Hi Newport Church Family,
We pray that you are in good health and spirit and that you are prospering even as your soul prospers.
We Remember…
Today is the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, when the world will remember and reflect on a day that changed the world.
We remember and honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day, innocent victims of hateful and mindless terrorism. We honor those who gave their lives to save others, the first responders and those who ensured that United Airlines Flight 93 did not reach its intended target at the cost of their own lives.
And we pray for those who lost family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, that they would know God’s continued grace and presence, especially on this day of remembrance. We remember.
I Believe….
This week during our first Tuesday gathering, I was looking at the Apostles Creed which is written on one of the walls in the foyer of our church.
Once again I was captivated by those age old words that so powerfully articulate the essence of our faith and I thought about the power of what we believe.
I love having that great confession of our faith written on the walls of our church, but even more importantly I want those powerful words to be written on my heart and mind.
Our prayer is that they would also be written on the hearts and minds of every person in our church and expressed in every aspect and area of our lives.
In a culture where the absolutes that are declared in the Apostles Creed are being constantly questioned and openly opposed, we as the church must do what the writer of the book of Hebrews exhorted us to do and “hold fast to the confession of our faith.”
What we believe is the foundation upon which we build our lives and the force that shapes who we become.
Let’s determine that we are going to hold fast to the confession of our faith and not allow the spirit of this world to erode our foundation and fundamental beliefs.
May the Apostles Creed be our Creed, written on our hearts and minds and may it be our daily confession:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen *Universal
Life Groups - Formed by Passion, Fueled by Purpose
Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples. Jesus’ last command was to be the disciples first priority.
As followers of Jesus we too are called to be disciples, who make disciples.
Small groups are one of the most powerful ways to do precisely that, and to be in an environment where we grow in our faith. Life groups are a place where we can encourage one another, pray for one another and engage in faith building conversation and interaction.
If you are not already part of a Life Group we encourage you to consider joining one. Both Ps Di and myself are part of a Life Group and it is without doubt one of the highlights of our week.
We are also starting a number of interest groups, formed around an interest, while at the same time being a faith building circle of connection.
Our goal is for all of our small groups to be “Formed by Passion and Fueled by Purpose.”
Whether it’s a Bible Study, or a group that is formed around a common interest such as painting, hiking, cooking or any other kind of activity, we want these to be places where you can connect and your faith can grow.
Most life groups meet on a Tuesday evening, but you can meet at any other time that works for you and your group.
Let us know if you would like to host a group or if you would like to find out more. You can click here or check out our website for more information.
Marriage 365: Building Relationships that Last - Saturday Sept 18th
Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for our one day Marriage and Relationships Seminar with Casey and Meygan Caston next Saturday!
Whether you’re married, single, dating or none of the above this is going to be an enriching and insightful day of growing in our relationships.
We encourage you not only to come but to invite the people in your world for what will be a great day together.
You can register on our website or by clicking here, we hope to see you there!
Thank You for your Generosity
Last Sunday we highlighted some of the ways that we are helping those in need through our Food with Love Outreach, our partnership with Biju Thampy (Vision Rescue in India), and our gift to Al & Kathy Furey who are missionaries in Peru.
A big thank you to all those who contributed to our monthly Vision Offering, you are making a difference both in our community and on the other side of the world.
If you were not able to give last week and would like to do so now, you can click here. You can also give your regular donations and tithes here too.
Once again thank you!
Without each one of us playing our part we would not be able to be a hub of hope and faith and a storehouse for our community and beyond.
We look forward to you joining us this Sunday either in person or online. We are going to have a faith filled time together.
Let’s never forget, our presence makes a difference!
We love and appreciate you all greatly,
Pastor Jonathan & Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors