2019 Annual Report
New Life Session
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
Provide sound financial oversight of church funds;
Establish a culture of giving by making giving meaningful, simple, and fast; and
Develop a stewardship strategy to explore ways our tithes and offering can better reflect what we believe.
We were challenged with some aggressive goals this year. Some of the goals we met, while others will be achieved in the upcoming year which includes the roll out of the Harvest Team, updating the membership directory and many more. We look forward to the year 2020 as we continue to Bless, Bloom and Become.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Worship
It was no way better than to close 2018 and start 2019 by approving a noon day New Year’s Eve Service
Five baptisms held this year
Administrative/Leadership
Elders hold weekly conference calls; recapped the Sunday Worship experience and any other initiatives
Held discussions on ways to improve communications and the overall life of the church
Presented church with updated bylaws to approve
Promoted online giving community
Approved the purchase of laptops to support the Summer Enrichment Program held at the church
Approved to host the graduation for the Junior DAs Program
Approved to host the Presbyterian Synod in May
Approved a fundraising campaign with System 5 Electronics in which the church would receive $50 for every person referred by a NLPC member
Approved the Love Meal Program Celebrations
Approved to recognize our oldest member Robert Mays 95th birthday in April during service and an After Worship Fellowship Celebration
In 2019 14 new members joined the ministry.
2020 New Life Harvest Teams
January/September: Clarence Jackson & Cathy Collins
February/August: Valorie Brown & Channing Clariett
March/July: Charles Jenkins & Valaurie Lee
April/October: Jabari Dhillon & Ericka Calhoun
May/November: Kimberly Barclay & Ayana Lewis
June/December: Isaiah Willis & Kathy Harris
Statement of Financial Position
Building, Grounds & Property
Upgraded and replaced most A/C and heat furnaces in the church building; the cost of more than $21,000 was expended from the church account for this project.
Men of NLPC and the Building, Grounds and Property Team repainted the parking lot lines to make parking more accessible. Funds were allocated from the church and individual contributions.
Culinary Team has been developed and formed. Several after worship fellowship gatherings have taken place
Launched Community Garden on our property. Our members - Elder Jerry Wade and Brother Carlton McMillan worked throughout the summer to plant, water and harvest crops.
Session approved funds to repair the bus for use for church events and outings.
“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Cancer Awareness Ministry
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
The 2019 Cancer Awareness Ministries objectives & goals was to, provide opportunities that educated the community about cancer, early detection and to extend evangelism activities with the local community partners in an effort to win souls for Christ.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Outdoor Jazz Concert, Saturday September 21st
Golf Tournament, "Swing for A Cure, Thursday October 10th; 9th
Annual Cancer Walk "Walk for A Cure", Saturday October 12th, and
A special Worship Service on Sunday October 13th at 10:30 am
Total amount of monies raised in 2019
Proceeds were disbursed as follows:
Sisters by Choice” (Mobile Breast Clinic) $10,000
St. Jude Children’s Research $3,000
Free to Breathe $3,000
International Myeloma Foundation $3,000
New Life Presbyterian Church for administrative fees $2,700
Total Financial Disbursement $21,700
Congregational Care
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
The Congregational Care Ministry provides Christ-like nurturing and care for the New Life Presbyterian Church Family. We also reach out to our members’ extended family. We accomplished our mission through direct contact with our members through personal visits, phone calls, text messages and encouraging cards. Most of all, we support our bereaved families and members experiencing health challenges by uplifting them in our prayers.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Congregational Care held its Annual “Overcoming Grief and Loss Brunch” with Rev. Lockhart.
Delivered plants, fruit baskets and meals to our members.
Coordinated repasts for members experiencing losses.
Financial Oversight and Stewardship Committee
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
The Goals and Objectives of the Financial Oversight and Stewardship Committee in 2019 were to:
Provide sound financial oversight of church funds
Establish a culture of giving by making giving meaningful, simple, and fast; and
Develop a stewardship strategy to explore ways our tithes and offering can better reflect what we believe.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Initially the Financial Oversight and Stewardship committees functioned separately but was later combined to better utilize our resources to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Through continual prayer, dedicated service of committee members, and special emphasis giving programs, the church experienced a greater exposure to the purpose and joy of giving. As a result of these efforts we accomplished:
An increase in overall giving.
Greater use of giving tools (mobile, online, and text giving)
Used emphasis giving programs such as “Fit for Life” during Lenten season and “Summer Slump Program” to increase generosity of members
Increase in Per Capita Giving
Developed guidelines to make more efficient use of church funds
In addition, a successful Stewardship Strategy was also developed and included a stewardship Preaching series, Sunday school and Bible study classes using stewardship material, and personal witness videos featuring “What stewardship means to me”.
The combined ministry membership totaled 12 including the addition of 2 new members.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Food Pantry
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
To support food insecure families presenting for assistance from eleven (11) zip codes in the surrounding communities.
To provide additional referral resources when available and requested.
To invite all families to participate in worship activities through our church
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Total Pounds of Food Distributed - 67,293
Meals on Wheels
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
We proudly serve as a vessel to bridge the gap between senior adults, the community and the general public. We not only provide meals, but we periodically forward helpful tidbits to our clients.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
We delivered 14 meals to our clients Monday through Friday starting at 9am during 2019.
Presbyterian Women
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
Our ministry and goals of Presbyterian Women is to nurture our faith through prayer and bible study, and to support the mission of the church worldwide. To work for justice and peace and to build an inclusive, caring, community of women that strengthen the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witness to the promise of God’s kingdom.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Presbyterian Women held bible study ministry for nine months studying, God’s Promise by Amy P. Sutherlum. New Life Presbyterian Women (PW) which actively and historically supports the mission of the church locally, nationally, and globally, with our time, our talents, member’s assessment, and the funds we raise. Leadership and service are integral to this dynamic ministry, mission and projects.
The vibrant group of Presbyterian Women at New Life sponsored a dynamic Women’s Day in 2019 featuring inspirational guest speaker, Reverend Aisha Brooks-Lytle, Executive Presbyter of Greater Atlanta. Also, special music was rendered by guest violinist, Evonne Mitchell, NL Women of Victory/Miriam Dance Ministry, New Life Bell Choir, and the New Life Women’s Choir, Reverend Malvis Alexander, NL Ministry of Music.
PW supported the New Life Summer Enrichment program. Several women volunteered diligently to support the success of the program. PW also volunteered and supported New Life Vacation Bible School.
2019 Mission & Giving total: $3,365.26
Total amount of funds raised in 2019: $7,229
Safe Space
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
New Life Safe Space’s goal for 2019 was to continue to promote violence-free relationships by supporting, educating, and advocating for victims of domestic violence.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Safe Space hosted a Chat & Chew on 10/19/19 in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event was from 11AM to 1PM in the hospitality room. Rhonda Thompson served as guest speaker. Thompson is the founder of the Rose of Sharon which is an organization focused on providing emergency/transitional housing for women impacted by domestic violence. The organization’s other services include crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling for victims.
Safe Space also hosted a diaper drive for Securus House during the month of October. Securus House provides shelter, support, counseling and advocacy for victims of family violence in Clayton County and the surrounding Metro Atlanta counties. Safe Space with the support of the NLPC members donated 1,157 diapers to the shelter operated by Securus House.
On 12/7/19 Safe Space hosted a holiday Spa Day. UltraLuxe Mobile Spa was on site to provide spa treatments including facials, manicures, and pedicures for domestic violence survivors. Breakfast and lunch were also prepared. Robes were donated to present as gifts and the participants’ names were embroidered on the garments. The robes were donated by Wal Mart in College Park as a result of a new partnership between store management and Safe Space. A member of the Safe Space support group initiated and established the partnership between the NLPC Safe Space and Wal Mart.
Safe Space also gifted toys to children currently sheltered at Securus House.
Ministry Membership totals 14 members. Three new members joined in 2019.
Total amount of monies raised in 2019 was $1,380
Total Financial Contribution gifted to New Life Presbyterian Church in 2019 was $250
Spiritual Formation
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
Equipping children, youth and adults with increased knowledge of the Christian faith. Children will know and cherish the Bible as the story of God’s relationship with humanity through the teachings of His inspired words.
Youth will be able to relate and interpret their Christian faith through the bible and culture they live in every day fostering a life-long desire to know God’s Word more deeply. Adults will know and cherish the Bible story and apply its teachings to their lives regardless of their level of previous biblical knowledge.
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
New Life Spiritual Formation Elders lead a 40 Day (New Life Church Corporate) Daniel Fast beginning March 6 and concluded on April 14. Forty New Life members committed to participate. These 40 days mirror the forty days of testing Jesus experienced in the wilderness.
Spiritual Formation Teachers Training and Vacation Bible School Workshop was conducted on May 4, 2019, by Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI) Jonesboro, mobile team, 21 New Life members were in attendance.
Session approved proposal for 5 youth from our church to attend the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium from July 16th -20th at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Every 3 years, approximately 5,000 high school youth and adult advisors gather on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, for a life-changing, faith-growing gathering known as Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) Tuesday, July 16th, Saturday July 20, 2019. Our youth were chaperoned by Elder Valaurie Lee.
Vacation Bible School was held June 3-7, 2019, our theme was “Super Training University with Jesus” Total participation was 120 with 23 guests.
“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
THRIVE Ministry
Ministry Goals and Objectives in 2019
To organize and grow the Young Adult Ministry at New Life
Acknowledging what change needs to be done to expand this ministry
Use outreach as a means of serving through God’s love
Our objectives are to continue to make a thriving, welcoming young adult space with ages ranging from 21-40
2019 Ministry Accomplishments
Back to school supply giveaway at Bethune Elementary
Scholarship Giveaway to two students at Banneker High School
Love Is an Inside Job Workshop with Author Romal Tune
Back at It Again Pt. II Workshop with Romal Tune