New Life Church of Yorkville: About Us

Essentials

Mission

“Our mission is to awaken the spiritually disengaged to a vibrant life journey with Jesus Christ and others.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, New Life Church is committed to continue the work of Christ in the world. Jesus desires a vibrant spiritual relationship with everyone. A spiritual awakening occurs with an introduction to Jesus that launches an individual on a life enriching spiritual journey. To begin a relationship with Jesus is not the end result. New Life Church assists those who are spiritually engaged to move toward a deeper relationship with Jesus and to become prepared for eternity. As one moves toward Jesus, obedience to His commands and a transformation in the direction of His character will occur. Service to the body of Christ and acts of compassion to the community will result as one discovers their God given giftedness and the joy of serving others.

Values

"We engage in worship and teaching that is relevant and results in life change."

"We value excellence that honors God and inspires people."

"We invest in kids and students because they matter to God."

"We develop genuine and authentic relationships that connect people to Jesus and encourage spiritual growth."

Beliefs

Our beliefs are centered in Christ and His message, found and supported in Scripture. Biblical theology is the backbone of our beliefs and practices. Scripture is our final authority. When the Scripture is silent, each believer should earnestly seek to be led by God, to whom he or she is ultimately responsible. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

The Bible

The basis of our belief is in the 66 books of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. We believe that all Scripture originated from God and that it was revealed to individuals chosen specifically for that purpose. Scripture speaks with the authority of God, while reflecting the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors. We hold that the Scriptures are a unique, full, and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:89, 105, 160; Proverbs 30:5).

God

God exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each possessing all the attributes and personality of deity. In the beginning God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, created the world and everything in it. He continues to sustain His creation while fulfilling His redemptive purpose. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3: 22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the second Person in the Trinity. After His miraculous conception and birth, He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father. Jesus voluntarily paid the price for the sins of all humans by dying on the Cross as our substitute. After His physical death, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father as the only intercessor between God and mankind. Jesus promised to return to earth, personally and visibly, to fulfil history and the eternal plan of God. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-13; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16).

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make humans aware of their need for Jesus. He enters our lives at the moment of salvation. He provides power for living a Christ-like lifestyle and understanding of spiritual truths. He grants spiritual gifts to all believers for growth and service. (1 Corinthians 3:16; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18).

People

People are made in the spiritual image of God and are the supreme object of His creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are flawed by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Sin separates people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23).

Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to all humans who receive Jesus as Savior. Disobedience to God cannot be corrected by self-improvement or good works. Only by accepting God’s free offer of forgiveness in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, can man receive Salvation. Salvation is received as a person repents before God for their sins and believes in the fact that Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection (supernatural restoration to life) brings forgiveness for his sin. Eternal life begins at the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 5:1, Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26).

Human Destiny

When we die, believers will be received into eternal communion with God. Having rejected God, unbelievers will suffer separation from God’s presence. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21 and 22).

The Body of Christ (The Church)

Through union with Jesus Christ, all believers become members of His body, the one true Church. The Scripture commands believers to gather for worship, prayer, fellowship and the teaching of the Word; to observe Baptism and Communion as established by Jesus Christ; to offer service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts; and to engage in outreach to the world. The local expression of the church is found wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to His command. New Life Church is led by pastors, board members, and other supportive leaders who work together to glorify Christ. (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Hebrews 10:25).

Staff

JON LAWSON

LEAD PASTOR

jlawson@nlcyorkville.org

Jon has served as the lead pastor at New Life Church for the last six years. Prior to that, he served New Life Church as interim and executive pastor. Patrice, Jon’s wife, is a music teacher at Bristol Bay Elementary School in Yorkville, IL. Jon and Patrice previously lived in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Jon strives to make biblical teaching practical and relevant to a modern hearer. Jon graduated from Evangel University and received his doctorate from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Jon enjoys date nights with Patrice, time with Olivia and David, his two adult children, hiking, golfing, biking, and music. His favorites include German food, “Elf" the movie, and “American Ninja Warriors” the TV series.

BRENDON RAMSEIER

FAMILY LIFE PASTOR

bramseier@nlcyorkville.org

Pastor Brendon (aka Pastor B) started in kids ministry as a volunteer in 1993 at his church in St. Joseph, MO and has been honored to be involved in the foundational years of kids' lives as a children’s pastor since 1997. As Family Life Pastor, Brendon oversees ages birth - 12th grade. His desire is to see kids, students, and families grow closer to God and each other as they see God at work in their daily lives. Brendon, his wife Lora, and their two girls, Mackenzie and Morgan, joined the NLC staff in December 2008. They currently reside in Oswego.

RYAN CHATMAN

STUDENT MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

rchatman@nlcyorkville.org

Ryan joined the pastoral staff at New Life Church in December 2017. He was born and raised in Yorkville, and he is a physical education teacher at Yorkville High School. Ryan is passionate about guiding teens on their spiritual journey with Jesus, and he is excited for the opportunity to mentor the students in grades 7 - 12 of New Life Church. He currently lives in Plano with his wife, Jamie, and their two sons, Sidney and Oliver.

LINDA KELLOGG

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

lkellogg@nlcyorkville.org

Linda joined the Support Staff at New Life Church in October of 2011. She served as an Administrative Assistant to the Family Life Pastor and the Student Ministries Pastor until the Fall of 2015 when she graduated to the Administrative Assistant to the Lead Pastor and Worship Arts Pastor. She desires to support the Pastors and members of New Life Church in a godly and timely manner; “to be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs… Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15. She was born, raised, and currently resides in Yorkville with her husband, Jon, a Lieutenant with the Bristol-Kendall Fire Department. They have three adult kids and two grandpuppies. She enjoys reading, Pinterest projects, and tagging along on motorcycle rides with her husband on his Harley.

MARIJO KING

EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR

mking@nlcyorkville.org

Marijo joined the staff at New Life Church in January of 2017. She is a graduate of Yorkville High School and received her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University. With her love of children and Jesus, she sees her role as Early Childhood Director at New Life as one of her biggest blessings. Marijo and her husband, Rory, live in Lake Holiday along with their five children and three dogs.

RACHEL MILLER

GRAPHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

rmiller@nlcyorkville.org

Rachel has attended New Life since 2012 and joined the NLC staff in August of 2015. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with an Art degree focused in Graphic Design. Besides designing the graphics for NLC, she is also the administrative assistant to the Family Life Pastor and Student Ministries Director. She loves being able to use her creative talent to outreach to those who attend New Life and others in the community to further God's Kingdom. Rachel has lived in Yorkville for over 25 years and currently lives there with her husband, Tim, their two children, Remington and Autumn, and their dog, Rowdy. Rachel enjoys camping, watching LOST, and listening to movie soundtracks.

DEB PRIEBE

DAY CAMP DIRECTOR

dpriebe@nlcyorkville.org

Deb is the director of New Life Church’s Day Camp that takes place every summer. Each year she coordinates over 250 kids and over 100 volunteers for a week of learning about the love of Jesus. Deb, her husband, Scott, and son, Cameron, have been attending New Life Church since 2007. When she is not organizing all things Day Camp, she is a substitute high school teacher. She also loves gardening, reading, decorating, and entertaining.

CHRISTIE RETTER

FELLOWSHIP ONE ADMIN/BOOKKEEPER

cretter@nlcyorkville.org

Christie attended New Life Church as a young adult and returned in 2008 when she moved back to the area with her husband, Tom, and their four children, now all adults. On the road to becoming an empty nester, she enjoys traveling to see friends and family from coast to coast and scrapbooking those adventures. She really likes coffee, reading, and snuggling with her kitty, pretty much all at the same time. You’ll find her serving as a leader in Student Life Ministries on Wednesday nights, and she loves filling in wherever needed on Sundays. Christie has been on staff since 2013 and loves serving her New Life Church Family!

Faith Journey

Jesus is the center of our faith community . Accepting Jesus for who He is and believing that to be true is the first step as your walk as a Christian. Here’s the path:

Our Condition
Recognize that you, like all of us, are sinners, and sin means missing the mark. Whether it is a little lie at work, an angry outburst at your spouse, or running a red light, it still is sin. The Bible states it simply, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Our Problem
Understand that sin separates us from God. Because He is God, His standard is perfection. Anything less than perfection cannot be part of Him. The Bible again describes it, "But your iniquities (sins) have separated you from your God… " (Isaiah 59:2).
The Solution
Jesus Christ, who was God in the form of a man, died on a cross about 2000 years ago to pay the penalty you owe because of your sin. Jesus wiped the slate clean. He offers His forgiveness for ALL of your sins: past, present and future. And Jesus restores our relationship with God. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not parish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Your Action
Believe Jesus Christ is who the Bible says He is and accept the free gift (eternal life) Jesus is offering to you right now. A gift is not a gift until it is unwrapped and received. The Bible provides simple guidance to do this: "…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness and with the mouth he confesses resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

You can pray through these four items. Your prayer may go like this, and you can use this as a guide:

God, I confess I am a sinner. I have sinned against You and that sin has separated me from You. I believe that Jesus Christ is God and came to earth as a man to die on a cross to pay the penalty/fine for my sins. I believe Jesus rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Lord, forgive me. Lord, save me. Amen.
Visit or Call Us
If you just prayed that prayer and would like to talk or learn more, please call 630-553-0200 or stop by New Life Church at 3205 Cannonball Trail in Yorkville, Illinois.

We would love to help you in your spiritual journey.

Time	Worship Opportunities	Location
9:00am	Morning Worship Nursery (6 weeks - 24 months) The Sandbox (2 years) Preschool (3 - 4 years) Kindergarten Connection (5 years - K) Life Kids (1st - 6th grades)	Auditorium Nursery The Sandbox Room 2 Room 1 Kids Auditorium
10:30am	Morning Worship Nursery (6 weeks - 24 months) The Sandbox (2 years) Preschool (3 - 4 years) Kindergarten Connection (5 years - K) Life Kids (1st – 6th grades) Special Needs	Auditorium Nursery The Sandbox Room 2 Room 1 Kids Auditorium Room 3

Time	Group	Location
7:00pm	Tree House Buds (3 - K) Tree House Clubs (1st – 3rd grades) 456 (4th – 6th grades) Student Life (7th – 12th grades)	The Sandbox Room 2 Kids Auditorium Auditorium

Who we are