June 2013 | Quarterly Issue | SMall Groups & The Power of Grace

Hilarious should be Leonard “Lenny” Levenberg’s middle name. “I’m nobody important. I’m just a regular little pisher from New York.”

So how does a Jewish pisher from New York become a self-proclaimed schlepper for Jesus?

It started with an invitation from Blair Massey to one of the Needle’s Eye Speaker Series luncheons where Lenny felt like he was home. “I liked the format; it was akin to an AA speaker meeting that I had been going to for years.”

After attending a few times, he remembers Gordon Prior asking him to join a Second Half small group that was studying The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges.

Lenny admits that he was initially interested because he wanted a scholarly study to continue on the path to be a better person. “The men in my group were friendly, kind, and pretty knowledgable of God and the Bible, but were careful

not to bombard me with Jesus. In fact, they shared how grateful they were to Judaism for what it gave them in forming Christianity. My guard came down, and I was able to hear what they were saying.”

John Karsten, co-leader of the Second Half small group, recalls when Lenny joined the group. “I remember him saying that he knew a lot of stuff on his side of the Bible and wanted to find out about the stuff on our side.” He adds, “Lenny had more underlines in his book than anyone else, and he took to the study like a duck to water.”

Lenny remembers clearly, “As we went through the chapters, I saw more and more how [the Second Half group members] were acting and that what we were studying was righteous. It occurred to me that perhaps they were right about Jesus being the Messiah.”

It was then the transformation occurred: “I was finally able to surrender and accept Jesus. My group celebrated the

A SCHLEPPER FOR JESUS: THE STORY OF A "COMPLETED JEW"

day I became what they called a ‘completed Jew.’ It was important that I not abandon my birthright, and I was relieved to know I could have the best of both worlds.”

“Love will do an awful lot more than Bible-thumping,” says John. “We loved and befriended him gently - and mainly just listened. God was the one doing the work.”

One of the hardest things for Lenny to accept, however, was the concept of grace versus good works. It’s been a process: “I came to the group to become a better doer of good works - because that’s my job on earth, as a Jew, to continually do good in God’s name and thereby earn my place in heaven.”

Lenny is an admitted work in progress. “When I finally get to see Jesus face to face, I’m gonna say, ‘Hey Jesus! I’m one a'ya boys!’ In the meantime, I want to serve Him out of gratitude… I can’t help it - I want to be a mensch for Jesus! If God could be this patient with me, how can I not show my gratitude by showing it to others?”

NEEDLE’S EYE NEWS

YIDDISH GLOSSARYSchlepper: Someone or something that is slow, tedious, or awkward; to carry or drag with difficulty; small but can be meaningful at times, like a pawn in a chess game.Pisher: A little squirt, a nobody.Mensch: A virtuous person; one with integrity, loyalty, firmness of purpose; one to be respected; gentleman.

Lenny Levenberg (center) and John Karsten (far right) with their Second Half group.

“Am I good enough?”

Raised with the belief that good works are the ticket to heaven, Tony Wilson frequently wrestled with this question. He began looking for purpose in life and contemplated joining the ministry, but instead, landed in a Needle’s Eye small group led by Buddy Childress. “There, I learned that a relationship with God and the path to heaven is through Jesus’ saving grace, not good deeds. My life changed,” says Tony.

Several years later, Tony found himself without work and in a difficult job transition. He attended the Career Transition Group (CTG) at Needle’s Eye and benefited from the spiritual and emotional support he received. At the same time, he read Charles Stanley’s Advancing Through Adversity.

“I learned to stop asking ‘Why me?’ and instead I started asking ‘Why this? What does God want to teach me through this experience?’” shares Tony. He decided to trust that God would bring him a job and committed himself to serving God in return for His help. He began volunteering at his church and at a retirement community. A short time later, he received an ideal job offer from Averett University.

Settled in his new position, Tony thought about how many people could benefit from Charles Stanley’s book. He bought 50 copies to donate to the CTGs, and he soon found himself helping to lead a CTG and coaching others to trust God through job transitions.

“I remind people that, despite your circumstances, there is a God, and He is in control. Everything happens for a reason and has a purpose. Needle’s Eye helps you to understand that,” Tony explains.

His small group eventually dissolved, and he stepped away from CTG to recover from shoulder surgery. He missed com-munity, though, and contacted the Needle’s Eye small group director, Lisa Rattner, to ask about joining another small group. Her response: “You should lead one!”

Now co-leading a small group in the West End, Tony enjoys and continues to give back. “Every morning, I wake up and say ‘Lord, thank you for your many blessings. How can I serve You today?’”

GREETINGS FROM BUDDY CHILDRESS

Welcome to our June newsletter! As you will see, this edition is all about transformation and grace: transformation because the power of Christ's spirit is the only source of true change, and grace because He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.

So, take a few minutes to read these wonderful stories of Jesus' love for us and how He uses small groups and people as his conduits of grace.

Yours in Christ, Buddy Childress Executive Director

Romans 12:1-2

Are you interested in starting your own small group? Contact Lisa Rattner at lrattner@needleseye.org.

FROM GOOD ENOUGH TO GRACEA Journey to Faith and Serving

Photo Credit: Dan Hoffmeyer/Times-Dispatch

Tony Wilson (right) laughs with his small group which meets on Thursday mornings at IPC Technologies.

“I learned to stop asking ‘Why me?’ and instead I started asking ‘Why this? What does God want to teach me through this experience?’” - Tony Wilson

Cathy Stemple, a certified public accountant and Senior Manager at Biegler & Associates, values being in community with other business profes-sionals like herself, who wrestle with applying faith to issues both in their work and personal lives. Cathy found that com-munity at Needle’s Eye, and through 12 years of consistent involvement in small groups and the Thursday Night Women’s Bible Study, she developed a hunger for understanding God’s Word. Weekly, she enjoys sharing and hearing stories of how God is using the individuals in her small group to make an impact.

Cathy chooses to generously support Needle’s Eye, and when asked why, she reflected on her current Thursday 7 AM co-ed small group and earnestly shared, “Providing a place for people to study and wrestle with God’s Word is so important! Needle’s Eye has equipped me to use Bibli-cal wisdom and principles in my workplace and reflect that to my clients, coworkers, and those I encounter every day.”

Needle’s Eye has seen exciting and exponential growth in the past year! A forward thinking group of men and women, impacted by Needle’s Eye, saw the needs of the exploding Young Professionals Ministry, the demand for more and creative discipleship opportunities, and the neces-sity of updated technology (website, online resources, and effective social media) and responded by creating the Matching Gift Challenge!

This fund of $25,000 encourages and inspires support for Needle’s Eye by matching, dollar for dollar, all first-time and increased gifts made by June 30. See details below for how you can double the impact of your gift!

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?GOAL: $518,720 by June 30, 2013

AS OF MAY 17: $397,378 (given by 396 individual donors)

HOW TO GIVE

SEND A CHECK You may use the enclosed envelope for your gifts and/or prayer requests! Please make all checks out to “Needle’s Eye Ministries.”

ONLINE Visit www.needleseye.org and click on the link to the left marked Support NEM.

SQUARE Needle's Eye has begun using Square! Download the free Square Wallet app on your iPhone, Android or iPad. Follow the steps and search for "Needle's Eye Ministries" to make your gift.

PHONE Need to call in your payment? Contact Beth Karrer, our receptionist, at 804.358.1283, and she can process your credit card gift over the phone.

QUESTIONS?For more information about making a gift to Needle’s Eye, please contact Elizabeth Massie, Director of Annual Giving, at 804.358.1283 or emassie@needleseye.org.

NEEDLE'S EYE MINISTRIES ANNUAL FUND 2013

What: MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGEFirst-time and increased gifts will be doubled! For example: -A first-time gift of $50 will be matched by an additional $50. -An increased gift of $100 over last year's $250 gift will be matched by an additional $100.

When: Now through June 30, 2013How: Take the Challenge! Give online at www.needleseye.org. Or use the enclosed envelope!

SMALL GROUPS -- BIG IMPACT

WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT ABOUT SMALL GROUPS?

In a small group, you’ll discover that you’re not alone.God never meant for any of us to go through this Christian life alone. We really do need each other. Needle’s Eye provides Christian community through small groups around the city.

Want to get plugged in? Check out www.needleseye.org/small-groups. For more information or questions, contact Lisa Rattner, Director of Small Group Ministry at lrattner@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283.

WHEN OTHERS SEE THE CHANGE WITHIN YOUAs a captain with Henrico County Police responsible for homeland security and the S.W.A.T. team, Chris Alberta is no stranger to diverse, and often stressful, situations. Coming to faith in the last year and joining a Needle’s Eye small group has been new and challenging, but Chris has tackled it head-on.

“In our small group, we can expand as men. We all have the same issues and are working towards the same goal. We’re looking for peace and how to grow into better husbands, fathers, friends, and coworkers,” Chris explains.

After drifting away from his Catholic upbringing over the years, he realized that he desperately needed a change and called on his long friendship with Doug Middleton, his former beat partner, now chief of police. Doug introduced Chris to Needle’s Eye through a Speaker Series luncheon, where he filled out a response card and later met with Buddy. Buddy gave Chris guidance and prayed with him, leading him to faith in Jesus. Shortly after that, Chris joined a men’s small group.

“I don’t see much of a change in me, but the people around me do, and that encourages me to continue moving forward. I use to be wired and volatile, overpowering people to get my point across. But my small group helps to cut the edges off my corners. I’m not so regimented anymore,” says Chris.

When he teaches a leadership class for corporals, he begins with verses from the book of Matthew. “That surprises them,” he laughs. “They don’t expect that from me, but allowing people to know who you are opens doors. I share my faith by telling others what’s good for me and what’s worked for me.”

He encourages people who are thinking about joining a community or a small group, “Take the risk. Come open and ready to talk. Persevere and don’t give up. If you feel like it’s not for you, it probably is.”

UPCOMING SMALL GROUPS, EVENTS & MORE

WOMEN'S THURSDAY NIGHT STUDYwww.needleseye.org/get-connected/womens-ministries Meet and connect with other women who are seeking to grow spiritually. In this summer study, find the God-given strength to face your fears and do what God is calling you to do, instead of hiding from your weaknesses.What: Gideon: Your weakness, God's strength by Priscilla ShirerWhen: Thursdays, June 20 - August 8 (skipping July 4), 5:45-7:45 PMWhere: Needle's Eye Office 104 Berrington Ct.

Cost: $15

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LIFE GROUPS (20s/30s)www.needleseye.org/young- professionals-ministry A group where friendship, food, and faith intersect.What: Ephesians: Building a Community in Christ by John Stott When: Tuesdays, 7-9 PM Where: 8423 Yolanda Rd. When: Thursdays, 7-9 PM Where: 11221 Eastborough Ct.

A NIGHT WITH MARK BATTERSON - SAVE THE DATE! www.needleseye.org/get-connected/special-events-workshops/Mark Batterson, best-selling author and lead pastor at National Community Church in Washington, DC, is coming to RVA! Don't miss this night to dialogue with Mark and discuss ways to reach emerging generations. More info to come in the September newsletter.When: Wednesday, Oct. 23