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Cullen Hartley
Minister of Administration

 

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Galatians 1:3-5

 

Jack Valenti, the famed World War 2 hero, presidential consultant, and former Motion Picture Association chairman, once compared movie moguls to politicians: “There’s an egocentric quality about both; there is a very sensitive awareness of the public attitude because you live or die on public favor or disfavor.” 

 

Valenti’s comments reflect the reality that both entertainers and elected public servants make deliberate attempts to stir emotions and develop attachments with a clamoring public. They are willing to compromise morals for fame and trade privacy for personal honor. While our favorite celebrities appear natural on screen, each appearance is carefully measured for maximum Neilson ratings or ticket sales.

 

Looking at these focal points of public fixation also tells us something about our society. Especially with movies, if the product in the theater doesn’t hit a nerve, the effort will flop. However, those that are successful actually create a feedback loop where particular sentiments are echoed by the crowd as art imitates life and life imitates art.

 

As Christians, we need to be on our guard and vigilant. We have to remember we are constantly being manipulated to participate in the hype or buy the latest fad. The result can be wasted money, compromised morals, or a skewed emphasis on “social” justice rather than God’s ultimate justice. 

 

Yet, Christians shouldn’t be keeping our heads in the sand either. When we contend for the faith, we have to know our enemy. When Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes in Acts 14, they needed to know enough about the pagan deities to respond to the claim. Similarly in Acts 17, Paul began his gospel presentation by addressing heretical comments transcribed on the side of an Athenian statue. Contemporarily, missionary martyr Jim Elliott supplemented his studies with “reprobate readings” such as the philosopher Neitzsche, the novelist Poe, or the poet Masefield to keep from falling into “stereotyped or “conventional” understandings of the world.

 

Today, the focus of the culture has shifted from poets and philosophers to the cinema. As Derek leads us through the month of July in a series of sermons referencing film stories, we should never forget that the story of Jesus is what should be anchored to our souls. Jesus’ story is one of humbly and heroically solving a universal problem by offering a universal solution in a narrative punctuated with perfect wisdom and teaching. 

 

Most other stories, and especially most movies, are perverse permutations of the perfect story with needless violence, snark, or eroticism, to appeal to the bored masses. The movie hero saves the day, but he uses violence. We cheer. Someone uses their talents for good, but the good guy can’t resist the temptation to get a little revenge. We applaud. Epic freedom is achieved as foes are conquered, but the Hollywood producers just can’t resist adding a free love undertone. Our perspective skews that much more. 

 

Yet analyzing these cultural pieces will give us a place to start within our “present evil world.” We will identify some of the good that exists within the art that we consume and identify which pieces of gospel knowledge haven’t yet been rejected by the culture at-large. This perspective should present an enjoyable frame for understanding some of the Bible’s teachings that haven’t been rejected by the world and provide a place to start as we talk to our friends and neighbors about our Savior’s perfect story.

 

 

 
Schedule of Events for NTCC
 
July

Tuesday, July 9: LaMoine Camp Kitchen Helpers @ 10:30am & 4pm

Wednesday, July 10: ABF Leaders Training @ 6:30pm

Thursday & Friday July 11 & 12: Refuge Women Yard Sale set up help @ 9am - 3pm

Saturday, July 13: KCA Yard Sale @ 8am - 2pm

Saturday, July 13: Refuge Women Yard Sale clean up help @ 2pm

Monday 24: Men's Fellowship Dinner @ LaHarp Church (leaving NTCC @ 5:15pm)




 
For more information on any of these events, please call the NTCC office at
319-524-8727.


Since 1957 LaMoine Christian Service Camp has offered summer camp programs that provide for opportunities to make new friends or renew old friendships, enjoy good food, swim, have a whole lot of fun, and grow and mature personally and spiritually. The camp also offers opportunities for retreats, reunions, meetings, or other functions and gatherings. The mission of LaMoine Christian Service Camp is to provide a Christian camping environment, challenging youth to love and serve Christ. Lamoine also extends that challenge to adults.

They believe God is the creator and sustainer of all things, Jesus Christ is God in the flesh by whom all must be saved, and the Bible is God's perfect and complete word to those who desire to live a Christian life.

The camp continued to grow each year and there was fear that they would outgrow their location too soon. They split the camp into two sessions, but knew it wouldn't be enough. In 1956, area men visited Rock River Camp in Polo, IL and this led to a discussion about a new site for the camp. At this time, the camp treasury had a balance of $6.27. One month later, a not-for-profit corporation was formed. One month after that, twenty acres were purchased in Hancock County on February 28th, 1957 for $850.

Several names were suggested for the new site. They chose the name LaMoine Christian Service Camp because the land rested between the two forks of the LaMoine River.

NTCC has supported LaMoine camp as one of our many missions ensuring our families have the opportunity to encounter God through spiritual camp experiences.  


Camp is in session now and there are still scholarships available. Contact the office for details.

 

 

 





Commission Coffee Corner
Every Sunday, coffee is ready at the Commission Coffee Corner before worship and ABF Classes. Coffee is free, but as you fill your cup, you may notice a jar for donations on the counter. Your donations support a different mission organization each month that is working to bring the good news to all corners of the world.

July & August Commission Coffee Corner donations go to LaMoine Christian Service Camp

 


 
Scholarships for camp sessions are still available!

NTCC is eager for every child and youth to have the opportunity for camp. Contact the office so we can be sure your child does not miss out!


 
Derek Olsen
Lead Pastor


 

I need to make prayer a bigger priority in my life.  Maybe you need to also. 

 

Prayer ought to be a focus in your life, home and church.  In your life it is personal.  It is a time that you can take your own wants and needs to God. 

 

In your home, you have the opportunity to pray with and over your spouse, kids and grandkids.  You get to teach them how to pray and to pray with them.  As you mature, they mature.  They will begin to pray more intently with meaning and depth. 

 

At church you get to pray as a corporate body of people, moving to glorify God in life.  In small groups and ABF, we pray for specific needs and hopes as we meet and pray together.  

 

Why do we do these things?

 

Throughout the Bible we see the church praying for others:

 

Acts 12:5 Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

 

Acts 12:12 He went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.

 

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to praying

 

Here are just a few verses that show the early church praying.  More importantly, being devoted to prayer. 

 

It makes me want to pray with more passion and with higher expectations that only God can fulfill.  How about you?


 

 

Please  join us each week for our prayer and worship meeting on Sunday nights from 6pm to 7pm.

 

 

 
            Find and follow Jesus forever

Summer is in full swing along with vacations, ball games and family events. This month I want to take a minute to encourage you to make church and your child's spiritual development a priority of your summer. (And of course, not just your summer, but all year long.) While I'm the first to recognize that the need to miss church or get behind on family devotions happens to everyone, my concern is when missing church or family faith times is not a concern to our families.

I spent a week teaching upcoming 9th graders at LaMoine Christian Camp a couple of weeks ago, and as we walked through God's Word together it was evident, I mean EVIDENT, that we as God's people are to be 100% fully devoted to Him and the body of believers known as the church. And yet, as evident and as clear as God's Word is about this, it appears that we are not taking His Word seriously.

Parents, what is your child's spiritual development worth to you? Why do we, in America, continue to see faith training as an option rather than a priority? I'm asking you, pleading with you, to recommit yourself and your family to making church attendance, time in the Word and prayer at home, and service to others for the sake of Jesus a priority in your family's life.  We are here to help. We desire nothing more than to come along side you and help you take the next steps towards the abundant life that Jesus has promised to those who are His.

Don't settle. Don't comprise. Following Jesus with everything you have is the best decision your family will ever make. We love you. We are thankful for your families and it is our greatest desire everyone of HiSKidZ will find and follow Jesus forever. If you would like to know more about the "next steps" you can take to help your family grow closer to the Lord, see one of the staff or leaders, make note on your connection card and let's get growing together.

 
It's Not Too Late to Join the HiSKidZ Summer Family Challenge 
                          

            We want our families to grow closer and stronger. This year we are encouraging families to pick up a Summer Family Challenge Guide at the church, and get started! It's simple:
  • Do as many challenges as you can together as a family. 
  • Every member of the family must contribute to complete the challenge.
  • Check the rules insert for complete guidelines.
  • Have Fun! 
  • The top 3 families who successfully complete the most challenges will win a family fun prize
Pick up a Summer Family Challenge Guide at the tables in the back of the sanctuary.

                           

KidZRocK is currently on break for the summer, and will resume in early September.

             

    


It is not too late to register for church camp sessions at Lamoine. Sessions are available for HiSKidZ entering 2nd-12th grade. If you want to know more about camp and how to get registered, talk to any of the staff or a friend who has been to camp before! 



Current Opportunities include:
Toddler Nursery Volunteers--We currently have one first service and one second service opportunity available. See Ms Dawn or make a note on your connection card to be contacted about serving. Training provided.

KidZChurch Volunteers--Come be part of what God is doing in the lives of HiSKidZ.
Training provided.

Nursery Cleaning Team Volunteers--Volunteers are needed to come to the church one afternoon a week to clean the baby and toddler nurseries and toys. 

 
HiSKidZ classes on Sunday morning meet at 9am (lessons with Bible skills games) and 10:30 KidZChurch (with songs, lesson, communion time and lesson review games).
 

 

Yard Sale

Keokuk Christian Academy would like to invite the entire community to participate in the Christian Parent-Teacher Association’s annual yard sale. You can bring your items for donation to the church anytime after June 6, and the big day of the sale will be Saturday, July 13 from 8:00 to 2:00. Please come! Enjoy the bargains and the fellowship!

 

Volunteers

As the new school year quickly approaches, I would also like to encourage everyone to pray about ways that they can support KCA for the 2019-20 school year. We are still searching for individuals who are willing to donate their time to conduct enrichment classes. If you have enthusiasm for the arts or foreign language and experience working with youth, we would love for you to be a part of our team as we seek to provide the best education for our students.

 

Student Sponsorship

Another way that you can support KCA is through your financial contributions. The most beneficial thing that you could possibly do is sponsor a student. There are families in the community who would love to attend KCA, but struggle with the financial burden of a private school. 

 

Full-Time Opportunities

We are also seeking certified teachers to join our program full-time. Spending 180-days contracted with us is one of the most rewarding ways to make sure that Keokuk’s youth are learning the Bible, striving toward academic excellence, and being prepared for a life of Christian service. Please send a resume and cover letter to administrator@keokukca.com if you think you might be a good fit for our team.

 

 

 

For more information about KCA and how to enroll, visit www.keokukchristianacademy.com

Refuge ladies will help with KCA Yard Sale set up and clean up.  
Thursday & Friday, July 11th and 12th  anytime from 9am to 3pm - Sorting and folding in the MPB
 
If evening is better, please see Amy Lambert to arrange a Thursday evening group to sort and fold.
 
Saturday, July 13th @ 2pm - Yard sale clean up in MPB
 

Please see sign up on back table so KCA has an idea of how much help we will provide.  They can contact me with any questions.


KITCHEN CLEANING
 
Monday, August 12th - Kitchen drawers cleaning and organizing.  We will be taking everything out of kitchen drawers, throwing away what is broken and wiping down the insides.  We will sort the rest and make a wish list of items the kitchen could use.  (Tackling drawers only so we can be thorough.)  A quick dinner will be provided at 6pm and work begins at 6:30pm.  Please see the sign up on the back table.
 
Saturday, September 14th - S'more Time With Friends:  A wiener roast at Chris Mickelson's home.  More details in the coming weeks.

 
Saturday, Oct. 19th - Day trip to south central Iowa for the Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt.  More details to come but you can check out this huge event on their Facebook page  "Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt Fall Edition"

 

 

 

Adult Bible Fellowship: Sunday Mornings are just the beginning!



9:00am: Led by Art Newlon 
4-week Study - begins June 30th through July 21st 


10:30am: Led by Cullen Hartley

 

For more information about our ABF ministry, please see Chris Mickelson or contact the NTCC Office 319-524-8727

At 6pm: 
Sunday Night Prayer 

 
Join New Testament Christian Church on Sunday nights, from 6pm to 7pm, for a time of prayer. This service focuses on seeking our God together as the Church through singing, scripture reading, and praying in groups, with a friend, or by yourself. For more information, please see an NTCC staff member.




 

Small Groups are currently on summer break and will resume in the fall.

 

                                   

 


Barnabas Men: Thursdays @ 11am at Deweese Family Diner in Keokuk.   All men are welcome.



AREA MEN'S FELLOWSHIP DINNER

 
Monday, July 22 @ 6:30pm at LaHarp Christian Church in LaHarp, IL.  Transportation is available. Meet at NTCC at 5:15pm. 


God uses small group studies to help us BELIEVE, BELONG and BECOME all He desires for us as His body.  Small groups are a great way to connect and be a part of what God is doing in lives here at NTCC.
For more information and details regarding these and other studies please contact the office 319-524-8727

 
 
Offering and Attendance
2019 Weekly Need: $5,428.00
       
June  Offering  Attendance   Volunteers
June 2 $7917.02 371 96
June 9 $5328.02 168 63
June 16 $3764.02 225 53
June 23 $8080.78 157 62
       



Monthly Financial Reports are available upon request from the NTCC Office.


 
Click here to catch up on sermons or to listen again
Considering taking your faith to the next level? Contact the office for more options at NTCC
319-524-8727
Click here to contact an NTCC staff member


New Testament Christian Church

Staff
Derek Olsen, Senior Pastor

Cullen Hartley, NTCC Minister of Administration and KCA Administrator
Dawn Farris, Children's and Family Ministry Director
Calvin Stevens, Student Ministries
Bree Hartley, Secretary

Elders
Jeff Doore, 319-524-2376
Ray Miller, 319-795-2500
Bill Schulte, 319-524-7238
John Wardwell, 217-847-3628
David Zanolla, 309-259-0284

Deacons
Tim Crose, 309-224-9408
Harold Hough, 319-524-4365
Denny Moore, 217-242-9402
Nathan Schulte, 319-795-6346
David Snowden, 217-256-3248
Calvin Stevens, 319-670-1430

 

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