Northland News Vol 10/Iss 50 by Northland Church

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED

| www.northlandchurch.net

Where the understanding is outraged, where human nature rebels, where our piety keeps a nervous distance: there, precisely there, God loves to be; there he baffles the wisdom of the wise; there he vexes our nature, our religious instincts. There he wants to be, and no one can prevent him.

DECEMBER 12 - 19, 2009

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 50

Only the humble believe him and rejoice that God is so free and grand, that he works wonders where man loses heart, that he makes splendid what is slight and lowly. Indeed, this is the wonder of wonders, that God loves the lowly. “God has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.” God in lowliness – that is the revolutionary, the passionate word of Advent.

Where God Wants to Be, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

What’s Happening This Week? LONGWOOD SITE Saturday, December 12

4:00 pm 4:45 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm

Prayer Meeting Growing Kids Gods Way Worship (cc) Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5 LUGRox

SUNday, decEMBER 13

7:30 am 8:45 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 10:45 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 2:30 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm

Prayer Meeting (cc) Financial Peace University (cc) Worship (cc)* (hi) Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5 Stepfamilies Class Crown Class (cc) Philippians (cc) Transformers Study (cc) Worship (cc)* Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5 Special Needs Class Answers to Prayer Class (cc) Infant Baptisms Alpha Class Worship (cc) Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5 O2 High School Ministry MOMS4MOMS Fusion College Ministry

Monday, decEMBER 14

9:00 am 9:45 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm

MOMS4MOMS Beth Moore Bible Study Near Him Home Educators Lose it for Life Worship (cc) Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5 Life on Hold Women’s Group Common Ground Young Adult Ministry Grief Share Step Forward Ministry Faithful and True Men’s Group

TUESday, December 15

2:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm

Near Him Home Educators Brazil Info Meeting AMEN Crown Class Financial Peace University Divorce Care Conquering Fear, Anger, Anxiety

WEDNEsday, December 16

12:30 pm Helping Hearts 6:30 pm Doulos 7:00 pm Women’s Healing and Recovery

THURsday, December 17

6:30 am 6:30 am 6:30 am 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Men’s Bible Study Men’s Praise and Prayer Women’s Prayer Access Parent Support Group Sacred Rhythms Connection Group His Way Blanket Ministry

Friday, December 18

5:00 pm 9:00 pm

Celebrate Recovery LUGRox Lock-In

Saturday, December 19

4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

Prayer Meeting Worship (cc) Infant/Walker – K’s Grades 1–5

*Concurrent worship with other sites (cc) Child care provided (hi) Hearing-impaired interpretation (ECW) Early Childhood Wing

MOUNT DORA SITE Prayer Room 4209-10 Sanctuary ECW CWW The Rink/SMCC

Prayer Room 1116-18/SMCC Sanctuary ECW CWW 4210 4205 4213-15 F.Hall/SMCC Sanctuary ECW CWW CWW 4204 Sanctuary 4206-7 Sanctuary ECW CWW The Rink/SMCC F.Hall/SMCC The Rink/SMCC

F.Hall/SMCC 4206-7 1116-18/SMCC 4209-10 Sanctuary ECW CWW 4217 The Rink/SMCC 4204-4208 4213-15 F.Hall/SMCC

SUNday, decEMBER 13

9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 4:30 pm 6:00 pm

F.Hall/SMCC The Rink/SMCC 1111/SMCC

6:30 am 7:00 pm

CWW The Rink/SMCC

Prayer Room Sanctuary ECW CWW

Men’s Bible Fellowship Celebrate Recovery (cc)

Rooms 2-3 Calvary Chapel

WEDNEsday, December 16 6:30 pm 7:00 pm

CREW352 Women’s Bible Study

Friday, December 18 7:00 pm

Mount Dora Home Group

Sanctuary Rooms 2-3

Various locations

SUNday, decEMBER 13

9:00 am Worship (cc)* 9:00 am Infants 9:00 am Classes for 2’s - 3’s 9:00 am Classes for 4’s - K’s 9:00 am Grade School 11:00 am Worship (cc)* 11:00 am Infants 11:00 am Classes for 2’s - 3’s 11:00 am Classes for 4’s - K’s 11:00 am Grade School 11:00 am AXIS: Middle School Ministry 5:00 pm AXIS: Christmas Party (Student Ministries) 6:00 pm Building Your Marriage (Couples)

Monday, decEMBER 14

Experiencing God (Women)

Men’s Fraternity Groups (Men) Building Your Marriage (Couples)

Thursday, December 17 7:30 pm

The Holy Spirit Bible Study

Friday, December 18 9:30 am

What’s So Amazing About Grace (Women)

Saturday, December 19

Auditorium 9-109 9-107 9-105 8-107 Auditorium 9-109 9-107 9-105 8-107 Hallway Brown home Cluxton home

Harrington home

TUESday, December 15 6:30 am 6:30 pm

The Quest for Authentic Manhood (Men)

NOCC Welday home

Welday home

NOCC

WEST OAKS SITE SUNday, decEMBER 13 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 10:30 am

Worship (cc)* Infant Care Crawler Care Class for 2’s – 3’s Class for 4’s – 5’s Class for K’s – 1st graders Class for 2nd – 5th graders Children’s Christmas Musical

Monday, decEMBER 14 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule NO TICKETS NECESSARY. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to service start time. All child care is listed under each site listing below. All other children will worship with their families in the site sanctuary.

Wednesday, December 23 • Longwood and online 5 and 7 p.m. Child care for those age 3 and under.

Thursday, December 24 • Longwood and online noon, 2, 4, 6* and 8 p.m. Child care for those age 3 and under. *Hearing-impaired interpretation at Longwood

• Mount Dora — 4 p.m. Child care for infants through

OVIEDO SITE

7:15 am 1118/SMCC 1104/SMCC 1116/SMCC 5106-7 4210 F.Hall/SMCC 4217

Sanctuary Room 15 Room 15 Room 1 Rooms 2-3 Youth Room Conference Room Sanctuary Room 15 Room 15 Room 1 Rooms 2-3 F.Hall Sanctuary

TUESday, December 15

7:00 pm 1116-18/SMCC 1116-18/SMCC 4206-7 1111, 1113/SMCC F.Hall/SMCC 4209-10,13-17 4204

Worship (cc)* Infants/Walkers Classes for 2 year olds Classes for 3’s - K’s Grade School Ministry CREW352 Youth Bible Study Adult Bible Fellowship Worship (cc)* Infants/Walkers Classes for 2 year olds Classes for 3’s - K’s Grade School Ministry Congregational Christmas Party The Spirit of Christmas Concert

(CWW) Children’s Worship Wing (SMCC) Student Ministries and Care Center (F.Hall) Fellowship Hall (NOCC) Northland at Oviedo Community Center

Chapel 215 215 211 213 104/F.Hall 104/F.Hall Sanctuary

One Thing (Middle and High School students) Novak home

kindergarteners.

• Oviedo — 6 and 8 p.m. Child care for nursery only. • West Oaks — 6 p.m. Child care not available.

Distributed Sites @ Home

Are you interested in starting a distributed site in your home or another setting? If so, contact Dan Lacich (407-367-9612 or dan.lacich@northlandchurch.net).

JOIN any of these worship sites:

Kissimmee/St. Cloud First and third Sundays of each month, 11 a.m. 1000 Costa Mesa Lane, Kissimmee Located in the Lago Buendia subdivision, located off I-92 and Partin Settlement Road. Details: Kristen Dusseau (407-247-6030) or Michael Dusseau (407-761-8846) New Smyrna Beach Sundays, 5:45 p.m. 528 Oliver Drive, New Smyrna Beach Join Cynthia and Richard Hines in their home for worship. Details: Cynthia and Richard Hines (386-663-4370) North Carolina Sundays, 5:30 p.m. Klaus home, 200 W. 14th St., Salisbury, NC Join Laurie and Tim Klaus in their home for worship. Details: Laurie and Tim Klaus (704-636-5966 or pianolauriek@yahoo.com)

PRAY FOR the prisoners with whom we worship concurrently: Seminole County John E. Polk Correctional Facility Sundays, 9 a.m.; Mondays, 7 p.m. Serving the men’s dorms. Details: Jail ministry voice mail (407-949-4007) Orange County 33rd Street Correctional Facility Sundays, 9 a.m., DVD Serving the women’s Christian dorm. Details: Jail ministry voice mail (407-949-4007)

ABOUT Northland

New to Northland?

Our Vision To see people coming to Christ and growing in Him as we link local and global communities for ministry and worship everywhere, every day.

Welcome! We're so glad you decided to worship with us today, and we'd love to meet you ...

Our Mission To call people to know and follow Christ and equip them to worship and serve together.

Please stop by the Welcome Center at any of our sites to connect with other newcomers, ask questions and familiarize yourself with what Northland's all about … “Bringing people to maturity in Christ.”

Our Core Values Worship, Spiritual Formation, Inter-generational Leadership, Personal Ministry and Partnership.

Again, we are so glad you came, and we invite you to become part of the Northland family! Help us get to know you by filling out the following form. Simply tear it out and drop it off at the Welcome Center or in any offering box after the worship service:

Worship Times Saturdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m. Sundays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9*, 11 a.m.**; 6 p.m. Mondays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. * Concurrent among Longwood, Mount Dora, Oviedo and West Oaks sites ** Concurrent among Longwood, Mount Dora and Oviedo sites Join us for LIVE Webstream Worship at

City__________________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip__________________________________________ Home Phone___________________________________________________ Cell Phone__________________________________________________________

Site Attended__________________________________________________ Date Attended_______________________________________________________

during any of these worship times! Children’s Church (Grades 1 – 5) Saturdays, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; and Mondays, 7 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing. Early Childhood Classes (Age 3 – Kindergarten) Saturdays, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; and Mondays, 7 p.m., Early Childhood Wing. Infant and Toddler Care (Infants – Age 2) Saturdays, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; and Mondays, 7 p.m., Early Childhood Wing. Sunday School for Children with Special Needs (Age 3 – Kindergarten) Sundays at 11 a.m., Early Childhood Wing. (Grades 1 – 5) Sundays at 11 a.m., Children’s Worship Wing.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Give the gift of serving at one or more of our Christmas services. Details: Susan Cholewa (407-937-0544 or

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What’s Happening This Week? 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcome / Coming Up 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spotlight News / Site News 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serve News 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Ministries 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The BeeHive Worship Guide for Kids 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipping News BELONG

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BELIEVE

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BECOME

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BE SENT

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEYOND

14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stewardship 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directory 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sermon Notes

NORTHLAND NEWS

Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. (Psalm 96:3, NLT) Send newspaper correspondence to: newspaper@northlandchurch.net Newspaper Staff Dede Caruso, Coordinator/Production Artist, Media Design Melissa Bogdany, Copy Editor Robert Andrescik, Director of Print and Public Relations Connie Rainwater, Director of Content Development Barbara Olsen, Director of Adult Equipping Tracy Bardwell, Multimedia Designer, Media Design Newspaper Volunteers Becky Hunter, Editor-at-Large Bob Wegner, Photographer Sarah Hall, Photographer Rick Bradshaw, Photographer Robb Richardson, Photographer

Street_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.northlandchurch.net

11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

susan.cholewa@northlandchurch.net)

Inner State 80

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER! Now through December 25, save when you buy copies for friends and family! Available at Northland’s bookstore and InnerState80.com! 1 copy = $12 2 copies = $20 3 copies = $25 All proceeds benefit Northland’s facilities.

New Online Giving Tool: Simple. Secure. Stewardship. BY TWILA ROBERTS Director of Finance

s you may have read in last week’s Northland News, the elders of the church are taking steps to reduce costs as part of an ongoing effort to be good stewards of your tithes and offerings and of God’s creation. One of the steps we’re taking together as a congregation is moving away from mailing giving statements to your home. This move will save the

church literally thousands of dollars in postage and printing costs, and will help to reduce paper usage as we care for God’s creation. Your giving records are now available via Northland’s new, secure online giving tool (the following screenshots give you a step-by-step overview of this new system). Please note, your 2009 giving statement will not be available until January 31, 2010. If you’d still prefer to receive your upcoming giving statement in the mail, contact me (407-949-7181 or twila.roberts@northlandchurch.net), and I will gladly take care of that for you. In the past, we’ve also sent offering envelopes to you in the mail. While we are still happy to provide those, we will no longer be sending them automatically. Again, this is to reduce costs and paper usage. Thank you for your faithfulness as you worship Him with your tithes and offerings! I am available if you have any questions about these changes or if you have other givingrelated questions.

STEP 4: Click on the “Contributions” tab to give your tithes and offerings via secure transaction. You can make a one-time gift, or set up recurring giving via bank draft or credit card.

STEP 1: Go to www.northlandchurch.net and click on “Tithes & Offerings” in the upper right hand corner.

news@mountdora

STEP 2: Log in using the same ID and password you use for online worship. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one.

STEP 3: Your giving dashboard gives an overview of all of your tithes and offerings. Whether you’ve given by check, online or at one of the church’s kiosks, all of your giving is shown in this secure environment.

STEP 5: Click on the “History” tab to view all transactions starting January 1, 2008. Currently, you can download your giving statement for 2008. Your 2009 giving statement will be available on January 31, 2010.

Christmas Party! Bill Chapman Northland at Mount Dora Site Minister

he Mount Adorables will gather this evening for a Christmas party! The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a congregational Christmas potluck dinner. Please bring a dish or two of your favorite holiday foods to share, and come enjoy fellowship with your Northland at Mount Dora family. After dinner, our very own CREW352 youth band will offer a Christmas concert to benefit The Carpenter’s House for Children. We’ll sing Christmas carols, and guest performers will entertain us as well. This will represent a fabulous opportunity to celebrate Jesus with your brothers and sisters in Christ! Please bring a financial donation for the continued support of the 20-member Manfredi family at The Carpenter’s House. We’ll see you there!

Page and Melanie take great care of our littlest Mount Adorables in the nursery.

Students and adults enjoy gathering for a meal.

Who: All Northland at Mount Dora family members and their friends What: Northland at Mount Dora Christmas Party When: 4:30 p.m. December 13 Where: Mount Dora fellowship hall Why: Because we love Jesus, and we love each other Child care is provided for kids up to 7 years old.

DECEMBER LOVE COLLECTION

We are collecting for Lake Care’s Food Pantry. Items needed: pasta, spaghetti sauce, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, toilet paper, canned fruit, juice, rice, dish detergent, cereal, canned meats, sponsorship for eggs, bread and milk. Details: Ann South (352-267-3388 or south4@comcast.net) or Sharlee Hollingsworth (shollingsworth2@cfl.rr.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NORTHLAND at MOUNT DORA WORSHIP TEAM

Sunday, January 10, 12:30 p.m., sanctuary. Has God gifted you in voice, instrument, lighting or audio? Consider putting your talents to work helping people experience Jesus. Come to the next Northland at Mount Dora worship team meeting. Details: Bill Chapman (352-434-4116 or bill. chapman@northlandchurch.net)

>>> MOUNTDORA.NORTHLANDCHURCH.NET

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Mount Dora students enjoy a challenging game before worship.

Opportunities for students on page 7.

news@oviedo

Image Isn’t Everything JEREMY JOBSON Northland at Oviedo Site Minister

mages are important. They can shape language, emotion, relationships and much more. You have heard the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words,” right? Why is that so? Because images are powerful. But I think that saying is half correct because also powerful are the words surrounding that image that help us better understand and comprehend the true, deeper meaning of what we are seeing. The images in today’s verses are powerful, but they are accompanied by words spoken that bring color, shape and meaning to them. First, in Exodus 33:7-9, we read about the tent of meeting. This place Moses set up to meet with the Lord. The interesting thing to me is in verse 8, where it says, “All the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent” (NIV). That image of Moses entering was so powerful, they all watched, and as the pillar of cloud came down, you can bet words were being spoken to better understand what they were all seeing – words like, “What is going on in there?” and, “Why only Moses?” All the while, words were being spoken inside the tent as well, by the Lord to Moses. The words were helping shape and give a better understanding of the images being seen. In the second verse from Luke 1:26-30, the angel Gabriel appears to a young girl, an image that throughout Scripture strikes fear, but we immediately hear the words from Gabriel that calm the girl and give a better understanding of the image she was seeing: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … Do not be

5 THIS WEEKEND! AXIS: Christmas Party FOR Middle & High School Students

afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (NIV). Both of these examples bring up a challenging question. When others see images of God at work in, around and through His people, what words are being spoken to help shape, give understanding and bring meaning to them? For example, when people come and experience the Christmas in the City event next weekend and those in need receive food, gifts for their kids, clothing, a hot meal, worship, prayer and more, what words will be spoken? God will be present, and He will be providing, as He always does, lots of images that, if accompanied by the right words or, more important, spoken by His people, could bring glory to His name. But there will be lots of giving and events like this in communities all across our country. The difference will only be, the people who are giving and serving being the image and speaking the words that will tell the story of why this is all happening – not because it makes us feel good, or it’s that time of year, or it’s something nice to do, but these few simple words added to the images: “Because of what was done for me! Christmas is when we remember that the God of the universe came to earth as a baby, to rescue all of creation, including you and me!” The images have just been given meaning, shape and color from the words being spoken alongside them, from the person speaking them. There is meaning in the words being spoken by others looking on. The images are not fully comprehended alone; the words are lost without the images. They need each other; they are interdependent. I pray that this Christmas season, whether you join us at Christmas in the City (www.helpforthehomeless.net) serving or ahead of time with donations, or you simply go to your family gathering, workplace or neighborhood, the image of you accompanied by the words you speak and others speak about you will bring clarity and meaning to all you do, who you are. I pray that who He is and what He has done, and will continue to do, in, around and through you will bring glory to God and give meaning to those looking on, because they are!

Sunday, December 13, 5 to 8 p.m., Browns’ home, Oviedo. Details: Erica Emler (407-687-8570 or erica. emler@northlandchurch.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NEXT WEEKEND! Christmas in the city

Sunday, December 20, 1 to 5 p.m., Oviedo Aquatic Center, 148 Oviedo Blvd. Brought to you by OneBody, a coalition of committed churches and individuals working together with The HOPE Foundation to make a direct impact on poverty, hunger and homelessness in our community. Join us as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, and enjoy songs of the season, a shared meal, children playing, giving and receiving. Details: ChristmasintheCity@HelpfortheHomeless.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas Eve Services and Open House

Thursday, December 24, 6 and 8 p.m., Hagerty High School Auditorium. O come let us adore Him and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Worship, fellowship and enjoy Christmas sweets with friends and family. Child care available for infants to 2-year-olds only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opportunities for students on page 7.

>>> OVIEDO.NORTHLANDCHURCH.NET

news@westoaks

How Will You Celebrate the Story of Christmas? are coming back to the States for Alan to have some tests done on his back, and will be worshiping with us that weekend. So I thought this would be a great time to celebrate with them what God is doing in their lives and in their ministry in Africa. Once again, this will be a potluck meal, so we will be asking you to bring something to share with your church family. You will hear more about this during the week from some of the oday in the town of David a Savior has been born folks who are organizing this event. The important thing is to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NIV). that we celebrate Christ with each other and also celebrate We all celebrate this message during this season with Alan and Tywonn what God has been doing with them. of Christmas, but I wonder how many of us celebrate this I also know they will be sharing with us what God is doing in message throughout the year. For many of us, when we their lives and with the folks they have been meeting with look at our children, we are faithfully. reminded of this story and how Again, as a reminder, next God could, and would, become Sunday we are bringing in From plays, to eating together, a baby so we could know Him underwear (all sizes, both to giving and sharing life together personally. male and female) to give to — Christ’s birth is worth it all! Today in the town of West the homeless. If you would Oaks, we have the privilege of also like to bring in toilet watching our children tell us paper, that would be helpful. this story. Right after our worship service this morning, the I was in a meeting this past week with folks that are caring children of West Oaks will sing and act out how this story for the homeless, and they said the number one need is toilet makes all the difference in the world to us. When I hear kids paper. So this would be a great way to give and be a blessing tell the story, it reminds me of how important this story is to to those in need. And then on December 27 we are asking all of us, and kids have a unique way of helping us hear and for grocery store gift cards to help those families who are in see the wonder of Christmas. So if you were not planning on need of food. We will use these cards as the needs arise with staying after the service, I want to encourage all of you in those people in our community. If you know someone in need, the West Oaks community to stay and be a part of these kids’ please let me know so we can help them when it is possible. sharing the Good News. I know your heart will be touched, Thank you for the incredible ways you give abundantly and and you will be glad you took the time. reflect Christ during these times. We truly can celebrate the As we move ahead to next weekend, December 20, we story of Christmas in so many different ways. From plays, to will have our annual Christmas brunch right after our worship eating together, to giving and sharing life together — Christ’s service. In addition to being together and celebrating birth is worth it all! Thanks for being the church! Christmas, we will also be celebrating with Alan and Tywonn Davidson, as they have finished their first year in Africa. They >>> WESTOAKS.NORTHLANDCHURCH.NET TOMMY NOVAK Northland at West Oaks Site Minister

“T

WEST OAKS Children’s

Christmas Musical

THIS WEEKEND!

Sunday, December 13, 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary. Come enjoy the telling of the Christmas story from the children of West Oaks. Details: Derika Hacker (407-473-4537 or derika. hacker@northlandchurch.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December Gift Giving Sundays

Impact our community by donating gifts each Sunday in December. December 13: socks; December 20: underwear; December 27: grocery gift cards. Details: Tommy Novak (tommy.novak@ northlandchurch.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas Playgroup

Friday, December 18, 10 a.m., Chapin Station. Bring your little ones to celebrate Christmas with us and for some gingerbread fun! Details: Sara Sundermeyer (scostantini@hotmail.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas Brunch

Sunday, December 20, after service. Celebrate Christmas by sharing a meal with us after service. Details: Christie Freemeyer (ticitea@earthlink.net) or Jane Shugart (jshugart@hotmail.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opportunities for students on page 7.

servicenews

Ministry Change for Van Der Merwes

From Campus Crusade to Godspeed, they bring hope and healing to missionaries around the globe. Willie and Caren Van Der Merwe have been serving with Campus Crusade for Christ for the last 13 years. Their calling was “to build up, develop, coach, mentor, train and care for staff and leaders and multicultural teams.” For the last several years, while living in Europe, their focus has been specifically on those workers serving in the difficult North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia areas. For the past six months, they have sensed God’s moving them into a new ministry opportunity. Following is what they share in a recent newsletter about this new opportunity.

BY Willie and Caren Van Der Merwe Northland sponsored missionaries

fter 13 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, we recently transitioned to a new ministry called Godspeed Missionary Care. Godspeed Missionary Care is a professional Christian consulting agency (with psychiatrists, counselors and psychologists) that serves missionaries from 40 different agencies in 19 countries. Consultants currently live in the United States and Asia (www. missionarycare.org). Dr. Barney Davis, a psychiatrist and founder of Godspeed, is just as excited as we are about our

partnership with them and especially about the possibility that we will be able to establish and expand Godspeed’s services in southern Africa in the foreseeable future. We met Dr. Davis in 1996 when we were serving in Eastern Europe. “I have followed their paths as they have ministered to so many and have had such impact in bringing hope and healing to missionaries serving in difficult regions of the globe,” Dr. Davis says. “I count them both as friends and valued colleagues, so it is with great joy that we now welcome Willie and Caren into the Godspeed family.” For 15 years, Godspeed Missionary Care has provided medical and counseling services to missionaries in several areas of the world. “We can now more quickly and effectively meet those needs as Willie’s availability expands our geographic presence and clinical capabilities,” Dr. Davis says. “For a missionary struggling in the work in a distant land, Willie’s humor, warmth and compassionate skills delivered on site will be evidence of God’s provision and blessing to allow that work to continue. “I thank God that He has brought Willie and Caren into partnership with the ministry of Godspeed, and I want to thank Hugo and Ruco in Uganda with a special child. each of you who is partnering with them; your support and prayers will have a worldwide effect and Kingdom consequences.” Serving as a consultant with Godspeed Missionary Care will allow us to render professional services to multiple agencies, especially smaller agencies unable to provide the same level of care ministry. Willie will be seen by the (Continued on page 14.)

The Van Der Merwe’s; Kristi, Ruco, Hugo, Caren and Willie.

BRAZIL Distributed JourneyS

SERVE TEAM Distributed Journey

informational meetingS

Construction Mission to Georgia

TUESDAYS, 7 P.M., LONGWOOD SITE • THIS WEEK! December 15, room 1116-18, SMCC • January 12, rooms 5106-7 • January 19, rooms 5106-7 The DISCUssion:

English Camp, Amazon Riverboat Trips and Soccer Ministry Details: Patti Harshey (407-937-0573 or patti. harshey@northlandchurch.net)

March 6-13

The Mission: The construction of a 12-bedroom retreat center at Breaking Free in Georgia. NEXT Breaking Free is a comprehensive W EEK long-term residential program for END! men recovering from addictions.

informational meeting:

Sunday, December 20, 4:30 p.m. rooms 4213-15, Longwood site Key leaders from Breaking Free will speak about the program and the mission.

Special Serving Opportunity During the Week! BY vanessa puleo Local Projects and Partnerships

s the serve teams and projects have expanded, we have a need for volunteers during the week who can assist in the database and computer needs at Northland. As of January 1, I’d like to invite you to come in and work alongside me while we do some database entry, plan on-site events and organize the many service projects for 2010! Here are a few basic questions and answers that may help you in praying about this. Whom would I be assisting? The coordinator for the local service projects. What would I be doing? Many fun things! Helping to organize, coordinate and plan service projects and events and doing computer work. What skills do I need? A heart to serve, organized, computer-savvy, a pleasant manner, able to follow through with tasks. What days do you need help? You can come in any day Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. What would I need? Preferably a laptop! But we can provide a computer if needed.

UPCOMING Serving Opportunities

To register, visit Northland’s website (www. northlandchurch.net) and select the “Serve Others” tab. Then choose “Serve Locally” to find project times, age requirements, locations and other information. December 17-18 . . . Christian HELP, Christmas prep team December 21-22 . . . Christian HELP, Christmas prep team December 23 . . Christian HELP, two small teams needed December 26 . . . . . . . . . Pathways to Care, serve lunch January 9 . . . . . . Ronald McDonald House, serve dinner January 9 . . . . Coalition for the Homeless, serve dinner January 14 . . . . . . . . . Team leader meeting and dinner January 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeless Ministry Team January 23 . . . . . . . . . . . Pathways to Care, serve lunch January 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citrus Harvest January 30 . . . . . . . . . Give Kids the World, serve dinner January 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LOCAL SERVE DAY February 12-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Serve in Love” Southwind weekend retreat February 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald McDonald House February 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coalition for the Homeless February 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeless Ministry Team February 20 . . . . . . . . . Night at the Park Special Event February 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Give Kids the World February 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LOCAL SERVE DAY February 27 . . . . . . . . . . Pathways to Care, serve lunch March 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald McDonald House March 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coalition for the Homeless March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeless Ministry Team March 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . Pathways to Care, serve lunch March 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Give Kids the World March 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LOCAL SERVE DAY WHAT IS A LOCAL SERVE DAY? That’s when we meet at Northland in parking lot 3 and distribute to one of the many projects in the community, or to help one of our local partners. It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family involved.

SERVE TEAM NEEDED

Help Christian HELP get ready for Christmas! For details and to register, visit www.northlandchurch.net.

Lw = Northland at LONGWOOD

MD = Northland at Mount dora

WO = Northland at west oaks

CHRISTMAS CAMP �� DECEMBER �� to JANUARY �

Pray: Commit to praying for the month for December for Christmas Camp. Pray for ... safety in traveling for everyone; the counselors as they prepare and build relationships with students; worship band as they prepare and lead students in worship; speakers as they prepare and deliver the messages God has for the camp; open hearts and minds of students; safety and community within the work crew. Fast: Choose a day (or multiple days) to fast and pray for the above requests. Sponsor: This year you have the opportunity to help a student go to Christmas Camp 2009. By sponsoring a seat, multiple seats or even a bus, you provide an opportunity for a student — or multiple students — to travel to SharpTop Cove Camp in Jasper, Georgia. Each year more than 150 high school students make the trek up to north Georgia to take a break from life and hear from God. Students make life-changing decisions over these four days, and many of them come back with a new or renewed passion to serve Jesus. We want to provide the opportunity to as many students as possible, and you can help!

SEAT: �� STUDENT: �� BUS: ��,��

Your generosity can help make it possible for students to have a great experience. If you are able, please sponsor one or more seats, or even a bus. Just make a check payable to Northland Church, and in the memo line, write "Christmas Camp Bus."

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: $270 if registration and $100 deposit are received by December 15 $310 if registration and $100 deposit are received between December 16 and 23 Pre-order your sweatshirt: $20 Pick up a green registration form from the Welcome Desk for details and to register. Details: Shaylynn Stoner (407-949-7194 or Shaylynn.stoner

@northlandchurch.net)

Middle & High School Students

Middle School Ministry

High School Ministry

LW Servant Leadership Ministry

LW LUGRox (Living Under Grace Rocks!)

Sundays, (no O2 December 27) 6 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, The Rink. All 9th- through 12th-graders are invited to join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, awesome worship and amazing teaching from our youth pastors. Food and snacks will be offered for a few dollars. Details: Shaylynn Stoner (407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net)

A primary goal of Northland Student Ministries is to lead students to a deeper understanding of their God-given, unique strengths and spiritual gifting so that they might use those gifts and strengths to serve others. All 9th- through 12th-graders are welcome and encouraged to participate in our Servant Leadership Ministry. For freshmen, we have LUGRox Setup Crew, and for sophomores, juniors and seniors, we have middle school Area Bible Study trainer and LUGRox captain positions. Details: Shaylynn Stoner (407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net)

MD CREW352 (Christians Radically Encouraging Worship)

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., room 13; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., sanctuary. For 6th– to 12th-graders. Details: Bill Chapman (352-434-4116 or bill.chapman@northlandchurch.net)

OV THIS WEEKEND! AXIS: Christmas Party

Sunday, December 13, 5 to 8 p.m., Browns’ home, Oviedo. Details: Erica Emler (407-687-8570 or erica.emler@ northlandchurch.net)

WO one thing

Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m., Novak home. Details: Tommy Novak (352-989-7378 or tommy.novak@northlandchurch.net)

College Ministry (For students ageS 18-25)

LW FUSION

Sundays, 7:15 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, The Rink. Come and spend time in worship, prayer and the Scriptures. Details: Mike Burke (mike.burke@northlandchurch.net)

Saturdays, December 5, 12 (no LUGRox December 19 and 26), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center. LUGRox is an evening full of high energy, high impact and just plain fun! This is the place where you’ll find thrilling games, solid teaching, rockin’ worship and friend-connecting small groups. Dinner (two slices of pizza, chips and lemonade) is available for $3. Details: Shaylynn Stoner (407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net) ATTENTION: NEWLY ATTENDING PARENTS AND STUDENTS, CHECK IN AT THE LUGROX WELCOME DESK!

OV AXIS: Middle School MINISTRY

Sundays, 11 a.m., hallway. Details: Erica Emler (407-687-8570 or erica.emler@northlandchurch.net)

LW O2 — Outreach, Worship, Teaching and Hangout Time

OV AXIS: High School Ministry

studentministries

CHRISTMAS CAMP SPONSORSHIP WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

OV = Northland at Oviedo

Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m., NOCC. Bring a friend! Youth group environment with interactive activities and fun. Details: Erica Emler (407-687-8570 or erica.emler@northlandchurch.net)

My name is: __________________________________________________

Hello, boys and girls. Welcome to the Beehive! I’m Buzz. Stick with me during our family worship service, and we’ll learn more about who God is and what He has done!

Today we worship Jesus as Immanuel. That means “God with us.” Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to be with us. Now His Holy Spirit is with us always.

“M” +

+ “U” +

= I_ _ _N_ _L

Immanuel is one of the names for Jesus. It means “God with us.” Jesus came to earth to be with us.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Mary.

Who’s there?

Today’s buzzword is IMMANUEL I heard it _____________ times. I think it’s important to God because: __________________________________________________

Mary who?

Mary Christmas Merry to you. Christmas to you, too!

Unscramble the letters to correctly spell the name that means “God with us.”

A NI L U M M E

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

______________________________________________

Answer: IMMANUEL

A Tent of Meeting; A House of Greeting Exodus 33:7-9; Luke 1:26-30 In the wilderness, Moses would set up a tent far outside the camp. He called it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone who wanted to ask the Lord a question would go there. When Moses would go out to the tent, all of the people would stand at the entrances to their tents and watch. As Moses would go into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. Hundreds of years later, the angel Gabriel greeted Mary and said, “The Lord has given you special favor. He is with you.” Instead of sending a pillar of cloud to a tent of meeting, God sent an angel with a greeting. The Lord was with Moses. He was also with Mary. He is with each of us who believe in His Son, Jesus.

Thanks!

Draw a picture of the angel Gabriel telling Mary, “The Lord is with you!”

Northland’s 5-day Bible study for children, The Daily Way, is available at www.northlandchurch.net or at Children’s Church.

Come serve in Children’s Ministries.

You will bee blessed!

7162 or Details: Debbie Blahnik (407-949et) ch.n hur ndc thla nor nik@ blah debbie.

Make a family Advent wreath using greenery and four candles. Light the third candle. Think about the ways God has shown you He is with you. Share that with someone this week. Draw a line guiding the bees to the Tent of Meeting.

Search for and circle each word from Luke 1:28: The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

M F T H I G H L Y S A I D M T A J O A V S E L O R D U N O W H O W E T I G R E E T I N G S E E N R H T A N D L D T O E H T T P Word bank: THE, ANGEL, WENT, TO, HER, AND, SAID, GREETINGS, WHO, ARE, HIGHLY, FAVORED, LORD, IS, WITH, YOU

equippingnews

Art for Christmas By CONNIE RAINWATER Director of Content Development

hen you walk into the building at Northland at Longwood, it is impossible to miss the fact that this is a congregation that values the fine arts. Over the last few years, the Northland Foundation for the Arts has made a concerted effort to assist the church in becoming a patron of the arts, the way the church was for centuries. One project the foundation undertook was to come alongside a small group of artists to equip them. To do this, the foundation chose a few select artists who had unusual skill and unique relationships with Northland. Their works were displayed throughout the year in the Welcome Center. For the most part, that project has been completed. Most of those pieces are gone – either sold or now displayed in galleries across the city and country. Only a few pieces remain, a few encaustic works by Marissa Voytenko. If you are looking for an unusual Christmas gift that will enrich your family and home and make a statement about your own values, you might consider one of these originals. Marissa and her husband, Vitaly, currently live in L’viv, Ukraine, where they work and minister with university students through Mission to the World. You can see Marissa’s work in the Northland at Longwood lobby, across from the Northland Bookstore. If you are interested in making a purchase, the bookstore staff will assist you. You can also view her work at www.marissavoytenko.com.

Ebenezer Stone ($750)

now.

ADVENTRESOURCES

Make attending one of your new year’s resolutions! January 6-27

f you are looking for a devotional guide for the month of December to help you experience the true meaning of Christmas, here are some books that may help you.

Winter session ! Bible Old Testament Survey

Rooms 4213-15, Longwood site Taught by Sean Cooper, minister of Service and Equipping. What could events that happened thousands of years ago to people from completely different continents and cultures possibly have to say to you? This course will give an overview of the contents, teaching and message of the Old Testament.

Christian Living

Rooms 4206-7, Longwood site Taught by Dr. Sanford Shugart, president of Valencia Community College and a member of Northland. This class will be based on Dr. Shugart’s recent book by the same name. Does your work shape you, or do you shape your work? Come and get a preview of his thoughts on making your work your worship.

Theology The Doctrine of Christ

Sanctuary, Longwood site Taught by Dr. Reggie Kidd, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and part of the Northland family for 20 years. What we believe about Jesus Christ is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions. What does the Bible teach about Him? Was He fully God? Was He fully human? What could that all possibly mean?

Pastor Vernon Rainwater shares some suggested reading in the NOW session 2 class, “In The Sanctuary,” available at www.northlandchurch.net.

Family Advent-ure Make this a meaningful Advent season by celebrating in new ways with your family. Make an Advent wreath (together!) for your home. 1. Gather evergreen branches, or use colored paper and cut out paper leaves. 2. Arrange the greenery in a circle on a table. 3. Place four candles in candleholders on the circle, and one in the center. 4. Choose a day and time for your family Advent candle lighting. Dinner is a great time. 5. Check this page each week for suggested Advent readings, songs, prayers and family discussion starters.

Week 3

1. Choose a time when your family can gather. Dinner makes a great time. 2. Light the third Advent candle. 3. This candle represents “love,” the love of Christ that brought Him to earth to die for our sins. 4. Read together Luke 2:1-7, or read the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem from your favorite Bible storybook. 5. Talk about the ways that you can show love for others at Christmastime. 6. Think of some things you could do as a family to bring love to others. 7. Pray together, thanking Jesus for the love He has shown to us. Ask Him to help you show that love to others.

The Crucible of Work

In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, by Dan Schaeffer Christmas seasons come and go, often leaving us with vague pangs of regret. Why does the Christmas spirit seem so elusive? Even those who know the Reason for the season can find themselves wondering if they’ve missed something. Schaeffer understands that familiarity can rob us of the glory of Christmas. He has some help and advice for what to do when it just doesn’t feel like Christmas. 25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever, by Ace Collins Blending fascinating stories from history and spiritual truths about the holiday season, Collins gently guides his readers toward new ways of thinking about Christmas. In this partly devotional and partly practical book, Collins attempts to help readers rediscover the joy and peace of the holiday season. The Miraculous Journey: Anticipating God in the Christmas Season, by Marty A. Bullis In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the weeks leading up to Christmas, we sometimes forget what it’s all about. These 29 daily Advent devotionals will help readers attend to the gospel story of Jesus in deeper, more meaningful ways. First read the selected Scripture verse for the day; next, Bullis gives a short devotional reading that will help you unpack deeper meanings of the text. Then, through guided reflection, prayer and journaling, you’ll engage in a time of holy waiting.

New Beth Moore Study to Begin: Breaking Free

TWO CLASSES TO CHOOSE FROM AT LONGWOOD SITE: Mondays, starting January 11, 9:45 a.m. Tuesdays, starting January 12, 6:30 p.m. Both classes will meet in The Rink in the Student Ministries and Care Center. Child care is available. Beth Moore's incredible Breaking Free Bible study has been updated. Come discover true spiritual freedom and the abundant life God intends for every believer. Together we'll seek to remove the obstacles that hinder us from enjoying the benefits of a relationship with God, in spite of our troubled circumstances and challenges! This is an 11-week course. Make plans to start the year by participating in this life-changing Bible study. Pick up your workbooks at Northland's bookstore. Details: Cherrie Rowe (407-322-6850 or cherbear100@ aol.com)

Lw = Northland at LONGWOOD

MD = Northland at Mount dora

OV = Northland at Oviedo

principles. Child care is available. Details: Skye Engel (407-834-3158)

LW COPING WITH ADDICTIONS/CODEPENDENCY

Join others for ongoing encouragement and connection. CONNECTION GROUPS

Connection Groups are ongoing groups that meet for friendship, worship, equipping and service. Some of these groups meet at a worship site, but most meet in homes across the community. While their locations, times and topics of study vary, the groups and their facilitators remain basically unchanged. Join a Connection Group online (www. northlandchurch.net), or contact Barbara Olsen (barbara.olsen@northlandchurch.net or 407 949 7183).

LW MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY BELONG STUDY

Participate in the Belong study and have an opportunity to explore and become a member at Northland. For Northland membership, Here’s what you need to do: 1) Receive God’s gift of salvation, made possible through Jesus Christ. 2) Complete the Belong study in one of the following ways: • Attend a four-week Belong study (Saturdays, January 9 to February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., room 4209). • Take the online Belong study at www.northlandchurch.net. • Purchase the Belong DVD and study booklets in the Northland Bookstore. 3) Those who complete the online membership process will be contacted by a membership coach by phone. Online membership requires current personal contact information. Details: Jamila Millette (jamila.millette@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1832)

CARE GROUPS

These groups are a vital part of the health of the church, as they provide ongoing support through difficult times for specific life issues, such as addiction, divorce, illness or loss.

LW BCAUSE—BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL

Any woman touched by breast cancer desiring prayer, fellowship, information and/or encouragement, contact Susan Diener-Blando (407-488-5941 or susandb@yahoo.com).

LW Celebrate Recovery

Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing. Gain freedom from life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups over dinner, fellowship and share groups, which include Newcomers 101, Men and Women’s Chemical Dependency, Women’s Co-Dependency, and Parents of Prodigals. Details: Laurie Jean Harrington (lauriejean2@ bellsouth.net or mmannen@cfl.rr.com)

LW CONQUERING FEAR, ANGER, ANXIETY

Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m., room 4204. Conquer fear, anger and anxiety through biblical

Thursdays, 7 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. A Christcentered, 12-step program dealing with issues such as alcohol, drugs, relationships, food, sexual addictions, codependency and issues affecting adult children of addiction. Child care is available. Details: His Way (407-599-9770)

LW DIVORCECARE

dealing with unhealthy habits in the present or painful experiences from the past. Child care is available. Details: Laura Martin (352-408-2640 or lauramartin32778@gmail.com)

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Coming together around a single activity or shared trait, these groups meet for specific events, ongoing study or ministry to the community.

Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 4209-10. A 13week session in which individuals who have been through a divorce can experience personal growth and healing. Workbook is available at Northland’s bookstore for $16. Registration is required; child care is available. Details and registration: Donna Delzingaro (407-937-1749)

LW AMEN (A MEETING OF MEN)

Fridays, noon to 1 p.m., e-mail for location. Learn how to apply scriptural principles to business through personal discipleship. Details: James Price (james.price@northlandchurch.net)

DIVORCED AND WIDOWED WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP Second and fourth Sundays of each month, 3 p.m., Nancy Petitto’s home, Casselberry. Join other women for prayer and discussion at this potluck fellowship. Children are welcome. Details and directions: Nancy Petitto (407-699-9181)

LW DIVORCED WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP

Sundays, 3:30 p.m., Winter Springs. Study: The Power of a Woman’s Word, by Sharon Jaynes. Details: Lisa Edwards (407-222-9639 or godsgirl0202@yahoo.com)

LW GriefShare

Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 4206-7. If you are experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one, this healing ministry walks you through the steps of grief. Workbook is available at Northland’s bookstore for $16. Details and registration: GriefShare voiceline (407-949-7152)

LW HOPE — Support For Those Struggling

with Fertility issues Last Friday of the month, 7 p.m., Fire Station 21, 681 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry. Support group helping women, men or couples struggling with fertility issues. Share prayer, fellowship, encouragement and discussion as you walk this journey. Space is limited. Registration and details: Debbie (mikedeb540@yahoo.com)

Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., room 4206. Learn to apply God’s Word to real-life situations. Details: Dan Bogdan (407-702-5358 or danbogdan@ landscapeorlando.com) or Buzz Vincent (407463-9398 or blv292@cfl.rr.com)

LW BUSINESSMEN’S FRIDAY LUNCH

LW BUDDY BREAK

Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing. Northland joins with Nathaniel’s Hope monthly to provide three hours of free respite for parents and caregivers of special needs children. Drop off your child with our trained volunteers. Details and registration: Laura Lee Wright (407-9370549 or buddybreak@northlandchurch.net)

COMMON GROUND — YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (Age 25-39) Mondays, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, The Rink. Join this fellowship of young adults seeking to build authentic Christian community, to grow spiritually mature and to affect the surrounding community with Christ’s love, reflected by serving God. Child care available upon request. Details: Carissa Curran (commonground@northlandchurch.net or 407-221-1241)

LW COUPLES CAFÉ

Saturday, January 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m, Nature’s Table Café. Speakers address a variety of topics designed to encourage married couples. Child care by reservation: Diane Jones (407-949-7188 or diane.jones@northlandchurch.net); details: James Price (james.price@northlandchurch.net)

LW Parents of the Prodigals Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing. A support group helping parents cope with kids in trouble, in jail, on drugs, etc., and with serious behavioral problems. Child care available. Details: Laurie Jean Harrington (lauriejean2@bellsouth.net or 407 977 6742)

LW Covering Care Blanket Ministry

LW STRUGGLING WITH HOMOSEXUALITY? (MEN) Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., call for confidential location. Among Friends is a weekly support group for men who struggle with same sex attraction and/or same sex attraction feelings that want to live a life pleasing to God. Details: Zach (407-937-1793)

LW Divine Reflection Art Group

LW SUPPORT FOR THE SEPARATED

Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Learn practical steps for healing, hope and reconciliation in the Lord. Details on qualification and assessment: Donna Delzingaro (407-937-1749)

LW UNEMPLOYED MEN SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesdays, 8 to 9 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, room 1112. Discuss job searching and tools available while supporting each other and strengthening our spiritual walk on this emotional journey. Details: David Keys (407256-5576 or davidalankeys@gmail.com)

MD Celebrate Recovery Local Chapter

Tuesdays, 7 to 9:30 p.m., Calvary Chapel of the Lakes, 351 Plaza Drive, Tavares. For those

WO = Northland at west oaks

Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; or first Saturday of each month, 3 to 4:30 p.m., room 4217. For those who can knit or sew, this group makes blankets for local hospitals and people in need in the community. Details and donations: Nicole Roberts (407-699-8575)

Second Thursday of each month, through May, 7 to 9 p.m., room 4209. Join other artists to reflect God’s glory and truth through the visual arts. This year’s focus: being Light. Book: Refractions, by Makoto Fujimura, available in Northland’s bookstore. Details: Laura Bates (carpearte@aol.com or 407-622-6873)

LW FLAG FOOTBALL

Saturdays, through May, 10 a.m., Lyman High School practice fields. Coed. Details: Nathan Naversen (407-701-7577 or nate@ magicwebhosting.com)

LW GOLF — links fellowship

• Friday, December 18, 7:45 a.m., Alaqua Country Club, cost $43 • Saturday December 19, 7:45 a.m., Eastwood Golf Club, cost $32 • Friday, January 8, 11 a.m., Rock Springs Ridge Golf Club, cost $35

• Saturday, January 16, 7:45 a.m., Eastwood Golf Club, cost $32 Linking golfers throughout the world in Christ. Golf, prizes, guest speakers (food optional — costs extra). Golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Details and reservations: Parks Reinhardt (407-880-9932 or linksfellowship@ cfl.rr.com)

LW Membership OPPORTUNITY — Belong Study Saturdays, January 9 to February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., room 4209. Participate in the four week long Belong study with Pastor Kevin Urichko and also have an opportunity to explore and become a member at Northland. Details: Jamila Millette (jamila.millette@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1832) LW Moms4moms

Get connected with other moms for friendship and encouragement through meetings and playgroup activities. • Once a month, Mondays, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. Child care provided with registration for infants to 5-year-olds. • Once a month, Sundays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. No child care provided. Registration required. Details and specific dates: www.northlandmoms4moms.com

LW MOTORCYCLE GROUP

All styles welcome. Must own a motorcycle and have a valid motorcycle license to participate. Details: Lori Cooper (407-249-0435) • Edgewood Children’s Home Event Sunday, January 10, 9 a.m. Enjoy a church service where Lori will deliver the message. Then the group will share biker stories and display their motorcycles for the children (www.edgewoodranch.org). After the event, the group will ride to Yalaha Bakery and then to Mount Dora. Call for meeting location. Details: Lori Cooper (407-249-0435)

LW SENIORS GROUP

Third Wednesday of each month, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. Bring nonperishable food items for the Pastoral Care pantry. Details: Marilyn Casey (407-273-2857)

LW SINGLE ADULT MINISTRIES

Fourth Sunday of each month, 4 to 6 p.m., room 4206. Join for worship, prayer, classes and fellowship. Sundays, gather at Nature’s Table Café before the 6 p.m. worship service. Singles meet weekly in small groups throughout Central Florida. Details: Yvonne Lutz (lyvonne316@ yahoo.com), Liza Johnson (lizajohnson@landam. com), Dave Mullen (dmull77@yahoo.com). Leave questions on the singles info line (407-949-7172). Learn more: christiansocial.meetup.com/189/.

LW SOCCER – ACHE

Fridays, 8:15 p.m., Red Bug Lake Park. No practices, no teams, no rules, just fun and fellowship. A $2 donation is requested. Details: Mike Cannavo (407-359-0191)

LW softball

Join other Christian men and women on this adult coed team or the men’s team to compete in local leagues. Details: www.nlsoftball.com or northlandsoftball@gmail.com

LW TENNIS

Saturdays, 8 a.m., Red Bug Lake Park. Details: Jeff Rossmeissl (407-489-6096)

LW WORD WEAVERS

Second Saturday of each month, 9:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. Details: www.wordweaversonline.com

Lw = Northland at LONGWOOD

OV Building Your Marriage (Couples) Sundays, 6 p.m., Cluxton home, Champman Lakes subdivision, Oviedo. Details: Brad Cluxton (bcluxton@gmail.com or 407-474-0034) OV Building Your Marriage (Couples)

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Welday home, Oviedo. Work together to have a stronger, more loving and vibrant relationship with your spouse. Details: Ruth Linares (ruthalinares@gmail.com or 407-2270970)

WO WEST OAKS PLAY GROUP

Join us for fellowship and fun. Details: Sara Sundermeyer (407-575-6178 or scostantini@ hotmail.com) or Kimberly Fulmer (407-6563008 or kfulmer@earthlink.net)

WO LADIES NIGHT OUT

Connect with West Oaks women each month. Activities and locations vary. Details: Derika Hacker (derika.hacker@northlandchurch.net or 407-473-4537)

MD = Northland at Mount dora

Details: Dave McGregor (407-774-2952 or mcgregor449@hotmail.com)

LW PRAYER GROUP

Thursdays, 6:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, room 1116. Details: Jean Sherwood (407-796-4705)

OV Prayer Team Receive weekly prayer requests via e-mail for our Oviedo congregation and community. Details: Rebecca Sheahan (rebecca.sheahan@northlandchurch.net or 407-683-3566)

BAPTISMS LW ADULT BAPTISMS

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES LW Alpha Course

LW Third Verse

- Is There More to Life than This? Sundays, December 13, January 17 and 24, 4 to 5:45 p.m., rooms 4206-7. This week’s topic: How Can I Resist Evil? Ask and discover answers to essential questions of life and get a practical introduction to the Christian faith. Registration $10 per individual or $15 for two! Child care by reservation. Details: Jamila Millette (jamila.millette@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1832)

Sundays, starting January 10, 10:45 a.m., rooms 4213, 15. Learn that the church is the body of Christ and how we are equipped, empowered and matured to express Christ’s fullness on earth. Details: John and Carolyn Jones (407-831-5822)

LW CHILD BAPTISMS

Thursdays, 6:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, room 1118. Join this open-forum discussion on the book of Isaiah: 45 minutes of study, and 15 minutes of prayer. Details: Ron Morris (ron@creativele.com)

Saturday, January 16, 7 p.m., rooms 4206-7. Child care is available upon request. Details: Diane Jones (407-9497188 or diane.jones@northlandchurch.net)

PRAYER LW CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES PRAYER TEAM

Pray weekly from your home for needs in Children’s Ministries. Details: Carol Moss (carol.moss@northlandchurch.net or 407949-7180)

LW MEN’S PRAISE AND PRAYER

Thursdays, 6:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, room 1104.

MD Search for Significance Wednesdays, 7 to 8:15 p.m., rooms 2,3. A Robert McGee study to build your self-worth on God’s truth. Child care is not available. Details: Marilyn Faber (352-357-0983) or Christina Ferrito-Dugan (352-735-1974)

LW Ephesians

MD Adult Bible Fellowship Sundays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., conference room. Join this ongoing Bible study on the Gospel of John. Child care is available. Details: Jason Merritt (407-697-9803

LW INFANT BAPTISM/DEDICATION CLASS

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3 p.m., room 1116, Student Ministries and Care Center. For women 55 and over. Study the book of Esther, pray and have fellowship. Details: Jean Sherwood (407-796-4705)

Saturdays, January 9 through March 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 4204. Discover the battle raging for the youth of our nation, and learn how to reclaim our youth for Christ. Details: Traci Moyer (tracilee4jc@aol.com or 407-3938487)

Sunday, January 10, 2 p.m., Ken and Diane Watkins’ home. Adults and teens may be baptized by immersion or sprinkling as a public profession of personal faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). Maps are available at the information desk in the church foyer. Call to sign up. Details: Sharon Ferreira (407-949-7189 or sharon. ferreira@northlandchurch.net)

Northland recommends the Steps for Young Believers course for children prior to baptism, but it is not mandatory. For information about grade-school student baptisms, contact Diane Jones (diane. jones@northlandchurch.net or 407-9497188).

God, in spite of troubled circumstances and challenges. • Mondays, January 11 to March 29, 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Tuesdays, January 12 through March 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Child care available. Workbook available in the Northland Bookstore. Details: Cherrie Rowe (cherbear100@aol.com or 407-322-6850)

LW The Joy of Living Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., rooms 4209-10. A 27-week interdenominational study of the book of Genesis, with daily study questions, group discussion and a lecture time. Study guide: $30 for the year. Details: Carolyn Robinson (407-260-9653 or crobins@cfl.rr.com)

LW Battlecry for a Generation

Bible studies and opportunities to help you explore your faith and know God.

OV = Northland at Oviedo

MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES LW ISAIAH

MD MEN’S BIBLE FELLOWSHIP Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:45 a.m., rooms 2-3. Motto: Men with a mission. Details: Richie Kluesener (407-221-4517 or rk@goldinart. com) or Bill Chapman (352-434-4116 or bill. chapman@northlandchurch.net) OV

The Quest for Authentic Manhood Saturdays, 7:15 a.m., NOCC. Study focuses on a man’s core identity and helps men embrace a biblical definition of manhood. Details: Lawrence Wachter (407-430-2835 or lawrence. wachter@gmail.com)

Details: Jin Guiying (gui_jin66@yahoo.com) or Linan An (lan@mail.ucf.edu)

LW Marriage Preparation Class

Sundays, starting January 17, 8:30 to 10:45 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, The Rink. A 13-week class for any couple engaged, not engaged (but seriously considering engagement) or married without the benefit of premarital counseling. Class is required for any couple seeking to be married by a Northland minister or at a Northland facility. Cost: $120 per couple. Registration required by January 10. Class application available at www.northlandchurch.net, “Get Equipped” tab, “Marriage Ministries” link, “Marriage Preparation Class.” A paper application is also available at Northland’s bookstore in the Marriage and Wedding Preparation Guide. Details: Chris Kingsley (407-949-7193)

LW PeaceMakers

Sundays, January 10 through February 14, 9 a.m., room 4209. Six-week class to learn practical and effective biblical methods to approach someone with whom you are in conflict with a purpose of honoring God and restoring relationships. Details: Gary Wright (lanaharrison@cfl.rr.com)

LW Stepfamilies Class

Sundays, through December 13, 9 a.m., room 4210. Discover biblical methods and practical tools for nurturing stepfamilies and providing hope and skills for conquering the challenges of stepfamily life and interaction. Details and registration: Doug Hubbard (407-695-5100 or doughubbard@gmail.com)

CHILDREN

Classes and training to help you mature in your faith and equip you to serve. ADULTS LW Answers to Prayer

Sundays, starting January 10, 11 a.m., room 4204. Learn to pray and be challenged by the classic writings of George Mueller in modern language, which teach trusting in God alone to provide for every need in every circumstance of life. This is an ongoing class, join any time. Details: Mickey and Cindy Mallin (407-322-6101)

LW DC4K Training

DivorceCare for Kids is training leadership for the fall season. Do you feel called to work with children ages 6 to 12 who are experiencing the pain of divorce? Details: Elaine Harland (elaine. harland@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4002)

LW DIVORCECARE FACILITATORS TRAINING

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

Facilitators are needed to work alongside the DivorceCare ministry. Learn to help those who are currently experiencing the pain of divorce find healing. Details: Elaine Harland (407-9494002 or elaine.harland@northlandchurch.net)

LW LEARN TO SPEAK CHINESE

BREAKING FREE — NEW 2009 Revised Beth Moore Study Discover true spiritual freedom and the abundant life God intends for you. Learn to remove obstacles that hinder you from enjoying the benefits of an intimate relationship with

WO = Northland at west oaks

Sundays, 1:30 to 3:15 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing, rooms 5202-9. Beginner and mid-level classes available. Cost: $100 for textbooks and activity fees for one semester.

LW STEPS FOR YOUNG BELIEVERS

(GRADES 2 – 5) AND THEIR PARENTS These courses in basic discipleship include classroom sessions and daily at-home devotionals. Sundays, 4 to 5:45 p.m. Materials cost for each class: $5. Registration is required. Details and registration: Diane Jones (407-9497188 or diane.jones@northlandchurch.net) • STEP 1—BECOMING A PART OF GOD’S FAMILY: January 24 to February 14. Focus: Salvation and assurance. Includes Communion instruction. • STEP 2—THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: January 24 to February 28. Focus: Jesus’ Life A-Z, a basic discipleship theme and learning about the life of Christ. Baptism offered at end of course. • STEP 3—LIVING BY THE BOOK, “C-ING” MY WAY THROUGH THE BIBLE: April 11 to May 23. Focus: To develop skills in exploring the Bible.

MEN LW FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Mondays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, fellowship hall. Join a fellowship of men pursuing sexual integrity. Workbooks are available at Northland’s bookstore for $17. Details and registration: Bryce Hagedorn (407-227-3072 or brycehagedorn@ yahoo.com) or Kevin Urichko (407-949-7166 or kevin.urichko@northlandchurch.net)

LW Winning at Work and Home Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, Fellowship Hall. This 8-week study by Dr. Robert Lewis of Men’s Fraternity explores how men can enjoy and engage in work and relate at home. Details: Tom Horvath (Tom@ tomhorvath.com)

Lw = Northland at LONGWOOD

MD = Northland at Mount dora

OV Men’s Fraternity Group (Years 1, 2, 3) Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m., NOCC. Includes three one-year-long studies beginning with The Quest for Authentic Manhood, followed by Winning at Work and Home and ending with The Great Adventure. Studies provide men with an encouraging process that teaches them how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God. Details: Jeremy Jobson (jeremy.jobson@ northlandchurch.net or 407-929-3053) WO MEN IN THE WORD

Saturdays, 8 a.m., House Blend Cafe. Read through Frances Chan’s book Crazy Love. Details: Jerry Murphy (407-522-1672 or jerry.murphy@ ieee.org)

WOMEN LW Keeping Your Focus on Christ in the Middle of Marriage Crisis Mondays, 7 p.m., room 4217. A support group for women with biblical truths, prayer and Bible study using Linda Rooks’ book Broken Hearts on Hold (available at Northland’s bookstore). Child care available with registration by contacting Morgan Perun (morgan.perun@ northlandchurch.net). Class details: Gayle Montiel (407-493-4106 or gaylemontiel@cfl. rr.com)

LW Women’s Healing Ministry

Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 1111. If you have a desire to live authentically, honestly, and intimately in your relationships, this group will provide hope and a safe place to heal if you have experienced sexual betrayal, deception, and lies of secrecy which keep you in bondage. Details and registration: Vicki M. Wotring (520631-0886 or celebratelife3@aol.com)

OV Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Mondays, starting December 14, 7 p.m., home of Laurie Jean Harrington. An updated version of the modern classic, this study will help you experience the height, depth and breadth of God’s love while being remade, reoriented and restored from the frustration of what you may have known as stale religion. Captured not by a concept, but by your Creator, reborn in relationship. Details: Laurie Jean Harrington (lauriejean2@bellsouth.net or 407-977-6742) OV What’s So Amazing About Grace

Fridays, 9:30 a.m., NOCC. An insightful exploration of grace, the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness. Details: Linda McGrath (lmcgr2033@ cfl.rr.com or 407-497-6540).

OV = Northland at Oviedo

Mount Dora: Bill Chapman

bill.chapman@northlandchurch.net or 352-434-4116 Oviedo: Rebecca Sheahan rebecca.sheahan@northlandchurch.net or 407-683-3566 West Oaks: Derika Hacker derika.hacker@northlandchurch.net or 407-473-4537

LW communion servers

Communion servers are needed the first weekend of each month. Several are needed for the Christmas services. Training provided. Details: Jan Stenstrom (407-937-0567 or communion@northlandchurch.net)

LW MEDICAL FIRST RESPONDERS

During worship services and special events. BLS trained or medical professionals, especially EMTs, are needed. Details: Susan Cholewa (407-9370544 or susan.cholewa@northlandchurch.net)

LW phone VolunteerS

Weekday volunteers are needed at Northland at Longwood to answer phones and greet visitors. Flexible hours. Details: Kevin Donaghy (407-9371831 or kevin.donaghy@northlandchurch.net)

LW SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AND TEENS

Sundays, assist during the 11 a.m. worship service. Details: Laura Lee Wright (407-9370549 or lauralee.wright@northlandchurch.net)

LW Ushers and greeters

Greet and seat those attending worship services. Serve for two and a half hours every other weekend. No experience necessary. Details: Susan Cholewa (susan.cholewa@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0544)

NORTHLAND AT MOUNT DORA WORSHIP

TEAM Sunday, January 10, 12:30 p.m., Mount Dora sanctuary. Has God gifted you in voice, instrument, lighting or audio? Consider putting your talents to work helping people experience Jesus. Come to the next Northland at Mount Dora worship team meeting. Details: Bill Chapman (352-434-4116 or bill.chapman@ northlandchurch.net)

Serve your local community

Come together for a single service project or an ongoing cause. LOCAL SERVICE PROJECTS For a project list and registration, visit www. northlandchurch.net. More info on page 6. Details: Vanessa Puleo (vanessa.puleo@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7156)

LW ACCESS MINISTRIES STEERING COMMITTEE

Seeking community professionals and stakeholders who have a heart for addressing community-based options for affordable housing and care for people with disabilities in Central Florida to serve on a steering committee. Details: Laura Lee Wright (407-937-0549 or lauralee.wright@northlandchurch.net)

Opportunities to serve. volunteer

Ushers, greeters, child care workers and more are needed at all worship sites.

Longwood: Volunteer Central

Calvie Hughson 407-937-1831 or calvie.hughson@northlandchurch.net

LW BLOOD DRIVE

Saturday, January 2, 4:30 to to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Monday, January 4, 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. Give blood and save lives! Details: Susan Cholewa (susan.cholewa@ northlandchurch.net)

LW CELEBRATE RECOVERY MUSICIANS

Vocalists and musicians needed for the newly forming Celebrate Recovery Band. Details: Celebrate Recovery Ministry leader Mary Ann Mannen (407-913-4777 or mmannen@cfl.rr.com)

WO = Northland at west oaks

LW COVERING CARE BLANKET

First Saturday of each month, 3 to 4:30 p.m. or third Thursday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 4217. Work on baby caps and blankets for distribution in local communities. Details: Nicole Roberts (407-699-8575 or mamaquad@earthlink.net)

Find other ways to serve in your community at northlandchurch.net/ blogs.

LW DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMS

Medical professionals, licensed CDL drivers, culinary professionals, veterinarians or vet techs, licensed mental health counselors and those interested in providing mental health services needed for the Northland Disaster Response Teams. Training provided. Details: Gretchen Kerr (407-949-7190 or gretchen. kerr@northlandchurch.net)

HELP WOMEN TRANSITIONING FROM JAIL to Community Christian women are needed to befriend and support other Christian women who have decided to follow Christ and start a new life. Various opportunities to minister are available. Details: Linda Moedinger (jhvolunteer@gmail.com)

LW HELP INCARCERATED MAN

Man needed to come alongside an incarcerated man. No experience necessary. Minimum commitment: one hour per week. Details: Greg Kerr (407-770-8503 or gpkerr@mindspring.com)

LW JAIL MINISTRY

Minister to inmates in Seminole County or Orange County jails during Sunday 9 a.m. worship; Celebrate Recovery for women, Thursday afternoons; Assist women with long-term planning; Prayer team; Pen pals. Training provided. Details: Jail Ministry voice mail (407-949-4007)

LW LONGWOOD HEALTH CARE CENTER

Sundays, 9 a.m., sanctuary. Give hugs and show love to the residents of the facility behind Northland on Grant Street. Details: Patsy Grannan (407-538-5209 or Pjg327@embarqmail.com)

LW PETPALS

Saturdays, except the fifth Saturday of the month. Share your pets with people in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, etc. Details: Becky Yeager (leahyeager@aol.com or 407-699-4903)

LW RECOVERY MINISTRY

Volunteers with a heart for the hurting, and recovery or 12-step experience needed to help with a ministry. Details: Laurie Jean Harrington (407-977-6742 or lauriejean2@bellsouth.net)

MD VOLUNTEER AT THE CARPENTER’S HOUSE FOR CHILDREN This center in Lake County is home to 16 abandoned, displaced and medically needy children, ranging in age from 2 to 19 years. There are many opportunities for involvement. Details: Ann South (south4@comcast.net or 352-267-3388) or www.thecarpentershouseoflakecounty.com OV Christmas in the City Sunday, December 20. Serve Oviedo families in need this Christmas. Opportunities available preparing for the event and day of event. Details: www.helpforthehomeless.net. OV GOOD SAMARITAN Serve someone in need in your community through meal deliveries. Details: Maggie Jobson (mjobson@cfl.rr.com) OV International Friendship Ministries

Serving locally with global impact through outreach opportunities to international students at UCF, including social activities, Bible studies, conversational English language practice and more. Details: Michele Moresi (407-694-7196 or sailingfan2@hotmail.com)

Opportunities and classes in the greater Orlando community. ADULTS ABORTION RECOVERY Bible study for post-abortive men or women that meets in a confidential, supportive setting. Details: Reveille Ministries (407-333-0404) EXCHANGE MINISTRIES Mondays, 7:15 to 9:15 p.m., First Baptist Orlando, E-2 building, third floor, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando. A Christ-centered ministry for men and women struggling with homosexuality. Details: John Westcott (407-5144356 or www.exchangeministries.org). A support group takes place the first Monday of each month at 7:15 p.m to encourage parents, friends and family who have loved ones struggling with sexual identity. Details: Cherrie Rowe (407-322-6850 or cherbear100@aol.com); inquiries are confidential. HEALING GRACE Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., TLC Women’s Center, 4804 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. This post-abortion ministry shares the healing grace of Jesus without judgment. Details: Coorie Moore (407-292-7628) HOMELESS MINISTRY To assist the homeless or if you are in need of assistance due to being homeless, connect with Homeless Services Network of Central Florida for the most current info on resources. Details: HSN (407-893-0133 or www.hsncfl.org) READERS MINISTRY Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m., Goldsboro Elementary School in Sanford. Everyone from high school students to senior citizens is invited to read to kindergarteners and first-graders. Come alone or with friends; experience is not necessary. Additional opportunities through this multigenerational ministry – Nanas, Papas and Reading Buddies – include tutoring Goldsboro’s second- and third-graders. Details: Elaine Gritter (egritter@bellsouth.net or 407327-1474) or Candy Guernsey (cwgrfg@aol.com or 407-323-9433)

men CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMEN’S CONNECTION (CBMC) Tuesdays, 7 to 8 a.m., Denny’s, Lee Road exit off Interstate 4, or Thursdays, 7 to 8 a.m., Perkin’s, University and Forsyth. Meet for fellowship, prayer and discussion of God’s principles for business. Tuesday details: Armand Dauplaise (407-221-3114 or adauplaise@aol.com) or www.cbmc.com; Thursday details: Steve Doerr (321-274-7072) or Jay Stauf (407-506-6737)

Lw = Northland at LONGWOOD

parentS NEARHIM HOME EDUCATORS Supports and encourages families whom God has called to teach their children at home. Details: www.nearhim.com

women Community Bible Study Wednesdays, through May 5, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Community United Methodist on 1792, Casselberry. Study: The Divided Kingdom (1 & 2 Kings and Minor Prophets). Child care available. Details: Sandi McLaughlin (407-3424765 or sandimclaughlin@yahoo.com) Confidence In Crisis Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Panera Bread in Winter Springs (in the Publix plaza at Tuskawilla and Red Bug Lake roads). Designed for women experiencing marital crisis with separation and/or divorce. Offering encouragement through prayer, discussion and general upliftment. Details: Sandy Isaacs (407272-7522 or sandylisaacs@yahoo.com) MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS) First and third Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m., east/central Orlando. Meet other moms and get refreshed. Details: Jackie Howe (407281-9276 or congagirl@earthlink.net) ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE Wednesdays, 5:50 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Parlor at Reformed Theological Seminary. Study this book by Diane Mandt Langberg, Ph. D., on opening the door to healing for survivors of sexual abuse. Details: Olivia Litwiller or Becky Valentine (407-949-4000, ext. 1789 or 1740) WORKPLACE MINISTRY First Tuesday of each month, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Orlando. J4 Leaders, an interdenominational ministry for women to help encourage one

MD = Northland at Mount dora

another to succeed with a biblical worldview. Details and reservations: sschultz2@cfl.rr.com or 407-522-4797

stewardship Ways for you to give of your treasure (Matthew 6:19-21). donations

Non-perishable food items can be brought to Northland. Please take clean, usable clothing, toys and supplies to The Sharing Center, Fairmont Plaza, 600 N. Highway 1792, Longwood (407-260-9155).

OV = Northland at Oviedo

MD LOVE COLLECTION New collection each month. Visit the information table for list. Details: Ann South (south4@ comcast.net or 352-267-3388) or Sharlee Hollingsworth (shollingsworth2@cfl.rr.com)

OV BOYS TOWN has donation buckets in the foyer as well as current needs lists and service opportunities. Details: Kathy Franz (klfranz@ aol.com or 407-415-7678)

Backpacks, blankets, tennis shoes, hygienic supplies, and men’s and women’s casual clothes are needed by Distributed Ministry at History Park Center, a ministry to the homeless in Orlando. Details: Dave Mullen (dmull77@yahoo.com)

OV Christmas in the City Donate socks, underwear, toys and turkey certificates for the Christmas in the City event on December 20 to benefit local families in need. Details: Rebecca Sheahan (rebecca. sheahan@northlandchurch.net) OV

Hope Foundation & Sonshine Thrift has donation buckets in the foyer as well as current needs lists and service opportunities. Details: Rebecca Sheahan (rebecca.sheahan@ northlandchurch.net or 407-683-3566)

AUTOMOBILE NEEDED by Northland’s Service Department to provide transportation for visiting guests and missionaries. Details: Sarah Mattingly (sarah.mattingly@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7170)

Christian and classic children’s books as well as parenting and marriage books are needed for the Northland Children’s and Family library. Books may be dropped off in the Children’s Ministry Office. Details: Bethany Durys (bethany.durys@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0541)

LW Nonperishable food items can be placed into the designated wooden boxes in the lobby of the Worship Center and in the Student Ministries and Care Center. Details: Vanessa Puleo (407-949-7156 or vanessa. puleo@northlandchurch.net)

Looking for local job listings? You can find them at northlandchurch.net/blogs.

FINANCIAL REPORT

............................................................................................................... As of DECEMBER 7, 2009 Electronic giving is available at the kiosks located in the foyer or online at www.northlandchurch.net. Offering envelopes are available at all giving boxes and can also be mailed to your home for convenience. Evangelical Council for Details: Twila Roberts (407-949-4000) Financial Accountability ............................................................................................................... TITHES and OFFERINGS This Week This Quarter This Year Need $237,553 $2,375,530 $11,703,719 Received $232,195 $2,194,593 $10,877,523 Surplus / (Deficit) ($5,358) ($180,937) ($826,196)* *Shortfall is currently being covered by reserve fund. ............................................................................................................... BUILDING FUND This Week This Quarter This Year Need $35,298 $352,980 $1,804,287 Received $25,564 $257,349 $1,452,550 Surplus / (Deficit) ($9,734) ($95,631) ($351,737) LOAN BALANCE is currently $19,527,500 ............................................................................................................... ATTENDANCE for weekend of December 5 to 7, 2009 Northland at Longwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,705 Northland at Mount Dora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Northland at Oviedo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393 Northland at West Oaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Northland Webstream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,712 at 1,021 sites Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,179 at 1,025 sites

WO = Northland at west oaks

Work with Faith Neighborhood Center of Clermont in the coming year. If your small group, ministry, or Bible study would like to do so, contact Patti Novak (NOVAKgirls4@aol.com).

bed sheets and pillowcases and many other items are needed at Safehouse of Seminole for battered women and their children. Visit their website for a complete needs list (www. safehouseofseminole.org) Details: admin@ safehouseofseminole.org or 407-302-5220 vehicles are needed at Recovery House of Central Florida (www.recoveryhouseinc.org). It also needs pressure-washing equipment, power tools, and hand tools. Details: Erik Robinson (407-323-5857 or erikrhcf@yahoo.com)

Missionaries (Continued from page 6.) individual missionary as committed to him/ her, not as an agent of the agency. It will give Willie access to a wider network of resources. Also, Godspeed has granted us permission to move back to our roots in Africa. We left Namibia in 1994, and it is our desire to return to the African continent, where the workers are few and the harvest is ripe. Our mission: “To care about the emotional, spiritual and organizational wellbeing of missionaries, missionary leaders and crosscultural missionary teams in order to refresh their spirits and to establish healthy Willie in Uganda at a food distribution day in a village of environments in which they can thrive to help Karamajong people. fulfill the Great Commission.” In 2 Corinthians 7:13, Paul wrote about how the Corinthians have taken care of Titus: “Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all” (NKJV). The more effective we are in taking care of our missionaries, the more effective is the ministry that can flow from them to those needing our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. To accomplish this mission, we will be involved with crisis intervention and crisis incident debrief responses and counseling, and provide preventive services like prefield psychological testing, consultation/ collaboration with leaders and a variety of workshops. We also will provide restorative counseling and consultation for a variety of issues that often impact crosscultural workers and those in ministry, such as burnout, isolation, stress and interpersonal/ Willie was surrounded by curious children of Uganda that team conflict. wanted to see pictures on his camera. For this next year, we will stay in Germany until our son Hugo graduates from high school and focus on networking and partnering with other member care providers globally. Willie will focus on completing his doctoral dissertation by the spring. He also has been invited to join a team of clinical psychologists in the DRC Congo in June to July 2010 to help with trauma rehabilitation training for mission and humanitarian aid agencies, as well as church groups. The goal is to empower these ministries and organizations with tools and skills necessary to create effective and lasting change among trauma victims of war. As we move forward into this new ministry, please pray: • For a smooth transition from Campus Crusade to Godspeed Missionary Care. • That most of our financial supporters will continue to support us. • For Willie to finish his doctoral dissertation within the next couple of months. • For our son Hugo’s continuous positive effort to finish well as a senior. • For our son Ruco and his wife, Kristi, as they serve with Samaritan’s Purse in Uganda, Africa. Thank you again for the privilege of partnering with you in taking the Good News of Jesus to the world.

OVIEDO SITE

Whom do I contact if:

Dr. Don Pederson, Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1804 Ed Wood, Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1794 Peter Katauskas, Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1809 Fred Franz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1766 Dan Hardaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Marcus Mennenga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7169 Paul Rahill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1798 Felipe Santos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7168 Thom Willis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000

Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo, FL 32765 Hagerty High School is located on Lockwood Blvd., between E. Mitchell Hammock and E. McCulloch roads.

I am in crisis? Northland’s main line . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 I want to seek counseling? Counseling referral line . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7204 I have a prayer request? Prayer request line . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4025 I need the Hospital Ministry to pay a visit? Elaine Harland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7149 I want to become a member? Ruth Sapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4039 I have accepted Christ into my heart and wish to be baptized? Sharon Ferreira (adult/student) . . . . 407-949-7189 Diane Jones (infants–grade school) . . 407-949-7188 I need information on Student Ministries? Shaylynn Stoner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7194 I need information about Children’s Ministries? Longwood: Debbie Blahnik . . . . . . . 407-949-7162 Mount Dora: Tanya Carpenter . . . . . 352-735-3832 Oviedo: Michelle Smith . . . . . . . . . 407-718-5510 West Oaks: Derika Hacker . . . . . . . 407-473-4537 I am interested in Distributed Journeys? Patti Harshey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0573 I want to help at Northland? Longwood: Calvie Hughson . . . . . . . 407-937-1831 Mount Dora: Bill Chapman . . . . . . . 352-434-4116 Oviedo: Rebecca Sheahan . . . . . . . . 407-683-3566 West Oaks: Derika Hacker . . . . . . . 407-473-4537 I want to get involved in a local serving project Vanessa Puleo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7156 or visit www.northlandchurch.net I am getting married? Sharon Ferreira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7189 I need to plan a funeral? Sharon Ferreira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7189 I would like to order CDs, DVDs, Tapes and/or newspapers? Network Sound Inc . . . . . . . . . . . 407-834-8555 or northlandorders@networksoundinc.com

Northland at Oviedo Community Center (NOCC) 561 E. Mitchell Hammock Road, #300 Oviedo, FL 32765 Oviedo Blog Website . . . . . . . . . . . . oviedo.northlandchurch.net Facebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northland Church at Oviedo

LONGWOOD SITE 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750 www.northlandchurch.net / info@northlandchurch.net Main Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Main Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-830-9840 Longwood Blog Website . . . . . . . . . . . blogs.northlandchurch.net Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7199 Steve Bruton, Manager Donna Duckhorn, Assistant Manager Patricia McManus, Assistant Manager Bookstore Hours: Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:15 to 7 p.m. Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 5:15 to 8 p.m. Children’s Ministries Debbie Blahnik, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7162 Teri Grayson, Early Childhood Administrator . . . . . . 407-949-4014 Julie Meeker, Grade School Administrator . . . . . . . 407-949-7153 Pam Anderson, Co-op Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7179 Pastoral Care Scotty Alderman, Pastoral Care Coordinator . . . . . 407-949-4035 Elaine Harland, Care Ministries Coordinator . . . . . 407-949-4402 Worship Services Ruth Sapp, Congregational Services Director . . . . . 407-949-4039 Susan Cholewa, Site Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0544 Kathy Campbell, Deaf Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-328-4785

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Jeremy Jobson, Site Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-929-3053 jeremy.jobson@northlandchurch.net Rebecca Sheahan, Site Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . 407-683-3566 rebecca.sheahan@northlandchurch.net Erica Emler, Student Ministries Coordinator . . . . . 407-687-8570 erica.emler@northlandchurch.net Michelle Smith, Children’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . 407-718-5510 michelle.smith@northlandchurch.net Mike Grindstaff, Small Group and Bible Study Connections Lay Leader . . . . . . . . . 917-716-1362 or mgrindstaff@topps.com Josh Smith, Set Up/Tear down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-739-8602 JoshuaMSmith1@yahoo.com Kathy Franz, Boys Town Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-415-7678 Prayer — For prayer requests or to join the Oviedo prayer team contact Rebecca Sheahan (rebecca.sheahan@northlandchurch. net or 407-683-3566) Good Samaritan Ministry — Help someone who really needs it, right now! Sign-up and details: Maggie Jobson (mjobson@cfl.rr.com) Be in the Know — Get on the e-mail list for ongoing events and information. Details: Rebecca Sheahan (rebecca.sheahan@ northlandchurch.net or 407-683-3566)

WEST OAKS SITE St. Pauls Presbyterian Church 9600 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761 St. Pauls Presbyterian Church is located across from the West Oaks mall. The entrance is off Citrus Oaks Avenue. West Oaks Blog Website . . . . . . . . westoaks.northlandchurch.net

MOUNT DORA SITE The Seventh-Day Adventist Church 18440 Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is on the left side of the highway. Look for the “Northland” sign. Mount Dora Blog Website . . . . . . mountdora.northlandchurch.net General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7184 Bill Chapman, Site Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-434-4116 bill.chapman@northlandchurch.net Frances Merritt, Site Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-554-0076 Cell: 352-409-7777 or jasonandfrances@comcast.net John Tucker, Setup/Takedown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321-438-9961 wyoming01@earthlink.net Tanya Carpenter, Children’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . 352-735-3832 tcarpenter@cfl.rr.com Prayer Kitty Merritt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-589-1770 Christina Ferrito-Dugan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-735-1974 Marilyn Faber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-357-0983 Ann South, Carpenter’s House for Children . . . . . . 352-267-3388 south4@comcast.net Laura Martin, Celebrate Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-408-2640 lauramartin32778@gmail.com Kelly Verkaik, Debbie’s Doorstep . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-310-5355 debbiesdoorstep@mac.com

COUNSELING Northland partner, nonprofit counseling ministries. Discovery Counseling Dennis Gowin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-376-3773 Oviedo Counseling Clinic Sarah Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (407-366-9493, ext. 256)

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1747 Tommy Novak, Site Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-989-7378 tommy.novak@northlandchurch.net Derika Hacker, Children’s Coordinator . . . . . . . . . 407-473-4537 derika.hacker@northlandchurch.net Lou Amadori, Setup/Teardown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-493-7343 lamadori@cfl.rr.com John & Maxine Hammerstein, Prayer Coordinators . 407-877-8896 maxinehammerstein@mac.com Patti Novak, F.A.I.T.H. Neighboorhood Center . . . . 352-989-7478 LEADERSHIP TEAM Stephen Arnold . . . . 407-358-9603 or stephenarnold4@cfl.rr.com Jerry Murphy . . . . . . . . . 407-522-1672 or jerry.murphy@ieee.org Zack Fulmer . . . . . . 407-656-3008 or zack.fulmer@ronblue.com

ACCESS MINISTRIES While meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities has always been important to our church, we are working on expanding the programs and services offered. These efforts are being led by Laura Lee Wright, Northland’s Access Ministries team leader (407-937-0549 or lauralee. wright@northlandchurch.net). We can best accommodate your needs if you arrive early for service. Details: Congregational Services (407-949-4000 or congregational.services@ northlandchurch.net) Special Needs/Cry Room: It is located at the west end of the main foyer in room 4128. Parking: The front parking lot is reserved for those with special needs.

LIFEHOPE LifeHope is a benevolence ministry that serves people in need in our church family and community for the purpose of connecting them to a relationship with God and Christian community through worship, equipping and service. It is the privilege of our ministers to love, listen, pray with and serve you during your first visit. They will help assess your priority needs and eligibility to be considered for assistance. Our LifeHope staff will then guide you toward your next steps. This may require an additional visit. Our strongest desire is to empower and equip you to live the life God has for you. Details: Laura Young (407-949-7151) LifeHope Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Northland’s Student Ministries and Care Center.

Special Needs Seating: People with wheelchairs, walkers or other special needs have designated seating areas throughout the sanctuary if needed. Lyrics for Visually Impaired: Printed lyrics are located at the Welcome Center. Sunday School: Classes for children through fifth grade with special needs is on Sundays at 11 a.m. Buddy Breaks: With Nathaniel’s Hope, we offer respite for parents of kids with special needs. Check the Belong section in the Northland News for details. Assistance for Those With Hearing Loss: Signed worship service is Sundays, 9 a.m. Sound amplification aids are available at the Welcome Center.