Honduras is fast approaching, and we want to give everyone an opportunity to be involved in the effort. We will be providing some opportunities over the next few weeks to raise funds for either the water development project, sponsoring youth to attend jr. high and high school, and assisting with the building of the mission house there. Information will be available on Tuesday nights at Connections.  

Catalyst – New Life’s Leadership Development group – This is the last week for anyone interested in participating in our leadership development group in New Life. The requirements are available on our web site under the Catalyst section. We also have hard copies available at Connections. We make Catalyst available to anyone who is interested in growing in leadership through character, competence and commitment. If you have any questions, talk to Johnny, Scott, Michelle, or John Petrilli. We are looking for those individuals who want to crank up your capacity to love God, each other and the world through New Life.

ATTENTION NEWLIFE LADIES: The New Life Ladies’ Sleepover will be held at the Farmhouse on Friday night, April 25 beginning at 8:00 PM.  We can’t wait to see you there!!!

Service Saturday: This Saturday we’re going to put your ideas into action! You chose to volunteer with the Jeremy Herbstritt Memorial Run, which will be a great opportunity to bless the community for a good cause. Jeremy was a PennState alum who was shot and killed at Virginia Tech last April. If you are available to help out contact Tiara (tdw160) and let her know ASAP. If you have already replied to me, then Tiara has your name. The race starts at 10 AM, and the job we’ll be volunteering for will be finish line workers.  

Wedding Shower! So in case you are unawares, Duane Cornish & Laura Seipt, Marcus Bouchillon & Kerris Holt, and Kevin Hershberger & Steph Catich are engaged! 

We’re going to end the semester by celebrating their relationships, so we’re going to have a par-tay at the Petrili’s house on May 2 after classes end.  Mark the date!  It’s going to be a great time to celebrate the couples and watch them compete against each other in The New Life Nearly Wed Game.  No joke.  The winning couple will be awarded with a new mode of transportation!  Perhaps something like a unicycle… The shin-dig will begin around 6:30 in the PM.  There will be fire.  And s’mores.  Unless it rains.  Then we’ll be inside.  Details forthcoming!

Hiking – Service in India This Summer
Interested in an all-inclusive fourteen-day summer vacation in the Himalaya Mountains of Northern India? Join us for an eight-day trek in the MarkhaValley of the Himalayas, followed by a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and numerous world-famous monasteries. Prepare to immerse yourself into Tibetan & Nepalese culture, as you explore with an adventurous spirit. Mt Nittany Outfitters <http://www.mtnittanyoutfitters.com>, a State College based online outdoor retail company, is teaming with Wild East Adventures and the International Mountain Leadership Institute <http://www.mountainleadership.org>  (IMLA) to offer an experience of a lifetime.

There is an optional opportunity to volunteer before or after the trek and tour, with the IMLA, a non-profit missions organization that will be building a new training center near Leh, India, during summer 2008.  For more details, Click Here <http://www.mtnittanyoutfitters.com/himalaya_india_trekking.html> ! For additional information or questions, email Matt McKinney at mattm@mtnittanyoutfitters.com. 

There are also service opportunities to volunteer/teach in local schools as well as a Christian coffee shop.  Dates are flexible depending on the group.

Quote of the week – “Vision is foresight with insight based on hindsight.” George Barna

Honduras is fast approaching, and we want to give everyone an opportunity to be involved in the effort. We will be providing some opportunities over the next few weeks to raise funds for either the water development project, sponsoring youth to attend jr. high and high school, and assisting with the building of the mission house there. Information will be available on Tuesday nights at Connections.

Vision Night – This Friday night, April 11, from 5:30 – approximately 10 PM we’ll be having our annual Vision weekend, only this year we are squeezing it down to one night. We’ll begin with a cookout at Harvest Fields again. This is an opportunity for EVERYONE in New Life to give your input on where we are going for the coming year, and everyone’s input is welcome. I (Johnny) would love to pack the place for the night. Let us know by this Tuesday if you are planning on attending, so we can throw a burger on for you!

Catalyst – New Life’s Leadership Development group – We are currently in the recruitment mode for anyone interested in participating in leadership in New Life. The requirements are available on our web site under the Catalyst section. We will also have hard copies available tomorrow night at Connections. We make Catalyst available to anyone who is interested in growing in leadership through character, competence and commitment. If you have any questions, talk to Johnny, Scott, Michelle, or John Petrilli.

Bru Ha Ha – This year’s Bru Ha Ha (Semi-Formal Dinner) will take place on the Friday before the Blue/White Game, April 18. Cost for the night is $25 with dinner being served at 7:30 PM. You can reply to this e-mail if you’re not able to sign up at Connections. Just let us know what your meal selection is…

1. Honey Baked Ham: with a pineapple molasses glaze

2. Roast Turkey: with traditional stuffing and pan gravy

3. Chicken Florentine au Gratin: sautéed julienne chicken breast with spinach alfredo pasta garnished with oven-dried tomatoes

Next Monday, April 14 is the deadline to make reservations! We’ll be wrapping up the year, honoring our seniors, and having some crazy dancing fun. Come celebrate what God has done this year!!

ATTENTION NEWLIFE LADIES: Save the Date!!! The New Life Ladies’ Sleepover will be held at the Farmhouse on Friday night, April 25 beginning at 8:00 PM. More details will be sent out as the date approaches!!! We can’t wait to see you there!

Service Saturday: April 26, Michelle & Scott are organizing a opportunity to serve again at Centre Peace. Also Calvary will be canceling all services that weekend for the church to hit the streets and serve throughout the community, so make plans to be part of a HUGE weekend being the church blessing the community!

Hiking – Service in India This Summer
Interested in an all-inclusive fourteen-day summer vacation in the Himalaya Mountains of Northern India? Join us for an eight-day trek in the Markha Valley of the Himalayas, followed by a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and numerous world-famous monasteries. Prepare to immerse yourself into Tibetan & Nepalese culture, as you explore with an adventurous spirit. Mt Nittany Outfitters , a State College based online outdoor retail company, is teaming with Wild East Adventures and the International Mountain Leadership Institute (IMLA) to offer an experience of a lifetime.

There is an optional opportunity to volunteer before or after the trek and tour, with the IMLA, a non-profit missions organization that will be building a new training center near Leh, India, during summer 2008. For more details, Click Here ! For additional information or questions, email Matt McKinney at mattm@mtnittanyoutfitters.com.

There are also service opportunities to volunteer/teach in local schools as well as a Christian coffee shop. Dates are flexible depending on the group.

Quote of the week – “When barbarians travel together they do not march in single file. There is no forced conformity. They are not required or expected to keep in step. They walk together as free individuals joined not by standardization, but by spirit.” Erwin McManus

Easter Eggs: They’re all gone now! THANKS a TON to everyone who made the eggs and to everyone who bought or sold some! According to John, we made over $300 from the eggs, with some money still to come in! Thanks for contributing toward this year’s Honduras experience!!

Global Development Luncheon – The lunch is being postponed for a later date this semester… watch for the next update.

Speaking of global development… Honduras is fast approaching, and we want to give everyone an opportunity to be involved in the effort. We will be providing some opportunities over the next few weeks to raise funds for either the water development project, sponsoring youth to attend jr. high and high school, and assisting with the building of the mission house there. Information will be available on Tuesday nights at Connections.

Vision Night – Friday night, April 11, from 5:30 – approximately 10 PM we’ll be having our annual Vision weekend, only this year we are squeezing it down to one night. We’ll begin with a cookout, and most likely the evening will take place at Harvest Fields again. This is an opportunity for EVERYONE in New Life to give your input on where we are going for the coming year, and everyone’s input is welcome.

Catalyst – New Life’s Leadership Development group – We are currently in the recruitment mode for anyone interested in participating in leadership in New Life. The requirements are available on our web site under the Catalyst section. We will also have hard copies available tomorrow night at Connections. We make Catalyst available to anyone who is interested in growing in leadership through character, competence and commitment. If you have any questions, talk to Johnny, Scott, Michelle, or John Petrilli.

Bru Ha Ha – This year’s Bru Ha Ha (Semi-Formal Dinner) will take place on the Friday before the Blue/White Game, April 18. Mark your calendars and save the date!

Saturday – Spring Break Help Team coming from GA. We will once again be hosting a Spring Break team from the south for next week. Eight students and one leader will be coming in on Saturday from Truett-McConnell College in North GA to serve with us all next week. I need to confirm their arrival time on Saturday, but we would love to welcome them with a fun night of getting to know each with some crazy Bunko. We will shoot for  7-8 PMish… and probably in one of the rooms in the HUB. More details will be coming once we nail down their ETA. Also next week the team will be serving at Calvary, painting down in the Children’s area. They will also be serving at Centre Peace on Tuesday morning. They will also be on campus serving in a variety of ways. We will shoot for lunches around noon each day in Redifer Commons – except Tuesday. You guys are more than welcome to join into any activities with the team, and hopefully expand your community network.

The New Orleans Team will leave for Spring Break on Friday morning, March 7, and will return on Saturday night, March 15. Pray for Meagan, Jennie, Dave Freidel, and myself, and for the crew from Lock Haven, that God will use what we can give to bless a few folks in Nawlins. I also hope to be able to see our friend Tony, from last year’s trip, while we are there.

Easter week will immediately follow Spring Break this year. We’re thinking through a way to raise awareness of the true meaning behind Easter, so be watching for details soon…

·         InCounter is here!! Tiara will be organizing rides to Camp Joy-El, and everyone will receive a detailed e-mail on what you will need to bring along. We will also have that list available at Connections on Tuesday night.

Here’s a Couple of opportunities with deadlines.

• Spring Break: ReNewOrleans!. There is still some space left, and the cost for the week is a measly $50! Let me know ASAP if you plan to join us, so that we can finalize plans. You can hit reply or sign-up at Connections. Because of our limited space, the deadline is first-come-first-served. We want to nail down our team ASAP. There is still plenty of work to be done!

PRAY FOR Honduras ‘08: Our team for May is set (unless you are a fluent Spanish speaker!) I am looking at organizing another late summer trip if we have enough interest. SO far I have 3 people interested and possibly some Honduras alums, so an August trip is looking likely. Stay tuned for more details.

Speaking of Honduras… Hope For Honduras Educational Sponsors are needed. We are continuing to sponsor youth from La Acequia to attend jr./sr. high for the coming school year. We are asking sponsors for $25/month, or $300 for the year to give a deserving youth a fighting chance for a better future. This year we are taking the leadership role in this ministry, and you will have an opportunity to know who you are sponsoring and will be able to keep connected to what God is doing through your partnership

Quote of the week… “Apparently, then, our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no neurotic fancy, bu the truest index of our real situation. And to be summoned inside would be both glory and honor beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache.” C. S. Lewis

Another special announcement is a prayer request. Kathy and I have a friend who was kidnapped Saturday in Afghanistan. Her name is Cyd Mizell and she and her driver were abducted on Saturday, and no one has claimed responsibility yet. She has been living in Kandahar  for the past 3 years working on economic development with Muslim women. Pray for her safe release, but also pray that she will be a bright-shining light to her captors. She is a strong woman, and I know that she would desire prayer for Divine opportunities as well as her safety. Obviously personal safety isn’t very high on her priority list.
 
The Journey Group will be postponed to begin NEXT MONDAY night at 8 PM in the spiritual center. Let Johnny know if you would like to jump in for this semester’s group. It will involve a weekly commitment for 8 weeks.
 
Breakfast Crew will brave the cold for another serving experience tomorrow morning from 7:30 – 8 AM at the Art Museum Patio area. Bring your boots and warm gear!!
 
Connections happens at the usual time and place – The Garden Room of the Spiritual Center – 7 PM –This week we’ll continue our series called Glory. This week I will focus on HOW we reflect God’s glory to the world.  
 
This Friday night there will also be a guys’ night out. (We’re not going to sit home and twiddle our thumbs while the girls are having fun!) We’re mulling over the multitude of macho options, stay tuned for a final decision. Maybe we’ll throw in a talk on Making Decisions!
 
Here’s a Couple of opportunities with deadlines.

InCounter ‘08: Sign up is off and running for our annual state-wide retreat – Feb. 8-10 @Camp Joy-el in Greencastle, PA. We are working to get the cost for the weekend to $50. This is usually a highlight of the year for me, and this year we will feature a similar relaxed format focusing on Community. We will send more detailed info in a separate e-mail. Also check our web site for an update. We want to bring the house for this unique retreat experience! Deadline for sign-up is Jan. 30. (THAT”S THIS WEEK)
 
Spring Break: ReNewOrleans! Yes, we are headed back to warmer weather with tools in hand. This year we have space for 10, and the cost for the week is a measly $50! I need to know this week if you plan to join us, so that we can finalize plans. You can hit reply or sign-up at Connections. Because of our limited space, the deadline is first-come-first-served. We want to nail down our team ASAP. There is still plenty of work to be done!
 
PRAY FOR Honduras ‘08: Our team for May is set (unless you are a fluent Spanish speaker!) I am looking at organizing another late summer trip if we have enough interest. SO far I have 3 people interested and possibly some Honduras alums, so an August trip is looking likely. Stay tuned for more details.

Speaking of Honduras… Hope For Honduras Educational Sponsors are needed. We are continuing to sponsor youth from La Acequia to attend jr./sr. high for the coming school year. We are asking sponsors for $25/month, or $300 for the year to give a deserving youth a fighting chance for a better future. This year we are taking the leadership role in this ministry, and you will have an opportunity to know who you are sponsoring and will be able to keep connected to what God is doing through your partnership

Quote of the week… “…He (God) makes us passionately and spiritually unbalanced. God steers us in the direction of His Kingdom, His purpose, His passions. His desire is not to conform us, but to transform us. No to make us compliant, but to make us creative. His intent is never to domesticate us but to liberate us.” Erwin McManus 

Connections happens at the usual time and place – The Garden Room of the Spiritual Center – 7 PM –This week we’ll launch our new series called Glory. I hope to shed some light on a word that we frequently hear, but may not quite grasp. 

InCounter ‘08: Sign up is off and running for our annual state-wide retreat – Feb. 8-10 @Camp Joy-el in Greencastle, PA. We are working to get the cost for the weekend to $50. This is usually a highlight of the year for me, and this year we will feature a similar relaxed format focusing on Community. We will send more detailed info in a separate e-mail. Also check our web site for an update. We want to bring the house for this unique retreat experience! Deadline for sign-up is Jan. 29.

Spring Break: ReNewOrleans! Yes, we are headed back to warmer weather with tools in hand. This year we have space for 10, and the cost for the week is a measly $50! Sign-up soon to reserve your spot. You can hit reply or sign-up at Connections. Because of our limited space, the deadline is first-come-first-served. We want to nail down our team ASAP. There is still plenty of work to be done!

Honduras ‘08: We have maxed out on girls for this trip, but there is still room for a couple of guys. If you want to go, but didn’t make it for this trip, I am looking at organizing another late summer trip if we have enough interest. For this May’s team, we will launch our team meetings this Saturday at 3 PM in the spiritual center.

Speaking of Honduras… Hope For Honduras Educational Sponsors are needed. We are continuing to sponsor youth from La Acequia to attend jr./sr. high for the coming school year. We are asking sponsors for $25/month, or $300 for the year to give a deserving youth a fighting chance for a better future. This year we are taking the leadership role in this ministry, and you will have an opportunity to know who you are sponsoring and will be able to keep connected to what God is doing through your partnership

The Journey Group will be starting soon. This is our basic discipleship group and will take place on Monday nights, beginning Jan. 28. and going for 8 weeks. Sign-ups will also begin this week at Connections.

Quote of the week… “Eternal life is a life lived in close proximity to Jesus RIGHT NOW, in which we get a taste of the sort of freedom and liberation that will be experienced in the afterlife.” Kyle Lake

Connections launches again this semester at the usual time and place – The Garden Room of the Spiritual Center – 7 PM – Tonight we’ll regroup and take a look at where we are headed this semester with our new Connections’ series – Glory, Marked & Broken. Bring a friend for some great connecting time.

This Friday some of us will be meeting in front of the Ice Rink on campus to watch the Icers play at 9 pm. Hope to see you there!

InCounter ‘08: Sign up is off and running for our annual state-wide retreat – Feb. 8-10 @Camp Joy-el in Greencastle, PA. We are working to get the cost for the weekend to $50. This is usually a highlight of the year for me, and this year we will feature a similar relaxed format focusing on Community. We will send more detailed info in a separate e-mail. Also check our web site for an update. We want to bring the house for this unique retreat experience! Deadline for sign-up is Jan. 29.

Spring Break: ReNewOrleans! Yes, we are headed back to warmer weather with tools in hand. This year we have space for 10, and the cost for the week is a measly $50! Sign-up soon to reserve your spot. You can hit reply or sign-up at Connections. Because of our limited space, the deadline is first-come-first-served. There is still plenty of work to be done!

Honduras ‘08: We have maxed out on girls for this trip, but there is still room for a couple of guys. If you want to go, but didn’t make it for this trip, I am looking at organizing another late summer trip if we have enough interest. For this May’s team, I will have schedule of team meetings to you this week. This Sunday at 3 PM, I am leading a Support-Raising workshop for Calvary Baptist, and if you would like any help in this area, this is a perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling.

Speaking of Honduras… Hope For Honduras Educational Sponsors are needed. We are continuing to sponsor youth from La Acequia to attend jr./sr. high for the coming school year. We are asking sponsors for $25/month, or $300 for the year to give a deserving youth a fighting chance for a better future. This year we are taking the leadership role in this ministry, and you will have an opportunity to know who you are sponsoring and will be able to keep connected to what God is doing through your partnership

The Journey Group will be starting soon. This is our basic discipleship group and will take place on Monday nights, beginning Jan. 28. and going for 8 weeks. Sign-ups will also begin this week at Connections.

Be watching for more news coming on Intramurals, opportunities for women & men, and more service opportunities with Centre Peace. Hang on to your hats for an adventure in loving God, each other, and the world!

Quote of the week… “The most important aspect of answering the call is knowing the One who is calling.” Margaret Feinberg 

TUESDAY- 12.11.07- Connections will also wrap up for the semester in the Garden Room at 7 PM. This week we’ll spend some time saying “goodbye” to 3 seniors who will be leaving this semester.

WEDNESDAY- 12.12.07 – HUB lunch goers will meet around noon near Barney’s.

THURSDAY- 12.13.07 – Prayer in the HUB will begin at 12:15 p.m. in room 208.

FRIDAY- 12.14 – the 18th Annual Ponserosa Christmas Extravaganza will return. The party will kick off at 7 PM with rides leaving from the Pollock Library at 6:45. There will be PLENTY to eat and another round of New Life White Elephant gift exchange. (For the White Elephant thing… you basically find something hanging around your room, that you would be happy to pas along to another “grateful” New Lifer! Wrap it in anything, or you can wrap it at our house, and we will put it under the tree.)

Finals Dinners – If you need a study break next week, be on the lookout for Finals Power Meals on Monday and Tuesday nights.

SATURDAY- 12.15.07-New Life Photo Shoot! Kelly Mendick would like a parting New Life Group shot at the Nittany Lion Shrine, so for whoever is available, we’ll gather at the shrine next Saturday at 1 PM and between now and then, pray for good weather!

IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Leadership Advance: January 10-12 – Register on-line at leadershipadvance.org and let Johnny know. We will be putting together a New Life group for L.A.

InCounter ’08 – will be happening February 8-10 once again at Camp Joy-El in Greencastle, PA. The cost for the weekend is $80 – BUT – I am working on getting it scholarshipped down to $50 for everyone. No Guarantees yet, but I am confident! As always, don’t let the finances be a barrier for you. Sign ups will be at Connections tomorrow night, and if you need more details, just let me know, or talk with one of the numerous New Life InCounter veterans.

Spring Break & Honduras mission opportunities are just around the corner. It’s not too early to start thinking about how God wants you to be involved. We’ll return to New Orleans for Spring Break to continue rebuilding from Katrina. We are also working to get the cost of break down to $50 for the week, but space is limited to 10 people.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A few New Lifers will celebrate birthdays next week and over Christmas break. Let’s cheer them on!
*Emily Hand – 12/17 – (ehand@psu.edu)
*Joe Wilck – 12/22 – (jhw15)
*Lindsay Stratcko – 1/6 – (lms5102)
*Brad Ottino – 1/9 – (bao5002)

**Myanmar Mission Team – including Ginger and Jacqueline – will leave Dec. 27 and return before classes begin. PRAY for our girls and the entire team as they serve behind enemy lines!