Summer 2026

 

Summer Plans

 

New Life Women finished the 2025-2026 season of 1st Thursday Connect on June 4 with an old-fashioned strawberry social. Who knew that the Old English word for strawberry is "streawberige”? Well, we do now! We ate strawberry shortcake, of course, and we watched a special video of memories, Goodness of God, prepared by Gay Haugen. God has been so good to encourage and teach us through his Word and our friendships this year.

 

Over the summer, New Life Women will not meet for 1st Thursday Connect. We are, however, reading the book of Genesis in 8 weeks over the summer! Will you partner with someone to read Genesis Side by Side this summer? Materials are available in the church lobby and on the church website.

 

Remember Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha? Martha was busy serving while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet taking in every word. Maybe it has been a “Martha” kind of school year for you, and you’ve been busy and distracted by many things. You have served and served, and you are weary and ready for a summer break. Those feelings are valid, but Jesus invites us to something better.

 

Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 ESV). Instead of hearing the Lord’s words as scolding, hear them as a loving invitation. What if, like Mary, we choose to use the slower days of summer to lean into Jesus instead of take a break? What might God do?

 

Maybe you haven’t had time to slowly and delightfully read and meditate upon God’s Word this year. This summer could be the time. Maybe your prayers have been few and far between. What if you took a fresh approach and took the time to enjoy a daily walk and talk with the Lord this summer? Maybe you’ve been dutifully reading the Bible but it hasn’t impacted your life and mission much; instead you feel dry and disconnected. What might God do if we determine to seek him this summer as Puritan Thomas Watson recommends, “Meditate so long till thou findest thy heart grow warm”? Maybe you haven’t had time for Side by Side Bible reading or you’ve plowed through and are tired. What might God do in our lives and in our relationships if we press in instead of clock out?

 

Will you join us in Genesis this summer? Will you meet with someone to grow together through Side by Side Bible reading? If you want some fresh ideas and inspiration on making it a “Mary” summer, listen to the podcast Don’t Take a Vacation From Spiritual Growth at The Deep Dish. How will you, like Mary, “choose the good portion” this summer?

 

Thank You

 

Thank you, New Life Women. Thank you for connecting with each other in meaningful ways this year. Thank you for your presence and participation in 1st Thursday Connect and Side by Side Bible Reading as you were able. Together we are New Life Women. Together we encourage and serve and minister to one another. The contribution of each one matters. Thank you for giving of your time and care to be women striving side by side for the sake of the gospel. Jesus loves you, and his love shows in your love for each other.

 

So many have served this year in a variety of ways—hosting, greeting, tech, food, coffee, music, set up, clean up, videos, 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 2025-2026: Sandy Crane, Amy Crooks, Von Fullington, Gay Haugen, Katie Maricle, and Shirley Pearson. May God bless you deeply for your ministry to the Lord and to us all.

 

Save the Date

 

In September, Lord willing, New Life Women will kick off another year of 1st Thursdays and Side by Side Bible Reading. Save the date!

 

  • The Connection Cafe

  • Saturday, September 12, 10:00-11:30

  • New Life Church West Linn, downstairs

 

The Connection Cafe is 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!

 
Marcia ReavelyComment