February 2026
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.
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.