🌟 AN EVER-CHANGING GOD🌟

The Jerusalem Council

What happens when the church faces a question that could divide it forever? In Acts 15, the early believers gathered for the Jerusalem Council in year 50 to decide who really belonged in the community of faith. Would they hold fast to old requirements—or open the door to something new?

In this video, I explore how the Jerusalem Council embodied the kind of Holy C-H-A-N-G-E we still need today. They chose to confront a hard truth, heralded a message of inclusion, and nurtured relationships even in disagreement. Ultimately, they allowed God’s grace to grow wider than their own traditions, and they enacted change that transformed the church.

Dear Beloved Community,

When Negativity Knocks

As part of our revised 2025 budget, the congregation approved a budget for advertising on social media. I've developed some videos and posted them to our page and promoted them to people in our area. Already, we've had an influx of comments—some supportive, but many negative. They range from dismissive to downright hostile. While it’s never pleasant to be on the receiving end of such words, I want you to know this: their negativity is not a reflection of us, but of the fear that arises when people encounter a message that challenges old boundaries.

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). Opposition was part of his ministry, and it will be part of ours. When we proclaim that God’s love includes LGBTQ+ people fully and joyfully, we should not be surprised when resistance comes. But the presence of that resistance actually confirms the importance of our work.

At New Day, we refuse to let bitterness have the last word. Instead, we choose to respond with the very values that define us: welcome, affirmation, and compassion. Every time someone writes a cruel comment, we remember that there are people reading quietly in the background—maybe a closeted teenager, maybe a parent searching for hope—who need to see that our faith is stronger than the hate.

So, let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep proclaiming that God’s grace is wide, that love is stronger than fear, and that no amount of online negativity can drown out the good news we carry together.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

New Day continues its mission to become a "church beyond the walls" with a broad range of activities to build community and several ways to grow in your faith and spirituality over the rest of this month.

*Note the location for each event.

Upcoming New Day Events

Bible Study: Sunday, September 21, 2025.10:30 a.m. at Other Lands. Led by Natalie Buck and Hillary Taylor.
Monthly Service Project: Friday, September 26, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Star Party at Generations Group Home. Please sign up below.
Additional Opportunity to Service: Sunday, September 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Project Host. Please sign up with Pastor Brian.
Restorative Yoga: Saturday, October 4. 2025. 11am - 12pm. See flyer with signup information below.

*STAR PARTY* Generations Group Home - Friday, September 26, 2025

Volunteer

Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. Each week, the boys at Generations Group Home are eligible for a weekly "Star Party" if they don't get any demerits for that week. As part of our mission to serve our community, we will be hosting a few of these parties in 2025. Join us for a fun evening where we will serve food and play games. Those who volunteered at the December party had a blast! Generations Group Home is located at 810 Dunklin Bridge Rd, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.

Volunteer to help with party

If you'd like to add anything for next weeks' community prayer, please contact Pastor Brian at pastor@newdayccc.com.

Prayers for Myrna as she continues medical followup following some unusual blood work.
Prayers for Andrea and pain management.
Prayers for Jason who struggles with depression and anxiety. Prayers for his hoped-for move back to California.
Prayers for Joe's niece Serena who has a terminal illness.
Prayers for those who are struggling with physical, mental, and economic challenges.
Prayers for those who have suffered trauma and those who suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Prayers for those suffering the effects of war.
Prayers for our nation as we face local, national, and global challenges.
Prayers for those of us who are suffering from the blistering attack on our community by the current administration.
Prayers for Pastor Brian, Scott, Myrna, Brooke, Beth, Jamie, Travis and others who have unspoken requests this week.

Please support the work of the church

by donating your time, talent, and tithe.

As we embrace new opportunities in 2025, your support is more vital than ever. Your generosity fuels our mission to serve the LGBTQ community, provide a welcoming space for worship, and grow into all God calls us to be. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue creating a space of love, connection, and hope. Thank you for being part of this journey—your contributions truly make a difference.

8/1/25-9/11/25

Tithe Income: $3,475

Interest Earned: $1,000(est)

Expenses: $4,312

Net Gain: $163

Click the link below to give through our Flocknote portal or donate through Zelle to treasurer@newdayccc.com.

Give to General Fund

Petition to Say No! to

ICE Detention Center in SC

As Christians, we are called to love the foreigners within our midst. Yet, anti-immigrant politicians want to build a version of Florida's disastrous Alligator Alcatraz facility here in South Carolina. The hastily built immigrant detention camp in the Florida Everglades is a disaster for constitutional freedoms and human rights. Within weeks after the facility opened in July 2025, legal observers described people with no criminal convictions being held in sweltering hot cages with unsanitary food, limited access to water, and lights that stay on day and night. Lawyers attempting to reach their clients inside this facility have described it as a “black hole” where the government tries to make people disappear.

The United States Constitution guarantees due process, and it protects people against cruel and unusual punishment. History will not look kindly on anyone who participates in the cruelty being doled out by ICE and the state of Florida, let alone anyone who tries to replicate it in another state. South Carolinians pride ourselves on hospitality, and we are holding our leaders to that higher standard.

Please consider signing the petition to say no to any proposal for an ICE detention facility in South Carolina.

Sign the Petition - Say No to ICE Detention Center in SC

New Day Christian Community Church
MEETING LOCATION - OTHER LANDS

731 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609

New Day Christian Community Church exists to provide a diverse, open, and affirming Christian community to all who desire a discipleship walk with Jesus Christ by offering challenging worship experiences, mission-based service opportunities, and Biblical learning so that we are empowered to reach out to others, introduce them to the love and strength of the beloved community, and invite them to join the faith journey of discipleship.