Souper Bowl of Caring

We're participating in a nationwide movement called Souper Bowl of Caring that unites schools, communities of faith, other organizations, and compassionate individuals in the fight against hunger. Since the Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with one youth group, more than $60 million has been given to food banks and soup kitchens across the country. We'll collect money in soup kettles and encourage you to bring non-perishable food from now, until February 7th (Super Bowl Sunday), to help feed our neighbors in Parkside Neighborhood through the Sacred Heart Food Pantry.

Our collection will conclude on February 7th, with a Super Bowl Party at Allen and Sara's house. We will show the game on the big screen, have delicious food, play games, and even make some blankets for the family shelter. This is sure to be a good time, no matter which team you root for or if you don't know the difference between a first down and a touch down. Feel free to invite some friends in on the fun!

Response to Haiti

We've all seen photos and heard countless stories about the tragic earthquake that took place in Haiti last week. We, as a community of faithful people, must not forget to pray for the people of Haiti in the days, weeks, and years ahead. Pray for the orphans, the grieving, the hungry, the thirsty and the hurt. Pray for doctors and nurses, and all of those risking their lives to save others. Whatever you do, pray.

If, however, you are willing and able to make a financial contribution to the disaster relief efforts, we recommend doing so through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), an agency of the United Methodist Church known for its superior assistance to those in need. 100% of all money you donate to UMCOR goes directly to relief efforts. Not one penny goes to pay executives or send out mailings. Click here to make an online contribution.

Covenanting Potluck

New Light Community Potluck
and Conversation about Covenanting

Sunday, January 24th at 5:00pm
at Hope.Gate.Way.

What is Covenanting, you ask? Well, it's something new that we're introducing this January as an opportunity to grow deeper -- sort of our New Light alternative approach to membership...

In most churches, once you've been attending for a while, the pastor will encourage you to become a member. Usually there is a membership class, or a series of classes, to learn about the history and beliefs of the church, as well as to explore what it means to make the commitment of membership. Usually membership is a once-and-for-all deal -- you become a member of the church and stay a member until you withdraw your membership or transfer it to a different church.

We'd like to rethink membership, and look at the commitments we make quite differently -- less like membership in a club and more like commitments to community and spiritual practices that help us grow in our faith. That's where Covenanting comes in. Covenanting is an invitation to make commitments to practices that deepen our relationship with God, the New Light community, each other, and the world. If you feel like you are ready to make some deeper commitments, we want to invite you to learn more about Covenanting, which will not be a once-and-for-all deal, but rather something we reconsider yearly. The commitments you make are your own -- commitments to areas in which you want to be growing as a disciple of Christ in community with others who are part of New Light. Then, over the next year, there will be opportunities for us, as a community, to check in with one another to discuss and support each other in our commitments.

Not sure if you are ready or interested in covenanting? Coming to the dinner does NOT mean that you have to covenant. You can come, enjoy food, listen to conversation, and decide covenanting is not for you at this time. You do not have to come to the dinner, or covenant in order to continue being a part of New Light. This is merely an opportunity for people who want to make a deeper commitment to do so.