Pastor's Updates
Congregational Meeting
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
January 30, 2021
Dear New Life Family,
Greetings friends! It’s been a long time since I have written a pastor’s update. But I wanted to take time to say “thank you” to everyone who called, texted, wrote cards and reached out to me Thursday for my birthday. It’s not every day you turn 50. I was very moved by all the love! Jacie wanted to do some sort of big get-together but that was going to be hard with COVID.
Also, on a different note, I wanted to take some time to update you on Sunday’s congregational meeting. I know it’s not as fun as a 50th birthday party, but it is important. I wanted to make sure you were aware of what was discussed since the decisions made affect us all.
There were three items on the agenda for approval: 1) Revised Budget, 2) Second Round of PPP Loan, and 3) New Deacon Nomination. Randy also updated us on progress with capital projects. We had very good discussion and all three items for approval passed unanimously. Click HERE for the congregational meeting agenda.
Here are a few updates on each of these. With regard to the last agenda item, Rob Peterpaul, our deacon nominee, informed us that he was withdrawing his name as deacon. There was a misunderstanding about expectations, so we apologized to him about this. The council will continue the discernment process about a fourth deacon and will let you know when we have another candidate for the congregation to approve. The PPP Loan application is in process. We will let you know when we hear back from the government and if we have been approved. Also, Randy encouraged us with the captial projects. He said even though it doesn't seem like much is happening right now with the pandemic, between drainage improvement, the classroom village project, new AC units and roofing insurance claim, there is about $200K being invested in our campus right now. Praise God for his provision even though we can't always see this!
Finally, with regard to the revised budget, I want you to know about this important decision and some changes that will come from this. As you are no doubt aware, our church size has been decreasing over the years. While we have adjusted in many ways, we haven’t adjusted our budget substantially so that our budget matches our church size. So, this budget revision accomplished this goal and will make our income and expenses sustainable long term.
The revised budget reduced annual tithes and offerings $78,000 to match our monthly run rate. We also reduced expenses. Most of this came from two areas: 1) Fellowship/Office/ Classroom building loan paid off 6 moths early. This eliminated expenses of $30,616 per year. 2) Pastor’s Salary. The council prayed about this and said that rather than let go most of our ministry staff, it would make more sense for me to reduce my hours. Currently I am working one day a week for Resonate Global Mission supporting our church planters. By switching to work two days a week for Resonate, and by taking a salary reduction, the church is able to save $30,955. Beginning February 1, I will be working 1/3 of my time for Resonate (about 2 days or 16 hrs/wk) and 2/3 of my time for New Life (about 4 days or 32 hrs/wk). In order to support this work, I will be applying to Resonate for a grant and also fundraising to go towards my salary.
I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of these changes. Things will be different for us as a church, and there will be adjustments that need to be made. Pray for me as I transition to a new schedule and raise funds to support extra Resonate work. Also, pray for our church.
One of the challenges we have as a small church is less people. That isn’t always a bad thing. But it does mean 1) we have to trust God more, not our own strength (e.g. think of the story of Gideon where God instructed him to fight with a smaller army so he would get the glory), and 2) we all need to realize how important it is to be the body of Christ together as a church, especially in these trying times. While I was encouraged by the 18 people on our congregational meeting Zoom call, I was also curious as to why so many people were not part of that meeting, given the importance of our agenda. We will need more than 18 people to carry out our work!
Friends, we will be talking more about what it means to be the church in the days ahead. But for now, please be aware of these changes, keep trusting God and encouraging one another, and let’s make sure we are all in, together with God and each other. Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Need for Community
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
July 17, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
This Sunday we are trying something new! We are going to have Zoom Fellowship after church immediately following the worship service. Picture having good conversation in the lobby after church over coffee and cookies. Of course, you will have to bring your own coffee and cookies, but we want to provide opportunity to fellowship with one another.
Is this something you want? Is this something you are missing? I want to encourage you to participate, even if you personally don't feel the need for community. Because even if you don't feel the need for fellowship yourself, you can bless others with your presence. We can be Jesus to each other and create community together.
As your pastor, I enjoy preparing and delivering sermons each week. I trust that the content we are providing with messages and worship is encouraging for you. But one thing an online worship experience can't do is create community. We have to actually interact together to do that. So let's live into this part of our Christian life together.
The Bible is filled with encouragement about creating and sustaining community. When God made Adam he said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 2:18). So he created Eve. Even if you aren't married and have a family of your own, in Christ, we are all part of God's family. And it's not good for us to be alone. Also, there are so many "One another" passages, it's hard to count. We are to love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, pray for one another, etc. etc. Did you notice that all these "One another" passages are commands, not suggestions?
Some of us may be tired of one more Zoom call. But right now with COVID, this is one way we can connect with each other. We can be thankful for the gift of technology and take advantage of this. Also, some of us may be wired to be more introverted. That's OK. But we need community to. We can all bless someone else with our presence. So think about the needs of other people, even more than your own. Make this a priority. Paul said these words, "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phil 1:3-4)
If you are unable to get online for some reason, Zoom also allows you to call in by phone. So all of us should be able to participate. Here is the Zoom call info:
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To join by Video:
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To join by Phone: Dial (346) 248-7799; ID: 945 5515 8231
Zoom Fellowship will begin at 11 AM. That is about when our worship service concludes. We will be together as long as we would be in the lobby together. For some of us that's a long time! :--) Feel free to jump on the call as soon as you are able to. We will connect with each other and pray together. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
See you Sunday!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Holding Each Other Close
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
June 12, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
I am tired. It's been a long week. Three brothers and sisters from my former church in New Jersey passed away the past few weeks so I was on the phone with their spouses grieving with them. Two days ago my aunt Karen, my mom's younger sister, passed away. They were very close. I am grieving along with my parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins who have lost a mom. I am also tired from all the events in our country with racial reconciliation. It's a lot to take in. On top of all this, we are also managing everything with COVID.
For my pastor's update this week, I don't have a lot to say. I shared on Sunday that it's important to listen, to learn and hold close our brothers and sisters who are grieving and angry over what is happening in our country with race relations. I am listening. I am learning. I am holding my friends close.
There is so much I could say, but I wanted to pass on a video from The Village Church up in Dallas. Pastor Matt Chandler did a great job focusing on justice and racial reconciliation. There is so much about this video that I like. He frames the issue well. The video is mostly a round table discussion with four African American staff at their church. Above all, the tone is one of empathy.
Friends, if there is anything I can say right now, it would be that we have empathy. Empathy is so important right now.
https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/justice-and-racial-reconciliation#video
Listen to the video. It was filmed four years ago, but is relevant today. In fact, I believe it speaks to us now, more than ever. Take time to listen. Ben open to what the Holy Spirit is saying. Ask God to do a good work in us.
For His glory and our good.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Campus Reopening
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
May 1, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
I wanted to update you on some details about reopening our campus. You have probably heard on the news about things reopening. The governor has addressed this. Businesses, restaurants and other establishments are slowly reopening.
What is our plan?
Our response team and council have been discussing this and recently adopted a phased reopening plan that will happen over the next month. Here is the plan.
Phase One (May 3, 10) = Preparation
Prepare the plan and the people to open our church campus up in a safe way. Chris (leader), Mike, Dawn, Deanna and Erika will get this ready. We need to order sanitation supplies, have clear protocols in place and team members assigned to various tasks to keep the campus safe.
Phase Two (May 17, 24, 31) = House Church
Campus is still closed but encourage people who want to or are able to meet, to gather in homes with a few other families (under 10 people total), watch the service together on Sunday AM and have lunch together. Max & Pam Way and Lori Pugh are coming up with a list for grouping people with host families. We recognize some people will not opt in for safety reasons (e.g. elderly, those with health conditions). That is OK. No pressure.
Phase Three (June 7) = Reopen Campus
Campus reopened for Sunday worship but recognizing some will stay home because they are more at risk (e.g. elderly, those with health conditions). Safety protocols will be in place. We will limit what we offer beyond Sunday worship (e.g. no food for fellowship). Need to flesh this out more.
Dawn shared that the school is looking at a phased reopening plan over the next month that will culminate in full reopening on 6/1. Keep them in your prayers. Erika said Vida may worship in homes sooner. They will do what works best for them.
All of this is done in the spirit of doing what is wise and safe for people using our best judgement. Health authorities have asked churches not to reopen until after May so we will honor their request.
This is our best plan with the information we have today. We will know more in the coming weeks what the data shows. If we need to, we will modify our plans. Please keep this situation in your prayers. Finally, stay patient with each other, as we recognize there are different perspectives on how and when it is best to reopen. Stay safe.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Two Devotionals
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
April 17, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
Happy Friday to you! For my pastor's update this week I am forwarding two devotionals. One from Tim Keller, pastor in New York City, and the other from Dawn Smith, our NLCCS Director. Both are excellent and filled with comfort, encouragement, wisdom and joy. Listen, read and soak in the gospel.
This week was a little strange for me. We celebrated Good Friday and Easter. And then because our tech wasn't working properly and internet connection poor, we decided to pre-record our worship service. So we did that yesterday. It was a lot of work to preach twice last week and then turn around and prepare another message just a few days later. And it feels different to have my sermon prepared and delivered already. But the gospel message is still the same.
Sunday morning we will still worship together through our church Facebook page, but instead of watching live, we will have a Facebook watch party. We are making final edits on the service today and once everything is ready will send out the link for the service. Thanks for your patience with everything.
I hope each of you are doing well. If you are struggling, need help or just want to talk, please don't hesitate to contact myself, one of the elders or deacons, or another member of the congregation. We are here for you.
In the mean time, trust God, even in the difficult times. And remember Jesus' resurrection and how he is making all things new. Even now. Even in you.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
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Devotional for NLCCS Teachers: Sunday, April 12, 2020
By Dawn Smith
Today is not the end! It's the beginning. Well, if you journeyed with me through Holy Week, with Chrisitans at the Cross, this is the end of that journey; but certainly not the end of the story.
Read with me: Isaiah 65:17-25, John 20:1-18, and if you're up for it read Acts 10:34-43, too.
According to N.T. Wright, "The Gospels don't really reach a conclusion. They are like a sign post pointing us forward to something more that's still to come. And what is that something more What is Easter all about? And how can it help us find the hope that we need for the fresh tasks that God is calling us to in this community and in the world?"
Let's look again at the bass part of the story, Isaiah speaks of new heavens and new earth--and the writers of the New Testament pick up on this theme. God made this lovely beautiful earth, and he doesn't want to throw it away. He wants to abolish everything in it that's ugly and sinful and wrong. Everything that corrupts, distorts and destroys his beautiful world. And He wants to give it a giant makeover. New heavens and new earth, like the present one but with everything good and true and beautiful made even better. And nothing bad, sad or degrading --all of that abolished for ever. No more sorrow or crying or pain.
And that's why resurrection is what matters! It's as if Jesus has gone on ahead of us through death, and come out on the New Creation Side, and then come back to our side to plant the flag of that New Creation, God's new kingdom, right here in the now! "In other words, in Jesus ressurection a bit of God's future, of God's new heaven and earth has come forward in time to meet us here in the present.
Jesus has faced death, and let it do it's worst to Him and overcome that final enemy in New Life. He's gone through death and out into God's new world and returned to earth to tell us that the New Day has in fact dawned and that even though we feel sleepy and in fact, it's still dark where we are; the new world has begun and we'd better wake up and get busy.
And once we've understood this bass part, we can hear the tune! You see, to Mary, Martha and the disciples to that point resurrection was what would happen to everyone in the end when the New Day finally dawned and the Old Time was abolished forever. When they met Jesus, his body fully alive, it began to dawn on them slowly, that Jesus had taken all the sin and death and shame and sorrow of the world upon himself, so that by letting it do its worst to him he had destroyed its power, which means that now there is nothing to stop the new creation coming into being. Jesus' resurrection body is the first bit of that new creation, the sign of the new wold that is to come! It is the First Day of a new week! The dawn of a new age! It's the beginning!
It's the beginning of the mission of the church because of new creation has already begun, it is not our duty just to tell folks about Jesus as if he were their insurance policy. It's our mission to bring about more and more bits of His new creation in this community, in this world in the here and now! That is why we leave behind on the cross the bits and pieces of the Old Creation that make us sad and angry and tired and pray for God to show us where He can and will make New Creation happen in our lives, in our hearts, in our homes and not least in our community and the world. That's what being made new is all about, it's where the middle parts of the music come into their own! Our part, our community's part between the great Easter tune above and the promise of the New Creation below.
I don't know what plans God has for you or for us, and it doesn't even have to wait until there are more people to join in. He will show you. But for now we leave behind on the Cross all that is of Old Creation, and claim Jesus resurrection victory to do what He has called us to do. To plant his flag for Him in our little parts of this world.
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!
Dawn Dobbs Smith
Director, New Life Community Christian School
Encouragement
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
March 27, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
Friday greetings to you! Is it just me, or does it feel like all the days are starting to bleed together? I hope you are having a good week.
After worship on Sunday I headed north to pick up our daughter Natalie. Her university shut down, so she had no dorm room to stay in. I drove for 15 hours, rested a bit along the way, then picked her up at a friend's house in Indiana. We then turned around and drove 15 hours back to Houston. We arrived safely in Houston very early Tuesday morning. The trip was long, but Jacie and I are both relieved to have her home and thankful for everyone's prayers.
For my pastor's update today, I wanted to encourage you. I included a video devotional by Tim Keller (see above). He talks about "Disciplines of Distress" and how we can all respond to COVID-19 spiritually. I was very encouraged by his words. Some of the best during this COVID-19 crisis. Take time to listen.
Our Council, School Board and Response Team have all been hard at work. Our campus is still shut down, but we are finding ways to respond and do ministry. Our deacons are working overtime. Our church staff are adjusting to doing ministry on-line. Our NLCCS teachers have been busy supporting families with in-home instruction. Lots of prayer and support all around.
So what can you do during this time?
Worship - we will worship again Sunday with Facebook Live from our church Facebook page. We are continuing to make adjustments. Here is this past Sunday's video. We will send out a link for our upcoming service this Sunday by text message shortly before it starts so you can watch the live stream directly without having to set up a Facebook account.
Prayer - we have a lot of needs to pray for. We will continue to keep prayer requests in front of us. Here are the latest prayer request list. Please don't hesitate to reach out with more requests.
Community - it was great to see so many people chiming in on-line during Sunday's worship service. We also hosted Community Quest on Wednesday night and had 15 people on our Zoom call. A few comments about community.
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We love you! - I have tried the best I can to reach out and connect with many of you. I am thankful for our deacons who have reached out to folks who may be in need or going through a difficult time. Our elders and deacons have been reaching out to folks in their districts and small group leaders are reaching out.
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Everyone is welcome at CQ - even if you haven't attended Wednesday night Community Quest before, we would love to have you! This week Randy led a short devotional and then we spent time checking in with each other. Next week we meet @ 7:00 PM. Please note new start time. Wouldn't it be great if the WHOLE congregation could connect Wed night and we could pray for and support one another?!!
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Finally, don't neglect fellowship - call people, check in with each other, reach out to folks for encouragement. If you are doing OK, see if there is someone else who needs a listening ear. If you are struggling, reach out.
Some of our groups are meeting on-line now. Here are a list of them:
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Prayer Gathering - Sun 9 AM (call Randy @ 832-652-4538)
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Adult Sunday School - Sun 9 AM (Zoom link)
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Bible Project Study - Tues 1 PM (Zoom link) NEW Group!
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Community Quest - Wed 7 PM (Zoom link) NEW Time!
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NOTE: Small group leaders, if your group is meeting on-line or by phone but you are not listed here, please let me know. I can add you to the list.
Learning - there are many free online studies out there right now. Here are a few from The Bible Project, Ascending Leaders, Faithwalking, The Leaders Journey, Calvin Seminary, CRC COVID-19, Fuller Seminary.
Serving - even though we may be home bound, or having to take precautions while out in public, there are still many ways we can serve and love our neighbor. Deanna included some practical ways in the Ennouncements. You can also network with area churches through Houston Responds.
Support - we have some amazing ministries, partnerships and church plants. I know the leaders of these ministries can all use encouragement and support. Why not reach out to them? Send a card, email or let them know you are praying for them. Check in, see how they are doing.
Here are our partner ministries, chaplains and church plants:
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NLCCS - Dawn Smith
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OTSHCA - Donna Molegraaf
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Square Inch Houston - John Eigege
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Ascending Leaders - Mike Johnson
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Faithwalking - Ken Shuman
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Marriage Revolution - Hans Molegraaf
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New Life Adoptions - Sandra Pickett
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Reimagine Houston - B.J. Ramon
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Army Chaplain - Richard Hill
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Casa de Oracion CRC - Christian Sebastia
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Mission of Faith CRC - Diego Hiriart
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Vida Nueva CRC - Leon Vidal
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Fil-AM CRC - Ronnie Lopez
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New Life Nepal - Krishna Pariyar
Giving - we can all continue to practice good stewardship. It is a little awkward not having a weekly plate to pass, but we can still give. Right now you can give on-line or send a check by mail. Detailed instructions for that can be found here. If you need more help with this, please let us know. Thank you.
That's enough from me for today.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
CORONA VIRUS
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
March 13, 2020
Dear New Life Family,
How are you doing? The coronavirus is upon us. It is now officially a global pandemic. Our council, staff and school board have all been monitoring this situation. I wanted to keep in touch with you as your pastor.
As of today, we have not decided to cancel worship this Sunday. That said, please stay home if you are sick, feel unsafe going out in public, or are older and want to err on the side of caution. The CDC is recommending people older than 60 stay home for a few weeks.
We will take necessary precautions:
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Please wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Greet each other with a fist or elbow bump.
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Spread out across the sanctuary so we have some distance between each other. Social distancing can slow the spread of the disease.
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When we take the offering, we will have the offering plates at the back of church. Instead of passing the plates down the aisle, you can put your offering in the plate as you leave at the end of service.
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Lord's Supper is scheduled for this Sunday but we will cancel this.
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We will live stream worship so if you are home bound you can worship with us virtually. Simply go to our church Facebook page (
These are immediate plans for Sunday. We have a team in place that will be providing more direction going forward. School board is also taking appropriate steps with our school. Lots of practical and logistical matters. Today I wanted to address how we can stay focused on the Lord through this situation.
The first thing I want to share is something Martin Luther said during The Black Plague. It has to do with trusting God but acting wisely. We can pray and take action. Thanks to Aaron and Deanna Horning for passing this on.
The second is Missional Practices we can keep in mind as we see this situation through the lens of ministry. What opportunities is God opening for us to love our neighbor? How can we spread the peace of Christ during anxious times? Thanks to Amy Schenkel from Resonate Global Mission for passing this on.
I hope you enjoy both the quote and article. Let's continue to keep in touch with one another, encourage each other and love well. I remember Hurricane Harvey a few years ago. It was difficult to go through, but that crisis also provided some of the most life-giving opportunities to live out the gospel together.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Martin Luther on The Black Plague
When Martin Luther was dealing with The Black Death plague, he wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now... "I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God." Luther's Works, Volume 43, pg 132.
Missional Practices: Coronavirus Edition by Amy Schenkel
I don’t need to tell you about the anxiety our country is feeling right now about the expectation that the Covid-19 virus will infect an increasing number of people in the near future. Our lives are all going to be disrupted for a bit, as large group gatherings are limited, cancelling events and seeing more people work from home.
However, in this disruption, we have an opportunity to take advantage of the break in people’s busy schedules. We can be persons of peace in anxious times. We can love our neighbors in new ways.
As we enter into this unexpected season, I encourage you and your congregation to consider what missional practices you can participate in. (Please take your own health and the health of your neighbors seriously, and if you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, or are feeling sick, do not meet in person with others). Here are some ideas:
1. Today the CDC recommended that persons over 60 plan on staying home for the next few weeks. Many of these people live alone and are worried about being lonely. Can you stop by your elderly neighbor’s house for a chat once a day? Can you help them learn how to use video conferencing to talk to their family who may be far away?
2. Invite another household over for church in your house. The church is wherever followers of Jesus are- it is not limited to a building. Suggestions: Don’t try to duplicate your church’s worship service. Instead, include things that work well in a small group: Dwell in God’s Word (See attachment), Pray for your neighborhood, city, country, and world. Share a meal together. Listen to a worship song on YouTube. Think about how you could serve your neighbors together.
3. In times like these, you may find yourself spending more time on social media than usual. Be aware of your presence in this space. How are you a person of peace online? How can you encourage and pray for your online network of friends?
4. As long as you can maintain social distancing, take walks in your neighborhood, taking the opportunity to pray for your community. Our Great Lakes Team is encouraging people to pray this prayer: Lord, we pray for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit in this place. Reveal Christ to us, shape us in the character of Christ, and equip us for the mission of Christ.
5. If you haven’t already, join the Nextdoor.com page for your neighborhood. This website originally developed from a church that wanted a way for followers of Jesus Christ to connect with their neighbors. As you ‘meet’ your neighbors online, are there ways that you can provide resources they need? Are there ways you can pray for them? Are you in need of anything that your neighbors can offer to you?
God With Us
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
One of the blessings of Christmas is the good news of Immanuel, God with us. As God comes near, he gives us all those things we so desperately need - hope, joy, comfort, assurance, etc. He gives these things to us because he is near. Jesus is the greatest gift, and with his presence we receive so much more.
As we get ready to celebrate the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, I want to encourage you to cross that threshold of another year with God. Go with God, and he will take care of everything else. A few weeks ago Nathan preached for us from Exodus 33 and said, "If God doesn't go with you, don't go." This is so true.
What does it look like to go with God's presence? I believe it requires two things. First, letting go of those things that would take us away from God. Second, leaning ahead into those things that would draw us near unto God.
Abraham Kuyper wrote a devotional by that title, Near Unto God. His meditations are based on Psalm 73:28 where it says, "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."
Listen to what he says. "When we come to know him as our personal Savior, then we have come to him and he has come to
us--because the action moves in two directions. We need to seek his nearness, but he needs to come to us intimately. When he does--and when we do--what we feel is nothing less then eternal joy. We can spend much of our lives without that closeness, sometimes desolate and forsaken. But if we know God's nearness, we know that in those moments of alienation nothing is so desirable as his return. What we seek, we find only in our return--he is near once again. Those moments, beyond description, are the great moments of our lives." (pg. 16, 17)
What does it look like to have your best year ever? There are many leadership and self-help books out there with titles like that. To be the "best you" and have the "best year ever" we need Jesus.
What does this look like? First, what this doesn't mean is that we think less of ourselves. After all, to be in relationship with Jesus requires two parties. God thinks the world of us--so much that he sent Jesus to save us from sin! It doesn't mean thinking less about ourselves. But it does mean thinking about ourselves less. This is how C.S. Lewis described humility. And humility is always a good place to start.
As we take the focus off ourselves and what we have or haven't done, we find the second characteristic of needing Jesus. Instead of worrying about what we don't have or haven't done, we rejoice in what we do have and what Christ has done for us. In Christ, we have all things--faith, hope, love. In Jesus we have God himself!
This Sunday we will have an opportunity to let go of our worries and anxieties, to grieve things that we need to grieve. We need to let go and confess to God those things that take us away from him. This Sunday we will also have opportunity to lean into Jesus. And we will keep this opportunity in front of us all January.
I want to challenge our entire New Life congregation to draw near to Jesus by regular daily scripture reading in 2020.
Here is the challenge: If 70 people (60% of our congregation) will commit to read the Bible every day throughout the new year, I will allow 3 young people who commit to this challenge to shave my head!!
How will this work? If 70 people commit to regular daily Bible reading for a year by my birthday, which is January 28, we will have met the challenge and some of the young people can relieve me of my hair. You can indicate your commitment the next 5 Sundays by putting a note to that effect on the back of the Welcome Card and putting that in the offering plate. We will track how many people have committed and let you know. The commitment will be between you and the Lord to carry out throughout the year.
There are many excellent Bible reading plans. One I am going to begin January 1 is called the Biblical Storyline Reading Plan (http://bible.com/r/4A2). It has you read 3 or 4 chapters a day and includes The Bible Project videos in the plan. This plan gets you through the Bible in 1 year.
If you need a plan with a slower pace, that is fine. The goal isn't volume (e.g. to read the Bible through in a year). The goal is consistency. New Christians, go at your own pace (e.g. one verse a day). Young people, find a plan that fits you. Parents, do this with your children. They count to! Check out the many excellent reading plans in the YouVersion app (www.youversion.com). You can also read the Today devotional. You can find this online (https://today.reframemedia.com/) or hard copies are available in the lobby at church. There are many other good plans.
Friends, if you read the Bible daily, you will draw near to God. Kuyper also said this, "to seek him passionately, and to find him, face to face, in the muddle of our travail here on earth--all of that makes us testify with the psalmist, 'I love you, Lord.'" (pg.17) Will you say to Jesus, "I love you, Lord"?
I am looking forward to seeing how many of you step up to this challenge. If you meet this challenge this it will be one of the best birthday presents for me :--)
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Andy
What's Your Story
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
This morning for our school’s Thanksgiving Feast I read Psalm 107 verses 1 and 2:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…"
The words, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” appear again and again in the Psalms (e.g. read Psalm 136). Israel recalls all that God has done in his creation and redemption. They tell God's story and they sing this refrain, “His love endures forever.” God is inviting us to thank him and remember his goodness. Very appropriate for us with Thanksgiving next week.
But I want to reflect with you on verse 2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell THEIR story.” Psalm 107 goes on to describe what God redeemed Israel from. It says some wandered in deserts. Some were hungry and thirsty. All of them cried out to the Lord in their distress and he heard them. He delivered them from their troubles. Sounds a lot like the Exodus story doesn’t it? Yet it was personal and unique to each of them.
This Thanksgiving I would encourage you to tell YOUR story. If you are a Jesus follower, you have been redeemed. God has delivered you from something. We each have a testimony to give. We each have a story to tell. And as we tell our story, we begin to feel more gratitude in our heart for all that God has done. We get the spotlight off our self and onto the God who is worthy of praise.
I know for me, God has redeemed me from pride and the need to be in control. Faithwalking training has shown me, with amazing clarity, where I would be if not for God. Even now God is refining and pruning me. I am so thankful for God loving me and accepting me just as I am, but loving too much to leave me that way. Even when I find myself in some difficult situations, telling my story helps me love better.
Friends, in good times and bad, we can praise God for who he is and give thanks to God for what he has done. The more you reflect on your story and share that story with others, the more we live into the people God calls us to be—people of praise, people on the way, people who point others to Jesus!
Most of us take some time during Thanksgiving to list the things we are thankful for. We take time to pray. We pause and give thanks. These are all great things. Keep doing them. I would also challenge you to go beyond just listing the things you are thankful for. Take time to tell your story! And as you do, listen to your heart. I am guessing you will feel closer to God and closer to those around you.
Happy Thanksgiving to you. May the God of peace, fill you with every good thing and remind you of all the good things he has already blessed you with.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
New Life
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
What’s next? That is the question I’ve heard a few times this week and it’s a question I have been asking myself. It’s also a question we need to ask ourselves as a church.
On Sunday we completed our 40 Year Anniversary Celebration. Last week Friday and Saturday was a lot of fun hosting classis. And Friday night was special, hearing stories from the different pastors about the story of the CRC in Texas. It’s clear to me looking back that God is faithful.
Sunday we completed our celebration by having all of our church planters with us. We received in-person greetings from Mike & Gina Johnson, John & Chichi Eigege, Pablo Gaggero, Diego & Camila Hiriart, Leon & Erika Vidal and Ronnie & Terri Lopez. We also received greetings from Eric Schlukebir and Pastor Krishna from a distance. Pastor Roger DeYoung gave greetings the week prior. So it was fun hearing from eight of our ten church planter families and spending time together. Jeff Dykema from El Paso (stepping in for Jerry Holleman last minute) and John Eigege both did a great job with their meditations. And Randy & Tari Wester did a wonderful job with the lunch afterwards (the cake was delicious!). It was fun just being together. I did wonder why so many people didn’t stay for lunch. I wonder if this could have been publicized better? Maybe we were weary from all the celebrating? Maybe something else is going on??
So today, writing this pastor’s update I have different things going through my mind.
First, I am thankful. I’m thankful for all the different people who stepped up to make the 40th Anniversary Celebration possible. I am thankful for God’s faithfulness to our church through these 40 years in our congregation, in our school and community ministries, and through all of the church planters who have been launched out from us. I am also thankful for God’s financial provision in meeting our $40,000 goal for the offering Sunday. All of this is encouraging.
Second, there is also a sense of sadness. In reflecting back on our 40 years as a church, and for me personally in my 10 years at New Life, there is a part of me that misses the people who have moved away or no longer attend our church. It would have been a much richer celebration with everyone who has called New Life home these many years. But we trust God with all that.
Third, I am energized by the challenge we have before us. Our vision hasn’t changed and our challenges are in many ways greater. We have a shrinking congregation and a new generation that is increasingly post-Christian. There is greater complexity in ministry than ever before. And we live in a culture that both craves community yet fights against it. Our American (and Texan!) spirit of fierce independence helps us “Git Er Done” but it also separates us from each other as we each do our own thing and go our own way. How do we show hospitality well? How do we form and create deep, meaningful friendships? How do we shepherd and care for people who are alone or hurting? How do we call people to commitment and hold each other accountable to biblical and Christ-centered community? There are so many forces fighting against all this.
But then there is God. And with God there is always hope. On Sunday, John Eigege challenged us with God’s words from Isaiah 43:18 and 19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” What is that new thing?
This is a question we will have to discern together as a church. What I can tell you this.
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It won’t be us who will be leading, but God. Our job is to listen, discern and follow.
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God will always be faithful. Our job is to be faithful and obedient back.
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Because of God we have hope, despite the struggles. Our job is to trust God and learn the lessons He has for us.
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The new thing God will lead us to will be more wonderful than we can ever imagine. Our job is to receive God’s kingdom and seek this with our whole heart.
At our elders meeting this week we were talking about all the church planters who were giving greetings on Sunday. And the comment was made that there was no way Jerry Holleman could have seen this new work that God was going to do 40 years later. We could say the same thing about our school ministry and about Old Town Spring Heights. Could anyone have predicted we would be partnering with Pastor Krishna who has helped launch over 40 new churches? What about all the people who have come to Christ through New Life? So wonderful. God is good.
Will you commit yourselves to this next chapter of our story together? Will you walk with me? We need each other. We are stronger in community. Let’s trust Jesus and follow him together.
Grace and peace.
In Him,
Andy
Celebrations
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
Have you ever had to scramble to prepare for guests coming over? Groceries need to be purchased. The yard needs to be mowed. The house needs to be cleaned. The kids’ rooms need to be picked up (or at least the door shut so you can’t see the mess!). You get the picture.
This has been my life this week. We are in the middle of our 40th Anniversary Celebration and there is a lot going on. I've enjoyed our first two Sundays celebrating God's faithfulness in the early years and through our school. The next two weekends will also be filled with activity.
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Tomorrow, Saturday 9/28 – Fabulous Fall Festival in Old Town Spring Heights
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The next day, Sunday 9/29 – Worship service celebrating our Community Ministries
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Next week, Friday & Saturday 10/4 & 5 – Classis Rocky Mountain at New Life Church
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Next week, Sunday 10/6 – Wrap up service and potluck celebration for 40th Anniversary
A few fun invites for you... Tomorrow’s Old Town Spring Heights festival will be a lot of fun. Feel free to stop by between 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and enjoy games for all ages, great food and fellowship. Address is 27307 Oak Street, Spring, TX 77373. Come meet your neighbors and see what God is doing in our community!
Also, next week Friday night, October 4, during Classis Rocky Mountain, we will have a special session from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at New Life Church where we will be telling the story of the Christian Reformed Church in Texas. It will be very informative and (I think) very inspiring. We have two panels of pastors telling various stories followed by discussion time. Feel free to stop on by and hear the story!
For our wrap up celebration next Sunday, October 6, we are inviting all of our church planters to join us. There is also a potluck lunch after the service. Jerry Holleman and John Eigege are tag teaming to preach on God’s faithfulness, both looking back and looking forward. I’m not sure if we’ve ever had all of our church planters together with us in a worship service before!
Anyway, as you can see, there are a lot of moving parts. So it’s a busy season. But in all the busyness, I’ve sensed God’s faithfulness in a special way. He’s been faithful in my family, faithful in our church, faithful in our school, faithful in our community, and faithful to help us carry out his mission, despite all the setbacks, limitations and our own dumb disobedience.
We have an excellent opportunity right now to put the spotlight on God and praise him for his faithfulness. Take some time today and in the coming week to reflect on how you see that in your life. Take time to praise God and thank him for all the ways you see him in your life.
It is a privilege for me to serve as your pastor and to serve alongside all of you at New Life Church. It's a privilege to stand on the shoulders of pastors and leaders who have served before me. It’s also a privilege to work side by side with all our ministry partners and church planters. May you be encouraged by what God is doing in and through us, and often despite us, and give him the praise.“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” – Psalm 36:5
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Surprises
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
Yesterday we were all surprised when tropical storm Imelda caused such massive flooding. None of us were expecting this. I didn’t expect to spend all day fighting off the rain that was pouring through our church and school entryway. I didn’t expect to get a text from Pastor Pablo saying he and his family had significant flooding in their home and had to be evacuated. And all this after they had just gone through this two years ago with Hurricane Harvey.
A few weeks ago when my family and I returned to Texas after a fun two weeks of vacation up in Michigan, I didn’t expect to be greeted with several difficult situations, one of which was an urgent plea from our treasurer to pray for our church’s cash situation. I hope you are still all in prayer for our offering on Sunday, October 6 and the $40,000 we are hoping to take in to stabilize our cash position.
Life is full of surprises. If I had to write the script of my life I know I wouldn’t write it the way it is playing out. Yet, not all surprises are bad. Many times I am surprised by God’s blessings. An unexpected note of encouragement. A pleasant surprise seeing someone come to Christ for the first time. God’s grace showing up in a relationship that was experiencing breakdown. I have a note by my bed written by my daughter thanking me for being her dad and for the way she sees Christ in me. Wow!
In our fall message series, we are going through the book of Exodus and I see surprise after surprise. I’m sure that if they had to write their story, the Israelites wouldn’t have included 400 years of slavery and bondage in those early years. Yet, through this, they encountered God! They went on to meet with God in the desert at Mt. Sinai. This was the same mountain (also called Mt. Horeb) where God first appeared to Moses in a burning bush. He revealed himself to Moses and his people and rescued them in such a way that it forever shaped who they were.
When you think of the surprises and unexpected twists and turns in your life, do you ever stop to consider that God is using this situation to form and shape you so that you grow in your love for him? I wonder if Jesus had never allowed Peter to sink beneath the waves if he would be the same leader he was, trusting Jesus as the Messiah? I wonder if God had prevented Paul from persecuting and killing Christians that later, when he encountered Jesus, would have known both the depth of his sin but also depth of God’s grace? I love how God reveals himself to us.
This week I am preaching on Exodus 3 and the story of the burning bush. Several chapters later it says, “God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them… “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God... I am the Lord.’ ” (Exodus 6:3-8)
In the fullness of time, God revealed himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus used the same name that God revealed to Moses, “I am who I am.” (Exodus 3:14). Jesus told those who were questioning him, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). Don’t we serve an amazing God—a God who is faithful to himself and also loving and gracious to us?!!
Friends, cheer up. God loves you! He is in control. He wants what is best for you. If you are going through a hard time, please know that I am praying for you. I may not have all the answers, but I know God does. And because he is God, I know that is enough. He is the one writing our stories. He has hidden our lives in Christ and we can trust him always, no matter what. I pray that God will give you the faith and confidence to stay strong, even in the surprises of life.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
Transitions
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
Many of you are aware that during our trip to New Mexico last month we took home a puppy. We named her Nizhoni which in Navaho means beautiful. She is about three months old, half rottweiler and half shepherd. She grew up on the reservation with an beautiful Christian family and is a very good dog. She is beautiful inside and out, just like the people in New Mexico.
Many of you are also aware that our daughter Natalie will be leaving for college soon. She will be attending Calvin University up north in Michigan. She, along with Megan Covington (Texas Tech) and Iain Kelley (Lonestar) are moving on to college life. We will be in church tomorrow but we will leave for Michigan after church. We will be gone two weeks and return Saturday, August 31st. Pastor Adrian will preach for us next Sunday(8/25) and Nathan Roman will preach for us the following Sunday (9/1).
When we decided to take Nizhoni home, the first thing Natalie said was, "Oh, you got a replacement dog for me!" That wasn't our intention, but I can see how it would be perceived that way. The truth is, as cute as Nizhoni is, we can never replace our daughter. We love Natalie and we will miss her presence with us.
Transitions in life are never easy. For those of you who have sent kids off to college you know what Jacie and I are about to experience the next two weeks. We are telling everyone that we are in massive denial, but I don't think the reality of Natalie leaving will hit us until we say good bye to her at Calvin.
When we drive back to Texas the end of August, we will enter a new chapter of our lives. We will have to adjust to life without our daughter. Caleb will have to adjust to life without his big sister. I am sure all of you will also miss Natalie. She is a special part of our church family.
I share all of this with you to let you know what is going on in our family. But I also share this with you to encourage you when you face transitions in your life. Do you have a child headed off to college? Did you lose a family member or close friend? Are you going through a divorce, lose your job or facing a major health crisis? Where do we turn to help in these situations?
In youth group recently, Pastor Adrian walked us through the Song of Ascents (Psalm 120-134). One of the very first Song of Ascents is Psalm 121. It talks about the Lord watching over us and protecting us as we journey with him:
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
If you are going through a transition in life and in need of encouragement, I encourage you to meditate on this Psalm and the other Psalms of Ascents. What do you hear? What phrases or images jump out at you? What do you learn about God? Yourself? How does all this comfort you?
Friends, I will see you tomorrow and then again in two weeks. Until then, may the Lord watch over your coming and going. May he keep you from all harm both now and forevermore. Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
REHOBOTH
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Dear New Life Family,
Last week I had the privilege of spending a week in Rehoboth, New Mexico, with our young people on their summer missions trip. During the day we served in the community, and in the evening we gathered together for worship, teaching, and fellowship. We had so much fun on our trip. It was long, sixteen hour drive, but we were rewarded with the beauty of New Mexico and also meeting new friends and reconnecting with old friends. Last year, a few of our young people went to Bellflower, California, for a similar trip, and many of the same young people were there. So it was fun to see old friends. Also, for our family it was fun to be back in Rehoboth because Jacie’s mom grew up there. It was fun for us to reconnect with that part her family’s history.
One of the best parts of the trip was seeing God at work. God’s presence was very real. You could feel Him moving among us. Our time at the work sites was very rewarding. We also had power times of worship and an excellent speaker. One night we stayed up past midnight worshipping God and praying for one of the young people. On Sunday we will have an update about all this. All of us grew on the trip. We were all stretched in different ways. One of our youth even said it was the best week of his life!
Why was this? What made this week so special? I believe it was God’s presence. We spent a lot of time singing to God, praying to Him, and hearing from Him with His Word. We asked for God to be present with us. Something special happens when we take time to be present with God.
What is so important about God’s presence in our lives? We know God is present everywhere, but what is so special about God’s presence in our lives as believers? Why does this matter?
This Sunday I will begin a new message series on God’s presence and see how this impacts us in different ways in different life situations. As you reflect on this, I invite you to be informed with new teaching. But I also invite you to do more than just absorb new information. I invite you to be transformed by God through His Holy Spirit. Be open. Be changed. Be filled with Jesus!
For me, I am learning important lessons in prayer. Prayer has always been part of my life as a believer, and I have always prayed in ministry. But it has often been just one of many things. If I am honest, sometimes it has been the last thing I do. A few months ago I read a devotional by Pastor Jeff Wells of WoodsEdge Community Church. In it he talked about prayer as a first response. He quoted A.C. Dixon: “When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on. Nor am I disposed to undervalue any of these things in their proper place. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do.”
I don’t know about you, but I want to see what God can do! I want the fruit of God’s work, not my work. My prayer for this series is that God would move us to seek Him and rely on Him. My prayer is that as we reflect on God’s presence, that God Himself would change us and make us seek Him together as a first response. Friends, let’s be open to what God wants to do in us!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
RENEWED BY GOD'S BIG STORY
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
On Wednesday, my family and I took some time and traveled to Galveston. Summer just isn’t the same without a trip to the beach. The four of us, together with our three nephews and two dogs, climbed into the van and headed south on I-45. We enjoyed beautiful weather, felt refreshed by the ocean breeze, swam in the water and laughed as our dog Midnight barked at hermit crabs. What a fun time!
Getting away helps me rest and refocus. I’ve had a busy year in both my family and in our church family. In the Sytsma family we’ve had a lot of activity this spring celebrating Natalie’s high school graduation and getting her ready to go to college later this summer. Last month Jacie took on a painting project and did most of the exterior of our house (good therapy!). As I write this we have a painting project going on at the church. There’s nothing like a good coat of paint to feel renew and refreshed.
I’m thankful for the many ways God has refreshed us. Last fall we were blessed to have our sanctuary interior refreshed. Now this summer Pastor Leon’s church is upgrading our sound system. Last Sunday we celebrated three professions of faith and witnessed a baptism. The Sunday before that I worshipped with Pastor Pablo, and they were celebrating six baptisms. Physical and spiritual refreshment. God is so good.
One of the biggest ways God has refreshed us is through our school. As I write this update we are in the middle of Cooking Camp, and the smell the freshly baked apple pies is wafting down the hallway. It’s hard to concentrate with so much goodness :--) Dawn and Adrian have been such a blessing—Dawn as our director and Adrian as our lead teacher for summer camp. I have heard many different testimonies about how folks are understanding the Bible better and growing spiritually. The Gospel is coming alive!
Adrian says that his purpose is to help people be formed in their identities by God’s big story. Looking back, I see God putting a similar passion in my heart. My trip to Israel last winter and my sabbatical last summer both helped to reinforce this idea. I have always been a big cheerleader for discipleship, but I find myself more passionate today about this than ever. I see the important role we play at New Life, helping people connect the story of God with the mission of God in community with others.
This fall we will take time to celebrate forty years of God’s faithfulness to us as a church. This is our story. As we celebrate New Life’s anniversary, I invite you to thank God for including us in His big story. He has led us by His word and Spirit. He has renewed us. His love never fails. Our theme verse for our forty year anniversary is Psalm 36:5: “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
God is good. Have a great summer everyone!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
P.S.—The next three Sundays we will have guest preachers. This Sunday, Nathan Roman will preach for us. The council is in the process of approving an internship for Nathan. Next Sunday, Adrian Smith will be preaching for us while I am with our summer youth missions trip to Rehoboth, New Mexico. The next Sunday, I will have just returned from New Mexico and will be here, but Pastor Leon will preach for us.
INTRODUCING AIME FEROW
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
One of the great joys I have as a pastor is seeing people come to know Jesus, and then the rest of their lives, live into this calling by following him. We call this process discipleship. This is our mission. At New Life Church, “We make and multiply disciples.” And this isn’t something that happens only on Sunday morning. Discipleship affects every area of life. Our vision reflects the breadth and scope of discipleship, “We envision a community-wide network of disciples who are growing and partnering together to bring the restoring love of Jesus into every home, neighborhood, school and workplace we touch every day.”
For my pastor's update this week I want to introduce a new partner in this community-wide network of disciples. Aime Ferow has been attending Community Quest with us this past year on Wednesday nights. She is Lori Pugh’s sister and a strong Christian. Aime is also a gifted Christian Counselor. Recently our church council approved Aime to come on staff with us as a Christian Counselor. We are excited that she will help us live into our mission and vision in this important work where broken people are make new.
A few years ago we approved a similar position for Robyn Bajema. Robyn was on staff with us until she and her family moved to California. Aime’s situation is similar to Robyn’s with her education, experience, and goals. Aime attends Northside Christian Church in Spring, and will be working with us part-time.
Here is Aime’s description of her ministry and some background information:
It is my goal to help fellow Christians and non-Christians follow biblical practices and live out an authentic life where broken people are made new. I am a committed Christian therapist and value God's unique place in therapy, yet I welcome members of all faiths and beliefs. I know that we can grow and learn together whatever our backgrounds. All sessions are kept strictly confidential.
Since graduating from Liberty University in 2017 with a master’s in Professional Counseling, I have become a state Licensed Professional Counselor Intern. I have over 6 years of experience in a variety of areas including facilitating DivorceCare®, group therapy, and assessments. My psychotherapy experience includes working with a wide range of cognitive abilities and severity of diagnoses in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings. My interests are working with issues involving anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, stress management, marriage and family, process and psycho-educational groups. I have training in sand tray therapy and am a certified Prepare/Enrich premarital counselor. With a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Existential Therapy. I have a compassionate, collaborative approach, encouraging psycho education and mindfulness of cognitive and behavioral patterns, along with discovering meaning and purpose in the life God has given. I believe in meeting a person where they are and helping to facilitate change in their life.
This Sunday, Aime will be with us in worship and we will take a few minutes to introduce her to you. Aime can be reached @ (832) 299-5673 or aime.ferow@newlifecrc.org.
Please join me in thanking God for Aime and welcoming her to our staff. Let’s pray that God will use Aime and other ministry partners to help us bring the restoring love of Jesus into every home, neighborhood, school, and workplace we touch every day.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
AN INVITATION TO PRAY
BY Pastor ANDY SYTSMA
Last week in my pastor’s update, I reflected on Ascension Day. Jesus has ascended on high and is seated at God’s right hand. Jesus told his disciples that it was for out good that He went away, because then He would send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). In my sermon last week I spoke about the promise of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ day, people were looking forward to that promise. Today, we live on the other side of that promise.
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. I will be preaching on the power of Pentecost. I don’t want to repeat here what I will be sharing on Sunday. I do, however, want to invite you to pray.
Prayer is one of the things the disciples were committed to. Before Pentecost, they were all together in the upper room and joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14). After Pentecost they were all together, devoted to many things, one of which was prayer (Acts 2:42). In Acts 6 when the church was growing and they were experiencing some problems (widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food), the church set aside deacons to address this problem and the apostles gave their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Clearly prayer was a priority for the disciples. Is it a priority for us?
There are many ways to pray. We can pray on our knees in our prayer closets. We can pray in our car on the way to work and talk with Jesus. We can pray during our personal devotions or with our family around the dinner table. We can pray together as brothers and sisters and do so in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul said, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people” (Ephesians 6:18).
There is a new prayer gathering starting up in the prayer room on Sunday 9 a.m. and on Wednesday 6 p.m. Would you join us? We want to draw near to God and spend time in His presence. We also have big challenges in front of us in life and ministry.
David said, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84:10).
As we are in God’s presence, He dwells with us, assures and comforts us, leads and guides us, and gives us everything we need. We have a loving and merciful Heavenly Father. He has already given us Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He wants to hear from us, His beloved and dear children!
Here is what the Heidelberg Catechism says about prayer:
Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
A. Because prayer is the most important part of thankfulness which God requires of us.
Moreover, God will give his grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly
and with heartfelt longing ask him for these gifts and thank him for them.
(Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 116)
Let’s ask for God’s grace and Holy Spirit. Let’s ask Him for these gifts with constant and heartfelt longing. Let’s thank God for all the ways He is so good to us. Would you join me in seeking God in prayer?
In Him,
Pastor Andy
ASCENSION DAY
Yesterday was Ascension Day. It is the day we celebrate Jesus ascension into heaven. It is the fortieth day after Easter and ten days before Pentecost. We normally don't hear a lot about Jesus' ascension, but if that's the case, you are missing out. It is an important day.
Jesus' ascension has so many implications for us. But the big idea is that Jesus rules and reigns. He is LORD of all. Jesus is sitting at God's right hand as we speak. He holds all things in the palm of His hand. Nothing happens by accident or outside of His sovereign will.
After His resurrection and before His ascension, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. He also prepared them for the Holy Spirit He would send. Before He ascended, the disciples asked Him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus didn't answer their question, but instead told them, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After this "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:6-9)
I have to confess, there are many times that I feel like the disciples. I am slow to understand what Jesus meant about the kingdom. The disciples were thinking in terms of times and dates and what God would do through Israel. God was thinking about the power He would send through the Holy Spirit and envisioning His universal rule and reign. He was looking forward to making all things new. And this gives me hope. Romans 8:34 says that Jesus "is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." This is one of the benefits of the ascension. Jesus is our LORD rules heaven and earth for His glory and for our good.
How does Jesus' ascension benefit you? Ask yourself what you are concerned about. Do you believe that God is in control of the situation that is keeping you up at night? Do you really believe he is LORD? Think about the various challenges you face. In our limited understanding of God's economy, it may feel like a stretch to trust God with these challenges. But then we are reminded of Jesus and how He is not just our savior, but also our LORD. He is seated in heaven at God's right hand. He is interceding for us. He is the God of complete provision. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and will give us what we need. Trusting our future to Jesus strengthens our faith and reminds us Who we worship.
Take some time to reflect today on the truth and implications of Jesus' ascension. May you trust and worship Him in a new way. May you feel His care and providence in your life. May God give you new opportunities to witness to others the good news that Jesus is LORD!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
GOOD FRIDAY
Greetings! I trust you are having a good week. I want to send out a quick update for you with two things. First, an update on staff transition. Second, a few thoughts on Holy Week.
As many of you know, Trish Helmerich has felt called to serve God in another way in this next season of her life. This Sunday will be her last Sunday as our Youth Director. Trish will still be with us on Sundays from time to time, but at the end of this month will be moving several hours north, so will no longer be able to help with day-to-day ministry. To that end, I wanted to let you know that the council approved Adrian Smith to serve as our Interim Youth Director beginning May 1. He will take over the weekly teaching responsibilities for Trish beginning Wednesday, May 1 and work with our team of youth leaders to carry on this ministry. Since this in an interim appointment, this will give the council time to carry out a search process as we discern who will be our next youth director. We are thankful to both Trish and Adrian for serving our youth.
I also wanted to invite you to worship with us both Friday @ 6:00 p.m. and Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. for our Good Friday and Easter worship services. We had a lot of fun this past Sunday with many of our school kiddos, teachers and school families in attendance for Palm Sunday. It is such a joy for me to see so many people hearing the good news of Jesus! This week we get to go even deeper with this. There are so many stories surrounding Jesus’ final week. It is hard to do justice to everything that happened with his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. I would encourage you to take time to read the different gospel accounts that record what happened.
On Good Friday, I will be preaching on “The Upside Down Kingdom” from John 18:28-19:16. It is the story of Jesus’ trial. We see through these events how Jesus is not of this world but He for our world. He was declared guilty even though He had no sin, so we could be freed of our guilt and forgiven for our sin. It was an unjust situation, but one that made possible our justification. On Easter Sunday, I will be preaching on “Peace Be With You” from John 20:19-31. We will see how Jesus gives us His peace and presence even in the midst of so much pain and confusion. I pray you will know this peace and experience His presence in a new way.
Friends, I pray that you would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. May His death humble you. May His resurrection strengthen you. Because of His death and resurrection, may you be joined with Jesus and die to yourself and rise again with new life in Christ. Finally, may faith, hope and love be yours.
Grace and peace!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
COMMUNITY
For my pastor's update this week I want to do two things. First, let you know about two fun events where we can enjoy fellowship together. And second, pass on some important news within our congregation. Both are about community.
This Sunday, our Old Town Spring Heights ministry is hosting a pastor swap. I will preach at The Haven Church in Old Town Spring and Pastor Barbara Linton from Church of the Living God will preach at our church. There will be other pastors swapping pulpits pulpits. What an amazing display of unity in the gospel! Afterwards, I want to encourage you to come out to the Family Fellowship event in Old Town Spring Heights with all the churches in our ministry. There will be a lunch following Sunday worship @ Truevine Missionary Baptist Church (27307 Oak St, Spring, TX 77373) as well as lots of fun and games including a desert bake off. What a fun time to get to know your neighbors. Please join us!
The other fun event is coming up in about two weeks. On Wednesday, April 10 @ 6:00p.m., we will conclude our semester of Community Quest with a "Bless It Forward" dinner. We will have a delicious meal, a time of sharing and testimonies about the difference Community Quest has made in our lives, as well as a chance for us to "Bless it Forward." Dr. Mike Johnson from Ascending Leaders has been coaching us in best practices in Discipleship the past few years and has blessed our church greatly. His coaching was made possible by a scholarship so he invited us to bless another small church so they can receive a similar scholarship. So we took Mike up on his offer. Towards the end of our program we will have an opportunity to contribute financially and "Bless It Forward." Please mark your calendar and join us for our celebration dinner. Even if you haven't come to Community Quest before, please join us!
Finally, I want to pass on an important update within our congregation. Trish Helmerich spoke to our youth on Wednesday night and other key leaders, and then sent this communication to both our youth parents and our council that same night. I wanted to pass this on to you, our New Life Family, so you are aware of some changes coming up for Trish and her family and also for our youth. I am so thankful for Trish and her faithfulness serving God with her gifts in this very important area of ministry. When God called her she stepped up and said "Yes, Lord" and jumped in to serve. Now she is saying "Yes" to God's leading again but with a different kind of challenge. I ask you to join me in lifting their family up in prayer during this transition process. Trish, we love you and are so thankful for you! Grace and peace.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
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Dear New Life Family,
It is with very mixed emotions that I must inform you that Easter Sunday, April 21st will be my last day as Youth Ministry Director for New Life Church. I love our youth with all my heart, and being a part of their lives has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. However, it seems He has new plans for me.
My daughter-in-law has been offered and accepted her dream job, working in a hospital rather than a retail pharmacy, specifically the Rusk State Mental Hospital. In case you aren't familiar with the area, Rusk is about a three-hour drive, located between Lufkin and Tyler. This will be a Monday thru Friday 9:00 to 5:00 position. Additionally, the benefits are amazing, including paying off her (sizable) student loan debt after ten years of employment.
You may be wondering what this has to do with me. My heart was breaking at the prospect of their moving away my little angel Madi. As I prayed for His will to be done during the interview process and for help accepting if indeed she was offered and accepted the job, I have to admit there were times when I included “Please, God, don’t take her away from me.” At the same time Walt and Amanda’s prayers were that if this was God’s will that the offer would happen.
Well, despite my prayer, it is happening. Walt had asked if we would consider moving there and my reaction was maybe later we can. But over the next few days I felt the Holy Spirit leading me in another direction. So after much prayer and discussions, I will be moving with Amanda.
Walt and Tim both will remain here readying our respective homes for sale. Tim will be living with our son Jason for a time after until he is ready for retirement. So I will still be at New Life some weekends and some Tim will come enjoy country life with us.
Long term this will give us the retirement we had dreamed of. Walt and Amanda plan to buy some land upon which we will both build homes. Tim and I have spoken often about retiring to a home with a wrap around porch on some land. Chickens, goats, and a garden for me and a stock pond for Tim to fish to his heart’s desire. Not to mention the joy of helping to raise our granddaughter (and any brothers or sisters that join her).
We will be living very close to where my mother grew up on a multi-generation farm. I feel like I am going home to a simpler, less stressful time and so look forward to slowing down and enjoying life.
I will be working with Andy to help achieve my goal of finishing well. This includes my weekly teaching, the car show, summer mission trip to Rehoboth and particularly relationships with the youth. Although I will not be continuing as staff, it is my fervent hope to remain connected with them when I am here weekends.
I know God is not done with me. I have no doubt He will give me new opportunities to serve, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store. Thank you and the entire congregation for the overwhelming love and support over my season with our youth.
In Him,
Trish
ONE FOR THE BOOKS
This week was one for the books. This week Tuesday & Wednesday, Tim Helmerich, John Eigege, and other pastors and leaders from CRC churches in Texas, Colorado, and Kansas gathered in Denver for our twice-a-year classis (regional gathering) meeting. We got up early Tuesday, flew to Denver, and arrived in time to have lunch with everyone. We knew a snow storm was coming the next day, so before leaving the airport, we switched to an earlier flight to make sure we left Denver before the storm hit.
We had just started our meeting when our cell phones blew up. The text read, "Your flight from Denver has been cancelled." That's when the fun began. The weather report said we were going to have a "Bomb Cyclone" storm with six to twelve inches of snow. Some of the delegates didn't even wait till the evening. They left in a vehicle that afternoon and arrived in Houston the next day. Others were able to make their flight early the next morning. A few of our colleagues didn't get out before the snow storm came the next day and ended up renting a car only to slide into a snow bank - twice!
Since we were unable to get on another flight (1,300 flights were canceled that day), we decided to rent a large Suburban and drive home. We got up early the next day and started the long trip back to Houston. Fortunately, we were able to avoid the snow storm by a few hours. But we did run into heavy rain, intense sand storms and high winds. In West Texas we saw a dozen semis tipped over due to the extreme winds. Tim sent me a news clip in Amarillo that reported forty semis tipped over due to the high winds! We stopped by a Whataburger for lunch and saw a tree fall down in their parking lot and even had to move our vehicle to the other side of the parking lot to avoid the high winds. Crazy trip!
After twenty hours and not a few sore bodies, we were able to make it home safely. Tim, John, and I were able to get to know Lindy Baker (deacon @ Hope CRC), Pastor Diego (Mission of Faith CRC), Americo Olguin (leader @ Mission of Faith CRC), and Manuel Sosa (pastor @ Reynosa, Mexico). I am still tired from all of the travel, but I am thankful for safe travel mercies and also thankful for lessons in perseverance.
The weird thing about this trip was that, in the end, had we stayed for the whole classis meeting the second day and flew home, we would have arrived home only a few hours earlier than we actually got back by car! But our two days on the road felt more like a week. Funny how that works, isn't it?
Sometimes God reschedules us on a "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" trip. It's not the way we would script things. But we are called to persevere and endure. And if we do, God promises to reward us.
I don't know if this stirs up anything in you. Maybe you are working hard to persevere in your marriage or in a difficult health situation. Maybe there are things going on in your faith that are testing you beyond what you are accustomed to. I want to encourage you with this story and say, "Hang in there!" God hasn't left you or forgotten about you. In fact, He is with you in this situation, even if it doesn't seem that way.
Let me know if I can be in prayer about anything. This Sunday I won't be with you in worship since we are having our classis pastor swap following our classis meeting. Pastor Dave Hornor from Peace Community CRC will be preaching for us and I will be at Peace Church. I'm sure Dave will also have some stories!
Grace and peace friends. It's good to be home. See you soon!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
GOD'S STORY, OUR STORY
This weekend, Jacie and I will be helping at a Faithwalking Retreat in southwest Houston. It’s been awhile since we’ve participated in Faithwalking, so I am looking forward to that. I am also looking forward to Adrian Smith preaching for us again this Sunday. I really enjoy sitting under Adrian’s preaching. What a treat!
One of the things I love about Faithwalking is that I get a front row seat in seeing transformation happen in people’s lives. It is the same view I have on Wednesday night hearing people give testimony to how reading the Bible is changing their lives, or how ALPHA is bringing them closer to Jesus, or how in our True Story class lightbulbs are going off seeing the Bible as one unified story pointing to Jesus. This weekend the women are having their retreat and I’ve heard many stories of transformation from them as well. I could go on and on talking about how I see this happening with our children, youth, and school ministries.
There are so many opportunities and ways to grow. We are trying hard in our church and school to set the table so you can grow in your faith. For some of us, we are just beginning this journey, exploring our faith, or reconnecting with God. For others of us, we have been on that journey for a while and we are figuring things out. I am always moved when someone tells me they are coming back to church, feel the need to get closer to God, or are wrestling with complacency, boredom, guilt, or suffering. Or maybe they just have a desire to serve more. The Holy Spirit nudges us in so many different ways doesn’t He?
One of the ways He is nudging me is to take a much deeper dive into the story of scripture. A year ago Jacie and I were in Israel and the Bible came alive for me. Last summer I was given the gift of a six-week sabbatical, so I had time to spend reading the Bible from cover to cover. I have also been spending time watching videos and listening to podcasts from The Bible Project (www.thebibleproject.com). Finally, Adrian and Dawn Smith have been a great encouragement to me, delving into the importance of story and the Bible as a story.
For all these things and more, I am grateful. And as I go deeper, I feel more alive, more motivated to serve, and more excited about passing on this story of Jesus to you. My prayer is we can all be captured by God's story, see Jesus fulfilling God's bigger story, see ourselves in this story, and then live out this story together. It is a real gift to journey with you, my New Life family.
Have a great weekend. See you Sunday!
In Him,
Pastor Andy
GOSPEL OF JOHN
In December we explored the idea of Jesus’ incarnation and how we can abide with Jesus. We focused on this verse: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) We abide with Jesus as we come to see the glorious truth of his incarnation—we need Jesus, and He met that need by dwelling among us. This winter we will continue to walk through the Gospel of John together.
All of the gospels tell the story of Jesus. John introduces the concept of the new life that we can have in Jesus. He ends his book showing why we need this new life, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” But it’s not just the end. John’s whole book points to new life. He opens his book in chapter 1 by mirroring the opening words of Genesis 1, “In the beginning…” and goes on to mirror the creation account in other ways. He uses the number seven in different ways. The seven signs and seven “I am” statements both mirror the seven days of creation. John is showing us that just as he completed the original creation account in seven days, that Jesus completes God’s new creation. John also notes that Jesus rose again on the first day of the week, showing Jesus’ new creation breaking into our world.
Jesus has come so we can believe and have new life in Him. Personally, I love this picture of new life since it is our church’s name. We are also praying for “new life” for New Life. What better way for God to do a new thing in and among us than remind us of how Jesus comes to make all things new?
My prayer for this series is that we will fall in love with Jesus all over again, and see in big and small ways the continuing story of God’s redemptive work. He made this world good. We messed it up with our sin. But God isn’t finished with us yet. He sent Jesus to dwell with us and is ushering in a new creation through Him. May you find joy in Jesus and his glorious work of bringing new life to you and everyone around you.
In Him,
Pastor Andy
