I didn’t want to go. I was tired and a bit cranky. I had had an allergy headache most of the day. But, I went anyway. And, I’m very glad I did. Wednesday night’s “Summer Nights at Crown Point” get together was such a blessing to my soul. The conversation, the encouragement, meditating together on Psalm 3, and, as always, the singing together, led by John Watt and Dave Fredrickson. If you haven’t taken advantage of this time to be face-to-face midweek with your fellow saints from New Life, I hope you’ll come on out to the Bay for our last two get togethers on July 30 and August 13. You won’t be sorry you did.

Vacation Bible School is up next from July 21-25! We currently have 124 students registered from 34 churches and a handful with NO CHURCH home! Classrooms are being decorated. It’s getting exciting as volunteers are readying themselves to welcome families to our campus for times of singing, drama, crafts, snacks, games, and, most importantly, TEACHING! This year’s theme is Jesus. Many of our volunteers have been gathering monthly to team-build and prepare. The theological underpinnings of this years VBS, as in years past, are excellent. Here’s one example of the training videos watched together by the volunteers:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/oNxASYvEYqy1pPtJ7. Pray that this time of learning about the risen savior will be a great tool to evangelize and disciple these young ones!

This Sunday, Pastor Connor will be back in the pulpit during AM worship, bringing his next message from Ecclesiastes. I will be preaching the next sermon from Colossians in the PM. If you missed Sunday PM this last week, when Pastoral Intern Aaron Philip began his series through Ruth, you can catch that here: https://www.newlifelamesa.org/podcasts/media/2025-07-06-a-bitter-beginning.

Lastly, in just over two months comes RefCon2025! This year’s speaker is Chad VanDixhoorn from Reformed Theological Seminary. It was good to see him and catch up a bit at the PCA General Assembly a couple weeks ago, as he was the OPC Fraternal Delegate! The theme is “Reforming Discipleship: What It Means to Walk with Jesus” with one talk devoted to personal discipleship, one to marriage and singleness, and one to family discipleship. Chad’s wife, Emily, will be joining him for the trip and serving us during the Q&A session with Dr. VanDixhoorn. More information will follow, along with posters and handbills you can share with friends. For now, watch this brief video to hear a bit of Dr. VanDixhoorn’s heart in answering the question: “Why is the Westminster Confession of Faith important to my life?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffkVLS9sxbc.

Have a great next few days. I can’t wait to worship with you on Sunday!

Pastor Joel

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