Worship Guide-Respond 14, 2013 by Northland Church

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 6-8, 2013

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JOEL C. HUNTER, SENIOR PASTOR (Read about Pastor Joel at northlandchurch.net/joelhunter. Stay informed about his involvement with current events at pastorjoelhunter.com.)

“... each one is tempted when ...” James 1:13-18 (NASB) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 1 John 2:16 (NASB) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. Worship focus Because I am His follower, I worship Christ for His love. Out of His love, He created the world, all the while knowing we would rebel against Him. Because of His great love, He redeemed us. Because of His great love, He included us in His salvation. Our lives belong to Him. Notes

Let’s worship God together!

Tell us a little about yourself! Just drop this card in an offering box or stop by an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out — we want to get to know you …

WELCOME!

New to Northland? PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

The mission of Northland, A Church Distributed is to Respond to God for the Benefit of Others. Our Vision is to see people coming to Christ and to be transformed together as we link locally and globally to worship and serve everywhere, every day. Join us!

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Email_________________________________________________________________________________________

Participate & Connect:

Which site are you attending? [ ] Longwood [ ] Mount Dora [ ] Oviedo [ ] Other__________________________

northlandchurch.net

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

Our website has hundreds of archived worship services, stories about the great work God is doing and ways for YOU to Be the Church Everywhere, Every Day.

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Address______________________________________________________________________________________

I am [ ] a child [ ] a middle school student [ ] a high school student [ ] an adult. [ ] I am a new believer. I recently trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. [ ] I would like to know more about how to get connected.

Get “What’s Current”: northlandchurch.net/resources/newsletter facebook.com/northlandchurch twitter.com/northlandchurch Visit an Info Kiosk in the foyer. Call 407-949-4000. 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750

Tithes & Offerings Electronic giving is available at the kiosks in the lobby, online at generous.northlandchurch.net or for your mobile at northlandchurch.net/mobilegive. Offering envelopes are at all giving boxes. Contact Twila Roberts at 407-949-4000 with questions.

generous.northlandchurch.net

Financial Report — March 26 to April 1, 2013 This Week

This Year to Date

Need. . . . . . . . . . 225,000 Need. . . . . . . . 2,925,000 Received. . . . . . . 330,046 Received. . . . . . 2,849,820 Difference. . . . . . 105,046 Difference. . . . . . (75,180)

4/6-8/2013

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 6-8, 2013

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JOEL C. HUNTER, SENIOR PASTOR (Read about Pastor Joel at northlandchurch.net/joelhunter. Stay informed about his involvement with current events at pastorjoelhunter.com.)

New to Northland?

WELCOME!

Tell us a little about yourself! Just drop this card in an offering box or stop by an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out — we want to get to know you …

Let’s worship God together!

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Our website has hundreds of archived worship services, stories about the great work God is doing and ways for YOU to Be the Church Everywhere, Every Day.

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

northlandchurch.net

Which site are you attending? [ ] Longwood [ ] Mount Dora [ ] Oviedo [ ] Other__________________________

Participate & Connect:

Address______________________________________________________________________________________

4/6-8/2013

Financial Report — March 26 to April 1, 2013

generous.northlandchurch.net

Difference. . . . . . 105,046 Difference. . . . . . (75,180)

This Week

This Year to Date

Need. . . . . . . . . . 225,000 Need. . . . . . . . 2,925,000 Received. . . . . . . 330,046 Received. . . . . . 2,849,820

DIG DEEPER

What’s Current

Be in Community:

Want to spark conversation in your group this week? Use the week’s daily devotional content!

Here’s a sampling of the many upcoming opportunities to respond to God:

Find the entire week’s devotionals online at

worship.northlandchurch.net!

Day 1 Devotional:

ADULT BAPTISMS

Scripture. Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important— has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. — 1 John 2:15-17 (The Message) Thought. Our adoption into the family of Christ changes everything about our lives. From what we do to how we think, our worldview is permanently and perpetually altered. Still, the pull of the fallen world in which we live is strong. Its allure can be subtle, and its influence gradual. Before we launch into a new series of sermons on temptation and cultural strongholds, we might do well to see where our hearts are. Christian author A.W. Tozer suggested seven checkpoints for self-discovery. Take a look at the list below and then into your own heart. Is there space for God to do some renovation in the following areas? 1. What we want most; 2. What we think about most; 3. How we use our money; 4. What we do with our leisure time; 5. The company we enjoy; 6. Who and what we admire; 7. What we laugh at. Prayer. The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee. (William Cowper)

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Come to the Water! Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m. at the Watkins’ home. At Northland, we think baptism is a wonderful expression of the lordship of Christ in your life. More importantly, it is obedience to Christ’s direct command in Matthew 28:19. If baptism is something you’ve never done before and would like to do, now’s the time! Learn more on page 8 in Respond or at northlandchurch.net.

ADOPT. FOSTER. CARE.

Take up the cause of the fatherless … — Isaiah 1:17

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Healing from Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups! Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m. at Longwood

We’re spending the month of April focusing on God’s command to care for the orphans among us. Answering His call and embracing the vulnerable begins with a willingness to know and love well those whom God sends our way. Who is God sending your way TODAY?

Join others in discovering the loving power of Jesus Christ through a 12-step recovery process. Home Run, the movie, showing April 19. Learn more at northlandchurch.net.

Get connected: northlandchurch.net/orphans

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Day 2

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Day 3

SEX.

The church doesn’t talk about it enough … and the world talks about it too much. So, how do we bridge the gap? How should a Christian respond to the sexualization of the world around them?

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Next week, Dr. Hunter will be answering those questions … and YOURS.

Let Us Know!

How can we help? Need to update your contact information, or want more information about a particular ministry or opportunity? Let us know — just drop this card in an offering box, or stop by an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out! PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s) ________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day 4

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If you want answers about God’s view on sex and a Christian’s role in affecting a hyper-sexualized culture, jot your question down below. OR email AskJoel@northlandchurch.net. OR text the words “AskJoel” followed by your question to 46786— please include your first name and your city. (Write

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________________________________________________ First name_______________________________________________________

[ ] The above is an update. I am [ ] a child [ ] a middle school student [ ] a high school student [ ] an adult.

City______________________________________________________________

Prayer request: _ ______________________________________________________________________________

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Address ________________________________________________________________________________________

clearly and tear out this form and drop it in any offering box.)

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Day 5

Email ___________________________________________________________________________________________

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I’d like more information about: ____________________________________________________________

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[ ] I am a new believer. I recently trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. __________________________________________________________________

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 6-8, 2013

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JOEL C. HUNTER, SENIOR PASTOR (Read about Pastor Joel at northlandchurch.net/joelhunter. Stay informed about his involvement with current events at pastorjoelhunter.com.)

New to Northland?

WELCOME!

Tell us a little about yourself! Just drop this card in an offering box or stop by an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out — we want to get to know you …

Let’s worship God together!

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Our website has hundreds of archived worship services, stories about the great work God is doing and ways for YOU to Be the Church Everywhere, Every Day.

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

northlandchurch.net

Which site are you attending? [ ] Longwood [ ] Mount Dora [ ] Oviedo [ ] Other__________________________

Participate & Connect:

Address______________________________________________________________________________________

4/6-8/2013

Financial Report — March 26 to April 1, 2013

generous.northlandchurch.net

Difference. . . . . . 105,046 Difference. . . . . . (75,180)

This Week

This Year to Date

Need. . . . . . . . . . 225,000 Need. . . . . . . . 2,925,000 Received. . . . . . . 330,046 Received. . . . . . 2,849,820

APRIL 2013

www.northlandchurch.net

BE THE CHURCH EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY

THE HUB

SERVE OTHERS

CARE MINISTRIES

A NEW space designed specifically for YOU — to connect with Northland, each other and God’s call on your life!

MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.

Hurting? Struggling? In the process of healing?

Volunteer at Northland, make a difference in the local community or go global! Opportunities abound …

You’re not alone. Find needed community and support in a Care Group!

Find your fit on pages 4, 5 & 6.

Learn more on pages 8-9.

Stop in TODAY and see what it’s all about!

About Northland, A Church Distributed WHAT WE BELIEVE The Bible

— We believe the Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, is verbally inspired of God, is inerrant in the original writings, and is the Christian’s final authority in faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16)

God

— The Trinity — We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 6:8) Jesus Christ — We believe by miracle of the virgin birth that the Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God in order to reveal God and to redeem man. He is the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins and arose bodily from the dead for our justification. He is now exalted at the right hand of God, Head of the Church and Lord of the individual believer, fulfilling His ministry as our Great High Priest and Advocate. (Matthew 1:18-23; John 1:1-3) Holy Spirit — We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of sin, regenerates and converts sinners, and baptizes them into the church, which is the body of Christ. We believe that He indwells, guides, instructs and empowers the believer for godly living and service, and that He seals and keeps him until the Lord comes. We believe that He bestows spiritual gifts upon each one. We believe that the believer has received one or more spiritual gifts so that he might exercise them for the strengthening and outreach of the body of Christ. The practice of any gift in any gathered body shall be in keeping with the Scripture. (John 14:16-17; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 12:7)

The Means of Salvation

— We believe that salvation from the guilt and condemnation of sin is possible only as the gift of God’s grace. It cannot be gained by good resolutions, sincere efforts, or submission to the rules, regulations or ordinances of any church, but is freely bestowed on all who put their faith in Christ and trust in the work that Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary. All who so trust the Savior pass from death unto life, and are forgiven of their sins, accepted by the Father, and born into His family by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. (John 5:24; Ephesians 1:67; 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23)

Security, Assurance and Responsibility

— We believe that all the saved, those in whom God has accomplished His transforming work of grace, are kept by His power and are thus secure in Christ forever. It is their privilege to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation. However, this assurance must not be the occasion for sin, for God in His holiness cannot tolerate persistent sin in His children, and in infinite love He corrects them. True faith in Christ is expressed by a fruitful, God-pleasing life. (John 10:2729; Romans 8:19-39; 1 John 5:13; Hebrews 12:6; Matthew 7:20; James 2:20)

Man

— We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that he sinned, incurring not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God and which is inherited by every member of Adam’s race. We believe that man is subject to the power of the devil and has within himself no possible means of recovery or salvation. (Genesis 1:26; 1 John 1:8-10; Romans 6:23)

OUR PURPOSE: WHY WE ARE HERE From its inception in 1972, Northland has been unwavering in its purpose: To bring people to maturity in Christ.

OUR VISION: WHAT WE SEE

A vision is a clear mental picture of a preferable future. It sees the future through the eyes of faith. It shares the perspective of the biblical writer when he wrote the following words: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). Northland’s vision is to see people coming to Christ, and to be transformed together as we link locally and globally to worship and serve everywhere, every day.

OUR MISSION: WHAT WE DO

At Northland, we believe God’s call to us as a body of believers is to respond to Him for the benefit of others. There are countless ways that one can respond to God’s grace and goodness. We have identified the following ways that we, as a church, regularly want to respond together: Worshiping God — John 4:21 Glorify God for who He is and what He has done. Reading the Bible — Jeremiah 1:12 Study God’s message to you often. Sharing our stories — 1 Peter 3:15 Tell others what God is doing in your life. Being in community — John 13:35 Foster environments for relationship. Praying — 1 Peter 3:12 Engage in conversation with God. Serving others — Matthew 25:40 Meet the needs of the people around you. Living generously — Matthew 6:21 Give what God’s given you.

We believe that as we respond to God together we will be transformed into the image of Christ.

LONGWOOD WORSHIP TIMES Saturdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m.

Live Concurrent Worship Northland at Oviedo worships with us concurrently at the 9 and 11 a.m. worship times.

Sundays . . . . . 9 (hi)(sp), 11 a.m.(sp); 5 p.m. Mondays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. (hi) Hearing-impaired interpretation available (sp) Spanish interpretation available

NOT LOCAL? Join us for LIVE online worship at

northlandchurch.net

¿Habla español? Traducción simultánea al español en nuestra sede en Longwood y en linea durante los servicios de adoracion los domingos a las 9 y 11 a.m.!

during any of our worship times!

The Church

— We believe that the true church is composed of all who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, that those who are members of the true church will be eligible for membership in the local church. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are to be observed by the church during the present age. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are acts of obedience to the Lord. Participation in them, though, is not to be regarded in any sense as a means of salvation. (Acts 2)

The Christian’s Walk

— We believe that we are called with a holy calling to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and so to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. The flesh (our natural desire), which in this life is never fully eradicated, must be kept by the Spirit (through our walk of faith), constantly in subjection to Christ, or it will surely manifest its presence in our lives, to the dishonor of our Lord. (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:16)

The Eternal State

— We believe that the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation do, at death, immediately pass into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at His coming for the church, when soul and glorified body, reunited, will be associated with Him forever in glory. We believe that unbelievers will be punished with everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power. (John 3:15-16; Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:41-46)

Find out more at northlandchurch.net/about.

facebook.com/northlandchurch

twitter.com/northlandchurch

NEW TO NORTHLAND? Do you have questions … about God, Northland or anything else? Look for this icon above our INFO KIOSKS located throughout the foyer during worship times! A host will be there to connect with you. Or visit northlandchurch.net/new.

There’s No Place Like Home Safe Families provides temporary homes to children in crisis. BY CHERI WILLIAMS

have served children and families in Central Florida for 15 years throughout my career. I’ve also served at Northland in several capacities since 1998. I am now blessed to lead the Florida branch of Bethany Christian Services, a global, Christ-centered social services agency that provides adoption and child protection services to children and families on five continents. The Safe Families for Children ministry is one of the most innovative child abuse prevention programs I’ve ever seen. Through our partnership with Community Based Care of Central Florida, Safe Families seeks to help families avoid the child welfare system by providing a temporary home for children whose families are experiencing a temporary crisis or transition. We are able to do this by partnering with churches to recruit host families, which, out of their love of Christ and compassion for others, agree to temporarily open their homes to children in need, with no financial incentive. This program is unique because it also helps create lasting relationships between the families in need and their host families. This gives families in need a wider support system most otherwise would not have. The impact of this program is truly far-reaching. Debbie Titus, a child advocate in the faith community, an adoptive mother of four, and the mother of the Titus family, which has been one of our host families for three years, shares a compelling story below from a recent experience with Safe Families. We recently responded to a request to host three kids in crisis for one night. It was around 9:30 p.m. when they arrived. Three sweet kids, ages 9, 11 and 13, were traumatized by what had just happened. Their mom was heading back to Missouri from Miami when she was pulled over and arrested because she had not paid a speeding ticket in Georgia several years before. The mom went to jail, and the kids were headed into DCF care in Osceola County. If we had not taken the kids, they may have been split up and put into several different homes, where they likely would have stayed for months after entering the foster care system. Instead, thanks to Safe Families, they landed at “Camp Titus,” where they had bagel bites and ice cream, watched movies and played at the playground until we took them to their grandma, who flew in from Missouri to take them home. That was a wonderful experience, but there is more to the story. The Osceola County jail showed there was no bail posted and the mom was going to be held and then extradited to Georgia, which could take several weeks. My husband, Gary, decided that God wanted us to help this mom, so he began making phone calls. On one of the calls, he explained the situation to the clerk’s office in Georgia. After the call with the clerk, the judge agreed to lift the order so this mom could be released! One hour later, the order was lifted. A few hours later, this mom walked out of the Osceola County jail in shock over what had happened over the past few days.

The mom spent two nights with us before she flew back to Missouri, where she was reunited with her family. I would like to encourage my Northland family to learn more about this life-changing ministry. We are recruiting host families, or people who yearn to be mentors or come around families in need.

To learn more about Safe Families for Children at Bethany Christian Services, call 407-877-4006, visit bethany.org/wintergarden, contact the Northland coordinator for Safe Families at maria.penzes@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0554, or come to an informational session Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m. in rooms 4216 and 4218. We will share about the application process and training details, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

somedayistoday.net

Go on a DISTRIBUTED JOURNEY!

SERVE GLOBALLY Grace Is Like Water BY PASTOR VERNON RAINWATER

I was in Haiti as a guest of New Missions. New Missions has served in Haiti and the Dominican Republic for almost 30 years. The organization has built 27 churches and has 10,000 children in its schools. From the beginning, New Missions has brought a holistic approach to ministering to the regions it serves in these countries. Providing child sponsorships, medical care, pastoral recruitment and training, New Missions is highly regarded by the community it serves and the missional community at large. Northland considers New Missions a worthy partner for your investment dollars.

“ Grace is like water—it flows downhill and pools up in the lowest places.”

read those words recently while in Haiti. Is it possible that God’s grace flows like this? And if we seek to experience deeper levels of God’s grace, shouldn’t we take a swim in the places where God’s grace pools up? These thoughts (borrowed from the introduction in Geography of Grace: Doing Theology from Below, by Kris Rocke and Joel Van Dyke) have been filling my thoughts over the past weeks in a profound way. As I have found myself in various places of need—from our own LifeHope Center (Seminole County) to the favelas of Brazil to the many difficult regions in Haiti—I have looked for the places where God’s grace flows down. When I get to these places, it connects me to a new understanding of the love and grace of Jesus. The One who was rich beyond all splendor made a journey for us (2 Corinthians 8:9) and brought grace down to us. When looking for evidence of God in the high halls of government or high moral ground, many conclude that God has “left the building.” Perhaps we need to look in the low places and find that we are “saved,” saved from our preconceptions and worries. If God loves the poor and disenfranchised, perhaps the best place to find Him for ourselves is to look in a different culture—even in the low places. If you are considering a Distributed Journey, you may want to consider these principles in going (thanks to Bob Lupton for these ideas): 1. We go to learn, not to save. The mind-set of learners

is very different from that of servers. Learners listen to others; servers do for others. Learners ask questions; servers offer answers. Learners marvel at the faith of the poor; servers pity the poor. Learners see ingenuity; servers see poverty. Learners affirm the worth of people; servers diminish their dignity. 2. The trip is primarily for our benefit. It expands our spiritual horizons, shows us how faith works in difficult circumstances, and helps us discover how God works in the broader world, in cultures different from our own. 3. We are not on a mission to help the poor by distributing suitcases full of giveaways or performing meaningless make-work or assuming roles that can better be handled by locals. We do not promote beggary. We engage in exchange—economic as well as interpersonal. We enjoy the hospitality that is extended by our hosts, and we contribute to their economy by participating in the legitimate enterprise of tourism through fair payment for food, lodging, local transportation and preparation time. And we buy their products. 4. Do your homework. Prepare for the learning experience by reading books on effective service (such as Toxic Charity and When Helping Hurts) and articles on the country, the history and contemporary issues. Learning the language, at least some key phrases, honors people. “Appreciative inquiry” techniques, note-taking and journaling also can be useful. Regular group reflection times during and after the trip will help participants assimilate and internalize what they are experiencing. To this end, we have many opportunities for you to join many others on a Distributed Journey. If you have never ventured into such a learning opportunity, the best place to begin is in our own community. But for some, getting outside your geographical comfort zone is a good place to look. Have more time than money? Many of us are able to afford a Distributed Journey just by sacrificing a few things in our budget. Others will be able to enlist a team of folks who can pray for and support the effort. But if raising money is not an option, through a generous gift from a congregant, you can now trade your local volunteer hours for a Distributed Journey. All the details are available online (northlandchurch.net/serve) or by calling 407-949-4000. Where will God take you in your journey toward grace?

Apply today. Browse short-term trips and apply at somedayistoday.net.

Make Your Someday, Today! Distributed Journeys 2013

ver thought or said, “Someday — when things slow down or the money is available — I’ll answer God’s call to GO …”? Well, make your “someday” TODAY! There are many opportunities this year to serve on a global scale by joining one of the short-term mission teams Northland has to offer. Listed here is a sampling of the trips available to you. More trips will be added to our calendar, so check our website regularly for updates. Visit our website, at somedayistoday.net, for trip descriptions, team leader contact information and application links.

EGYPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 22 - May 4 ALABAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 28 - May 5 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . June 7 - 15 JAMAICA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 8 - 15 SCOTLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 14 - 24 UKRAINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 16 - 28 HAITI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 21 - 28 BRAZIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 22 - 30 SOUTH AFRICA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 22 - July 6 SWAZILAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 27 - July 7 RUSSIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 7 - 19 JAMAICA 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 13 - 20 MALAWI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 18 - 31 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2. . . . . . . . . . . July 19 - 27 UKRAINE 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19 - 31 HAITI 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 25 - August 1 KENYA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26 - August 5 SWAZILAND 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 30 - August 11 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 3. . . . . . . . . August 3 - 10 SCOTLAND 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 12 - 22 CUBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 14 - 21

The elementary school at New Missions in Bire, Haiti.

New Missions is establishing and building this new church in Belloc, Haiti.

BRAZIL 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 12 - 20

serve.northlandchurch.net

SERVE LOCALLY Caring for God’s Children

Consider adoption, foster care or orphan care. BY DEBBIE KNIPE

ave you been thinking about adoption or foster care? Would you like to get involved in helping some of the millions of orphans around the world? Perhaps adoption, foster care or orphan care has never even been on your radar. That’s how it was with me, until God started speaking to my heart. It began with a radio ad about adoption, and then, the same week, I saw an ad in my church bulletin for an informational meeting about adoption. I felt God was leading me in this direction, so I went to the meeting, even though I had just had a baby and already had three children! I can tell you that when you slow down and ask God what He wants you to get involved with, He will answer you in a big way. We have been so blessed by our daughter since we adopted her from China nine years ago.

My other children all tell me that they will adopt one day, as they have seen firsthand how our family has responded to God’s call, just as God has adopted us as His children. More than 80 times in the Bible, God mandates that we care for orphans. Pray about this, and see if God is leading you to find out more about helping His children through adoption, foster care or orphan care. If God has ever tugged on your heart in this area, join us for our first informational meeting, Wednesday, April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 1116-8 of the Student Ministries and Care Center. Child care is available with advance reservations to Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Contact Jeff and Debbie Knipe at debknipe61@gmail.com to register for the meeting.

Join Us for Prison & Jail Ministry

e will feature an amazing young woman, Mandy, who will share her testimony and journey from incarceration through addiction and on to a new life with Christ. Mandy has experienced many hardships on her journey. She will share how important volunteers inside and outside the jail have been to her and her recovery. If you have ever been interested in jail or prison ministry, this is a must-attend meeting. Our team meets the last Thursday of every month. Join us April 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in room 4216. For more information, contact Paula Gillon at 904-610-5492 or paula.gillon@northlandchurch.net.

Connect on Facebook! Northland’s Serve projects are now on Facebook. View pictures from recent events, and find out about opportunities to serve locally and at Northland on our Facebook page! Just search for Northland Serve!

Local Serve Opportunities

ne of the most practical ways to “Be the Church” everywhere, every day is by serving locally in the community. Use your time, talents and gifts that God has given you by serving here at Northland, or with one of our local partners or outreach projects. House of Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 6 Lake Brantley Cleanup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 13 Downtown Homeless Ministry. . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 13 Harvest Time International. . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 13 Downtown Homeless Ministry. . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 27 Give Kids the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 27 To register for or find out more about these serve projects, visit serve.northlandchurch.net. Judy Head at judy.head@northlandchurch.net or 407388-5798

Mandy receives the keys to her new (donated) car.

Join Us April 27-29 for Disaster Response Awareness Weekend

Disaster Response at Northland

t’s almost hurricane season again. Have you made a plan? Prepared your Emergency Supply Kit? Join us April 27 to 29 in the lobby after each service for valuable information on getting started. We will have tables set up for building a kit, making a plan, finding a shelter and learning to prepare for your pet’s safety. Volunteers will be available who can assist with filling out the paperwork needed to register for the special needs shelters. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go on a disaster response but didn’t know how to get involved, or maybe you’re not feeling connected. Then join us for food, fun and fellowship at the disaster response monthly meeting, held the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the fellowship hall. If you would like to be part of disaster response at Northland, the first step is to attend one of these meetings, and then mark your calendar and plan to join us

for orientation, May 25. Training is an integral part of our disaster response team. Our team just participated in a regional mock disaster that simulated a plane crash and chemical exposure. Our mobile kitchen was deployed to feed more than 300 first responders, including police officers, firefighters and health professionals from several counties. Many people on our disaster response team were made up as “victims” and staged throughout the disaster area at Orlando International Airport. Throughout the year, team members develop their skills and bond through drills, exercises, educational events, monthly meetings and local outreach. In the near future, we have planned CPR, shelter manager training, and CERT refresher courses. Check the website for dates and times: northlandchurch.net/ministries/disaster_response.

he monthly meetings are the fourth Wednesday of every month in the fellowship hall. Join us April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Events: Red Cross Shelter Manager Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . April 19 Disaster Response Awareness Weekend. . . . . . . April 27-29 Monthly Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 22 Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 25 For information, visit northlandchurch.net/ministries/ disaster_response or attend one of our monthly meetings. Judy Head at judy.head@northlandchurch.net or 407388-5798

northlandchurch.net/volunteer

VOLUNTEER at Northland Volunteering Gives Paragon School Students Training N

orthland has been blessed with the assistance of students from The Paragon School in Orlando, who have been volunteering with tasks at Northland while gaining important vocational training. These are high-functioning students with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, whom the school helps to maximize their potential. Helen Leonard Recently, Northland spoke with Helen Leonard, the founder of The Paragon School, about how the school began, its successes and its next steps. Northland: Helen, thank you for volunteering with the students from The Paragon School. These boys with autism are truly amazing! They have been very helpful on the property already with office supplies and with housekeeping. Please share with us how The Paragon School started. Helen: In 2005, the Princeton House staff shared with me that my son Tony was outgrowing their program and their resources, so I began to look for the next location for his education. After looking at many places with my husband, we thought that public school could work and our son would sort of get by. We pondered the situation more and thought we would never say for our other son, John, that we just wanted him to get by, so why would we do that for Tony? And we began to revisit options. Nothing jumped out, so I asked Carol from Princeton House to allow us to come back. She said, “We would be happy to have you and your son back, provided that you come as a teacher and you begin to develop a program of your own for higher-functioning kids on the autism spectrum. Although I had a degree in education from Vanderbilt, I had no experience in special needs education. After a year of experiencing and practicing the teaching methods in special needs, I started the nonprofit for Paragon, which opened in fall 2007. Northland: The foundational principles of Paragon are clearly faith-based. Please share the formation of this. Helen: My husband, Tony, and I were having challenges heading to church at a time when we really needed to be at church. We felt very alone and alienated. One week I would go to church, and he would watch our son, and one week he would go, and I would watch our son. This went on for some time, and we just felt tired, weary and burdened, and even asked ourselves, “Who does this?” Later I heard John 9, and I must have heard it dozens of times before, but for some

reason, this time it really made sense. “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him’” (vv. 1-3, NIV). It was the first time that I realized that it was God’s purpose for our son to have autism, and that He had a purpose for me personally in growing me and for these circumstances to help others. I really felt convicted that kids with autism and their families really needed to know the true hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Northland: You are clearly helping kids with autism and their families, and it is encouraging to watch you point people to Christ. What have been some other successes that have come about with The Paragon School? Helen: Wow, that is a good question, but the one that jumps into my head is Paragon is the first school for autism to be accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. I would also say that the partnerships and the people I have met through this journey have been amazing, such as Dragonfly ASD, OCA, Freedom Ride, NYPD Pizza, YMCA, Edgewood Library, Welbourne Avenue Nursery and Kindergarten, and Northland.

Did you know …? Facts About Autism

• April is National Autism Month. • Autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. • Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States. • Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average. • Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism.

Our Response to the Special Needs Community • Every week Children’s Ministries provides a class for special needs kids in an effort to provide a unique and tailored learning and worship experience. • One Saturday a month, Northland hosts Buddy Break, a time when caregivers of special needs children can get a three-hour respite while their children attend a specially designed program. • Northland’s Mobilization director, James Li, founded Dragonfly ASD, a martial arts program designed to help autistic children from the ASD and Asperger’s community. With martial arts training, children on the autism spectrum benefit from learning self-confidence, focus, structure and self-discipline, among many other valuable interpersonal skills. To learn more, visit dragonflyasd.org.

Volunteer Opportunities! Behavior Specialists Use your skills and talents to assist our Children’s Ministries teacher and Buddies with special needs children during Children’s Church. Debbie Blahnik at debbie.blahnik@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7162 Buddy Break Support Buddy Break is a free respite program designed to give caregivers of kids with special needs a break from their ongoing caregiving responsibilities. We need volunteers to buddy up with the kids one Saturday a month and play games, listen to Bible stories, and do arts and crafts. Julie Meeker at julie.meeker@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7153 Northland: What is next for Paragon? Helen: The next steps for Paragon include a focus on vocational training. I recently got a chance to meet with Temple Grandin in Colorado, and she shared with me that autistic people were not getting jobs. They were extremely gifted in math and science and other activities, and clearly could make a contribution to society, but were not getting jobs, so an emphasis needed to be placed on their vocational training. Temple said to me, “Are they hirable?” With that we have an additional focus to our students’ vocational training, which could range anywhere from accounting to food prep, and we are thankful that our students have the opportunity to learn vocational trades as they volunteer at Northland.

Weekend Buddies for Worship Be a Buddy alongside a special needs child attending Children’s Church during one of our weekend worship services. Julie Meeker at julie.meeker@northlandchurch. net or 407-949-7153 Terra Cotta Challenge This martial arts tournament is based on the Terra Cotta Soldiers unearthed in Xian, China, in the mid-1970s. This year’s event will be designed to bring awareness to autism. We need volunteers to help with greeting, food and concessions, time- and score-keeping, security, medical and trophy presentation. Rebecca Lang at volunteer@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1807

Mark Your Calendar! April Events: Beach Baptism

Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m., Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. For middle school or high school students and their families. Register at northlandchurch.net/middleschool or northlandchurch. net/highschool.

May Events: Battle of the Bands

Friday, May 3, 7 to 9 p.m., The Rink. For high school bands. Music demo and lyrics are due by April 4. Get more information or sign up by e-mailing kailey.copeland@northlandchurch.net.

LUGRox Lock-in

May 18 Look for details in next month’s paper.

Baccalaureate

May 22 In honor of the graduating class of 2013, Student Ministries will be hosting Baccalaureate for seniors and their families and friends. This is open to any graduating senior wanting to participate. Due by May 2 from each senior: one baby picture and one graduation picture, as well as any other pictures of graduating seniors you may have from any of our retreats or events. at northlandchurch.net/ highschool.

STUDENT MINISTRIES

ACTIVATING STUDENTS TO MAKE KINGDOM NOISE. WHAT IS MAKING KINGDOM NOISE? IT’S THE LOVE OF JESUS IN ACTION.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY To register for any of these activities and for more detailed info, visit northlandchurch.net/middleschool. Shaylynn Stoner at 407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net MIDDLE SCHOOL DOULOS Sundays, 11 a.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Middle School Doulos will help students connect what they experience in worship service to their daily lives and was designed for parents who are serving during the 11 a.m. service. LUGRox Saturdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. LUGRox is an evening full of high energy, high impact and just plain fun! Students will find thrilling games, solid teaching, rockin’ worship and friend-connecting small groups. Optional dinner (two slices of pizza, chips and lemonade) is available for $3. The last LUGRox of the 2012-2013 school year is May 11.

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY To register for any of these activities and for more detailed info, visit northlandchurch.net/highschool. Shaylynn Stoner at 407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net I AM THIRD First Wednesday of the month, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Subsequent Wednesdays, Distributed Home Groups (See website for locations.) IAMTHIRD will be in the RINK for all of May. The last IAMTHIRD of the 20122013 school year is May 15. Servant Leadership Ministry We offer servant leadership training and opportunities to serve for 9th-graders (setup crew), 10th- to 12th-graders (LUGRox captains) and college students (small group leaders and work crews). northlandchurch.net/highschool

ACCESS MINISTRIES FOR STUDENTS Young Life Capernaum Last Friday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. An evening for teens with special needs that includes worship, dinner, fun and an opportunity to grow in faith! TEENS, volunteer to serve at Capernaum. Heather Subbert at 407-937-1828 or heather. subbert@northlandchurch.net

COLLEGE MINISTRY Fusion (For students ages 18 to 25) Sundays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Dinner ($2 donation), Bible study and small group connection. Michael Walker at michael.walker@ northlandchurch.net

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

HOW CAN THEY CALL ON HIM TO SAVE THEM … HOW CAN THEY BELIEVE … UNLESS SOMEONE TELLS THEM? —ROMANS 10:14 (NLT)

Mark Your Calendar! Steps for Young Believers (Grades 2-5) and Their Parents Sundays at 3 p.m.

Step 1: Sundays, April 7 to 28 Step 2: Sundays, April 7 to May 19 More info on page 7. and registration: Gale Watzel at 407-621-1131 or rgjace@earthlink.net

5th-Grade JumpStart

• Saturday, April 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing, pizza will be served • Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., off-site pool party Get to know other fifth-graders and some of our middle school leaders. You won’t want to miss out, so mark your calendar! RSVP to Julie Meeker at julie.meeker@northlandchurch. net or 407-949-7153.

Parents of all 5th graders:

You’re invited to a parent meeting during the April 20 JumpStart. Bring your questions for the Student Ministry Leaders. RSVP to Debbie Blahnik @ debbie.blahnik@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7162

VOLUNTEER WITH THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES. You can do this! Learn more and find an application at northlandchurch.net/ ministry/childrens_church.

Children’s Church

Northland Early Learning Center

Debbie Blahnik, director of Children’s Ministries, at 407-949-7162 or debbie.blahnik@northlandchurch.net • Grade School Classes (Grades 1 – 5) During all worship services in the Children’s Worship Wing. Northland’s 5-day Bible study for children, The Daily Way, is available at northlandchurch.net or at Children’s Church. • Early Childhood Classes (Age 3 – Kindergarten) During all worship services in the Early Childhood Wing. • Infant & Toddler Care (Infants – Age 2) During all worship services in the Early Childhood Wing. • Children with Special Needs (Age 3 – Grade 5) A variety of options are available. Heather Subbert at heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1828

A weekday cooperative learning environment The Northland Early Learning Center will enroll children who have reached the age of 2, 3 or 4 by September 1 into the 2-, 3- or 4-year-olds class, respectively. As classes fill up, children will be placed on a waiting list and put in a class on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your child’s spot in a class, there is a $65 nonrefundable registration fee. Pam Anderson at 407-949-7179 or pam.anderson@ northlandchurch.net

Volunteer of the Month: Valerie Sisco Valerie has a great desire for the kindergartners in her class to hear and learn the truth of God’s Word. She expresses her love for Christ with a calm and gentle spirit that welcomes and engages every child. Valerie has been faithfully serving in Early Childhood Ministries for the past eight years on Monday evenings. We thank God for you, Valerie!

Why did you draw that? CJ in grade school drew a picture about the amazing story of God’s protecting Daniel in the lion’s den.

WAYS TO RESPOND Baptisms Adult Baptisms Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m., Ken and Diane Watkins’ home. Get baptized by immersion or sprinkling as a public profession of personal faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). Call to sign up. Sharon Ferreira at 407-949-7189 or sharon.ferreira@ northlandchurch.net Child Baptisms Northland recommends the Steps for Young Believers course for grade schoolaged children prior to baptism, but it is not mandatory. Diane Jones at diane.jones@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7188 Infant Baptism/Dedication Class Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m., room 4206. Child care is available upon request. Diane Jones at 407-949-7188 or diane.jones@northlandchurch.net

Bible Studies ADULTS Discipleship Group Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Prayer room. Study for new believers and those who want to grow in their faith using the book of John. Bob Ek at bobpatek30@aol.com Evening Prayer Group Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m., prayer room. Elaine Harland at 407-949-4002 or elaine.harland@northlandchurch.net Firm Foundations Sundays, 11 a.m., room 4209. Study the Bible chronologically for one year to understand God’s overarching plan from creation to Christ. For new adult believers and those who are seeking to gain a clear understanding of God, our relationship with Him, and the grace He has made freely available through the death of His Son. Register at northlandchurch.net/classes. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura. pinckard@northlandchurch.net. Mike Sheffey at msheffey@cfl.rr.com John • Sundays, 9 a.m., room 4206-07 • Wednesdays, 7 p.m., room 2211, Admin Wing. Study some of the most powerful sayings and actions in all of the ministry of Jesus. From the I AM sayings of Jesus to the raising of Lazarus from the dead, this study will bring greater clarity to your understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done. Barb Olsen at barbara.olsen@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7183 Romans Sundays, 10:45 a.m., rooms 4206-07. Come early for refreshments and fellowship. Study Romans, the constitution of the Bible, and how this important book explains how to be right with God, ourselves and others. John and Carolyn Jones at 407-831-5822 Spanish Ministry Bible Study Every Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m., room 5209, Children’s Worship Wing. Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1824. Ministerio Hispano de Northland: Estudio Biblico semanal en espanol. Todos los miercoles de 7pm.a 9pm. (termina 8.30pm y luego tiempo de

There are limitless opportunities to grow in God and connect with others in and through Northland. Here are some great places to start!

oracion). Comienza el Miercoles 9 de Enero. Las clases seran en el aula 5209 en la seccion de adoracion del ministerio de ninios. Bendiciones Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1824. Transformers — Young married couples (mid-20s to -40s) Sundays, 10:45 a.m. to noon, Fellowship Hall, Student Ministries and Care Center. Our goal is to build relationships and grow in our marriages by studying God’s Word and applying it to our lives. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Tim and Michelle Kutcher at tim.kutcher@gmail.com

MEN AMEN (A Meeting of Men) Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 5108-9, Children’s Worship Wing. Learn to apply God’s Word to real-life situations. Dan Bogdan at 407-702-5358 or danbogdan@ trubromance.com Man in the Mirror Men’s Bible Study, by Pat Morley Tuesdays, 6:45 to 8 a.m., room 1118, Student Ministries and Care Center. Bob Shoemaker at bshoemaker@ compass1.org or 407-599-3132 Men’s Fraternity: The Quest for Authentic Manhood Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., room 5100, CWW. This is an intensive, captivating journey that helps men: Resolve wounds from their past; embrace a biblical definition of manhood; and develop their own personal manhood plan. The required workbook can be ordered through the Northland Bookstore. Vito Fera at vito@networksoundinc.com or 407923-5115 Philippians Thursdays, 6:30 a.m., Student Ministries and Care Center, room 1118. Join this open-forum discussion on the book of Philippians: 45 minutes of study and 15 minutes of prayer. Leo Carrier at leo@carrierinsurance.com

WOMEN Believing God, by Beth Moore This new, 11-week Bible study provides biblical guidelines and practical life lessons as we learn that there is a huge difference between believing in God and believing God as we study the lives of Abraham, Moses and others as examples of people who believed God. The workbook is at the Northland Bookstore for $16.95. Choose one of two times: • Mondays, April 8 through June 24, 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Child care is available with reservations; contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Cherrie Rowe at 407-322-6850, or Anne Sullivan at 407332-8318 or annesullivan@cfl.rr.com • Tuesdays, April 9 through June 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Child care is available with reservations; contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Cherrie Rowe at 407-322-6850, or Marlene Ross at 407833-0094 or rossduo@cfl.rr.com

Classes & Training Check the Northland website (northlandchurch.net/classes/) for the most up to date information on all classes.

ADULTS Belong/Membership Opportunities • One-day seminar: Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Rink. Hear Dr. Joel C. Hunter and other senior leaders describe what it means to belong to Christ and to Northland. Child care is available. Ruth Sapp at belong@northlandchurch. net or 407-949-4039 • Online: Anytime at northlandchurch.net/ series/belong_study/ Digging Deeper Wednesdays, 7 p.m., room 4123. Discussion revolved around the current Lenten Study, Seeking God for the City. After Lent the study will revolve around the current series being preached by Dr. Hunter. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura. pinckard@northlandchurch.net. Bob and Donna Keiderling at bob.keiderling@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1789

Worship in the Arts Camp Registration is open at northlandchurch. net for the 2013 Worship in the Arts Camp, for children entering fourth through eighth grades. This camp will run Monday through Friday, June 24 through 28, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The camp provides an encouraging environment for one week of instruction in the disciplines of music, dance, visual arts, technical production and spiritual growth. Eleanor Tracey at 407-937-1812 or eleanor. tracey@northlandchurch.net

WOMEN Women of Faith Sundays Two Sunday evenings a month, 4:30 to 6 p.m., room 4217. Fun, fellowship, fabulous friendships, precious prayer and meaningful Bible study! or RSVP: Stephanie Marks at stepha.marks@gmail.com or 407-227-7964

Groups CARE GROUPS ADULTS

Digging Even Deeper Saturdays, 6:45 to 8 p.m., room 4128 (cry room.) This is a time to examine the evening’s message through the Bible and how to apply it to our lives. Join in the opportunity to dig a little deeper and strengthen your walk with Jesus. It’s a great way to discover your gifts and passion for the ministry for which God has equipped you. Child care is unavailable. Tom and Brenda Pete at petes121@cfl.rr.com or 407-620-5454

Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 5207-8. This is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with one another, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA’s primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Frank Turner at 407-599-9770

Stephen Ministers Training Tuesdays, beginning April 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 2211 (admin conference room). Stephen Ministers provide highquality, confidential, Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, job loss, loneliness, disability, relocation, and other life difficulties. If you are looking to strengthen your leadership and caregiving gifts in meaningful ministry by serving others while experiencing tremendous spiritual growth, be part of the training. Bob Keiderling at bob. keiderling@northlandchurch.net or 407-6183183

Al-Anon Support Group Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., room 5209. Alcoholism affects families, and can affect our emotional well-being, for better or worse. Problem drinking can make life extremely difficult for the non-drinking family member. Al‑Anon members share their experience, strength and hope in coping with an intimate relationship that is affected by alcoholism or drug abuse. Frank Turner at 407-599-9770

CHILDREN Steps for Young Believers (Grades 2-5) and Their Parents These courses in basic discipleship include classroom sessions and daily at-home devotionals. Materials cost: $5. Registration is required. Gale Watzel at 407-621-1131 or rgjace@earthlink.net • STEP 1—BECOMING A PART OF GOD’S FAMILY: Sundays, April 7 through 28, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Focus: Salvation and assurance. Includes Communion instruction. • STEP 2—THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: Sundays, April 7 to May 19, 3 to 4:30 p.m. 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: TBD Focus: to develop skills in exploring the Bible.

Blessings and Challenges of Blended Families Mondays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 4216. An ongoing care group for those age 18 and up facilitates discussion on the challenges unique to blended families and offers a time of mutual encouragement as the group takes this journey together. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Bob Keiderling at bob.keiderling@northlandchurch.net or 407937-1789 Celebrate Recovery Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m., Sanctuary. Gain freedom from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits over dinner, fellowship and share groups, which include CR 101, Men’s and Women’s Addiction, Men’s and Women’s Co-dependency, Mom’s of Addicts, Men’s Anger, Men’s Sexual Addiction, Women’s Relationship Addiction, Women’s Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse and Eating Disorders for Women. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura. pinckard@northlandchurch.net. Laurie Jean Harrington at celebraterecovery@ northlandchurch.net or 407-927-4393

Coping with Addictions/Codependency His Way Thursdays, 7 p.m., fellowship hall, Student Ministries and Care Center. A Christcentered, 12-step program dealing with issues such as alcohol, drugs, relationships, food, sexual addictions, codependency and issues affecting adult children of addiction. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura. pinckard@northlandchurch.net. His Way, Frank Turner at 407-599-9770 GriefShare Call for time and location. This healing ministry walks you through the steps of grief. Workbook is available at Northland’s bookstore for $19. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. GriefShare voiceline at 407-949-7152 or griefshare@ northlandchurch.net Divorce Recovery Tuesdays, call for time and location. New session begins May 7. This support group walks alongside individuals who have been through a divorce and helps them to experience personal growth and healing. Registration and assessment are required. Cost: $5, and $19 for required book (available in the Bookstore). Child care is available. Donna Delzingaro at 407-937-1749 PRAXIS (Conquering Fear, Anger, Anxiety) Tuesdays, 7:15 to 9 p.m., rooms 5106-07, CWW. Conquer fear, anger and anxiety through biblical principles. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@ northlandchurch.net. Skye Engel at 407834-3158 PeaceSeekers This ministry takes the biblical approach to handling all levels and types of conflict and making a difference in relationships. Mediation and biblical conflict coaching are available. Rich Arndt at 407-221-8955 or volvoom@gmail.com Support for the Separated Tuesdays, call for time and location. New session begins May 7. Support group for those who are separated with court papers pending, for healing, hope and reconciliation in the Lord. Cost: $5, and $19 for required book (available in the Northland Bookstore). Child care is available. Donna Delzingaro at 407-937-1749 Transformation Series 1 Healing Hearts — Transforming Lives Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., room 4218 and Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m., room 4205. One-hour DVD teaching and one-hour small group inner healing. Help break strongholds (negative patterns) in your life. Get to the root of the issue, and get it healed instead of just coping.Get rid of the blocks that prevent you from being all that God made you to be! Portia at 407-687-1550 or portia@ restoration-ministry.com

MEN 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. Workbook cost: $17 at Northland’s bookstore. Bryce Hagedorn at 407227-3072 or brycehagedorn@yahoo.com; or Kevin Urichko at 407-949-7166 or kevin. urichko@northlandchurch.net

WOMEN BCAUSE—Breast Cancer Survival Any woman touched by breast cancer desiring prayer, fellowship, information and/or encouragement, contact Susan Diener-Blando at 407-488-5941 or susandb@yahoo.com. Women Facing Love, Sex and Relationship Addiction Group Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 5106-7, Children’s Worship Wing. This group support provides confidential care and recovery from fantasy, romance, love and sex/pornography addiction. For child care, contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@northlandchurch. net. Suzanne Rucker at 407-967-9313 or LifeCounselingSolutions@gmail.com Women’s Healing Ministry Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 5100. This group will provide hope and a safe place to heal if you have experienced sexual betrayal, deception and lies of secrecy that keep you in bondage. Vicki M. Wotring at 520-631-0886 or celebratelife3@aol.com

COMMUNITY GROUPS What is a community group? It’s a small group — a gathering of you and your Christian community hinged on a mission of responding to God TOGETHER for the benefit of others! Find or form a group of your own at community.northlandchurch.net. Dwell Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., connect for location, as it will change every week. This small group of creative and artistic young professionals ranging from age 20 to 30 years old seeks to dwell in community, both with one another and with Christ, through building authentic relationships, serving the local community, and engaging in worship and Scripture. twitter @northland_dwell or dwell.northland@gmail.com

PRAYER GROUPS Children’s Ministries Prayer Team Pray weekly from your home for needs in Children’s Ministries. Carol Moss at carol. moss@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7180 Commit to Pray Choose and day and time to pray. Northland’s leadership is sensing the Holy Spirit moving us as a congregation to be intentionally involved in ministry … at Northland and in the world, everywhere, every day. Join your prayers to ours as the church is being transformed by the increasingly effective ministries of congregation members, Sign up: northlandchurch.net and type in the search window: prayer about the future of northland

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Active and Retired Law Enforcement Officers Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 5100, Children’s Worship Wing. Currently studying John Eldredge’s Beautiful Outlaw. Paul Griffith at 407-557-7678 or paulgfl02@aol.com Common Ground Adult Ministry (Ages 25-45) 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., The Rink, Student Ministries and Care Center. Come make some friends and grow in Christ with us through fellowship, worship,

and scripture. Child care is available with registration by contacting Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@northlandchurch.net. Susan Lapp at commonground@ northlandchurch.net Kingdom Advisors Fourth Thursday of each month, noon to 1:15 p.m., room 4209. Financial professionals, join this lunch study group to learn how to build your practice on biblical principles. Philip van Staden at 407-339-9090 Knit and Chat Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 4219. This group is for those who knit (or crochet) or want to learn how to knit. Knit and Chat is intended for fellowship while sharing the joy of knitting. Contact Laura Pinckard at laura.pinckard@northlandchurch.net for child care for children 10 and under. Nitza at milliesnow009@yahoo.com Men’s Racquetball Group Wednesdays, 5 p.m., Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. After game time, the group members sit on benches and fellowship by telling life’s stories and praying for one another’s needs. This is great for exercise and fellowship. No experience is required. Alex Crane at alexmcrane@live. com or 321-303-0831

Ministerio Hispano - Reunion Mensual Nos reunimos el tercer viernes de cada mes, 7 p.m., fellowship hall, Student Ministries and Care Center. Traiga un plato para compartir y traiga su familia y amigos que hablan español. Cuidado de niños está disponible. Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@northlandchurch. net or 407-937-1824 Spanish Ministry - Spanish Interpretation Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m. services. Spanish interpretation is available online and listening devices are available at the Welcome Desk. Join the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/northlandespanol. Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1824 Ministerio Hispano - Interpretacion en Espanol Domingos, en los servicios de las 9 y 11 a.m. Interpretación en español esta disponible en línea y los aparatos de escucha buscarlos en el Welcome Desk. Busque en la página de Facebook enwww.facebook.com/ northlandespanol. Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1824 Tennis Saturdays, 8 a.m., Red Bug Lake Park. Jeff Rossmeissl at 407-489-6096

Moms4Moms Get connected with other moms for friendship and encouragement through meetings and playgroup activities. Registration required. Michelle Smith at 407-718-5510 or michellesmith8203@yahoo. com Moms4Moms: The Next Chapter One Sunday each month, 6 to 8 p.m., room 1115, The Rink. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers (April 7). Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian (May 19). Tara L. Fisher at taralopezfisher@gmail.com

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

Motorcycle Group Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m., call for start location. Join us for this fun, fellowship and scenic ride to Port Canaveral. Lori Landers at 386-668-9077

Call and Connect Believers are needed to make phone calls, welcoming first-time visitors and connecting with interested attendees regarding various ministry projects. Training provided, flexible hours. Brian King at brian.king@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0567

Northland Veterans for Christ Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 5110, CWW. Christian brothers and sisters who are veterans of the Armed Forces gathering to grow in Christ, share common experiences, support each other and eventually reach out to the greater community of veterans in the Orlando area. Randy Mixon at 808-343-4391 or rmixon75@gmail.com or Peter Grace at 407575-1360 or petergrace73@yahoo.com. Party of 8 If you’re a married 30- or 40-something, we’d love for you to be involved in this first iteration of dinner groups! If you are interested in getting together with other couples in your area once a month for four months, sign up at northlandchurch.net/dinner. dinner@ northlandchurch.net Single Purpose (Singles age 35 and up) Second and fourth Sunday of each month, 3 p.m., rooms 4206-07. Join us for the study of Not a Fan, by Karl Idleman. Learn ways to become a completely committed follower of Christ. Dan Olson at Singlepurpose7@ gmail.com, or meetup.com/oacs08/ Spanish Ministry - Monthly Gathering Third Friday of each month, 7 p.m., fellowship hall, Student Ministries and Care Center. Bring a dish to share and any Spanish-speaking family and friends. Child care is available. Dr. Laura Capizzano at laura.capizzano@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1824

Serve at Northland For additional ways to serve at Northland, visit northlandchurch.net/ volunteer.

Children’s Ministries There are plenty of ways to serve in Children’s Ministries. Whether it is through preparing the weekly take-home resources, teaching or helping in a classroom on the weekends, or manning the children’s library during the week, volunteers make a difference. Debbie Blahnik at debbie.blahnik@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7162 Communion Servers Communion servers are needed the first weekend of each month. Training provided. Jasmine Morgan at communion@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0575 Info Desk Hosts Needed Answer questions and direct newcomers before and after the worship services. Five service choices each weekend. Stop by the Info Kiosk (with the big question mark) and find out how you can get started or contact Marie Price at marie.price@northlandchurch.net. Medical First Responders During worship services and special events. BLS-trained or medical professionals, especially EMTs, are needed. Lori Holton at lori.holton@northlandchurch.net or 407949-4000

10 Minister to Teens Do you have a heart for hurting teens? We are looking for people to help with an exciting new ministry for students 6th- to 12th-graders. All training and materials will be provided. Laurie Jean Harrington at celebraterecovery@northlandchurch.net Parking and Traffic Attendants Weekend volunteers are needed to help control traffic on Northland property before and after services. Help out as often or as little as you want. Jeff Hess at jeff.hess@ northlandchurch.net or 407-272-9111 Phone Assistance Weekday volunteers are needed to answer phones and greet visitors. Flexible hours. Lori Holton at lori.holton@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4000 Special Needs Children and Teens Sundays, assist during the 11 a.m. worship service. Heather Subbert at 407-9371828 or heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net Ushers and Greeters Greet and seat those attending worship services. No experience necessary. Lori Holton at lori.holton@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4000 Welcome Hosts Needed Welcome guests before the weekend worship services as part of the Welcome Host Team. No experience necessary. Find out how you can get started. Todd Mazenko at tjmazenko@gmail.com or 352-630-7868

Serve With Northland Blood Drive Sunday, April 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.; Monday, April 8, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Northland at Longwood. In March, 49 people donated 40 units, and as a result 118 lives were saved. To reduce your waiting time, you may schedule a time slot at www. floridasbloodcenters.org. Ruth Sapp at ruth. sapp@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4039 Celebrate Recovery – Inside Facilitate CR–Inside, a Christian 12-step recovery program. Men and women facilitators are needed. Minimum commitment: twice a month. Susan Lumb at 321-297-2416 or susan.lumb@hatprogram.org Child Advocates Become a Guardian ad Litem. In an ideal situation, a child has a parent or caregiver paying attention, but for many children, there is no one. Will you give some of your time and compassion to such a child? As a GAL volunteer, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, you would be there to speak in the child’s best interest. Melissa Fernandez at 407-665-5386 or melissa.fernandez@gal.fl.gov Disaster Response Teams Train and prepare for serving during times of disaster and local outreach field exercises. All levels of experience are needed, from professionals to those who want to be trained. Judy Head at judy.head@ northlandchurch.net or 407-388-5798 Facilitators for Classes With Incarcerated Men Men are needed to share their faith and experience with incarcerated men. Curriculum will be provided. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Minimum commitment, one day per week (alternating weeks). Emily Tallman at 407-949-4017 or emily. tallman@northlandchurch.net

Family Advocacy Office Couples or individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of more than 900 homeless families with school-aged children in Seminole County are needed. Commitment: about 10 hours a month to help one family for a 90-day window to connect to resources within SCPS and other community resources. Training is provided. Maria Penzes at maria. penzes@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0554 Free Clinic Volunteers Needed Harvest Time International’s Medical Care Center is currently looking for volunteers who would like to commit to serve at least once a month. It needs doctors, nurses and other medical staff as well as clerical volunteers to qualify the families (does require one-time training). The clinic will serve needy families without health insurance in our community. The hours are Monday through Saturday. lena@ harvesttime.org or 407-328-9900, ext. 135 Help at Bethany Christian Services Volunteers are needed to assist with clerical and office duties and to support the exchange of pictures/letters between birth families and adoptive families. Jamie at Bethany Christian Services at 407-877-4006 or jerpenbach@bethany.org Jail Ministry Worship Hosts Serve during the live worship services inside the jail. Men and women are needed. No experience is necessary and training is provided. MInimum commitment: twice a month. Paula Gillon at paula.gillon@ northlandchurch.net 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. People are needed to bring the residents to the Sunday 9 a.m. service at Northland at Longwood. Patsy Grannan at 407-538-5209 or pjgrannan@yahoo.com Men Mentoring Fatherless Boys No age limit or experience required. Must be able to devote at least one hour per week. Take the challenge, and build a life-changing relationship. David Keys at nlmentoring@ gmail.com Mentors and Classroom Assistants Needed Mentors and classroom assistants are needed for Milwee Middle School students in Longwood. Need to be 18 years old or older and available at least one hour per week until the end of the school year. Must complete SCPS Dividend process. Buzz Vincent, Milwee Middle School at 407-746-3802 or buzz_vincent@scps.k12.fl.us The Mercy Drive Achievers Club This is an after-school program of 51 children who gather weekdays from 3:30 to 5:30 for homework help, Bible lessons, interactive learning, fellowship and fun. The club needs more volunteers to ensure that its achievers get the individual attention they need to be successful students in a community where this is desperately needed. Would you like to share in the vision of a transformed community to the greater glory of God? Check out Mercy Drive Ministries on Facebook. 407-293-7784 Pen Pals for Inmates Looking for men and women interested in corresponding with inmates in Seminole County jail. Additionally some move to prison and request a pen pal. Must follow established guidelines. Call the Jail Ministry Line for more information: 407-949-4007

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

Beyond Northland

Public Elementary School Bible Clubs Held on a weekly basis in a number of Seminole and Orange County schools (30 clubs last school year). Across the USA, 4,385 Good News Clubs were held by churches. YOU can volunteer in a school! Training and visual literature is available. See children and families come to Christ! 407896-7288 or cefcenfl@earthlink.net or go to the website: www.cefcenfl.org.

Abortion Recovery Bible study for post-abortive men or women that meets in a confidential, supportive setting. Reveille Ministries at 407-333-0404

Reading/Tutoring Ministry Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Goldsboro Elementary & Magnet School, Sanford. Teens through people in their 80s, read as “Nanas,” “Papas” or “Buddies” to kindergarteners, and/or tutor second-graders in reading or math for one, two or three hours. Tutoring may be done on alternate days. Mary Weeks at Marykweeks@gmail. com or 407-977-0724, or Elaine Gritter at egritter@bellsouth.net or 407-327-1474 Reading and Math Buddies Mondays through Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Goldsboro Elementary School. Help make a difference for a child struggling with reading or math by volunteering one hour a week. Rebekah_richey@scps.k12. fl.us or 407-252-7009 Recovery Ministry Volunteers with a heart for the hurting, and recovery or 12-step experience needed to help with a ministry. Laurie Jean Harrington at 407-977-6742 or lauriejean2@ bellsouth.net Serve as a Worship Facilitator at the Orlando Bridge We are looking for a few good men! This position is responsible for greeting the inmates for service, handing out prayer cards and worship guides, and hosting the live feed for the Northland worship service through a ROKU box. Training is provided, and most serve one or two times per month. Emily Tallman at 407-949-4017 or emily.tallman@ northlandchurch.net Temporarily House Children Loving Christian mentors and volunteer host homes are needed to temporarily house children through Bethany Christian Services’ Safe Families for Children ministry. Training is provided, and background checks are required. Jamie at Bethany Christian Services at 407-877-4006 or jerpenbach@ bethany.org The Sharing Center Volunteers are needed at the Longwood and Sanford sites. Some positions include working at the client services offices or the thrift store, and picking up food from businesses. Volunteers also are needed in the Center’s Oasis, where homeless kids and adults can take a shower, get clothes washed, and use computers for homework and job searches. 407-260-9155 or www.thesharingcenter.org/volunteer Find other ways to serve in your community at northlandchurch.net/ blogs/serve_beyond/

ADULTS

Be a Bridge – Connect With People of Diverse Faith Traditions See below for upcoming ways you can engage and serve with people of many faiths in our Central Florida community. Pastor Gus Davies at 407-949-4008 or gus.davies@ northlandchurch.net, or Robert Ray at 407415-8528 or Robert.Ray@nrmafla.com or Jeneba Davies at 407 435-4673 • Religion 101 Series — Join us for an overview of some of the major religions in Central Florida’s interfaith community. Presentations are at 7 p.m. at the Holocaust Center, 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland. – Tuesday, April 9 — Unitarian Universalism with Rev. Kathy Schmitz – Tuesday, May 7 — A panel with presenters of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, Baha’i and Unitarian Universalism. info@holocaustedu.org • Harmony House – Work with other faith traditions to build a better community. This is Northland’s partnership with the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and Habitat for Humanity’s second “Harmony House” build. Work side by side with other faith traditions. Skills? No Skills? It makes no difference. You can make a difference in someone’s life. Robert Ray at 407-4158528 or Robert.Ray@nrmafla.com Central Florida’s Job Fair (CFEC.org) Wednesday, May 15, noon to 4 p.m., Central Florida Fairgrounds & Exposition Park, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Visit www.CFEC.org to preregister, get job fair tips, research the companies listed, get directions or search Central Florida’s Online Job Board. Christian HELP at 407-834-4022 or christianhelp.org Community Bible Study Wednesdays, through May 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Community United Methodist on 17-92. Please join women from all backgrounds and levels of Bible knowledge to study Hebrews. Children’s program is available. New Spanish group. Registration is now open. Olga Lizardo at 407-4159578, Eunice Hopkins at 407-339-6112 (en Español), or visit Orlando.CBSclass.org Healing Grace Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., TLC Women’s Center, 2992 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. This post-abortion ministry shares the healing grace of Jesus without judgment. Coorie Moore at 407-244-5527 Holy Land Pilgrimage Visit to Israel November 2013 – Information Meeting Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in rooms 4209-10. Explore the opportunity to journey to the Holy Land with Pastor’s Gus Davies and Kevin Urichko November 29 to December 12, 2013 where we will see the people, places and Bible events of our Lord’s home, come alive before our eyes. We will be inspired as we worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper together in the Garden Tomb, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, sail across the Sea of Galilee, and visit many other holy sites. We also will visit Nazareth Baptist Church and School on a Serve Day. This is a fantastic occasion to celebrate our

spiritual heritage with your family or friends. Donna Snyder at 407-421-3213 or donnaflamm@hotmail.com Home Run, Movie About Celebrate Recovery Home Run, the movie is about baseball all-star Cory Brand, who knows what it takes to win in the big leagues. But off the field, with memories of his past haunting him, his life was spiraling out of control. Experience hope! Take someone you love to see this new movie on opening weekend, April 19. Based on thousands of true stories, Home Run is a powerful reminder that with God, it’s never too late … freedom is possible. and to purchase tickets: Laurie Jean Harrington at 407-927-4393 or celebraterecovery@ northlandchurch.net Healing and Transition (HAT) Program Serving men and women recently released from incarceration, and their families. Mentors/coaches needed; training is provided. Jobs, housing and other basic needs. Grant writer is needed. Susan Lumb at 321-297-2416 or susan.lumb@ hatprogram.org Shoe Box Celebration Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m., Orange County Convention Center, Orlando. Join the celebration of praise to God for the Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts having reached more than 100 million children worldwide! Tickets are $15 in advance or $25 at the door. samaritanspurse.org/ celebrate100million or 800-965-9324 Study of Genesis through Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) BSF began in September and is providing an interdenominational, in-depth Bible study of the book of Genesis. Day and evening classes are available for women, evenings for men and there are age-appropriate classes for children of all ages. For additional information about BSF International www. bsfinternational.org. For class details and/ or registration information: Orlando Evening Women’s Class - Gina Horton at vhorton827@aol.com; Southwest Orlando Day Women’s Class - Edie Chambers at ebie948@gmail.com; Northwest Orlando Day Women’s Class - Mimi Certo at Mimi@ websolvers.com; Oviedo Day Women’s Class - JillRead at jillread@aol.com; Orlando Evening Men’s Class - Gary Klein at garykleinbsf@gmail.com

MEN Christian Businessmen’s Connection 7 to 8 a.m.: Tuesdays, Denny’s, Lee Road exit off Interstate 4; Wednesdays, First Watch, 249 West 436, Altamonte Springs; Thursdays, Perkins, University & Forsyth. A worldwide men’s ministry for 81 years (www.cbmc.com) that meets for fellowship, prayer and discussion of God’s principles for business. Armand Dauplaise at 407221-3114 or adauplaise@aol.com, or Larrie Kitchen at 407-462-4828, or Steve Doerr at 321-274-7072 Faithful and True Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Reformed Theological Seminary, Oviedo. Join a fellowship of men pursuing sexual integrity. Kevin Sipp at klsipp@sbcglobal. net or 407-949-4000, xt. 1862

PARENTS NearHim Home Educators Supports and encourages families that God has called to teach their children at home. www.nearhim.com Parents Group for Moms and Dads Impacted by Homosexuality Second Monday each month, 7 p.m., Altamonte Springs ministry location. Join this group where you can share your feelings, and learn how to respond to your gay loved one in a Godly way. For confidential information Cherrie at cherrierowe@aol.com or 407-322-6850

WOMEN Beth Moore Living Proof Event November 8 and November 9, Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Spread the word; call your girlfriends; reserve your seats now to sit with other women from Northland! The event ticket cost is $69. (Payment is required now to get this discount.) and registration: Jane Gibbons at gibbonsjane@bellsouth.net, 407-637-5443 or 828-318-5056

Christian and classic children’s books as well as parenting and marriage books are needed for the Northland Children’s and Family library. Bethany Durys at bethany. durys@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0541 Men’s casual clothes, backpacks, blankets, tennis shoes and hygienic supplies, are needed by Downtown Homeless ministry at St. George’s Orthodox Church, a ministry to the homeless in Orlando. Dave Mullen at dmull77@yahoo.com Vehicles are needed at Recovery House of Central Florida (www.recoveryhouseinc. org). It also needs pressure-washing equipment, power tools and hand tools. Erik Robinson at 407-323-5857 or erikrhcf@yahoo.com Bed sheets, pillowcases and other items are needed at Safehouse of Seminole for battered women and their children. Complete needs list at www.safehouseofseminole.org. admin@safehouseofseminole.org or 407302-5220

Men’s neckties and dress shirts are needed to support the dress code for participants in the Healing and Transition (HAT) Program. HAT is a program for men and women looking for life transformation following incarceration. Donated cars assist with transportation to work. Susan Lumb at 321-297-2416 or susan.lumb@hatprogram.org Bibles are needed for the Downtown Homeless Ministry. Donate new or used Bibles at the Northland Bookstore. Dave Mullen at dmull77@yahoo.com Chairs needed! If you have unwanted, overused or slightly used wooden, plastic or fabric desk chairs, dining chairs, kitchen chairs or similar chairs (but no recliners, living room chairs or den furniture, please), we’d love to take them off your hands. All chairs must be in good repair. This is for the Healing and Transition (HAT) program in partnership with Art House Orlando. To donate chairs, contact Susan Lumb at susan.lumb@hatprogram.org or 321-3633926.

Looking for ministry-related jobs in Central Florida? Need to hire at your ministry?

Find and post paid positions at jobs.northlandchurch.net.

Divorced/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 welcome. Nancy Petitto at 321972-2255 Women’s Connection Luncheon Third Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DeBary Golf & Country Club, 300 Plantation Drive. All women are invited to the monthly luncheon, designed to connect women with God, their community, and each other. Judy Ann Mumford at jamumford@ gmail.com or 386-753-9376 Women of Faith 2013 in Orlando Friday, September 20, 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Amway Center. Interested in joining other women from our church for Women of Faith 2013 in Orlando? Join us! We have tickets so we can sit together as a group! Registration and payment due April 1. The lineup Includes: Third Day, Max Lucado, Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper, CeCe Winans, Angie Smith and Mark Lowry. Check out the website for more information: womenoffaith.com/events/ believe-god-can-do-anything-orlando-fl/. Stephanie Marks at 407-227-7964 or stepha. marks@gmail.com Workplace Ministry First Tuesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Orlando. J4 Leaders (www.J4Leaders.org), an interdenominational ministry for women to help encourage one another to succeed with a biblical worldview. Pam Oldham at info@J4Leaders.org or 407-522-4797

Donations

Please take clean, usable clothing, toys, household items, nonperishable food items and supplies to The Sharing Center, Fairmont Plaza, 600 N. Highway 1792, Longwood. 407-260-9155 or www. thesharingcenter.org 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. 407949-4000 or serve@northlandchurch.net

Joel C. Hunter Scholarship Offered The Joel C. Hunter Scholarship, in an amount up to $5,000, was created in 1998 to honor Dr. Hunter’s teaching and leadership. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist those training in the arts, theology or any other discipline that could be dedicated to ministry consistent with the distributed church model. Northland’s True North Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2013 award. Completed application packets must be received by Friday, May 24 for consideration. Recipients will be notified by Friday, June 21. The Respond newspaper will provide bios of this year’s scholarship recipients in an upcoming issue. At your request, an application will be emailed to you that will provide you with all the details. To receive your application, email or call the church office. Stephen Thomas at stephen.thomas@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7185 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

honor AND memory OF OUR loved ones

In honor of: All military and their families by John and Carole Sterling Rex and Glenda Cowart by Gloria Cooper Lori Fornicola and Dave Phillips by Leann, Courtlyn, Colby and Marsh Our children and grandchildren by Jim and Ginnie Urichko Ernesto Ramirez by his daughter, Maritza Ramirez Maria Revak by Terry and Tim Wenner

In memory of: Alice Backer by Gloria Cooper Steve Barlow by Linda Barlow Verman Edee and Vernor Blough by their daughter, Shayna Purvis, and family Jim Britton by Beth Britton Shane Britton by Beth Britton Concetta Bruno by Ralph and Sharon Spano Courtney and Clara Bunney by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Chad Burns by Nancy Liberatore and Susan Burns Paul Clark by Paula Shinkle and Natalie Clark Gary Combs by Marsh, Leann, Courtlyn and Colby Gary and Peter Cushaney by Diana, Jon and Haylee Mr. and Mrs. Carmen DeStout Jr. by Donna Delzingaro Judith Barelare Feltman by Scott, Angel, Gabriel and Grace Feltman Philip J. Guilfoil by Terry G. Aycrigg Paul Hanuska by his daughter, Karen Young Riddick Harrell by the Harrell family Judith Hernandez de Diaz by Irma Stephens Mitzi Lang by the Stram family Jack Lanman by his loving family, Jan and children Pamela Joy Ledford by Ashley and Bob Ledford Dr. Robert Ledford Sr. by Ashley and Bob Ledford Jenna Grace Liles by Mommy and Daddy Charlotte Lucie by Mark and Cindy Losso

Alfred J. McCabe by the McCabe family James P. McCabe by the McCabe family Jeanne Miller by Jolene Burns Betty Ann Moline by Linda Barlow Verman Juan B. Morales by Mani Morales Leatherman Dale Jean Nacin by Tom and Marcy Salome Nieves by Mani Morales Leatherman Our parents by Jim and Ginnie Urichko Gertrude Ramey Owens by Johnny and Cathy Sandifer Juanita Plaugher by her husband, Milton Plaugher Theresa Postlewait by Kathy Postlewait Dolly Ramirez by her daughter, Maritza Ramirez Grace Raso by Debbie Raso Erick Salgado by Youme Chia Maria Connie Spano by Ralph and Sharon Spano Michael Anthony Spano by Ralph and Sharon Spano Donald Stephens by Donald Stephens The Sterling and Smith families by John and Carole Sterling My husband, Steve, by Linda Akerson Richard Stone by Bill and Gina Horton Fred Stram by the Stram family Marge Stram by the Stram family Arlin Verman by Linda Barlow Verman Jeff Verman by Linda Barlow Verman Carolyn White by Jennifer White

A litany/prayer from the poet Christina Rossetti in her devotional volume on the book of Revelation, The Face of the Deep. Below is edited for length and language.

Thou Who Wast Center Christina Rossetti, Revelation 5

Lord Jesus, holy and majestic are you in your high places. You are the center of all life, and from you all life flows. Beautiful and majestic were you also while you dwelled with man. Even when you were the Center where humiliations and sorrows met. You who were the center of a stable, with two saints and harmless cattle and some shepherds for your court.

Grant us lowliness.

You who were the Center of Bethlehem when Wise Men worshipped You. Grant us wisdom. You who were the Center of the Temple, Grant us purity. You who were the Center of Egypt which har足bored your people in exile. Be our refuge. You who were the Center of all waters at Your Baptism in the river Jordan, still sanctify water to the mystical washing away of sin.

Help us to remember our baptism.

You who were Center of all desolate places dur足ing the forty days and forty nights, Comfort the desolate. You who were Center of the marriage feast at Cana. Bless our rejoicing. You who were the Centre of a funeral proces足sion at Nain. Bless our mourning. You who were Center of Samaria as You sat on the well. Bring back strayed souls. You who were Center of all heights on the Mount of Beatitudes, Grant us to sit with You in the heavenly places. You who were Center of sufferers by the Pool of Bethesda. Heal us. You who were Center of al harvest ground when You went through the cornfields with Your disciples.

Make us bring forth the harvest thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.

You who were Center of mankind when You called unto yourself whom you would, Grant us grace to obey Your call. You who were Center of love in the Upper Room. Forevermore give us that Bread. You who were the Center of sorrows in Geth足semane. Console the sorrowful. You who were the Center of the whole earth on Calvary, Reign over north and south, east and west. You who were the Center of Life even while in the tomb. Forget not our dust. Remember us, remember all, O our All in all.

Lord, remember us when You come into Your kingdom. Amen.

The Four and Twenty Elders Casting Their Crowns Before the Divine Throne is a pencil drawing and watercolor on paper by the English poet, painter and printmaker William Blake. Created circa 1803â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1805.

CONTACT INFO

530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750 www.northlandchurch.net | info@northlandchurch.net Main Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Main Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4020 Northland Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7199 Send newspaper correspondence to: newspaper@northlandchurch.net.

GOVERNING ELDERS Thom Willis, Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 thom.willis@northlandchurch.net Owusu Amaning, Vice Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1797 owusu.amaning@northlandchurch.net Marcus Mennenga, Secretary-Treasurer. . . . . . . 407-949-7169 marcus.mennenga@northlandchurch.net Dale Burket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1809 dale.burket@northlandchurch.net Fred Franz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1766 fred.franz@northlandchurch.net Danny Gordon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1763 danny.gordon@northlandchurch.net Dan Hardaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 dan.hardaway@northlandchurch.net Felipe Santos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7168 felipe.santos@northlandchurch.net Tim Wright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1804 tim.wright@northlandchurch.net

PASTOR’S BIO Dr. Joel C. Hunter has served as Northland’s senior pastor since 1985. During Pastor Hunter’s tenure, Northland has grown from 200 faithful souls to a community of 15,000 that worships around the globe. An internationally respected evangelical leader, Dr. Hunter approaches today’s issues in a biblical and balanced manner, and has championed the cause of “Compassion Issues” found in Scripture, including pro-life concerns, justice, poverty and creation care. He serves on the boards of the World Evangelical Alliance (with 420 million constituents) and the National Association of Evangelicals (with 30 million members), and is regularly featured on local and national media outlets. A longtime bridge-builder who seeks common ground for the common good, he is a frequent consultant to U.S. agencies and served during the inaugural year on the U.S. president’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He has been married to his best friend and ministry partner, Becky, since 1972. They have three married sons and six grandchildren, including one in heaven. Learn more about Pastor Hunter’s life in ministry at northlandchurch.net/joelhunter. Stay informed about his involvement with current events at www.pastorjoelhunter.com.

ACCESS MINISTRIES We have programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Find out more at northlandchurch.net/blogs/category/ access_ministries/. Heather Subbert at heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1828

DISTRIBUTED SITES

WHOM DO I CONTACT IF:

MOUNT DORA SITE The Seventh-Day Adventist Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. 18440 Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 The church is on the south side of Highway 441. Look for the “Northland” sign. Northland at Mount Dora HUB 17943 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 (Overflow parking is available in the Pinch-A-Penny Pools’ parking lot next door.) Facebook.com . . . . www.facebook.com/northlandmountdora General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Jeff Bell, Site Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7184 or jeff.bell@northlandchurch.net

I am in crisis? Northland’s main line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000

OVIEDO SITE Reformed Theological Seminary. . . . . . . . . . . 9 and 11 a.m. 1231 Reformation Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765 The Seminary is located at the corner of Mitchell Hammock Road and Alafaya Woods Boulevard, just east of State Road 434 (Alafaya Trail). Northland at Oviedo Community Center (NOCC) 561 E. Mitchell Hammock Road, #300, Oviedo, FL 32765 Oviedo Blog Website. . . . . . . . . . . northlandchurch.net/oviedo Facebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . www.facebook.com/northlandoviedo General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Jeremy Jobson, Site Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-929-3053 or jeremy.jobson@northlandchurch.net

HOUSE CHURCHES Even though Northland is what could be called a “megachurch,” we are committed to helping others do church on as small a scale as a few people in a home. That means we want to bring resources and encouragement, and training for ministry to people where they live, and work and play. The house church allows that to happen anywhere in the world. Visit northlandchurch.net/housechurch for an introductory video from Dr. Hunter which will help you learn more about starting a house church. For more videos on how to build a simple church, so that you can effectively gather with others to transform your community, visit www. doingchurchsimply.com.

Crystal River, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturdays, 5 p.m. Tom and Alice Austin: aaustin@qahomes.com or 352-270-8764 DeLand, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 11 a.m. Jeff and Cindy Reinertsen: jsrein1@gmail.com or 386-736-9746 Naples, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sam Lewis: samllewis@aol.com or 407-310-1719 Marco Island, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sam Lewis: samllewis@aol.com or 407-310-1719 Ocoee, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 9 a.m. Marty McCoy: mmccoy@kostoandrotella.com or 407-733-5989 Ponce Inlet, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 9 a.m. Joe and Donna Leonardo: josephleonardo@sprintmail.com or 386-236-8871

I want to seek counseling? Counseling referral line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7204 I have a prayer request? Prayer request line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4025 or pray.northlandchurch.net I need the Hospital Ministry to pay a visit? Bob Keiderling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1789 or bob.keiderling@northlandchurch.net I am interested in a Care Ministry? Elaine Harland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4002 or elaine.harland@northlandchurch.net I want to become a member? Ruth Sapp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4039 or ruth.sapp@northlandchurch.net I have accepted Christ into my heart and wish to be baptized? Sharon Ferreira (adult/student) . . . . . . . . 407-949-7189 or sharon.ferreira@northlandchurch.net Diane Jones (infants–grade school). . . . . 407-949-7188 or diane.jones@northlandchurch.net I need information on Student Ministries? Shaylynn Stoner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .407-949-7194 or shaylynn.stoner@northlandchurch.net I need information about Children’s Ministries? Debbie Blahnik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .407-949-7162 or debbie.blahnik@northlandchurch.net I am interested in Distributed Journeys? Patti Harshey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0573 or patti.harshey@northlandchurch.net; or visit SomedayIsToday.net I want to help at Northland? Rebecca Lang. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1807 volunteer@northlandchurch.net I want to get involved in a serve project? Judy Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-388-5798 or judy.head@northlandchurch.net; or visit northlandchurch.net/serve I am getting married? Sharon Ferreira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7189 or sharon.ferreira@northlandchurch.net I need to plan a funeral? Sharon Ferreira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7189 or sharon.ferreira@northlandchurch.net I want to learn more about your Spanish Ministry? Quiero aprender más acerca de su Ministerio en Español. Ivan Portillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 or ivan.portillo@northlandchurch.net Lider Dr. Laura Capizzano. . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1824 or laura.capizzano@northlandchurch.net Ministro Mike Fernandez. . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1753 I have a special needs child or if I have special needs? Heather Subbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1828 or heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net

Salisbury, NC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 4:30 p.m. Laurie and Tim Klaus: pianolauriek@yahoo.com or 704-636-5966

I am facing an unforeseen/unexpected financial crisis and need guidance and resources? Visit LifeHope in the Care Center . . . . . . 407-949-7151 Walk-in hours are Tuesday through Thursday. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., guests are served on a first come first served basis beginning at 9 a.m. Guests must be signed in by noon.

Tyngsboro, MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 11 a.m. Debbie Miller: NorthlandTyngsboro@gmail.com or 978-649-6115

I need information on jail/prison transition ministries? Emily Tallman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4017 or emily.tallman@northlandchurch.net

Utica, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 11 a.m. Terri McDowell: terrilee.mcdowell@gmail.com or 845-332-6762

I need the Resource Advocate or FAO (Family Advocacy Office)? Maria Penzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0554 or maria.penzes@northlandchurch.net

Venice, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 5 p.m. Ron and Marcy Burth: marciabedford@yahoo.com or 941-493-6965