Doug Heisel

Click on the image below to enlarge.  Updated info printed on the image.

The construction part of our remodeling for NEXT STEP has been completed.  Some painting and room decorating remains, but the rooms all are functional.

Costs have exceeded the amount of pledges currently received,  so we have extended our pledge drive through our fiscal year of 2009-2010 (August 31,2010).  Thank you to everyone who has participated.  The monies will continue to provide valuable ministry for years to come!

Thank you helping fulfill the project!

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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Thank you for your continued interest in “Next Step” (our project to gain more space for kids on our Alamo campus).

Two big updates to share:

1)  Offices have moved to San Ramon.  The primary way we could gain more kids’ space in Alamo was to move our offices.  The final solution was to move off-site.  With the economic down-turn, this scenario became the most affordable.  Our new offices are located at 2680 Bishop Drive, suite 250, in San Ramon.  Click here to see a map: NLC OFFICE MAP.  These offices not only open up space in Alamo, they dramatically improve our working space and environment for our staff (who have worked in sub-par/over-crowded space for years).  I like when revised solutions give more than the original plan intended!

2)  Remodeling of the old office space is two-thirds complete.  Click on the diagram below for a larger image:

All “Next Step” monies (past, current, and future) are dedicated to pay for this project.

In addition to “Next Step” we will also need to under-take resurfacing the parking lot before it deteriorates to a major problem and updating our women’s restroom.

Thank you to all who have made pledges and contributions.  We are more affective because of it!

Blessings,

PS … You can now manage and track your NEXT STEP pledge online.  Check it out:

Tags: Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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My how things can change…

Please read  the attachment PDF for an update(Next Step Update (March 2009)

Be encouraged and enjoy the journey!

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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We are finishing our work with the county and making our final alterations to the exact interior design of our modular space.  We are striving to make the best functional and economical  use of the space.  We anticipate having and occupying the space by Easter 2009.

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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Just a fun milestone to share with you …we broke1,000 on a regular (non-holiday) weekend!

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Weekend Series (past series) by Doug
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We have received our “Use Permit!”  This allows us to move ahead with the project.

I thought you would also want to know that, in light of current economic changes (since we first undertook the project), we have reviewed our need and plan for this building.  After more prayer and thorough review, we have again confirmed not only our need of the space, but we have confirmed that this plan is still our best economic means to add space.

We should be able to order the structure before the end of the year and have it functional by Easter 2009.

We also reviewed this plan in light of of our commitment to starting an extension location (in San Ramon) for our weekend services.  Since the San Ramon mission is about reaching new people (not simply shifting existing people from Alamo to San Ramon) our multi-site plan in no way changes our need for extra space in Alamo.

Tags: Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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Our county meeting went well.  Our “Next Step” project has been approved, pending a 10 day waiting period to give opportunity for people to appeal this.  I am not sure what appeal process involves, should that happen, or how long it would take.  But either way, it looks favorable.

With a record number of kids this past weekend, we desperately need the extra space.

Again, the plan is to move administrative and adult classes and groups out to the new space, and reallocate those vacated spaces inside the building to kids and teens.

Continue to pray all goes smoothly.  Thanks!

Tags: Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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We have a date on the county calendar regarding our “Use Permit” to add modular facility space to our property.  Please pray that we will receive unconditional approval.

We are on their agenda Monday, November 3rd.  If you are able to attend the meeting, to show your support, we’d love to have you.  Details below:

651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA — the McBrien Admin Bld.  Room 107

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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There’s a saying that says, “You get what you expect.”  Perhaps that’s no truer than in the area of faith.  Jesus said it this way, “According to your faith will it be done to you!” (Matthew 9:29).  You get what you expect.  You get what your faith expects. 

What if your faith doesn’t expect much?  What if its weak or small or virtually non-existent?  What can you do to grow it? That’s the basis for this new series, called “FACING unCERTAINty”.  We are going to discover “Miracle Grow” for our faith.  We’re going to see our faith grow so that we’ll be able to face any and every “giant of uncertainty”. 

So let me encourage you to COME EXPECTING

- expecting God to use the next 6 weeks to do something special in your life. 

Here’s what I’m expecting.  Here’s what I see as I have been preparing for this series: 

1.      I see people accepting Christ every week in our kids, teens, and adult services and programs.

2.      I see people coming early to not only get the front seats, but to not miss a single moment of our services, where we are ramping up our desire for INTIMACY with Christ.

3.      I see even more people than usual inviting people they have been investing in.

4.      I see relational, emotional, and physical healings

5.      I see people “prospering with purpose” [ie: people getting jobs, promotions, bonuses and blessings - because of their increased desire to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.  He prospers them for a purpose!].

6.      I see us launching dozen and dozens of new LIFE TEAMS (serving teams) and new LIFE GROUPS (relationship and growth groups) as more and more people hunger for greater levels of Biblical COMMUNITY.

7.      I see all kinds of people finding acceptance, healing and victory through our Celebrate Recovery ministry

8.      I see our commitment to “INFLUENCE” not only cause us to break the 1,000 barrier, but soon to break 1200, just to make it clear that God is doing something special rather than us riding our own wave of momentum.

9.      I see a spiritual awaking in this valley as spiritual sleepiness is unable to resist the prevailing work of God through his Church

10.  And I see the men of our church spiritually “man-up” as more and more of them refuse to be spiritually passive, and instead learn what servant-leadership looks like in their homes, church, and places of business. 

Don’t just read about “IT”.  Come see “IT”.  Come expect “IT”. 

Come be a part of “IT”

Tags: New Life Church - INFO by Doug
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    If you know me, I am not one who spends time trying to hype things up or to even attach spiritual significance to ordinary events. However, every so often, I feel that special invisible “IT” in the air.

The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit like a “wind” that blows. It speaks about the “favor of God” in a similar fashion. So I don’t know whether to call “IT” the Holy Spirit’s presence or simply the “winds” of expectation when God is up to something. Whatever “IT” is, I can tell you this: there are times when “IT” is more evident than other times. And right now, more people than just me are feeling “IT”.

That being said, let me share a couple exciting things:

 * I just signed 53 water baptism certificates! Let me say that again – 53. 53 people who all have stories of God changing their lives! So I can tell you this from past experience, this weekend “IT” will be felt, as you hear some of their stores and see all of them make a public demonstration of their faith. This group will be in all three services, and “IT” will be powerful! Then, Sunday afternoon at 4 PM, we will hold the actual baptisms. Come for one of the 3 services, then (if possible) make plans to come back at 4 PM.

* Another very cool thing, I am humbled to share, is the generous response to our financial year-end. Every day this week, response cards have come into our office. I expect many many more this weekend. Some have asked for our prayers, and we are committed to standing with them. Many are catching up with their giving, having been gone some this summer. And a number are joining me in doing something extra. Whatever the response is, “IT” is showing up. You can feel “IT” when a church community rallies together and trusts God in tangible ways. Again, I am grateful and humbled by this church community!

* Finally, (at least as far as this email goes) “IT” is also showing up Thursday nights in Celebrate Recovery, where the stories of healing and victory are simply amazing. You hear about “IT” coming out of our LIFE GROUPS, as people have sent us emails about connection, growth, and answered prayer! “IT” is here on Wednesday nights, where around 100 teenagers gather for worship and their own Life Group experience. All different kinds are Ministry Teams are buzzing with “IT” as well. And all this over summer! Just wait until we roll into Fall. You are going to have to come early to get a good seat – and you will be thankful to do so. “IT” is something you don’t want to miss. “IT” brings blessings, meets needs, and produces impact beyond what we can manufacture on our own. When “IT” is there, you are more than willing to put up with a few inconveniences.

I believe God is inviting our church to be part of something special. Join me in not only anticipating “IT” but fanning the flames with your expectation, passion, and a “whatever it takes” attitude.

A new level of INTIMACY, COMMUNITY and INFLUENCE is in sight. Let’s move enthusiastically towards “IT”!

Tags: New Life Church - INFO by Doug
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