Servants

There have been some exciting changes going on in our Family Life Center. We unveiled a new set and stage for one of our large group environments for the elementary students. Another stage and set is currently being planned for the Highway 14 large group environment. By the start of the next school year INNERchange and Highway 14 will have a whole new look. When you get a chance, come by and check out what is going on in the Family Life Center.

 

Although I am excited about all the change, what has moved me the most is seeing God’s servants step up in such a huge way. A few faithful servants took to heart Romans 12:10-11 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord”. They created a remarkable atmosphere for many of your children making every effort to stay “under the radar”. Those that follow Christ are to be His hands and feet here on earth; these servants are fervently living this out. A huge thank you goes out from the Family Life Team to all those that were involved.

 

I hope to see all of you in the Family Life Center!

 

God’s Blessings, Greg

Relief Driver story

This past week we experienced our first Sunday with Relief Drivers leading the charge. A Relief Driver is someone filling in for a volunteer who has been serving in Children’s Ministry all year. Sunday was outstanding! To have so many parents and other faithful servants step-up to help was heartwarming. There were so many success stories that were brought to my attention it’s hard to pick just one to share. So I went ahead and picked the one about my wife and daughter. J

Last Sunday my wife, Kim, was serving as a Relief Driver in Emma’s three-year-old class. The children were learning to be brave, because God is always with them. When returning home after church, my wife had to go outside for a moment and she told Emma she would be right back. Emma responded, “I’ll be okay, because God is always with me.” For a parent to see what goes on in their child’s class and then to see it at work at home…that’s priceless.

That was just one of the many stories that were relayed to me this week. We are excited to see what happens throughout the summer with our Relief Driver program in overdrive.

Have a wonderful week!!

God’s Blessings, Greg

Working for the Lord

Summer has arrived! We are thankful beyond words for all those faithful volunteers that have been serving in Family Life this past year. This summer will be a refreshing time for them and a time to recharge for next ministry year. If you are interested in providing relief for the volunteers this summer, all you have to do is sign-up on one of the Relief Driver posters that are located in the main lobby, the lobby of children’s entrance, and near the check-in at the Family Life Center.

 

Reflecting on why we work so hard and ask so much from our church family at New Harvest; I was reminded of a scripture passage, Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” This applies in all areas of life; which may include volunteering in a ministry at New Harvest, working to support a family or striving to raise children in today’s world. In all you do, do it as you are working for the Lord. This was a tremendous encouragement to me and I pray that it will be the same for you.

God’s Blessings, Greg

Hello New Harvest!

Hello New Harvest!! I am writing to you as the new Director of Family Life. For me and my family this new assignment is a blessing from God. Entering this post with 13 years of experience as a teacher and a coach I would have to say that working with young people has been a big part of my life. In my new position I’ll be developing programs that introduce the next generation to Jesus Christ, which excites me beyond words.

As I assess the state of Family Life Ministry, I am happy to report that the ministry is in tremendous shape. In addition, the staff that makes up Family Life is second to none. The future is bright for all the New Harvest students and children. As the new director I could not be more pleased. This hard working staff has been diligently implementing a cutting edge strategy for family ministry, which revolves around small groups. What that means is when you hand your child to us; they are looked after by a small group leader…same leader, EVERY WEEK! We feel that life change happens in these small groups.

Here’s the catch this strategy; the small group leaders and their support crew that make everything happen each week…need a break! We plan to relieve them for the summer with what we call Relief Drivers, which are the parents of the children that are taught every week or anyone else interested in helping during the summer. So if you haven’t yet, pick a Sunday or two that you are willing to step in and provide some relief for our dedicated volunteers. Email me at gregzuffelato@nhclife.org or call me at 797-7000 to sign-up. Rest assured that the summer is set up to be very easy for those that come in to help.

It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve Jesus as your new Director of Family Life. If you ever have any questions feel free to contact me or simply flag me down on a Sunday morning.

God’s Blessings,

Greg Zuffelato
Director of Family Life
New Harvest Church