERE for more info about the oil change or HERE to volunteer to help.
If you sneeze too hard you may fracture a rib.
If you suppress a sneeze you may rupture a blood vessel.
We’ve launched about 50 new small groups this fall
There is a new Beth Moore ladies Bible study starting this Wednesday night led by Judy Thompson, Judy Mullins, & Darla Sherman.
The Big Give is three Sundays away. (Sunday, November 1)
Read Isaiah 6:1-8 to prepare for Sunday.

new life ramblings (9/25/09)

troyhjones — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:13:58 +0000

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)

troyhjones — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:40:52 +0000

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)

troyhjones — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:41:43 +0000

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)

troyhjones — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:38:43 +0000

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).