New Life Covenant Church

Special Worship Music - February 28, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:17:00 +0000

Rashid is a recently-arrived Congolese refugee. He is a free-case refugee who is living in the Transition House that New Life sponsors with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.

A week ago, Rashid first visited New Life for Sunday service and mentioned that he led worship in his church in Congo and that he'd like to play for New Life. Debbie and Mike Munns who lead the New Life Worship Team, took Rashid up on his offer and invited him to sing this week! With no rehearsal at all together, Rashid, Mike and Debbie led the congregation in a moving worship song that Rashid sang in French, much to the delight of the 9 other Congolese in the audience!

Serving the refugees of San Jose has blessed and enriched New Life Covenant Church in ways that cannot be ennumerated. This Sunday's special music was just one small way that the refugees we've met have given so much to this congregation.

In case you couldn't join us yesterday, here are some photos:

Adam McGhee's Installation - January 31, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:37:00 +0000

On January 31, Adam McGhee was officially installed as part of the New Life Family!

San Jose Covenant Churches Share Worship - December 27, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Two days after Christmas, the four San Jose Covenant Churches; New Life Covenant Church, Alum Rock Covenant Church, Church of Philadelphia, and The Bridge Community Church, gathered together at Willow Glen Middle School to celebrate in worship and explore more deeply our partnership in the Gospel.

These four churches serve different communities and have very different histories, but together, they are unified in serving the Gospel and the community of San Jose. This is a partnership of celebration, of prayer, of connection, of encouragement, and of challenge.

The entire service was a shared experience. Each pastor prepared part of the service and the worship team was a blend from New Life and The Bridge, while our Children's ministries met together and prepared kits for the homeless of San Jose. Even our offerings partnered this Sunday as we collected food and gave a special offering for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Looking forward, each of the pastors expressed their desire to come together again, and all are looking forward to adding new church plants to San Jose in the coming year so that this partnership might continue to grow and to reach out with Christ's love for this valley.

New Life Kids Christmas Play - December 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:44:00 +0000

The New Life Kids once again provided the congregation with a wonderful sweet, and very family-oriented Christmas play! Somehow, each year, New Life has the cutest Kings of any Christmas show in the world!

Many many thanks to Miss Gina and all of the children for their hard work. And thanks once again to Ashley Matthai and David Wold for providing us with such wonderful photos to enjoy!

New Life Kids Chimes Concert with Adam and Emily McGhee - December 6, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:45:00 +0000

December 6 was a very busy Sunday at New Life! We met Pastor James, a Burmese pastor and missionary, who kindly shared with us some of his ministry in Burma and around the world. We met Adam and Emily McGhee and later learned that they will be joining the New Life family very soon as Adam comes on staff as our new Outreach Pastor!

And the best part of the morning? The songs and concert, first with the New Life Preschoolers and then New Life Kids. All of the children did an amazing job in leading us to worship and sharing their love of God through their songs. What a blessing they are!

Many thanks to Ashley Mathai and David Wold for sharing their pictures from this special day!

October Baptism - October 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:55:00 +0000

We gathered together on Sunday October 16 after service, to celebrate Arlene Haselhorst's baptism. Enjoy the pictures!

New Life Beach Day - October 3, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:37:00 +0000

Yet another successful day for New Life! The day was filled with sunshine, porpoises, seals, and celebration! It was a great opportunity to spend time with our refugee friends and enjoy God's creation.

New Life Becomes a Step Up Silicon Valley Partner - September 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:16:00 +0000

New Life Covenant Church, led by our Executive Board, has signed on as a Step Up Silicon Valley Partner Organization.

Step Up Silicon Valley, headed by Catholic Charities, is an affiliation of government agencies, non-profit and faith-based organizations, businesses and individuals who have committed to work together to reduce poverty in Santa Clara County. Partnering with them means that the church will collaborate and network with other organizations to help those in need, share what we have learned through our refugee ministry, and prayerfully approach new tools and methods to help those whom God has brought to us.

Having worked with the Refugee program has made us aware of the many obstacles that come when trying to overcome poverty. We believe that we can make a difference by collaborating and working together to help those in need.

http://www.stepupsv.com/

Brunch and Bible at Bramhall - September 6, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:39:00 +0000

On Sunday September 6, New Life will have its final summer service at Bramhall Park for the year.

Join us in the park for a great time of singing, some time in the Word, good food and fellowship.We will be meeting at Bramhall Park at 10 AM. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and a brunch item to share. A map is attached below so you can find us!

Bramhall Park.pdf

Advent Gets a New Well - August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:33:00 +0000

New Life Covenant Church was one of several large donors that made sure that Advent's Summit Home for Girls received a much-needed new well to provide fresh, safe drinking water for the girls receiving treatment and support from Advent Group Ministries.

The home's original well has gone dry for the past few summers due to the California drought conditions. The new well, drilled to 400 feet, will ensure a steady supply of water to the house during these dry years.

An article detailing the well project was published in Advent's most recent newsletter.

AdventWell.pdf

Learn more about Advent Group Ministries at: www.adventgm.com

National Recognition of New Life's Refugee Ministry - August 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Catholic Charities USA has recognized Andrea Lee of New Life, along with Melissa Kreisa and Elsa Amboy of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church as Volunteers of the Year for 2009 in recognition of the work of New Life Covenant Church and Sunnyvale Presbyterian to support free case refugees in Santa Clara County.

While the three women are named, it very much a shared honor. Both churches have made incredible commitments to supporting the lives of the county's most vulnerable new residents for the long term. Without the commitments of time, money and other resources by each member of the congregations, these ministries and partnerships could not exist.

The Valley Catholic recently ran an article outlining this award and what the efforts of the churches has meant for the refugees:
http://www.valleycatholiconline.com/viewnews.php?newsid=777&id=10

Day of Reflection - August 1, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:58:00 +0000

On August 1st, a group of New Life members and friends gathered at the Christenson cabin in Mission Springs to spend a quiet day with the Lord. Time was spent together in song and in the Word, as well as in solitude and quiet reflection. Those in attendence expereinced a renewal and refreshment that comes from removing ourselves from the day-to-day for a short time to return to spiritual things.

New Life Kids Family Sunday - July 26, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:07:00 +0000

The New Life Kids taught the entire congregation what it means to trust God in all things through their lesson from Exodus and the plagues. Taking a section from the book, "Scary, Gross and Wierd Stories from the Bible", the children explained what the plagues were and how the lessons they teach are still relevant for us today.

Many thanks to Miss Gina and all the kids for their hard work!

Photo Album from Family Sunday:

Brunch & Bible at Bramhall Park - July 5, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:04:00 +0000

On Sunday July 5, New Life will have Summer service at Bramhall Park!
Join us in the park for a great time of bible teaching and fellowship.We will be meeting at Bramhall Park at 10 AM.
Be sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. You are invited to stay after service for a potluck picnic and games.
A map is attached below so you can find us!

Bramhall Park.pdf

San Jose Giants Game - June 27, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:51:00 +0000

A hearty group of New Life friends and family braved the heat tonight to head down to Municipal Stadium to watch the San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports 7-1.

Despite the heat, everyone seemed to enjoy the game and one anothers' company, but the mood definitely lifted once the sun went down!

Between innings, we enjoyed all the field games: Tug of War, Musical Floatie Chairs, Water Ballon Tosses, El Gigante Base Running, and more! After the game, the kids got to run the bases, and a few adults got to join them!

A fun evening all around....

Refugee Day Celebration - June 26, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:23:00 +0000

On June 20th, the international community marked the 9th annual World Refugee Day, acknowledging the suffering of the millions of people driven from their homes. The commitment by the United States to protect and aid refugees is a deep and abiding one, part of the nation’s history and at the core of its values.

The United Nations, which established the event in 2000, set this year's theme on "real people, real needs". World Refugee Day 2009 draws particular attention to the unmet needs of some 42 million persons who are uprooted by conflict, persecution, natural disaster and food insecurity, and thereby forcibly displaced worldwide, awaiting a solution. It is intended to remind us all that refugees are not faceless statistics, but real individuals with dignity, rights and needs.

In Santa Clara County, World Refugee Day was celebrated on June 26th at Campbell Community Center. This special event recognized the contributions and struggles of the local refugee and immigrant community to the economic and cultural life of this community.

The celebration included speeches by local officials, recognition of volunteers and partner organizations like New Life Covenant Church, dance and cultural performances and food from around the world. This was indeed a celebration of the efforts of the refugees and those who help them to build a new life in a place where they are safe, secure, and able to begin thinking about their future.

Transition House Cleaning Day - June 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Fourteen students from Pulse, the college ministry of Great Exchange Covenant Church, took time out of their Saturday morning to join Andrea, Pastor Kevin, Sanjay, and the nine residents of our transition house to scrub bathrooms, mop floors, wash and paint walls, and make some new friends.

In addition to lots of elbow grease, the students got to know our current residents, who come from Bhutan, Iraq and Eritrea. They gave lessons on how to clean bathrooms and floors, and learned more about the residents and heard some stories of life in camps around the world.

We hope to continue our relationship with Pulse. They have been wonderful partners and friends to the refugees of San Jose and we look forward to working with them on future projects!

The work was hard, but I think they all had fun as well --

Ladies' Bible Study Tour of MLK Library - June 10, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:18:00 +0000

The Wednesday Morning Ladies' Bibles Study and some special guests took a tour of the Martin Luther King Downtown Library as a small group "field trip".

The ladies and their guests had a wonderful time seeing many of the special collections of the Library, including a lock of Beethoven's hair(!). The Library also affords some wonderful views of downtown San Jose.

After the tour, lunch at the Novel Cafe!

Many thanks to Beverly Ashton for sharing her photos with everyone.

Brunch, Bible, Baby at Bramhall - May 24, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Over 60 of the New Life congregation and friends gathered at Bramhall Park last Sunday to celebrate the holiday with praises, time in the Word, a brunch, and a baby shower for Cing Nu.

The fellowship was wonderful, and it is always a good event when you end with Dick's Bakery Burnt Almond Cake!

Brunch, Bible and Baby at Bramhall Park - May 24, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:16:00 +0000

On Sunday, May 24 the New Life congregation will have its first Summer Sunday in the Park of 2009! This will be our third year of celebrating the Summer holiday weekends by having a casual time of song, time in the Word and good food at Bramhall Park rather than meeting at Willow Glen Middle School. A map is attached below so you can find us!

This Sunday, we are adding to the fun by having a small baby shower as well! Paul and Cing Nu, recent refugees from Burma and regular arttendees of New Life, are expecting their first baby next week! All are invited to share some cake and wish the new parents well as they prepare for their daughter's arrival. If you'd like to bring a gift, that would be wonderful, but is not necessary. Diapers are always a great choice!

Bramhall Park Map.pdf

Springs Retreat - April 14-16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Eight women from New Life Covenant Church attended the Springs Retreat sponsored by the Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry (NEWIM) at St. Anthony's retreat Center in Three Rivers, California. This retreat, held in the spring and fall of each year, is an opportunity for women to get away from their day to day responsibilities and spend time alone with God and in prayer and reflection.

While the focus is on spending alone-time with God, there was also ample time to deepen friendships and meet women from all over California. Our ladies had a wonderful time! To learn more about the retreat, visit http://www.thespringsretreat.blogspot.com/

Pacific Southwest Conference Annual Meeting - April 16-18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Each year the member churches of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church gather for the annual business meeting and to celebrate the progress and work of the member churches over the year. This year's celebration highlighted the church planting work of the conference over the past 15 years.

We invite you to view highlights of Celebration 2009 that took place April 16-18 at Lakehills Covenant Church, El Dorado Hills, CA (below and at pswc.org).

At pswc.org you can also read the Superintendent’s Report and an excerpt from the Church Planting booklet, “A Reason to Celebrate”, given to banquet attendees.

Highlights of Celebration 2009.pdf

HUNT 2009 at Doerr Park - April 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:27:00 +0000

On April 11th, we had our third annual Easter egg HUNT at Doerr Park in San Jose.
By 1:15 pm there were a lot less children than expected. By 1:20 pm, the park was packed with over 250 children!! It took them no more than 20 minutes to pick all of our 6000 eggs.
The HUNT was a huge success. Children had fun and families were blessed. Thank you so much to all the volunteers. This event would not have been possible without you!

Egg Stuffing Party - April 5, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:46:00 +0000

5,000 Easter Eggs sounds daunting enough. Add in that they have to be opened, stuffed with one piece of hard candy (and perhaps a golden ticket), taped shut and then re-boxed, and the job is enough to scare anyone away! Oh, and don't forget the 1,000 or so leftover eggs from last year!

But, the New Life Hunt Team was not dissuaded. They showed up and started working, and less than 90 MINUTES later, they were done!!!!

How did they do it? There are some theories:

Herb's new "patented" taping technique
Fillmore's ability to continually dodge Andrea's egg tosses
Matthias and Jaliel's help
The Ladies' table suggested the overwhelming multi-tasking ability of their crew
The Men's table believed they had exactly the right mix of technique and style (though no one could explain how the soda got into the egg box, hmm...)
Or, good old fashioned team work!

Many, many thanks to everyone who braved the task at hand as well as the un-air conditioned office to do an amazing job!

And next week, when the Doerr Park neighborhood comes to enjoy their Hunt, all of the eggs and candy and toys will be scooped up by kids and families who we are there simply to bless and to share with them some of God's love that He has given to us by giving them a fun day in the park for Easter.

In case you did not make it to the Egg Stuffing Party (or are wondering what stuffing 6,000 eggs might look like!), Haven took some photos to share:

HUNT 2009 - April 11th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (New Life Covenant Church) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Our 3rd annual HUNT will be happening on April 11th at Doerr park in San Jose.

The Hunt is a great opportunity to build bridges into the local community surrounding the churches. We want to have an influence on the community through acts of service and meeting felt needs, bringing the Kingdom of God to them.

"... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

The big event starts at 1:30, but teams will be in place as early as 10am! Please come and volunteer! There will be sign up sheets at the welcome table.

Pictures from the HUNT 2008: