Jesus seems to be pretty certain: God loves us more than we can realize, and gives generously to us, all the things that we need. So why does it feel like there isn't enough?
When we start out in adulthood, we learn how much of our ability to live depends on our work and what we get paid. A certain amount depends on the kind of people we end up working for and the kind of people we hire to work for us. We learn a pattern of making our own lives secure by working for ourselves.
But sometimes we drift into patterns of fear (that there won't be enough this season...) or resentments (there is never enough for me...) or even shame (it's so embarrassing that I don't have enough, and I'm not going to talk about it...). These times of "drift" affect our relationship with God because we forget how generous God is - we forget to pray to receive what we need.
This weekend we learn about confessional prayer. The kind of prayer that re-connects us to our loving, generous God who never gives up giving us everything we need. Come to church this weekend and try a new kind of prayer.
This month we are looking forward to August 14th, our Blessing of the Backpacks (and students, teachers, and parents), with a water balloon toss after worship. Invite your neighbor or child's best friend and parents for this amazing Sunday. Invitation cards are available at church.
Pastor Candice
THIS WEEK AT NEW LIFE
Sunday, August 7: Sunday Worship 9:00 AM on the New Life land or Facebook Live Join us for Sunday worship on the New Life land. If you're not comfortable for in-person worship, you can tune in on Facebook Live -- no account needed.
* CLICK HERE for the SignUpGenius link for Sunday tasks
Tuesday, August 9: Coffee In The Community Bible Study 10:00 AM
Le Muse in the Caliterra subdivision Bible study in our local coffee shops. Anyone can join at anytime. 10:00 am on Tuesdays at Le Muse in the Caliterra subdivision.
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, August 14: Blessing of the Backpacks It's one of our favorite Sundays, when we bless our children and students for their year of learning and growth. We are inviting our classmates and friends for this awesome Sunday! There'll be extra snacks and some water balloons to toss immediately after worship.
Excerpt from GOSPEL READING for this week
Luke 12:32 -- Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED
Thank you, New Life!
A huge thank you to all of you who have so generously supported our summer food drive for the Helping Hands Food Bank. Your donations have helped the food bank fill the gap for families with children home during the summer months. Our food donation bin will continue to be out each week, and we will continue to collect food items throughout the year; as well, you may always donate monetarily by indicating Helping Hands on an envelope, or the memo line of a check.
Save the date: Sunday, November 6, Helping Hands Empty Bowls Project.
Refugee Resettlement Project Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees needs help finding items for refugees being resettled in the Austin area. Here is a list of requested items:
Vacuums, pots/pans, kitchen tools(big spoons, can openers, etc.), rugs (especially large ones), irons, sets of dishes/flatware/glassware, floor lamps, bicycles (adults and kids), dining tables and chairs(all sizes), double and single strollers, infant car seats (not expired), high chairs, electric tea kettles.
Call Chichi Armstrong for more info. or pick up:
773-590-7365.
Lutheran Disaster Response Check for the bulletin insert re: Lutheran Disaster Response and the needs of flood survivors hard-hit in Eastern Kentucky this past week. We pray for strength, resilience, and healing for the survivors of this most recent weather-related disaster.
Outreach Giving and Service Opportunities for August August's outreach is on behalf of Upbring. Upbring works to increase child wellness, vitality and safety. Support from people like our New Life community helps to replace the heartbreak of child abuse with hope and healing.
1. You are invited to donate through our online Breeze giving site: https://newlifedrippingsprings.breezechms.com/give/online - just click on the dropdown fund and select "Upbring" or through a note on your donation collected during service. Our goal is to reach $500 in giving this month so New Life is able to be a Ruby Sponsor for the September Healing Hearts Auction and Fundraiser.
2. You can also bid on fun items and support Upbring's mission at the same time by participating in the Healing Hearts Auction here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/rec/
3. Volunteering directly with Upbring helps break the cycles of child abuse and stories of healing and hope replace the damages of abuse. If you feel called to share God's love in this impactful way, the application (for the safety of the children Upbring requires volunteers to complete an application and an orientation) can be found here: https://upbring.org/volunteer/
Work Day on the Land, September 17
Our tent cannot weather another winter, and needs to come down. We will have a work day to move the chairs and furniture away from the tent, and then bring down the poles and roof. Many hands make light work: we will need about 6 stronger people, and about 6 people of any ability. Watch this space to sign up. For more information, see Dave D'Abate or Michael Meinecke.
Adult Sunday School & Godly Play Summer break--no Adult Sunday School and Godly Play--will resume in the fall, after Labor Day.
Help On The Land
Look at the land tasks list on the New Life website to see what needs to be done. You can go anytime. Please let Michael Meinecke know if something is done or needs to be added (his contact info is in the directory) -- if you see anything unusual, please let Michael know, so he can coordinate efforts and respond to questions. Please bring any needed tools and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
WEATHER POLICY We worship outdoors year-round. Please dress for your comfort. When possible, we hold worship under the oaks. In case of persistent rain or cold temperatures (below 55°F) anticipated at the time of worship, we will be in our tent and may have the sides up and heaters on in the winter. See more information on our severe weather policy here.
If there is active lighting in the area, we may delay until a storm passes or cancel worship for that week since the tent does not provide adequate shelter. When possible, someone will be present to let people know, and we may be able to offer car blessings. We will post on the New Life website and Facebook page if worship is delayed or canceled. Please check those places if there are storms in the area.
New Life is an outdoor worshipping church that is active in the Dripping Springs community, serving our neighbors. We pray and do Bible study out in the community, and we care for a piece of the Texas Hill Country which is open to our neighbors for walking, praying the labyrinth, watching wildlife, etc. We worship every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. We do Bible study after worship during the school year, except about once every other month when we make community service part of our liturgy and go out to build relationships with our neighbors together. We welcome you to be part of this community and our mission to share God’s love out in creation and out in our community.
Donate online to New Life's environmentally-focused mission of spreading the Good News of God's great love. Donate via PayPal to "New Life Lutheran Church of Dripping Springs Texas."
