NEW LIFE CHURCH’S 2010 ANNUAL PICNIC – MAY 22nd

What is the one thing that people in today’s world are seeking more than anything in the world? We know that the human race is typically seeking after wealth, fortune, wisdom, and a higher way of life. People also crave the desire to be appreciated and liked. However, in light of how the world has evolved into such a corrupt and dangerous place to live, I believe that people in general are craving the fundamental elements of love and compassion. The bible teaches that Christ came and died for the ungodly while they were yet dead in sin. The disciple of Christ known as John wrote it best in his book with probably the most quoted scripture in all of Christendom:

John 3:14-16 (King James Version)

14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

There are two goals that Christians should strive to achieve when getting together for events such as our annual picnic. The first goal is to have friendship and the second is to have fellowship. To know that someone truly loves and cares about you is something that no earthly value can match. Numerous millionaires, business owners, and politicians have often failed in their offices and personal lives due to the lack of finding love. The things that are truly real can only come from God above. We know he sent his son into the world, not to condemn but to save. God is truly a friend and a companion that sticks closer than a brother. God has chosen to use his church as his body in the world today. It is not often that a person can find a spirit filled church with anointed leadership with vision. Thank God for pastors today who truly lead with vision and purpose. New Life Church in Watkinsville is a place where the body of Christ truly does care and loves one another with mercy and grace. To be with true believers and people who you can call “friend” is a marvelous thing. John also wrote this about friends:

John 15:13-15 (King James Version)

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

The other important element of the body of Christ is fellowship. The great physician and writer of the book Acts, Luke writes the following scripture about the New Testament church:

Acts 2:42 (King James Version)

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

This was a common practice in the early church era as Christians faced all types of pressures such as persecution, martyrdom, financial issues, and a changing world political situations. What has changed today? We are still facing many of the same issues. That is why body of Christ needs to understand the importance of attending church services and church events on a consistent basis as we see the day approaching, the coming of the Lord. The bottom line is this: “We need each other and we can’t make it alone on this earth without Christ and his body.” John also wrote this concerning fellowship:

1 John 1:7

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

For several years, New Life Church in Watkinsville has an annual picnic near or around the Memorial Day Holiday. This has been an amazing day of fun, food, and fellowship for our church and the community. The very principles of love, mercy, and grace are practiced by the members as they gather together in spirit and truth. This year, the picnic was held for the first time at Oconee County’s Veterans Memorial Park (Pavilion and Playground are pictured above left). The park offers so much in the way of picnic facilities and recreation. There is a walking trail, playground, lighted tennis courts, softball and soccer fields, grills for cooking, and much more.

This day of May 22nd was filled with joy and gladness as many families gathered for the cookout (Basketball & Senior facilities are shown below). Home grilled burgers and hotdogs gave way for delicious homemade desserts. Then games were played with volleyball, horse shoes, tennis, walking, and fellowshipping. The night ended with much needed exercise and personal enjoyment. We had once again demonstrated that the principles of the book of Acts church is still prevalent in today’s world: friendship and fellowship.........

If you need a friend, some fellowship, or a church body to attach to, please consider New Life in Watkinsville. Contact the church office at 706-769-6824 or email Scott Strawn at rsstrawn@gmail.com.