1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect will meet next on February 5! The theme for February is “Steel Magnolias.” We will have a yummy southern breakfast, learn about some of our own strong women, and enjoy teaching from the book of Ruth who was a “steel magnolia” in her own day.

• February 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner provided

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for February’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Ruth for the month of January and will read 1 Samuel in February. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Kings & Chronicles & Samuel—a Spotify playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Focus on the Bible—1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart—a devotional commentary to accompany 1 Samuel.

• Reflections on a Repeated Reading of 1-2 Samuel—@ Knowable Word.

• Sex Advice for Newlyweds—@ This is Foster.

• 7 Points of Advice for Physical Boundaries in Dating—@ Et Cetera, since we are on the topic.

• Christian, Look To and Learn From Older Saints—@ TGC.

• Suffering as Spiritual Formation—@ Mere Orthodoxy.

• Remembering Death Teaches Us to Live—@ The Deep Dish, a beautiful interview of Colleen Chao.

• Where is God’s Love When Life Goes Wrong—@ Desiring God.

1st Thursday Connect

Join us on January 8 for the first 1st Thursday Connect of 2026! January 8 happens to be “Joygerm Day,” and we are going to celebrate! A dinner of fun foods will be provided, and we will also enjoy teaching from the book of Mark and joygerm activities.

• January 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner provided

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for January’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Mark for the months of November and December and will read Ruth in January. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Share the Joy

Here is a link to the reflection video from Share the Joy. “One Starry Night” was created by Gay Haugen and Amy Crooks for this event. Thank you to all who served, attended, brought friends, and made Share the Joy a special time.

Memorize

It’s not too late to join in and memorize James this year. What a great way to start 2026! The book of James can be memorized in one year or less simply by working on 2 or 3 verses a week, with several weeks built in for review. You can access the file on the website and print and make your own memorization booklet or pick up a packet at 1st Thursday on January 8.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Joshua, Judges, Ruth—a Spotify playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Your Church is the Community Center—some great ideas @ EFCA.org.

• Missing the Mark—by Tom Burke.

• The Gospel Coalition 2025 Book Awards—@ TGC.

Share the Joy

You and your friends are warmly invited to Share the Joy, a Christmas celebration and reflection for women. Come meet friends, enjoy sweet and savory treats, make a simple holiday craft, and reflect upon the birth of Jesus together.

• Sunday, December 7

• 4:00-6:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Invite a friend and RSVP for Share the Joy at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

1st Thursday Connect will not meet on December 4. Neither will there be 1st Thursday Connect on January 1. Join us on January 8 for the next 1st Thursday Connect where the theme will be Joygerm!

Share the Joy

You and your friends are warmly invited to Share the Joy, a Christmas celebration and reflection for women. Come meet friends, enjoy sweet and savory treats, make a simple holiday craft, and reflect upon the birth of Jesus. Share the Joy is designed to be an opportunity to gently connect our friends and neighbors with New Life Women and introduce them to Jesus. Share the Joy is only three weeks away! Who will you invite?

This year, Share the Joy will be held entirely in the New Life Church West Linn basement, and the theme is “One Starry Night.” One starry, starry night in Bethlehem, Jesus came to light our way back to God. Bring a friend, RSVP, and let’s share the joy of Christmas together!

• Sunday, December 7

• 4:00-6:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn

• Please RSVP for Share the Joy at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

1st Thursday Connect

There will be no 1st Thursday Connect in December! We will not meet on January 1 for 1st Thursday, but we will meet on January 8, 2026. Join us on January 8 for the first 1st Thursday Connect of 2026.

We are reading Mark for the months of November and December. Reading plans can be found online and in the church lobby. It’s not too late to ask someone to read Mark with you Side by Side over the holidays. Mark is an excellent Christmas time read, especially for those new to Jesus and Christianity. Who could you introduce to Jesus this season by reading Mark together?

Memorize

It’s not too late to join in and memorize James this year. What a great way to start 2026! The book of James can be memorized in one year or less simply by working on 2 or 3 verses a week, with several weeks built in for review. You can access the file on the website and print and make your own memorization booklet or pick up a packet at 1st Thursday on January 8.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• When You Want to Change Your Husband—@ The Deep Dish, convicting and encouraging.

• The Mercy of Grief—@ Faithful Paradox.

• Scripture Type—a beautiful way to get God’s Word into your home.

• Nick Has Been With the Lord for 5 Years—@ Tim Challies.

• Exalting Jesus in Mark—a devotional commentary.

• Gospels—a Spotify playlist to accompany our reading of Mark.

• Mark: Can’t You See God’s King?—@ Knowable Word.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect meets November 6, and the theme is “Stone Soup”! We will enjoy teaching from the book of Joshua and see why stones had special significance for God’s people. For dinner, we will be creating our own stone soup. If you recall the story “Stone Soup,” everyone brings things to add to the soup, and in the end they all have a meal together. We will do the same. The broth and meat will be provided, but please bring a dish of some kind of soup filler to share. Bring it cooked and warm and ready to eat. It could be potatoes, bacon, cheese, onions, vegetables of any kind, barley, rice. Get creative!

• November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• We will have a soup bar for dinner. Broth, meat, bread, and dessert will be provided. Please bring a dish of something to put into soup to share with others. Be sure to bring your dish cooked, warm, and ready to serve.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for November’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Joshua in October, and we will read Mark for the months of November and December. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Note

There will be no 1st Thursday Connect in December! Instead, we will have Share the Joy on Sunday, December 7. Share the Joy is a Christmas celebration and reflection designed for you and your friends. Please be praying about who to invite and bring with you. We will be reading Mark for 8 weeks, through both November and December. Mark is a wonderful book to read with someone new to Christianity. Will you invite someone to read with you?

Memorize

Each year, New Life Women offers a Scripture memorization plan, and this year we are memorizing the short book of James. Bible memorization is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Scripture, letting it shape and tranform your heart and mind.

The book of James can be memorized in one year simply by working on 2 or 3 verses a week, with several weeks built in for review. Materials to make your own memorization booklet will be available at 1st Thursday Connect. Or you can access the file on the website and print your own. It’s not too late to start!

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Exalting Jesus in Mark—a devotional commentary.

• Gospels—a Spotify playlist to accompany our reading of Mark.

• Mark: Can’t You See God’s King?—@ Knowable Word.

• Covetousness: The Sin Behind the Sin—@ The Deep Dish.

• A Liturgy, a Legacy, & the Songs of Rich Mullins (live)—a new and nostalgic recording by Andrew Peterson.

1st Thursday Connect

Please join New Life Women on October 2 as 1st Thursday Connect resumes! Dinner will be provided at 6:00 p.m. followed by Bible teaching from James and connecting activities. The theme for October is “Through the Decades.” We will have fun revisiting the 1920s-1990s with food, costumes, and activities.

• October 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for October’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

New Life Women is beginning a second trip through the Bible. We started in September with James, and 6 years from now, Lord willing, we will finish studying through the entire Bible. If you want to join the journey, simply use the Personal Bible Reading plan given out each month or access it on the website. Gain even more by using the Side by Side Bible Reading questions provided each month with a friend. Even if you miss some months, time spent in God’s Word is always of benefit.

We have been reading James in September, and we will read Joshua in October. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Memorize

Each year, New Life Women offers a Scripture memorization plan, and this year we are memorizing the short book of James. Bible memorization is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Scripture, letting it shape and tranform your heart and mind.

The book of James can be memorized in one year simply by working on 2 or 3 verses a week, with several weeks built in for review. Materials to make your own memorization booklet will be available at 1st Thursday Connect. Or you can access the file on the website and print your own. Start anytime. Take your time. It’s okay if you don’t finish in a year or even if you don’t finish at all. Memorizing God’s Word is always valuable.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Joshua: No Falling Words—a commentary by Dale Ralph Davis.

• Joshua and Judges—a Spotify playlist to accompany our reading of Joshua this month.

• You Can Read the Bible to Your Kids—@ Knowable Word.

• How to Ask Excellent Bible Study Discussion Questions—@ Logos.

• The ‘2 Roads’ Approach to Evangelism—@ The Gospel Coalition, an excellent way to share the gospel.

• Becoming Good Stewards of Our Bodies—@ The Deep Dish, a helpful perspective.

The Connection Café

• September 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• RSVP for The Connection Café at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

The Connection Cafe is this Saturday! If you plan to come, please RSVP at the link above. There is still time to invite a last-minute friend. We hope you’ll join New Life Women and friends for a beautiful morning of connecting.

The Connection Café

The Connection Café for New Life Women and friends is Saturday, September 13! Come enjoy a morning of connecting with friends, coffee and treats, gardening tips, and a meaningful message about how Jesus offers us a place to belong.

• September 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for The Connection Café at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

At The Connection Café, we will also start the book of James as our first Bible reading for the year. Come to The Connection Café to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone, maybe a friend who comes to The Connection Café with you, to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

Save the Dates

1st Thursday Connect resumes October 2. 1st Thursday Connect will meet the following months for the 2025-2026 school year: October, November, January (on the second Thursday), February, March, April, May, and June. 1st Thursday Connect will not meet in September or December. Note that January’s 1st Thursday Connect will not be on January 1 but will be on January 8.

Share the Joy, a Christmas celebration and reflection for New Life Women and friends, will be held Sunday, December 7, downstairs at New Life Church West Linn. Pray and plan ahead about who you can invite to join you that evening.

1st Thursday Connect

Join us October 2 as 1st Thursday Connect resumes. Dinner is provided at 6:00 p.m. followed by Bible teaching and connecting activities. The theme for October is “Through the Decades.”

• October 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for October’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• James for You: Showing you how real faith looks in real life—a commentary by Sam Allberry.

• Exalting Jesus in James—by Platt, Akin, Merida.

• Steadfast Obedience: Not Hearers Only—a message @ The Gospel Coalition.

• Do Paul and James Disagree on Justification by Faith Alone?—by Thomas Schreiner.

• Epistles—a Spotify playlist to accompany the reading of James.

• James—a plethora of resources for studying James @ The Gospel Coalition.
  

The Connection Café

You and your friends are warmly invited to The Connection Café !

Please join New Life Women at The Connection Café on Saturday, September 13, for the kick-off of the 2025-2026 school year. There will be fun connection activities, gardening tips, a brief talk about how Jesus offers us a place to belong, and an invitation to 1st Thursdays.

This is an event designed for New Life Women and your friends. Invite a friend and come for a cozy morning connecting over coffee and sweet and savory treats. At the The Connection Café , you will receive materials for the first book of the Bible that we will read in our new season of women’s ministry and Side by Side Bible Reading, the book of James. This would be a great book to read with a friend.

• September 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for The Connection Café at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect resumes October 2. The theme is “Through the Decades,” and we will have fun walking our way through the 1920s to the 1990s with food and activities. Along with food and fun, we will have Bible teaching from the book of James.

• October 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for October’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Graduation’s Gift: Reflecting on the Privilege of Motherhood—by Melissa Kruger.

• Just and Gentle Parenting—@ Desiring God.

• Does God Love Everyone?—@ Stand to Reason.

• Cosmic Treason and Application—@ Knowable Word.

• Three Questions I Ask During Every Bible Study—another @ Knowable Word.

• Make Your Bible Application Stick—and one more @ Knowable Word as we start another season of studying God’s Word.
  

1st Thursday Connect

We finished the 2024-2025 season of 1st Thursday Connect on June 5 with a celebration. What a lovely evening of recalling the Lord’s faithfulness to New Life Women through the past 7 years of covering every book of the Bible in Side by Side Bible Reading. Gay Haugen prepared a special video which we watched at 1st Thursday. It is full of special memories and God’s goodness to us.

We focused our teaching time on submission with a gentle and quiet spirit from 1 Peter 3. There are good reasons in that chapter to obey God in this area and powerful help for us in his gift of the Holy Spirit.

If we zoom out of 1 Peter 3 and consider the rest of the Bible, we see that God created the world with order, and order is for our flourishing. Without order, there is chaos or tyranny, neither of which are for our good. Adam, man, was created first and Eve was created to be his helper, to complement him in fulfilling God’s commission for them together over this earth. Only then did God proclaim it very good.

If you don’t like the idea of being a helper, consider this. Wouldn’t you rather be the helper than the one who needs help? Even God himself is a helper. Psalm 54:4 says, “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.”

Women are equally created in God’s image, equally participatory in God’s plan for the world. Being a helper is not demeaning and does not mean women are inferior. Nor does it mean we have second class access to God. 1 Peter 3:7 tells us we are co-heirs with our husbands to the grace of life.

 As it is in all of creation, order is good in marriage. God provided order for our flourishing, prior to the fall. This, however, doesn’t guarantee that post-fall, every submissive wife will have a happy marriage. It does still mean, though, that order is for our good, and in marriage, God’s given order is for a wife to submit to her husband.

 So, just one more reason beautiful submission matters. God loves us and created order for our good.

Thank You

Thank you, New Life Women. Whether you’ve participated in women’s ministry events for years, or have only been able to come now and then, or are brand new here, what you contribute is of value. Thank you for giving of your time to love and connect with one another.

So many have served this year in a variety of ways—table hosting, tech, food, music, set up, clean up, and teaching. Thank you to each and every one of you! This couldn’t be done without you.

And an extra big thank you to the leadership team for 2024-2025: Sandy Crane, Amy Crooks, Alina Gauthier, Lisa Hartung, and Gay Haugen. The team was small in number, but they have been mighty in creativity and devotion and impact. May God bless you deeply for your ministry to the Lord and to us all.

Summer

At 1st Thursday Connect, we gave out a free summer Bible study. We have a few copies left. Contact Marcia Reavely if you would like one. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, the book Faithful can be found online at The Daily Grace Co.

If you would like to go through the study with a group, contact Lisa Hartung. Two groups are planned, one on Tuesday mornings and one on Friday mornings.

Next Year

Next year, Lord willing, New Life Women will begin another cycle of 1st Thursdays and Side by Side Bible Reading. Put Saturday, September 13, on your calendar when we plan to kick-off the 2025-2026 school year with a Connection Cafe. The morning will be designed especially for you and your unchurched friends. There will be delicious treats and drinks, fun connection opportunities, a brief introduction to Jesus, and an invitation to 1st Thursdays. More information will be coming this summer.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Three Important Contexts for Bible Study—@ Knowable Word.

• Pray First—an online store at New Life Church. Fun items to help us pray first.

• More and More Beautiful—a meaningful song by Skye Peterson to follow our 1 Peter teaching.

• You—a simple, pretty song by In the Wild to go with New Life Church’s “Pray First” summer.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our monthly women’s gathering, meets on June 5 for the last time until fall. The theme is “Celebrate,” and we are excited to celebrate God’s faithfulness as we complete 7 years of Side by Side Bible Reading through the entire Bible!

Join us on June 5 for dinner, connection with friends, teaching from 1 Peter, and fun activities as we cap off not only this year but 7 years with a celebration! Attendees will also receive a study for summer on the covenants of God called Faithful. If you would like to be part of a group studying this book this summer, contact Lisa Hartung.

• June 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for June’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

Next year, Lord willing, New Life Women will begin another cycle of 1st Thursdays and Side by Side Bible Reading. Put Saturday, September 13, on your calendar when we plan to kick-off the 2025-2026 school year with a Connection Cafe. The morning will be designed especially for you and your unchurched friends. There will be delicious treats and drinks, fun connection opportunities, a positive introduction to Jesus, and an invitation to 1st Thursdays. More information will be coming this summer.

Books

June’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church by Megan Hill.

Opportunities

New Life Women’s leadership team is looking for a few women who would be interested in serving on the team for the upcoming year. If you would like more information, please contact Marcia Reavely.

Women’s Camp at Tadmor is July 25-27. Join other women from across the northwest for a weekend just for women at Camp Tadmor. Connect with God through his Word, his creation, and friendships with other women. More information and registration are available online.

If you would like a self-paced online course to help you learn to study the Bible better, perhaps even learn to teach, here are some good options to look into this summer.

• Simeon Trust First Principles Workshop for Women—only $24.

• Christian Leadership Development—a plethora of free classes for lay people from Western Seminary.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Comfort When We Least Expect It—@ The Light for My Path.

• 7 Tips for Leading a Bible Study—@ Crossway.

• Faithful—a Bible study through the covenants offered by The Daily Grace Co., a good summer study.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our monthly women’s gathering, meets next on May 1. The theme is School Spirit, so this would be a good time to wear your school colors! Join us on May 1 for dinner, connection with friends, teaching from Daniel, and fun activities as we learn more about New Life Youth.

• May 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for May’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Daniel in April, and we will be reading 1 and 2 Peter in May. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Books

May’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is Jesus Continued by J.D. Greear.

Opportunities

New Life Women is beginning to form the leadership team for the 2025-2026 year. Would you like to know more about serving on the Women’s Ministry leadership team? Contact Marcia Reavely for more information.

Women’s Camp at Tadmor is July 25-27! Join other women from across the northwest for a weekend just for women at Camp Tadmor. Taylor Turkington of Portland will be speaking from the book of Habakkuk. Enjoy plenty of time for painting, crafts, swimming, worship, fun, and friendships. Come with a group of friends or make friends when you get there. Either way, you will find women’s camp to be a time of spiritual refreshment as you get away to connect with God through his Word, his creation, and friendships with other women. Registration is now open!

If you would like a self-paced online course to help you learn to study the Bible better, perhaps even learn to teach, here are some good options to look into.

• Simeon Trust First Principles Workshop for Women—only $24.

• Christian Leadership Development—a plethora of free classes for lay people from Western Seminary.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• 1 Peter For You: Offering Real Joy on Our Journey Through This World—by Juan Sanchez.

• 2 Peter & Jude for You: To Help You Stand Firm—by Juan Sanchez.

• Epistles—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• What Does the Bible Mean When It Teaches Wives to Submit?—by Jonathan Threlfall.

• What Makes You Beautiful: 20 Daily Devotions for Girls—a new book for girls by Kristen Wetherell.

• 3 Questions for Bible Reading and Reflection—@ Knowable Word.

• Jesus—a new album from Jon Guerra, just right for your earbuds on a devotional walk.

SAM-I-Am

At February’s 1st Thursday Connect, we enjoyed greens, eggs, and ham in honor of our theme “SAM-I-Am.” Shirley Pearson taught from Ecclesiastes 12, and we were reminded to “remember our Creator” in the days of our youth before the days of old age come and the fleeting pleasures of this world are no more.

After the teaching from Ecclesiastes, we learned about S.A.M. (Senior Adult Ministries) at New Life Church and got to know some of New Life Women’s most elderly ladies. Seven of our women who are 85 and older were interviewed ahead of time, and their answers were shared at 1st Thursday. We heard from Patty Meyerdierk, Shirley Hanson, Joan Meyers, Dianne Arneson, Nancy Ross, Nancy Carlson, and Alma Coston. What a special time to hear them share of walking with Jesus since they were young and encourage us to truly remember our Creator in the days of our youth.

“Either you’re going to trust, or you’re going to worry.” “Be a love-er, not a judge-er.” “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” These are a few of the gems shared by these saints. If you would like to hear their interviews, you can find them on the video from 1st Thursday at minute 32. If you would like to read what they shared, you can access the file here. Thank you, Patty, Shirley, Joan, Dianne, Nancy, Nancy, and Alma for encouraging us.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our monthly women’s gathering, is April 3. The theme is SWAP, so please bring a few good books, magazines, or puzzles that you are ready to get rid of and swap for something else. Join us on April 3 for dinner, connection with friends, teaching from 2 Chronicles, and fun!

• April 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for April’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading 2 Chronicles in March, and we will be reading Daniel in April. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you’d like to get to know, or a good friend to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Books

April’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves.

Opportunities

Love INC, a local ministry to people in need, is hoping to restock their shelves with needed products. If you are able, would you consider purchasing some of these items: hand soap, window cleaner, bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, Bibles, feminine products, Q-tips, hair spray, body wash? Items can be brought to New Life Church West Linn and put in a marked bin in the foyer anytime between now and April 19. Thank you for your help!

Women’s Camp at Tadmor is July 25-27! Join other women from across the northwest for a weekend just for women at Camp Tadmor. Taylor Turkington of Portland will be speaking from the book of Habakkuk. Enjoy plenty of time for painting, crafts, swimming, worship, fun, and friendships. Come with a group of friends or make friends when you get there. Either way, you will find women’s camp to be a time of spiritual refreshment as you get away to connect with God through His Word, His creation, and friendships with other women. Registration is now open!

Would you like to know more about serving on the Women’s Ministry leadership team? We are forming the team for the 2025-2026 school year and would love to talk with you about how you might get involved. Contact Marcia Reavely for more information.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Daniel: The Most High Rules the Kingdoms of Men—@ Knowable Word.

• Not Just For Kids: Daniel’s Place in the Bible’s Story—@ TGC.

• Daniel for You: For Reading, for Feeding, for Leading—a commentary by David Helm.

• Exalting Jesus in Daniel—another commentary.

• Prophets—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Sovereign Over Us—a song to accompany Daniel, all of the Bible really.

• Three Key Principles of Biblical Interpretation—@ Stand to Reason.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our monthly women’s gathering, is March 6. Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? Our theme this month is SAM-I-Am. Join us on March 6 for some fun with this theme and teaching from Ecclesiastes!

• March 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for March’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in February, and we will be reading 2 Chronicles in March. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Books

March’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is Dynamics of Spiriual Life, by Richard Lovelace.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Why 2 Chronicles is the Most Underrated Book in the Bible—@ The Gospel Coalition.

• Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Chronicles—by Dr. Adam B. Dooley.

• Kings & Chronicles & Samuel—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Faithfulness in an Inside-Out World—a good read @ Mere Orthodoxy that coordinates well with Ecclesiastes.

• The Sacred Mundane: How God can Establish even the Menial Work of our Hands for Eternity—by Vanessa Doughty @ Fields and Valleys.

• Just Do Nothing, and You’ll Ruin Everything—an encouragement to search for wisdom @ Knowable Word.

• Psalm 119, Vol. 1—a beautiful EP by Stillcreek to follow the teaching on Psalm 119 from February.

• How to Read the Bible Like Jesus—@ Already Not Yet.

• 5 Ways to Be Kind to Someone with Whom You Disagree—by Gavin Ortlund.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect, our monthly women’s gathering, is February 6. The theme is “That’s Amore!” You can expect a yummy Italian dinner, some fun “Love” activities, and teaching from Psalms.

• February 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner is provided

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for February’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading Psalms 95-150 in January, and we will read Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in February. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Books

February’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is Trusting God, by Jerry Bridges.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Ecclesiastes: The Fear of God Gives Joy Amid Frustration—@ Knowable Word.

• Why Our Secular Age Needs Ecclesiastes—@ Open the Bible.

• Song of Songs: The Intoxification of True Love in its Time—@ Knowable Word.

• Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes—a commentary.

• Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Mothering Against Futility: Balancing Meaning and Mundanity in the Fear of the Lord—a new book by Simona Gorton.

• How to have wide joy—by Kari Patterson, an article with much wisdom.

• Love Your (Actual) Neighbor—@ Mere Orthodoxy, a beautiful and worthwhile read.

1st Thursday Connect

1st Thursday Connect meets for the first time in 2025 right away on January 2! The theme is “Chill Out,” and you don’t even need to get out of your comfy clothes to come. Pull on cozy sweat pants and join us for a chili bar, teaching from 2 Samuel, and fun activities to kick off the new year.

• January 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for January’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading the book of 2 Samuel in December, and we will read Psalms 95-150 in January. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation is necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Books

January’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God” is Delighting in God, by A.W. Tozer.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Savor Christ in Every Psalm—@ Desiring God.

• Three Things You Should Know About Psalms—by Ian Hamilton.

• The Psalms: A Tool for Cultivating Godly Emotions—@ Open the Bible.

• The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms—by Timothy Keller.

• In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions Through the Psalms—by Dane Ortlund.

• Exalting Jesus in Psalms 101-150—a commentary by Daniel Akin and Tony Merida.

• Psalms—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

Share the Joy

Share the Joy, our 11th annual Christmas celebration for women, is this Sunday, December 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at New Life Church West Linn. We hope you can join us! Please RSVP on the church website.

We are planning a fun and meaningful evening full of activities, crafts, warm drinks, delicious snacks, and time to quietly reflect on who Jesus is. It’s not too late to invite a friend and share the joy of Christmas!

1st Thursday Connect

The next monthly gathering for New Life Women is December 5! The theme is “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and we are having shepherd’s pie for dinner. The mashed potatoes and meat gravy will be provided, but please bring another topping of your choice to share. It could be the typical peas and carrots, but feel free to get creative. Bacon, mushrooms, nuts, cheeses, cranberries, sardines—you get the idea. There will also be fun activities and teaching from Numbers.

• December 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for December’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women.

We have been reading the book of Numbers in November, and we will read the book of 2 Samuel in December. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Share the Joy

Share the Joy, our annual Christmas celebration for women, will be held Sunday, December 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at New Life Church West Linn.

We will meet downstairs for activities, crafts, warm drinks, and delicious snacks. During the evening, you will have an opportunity to go upstairs to reflect on the birth of Jesus at interactive stations. Reflection stations will focus on the theme “What Child is This?” as we explore who Jesus said he is and what that means to us.

If you haven’t invited a friend or neighbor yet, now is a good time to do it. We look forward to meeting your friends and having you meet ours.

Books

December’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God”:

1. The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Scougal

2. The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Chalmers

3. The Loveliness of Christ by Rutherford

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Reflections on a Repeated Reading of 1-2 Samuel—@ Knowable Word.

• 2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity—a commentary by Dale Ralph Davis.

• Kings & Chronicles & Samuel—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• Fortress God—a cappella worship music by Praise and Harmony.

Fitting Words

from Marcia Reavely

“You can relax a bit, you know, and everything will be okay,” she said with a gentle smile in the church foyer on a typical Sunday morning. Just a few soft words from a dear older woman as I herded my busy little children through the crowd, reminding them not to run, but they had a lasting impact.

I was a vigilant mom. Always watching. Always warning. Always overseeing. Always reminding. All good to a point, but not to the point of frustrating my children.

I mulled over this encouragement from a trusted saint. Could I relax a bit? Could I train well but then trust my children to remember and follow through? Could I hold back the constant reminders and give them the dignity of showing they had mastered the training? Could I give them a little wiggle room and not expect perfection?

For me, these were words fitly spoken. This woman knew me and loved me and prayed for me. While some moms might need the opposite advice, she could see my tendency to be overly attentitve. Her desire was to help me love my children well, and indeed, these were wise words. I took her exhortation to heart and did relax a bit, and she was right. Nearly thirty years later, I still recall those apt words and thank her.

There are innumerable ways the training of Titus 2, older women to younger women, can take place. This article gives several good ideas: Mentoring Doesn’t Happen Only in Coffee Shops. It’s true; mentoring doesn’t happen only in coffee shops. Mentoring can happen anywhere, even in a few fitting words spoken with love in a church foyer.

1st Thursday Connect

It’s 1st Thursday time! New Life Women meets for 1st Thursday Connect on November 7, and the theme is “Hot Mess.” What does that include, you may wonder? Think sloppy joes, tossed salad, and dirt cups. Think messy buns. We will learn about the ministry of Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ) and collect disposable diapers and diaper wipes for all the “messy baby buns” that they serve. There will also be fun activities and teaching from Job, who truly found himself in a hot mess. Dinner is provided at 6:00.

• November 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for November’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women

• Bring a pack of diaps and/or wipes for Love INC (optional)

We have been reading the book of Job in October, and we will read the book of Numbers in November. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time! On a side note, a big thank you to Ray David and Pietro’s Pizza in Milwaukie for supplying pizza for October’s 1st Thursday!

Scripture Memory: 1 Peter

It’s not too late to start memorizing 1 Peter with New Life Women! We can do it in a year by simply working on a few verses each week. Pick up resources at 1st Thursday to make your own memorization booklet or find the file online.

One tip to make memorizing easier is to create simple hand motions to go along with the text. Try it! It’s fun and truly helpful!

Share the Joy

Have you been having spiritual conversations with a neighbor or co-worker? Are you on your toes, praying for divine appointments, trusting God and taking more risks? Have you asked someone if you could share the way Christianity explains the world? Are you ready for an event that will help you merge your Christian and non-Christian friends?

That opportunity is coming! On Sunday, December 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m., New Life Women is hosting our annual Christmas event, Share the Joy.

You can expect the same beautiful reflection stations, fun crafts, sweet and savory snacks, warm drinks. But we’re planning to change things up a bit this year by having the bulk of our time in the church basement. While we enjoy crafts and food, we will also have some interactive mixers to allow guests old and new to get to know each other better.

Who will you invite?

Books

November’s suggested reading on the theme of “Enjoying God”:

1. Enjoying God by Tim Chester

2. Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

If you are interested in joining this journey of personal growth, simply get the books and jump into the reading. Ask around and see if someone would like to read and discuss a book with you.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• On Numbers and Living for God through Christ—by Douglas Allison.

• What We Miss When We Skip the Book of Numbers—@ Knowable Word.

• The Pentateuch—@ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• The Person Just Ahead of You—@ A Life Overseas. Younger women and older women both have things to offer.

• To Confront or Cover?—@ Stray Thoughts. When should we speak and when should we refrain? Both of these are good follow-up to Titus 2.

• Three points to prayerfully prepare yourself with before receiving critique—@ Taste and see…

• God Brings Us Bad to Give Us Best—by Joni Eareckson Tada.

Harvest Time

from Marcia Reavely

I grew up on the plains of eastern Montana. Along with raising cattle on Sleepy Hollow Ranch, we also grew wheat. Barring a catastrophe of hail or grasshoppers or drought, each fall we brought in a harvest. Now, I say “we” as if I owned the place. But I didn’t, not at all.

I was just a child of the owner. But as a child, I was given the responsibility and privilege of participating in the harvest. I was needed, and it wasn’t just a token kid job either. The whole family took part, and it all mattered. Together we worked the fallow ground, planted seeds, fertilized. Some ran errands and fixed broken parts; others cooked for the crew. But when the grain was ripe, it was all hands on deck, because we knew time was short to bring in the harvest! It never walked in on its own; it always required workers.

Was the work hot, dusty, tedious, exhausting, less than glamorous and comfortable? Every day. Did I feel like doing it? Hardly a day. But the owner, my dad, knew it was necessary and knew it would be worth it. Harvest time is the reason for life on the farm. Though life was pleasant enough at times, we didn’t live there for comfort and ease. We were there for the harvest. Dad never left us to work on our own, though; he did the heaviest lifting. And day after day, sunrise to sunset, round after round, he was always on the seat of the combine encouraging us on with a smile and a wave.

Could Dad have done the work another way without me? I often wished he would, but for whatever reason he chose not to. I think he knew it would be good for me to participate in the process, and he was right. The harvest wasn’t really about me, but was there something in it for me? Absolutely. I was rewarded with some monetary benefits which helped me get through college. But far greater, I witnessed the miracle of seed to grain and grain to bread, and I was fed. I reaped the benefit of hard work and the character it produced. Best of all, I rejoiced with the family each harvest season as we enjoyed the comradery and satisfaction of a job well done.

In a similar way, we participate in another harvest, the harvest of souls. Our Father is the owner of this field, and in his wisdom he has designed that we work alongside him in the harvest (Matthew 28:18-20). “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together” (John 4:35-36).

The work isn’t all easy, but there is reward and rejoicing to be had. It’s harvest time! All hands on deck.

1st Thursday Connect

It’s time for 1st Thursday! New Life Women starts another season of 1st Thursday Connect on October 3, and the theme is Inside Out. If you haven’t seen the movies, you can expect broccoli pizza and some fun activities with emotions. There will also be teaching from Titus on what it looks like for Christians to live inside out. Dinner is provided at 6:00.

• October 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

• Please RSVP for October’s 1st Thursday Connect at newlifenw.com/westlinn/women

We have been reading the books of Titus and Philemon in September, and we will read the book of Job in October. Come to 1st Thursday to receive a personal reading plan and Side by Side Bible reading questions to use with a friend throughout the month. Reading plans can also be found online and in the church lobby.

Ask someone older or younger, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone new to church, anyone you like to partner with you in reading God’s word Side by Side this month. You set the time and place. Or, join a group that meets Sunday mornings in the lower fireside room with Amy Crooks at 10:45. No preparation necessary; come whenever you can.

You don’t need to be participating in the monthly Bible reading to join us at 1st Thursday Connect. All are welcome, and each month stands alone, so if you miss one, join us next time!

Scripture Memory: 1 Peter

Would you like to join New Life Women in memorizing 1 Peter this year? We can do it in a year by simply working on a few verses each week. Pick up resources at 1st Thursday to make your own memorization booklet or find the file online.

Make your scripture memory booklet using the handouts and instructions provided. Then get started and learn and review a little each day! If you want to go slower, feel free to go at your own pace. If you get a late start, no problem. Even if you don’t get it perfectly, the process will be good for your soul.

Refresh

What a wonderful day God gave us at the Refresh Retreat on September 14! How are you doing at creating an event to merge your Christian and non-Christian friends? What are you doing to grow in your Christ-excitement? Are you praying for conversions? Are you trusting God and taking more risks? Have you used the story-telling approach in your conversations? Are you rehearsing the 4 R’s? Have you invited someone to enter the kingdom of Jesus? If you have a story to share, would you email wlwomen@newlife.com and let us know? We’d love to hear what God is doing!

If you missed the retreat or would like to review, the videos and handouts are available on the website.

Books

Each year the Women’s Ministry leadership team focuses on a topic for equipping and enrichment that often makes its way into the Refresh Retreat. For the upcoming year, we are centering our reading around the theme of “enjoying God.” The key book we will use is Truth on Fire by Adam Ramsey. Optional supplementary books will be recommended each month. For the month of October, Happiness by Randy Alcorn and The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God by John Frame are suggested additions.

If you are interested in joining this journey of personal growth, get the books and jump into the reading! You might also want to ask around and see if someone would like to read and discuss a book with you. Whew! This is a long newsletter! If you are still reading, kudos to you.

Links

Below are links to articles, books, podcasts, and music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church. Enjoy!

• Reckoning with the Message of Job by John Piper @ Desiring God, very helpful in understanding the God of Job.

• How to Fear the Lord When Everything Falls Apart @ Knowable Word. This and other articles on Job can be found at Knowable Word.

• Trusting God in the Darkness: A Guide to Understanding the Book of Job by Christopher Ash.

• Job @ Spotify, a playlist to accompany our reading this month.

• A Holy Life is the Seed of Evangelism @ GCDiscipleship, a lovely and encouraging follow-up to the Refresh Retreat.