Watt's Up:

"I will memorize what the Bible says!"

Power Verse:

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119:11

This week, we learned the importance of memorizing the Bible.  It is important that your child sees you participating in Bible Memorization as well.  For the next few days, you and your family will be memorizing the Power Verse (shown above).  Each day, focus on memorizing and understanding the verse.  In order to do this, you need to think about the following:

How does each of my kids learn best?  Do they remember things by writing them down, by drawing pictures, by saying them out loud, by putting them down to rhythm, or by moving around?  Keep in mind that one single way may not work for all of your family members.

What are the ages of my kids?  Older kids, for example, may not want to skip or sing while they're memorizing a verse, and younger kids may not be able to write down the verse.

What can you do to encourage your kids to work on the verse every day?  Do they need some kind of incentive, or are your kids self-motivated?  Working on a verse just one time probably won't be enough to really memorize it.

Here are some ideas that you might try for younger kids:

Write the verse on a piece of paper and cut the words into puzzle pieces for your kids to put together.

Think of simple songs (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star or Row, Row, Row Your Boat, for example) and see if the verse you're learning can be sung to that song.

Do jumping jacks or march to the verse with a definite beat.

Hang a chart on your refrigerator and give your kids a star each day they say the verse correctly.  At the end of the week, give them some money or a treat for each start they have.

Bible Memory Challenge

For the next two weeks, challenge your family to memorize these three scriptures.  To help you, we have provided some "scripture memory songs" that will help.  You can find these songs on the Blog or by going to firstnlr.com/memoryverses.

On May 19, we will have special "Memorization Stations" set up at the church where you can stop by and quote the three scriptures.  If you quote all three, you will receive a special prize.  So, make this a fun experience!

The Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.  The old has gone, the new is here.

Proverbs 3:5,6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean non on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Below are the 3 scriptures that we are committing to memory together as a church!  Read these, listen to the songs in the videos below, and let's memorize God's Word and hide it in our hearts!

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.  The old has gone, the new is here.  (TNIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

For more songs like these, visit jumpstart3.com!

The Game of Life, our brand new series starts April 7, 2013 at First Assembly!  Watch and share this video to invite your friends by posting the link, www.firstnlr.com/thegameoflifepromo, to your Facebook or Twitter!

Time Change Sunday is March 10th!  Don't forget!  :)

Time Change is March 10th!  Set an alarm or two (or 10) and maybe have a friend call you, wake you!  :)

Hopefully, this will help you remember Time Change Sunday is March 10!  :)

What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward sign, act, and expression of what God has done in our lives.  Scripture teaches us that the act of Baptism is symbolic in many ways.  Paul, in Romans 6:1-4 says that the act of baptism symbolizes our old life in sin dying and being buried, and when we come up out of the water, it is like we have been raised with a new life in Christ.  The word baptism used by John and Jesus means to “cleanse, to wash and to purify.”  Baptism is a symbol of Jesus washing away the sins of our life and making us a new person.  God has saved us, cleansed us and made us a new person.  We are not saved when we are baptized, but baptism tells the world what God has done.

Why should I be baptized?

First, we want to follow Jesus’ example.  Jesus, who never sinned, was baptized in Matthew 3.  Secondly, baptism is a way to publicly declare your faith in Jesus Christ.  It is a serious, important step.  It’s a great opportunity to communicate to your friends and your family that you are a changed person.  Thirdly, and most importantly, Jesus instructed us to be baptized.  In Matthew 28:19, he told the disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”  In the Book of Acts, early followers of Jesus followed this command (Acts 8, 9, 10, 16).  Being baptized is an act of obedience for a follower of Jesus.  We do it because Jesus commanded it.

When should I be baptized?

Because baptism is a public declaration of faith, it should happen after you have put your faith in Jesus Christ.  There is not a right age to be baptized.  A person should be baptized when they understand they were a sinner, but have now committed to being a life long follower of Jesus and their sins have been forgiven.  An individual should be baptized as soon as they have put their faith in Jesus Christ.  Some people want to be baptized again because they did not understand their first baptism or left the faith and now have returned.  This is a great opportunity to communicate their return to Jesus.

How is someone baptized?

Scripture does not give an instruction guide on how baptism should take place.  Different faith traditions have used various ways of baptism throughout history.  We follow the examples of Scripture as closely as we can at First Assembly without being legalistic.  Therefore, we baptize people in water by letting them go under water and come up again (symbolizing the death and resurrection of Romans 6), this is called immersion.  Jesus commanded us to “baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” so we obey His command to baptize with those words (Matthew 28:19).

Why do we celebrate baptism at First Assembly so much?

As a church we place a high emphasis on being baptized.  We regularly schedule this moment for people at First Assembly to declare their faith in Jesus Christ.  We know this is a sacred moment when someone publicly declares their love of Jesus Christ, but it is also a joyful moment for us. The Bible tells us that heaven rejoices when a person places their faith and hope in God.  We want to rejoice with them.

This Sunday morning, we start a brand new series, "Following Jesus 101".   In this series, we'll look at some foundational beliefs and practices that are important in following Jesus.  If you've been a Christian for years, it will be an excellent reminder, a new way of thinking about things and a GREAT chance to invite a friend.  If you are new to following Jesus, or just trying to figure it all out, this will be an important look at what following Jesus is all about.

Sunday night, I'll continue my 3 week series on obedience.  It was awesome last Sunday night, seeing people make the commitment to immediate obedience in 2013.  I'm praying for you as you seek to immediately obey Him!  If you missed last week, watch it online (firstnlr.com) and join us live this Sunday night.   We'll look at the results of disobedience and the blessings of obedience.

Every Soul Matters,
Pastor Rod

Question:  Will you be here this Sunday?

Whatever you do, don't miss this Sunday!  The whole day promises to be the highlight of the Christmas season.

Sunday morning is Family Christmas.  Family Christmas began nine years ago with the dream of seeing people's needs met and our church family celebrate Christmas with a loving, tender display of giving.  There have been so many great moments over the years.  The Family Christmas Team, led by Pam Harrell, spends the entire year thinking, dreaming, praying and scheming to make this day meaningful and special.  Expect to laugh, cry and be reminded again what Christmas is all about and how wonderful it is to be part of a church family.  All three services are different.  There is no S.L.A.M. for elementary age children, who will join us in the sanctuary.  The Grove (nursery) and Backyard (preschool) will be open as usual.

Reminder: No Sunday School or Connection classes this week or next (Dec. 16 and 23).

Sunday night is an all-new celebration of Christmas, "Wonder"!  "Wonder" will feature our sanctuary choir and orchestra and includes a special appearance by our handbell choir.  We'll celebrate the season with traditional Christmas music, and some wonderful new songs you will love.  It's a great night to bring someone who loves Christmas, and Christmas music.

We will have church (of course!) on Sunday morning December 23rd.  We plan the day very intentionally, knowing many of you will have family visiting.  Here's my promise:  It will be fun, funny, full of Christmas, and meaningful.  Most importantly,  I will give your family the opportunity to respond to Jesus.  I'm praying with you for changed lives!

Glad to be part of the family (and Family Christmas!),
Pastor Rod

P.S.  I've been praying that 2013 will be a great year of growth for me personally, spiritually and as a leader.   I'm excited about it!  As I've prayed,  I've had the sense there are other who are ready for a huge growth year -  spiritually, personally and in leadership.  Here's what I feel God has put on my heart:  I'm going to lead a small group of 15-20 people on a one year growth journey.  It will be focused, intense and challenging.  Being part of the group will require outside reading, in addition to attending periodic meetings.  The group will be open to men, women or even couples.  If you are interested, please send me an email.  In the subject line put: Growth Group.   I will respond next week with some basic parameters for involvement and more details.

Watt’s Up: “I Know God Can Heal The Sick!”

Power Verse: “And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well...” - Psalm 55:16

This week we will be discussing healing with your children. Healing is something many have decided doesn’t exist anymore in the world today. We want your children to understand, healing is for today and God can heal them and those they love!!!

Begin by asking your children some questions....
· What is healing?
· What does it mean to be healed?
· Who can heal you? Take time talking to children about healing: what it is and why God want us to     be healed. Here are some scriptures to help you: “... for I am the Lord, who heals you.” - Exodus      15:26 “O Lord, my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” - Psalm 30:2 “Praise the Lord,   O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your disease.” -      Psalm 103:2-3 Scripture tells us God can heal us! 

Discuss these questions with your kids:
· When was the last time you were sick? (Remind them how much they just wanted to feel better    and that God can and may have miraculously healed them)
· Who else do you know that is sick?
· Why do you think God would want to heal them and us? Take time together as a family to pray for   people you know who need healing - grandmas, grandpas, friends, anyone who may need a touch    from God. Give your children a chance to respond and pray with you!

Family Activity:

Together, this week, spend time together as a family looking through the New Testament and finding stories about God’s healing power. Let your kids read and learn that God is a mighty Healer!

This Sunday morning, we continue "God, I Need You" with a look at an amazing story with a surprise ending.  I'm aware many of you have family visiting.  Bring them to church!  It will be fun, high energy and have a powerful message.  The lessons are powerful!

Sunday night, we conclude our series "When Life Goes Wrong".  We'll learn about the difference between dream killers and dream builders.  The goal?  That you will dream God's dream, follow His plan and surround yourself with the right kind of people.

I pray you and your family have a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving.

Pastor Rod

P.S.  I've already received several great testimonies of healing from last Sunday.  I am celebrating the fact that God still heals!

Question:  Are you planning to be there?

Question:  Will you be there?

Big Idea:  
“I Will Call On God For Help!”

Power Verse:
“But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.” - Psalm 55:16

Gather together as a Family in the Living Room, Bedroom, or some place where you can talk and discuss this week’s lesson. Begin by asking your children some questions about Christmas.

· What holiday is coming up really soon?
· Have you begun to think about what you want for Christmas? (give time for children to respond)
· Why do you want these things? Or why do you think you “need” these things?
· How do you make sure mommy and daddy know what you want for Christmas? (prompt your kids    to help them realize they have to ask for things they want!)

Explain to your kids that people don’t know what you want or need unless you ask for it. (Give some examples that would relate specifically to your family- for example– Mommy would not know Daddy needed her to fix dinner unless he asked—or Daddy wouldn’t know to pick you up from soccer unless he was asked.) Help your kids understand God is the same way. He wants us to ask Him for the things we need.

· Why do we sometimes find it hard to ask God for the things we need?
· What do you think we have to say to ask God for help?
· Do you think you can ask God to help you with the things you need?

Talk to your children about the importance of prayer. Prayer really is as simple as saying, “God I need you!” Discuss together some of the things you need God to do for you as a family and then pray together.

Family Activity:

Together, this week, create a book, poster, chart, etc. of all the needs you can think of that you are praying together for as a family. (Example - grandma who is sick, my friend Sally who needs Jesus) Use this chart or book to keep track of the things you are praying for and record when God answers these prayers. It will be awesome to have your kids see that God really does respond when we say “God I need help.”

Just another day in the office at First Assembly....  This is totally random and has absolutely no purpose - just thought we'd share!  :)

Post your own silly version of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" with your family/friends at Facebook.com/FirstNLR!

Friday, August 24 - Worship Concert with Klaus
Saturday, August 25 - General/Breakout Sessions, Artist Q&A, Worship
Sunday, August 26 - Connect With God with Ricardo Sanchez

Are you a musician?  Involved with worship somehow or another?  Do you just love to worship God?

Perfect - we have an event you don't wanna miss!  This weekend is the IGNITE Worship Conference!

First Assembly will be full of guests from all over, including Klaus and Ricardo Sanchez!  Both, talented musicians and Spirit-filled worshipers!

If you want to learn how to be a better musician, become a greater worship leader, or just an opportunity to spend time in worship, this conference is for you!

If you're from First Assembly, it's FREE - just bring 5 bucks for meals!

For more information, check out igniteworshipconference.com, or watch this video!

Question:  Will you be attending?  What do you look forward to the most?

Get ready to grow!  Our newest core value at First Assembly is that we must grow healthy families.  Family Farm is all about practical ways to grow together as a family!

Question:  What is your favorite story or moment of growth in your family so far?  (Here's a chance to brag on your kids/grandkids!)

This week at Family Month we will have special guest Yancy!  Watch this video announcement we'll be playing on Sunday morning and check out Yancy and some other guests coming up in the next few weeks!

For more information on Family Month and the line up of activities we'll be having, check out firstnlr.com/family-month!

This week at Family Month we will have special guests FX Live!  Watch this video announcement we'll be playing on Sunday morning and check out FX Live and some other guests coming up in the next few weeks!

This week at Family Month we will have special guests Denver & the Mile High Orchestra!  Watch this video announcement we'll be playing on Sunday morning and check out DMHO and some other guests coming up in the next few weeks!

Family Month is gonna be great this year!  We have some fun and exciting guests each week of July during our Sunday PM services!  You don't want to miss it!  Bring your family and get ready for a fantastic time together!

Here's the line-up!

July 1 - Keith Coast

The Keith Coast experience is designed for elementary age kids and their families.  It will be a time for high-energy music, interactive games, side-splitting comedy, illusions, and all-around clean family fun!

July 8 - Denver & Mile High Orchestra

Blending a red hot horn section, along with jazz and big band roots, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra have created a sound that is unlike any other.  Silky smooth vocals combine with a wall of sound that calls up the images of blues, funk, and soul!

July 15 - F/X LIVE!

The message of FX Live for parents and kids illustrates that your family is a team. When family members think of their family as their home team, it encourages them to work together, cooperate and move toward the same objectives. FX Live is a high-energy way to remind families that working together can be fun.

July 22 - Yancy

Yancy splits her main focus between ministering in concerts and leading worship for kids/pre-teens and their families, merging upbeat pop ditties with a serious side that is sure to usher listeners of any age into the presence of God.

July 29 - Reggie & Ladye Love Smith

Musically, the Smith's versatile voices and broad range of influences lend themselves to a variety of styles, from country to big band to contemporary worship. Yet in all of its refreshing variety, the music of Reggie and Ladye Love Smith always retains their signature, heart-melting sound. With smooth, soulful vocals and impeccable musicianship, their communication beautifully reflects what is true of them both on and off stage - authenticity.

Question:  Which artist do you look forward to the most?
 

We've had a few questions and concerns about some of you finding what you're looking for on our new website design.  No problem though - we're here to help you!  Hopefully, you haven't given up and decided to never visit our website or watch us online ever again.  Hopefully, you're willing for us to help bring some clarity and guidance to your online experience at FirstNLR.com!  Here's some frequently asked questions:

1.  I can't find the link to Watch Live anymore.  Where is it?

We just moved this button since last week to make it even easier to find.  It's now at the top right of your screen.

2.  Where do I find the Archived Messages, Podcasts, &/or other media?

You can find those things by clicking "Messages & Media" on the right side of your screen.  A menu box will pop open from there to give you options.  Select an option to be taken to the page of your choice.

3.  Why is there a countdown on the Watch Live button?  Why does it have all 0's?

The countdown starts every week to count down to the next available live service.  If the countdown shows all 0's, that means that service is currently live.

4.  What's all this talk about "Chat"?  You mean I can chat during church?  Who do I chat with?  How do I do it?

With our new online campus layout, we have a new option to chat.  We know you all have doodled or passed notes in church, so we know it's gotta be appealing to you!  This is a way that we can connect with each other during church.  Since our online viewers ordinarily aren't walking the halls at our brick-and-mortar campus, we want to create an option to allow them to connect with us in a special way each week.  We'd love to get to know our online viewers!  Also, this allows our online viewers a way to meet and connect with our new online campus pastor, Tim Hill!

When you get to the online campus page, underneath the player, there are several links.  The first one to the left is "Chat".  When you click on it, a pop-up box will open so you can enter your username (first and last name would be helpful, but a first name is fine).  Then you can proceed to chat with others that are watching online.  Also, your pop-up box is able to move around, so click on the top of it and move it where you want it!

5.  I have an old bookmark that I use to watch online.  Does it still work?

It should!  The following link will take you to the new online campus page:  firstnlr.tv.
Or just go to firstnlr.com and follow the links as explained in Question 1.

The old link, <firstnlr.com/watch-now>, will take you to a live player and you can watch service there, but it is not the new online campus page.  Therefore, you can't chat, give, take notes, etc. from that page.

6.  How do I give online?

You can can give online from the "Online Giving" link on the righthand side of the homepage, or on the new online campus, there is a link underneath the player that says "Give".

7.  I'm still confused!  I still have questions about the website or watching service online.  Who do I talk to?

You can contact our new online campus pastor, Tim Hill, at THill@FirstNLR.com.
Or leave a comment below and we'll reply with an answer!

Thank you for your patience and understanding during our transition to a new website!  We understand that change is always tough and sometimes confusing, but we're working hard to make it easier for you!

I'm so excited about starting up a blog for First NLR!   When you come here, you can expect to read up on what's going on at First NLR, watch and listen to exclusive videos, songs, and other media, as well as, connect with different individuals connected to the church.  We have created a space to share content and connect with you, away from the clutter of Facebook and Twitter.

But, don't think you can just visit the blog and not participate!  What's the fun in that?  We'd love to hear your feedback, answer your questions, and get to know you a little more!  At the end of most posts, we'll have a question that we'd love to know your answer to!  Just click "Comments" at the bottom of each post and comment away!

So, now that we've cleared that up - get ready for some fresh content and to comment away!

Pastor Tim