Aug. 22: Three-Service Schedule Begins

In response to the continued growth of our congregation, and in order to move forward in our pursuit of planting new congregations throughout central Indiana, the leadership at New Life has decided to begin offering three Sunday morning services beginning Sunday Aug. 22.

The elders, deacons and staff of New Life have met on several occasions recently to prayerfully and carefully plan a tentative timeline for the next several years (see article on p. 4). In the process of those discussions, it was decided that an overflow room was logistically and financially counter-productive. While a three-service schedule certainly presents its own difficulties and stresses, it was unanimously agreed that this option presents the least amount of negative consequences.

This decision comes on the heels of another attendance record on April 11, when we had 352 people in the worship service. This underscores the urgent need for a third service, and in particular, for this service to be available by Aug. 22, when students will be returning after summer break.

We conducted a quick survey this month in order to find out what would be the best time schedule for three services. Very few people indicated a willingness to attend an 11:30 am service, so we have chosen the earlier schedule, which will offer services at 8, 9:30 and 11 am. Sunday School details are still in the works.

In response to these developments, I’d like to say two things. First, we are going to need help on Sunday mornings! If you have been attending New Life for a while, but have not yet found a place to serve, this is a great opportunity to get involved. (There is a survey included in this issue of Lifeline where you can indicate your specific interest). We will need help with nursery, children’s church, greeting, serving coffee, worship band, and in the sound booth. College students, we need your help too.

The second thing I want to say is a word of encouragement. We know that this plan runs the risk of overtaxing our devoted volunteers, which is something we want to avoid. So the more volunteers who are willing to step up, the less work we all have to do.

But it is also worth pointing out that it is a good thing to work hard in the service of our Lord. The psalmist says in Ps. 84:10 – “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God then dwell in the tents of the wicked.” What a privilege it is to work hard for a Savior who suffered to the point of death for our salvation.

And don’t forget the big picture – church planting! Ted Powers, church planting coordinator for the PCA, was with us last Sunday, telling us about the urgent need for new congregations in the United States. In light of this, I will be attending a Midwest church planting seminar in Chicago this coming week. So please pray for me as I learn more about this process, and please consider how you might chip in to help the effort to move to three services.

My love to you, in Christ,

Bob