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Everywhere we look
the signs of Christ-
mas are appear-
ing! Of all the holi-
days we celebrate,
Christmas has such a
special place in all of
our hearts. The
beauty of the season
romances our hearts
to believe again in
the power of Love’s
extravagance.
Even in the midst of
all the sales, crowds,
and crazy shopping
experiences, we find
such joy in finding
just the right gift for
those whom we love
so dearly. Oh how
we love to see those
gifts under the tree on
Christmas morning
and then to have our
gifts placed in our lap
to open. Those in the
room wait with smil-
ing faces as we open
the gift with anticipa-
tion.
But of course, even in
all of the hustle and
bustle, we always
return to the true rea-
son for the sea-
son. Christmas liter-
ally means the
“mass” celebration of
“Christ.” We re-
member that the
heavenly gift that we
have received in the
person of Jesus Christ
is the most precious
gift of all. Can you
imagine the excite-
ment in the heart of
God as one of His
children opens up
their heart to receive
the gift of Jesus, the
most extravagant gift
ever given? Can you
hear the celebration
in heaven when one
man, woman, or child
is overwhelmed by
Love’s extrava-
gance?
This Christmas sea-
son, I pray that…
18 you'll be able to
take in with all Chris-
tians the extravagant
dimensions of
Christ's love. Reach
out and experience
the breadth! Test its
length! Plumb the
depths! Rise to the
heights! Ephesians
5:18
Pastor Tom
CHURCH OF THE NEW COVENANT
NEWSLETTER
STAFF
Tom Herbert, Lead Pastor
Rich Webb, Associate Pastor
Judy Herbert, Pastoral Assistant
Janet Webb, Administrative Assistant
Senior Leadership Team
Ed Wainscott
Sharon Ward
Chuck West
Getting to Know You 2
KingdomQuest News 2
Arenzville Update 3
Holiday Schedule 4
Kent Henry 5
Webb Site 8
Birthdays & Anniversaries 9
Inside this issue: Lif
eli
ne
Volume 7
November 2011
Opening our hearts to love is
the reason why Debbie and I
first met. My name is Marc and
I am from the city of Montreal,
Canada. Debbie, my wife, has
lived in Jacksonville for the last
30 years. With more then 1000
miles separating each other,
living in different countries and
being born and raised using a
different language, I personally
don’t see any other reason than
the power of love that could
have brought us together.
I suspect that for every couple
God has given them a unique
story on how they got together.
After my third trip to Jackson-
ville in November 2009, I knew
that Debbie was the one for me.
What Debbie and I did not know
was how our relationship was
going to change our life. We
were calling twice a day, I was
traveling from Montreal to Jack-
sonville every weekend and still
we were not close enough. We
did not know where we would
end up living when I proposed to
Debbie during the Christmas
Holidays of 2010.
Overcoming obstacles is a
good test of our faith. We came
to the conclusion that I should
move south to Jacksonville since
Montreal’s winter is hard to
sell… Friends and relatives
back home had put tremendous
efforts to persuade me to stay in
Montreal and that almost broke
our relationship. Debbie was
hurt by my lack of faith in us
and I came to the conclusion that
we sometimes need to go over
high fences to live our love.
Selling my place, my cars and
furniture as well as quitting my
job was nothing compared to
explaining to my family that
love was carrying me far from
them.
The reward was there like a
promise. After the long wait of
the immigration papers, we
were ready to marry. Pastor
Tom accepted to marry us last
May and we are proud to be part
of the congregation of the
Church of the New Covenant.
Watch as we trans-
form our children’s
area and our hearts
Big changes are
coming to Kingdom-
Quest!!
We’re going on a
“Quest for God’s
Kingdom” and we’re
doing it in the
JUNGLE!!!
as we continue to
seek God and all He
has for us!!!
All children age 4 –
5th grade are
welcome to join us
on our quest!!
Page 2
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
KingdomQuest News!
LIF ELI NE
Marc and Debbie
LeBouef
Marc & Debbie will be moving to
Missouri due to a job change.
V OLU ME 7
The emerging vision of New
Covenant is to multiply worship
centers in Jacksonville and the
surrounding small towns. In
September, we began gathering
in Arenzville to pray and wor-
ship once a month.
There has been a consistent
small group from New Covenant
as well as several individuals
and families from the Arenzville
area who have begun to gather
around this vision.
We will continue to gather in
Arenzville on a monthly basis
and we are praying about how to
increase our presence there in
the future also.
Please continue to pray for God
to show us His perfect plan for
this vision. We know that God’s
kingdom is always advancing
and it is a joy to follow His lead
into a new mission field.
The glory of the heavens, shines round about you so.
Did you know? Did you know?
Did you know, Baby Jesus- Did you know?
That from your birth, a river of eternal life would flow.
Or that the shadow of a cross, would cast a crimson stain.
By J.E. Westerfield
Did you know, Baby Jesus- Did you know?
As you lay there in the manger, your linen white as snow.
The angels sing about you, shepherds bow to their knees.
The star that led the wise men, shining through the trees.
Or all who longed to pray to God, would do so in your name.
Or the many, many, lives that changed, just because of you.
As I reflect upon it now... I really think you knew.
Page 3
Arenzville Update
Did You Know Baby Jesus?
In a quiet, peace filled
atmosphere come and
experience the power of
blessing in your life. A
time of fellowship will
also be held throughout
the evening.
The Family Blessing is a
special evening of ministry,
prayer, and fellowship. You
are encouraged to come and
receive prayer from our
Senior Leadership Team for
yourself and your family.
November 26th : Ring the Bells
Shopko 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
November 27th : 1st Sunday of
Advent
Nov. 30th : Decorate the church
December 3rd: Ring the Bells
Midlands 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 4th: Youth Christmas
Caroling
December 10th: Kent Henry:
Christmas Is For Worship
Ring the Bells
Midlands 12:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
December 11th: Kent Henry:
ONE SERVICE IN THE
MORNING AND ONE SER-
VICE AT NIGHT
December 17th: Ring the Bells
Shopko: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
December 18th: Youth
Christmas Party
December 21st : Family Bless-
ing/Fellowship
December 24th : Christmas Eve
Service
December 25th: Christmas
(ONE SERVICE 10:30 a.m.)
January 1st New Years Day
(ONE SERVICE 10:30 a.m.)
Times:
Sat. 11/26 - Shopko
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat. 12/3 - Midland
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat. 12/10 - Midland
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Help us help others this holiday
season by volunteering to ring
the bells at one of the local
retailers.
Sign up sheets are in the lobby.
Sat. 12/17 - Shopko
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Page 4
FAMILY BLESSING
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
RING THE BELLS
Wednesday Night
December 21st
Beginning at 6 p.m.
LIF ELI NE
V OLU ME 7
Christmas Eve
7 - 8 p.m.
Join us for this special
evening filled with joy,
wonder, and celebration
as we celebrate the birth
of Jesus.
Merry
Christmas
Christmas Day
10:30 -11:30 a.m.
There will be one service
on Christmas Day. All
are invited to worship
the new born king and
the best gift ever given!
My Refuge,
The Secret
Place, and
So Close to
You.
He has also
produced 22 of his own
For over thirty-five years,
Kent Henry’s ministry
has been totally devoted
to worship leading and
training. He has led wor-
ship on six of Integrity
Music’s Hosanna! re-
cordings, including:
worship recordings,
including: Captivated,
Bulletproof, Jeremiah
29:11, Children Worship,
The Psalm Series and
Dance in the Glory.
Page 5
Christmas Services
KENT HENRY: DECEMBER 10-11
Saturday
December 10th
6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
"Christmas In Oberammergau" by R.J. Henne and J.E. Westerfield.
There was a knock on the door, and in came the whole family, laughing and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. April ran and showed Hilda her doll, and then they all had to see it. Moreen and Jake were the last ones in, and they brought the first breakfast cart calling for everyone to help themselves. "There's more food coming!" Moreen called out, trying to be heard over all the joyful noises. Everyone was still in their pajamas as they found a place to sit in this now crowded little area.
The children handed the gifts out, and you could hear laughter and joy, just like they were home in their parents' family room. Horace had brought his old book along on their trip. April spotted it lying on the coffee table and handed it to him, asking,
"Mr. D., will you read us a poem from your book?" As he took it, eyes twin-kling, smiling at her standing there with bare feet, clutching tightly to her new doll, he said, "If you and your new dolly will help me turn the pages." She smiled and eagerly climbed up on his lap.
Sylvia called out for everyone to settle down and help themselves to the donuts and coffee, "And, there is milk in the frig for the kids. Someone needs to help them with their glasses and pour it, then let's listen," she instructed as she settled in a chair near Horace.
So, everyone quickly found a comfy spot to settle down and listen to Horace's special treat, a story all except J.C. and his brother and sister, had heard every year, yet never grew tired of. A story of the very first Christmas - "A Special
Christmas."
Many stars shone bright that night with one much brighter than the rest.
Even shepherds tending flocks noticed a star that traveled West.
Realizing it was foretold, three wise men journeyed from afar.
Rejoicing angels brought the news of the meaning of that star.
Yuletide spirits, joyful singing, all proclaiming a proud event.
Christ is born in Bethlehem, a gift from God, heaven sent.
"Hosanna," sang the angels loudly, "Glory to the newborn King!"
"Receive the news with celebration, let all who hear rejoice and sing!"
In a stable, in a manger, lies a miracle of birth.
Shepherds gather by his bedside, wise men bring their gifts of Myrrh.
The animals lay strangely quiet, as if a sound would break the spell.
Much more was taking place than even songs of joy could tell.
A baby lying in a manger, as innocent as a newborn dove,
Soon would give new meaning to the words, "Eternal Hope, Everlasting
Love."
(From the book, "Rhymes And Reasons, Changing Seasons.")
Harry sat on the arm of the recliner next to Horace as April snuggled against his chest. They were thoroughly enjoying the sights and sounds of their very first family Christmas. Luke came in, and handed Horace the phone, saying, "Dad, I think you'd better take this call." His face was serious. What he said next caused the room to suddenly go still. "It's the Judge..."
(The above is an excerpt from the book “ A Christmas In Oberammergau” co-authored by New Covenant member, Joe Westerfield and R.J. Henne. Joe wrote the poetry in this book along with adding story lines and dialogue. R.J. came up with the story and the basic presentation of it. Joe’s wife, Sheri, edited the book. If you are interested in reading the en-
tire book, they have a few copies available.)
1 John 3:1 begins with a proc-
lamation, “How great is the
love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called
children of God!” Imagine that
God has lavished his love on
us. Webster’s Dictionary de-
fines lavished as “marked by
excess and abundance.” I love
that imagery. Close your eyes
for a minute and think about
God’s love being lavished on
you and me. How is it that
God lavishes his love on us?
God is love. That is who he is
and what his character is.
When he lavishes love on us,
he is merely drawing from the
limitless well within himself
unbound by fear, conditions or
expectations. Wow!
We are entering the holiday
season where it seems all the
advertising attempts to capture
this idea of lavish gifts and
decorations to set a mood and
convey feelings of love for
those around us. The television
is loaded with advertising about
gifts ideas all designed to con-
vey the same thought; if you
really love someone, this is
what you buy them. Love
equals possessions is a simple,
yet effective, advertising tech-
nique. Yet, gifts fade. They
get broken. Relationships
change. Our wants change.
Our children want the next “hot
toy.” The lavishness that we
seek through our own means
ends up being nothing more
than a shadow or a veneer
when compared to God’s ex-
travagant love for us.
Yet, ever-constant in the hustle
and bustle, the stress of gift-
buying and giving, the decorat-
ing, the entertaining that marks
this season, is the ultimate re-
minder of God lavishing his
love on us. The place where
his extravagant love for us be-
came flesh and began to dwell
among us: the manger. While
it is easy to dismiss the manger
as nothing more than a scene
worthy of a Norman Rockwell
painting, the reality is that the
manger points to the cross as
much as any other event in Je-
sus’ life. It is the beginning of
the climax in this extravagant
story of God’s love for his peo-
ple. I hope that you will join
me in thanking God that “while
we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.”
Maranatha, Pastor Rich
ber to pray for them too.
Listed below is there name and region in which they work:
Elijah Wafula: Kenya
Mark Papierski: S. America
Please continue to remem-ber these missionaries who we support around the world. Every month, we send a financial gift to these important ministries, but we must also remem-
Paul Laursen: China and the Middle East
Popet’s: Romania
Page 8
THE WEBB SITE
World Missions
“How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us.”
LIF ELI NE
V OLU ME 7
NOVEMBER
Howard Snodgrass 3
Alex Wisdom 11
Karen Fanning 14
Samuel Morris 17
Emily Corbridge 20
Eric Thomas 20
Debora Brune 22
Rick Berry 23
Jim & Venita Beal 21
Ed & Sharon Ward 29
DECEMBER
Jay Diers 1
Kathy Owen 7
Wanda Dame 10
Garet VanHyning 14
Arieanna Morris 17
Evan Wyatt 17
Carol Busen 23
Angela Surratt 28
Isaiah Scoggins 29
Lee & Carol Schuster 25
Rich & Martha Morris 29
JANUARY
Alex Burchard 3
Seth Burchard 3
Diane Darnell 5
Jeanette Allen 6
Mitch Adams 12
Kenneth Brown 12
Jennifer Corbridge 12
Lee Schuster 24
Amanda Scoggins 28
Wayne Surratt 28
Sheri Westerfield 28
Cathy Zimmer 30
Howard & Christy
Snodgrass 8
7Of the in-crease of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the govern-ment will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,b Mighty God, Ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace.
and over his kingdom, estab-lishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Page 9
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
The Prophetic Promise: Isaiah 9: 6-7
Worship Schedule
Sunday
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
**KingdomQuest Kids Church &
nursery
10:30 a.m. service only
Elizabeth celebrated
the good news that
Gabriel had shared.
In the gospel of Luke
(1:46-54) we read a
wonderful song written
by Mary the mother of
Jesus.
This Advent season we
will study the incredible
truths that Mary
declared in this power-
ful song of worship.
What an amazing day
that must have been
when Mary and
Mary burst forth into a
song that is a patchwork
of Old Testament prom-
ises all woven together
to declare God’s glory.
Like Mary, your heart
will rejoice in the good
news of Christmas!
This sermon series will
begin on Sunday,
November 27th.
THE MAGNIFICAT: A CHRISTMAS SERMON SERIES