New Beginnings Methodist Church

Sunday / August 4th

Building Strong Families Week 2 www.newbeginningsmc.org

This Sunday is Back To School Sunday.

We will have a special time during both services where we will pray over students and faculty.

Be sure to invite all your friends and family to join you.

See you Sunday!

7/28/24 sermon

Building Strong Families Week 1 www.newbeginningsmc.org

Some our folks serving the Lord by ministering to the “least of these.”

Are you letting the good times hold you back?

Watch Pastor Jared’s latest sermon to find out how to celebrate the old and grab hold of the new.

Embracing The New www.newbeginningsmc.org

Pricilla: Leading without limits

Scripture: Romans 16:3-4 - "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them."

Acts 18:26 (NIV) - "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately."

Devotional:

In a society that often marginalized women, Priscilla emerged as a powerful leader in the early Christian church. She didn't let cultural norms or gender expectations limit her role or silence her voice.

Priscilla taught boldly, led fearlessly, and served tirelessly. When she and Aquila instructed Apollos, she wasn't in the background - she was actively involved in explaining "the way of God more adequately."

Paul even mentions her name first in several instances, a clear indication of her prominence.
Priscilla's story is a testament to the fact that leadership in God's kingdom isn't determined by gender, but by faith, knowledge, and willingness to serve.

She didn't let anyone shut her down or push her aside just because she was a woman.
Today, let's be more like Priscilla.

Let's not allow others' expectations or societal norms to limit our potential in serving God. Whether in the church, workplace, or community, we have the right and responsibility to step into leadership roles when we're called and qualified.

Remember: God's call on your life isn't limited by your gender, and if anyone says otherwise, they’re simply WRONG. Like Priscilla, be bold in using your gifts, be confident in your knowledge, and be courageous in your leadership.

Reflection:

Are there areas in your life where you've held back from leadership due to gender expectations?

How can you challenge those limitations and step forward, like Priscilla, to fully use your God-given gifts?

Prayer:

Lord, give us Priscilla's courage and conviction. Help us to stand firm in the face of those who would limit us based on gender or any other factor. Empower us to lead, teach, and serve wherever you call us.
Amen.

New outdoor lighting is being installed today!

This Sunday is our Fifth Sunday Worship. We will have one service at 10am followed by a potluck. We can't wait to see you!

The stream will return ASAP

Our Ministry Safe training is this Sunday at 12:15. Anyone wanting to volunteer at New Beginnings will need to attend. Lunch will be provided.

Feeling lost in the transitions? Join us for our new sermon series, "The Journey: Embrace Life's Transitions." We'll explore how faith can guide you through change, from new beginnings to unexpected detours. Find hope, purpose, and a deeper connection with God – every step of the way.

We are still working towards getting back online. Stay tuned!

After bringing in professional consultation, we have a direction to address our steaming needs. We look forward to returning to bring you preaching and worship as soon as possible.

To honor our commitment to bring you the corporate worship and teaching experience at New Beginnings with the excellence, this Sunday’s services will not be streamed while we determine the infrastructure needed to provide a quality worthy of our Lord.

Day 5!

Day 5: Foundation of Forgiveness

Read:

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

Devotional:

As we build our families on a solid foundation, forgiveness is a crucial component that cannot be overlooked. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. In a fallen world, even within our closest relationships, offenses, and hurts are bound to happen. However, how we respond to these challenges can strengthen or weaken our family bonds.

Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of forgiveness when He willingly died on the cross for our sins. While we were still sinners, He extended grace and mercy to us (Romans 5:8). As followers of Christ, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, especially within our families.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Holding onto bitterness and resentment only breeds division and strife. When we choose to forgive, we release the burden of anger and allow healing within ourselves to begin. It doesn't mean that the offense was okay or that trust is automatically restored, but it does mean that we are willing to let go of the right to hold it against the other person.

As parents or spiritual leaders of our homes, we have the opportunity to model forgiveness for our children/family members. When they see us apologize for our mistakes, extend grace to one another, and work through conflicts with humility and love, they learn valuable lessons about the power of forgiveness. We can also teach them to seek forgiveness when they have wronged others and to extend forgiveness when they have been hurt.

It's important to remember that forgiveness is a process and may take time, especially for deep wounds. We can trust God to guide us and give us the strength to forgive as He has forgiven us. As we build our families on the foundation of forgiveness, we create an atmosphere of grace, understanding, and unconditional love that reflects Christ to the world.

Activity:

Have a family discussion about forgiveness. Share examples of times when forgiveness was needed and received within your family or in other relationships. Encourage each family member to think about anyone they may be holding a grudge against and consider extending forgiveness. This could involve writing a letter, making a phone call, or having a conversation in person. Pray together for God's help in the process and for healing in the relationship. Remember that forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation, but it does release the burden of unforgiveness from our own hearts.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness that You have given us through Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that we are sinners in need of Your grace and mercy every day. Help us to extend that same forgiveness to others, especially within our families. Give us the strength to let go of bitterness and resentment, and teach us to love unconditionally as You love us. May our homes be places where forgiveness is freely given and received, and may we reflect Your grace to the world around us. In Jesus' name we pray,

Amen.

by Lim Sahar Lathem © for & New Beginnings Methodist Church

Day 3!

Day 3: Foundation of Scripture

Read:

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
- Psalm 119:105

Devotional:

The Bible, God's Holy Word, serves as the foundation of our Christian faith. Through Scripture, we learn about God's character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. As we build our families on the solid rock of God's Word, we find guidance, wisdom, and strength for every situation.

Psalm 119:105 reminds us that the Bible illuminates our way in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty, helping us navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose. When we prioritize reading and applying Scripture in our family life, we create a strong foundation that will withstand the storms of life.

Incorporating God's Word into our daily lives can take many forms. Set aside time each day to read the Bible together as a family, discussing the passages and how they apply to your lives. In our home, we do this right before bed. It can be as simple as reading the verse of the day on the Bible app and discussing with your family what it means. I’ll leave a step-by-step below.

Encourage each family member to have their own personal Bible study time. Memorizing verses together is another wonderful way to keep God's Word in your hearts, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions.

As you read and study the Bible, look for opportunities to apply its teachings. When faced with a difficult decision or situation, turn to Scripture for guidance. Encourage one another to live out biblical principles such as love, forgiveness, kindness, and integrity. By making God's Word the cornerstone of your family life, you'll create a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come.

Remember, the Bible is not just a book of rules or stories; it is the living, breathing Word of God. As you engage with Scripture, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your hearts and transform your lives. Be open to the ways God wants to use His Word to mold you into the image of Christ and equip you for every good work.
As you embark on this journey of building your family on the foundation of Scripture, trust that God will faithfully guide and empower you every step of the way. May your family be richly blessed as you seek to know and live out God's Word together.

Activity:

Choose a passage of Scripture that is particularly meaningful or relevant to your family. Read the passage together and discuss its significance.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Select a passage of Scripture. This could be a chapter from one of the Gospels, a section from the Psalms, or a passage that addresses a specific topic or challenge your family is facing.

2. Gather your family together and read the passage aloud. Encourage everyone to follow along in their own Bibles.

3. After reading, ask each family member to share their thoughts on the passage. What stood out to them? What does the passage reveal about God's character or plan?

4. Discuss how you can apply the truths from the passage to your daily lives. Are there specific actions you can take or attitudes you need to adjust?

5. Consider choosing a key verse from the passage to memorize as a family. Write it down, display it prominently in your home, and review it together throughout the week.

6. End your time together with prayer, asking God to help you live out the truths you've learned from His Word.

By regularly engaging with Scripture as a family, you'll grow in your understanding of God's Word and deepen your faith. As you apply biblical principles to your lives, you'll experience the joy and peace that comes from building your lives on the solid foundation of Christ.

Pray:

Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of Your Word. We recognize that the Bible is the foundation upon which we build our lives and our family. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through the challenges and joys of life.
Help us to make reading, studying, and applying Scripture a daily priority. Give us a hunger for Your truth and a desire to know You more deeply through the pages of the Bible. May Your Word come alive in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out.
As we incorporate Your Word into our family life, give us wisdom and creativity. Show us how to make Bible study engaging and relevant for every family member, from the youngest to the oldest. Help us memorize Your Word, keeping it in our hearts so that we might not sin against You.
Give us the courage to live out the truths we learn from Scripture, even when it's difficult. May our lives be a testament to the power of Your Word as we seek to love You and others well.
Thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. May it shape our family and faith, drawing us ever closer to You.

In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.

- written by Lim Sahar Lathem © for & New Beginnings Methodist Church

Day 2 is now live! Have a blessed day 🙏

Day 2: Foundation of Prayer

Read:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional:

Prayer is a vital component in building a strong foundation of faith within our families. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, expressing our gratitude, concerns, and desires. When we pray together as a family, we invite God's presence into our lives and strengthen our relationships with Him and each other.

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to bring all our worries and anxieties to God in prayer. By doing so, we release our burdens and trust in God's providence. As we pray with thanksgiving, we acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenges.

Family prayer time creates a sacred space where we can share our joys and struggles, offering support and encouragement to one another. It is an opportunity to teach our children the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life. Through consistent prayer, we develop a deeper sense of unity and purpose as a family, rooted in our faith in Christ.

Allow a different person to lead the family in prayer each time, including the little ones. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn and grow in their prayer life. Remember, praying should be just like talking to our best friend. It doesn't have to be formal, and you don't need to use big words or complex sentences. God knows the intentions of our hearts and hears us when we pray.

If you're not sure how to pray, that's okay! The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26, “So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.” This means that even when we don't know what to say or how to say it, the Holy Spirit translates our prayers to our Heavenly Father.

Encourage each family member to pray from their heart, expressing their gratitude, worries, and hopes. This could be a simple "Thank You, God, for my family" or a more detailed prayer about a specific situation. The most important thing is that we come before God with sincerity and openness.

As you make family prayer a regular habit, you'll find that everyone grows more comfortable and confident in their prayers. Remember, God delights in hearing from His children, no matter how young or old they may be.

Activity:

Create a family prayer list, including personal requests, thanksgiving, and prayers for others. This is a wonderful way to involve everyone in the family and teach the importance of prayer. Here's how to get started:

1. Gather your family together and explain the purpose of the prayer list. (This can be done right after this devotional.)

2. Provide each family member with paper and a pen to write down their prayer requests, thanksgiving, and prayers for others.

3. Encourage everyone to share their items on the list, fostering an atmosphere of openness and vulnerability.

4. Compile all the requests into a single list, either on paper or digitally, so that everyone can easily access it.

5. Set aside dedicated times each day or week to pray together as a family, using the prayer list as a guide. (You can use your list during the closing prayer of your family devotional time.)

6. As prayers are answered or circumstances change, update the list and celebrate God's faithfulness together.

Remember, no request is too small or too large for God. By bringing our prayers to Him as a family, we deepen our faith, strengthen our bonds, and experience the peace and joy that come from a life centered on Christ.

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today as a family, united in our love for You and each other. We thank You for the gift of prayer, which allows us to communicate with You and bring our joys, sorrows, and hopes to Your throne of grace.

Help us to make prayer a central part of our family life. May we always remember to seek Your guidance, wisdom, and strength in every situation. Teach us to pray with sincere hearts, full of gratitude for Your countless blessings.

As we lift up our requests and thanksgivings to You, we trust in Your perfect will and timing. Grant us peace in the midst of uncertainty, knowing that You are in control and that Your love for us never fails.

We pray for each member of our family, that they would grow in their relationship with You. Protect us, provide for us, and help us to be a light in this world, reflecting Your love to those around us.

Thank You for the privilege of prayer and for the assurance that You hear us when we call upon Your name. May our family be strengthened and our faith deepened as we commit to praying together regularly.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

by Lim Sahar Lathem © for & New Beginnings Methodist Church

Hello Church! Here’s Day 1 of our devotions. Make sure to gather with your family or friends today and do this. It will be a blessing.

5 Days Family Devotionals ~ Building Strong Foundations of Faith

Day 1: Foundation of Love

Read:
'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ' - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Devotional:
Love is the cornerstone of strong family relationships. It is the glue that binds us together and helps us weather the storms of life. As we see in 1 Corinthians 13, love is not just a feeling but a choice to act in the best interest of others. When we choose to love our family members, we are patient with their shortcomings, kind in our interactions, and selfless in our actions.
God's love for us is the perfect example of how we should love one another. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and never-ending. As we experience the depth of God's love, we are better equipped to extend that love to our family members.
Practical ways to demonstrate love within the family include speaking words of affirmation, giving quality time, offering acts of service, sharing physical touch, and giving thoughtful gifts. When we intentionally express love in ways that resonate with each family member, we strengthen our bonds and create a home filled with warmth and affection.

Activity:
Ask around the room (There are no wrong answers.) This is a favorite in our house! We let the kids answer these questions with as much knowledge as they have. It encourages participation and curiosity towards the word of God. Allow everyone to have a turn and allow them to express themselves. Remember, there are no wrong answers!

"What does it mean to love someone?"

Encourage family members to share their thoughts on what loving someone truly means. They may mention aspects such as caring for others, putting their needs before your own, being kind and patient, forgiving, and showing affection.

"What are some specific ways each family member can show love to one another throughout the week?"

Have family members brainstorm practical ways they can demonstrate love to each other. Some examples might include:
- Helping with chores without being asked
- Writing encouraging notes or drawing pictures for each other
- Giving hugs or words of affirmation
- Spending quality time together, like playing a game or going for a walk
- Praying for each other
- Sharing with and supporting each other

"Does anyone have any questions about love or how to show love to others?"

Allow family members to ask questions they may have about the topic of love. This can lead to deeper discussions and understanding. If a question arises that you don't know how to answer, that's okay!

If someone comes up with a question you don't know how to answer, that's okay! Please write it down and send Pastor Jared an email with your question. We will be happy to answer! [email protected]

Remember, the goal of this activity is to encourage open discussion, participation, and curiosity about God's word. By allowing everyone to share their thoughts and questions, you create an environment where family members feel valued and engaged in learning about and practicing love.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the incredible love You have shown us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Your love is the foundation upon which we build our lives and our family relationships. Help us to love each other deeply, just as You have loved us.
Teach us to be patient and kind, to put others' needs before our own, and to forgive freely. May our words and actions reflect Your love, bringing joy, healing, and unity to our family.
We pray that our home would be a place where love abounds, and where each family member feels valued, accepted, and cherished. Give us the wisdom and creativity to express our love in meaningful ways, so that our family may grow stronger each day.
Thank You for the gift of family and for the privilege of loving one another. May our love for each other be a testament to Your goodness and grace.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.

by Lim Sahar Lathem © for & New Beginnings Methodist Church

Due to technical difficulties, we will not be streaming until we are able to address the reoccurring problems with the broadcast. Stay turned.

Due to technical difficulties, we will not be streaming second service today.