Worship Guide-Respond 15, 2016 by Northland Church

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 9-11, 2016

WHAT’S CURRENT ROMANS BIBLE STUDY Expand your knowledge of this important book. Veterans for Christ is inviting everyone, vets and non-vets, to join together in fellowship and study! Romans is the apostle Paul’s cornerstone work, which we should study and contemplate. This study will provide a firm foundation for discipleship. Tuesdays starting April 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 5110.

SEARCH: romans

JuST FAITH SUMMIT

Let’s worship God together!

New to Northland? Need prayer? Want to get connected? Let us know — just drop this card in an offering box, or stop by The Hub or an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out!

WELCOME!

LET US KNOW! 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!

Email_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

Get info and sign up at northlandchurch.net, or visit The Hub.

FOUNDATIONS BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN Ladies, get started here! Do you want to be more confident and empowered in your Christian life and to grow closer to the Lord? Are you tired of living a roller-coaster Christian experience? Or have you recently made a commitment to Christ? Then this Bible study, led by Kari Maggard, is perfect for you! Plus, it’s a great way to get to know other women from Northland. Wednesdays starting April 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 4216. SEARCH: foundations

NEW ELDER ANNOUNCEMENT

If you would like to know more about Jim, his bio and contact information can be found on our website at northlandchurch.net/ team/jim_dees.

Join us April 20 to 22 for the JuST Faith Summit, featuring inspiring speakers, workshops and worship with Michael W. Smith. Learn from survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, recovery ministries and others about the critical need to engage in this battle. Learn more in The Hub, or visit justconference.org. Volunteers needed!

Our elders have asked Jim Dees to begin serving on Northland’s governing team.

We, the church, have a mighty role in stopping human trafficking.

SEARCH: just faith

Have input about Jim serving as a governing elder? Contact any of our current governing elders, listed at northlandchurch.net/team or on the back page of the Respond newspaper.

SEARCH: jim dees

BRANDON HEATH & SARAH GROVES IN CONCERT A special night of songs, stories and prayer in the fight to end slavery. Join us for a unique experience with some of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/ songwriters giving God praise for His work in this world through His people! Northland is proud to present an evening with Brandon Heath and Sara Groves with special guests Jenny & Tyler. Friday, April 15, 7 p.m., The Rink. SEARCH: concert

STOP BY THE HUB Going through a difficult time? You don’t have to go it alone. Stephen Ministers are specially trained members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support for people going through tough times. If you are in our congregation, are going through a difficult time, and would like a Stephen Minister to walk alongside you for a season, please stop by The Hub and talk to one of our Stephen Ministers. You also can contact Lynda D.W.G. Mason at 407-949-4013. SEARCH: stephen ministry

Tithes & Offerings: THROUGH MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 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.

northlandchurch.net

Tipping Point Goal 2016-17: 2016

2017

Received to Date: $4,071,982 *

$32M

I am [ ] a child [ ] a middle school student [ ] a high school student [ ] an adult. [ ] I am new to Northland. [ ] 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.

Prayer request: _ ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4/9-11/2016

Participate & Connect: Get “What’s Current”: northlandchurch.net/resources/newsletter facebook.com/northlandchurch twitter.com/northlandchurch instagram.com/northlandchurch youtube.com/user/northlandchurch soundcloud.com/northlandchurch Visit an Info Kiosk in the foyer or The Hub. Call 407-949-4000. 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750

Expected to Date: $3,712,004*

Did you know there are many ways to bring your tithes and offerings? At the kiosks in the lobby, at northlandchurch.net or via text. Text any amount, followed by the word “northland,” to 45777 to get started (e.g. $50 northland). Contact April Guenther at 407-949-4000 with questions. Thank you!

Building Payoff: 2004 $43M 2006 $23.9M

INITIAL $20M OFFERING BY CONGREGATION

Debt Remaining: $12,259,097

2009 $19.4M

2012 2015 $15.7M $13.5M

DEBT PAID TO DATE

DEBT REMAINING

$0 Debt Free

Principal Paid 2016: $1,265,181

All tithes and offerings go into one fund to resource ongoing ministry, eliminate our building debt and fund church network expansion. Learn more: tippingpoint.northlandchurch.net.

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.)

n a l P s ’ G od for Us W O R S H I P F O C U S:

Worship Christ today as our Life. He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Because of His victory over sin and death, our eternal life can begin here and now. We can live with an eternal focus and purpose.

Q U OT E: God’s manifestation of Himself has not been for our personal experience only, but all creation, and all time, all mankind and all man’s life upon the earth, are manifestations of God; and the man turns to barrenness and folly who limits himself to his own narrow thought and futile endeavors. All human experience is revelation if the great purpose of life is the discipline of souls, and the one unchanging guidance for all men is duty. – John Oman (1860-1939), Vision and Authority [1928]

P R AY E R : S C R I P T U R E F O C U S:

Romans 8:28-32 (NASB) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace. – Based on Ephesians 1:3-6

U P CO M I N G W E E K E N D S: Week 16: April 16-18 SERMON: Living Our Faith Together: The Troubling Doctrine of Hell (Matthew 25:41, 46), with Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Week 17: April 23-25 SERMON: Special guests Josh DuBois, Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 and 11 a.m.; Boz Tchividjian, Sunday, 5 p.m.; and Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Monday, 7 p.m.

WHAT’S CURRENT

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 9-11, 2016

ROMANS BIBLE STUDY

FOUNDATIONS BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN

Expand your knowledge of this important book.

Ladies, get started here! Do you want to be more confident and empowered in your Christian life and to grow closer to the Lord? Are you tired of living a roller-coaster Christian experience? Or have you recently made a commitment to Christ? Then this Bible study, led by Kari Maggard, is perfect for you! Plus, it’s a great way to get to know other women from Northland. Wednesdays starting April 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 4216.

Veterans for Christ is inviting everyone, vets and non-vets, to join together in fellowship and study! Romans is the apostle Paul’s cornerstone work, which we should study and contemplate. This study will provide a firm foundation for discipleship. Tuesdays starting April 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 5110.

SEARCH: romans

WELCOME!

New to Northland? Need prayer? Want to get connected? Let us know — just drop this card in an offering box, or stop by The Hub or an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out!

Let’s worship God together!

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

NEW ELDER ANNOUNCEMENT

[ ] 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.

Prayer request: _ ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4/9-11/2016

Join us for a unique experience with some of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/ songwriters giving God praise for His work in this world through His people! Northland is proud to present an evening with Brandon Heath and Sara Groves with special guests Jenny & Tyler. Friday, April 15, 7 p.m., The Rink.

STOP BY THE HUB

Our elders have asked Jim Dees to begin serving on Northland’s governing team.

Going through a difficult time? You don’t have to go it alone.

If you would like to know more about Jim, his bio and contact information can be found on our website at northlandchurch.net/ team/jim_dees.

Stephen Ministers are specially trained members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support for people going through tough times. If you are in our congregation, are going through a difficult time, and would like a Stephen Minister to walk alongside you for a season, please stop by The Hub and talk to one of our Stephen Ministers. You also can contact Lynda D.W.G. Mason at 407-949-4013.

Have input about Jim serving as a governing elder? Contact any of our current governing elders, listed at northlandchurch.net/team or on the back page of the Respond newspaper.

SEARCH: just faith

SEARCH: stephen ministry

SEARCH: jim dees

northlandchurch.net

Tipping Point Goal 2016-17: 2016

2017

Received to Date: $4,071,982 *

$32M

I am [ ] a child [ ] a middle school student [ ] a high school student [ ] an adult. [ ] I am new to Northland.

A special night of songs, stories and prayer in the fight to end slavery.

We, the church, have a mighty role in stopping human trafficking.

Email_________________________________________________________________________________________

BRANDON HEATH & SARAH GROVES IN CONCERT

SEARCH: concert

SEARCH: foundations

JuST FAITH SUMMIT

LET US KNOW!

Get info and sign up at northlandchurch.net, or visit The Hub.

Expected to Date: $3,712,004*

Building Payoff: 2004 $43M 2006 $23.9M

INITIAL $20M OFFERING BY CONGREGATION

Debt Remaining: $12,259,097

2009 $19.4M

2012 2015 $15.7M $13.5M

DEBT PAID TO DATE

Principal Paid 2016: $1,265,181

DEBT REMAINING

$0 Debt Free

*All tithes and offerings go into one fund to

resource ongoing ministry, eliminate our building debt and fund church network expansion. Learn more: tippingpoint.northlandchurch.net.

WHAT’S CURRENT

NORTHLAND, A CHURCH DISTRIBUTED APRIL 9-11, 2016

ROMANS BIBLE STUDY

FOUNDATIONS BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN

Expand your knowledge of this important book.

SEARCH: romans

WELCOME!

New to Northland? Need prayer? Want to get connected? Let us know — just drop this card in an offering box, or stop by The Hub or an Info Kiosk in the foyer on your way out!

Let’s worship God together!

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________

NEW ELDER ANNOUNCEMENT

[ ] 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.

Prayer request: _ ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4/9-11/2016

STOP BY THE HUB

Our elders have asked Jim Dees to begin serving on Northland’s governing team.

Going through a difficult time? You don’t have to go it alone.

If you would like to know more about Jim, his bio and contact information can be found on our website at northlandchurch.net/ team/jim_dees.

Have input about Jim serving as a governing elder? Contact any of our current governing elders, listed at northlandchurch.net/team or on the back page of the Respond newspaper.

SEARCH: just faith

SEARCH: stephen ministry

SEARCH: jim dees

northlandchurch.net

Tipping Point Goal 2016-17: 2016

2017

Received to Date: $4,071,982 *

$32M

I am [ ] a child [ ] a middle school student [ ] a high school student [ ] an adult. [ ] I am new to Northland.

A special night of songs, stories and prayer in the fight to end slavery.

We, the church, have a mighty role in stopping human trafficking.

Email_________________________________________________________________________________________

BRANDON HEATH & SARAH GROVES IN CONCERT

SEARCH: concert

SEARCH: foundations

JuST FAITH SUMMIT

LET US KNOW!

Get info and sign up at northlandchurch.net, or visit The Hub.

Expected to Date: $3,712,004*

Building Payoff: 2004 $43M 2006 $23.9M

INITIAL $20M OFFERING BY CONGREGATION

Debt Remaining: $12,259,097

2009 $19.4M

2012 2015 $15.7M $13.5M

DEBT PAID TO DATE

Principal Paid 2016: $1,265,181

DEBT REMAINING

$0 Debt Free

*All tithes and offerings go into one fund to

resource ongoing ministry, eliminate our building debt and fund church network expansion. Learn more: tippingpoint.northlandchurch.net.

NORTHL AND A Church Distributed

APRIL 2016

Respond … to God BE THE CHURCH EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY

THE GATHERING

IJM’S ART-MUSICJUSTICE TOUR

There will be worship and discussion, and they will discover ways to be the church together.

Northland is proud to present an evening with Sara Groves. You won’t want to miss this special night of songs, stories and prayer in the fight to end slavery.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Third Thursday every month, 7 p.m., The Rink. Learn more on page 12.

GAME NIGHT Come out and play games with us! Enjoy sports, board games and video games each week.

Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Rink.

Friday, April 15, 7 to 10 p.m., The Rink. Learn more on page 14.

Learn more on page 7.

Ragman

By Walter Wangerin Jr.

saw a strange sight. I stumbled upon a story most strange, like nothing in my life, my street sense, my sly tongue had ever prepared me for. Hush, child. Hush, now, and I will tell it to you. Even before the dawn one Friday morning I noticed a young man, handsome and strong, walking the alleys of our City. He was pulling an old cart filled with clothes both bright and new, and he was calling in a clear tenor voice: “Rags!” Ah, the air was foul and the first light filthy to be crossed by such sweet music. “Rags! New rags for old! I take your tired rags! Rags!” “Now this is a wonder,” I thought to myself, for the man stood six-feet-four, and his arms were like tree limbs, hard and muscular, and his eyes flashed intelligence. Could he find no better job than this, to be a ragman in the inner city? I followed him. My curiosity drove me. And I wasn’t disappointed. Soon the ragman saw a woman sitting on her back porch. She was sobbing into a handkerchief, sighing, and shedding a thousand tears. Her knees and elbows made a sad X. Her shoulders shook. Her heart was breaking. The Ragman stopped his cart. Quietly, he walked to the woman, stepping round tin cans, dead toys, and Pampers. “Give me your rag,” he said so gently, “and I’ll give you another.” He slipped the handkerchief from her eyes. She looked up, and he laid across her palm a linen cloth so clean and new that it shined. She blinked from the gift to the giver. Then, as he began to pull his cart again, the Ragman did a strange thing: he put her stained handkerchief to his own face; and then he began to weep, to sob as grievously as she had done, his shoulders shaking. Yet she was left without a tear. “This is a wonder,” I breathed to myself, and I followed the sobbing Ragman like a child who cannot turn away from mystery. “Rags! Rags! New rags for old!” In a little while, when the sky showed grey behind the rooftops and I could see the shredded curtains hanging out black windows, the Ragman came upon a girl whose head was wrapped in a bandage, whose eyes were empty. Blood soaked her bandage. A single line of blood ran down her cheek. Now the tall Ragman looked upon this child with pity, and he drew a lovely yellow bonnet from his cart. “Give me your rag,” he said, tracing his own line on her cheek, “and I’ll give you mine.” The child could only gaze at him while he loosened the bandage, removed it, and tied it to his own head. The bonnet he set on hers. And I gasped at what I saw: for with the bandage went the wound! Against his brow it ran a darker, more substantial blood – his own! “Rags! Rags! I take old rags!” cried the sobbing, bleeding, strong, intelligent Ragman. The sun hurt both the sky, now, and my eyes; the Ragman seemed more and more to hurry. “Are you going to work?” he asked a man who leaned against a telephone pole. The man shook his head. The Ragman pressed him: “Do you have a job?”

“Are you crazy?” sneered the other. He pulled away from the pole, revealing the right sleeve of his jacket – flat, the cuff stuffed into the pocket. He had no arm. “So,” said the Ragman. “Give me your jacket, and I’ll give you mine.” Such quiet authority in his voice! The one-armed man took off his jacket. So did the Ragman – and I trembled at what I saw: for the Ragman’s arm stayed in its sleeve, and when the other put it on he had two good arms, thick as tree limbs; but the Ragman had only one. “Go to work,” he said. After that he found a drunk, lying unconscious beneath an army blanket, an old man, hunched, wizened, and sick. He took that blanket and wrapped it round himself, but for the drunk he left new clothes. And now I had to run to keep up with the Ragman. Though he was weeping uncontrollably, and bleeding freely at the forehead, pulling his cart with one arm, stumbling for drunkenness, falling again and again, exhausted, old, old, and sick, yet he went with terrible speed. On spider’s legs he skittered through the alleys of the City, this mile and the next, until he came to its limits, and then he rushed beyond. I wept to see the change in this man. I hurt to see his sorrow. And yet I needed to see where he was going in such haste, perhaps to know what drove him so. The little old Ragman – he came to a landfill. He came to the garbage pits. And then I wanted to help him in what he did, but I hung back, hiding. He climbed a hill. With tormented labor he cleared a little space on that hill. Then he sighed. He lay down. He pillowed his head on a handkerchief and a jacket. He covered his bones with an army blanket. And he died. Oh, how I cried to witness that death! I slumped in a junked car and wailed and mourned as one who has no hope – because I had come to love the Ragman. Every other face had faded in the wonder of this man, and I cherished him; but he died. I sobbed myself to sleep. I did not know – how could I know? – that I slept through Friday night and Saturday and its night, too. But then, on Sunday morning, I was wakened by a violence. Light – pure, hard, demanding light – slammed against my sour face, and I blinked, and I looked, and I saw the last and the first wonder of all. There was the Ragman, folding the blanket most carefully, a scar on his forehead, but alive! And, besides that, healthy! There was no sign of sorrow nor of age, and all the rags that he had gathered shined for cleanliness. Well, then I lowered my head and, trembling for all that I had seen, I myself walked up to the Ragman. I told him my name with shame, for I was a sorry figure next to him. Then I took off all my clothes in that place, and I said to him with dear yearning in my voice: “Dress me.” He dressed me. My Lord, he put new rags on me, and I am a wonder beside him. The Ragman, the Ragman, the Christ! – Excerpted from “Ragman and Other Cries of Faith,” by Walter Wangerin Jr.

In honor and memory of our loved ones. In Memory Of: Abba, given by Heso Bill Anderson, given by his family David Webb Bassick, given by Christine LaForest Carl and Lili Bines, given by Dan and Jeanna Bond Troy David Bradford, given by his mother and family My dad, Michael Brendel, given by Linda (Brendel) McCauslin Amanda Broughton, given by the Zapp family Concetta Bruno, given by Ralph and Sharon Spano Joseph A. Consolato, given by Ruth and Joe Consolato My poppy, Anthony Costanzo, given by Kristin Costanzo Ian Daniell, given by Alan Daniell Paul and Clyde Divver, given by Joe and Rita Divver Richard Divver, given by Joe and Rita Divver Husband, dad, papa, Gary Donnici, given by wife and children Ruth Ellis, given by Dan and Jeanna Bond Joanna C. Garcia, given by Susan Baughman Bettylee Gilbert, given by Robert and Linda Gilbert My son, Anthony Gina, given by Theresa Mantovani, his mother Elaine and Will Gritter, given by the Gritter family Camille Guarriello, given by Vivian Volpe Alice Heddleston, given by Leslie and Sarah Loving daughter and aunt, Jenny Samson Hodge, given by the Muzzy, Hodge and Smith families Herbert Houston, given by Eileen Houston Mr. and Mrs. A. Januszkiewicz, given by Kathie Deisz Benjamin Joseph Johnston, given by A. Elena Hunter Shaun M. Kavanagh, given by Esther F. Kavanagh Eugene and Goldie King, given by Martha and Jerry Posey Joseph and Thelma Klein, given by Dan and Jeanna Bond James M. Langston Jr., given by Linda and Richard Tubbs James M. Langston III, given by Linda and Richard Tubbs Melba Lorah, given by Joe and Rita Divver Terry Lorah, given by Joe and Rita Divver Charlotte Lucie, given by Mark and Cindy Losso Cosmo Mantovani, given by Theresa Mantovani John Matasy, given by Dan and Jeanna Bond LaVerne and Ray Mauro, given by Denise Mauro Suzanna McCutchen, given by the McCutchen-Lormann family A mother’s love, a father’s wisdom, given by Figlio Mio A loving mother and grandmother, Doris Muzzy, given by the Muzzy, Hodge and Smith families

Abigail Noel and Hayden Caleb, given by Mommy and Daddy with love Bob O’Neil, given by the Gritter family Our parents, given by Jesse and Magdalene Bailey Our parents, given by Jim and Ginnie Urichko Lauryn Nycole Patterson, given by her grandmother, Bobbi Russell Andrew Adams Peterson, given by Christine LaForest Emily Price Peterson, given by Christine LaForest Hugh and Ophie Posey, given by Martha and Jerry Posey John Ross, given by Mark and Savanah Seaman, Jeff and Briana Willet, and Marlene Ross My poppy, Thomas Ryan, given by Kristin Costanzo Maury Schnell, given by his parents, Jim and Kathie Schnell Kelly Seaman, given by Mark and Savanah Seaman, Jeff and Briana Willet, and Marlene Ross Marcia Connie Spano, given by Ralph and Sharon Spano Michael Anthony Spano, given by Ralph and Sharon Spano Ruthanne Stamper, given by Susan Spadafora Our parents, Claude and Annie Sullivan, given by Robert and Mattie Sullivan Miriam and George Taylor, given by Denise Mauro Luke and Elizabeth Thompson, given by Martha and Jerry Posey Fred E. Tidwell Jr., given by A. Elena Hunter Loving husband, father and grandfather, Blaine Timmer, given by Nancy Timmer and family Kathy Trapp, given by Eddie and Autumn Hubble Thomas A. Volpe Sr., given by Vivian Volpe Christian Wagner, given by Susan Wagner and family Agnes D. Yorke, given by Marcus and Susan Dumas

In Honor Of: Dolly H. Daniell, given by Alan Daniell Fernando R. Garcia, given by Susan Baughman Fred and Ellen Hill, given by Eric and Elizabeth Semrau Pastor Joel, Vernon and Pete, given by A. Elena Hunter Jane Langston, given by Jane Langston Our family, given by Jim and Ginnie Urichko Ali Semrau, given by Eric and Elizabeth Semrau Sig and Linda Semrau, given by Eric and Elizabeth Semrau Larry and Kay Visser, given by the Visser family

Children’s Ministries northlandchurch.net/children Children’s Church

Debbie Blahnik, Director of Children’s Ministries, at 407949-7162 or debbie.blahnik@northlandchurch.net • Grade School Classes (Grades 1 – 5) During all worship services in the Children’s Worship Wing. • 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

Why did you play that?

The wind and waves obeyed Jesus. He wants us to obey Him, too. We imagined the blanket was the sea and we were the waves. The balloon stood for the boat where Jesus was sleeping. We raised and lowered the blanket to make waves for the boat. Our class didn’t stop moving until the teacher said, “Jesus said, ‘Quiet! Be still!’” (Mark 4:35-41, NIV).

Cooperative School

A weekday cooperative learning environment The Cooperative School at Northland is enrolling children who will reach the age of 2, 3 or 4 by September 1 into the weekday 2-, 3- or 4-year-old classes, respectively, for the 2016-17 school year. As classes fill up, children will be placed on a waiting list. Registration fees are collected to ensure your spot. Pam Anderson at 407-949-7179 or pam.anderson@ northlandchurch.net

Mark Your Calendar! Fifth-Grade JumpStart!

Next meeting: April 23. More info on page 14. Lindsay Johnson at lindsay.johnson@ northlandchurch.net

Children’s Ministries Volunteers Needed Visit northlandchurch.net/volunteer.

Volunteers of the Month: Brian and Claudene Graham

Congratulations to Brian and Claudene Graham, our Children’s Ministries Volunteers of the Month! This loving couple have been volunteering together in Access Ministries for more than seven years. They serve at Buddy Break to provide respite to families, and as childcare volunteers during our Family Support Group and Bible study. Ready to help wherever they are needed, Brian and Claudene always show up with big smiles and willing hearts. We are so thankful for their faithfulness!

Thank you for making the DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE such a great success! We have received so many beautiful stories from parents and grandparents. The hearts of these families have been touched, and they will have memories that will last a lifetime.

Student Ministries northlandchurch.net/middleschool • northlandchurch.net/highschool

Middle School Ministry To register for any of these activities and for more detailed info, visit northlandchurch.net/middleschool. Jenna Blankespoor at 407-949-7194 or jenna. blankespoor@northlandchurch.net

LUGrox Saturdays, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m., The Rink. LUGrox is an evening full of high energy, high impact and just plain fun! You’ll find thrilling games, solid teaching, rockin’ worship and friend-connecting small groups. An optional café meal is available for $3. If you’ve never been to a Student Ministries program before, register by completing the online profile at northlandchurch.net/middleschool.

High School Ministry

To register for any of these activities and for more detailed info, visit northlandchurch.net/highschool. Jenna Blankespoor at 407-949-7194 or jenna.blankespoor@ northlandchurch.net I3 (I Am Third) Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m., The Rink. Ninth- to 12thgraders are invited to an evening of small and large group discipleship, worship and community. Small groups meet from 6 to 6:50 p.m., food and games are available from 6:50 to 7:15 p.m., and everyone comes together at 7:15 p.m. First-time attendees are encouraged to complete the high school profile at northlandchurch.net/highschool before attending.

ecently, Student Ministries hosted its second annual Joy Prom in The Rink. This formal event welcomed 90 guests with disabilities (as well as 350 volunteers!) for an evening of dancing, worship, games and activities. Our high school and middle school student leaders did an amazing job of serving as hosts, buddies and red carpet greeters. They took Jesus’ directive in Luke 14 to heart and warmly extended grace and hospitality to everyone in attendance. It was overwhelming to see the hearts of our students reflect the love of Christ throughout the night. We have seen it throughout the year at I3, LUGrox, camps and student retreats: our kids look for opportunities to welcome and include others, and this night was no exception. Thank you for creating a culture that celebrates diversity and looks for ways to connect and engage everyone in Kingdom work. We are all the better for it!

Servant Leadership Ministry We offer servant leadership training and opportunities to serve for 9th-graders (Setup Crew), 10th- to 12th-graders (LUGheads, and Welcome, Admin, Creative and Café teams) and college students (small group leaders and work crews). For more information and application links, go to northlandchurch.net/highschool.

Mark Your Calendar! Jenna Blankespoor at 407-949-7194 or jenna. blankespoor@northlandchurch.net

Game Night

Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Rink. Come out and play games with us! Enjoy sports, board games and video games each week. Add some active fun to your Thursday nights! gamenight@northlandchurch.net

Middle School Spring Retreat

WORSHIP IN THE Helping young artists engage in God’s story.

Worship in the Arts Camp June 20 through 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Northland at Longwood. Northland’s Worship in the Arts Camp provides young artists (entering grades four through eight) with a fun and encouraging environment for spiritual growth with instruction in the disciplines of music, acting, dance, visual arts and technical production. It’s a place where the artists can grow in their faith and in learning to use their gifts more effectively and authentically in expressions of worship. Professional local artists, working alongside True North summer interns, provide instruction and mentoring. In keeping with our mission of equipping young artists for a lifetime of worship, the week will culminate in an evening of worship and celebration! Registration opens April 5 at northlandchurch.net. Register early, as camp fills up quickly.

Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17, Southwind, A Young Life Camp. Calling all middle school students! This is a weekend you won’t want to miss! We will spend the weekend at Southwind in Ocklawaha, Fla., and it is going to be awesome. Come and worship, learn and have fun. Registration: https://northlandchurch.wufoo.com/forms/ spring-retreat-2016-ms-students/

Serve Globally somedayistoday.net

Brewing Relationships, Showing Love in Central America BY OLIVIA BLASE, GLOBAL MISSIONS TEAM

From a tortilla factory to a red-light district to a surfer’s paradise, one Global Missions team got a glimpse of how God is working in Central America.

held a mug full of cappuccino in my hands, its warmth permeating my palms. As I took the first sip, a middleaged woman stared at me with anticipation, for she had made the drink with great care and intentionality. Much importance rested on the quality of that cappuccino, as it symbolized a new life for her. By her appearance and age, you would never have guessed that the woman was a prostitute. Just outside the doors was a red-light district of San José, Costa Rica. She was one of many whom the Great Commission Church of Costa Rica, just down the road from the district, ministered to through building friendships, providing meals, doing Bible studies and even providing vocational training. The cappuccinos were the products of such training and were made on an espresso machine donated to the church. The church hopes to open a coffee shop in the area and train prostitutes seeking to leave “the life” to be baristas, giving them a way to earn an income. Sean and Sarah, Northland’s Global Missions pastor and director, respectively, a few Central American pastors and I enjoyed laughing and talking with the “baristas.” As I surveyed the room, I couldn’t help but ask myself, How do a few Northlanders end up drinking cappuccinos in the middle of the red-light district in Costa Rica? We asked ourselves, How did we get here? many times during an exploratory five-day trip to Costa Rica and Honduras. After years of partnership with several churches in both countries, we were honored to finally visit their various ministries and congregations. From Choluteca, Honduras, to San José and Jacó, Costa Rica, we saw how God is working through churches in Central America to reach communities of people who have yet to experience the light of Christ. Choluteca, about a three-hour drive through the mountains from the capital city, is located in one of the poorest regions of the country. Like in many regions in Honduras, the stains of a violent, war-burdened history are found in the forms of disease, broken families and poverty. “We are a weird church,” says Carlos Gomez, a pastor with the Great Commission churches, “because we believe in entrepreneurship and believe that we must care for the people’s physical and economic needs in congruence with spiritual needs.”

One such effort comes in the form of a tortilla factory. Women selling tortillas in the marketplace had made them by hand each morning and baked them over an open fire. Due to the carcinogenic effects on their lungs and the time inefficiency, the Great Commission Church of Honduras sought to provide a more effective opportunity by purchasing a tortilla-manufacturing machine. By paying a small fee to use the machine, the women save time, money and their health by making more than double the number of tortillas than before. As they bake, members of the church spend time with the women, building friendships and sharing the love of Christ. The people behind the ministry? Congregants from all walks of life who want to serve the Lord through their church body. From businessmen and doctors to the uneducated, all are encouraged to take the church into Choluteca. In San José, another Great Commission church follows a similar model of engaging in ministry initiatives of a wide variety to reach the community members by both inviting them into the church and going out to those who won’t set foot in the building. Forming friendships with prostitutes and offering them vocational training is just one among many outreaches. With the church passionate about justice, it offers seminars on ethics to local police. As a result, the church is a popular hangout place for the police – so much so that it often is confused with a police station! Two hours from San José, Jacó Beach is a popular destination for tourists and beach bums. The summer heat and torrential rains do not keep away the thousands of visitors who come each year. Radical Life Ministries is one of just a handful of churches in Jacó and the only one that opens its doors to any and all. “The other churches here do not welcome anyone who wears shorts or tank tops, or people with piercings or tattoos … so just about every single person in Jaco,” says David Knapp, the pastor. Radical Life seeks to be a haven for any wayfarer or local in Jacó looking for life fulfillment and a community that will love him or her. None of these churches can be described as static, for each one engages proactively with its community in ways specific to the needs around it. Not simply content, however, to start ministries and stop there, they are constantly opening the church doors to anyone wanting to join the body. For those who won’t set foot in the building, congregants are encouraged to start churches and small groups that fit their context.

One congregant from the Great Commission Church in San José did just that with the prostitutes, studying the Bible with them in a small group. Physical and spiritual care had shown these women that there was a place for them in the family of God. As we finished our cappuccinos, the pastors joked with the woman that one day she herself would be a pastor of a church, perhaps for other prostitutes. She smiled, and the years of abuse and exploitation melted from her eyes. “God is here,” she said with confidence. “Why would it not be possible for there to be a church?”

Serving to Empower northlandchurch.net/serve

Attend the JuST Faith Summit The church responds to sex trafficking.

hildren are being bought and sold for sex every night – in America. We, the church, have a mighty role in addressing and stopping this tragedy, if we are ready and willing. Join us for three days of inspiring speakers and workshops to gain practical knowledge on how to address trafficking in your community. The JuST Faith Summit draws on the success and leadership of Shared Hope

International’s annual JuST (juvenile sex trafficking) Conference to bring learning and action to the faith community. Learn from survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, recovery ministries and experienced restoration home providers about the critical need to engage the church in this battle. Join us at Northland April 20 to 22. Register at justfaithsummit.org.

Join Faith and Finances

Class helps the financially vulnerable.

aith and Finances, a study for equipping financially vulnerable individuals with a biblical vision of money management, is gearing up, and you can get involved in many ways. You can join as a participant or a financial ally, or train to become a facilitator. If you have struggled with finances or have a heart to serve those struggling, join the Faith and Finances community. The next class starts September 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in room 5106. For more information, contact Dale Cowart at 407-949-7165 or dale. cowart@northlandchurch.net.

• Does not live within a budget. • Has a net worth near or below zero. • Is a low-income single mom (on Social Security, disability or other assistance).

The Typical Participant The typical Faith and Finances participant: • Is a financially vulnerable adult. • Has limited financial training and a high school-level education. • Has some personal debt. • Has no emergency fund.

Characteristics of Financial Allies Financial allies: • Have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. • Are willing to be vulnerable about their own lives. • Have experience in mentoring someone else or raising children. • Are willing to really listen and pray with others. • Are willing to pursue their group members through phone calls and visits after Faith and Finances ends. • Have had success and have experience in other helping roles that require high levels of patience. • Have the time and emotional stamina to walk with someone through ups and downs.

LifeHope Childcare Center Is Expanding!

Quarterly Ministry Rally

ifeHope Childcare Center is expanding, and will be opening its second “cozy cottage” soon! With this growth comes the need for additional staff and more volunteers. To apply for the lead teacher position or a part-time childcare worker position, visit lifehopechildcare. com, and fill out the employment application. Childcare experience is preferred. If you love babies and have some free time, will you consider being a volunteer baby rocker? Volunteer opportunities are available during the week from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to set up a time to fill out volunteer paperwork, contact Melissa Rivera, director of the LifeHope Childcare Center, at 407-949-4017 or melissa.rivera@ northlandchurch.net.

ark your calendars for our next CARE Center Rally, Thursday, June 2! This will be our next combined gathering of all CARE Center ministries. It will be a time for leaders and volunteers to share how God has been working, and to continue to make connections among the ministries. CARE Center ministries consist of the Prison and Jail, 121Hope, LifeHope, LifeHope Childcare, Adoption and Foster Care, Disaster Response, Homeless Initiative, Local Outreach and Resource Point ministries. Even if you haven’t been able to serve yet or you just want to learn where you could fit into more than one ministry, this is a great time to jump right in … and bring a friend! The rally is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be in place of the regularly scheduled monthly meetings for June. For more information, contact Matt Shiles at 407-937-1768 or matt.shiles@northlandchurch.net.

Join Our Congregations Behind Bars

very weekend throughout Central Florida, men and women from Northland respond to Matthew 25:36 by bringing relationship and live webstreaming worship to congregations behind bars. As you probably know, our mission, and what we do at Northland, is to believe God’s call as a body of believers and to respond to Him for the benefit of others. We have a mission and a calling to serve our brothers and sisters behind bars! Join the community currently serving in the Prison and Jail Ministry; this is a great opportunity to find your “Us,” and disciple brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are interested in getting connected to the worshiping communities behind bars, contact Dale Cowart at dale.cowart@northlandchurch. net or 407-949-7165. Prison and Jail Service Times Saturday, 5 p.m. – John E. Polk Correctional Facility Tomoka Correctional Institution Sunday, 9 a.m. – John E. Polk Correctional Facility Polk Correctional Institution Monday, 7 p.m. – John E. Polk Correctional Facility Orlando Bridges of America Fourth Sundays, 1:30 p.m. – Lowell Correctional Institution Second and third Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – H ernando Correctional Institution Saturdays biweekly, 8 a.m. – S umter Correctional Institution, Youthful Offenders Mentorship

Scan here to view Prison and Jail Ministry:

Bawili Family Update

ou may have heard about the Bawili family. If not, the Bawilis are a family of 13 people from the Congo who have been living in a refugee camp in Tanzania for the past 19 years. They were finally able to move to the United States two weeks ago! In collaboration with Lutheran Services, Catholic Charities and Arise for Families, Northland is committed to walking alongside the family to help it resettle for the next year. Since the family’s move to the United States, it has had many different experiences. The family members have been able to attend services with us, and the younger children have attended Children’s Church. Some of the teenagers have been able to attend the High School Ministry group, and the family has participated in Game Night here. Among the many experiences the family has had are numerous doctors’ appointments, and intake with Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services. We are excited that this family will be living in a permanent residence a few miles from Northland! We look forward to having the Bawilis continue to be part of our Northland family.

Make a Connection northlandchurch.net/volunteer

Be a Hero! Serve in Children’s Ministries This Summer! BY REBECCA LANG, DIRECTOR OF MOBILIZATION

Did you know our Children’s Ministries team serves more than 700 children every weekend? That’s a lot of young, fertile hearts and minds eager to hear the message of Jesus and the gospel that surrounds Him. Jesus IS the gospel, and sharing it with our congregation’s children is a team of fun-loving, enthusiastic, warmhearted volunteers. In fact, nearly 200 folks serve in Children’s Church every weekend in a number of ways, including as classroom teachers, check-in team members, storytellers and even puppeteers. There are so many awesome ways to serve these children, and we are immensely grateful for the commitment of these individuals, who faithfully work to make sure the kids learn about Jesus and leave with a weekly assignment to reflect Him to others. How awesome is that responsibility! Maybe it’s a responsibility that you’ve been contemplating. Or maybe you’re wondering how you might reciprocate the love and care that’s been shown to your child each weekend in Children’s Church. Maybe it’s a bit of both, but you’re just not sure you’ve got what it takes, time or talent. No worries! Not only will you find that, with some training and observation, it’s something you love to do; you’ll feel your heart growing and expanding as you do it. We’re willing to bet that as you bless the children in your service to them, you’re also walking away blessed each weekend. Summer is the best time to “dip your toe in the water” and get a feel for what this ministry is all about. Many of our regular volunteers take the summer off, and we take this season to invite others in to get a taste for what it’s like to love, lead and live Jesus to the kids every weekend. Why not join us for the summer and learn all about what we do, why we do it, and how it impacts and grows the hearts and minds of children, not to mention the Kingdom. Our Children’s Ministries team will be in The Hub the weekend of April 23 through 25. Stop by, ask questions, and learn more about how you might be blessed and be a blessing to our team and the kids each weekend. Can’t wait until then? Visit northlandchurch.net/volunteer, stop by The Hub anytime after service, or connect with Debbie at debbie.blahnik@northlandchurch.net.

In the meantime, check out some of the Children’s Ministries volunteer opportunities: Children’s Ministries volunteers: This summer, many of our teachers will be taking time away for Global Missions, vacations and other summer commitments. Will you help us by volunteering during this season? By volunteering at just one service each week, you will get a glimpse of what goes on in the classroom and how much your children are learning. There are also opportunities to serve outside of the classroom. We think you will be amazed! Teachers for 3-year-olds to fifth-graders: Adults are needed to help children discover who God is and what He has done. Training and materials are provided. Children’s check-in volunteers: Greet and check in families that come to worship with us. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, contact Debbie Blahnik at 407-949-7162 or debbie.blahnik@ northlandchurch.net.

Ways to RESPOND calendar.northlandchurch.net Baptism Adult Baptisms Sunday, April 10, 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). To sign up, visit calendar. northlandchurch.net. Sharon Ferreira at 407-949-7189 or sharon.ferreira@ northlandchurch.net Child Baptisms Northland recommends the Young Disciples course for grade school-aged children prior to baptism, but it is not mandatory. Debbie Blahnik at debbie.blahnik@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7162 Infant Baptism/Dedication Class Saturday, May 21, 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 Bible Boot Camp Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, rooms 11151117. Originally for men only, the 2016 Bible Boot Camp is a co-ed, 40-week overview of the entire Bible that will help Christian men and women explore the main themes, people, places, and events in the redemptive Living Word of God in order to understand who God is and what he has done throughout the history of his creation. John Small at smalljhsd@embarqmail.com or (352) 8755254. Community Life – 1 and 2 Peter Sundays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 421315. Community Life class is focused on studying God’s Word and building stronger relationships by prayer, encouragement, outreach and service together. Jim Patrick at jpatrick77.j@gmail.com or 321-356-5944, or Linda Patrick at gingerlkp@gmail.com or 321-439-3148 FaithAbility Sundays, 9 a.m., room 4218. This is a weekly Bible study for adults with intellectual disabilities. Join them as they learn about who God is and what He has done according to His Word. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the group at faithability@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1828. Firm Foundations Sundays, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., room 4209. If you were going to read the most important book ever written, where would you begin? If you said, “At the beginning,” this class is for you. If you find the Bible confusing, or if you wonder what it really says, you need to study it – starting at the beginning. Sign up at calendar.northlandchurch.net. Don Pederson at don_pederson@ntm.org or 407625-9086 Foundations: New Believers (Men and women) Sundays starting April 3, 5 to 6:30 p.m., room 4213. Do you want to be confident and empowered while growing closer to the Lord? Are you tired of living a roller-coaster Christian experience? Or have you recently made a commitment to Christ? Then this

Bible study is perfect for you. Plus, it’s such a nice way to get to know other women from Northland! You will be more excited, be confident, and have clear steps to grow in your walk with Christ in an atmosphere of grace, growth and acceptance. Kari Maggard at karimaggard@gmail.com or 407592-3001 New Testament Survey: 27 Documents About Jesus Sundays, 10:45 a.m. to noon, rooms 4206-07. The New Testament is a collection of 27 documents that talk about Jesus: who He is, and what He said and did, and why knowing that is so important. In this yearlong adventure, we’ll talk about why each of these writings was selected to be in the New Testament and why others were left out. Each book has its own author, theme, historical environment and purpose, and combined, the books provide one of history’s most rewarding, diverse and fascinating texts. Learn, make new friends, and deepen relationships with old friends. Wayne Lukens at wlukens@cfl.rr.com or 407-365-4735 Study on Romans Tuesdays starting April 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 5510. Veterans for Christ is sponsoring a study on Romans that is perfect for Northlanders who want to expand their knowledge of this important book. The Veterans Group invites all who are interested to sign up and join in fellowship and study. Benjamin Mixon at rmixon75@gmail.com or 808-343-4391

WOMEN Foundations: New Believers (Women) Wednesdays starting April 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 4216. Do you want to be confident and empowered while growing closer to the Lord? Are you tired of living a roller-coaster Christian experience? Or have you recently made a commitment to Christ? Then this Bible study is perfect for you. Plus, it’s such a nice way to get to know other women from Northland! You will be more excited, be confident, and have clear steps to grow in your walk with Christ in an atmosphere of grace, growth and acceptance. Kari Maggard at karimaggard@gmail.com or 407-592-3001 Foundations 2 Bible Study (Women) Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4209-10. Would you like to have more of an impact for Christ where you live and work? Would you like to live out your Christian walk moment by moment and grow deeper in your relationship with Christ? We will study the Bible and receive training with other women from Northland. Let’s discover together how our lives can count for His Kingdom! For child care, contact Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@northlandchurch.net Kari Maggard at Karimaggard@gmail. com or 407-592-3001

Classes & Training ADULTS

Transformers — Young married couples (mid-20s to -50s) 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 Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@ northlandchurch.net. Dave and Sandi McLaughlin at davidkmclaughlin@yahoo.com or sandimclaughlin@yahoo.com.

Belong/Membership Opportunities • One-day seminar: Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to noon. Hear Dr. Joel C. Hunter and other senior leaders describe what it means to belong to Christ and to Northland. For child care, contact Pauline Hale at pauline. hale@northlandchurch.netRegister at calendar.northlandchurch.net or email to: belong@northlandchurch.net. Barbara Gritter at 407-937-0557 or barbara.gritter@ northlandchurch.net

MEN

Blended Family Educational Series Sundays, through May 1, 9 to 10:30 a.m., room 4204. A blended family begins with changes and losses, and all family members are affected and challenged. Learn how to build a healthy blended family in this Christian-based eight-week educational series. Child care is available with a reservation; contact Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@northlandchurch.netThe required book, “The Smart Stepfamily Marriage,” and workbook, “The Smart Stepfamily” (second edition) are available at the Northland Bookstore for $15.99 and $10.99, respectively. The book “The Smart Stepfamily,” optional, is $15.99 in the bookstore. Jeff Reinking at jfreinking@cfl. rr.com or 407-616-6658

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. Mike Long at 407-625-3015 or mlong@brewerlong. com Authentic Manhood – A Man and His Work Saturdays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., room 4209. In these six sessions, explore and learn what God’s plan is for the work we do as men. Tom Horvath at tom@tomhorvath.com or 407-557-8903 Men of Honor Thursdays, 7:15 to 9 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing, room 5102. This weekly meeting of men consists of fun and watching a DVD, followed by a group discussion, family and business topics, prayer and praise reports. All topics revolve around the biblical definition of “manhood,” raising men as family leaders and being disciples of Christ. Vito Fera at vito@networksoundinc.com or 407-923-5115

Faith and Finances Wednesdays starting April 27, 6 to 8 p.m., room 5106-07. Join our 10-week Faith and Finance class, where we will eat, laugh and struggle together as we learn to overcome obstacles, set savings goals, make spending plans, manage debt and more! Our class is designed for those with a lower income and a limited amount of financial background. We offer a free meal and child care at each class. Carol Davila at carol.davila@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1746

Love Defined Sundays, 11 a.m., rooms 4213-15. Love. It may be the most powerful four-letter word in the world. But with so many voices offering so many definitions, how do we know and experience love’s truest definition? Join us on a journey to rediscover and radically embrace God’s highest ideal for our lives. The course is led by Pastor Jeff and Leslee Bell. Leslee Bell at leslee.bell@northlandchurch.net or 407-495-8482 When Helping Hurts: Small Group Experience Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, rooms 4206-7. What if poverty isn’t just about a lack of food, money or clothing? If you have ever asked yourself that question, join Northland elder Jim Dees and his team as they host a two-day DVD seminar taught by Dr. Brian Fikkert, coauthor of “When Helping Hurts.” Together we’ll learn how to effectively help people in need – moving beyond good intentions to lasting change. Jim Dees at jimdees@vermeersoutheast. com or 407-491-1971

MEN Man in the Mirror Men’s Group: “Spiritual Leadership” Tuesdays, 6:45 to 8 a.m., room 1118. Leadership. Everyone experiences it, or the lack of it, in daily life. Whether they are leaders in the business world or the church, for those called to lead, “Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda,” by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, is a guide to understand God’s design for spiritual leaders. Bob Shoemaker at bshoemaker@ compass1.org or 407-599-3132 Men’s Life in Community Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., room 4128. Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded. Held during the Women’s Community Bible study, this is an opportunity for men to study and work out the scriptural implications for life. JT Almon II at jalmon18@cfl.rr.com or 321-277-4505

Life Labs

northlandchurch.net/lifelabs Life Labs are one-session workshops where we learn and dialogue together on ideas that help us become more mature disciples of Jesus Christ. We invite you to try out many different Life Labs! For a complete list and lab descriptions, visit northlandchurch.net/lifelabs. Foundations for New Believers Sunday, April 3, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 4206-07 Life Lab leader: Kari Maggard God’s Gym – Creating a Christ Centered Health & Wellness Plan & Approach to Exercise Thursday, April 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4206-07 Life Lab leaders: Natalie Macke Life With No Regrets (Women 16 to 26) Sunday, April 10, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 4206-07 Life Lab leader: Becky Hunter

12 Hearing God’s Voice & Choosing Well as Seasons of Life See Change (Women) Thursday, April 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 5108-09 Life Lab leader: Barb Doyle Injustice for All Sunday, April 17, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 5106-07 Life Lab leaders: John Jones and Andrew Jones Trust-Based Relational Intervention: Playful Interaction and Healthy Touch Saturday, April 16, 9 to 11 a.m., room 4206 Thursday, April 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., rooms 5106-07 Life Lab leader: Jamila Millette “So That” Parenting (Part 2) – Practical Ways To Disciple Our Children Sunday, April 24, 9 to 10:30 a.m., room 4206 Life Lab leader: Chris Storms God’s Kitchen – Intuitive Eating Thursday, May 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4206-07 Life Lab leaders: Natalie Macke The Five Love Languages of Cooking and Amore Thursday, May 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4209-10 Life Lab leaders: Isabella Morgia diVicari Prayer Life Sunday, May 15, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 4206-07 Sunday, May 22, 9 to 10:30 a.m., rooms 4206-07 Life Lab leaders: Rhonda Mixon Trust-Based Relational Intervention: Brain Development and Behavior Change Saturday, May 21, 9 to 11 a.m., room 4213-15 Thursday, May 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., rooms 5106-07 Life Lab leader: Jamila Millette

Groups

CARE GROUPS ADULTS 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. Frank at 407-599-9770 or Carol at 407-617-0449 or Doug at idougs@ aol.com

anger and sexual addiction; and women’s chemical addiction, codependency, love and relationship addiction, eating disorders, codependent moms, anxiety and depression, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse. They also offer programs for children and teens. This is recovery for the entire family. Dinner is available from 5:45 to 6:30 for $3; children eat free. Laurie Jean Harrington or John Williams at celebraterecovery@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1799 COSA Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., room 4213. Cosa is a recovery program for men and women whose lives have been affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior. Child care available. Dixie at LongwoodCOSA@aol.com or 407-312-3494, or cosa-recovery.org Divorce Recovery Tuesdays; call for time and location. New session starts May 3. Deadline for registration: April 29. A divorce is a devastating, traumatic event for which even the strongest individuals find themselves unprepared. This group offers a series of programs designed to address those aspects of your life that are most impacted by ending your marriage relationship: your physical self, mental self, emotional self and spiritual self. Registration ($5) and orientation are required before attending this 15-week group. The workbook is $22. Child care will be provided. Donna Delzingaro at donnadd@cfl.rr.com or 407-937-1749 The Landing Fridays, 7 to 9:10 p.m., Children’s Worship Wing. Do you know of a hurting or struggling teen? Are you a teen who feels like life is out of control? This ongoing 52-week program, based on the beatitudes, is geared specifically toward teens in grades 6 through 12, is student-driven and runs concurrently with Celebrate Recovery. The Landing is a safe place where struggling teens can acquire tools to live a Christ-centered life. Suzanne Long at slong27@gmail.com Life’s Healing Choices Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4216 and 5103. Life’s Healing Choices offers freedom from our hurts, hang-ups and habits through eight healing choices that promise true happiness and life transformation. You’ll find real answers, real hope and a real future – one healing choice at a time. The cost: $14.99 for the book, available in the Northland Bookstore. Laurie Jean Harrington at lauriejean2@bellsouth.net or 407-927-4393 PRAXIS (Conquering Fear, Anger, Anxiety) Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., rooms 5106-07, CWW. Conquer fear, anger and anxiety through biblical principles. For child care, contact Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@ northlandchurch.net Skye Engel at 407834-3158

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. Nancy Cook 407-484-3069

PeaceSeekers This ministry takes the biblical approach to handling all levels and types of conflict. From classes in PeaceMaker to conflict coaching and mediation, this ministry makes a difference in all relationships. Nita Zelenak at nita_zelenak@ntm.org (regarding class), or Rich Arndt at volvoom@gmail.com (regarding mediation and conflict coaching)

Celebrate Recovery Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m., The Rink. Gain freedom from life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Join them each week for teachings, testimonies, praise and worship, and share groups, which include CR 101; men’s chemical addiction, codependency,

RCA – Recovering Couples Anonymous Thursdays, 7:45 to 9 p.m., room 4215. RCA is a 12-step program and fellowship of recovering couples. They suffer from many different addictions, and they share their experience, strength and hope with one another, that they may solve their common

problems and help other recovering couples restore their relationships. The primary purpose is to stay committed in loving and intimate relationships, and to help other couples achieve freedom from addictive and destructive relationships. Child care is available. David at dbt197@gmail.com or 407-687-5390, Dixie at RecoveryHealing@aol. com, or recovering-couples.org Shoulder to Shoulder Every other Sunday, 2 p.m., Winter Springs. This is a Christian healing support group for divorced or separated women. Call or email for specific location. Fenella Padrino at 407-308-9186 or fenellapadrino@gmail.com Stephen Ministers Need a Stephen Minister? If you are in our congregation and are going through a difficult time and need a Stephen Minister, who can walk alongside you for a season, contact Lynda Mason at 407-949-4013. Support for the Separated Tuesdays; call for time and location. New session starts May 3. Deadline for registration: April 29. This support group, under the leadership of the Divorce Recovery ministry, is for those individuals who are separated and have filed the papers for divorce. This group offers a series of programs designed to address those aspects of your life that are most impacted by ending your marriage relationship: your physical self, mental self, emotional self and spiritual self. Registration ($5) and orientation are required before attending this 15-week series. The workbook is $22. Child care will be provided. (?) Donna Delzingaro at donnadd@cfl.rr.com or 407-937-1749

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: $19.95 at Northland’s bookstore. Bryan at 816206-4167, Jim at 407-701-7796, or Kevin Urichko at 407-949-7166 or kevin.urichko@ northlandchurch.net SAA for Men Mondays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., room 1115, Student Ministries and Care Center and Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., room 4217. As a fellowship of recovering addicts, Sex Addicts Anonymous offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from sex addiction. The basic principles of recovery practiced by SAA are found in the Twelve Steps, and they can apply the Steps and Traditions to sex addiction, making recovery possible. Child care is provided. David at dbt197@gmail.com or 407-687-5390, or saarecovery.org

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’s Healing Ministry Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., room 4218. 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

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Adoption/Foster Care Ministry Third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Are you interested or experienced in adoption or foster care? This group provides information, community and enrichment. Child care is available; contact Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@northlandchurch. net Dale.Cowart at dale.cowart@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7165 Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry Meeting Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. If you have a passion for anti-trafficking, join other Northland members to take action through specific roles needed to end trafficking in our community. Abi Mills at abi.mills@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-0547 Arabic Distributed Church Sundays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the Rink. This group meets for Bible study, fellowship, prayer and praise in the Arabic language. The class targets those who need to worship in Arabic. Child care is available. 407-9494018, ext. 1712 or arabic@northlandchurch.net

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Central Florida Third Monday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., rooms 4209-10. This gathering is to bring awareness to Child Evangelism Fellowship’s vision, ministries and strategies. CEF is launching a seasonal initiative this year called Christmas Across America. The goal is to reach 100,000 children this Christmas with the gospel message. Our target is children who do not go to church or have not heard that Jesus can save them. You can help by hosting a Christmas club or gathering in your home or neighborhood. All materials are free. Our staff can assist you with the resources. Jeneba Davies at 407435-4673 or Jenesther1@bellsouth.net Co-ed Flag Football Saturdays, 9:30 a.m., Sunnytown Park, Casselberry. Join us for adult coed flag football for 6 on 6 with halftime devotionals. No skills required. Just looking for fun and fellowship. Dan Brown at 269-599-6537 or Chris Curran at 407-687-6537 or tbbuc40@ netzero.com The Gathering (Young Adults Ministry) Third Thursday every month, 7 p.m., The Rink. A gathering of young adults (whether or not students, married or professionals) who desire to be in community with one another. There will be worship and discussion, and they will discover ways to be the church together. youngadults@northlandchurch.net Golf Ministry - Links Fellowship of Central Florida Second Friday of each month, various locations. Links is a nondenominational Christian ministry whose mission is to link golfers around the world with other Christian golfers. Each month they have a different speaker and golf format. The cost is reasonable and includes golf, a cart, range balls, tax and prizes. and reservations: Parks Reinhardt at 407-335-4223 or linksfellowship@cfl.rr.com

Great Start … Pathways to Success First Thursday of each month, 5:45 p.m., Fellowship Hall. This program is designed to reach out to parents of newborn babies in Seminole County. Great Start promotes parent education and helps parents build their capacity to develop essential early literacy skills in their children. Great Start at 407320-3945 or GreatStart@scps.us Hispanic Gathering Sundays, 12:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1. Join them for a joyful time of worship and going deeper in studying God’s word in Spanish. Leonardo Mateus at leonardo. mateus@northlandchurch.net or 407-459-3650 Reunión Dominical Hispana Domingos Domingos, 12:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. “Mirad cuan Bueno y cuan delicioso es habitar los hermanos juntos en armonía!” Sal.133:1. Únete a ellos para un hermoso tiempo de alabanza y adoración profundizando en el estudio de la palabra de Dios en español. Leonardo Mateus a leonardo.mateus@northlandchurch.net or 407-459-3650. Knit and Chat Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Foyer by Information Desk. 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 Pauline Hale at pauline. hale@northlandchurch.net for child care for children 10 and under. www.facebook. com/knitandchat. Cassie Small at cassandra.543@juno.com or 407-834-5203 Life in Community Sundays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., rooms 4209-10. Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded and awesome relationships. Jeremy Jobson at jeremy.jobson@ northlandchurch.net Men’s Racquetball Group Wednesdays, 6 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. No experience is required. Alex Crane at alexmcrane@live. com or 321-303-0831 Moms4Moms Get connected with other moms for friendship and encouragement through meetings and playgroup activities. Registration required. Stephanie Ball at stephanieball1@yahoo.com and Lindsey Coburn at lcoburn@stetson.edu Motorcycle Ministry Weekend Trip to St. Augustine Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. April 30 and depart at 10 for a ride along the coast on A1A to historic St. Augustine. The ride will include a lunch stop at a waterfront restaurant along the way. Once in St. Augustine, riders will be able to check in to their hotel, shop or sightsee before regrouping for dinner. On Sunday morning, they will gather at 10 a.m. for a 10:30 departure home. The coastal ride home also will include a lunch stop. If you have never been to historic St. Augustine, we encourage you to come for this fun weekend and beautiful ride. Stay at a hotel of your choice, and book your hotel in advance. Some riders will stay at Jaybird’s Inn (904-

342-7938); you may book this or any hotel at booking.com. Lori Landers at 352-7296912 or cyclerider4god@yahoo.com Single Purpose (Singles age 30 and up) Second and fourth Sunday of each month, 3 p.m., rooms 4206-07. Get to know other singles in the area for friendship, fellowship and Bible study. Teri Long at 407-470-3431 or alwaysgone_us@yahoo.com, Sue Steward at 407-314-5817, or meetup. com/OACS08 Thursday Evening Prayer Meeting Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m., room 4128. You are invited to join us for the intercessory prayer time. We intercede for the weekly prayer requests submitted online. We also pray for the elders, pastors, staff, congregations and communities. We pray for the distributed churches, local and global partners, missionaries, ministries and much more. Gus Davies at gus.davies@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4008 Hispanic Ministry - Spanish Translation Sundays, 9 and 11 a.m. services. Spanish translation is available online and listening devices are available at the Welcome Desk. Join the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/northlandhispano. Ivan Portillo at ivan.portillo@northlandchurch.net Ministerio Hispano - Traducción a Español Domingos, en los servicios de las 9 y 11 a.m. Traducción a español esta disponible en línea. Los auriculares para escuchar el servicio estan disponibles en el Mostrador de Bienvenida o “Welcome Desk”. Información en nuestra página de Facebook en www.facebook.com/ northlandhispano. Ivan Portillo at ivan. portillo@northlandchurch.net 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 using the First Principles study material, share common experiences, support each other and eventually reach out to the greater community of veterans in the Orlando area. Randy Mixon at 808-3434391 or rmixon75@gmail.com

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. Karen Hays 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 Terry Wenner at tbardwen@aol.com.

Special Needs Children and Teens Sundays, assist during the 11 a.m. worship service. Heather Subbert at 407-9371828 or heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net

supportive friendship as a class participant strives to become economically selfsufficient. Dale Cowart at dale.cowart@ Northlandchurch.net or 407-949-7165

Ushers and Greeters Greet and seat those attending worship services. No experience necessary. Ivan Portillo at ivan.portillo@northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4000

Harvest Time International needs volunteers. This mission ministry needs volunteers to check in clients; help with office work, fundraising and social media; stock shelves; and sort relief products Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ministry also accepts community service volunteers. Learn more at harvesttime.org. 407-878-5526 or volunteer@harvesttime.org

Weekday Welcome Desk Weekday volunteers are needed to answer phones and greet visitors. Flexible hours. Ivan Portillo at ivan.portillo@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4000 Welcome Team 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

Serve With Northland Blood Drive Sunday, April 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Northland at Longwood. In March, many people donated blood, and as a result 97 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 Co-facilitate weekly classes in the Seminole County jail. A workbook, a DVD and materials are available. Must have one or more years of recovery. Minimum commitment: twice a month. Dale Cowart at dale.cowart@ northlandchurch.net Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Florida Needs Volunteers Serve in Good News Clubs in public elementary schools after school. They provide orientation and training. Jeneba Davies at 407-435-4673 or jenesthe1@ bellsouth.net Christians in Public Education CIPE inspires Christians to embrace their God-ordained role as missionaries in public education, whether as teachers, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers or administrators, helping them to recognize how their walk as Christians impacts everyone around them. Nan Parker at 352-602-9200 or nancparker@gmail.com, Gracia Miller at 407-415-1461 or millergracia@gmail.com, christiansinpubliceducation.org or ceai.org Co-facilitate Classes in the Jail Men, women or couples are needed to share their faith and knowledge with Seminole County inmates who desire a change in their lives. Training and workbooks are provided. This is a twice-a-month commitment. Dale Cowart at dale.cowart@northlandchurch.net 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 Financial Allies Needed Financial Allies are needed for Faith and Finances, a biblically integrated financial curriculum designed for low-income people. Allies provide encouragement, advocacy and

Hospice of the Comforter Volunteers provide patient and family support, as well as crucial administrative assistance, community outreach, fundraising and help with special projects. Free training is provided. Volunteer Services Department at 407-379-2254, or hospiceofthecomforter. org/volunteers Live Worship With Inmates Servant leaders are needed to attend worship in the jail and connect with the inmates. Opportunities exist at all worship service times. No experience is necessary. Dale Cowart at dale.cowart@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. David Keys at nlmentoring@gmail.com Mentors and Classroom Assistants 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 407-463-9398 or blv292@cfl.rr.com PetPals Saturdays, except the fifth Saturday of the month. Share your pets with people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and more. Ann Clark at ann@clarkmail.us or 407-8087892 The Pregnancy Center of Sanford is looking for female volunteers. Ideal candidates will possess a strong sense of compassion for those who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and the ability to connect well with others. Volunteer requirements: 1) completion of the 18-hour Equipped to Serve Training (April 11 through 13 AND April 18 through 20, 9 a.m. to noon; 2) the ability to make a one-year commitment to the center; 3) the ability to serve a fourhour shift on the same day each week; and 4) regular church attendance. Learn more at thedifferenceislife.org. Trudy Shuck at 407-323-3384 Reading/Tutoring Ministry Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School, Sanford. Adults through seniors, especially retirees, read as Nanas and Papas to kindergarteners and/or tutor first- or second-graders in reading or math for one, two or three hours. Tutoring may be done on alternate days. Rebekah Richey at handr527@aol.com or 407-252-7009

14 Summer Mission Trip to Japan (for college students) Mission to Japan, a Northland-supported ministry, is planning a three-week mission trip to Japan for college students (ages 18 to 22) from May 5 to 25, 2016. Warren Griffith at 407-243-8867 or info@MissionToJapan.org

Special Events Empowered to Connect Live Simulcast Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rooms 4206-7. Join Northland’s Adoption and Foster Care Ministry for the Empowered to Connect live simulcast. This two-day conference is designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders, churches and professionals better understand how to connect with “children from hard places” to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be. The conference features Dr. Karyn Purvis, director of the TCU Institute of Child Development, and is ideal for adoptive and foster parents, those considering adoption or foster care, and those who are serving and supporting others – social workers, agency professionals, church staff and ministry leaders, counselors, therapists and others. MaryLou Couchois at marylou.couchois@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1801 IJM’s Art-Music-Justice Tour Friday, April 15, 7 to 10 p.m., The Rink. Northland is proud to present an evening with Sara Groves. With 12 studio albums to her credit, this multiple Dove Award nominee gives voice, in partnership with International Justice Mission, to those enslaved around the world. Joining Sara Groves will be special guests Jenny and Tyler, and Brandon Heath. You won’t want to miss this special night of songs, stories and prayer in the fight to end slavery. The cost: $20 per general admission ticket and $30 per Gold Circle ticket. Rebecca Lang at rebecca.lang@ northlandchurch.net or 407-937-1807 A Community Conversation With Jim Wallis: America’s Original Sin Thursday, April 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m., sanctuary. “If white Christians acted more Christian than white, black parents would have less to fear for their children,” says respected public theologian and New York Times bestselling author Jim Wallis in his latest book, “America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America.” Wallis will share insights from his book and from the conversations it has provoked. A panel will respond to Wallis; following will be a Q&A. Come explore this call for a new conversation – and action – on racism, and a compelling agenda to deal with our lingering racial sins in many places, including our criminal justice system. This free event is open to all. Ruth Sapp at ruth.sapp@ northlandchurch.net or 407-949-4000 JumpStart! Next meeting: April 23. Got a fifth-grader in your home? Then you’re all too aware that middle school is just around the corner. Your “little kid” is beginning the journey into adolescence. Yikes! Need some help navigating your child through this transitional period? Check out JumpStart! Northland’s Student Ministries team is partnering with Children’s Ministries on this fun and relational program, designed to help your fifth-grader transition smoothly from kids church to LUGrox, our Middle School Ministry. This is the fifth year we have offered JumpStart at Northland, and we have heard from many families how much it helped smooth this transition period. We are also offering special sessions just for parents (optional, but

highly recommended!). It’s an opportunity to get great advice from Pastor Brian and other ministry leaders, to ask questions about our Student Ministries program, to meet other parents, and to become better equipped to disciple your child as he or she moves toward adolescence. Child care is available with a reservation; contact Pauline Hale at pauline.hale@northlandchurch.net Lindsay Johnson at lindsay.johnson@ northlandchurch.net.

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. Judy Head at judy.head@northlandchurch.net Vehicles Needed at LifeHope. Many families working with the LifeHope ministry are able to obtain a job and begin the process of getting back on their feet, but transportation becomes a barrier. Vehicles must be safe and in good working condition. Bud Abt at 407-415-0036 or bud.abt@northlandchurch. net to donate your vehicle 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 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 Bibles are needed for the Downtown Homeless Ministry. Donate new or used Bibles at the Northland Bookstore. Dave Mullen at dmull77@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

Beyond Northland ADULTS Abortion Recovery Bible study for post-abortive men or women that meets in a confidential, supportive setting. Reveille Ministries at 407-333-0404 Central Florida’s Job Fair (CFEC.org) Wednesday, May 18, 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, 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 the Scriptures. New study of 1st and 2nd

Corinthians starting September 9. Children’s program is available. On-going registration. Olga Lizardo at 407-415-9578 or visit Orlando.CBSclass.org Interfaith Opportunities • Interfaith Series: A Comparative Study of Different Faiths Second Monday of each month, 3 p.m., Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 300 Carolwood Point, Fern Park. This one-hour monthly series of presentations on different faiths is open to the public. April 11 is Rev. Karen Egerton of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, on Christianity, and May 9 is Bassem Chaaban of the Center for Peace at the Islamic Society of Central Florida, on Islam. For more information, call 321-228-4599. • “Friends Talking Faith” Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7 p.m., 90.7-FM radio. “The Three Wise Guys” – Rabbi Steven Engel, Rev. Bryan Fulwider and Imam Muhammad Musri – discuss topics from the perspective of the different religions they represent. In April, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Three Wise Guys come together to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect. We’ll hear from state government leaders as well as older adults from their three faith traditions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) about what faith means for them at their stage of life. Join the conversation. • Interfaith Discussion Wednesday, April 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Adventist University of Health Sciences, main campus, Florida Hospital, 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando. Topic: What does your faith tradition teach about sexuality? What is blessed? What is forbidden? What is the philosophical/religious foundation for the beliefs? Join the discussion, sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. The discussions are respectful, open and candid, and the participants represent a variety of faith traditions as well as those who question the validity of faith altogether. Admission is free. Everyone is invited. Robert Ray at 407-415-8528 or Robert. Ray@nrmafla.com Post Abortive Counseling These post-abortion ministries share the healing grace of Jesus without judgment. • Choices Women’s Clinic 2992 Edgewater Dr., Orlando. Stella King at truelifechoice.org, 407-244-5529 or SKing@truelifechoice.org • Sanford & Oviedo Crisis Pregnancy Center 1002 S. French Ave., Sanford. Andrea

Krazeise at sanfordcpc.com or 407-323-3384 • Cornerstone Pregnancy Center 2025 Culver Rd., Orlando. Michelle Lewis at 407-208-9058 or directorofcpc@ gmail.com

MEN The Larger Story Boot Camp Thursday, April 28, 8 p.m. through Sunday, May 1, noon, Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp, Fruitland Park. Men, join other men on a four-day quest to recover your masculine soul and discover your role in “the larger story,” based on the book “Wild at Heart,” by John Eldredge. The cost: $185. Register at TheLargerStory.com. Kirk Solberg at KirkSolberg@Smileartists.com or 321-277-6801 Christian Businessmen’s Connection 7 to 8 a.m.: Tuesdays, IHOP Restaurant, 1345 Lee Road, Orlando; Thursdays, Perkins, University & Forsyth, Winter Park. A worldwide men’s ministry for 85 years (www.cbmc.com) that meets for fellowship, prayer, and discussion of God’s principles for business. Armand Dauplaise at 407-2213114 or adauplaise@aol.com; Pat Leupold at 407-538-6026 or huskerball1956@gmail.com.

PARENTS NearHim Home Educators Supports and encourages families that God has called to teach their children at home. www.nearhim.com

WOMEN 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 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

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

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

Joel C. Hunter Scholarship Award Offered

he 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 2016 award. Completed applications must be received by Friday, May 27, for consideration. Recipients will be notified by Friday, June 24. Northland’s website will provide bios of this year’s scholarship recipients. Apply at northlandchurch.net/hunterscholarship. Questions? Contact Stephen Thomas at hunterscholarship@northlandchurch. net or 407-949-7185. “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances ....” – Ezra 7:10 (NASB)

Northland, A Church Distributed northlandchurch.net/about 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 10:27-29; Romans 8:1939; 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)

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)

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: Worship God — John 4:21 Glorify God for who He is and what He has done. Read the Bible — Jeremiah 1:12 Study God’s message to you often. Share your story — 1 Peter 3:15 Tell others what God is doing in your life. Be in community — John 13:35 Foster environments for relationship. Pray — 1 Peter 3:12 Engage in conversation with God. Serve others — Matthew 25:40 Meet the needs of the people around you. Live 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.

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twitter.com/northlandchurch

Sundays . . . . 9 (sp), 11 a.m. (di) (sp); 5 p.m. Mondays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. (di) Deaf/hard of hearing interpretation available

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(sp) Spanish interpretation available

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NOT LOCAL? Join us for LIVE online worship at

northlandchurch.net

during any of our worship times!

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Live Concurrent Worship

¿Habla español?

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

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.!

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.

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.

Directory northlandchurch.net/about

CONTACT INFO

WHOM DO I CONTACT IF:

530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750 www.northlandchurch.net | hello@northlandchurch.net Main Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Main Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4020 Northland Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7199

I am in crisis? Northland’s main line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 I want to seek counseling? Counseling referral line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7204 I have a prayer request? Prayer request line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4025 or pray.northlandchurch.net

Send newspaper correspondence to: newspaper@northlandchurch.net.

I need the Hospital Ministry to pay a visit? Chris Nielsen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7149 or hospitalvisits@northlandchurch.net

GOVERNING ELDERS Owusu Amaning, Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1797 owusu.amaning@northlandchurch.net Tim Wright, Vice Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1804 tim.wright@northlandchurch.net Dale Burket, Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1809 dale.burket@northlandchurch.net JT Almon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7169 jt.almon@northlandchurch.net Sam Certo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7168 sam.certo@northlandchurch.net Danny Gordon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1763 danny.gordon@northlandchurch.net Gilbert Kingsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0540 gilbert.kingsley@northlandchurch.net Bill Wolfe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1803 bill.wolfe@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 20,000 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 FaithBased and Neighborhood Partnerships. He has been married to his best friend and ministry partner, Becky, since 1972. The Hunters are parents to three sons: Joshua, Joel and Isaac (1977-2013), and are in-laws to Lisa, Lizzy and Rhonda. The Hunters have seven grandchildren: Noah, Jada, Ella, Lincoln, Luke, Lena, and Ava (2004-2010). 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.

Northland is becoming a church of distributed churches, a family of spiritual families. More and more, the larger congregation of Northland is also comprised of smaller, distributed churches – spiritual families that form outside the walls of the building as they follow Jesus together and live out the mission of Jesus in their everyday lives. All of Northland will continue to gather together for weekend worship services, whether in person or online, but being the church isn’t limited to the worship service. The distributed churches also form the church right where people live, as they get together in homes, in offices, on campuses or in coffee shops for meals, fellowship, the study of Scripture, prayer, service and reaching out to those not yet included (Acts 2:42-47). Are you interested in learning more? We would love to help you. Together we can form the church outside the walls of a building and bring God’s love to the world. Start the journey toward being the church at one of the Intro to Distributing the Church sessions. Sign up for a session at The Hub or at distributedchurch.com.

DISTRIBUTED HUBS LAKE COUNTY Northland, A Church Distributed: Lake County Service time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 10 a.m. 2828 S. Bay St., Eustis In Lake Hills Plaza behind RaceTrac Facebook.com . . . . www.facebook.com/northlandlakecounty Twitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . twitter.com/northlandlc General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-4000 Jeremy Bell, Site Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7184 or jeremy.bell@northlandchurch.net OVIEDO Reformed Theological Seminary Service times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundays, 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 Dr. Dan Lacich, Site Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1815 or dan.lacich@northlandchurch.net

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

I am interested in a Care Ministry? Barbara Olsen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7183 or barbara.olsen@northlandchurch.net I want to become a member? Barbara Gritter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0557 or barbara.gritter@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? Jenna Blankespoor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7194 or jenna.blankespoor@northlandchurch.net I need information about Children’s Ministries? Debbie Blahnik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .407-949-7162 or debbie.blahnik@northlandchurch.net I am interested in Short-term Mission Trips? Patti Harshey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0573 or patti.harshey@northlandchurch.net; or visit SomedayIsToday.net I want to help at Northland? The Hub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7178 or hub@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 Hispanic Ministry? Quiero aprender más acerca de su Ministerio Hispano. Leonardo Mateus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1824 or leonardo.mateus@northlandchurch.net I have a special needs child or if I have special needs? Heather Subbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-1828 or heather.subbert@northlandchurch.net I am facing an unforeseen/unexpected financial crisis and need guidance and resources? LifeHope Info Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7151 Visit us online to submit an application: northlandchurch.net/lifehope Computer’s available in care center Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I need information on jail/prison transition ministries? Dale Cowart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-949-7165 or dale.cowart@northlandchurch.net I need information on 121Hope Anti-Trafficking Ministry? Abi Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-937-0547 or abi.mills@northlandchurch.net