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/ February 2018
Are you ready for the 40-Day Prayer Challenge?
Note from
Pastor Mark & Lora Are you ready to move to new places in your walk with God? Prayer is the difference between the best we can do, and the best God can do! I’d like to invite every NCCer to join Lora and me in taking the 40-Day Prayer Challenge and pressing into God like never before. (See page 3 for details.) There is no better way to observe Lent and prepare our hearts for Easter!
Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor Lora Batterson
Welcome!
Get involved. It’s the best way to meet people and make NCC your church home!
New to NCC?
There are so many great ways to jump into the life of NCC.
See you at the Connections Table! We want to meet you, answer your questions, and give you a gift. We can show you how to get connected at your campus. or . . . Fill out the tearout card in the center section of this issue and drop it in the offering. or . . . Go to ncc.re/connect and fill out the quick form. We’ll be in touch soon!
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• Join one of our small groups. ncc.re/groups
• Join a team and serve at your campus. ncc.re/team
• Join a local or global mission team or show up at Second Saturday Serve as we work together to make a difference in our communities. ncc.re/onmissioneveryday
If you’re new to church or new to following Jesus, pick up a Next Steps booklet at the Connections Table, and check out our Alpha groups. ncc.re/alpha
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Subscribe: ncc.re/podcast | Learn more or get involved: ncc.re/connect 2
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February 2018
Take the 40-Day Prayer Challenge February 14 - March 31, 2018 by Pastor Mark Batterson
e completed our first 40-Day Prayer Challenge at NCC five years ago, and it still ranks as one of the most significant seasons in our history as a church. I feel a stirring in my spirit to do it again! After that first challenge, I wrote a book titled Draw The Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge. We want to leverage that book as our prayer guide during this upcoming season of Lent, so Lora and I are gifting a free copy to everyone at NCC.
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The goal of the 40-Day Prayer Challenge isn’t getting what we want from God. It’s about discerning what God wants, what God wills. Then we start circling and we don’t stop until God answers. Too often we pray ASAP prayers—as soon as possible. We need to start praying ALAT prayers—as long as it takes. The prayer challenge is not about putting a 40-day deadline on God. It’s about establishing a daily prayer habit so we’re still praying on day 41, day 117, day 365.
Let me encourage you to take this challenge with a friend, with your family, or perhaps as a small group. But whatever you do, don’t do it alone. If you’re wondering what to pray about, ask God. The true purpose of prayer is not outlining our agenda to God. It’s about getting into God’s presence so He can outline His agenda for us. God will reveal a promise, a problem, or a person. Once He does, circle it in prayer every day. If you want God to do something new in you, you can’t keep doing the same old thing. You have to do something different. That’s what this prayer challenge is. It’s an opportunity to reboot your prayer life. Prayer is the difference between the best you can do and the best God can do. That’s why I believe this could be the most significant 40 days of your life! Prayer has the power to change anything, change everything. Draw the circle!
Sign up for the 40-Day Prayer Challenge here: ncc.re/40days • Receive regular prayer reminders • Access video sessions from Draw the Circle Get a copy of Draw the Circle (a special gift from Pastor Mark and Lora) February 10 & 11 in services 40 Days of Prayer Kickoff: Sunday evening, February 11, 7pm at The Miracle Theatre. Join us on Facebook LIVE or live stream here: ncc.re/40kickoff Join us for Morning Prayer: 7:14am - 8:00am Tuesdays-Fridays at Ebenezers Coffeehouse, Washington, DC. Begins Ash Wednesday, February 14.
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What’s going on
Freshmen of the City
Begins Tuesday, February 13 Register here: ncc.re/freshmen Are you new to DC and between the ages of 18 and 30? Join us to learn from seasoned leaders about your career and calling. Engage in meaningful small-group community with your peers. Learn to live and share your faith for a lifetime!
What do 48,000 plastic eggs, cotton candy, and “somebunny” in a costume have in common? YOU! Last year, NCC campuses hosted more than 13,000 people at our famous community Easter egg hunts. Stay tuned for info on how you and your family can serve at an Easter Eggstravaganza March 24 and 31!
The Alpha Course
Celebrate Recovery
If you’re questioning your faith, returning to faith, or just exploring what you believe—The Alpha Course might be a great place to be this month. Alpha is a series of sessions that explore the Christian faith where you can hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and open environment.
Got a habit you want to break? Trying to use your own willpower? How has that worked for you? Find the supportive community you need to surrender to the only one who has the power to help you truly recover: Jesus Christ. Join us any Wednesday night at The Miracle Theatre to find true freedom. Our large group meeting starts at 7pm and we break up into smaller groups at 8pm. All are welcome anytime!
Begins Monday, February 26 Register here: ncc.re/alpha
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Get Ready! It’s Almost Eggzstravaganza Time!
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February 2018
Wednesdays, 7pm, Miracle Theatre ncc.re/recovery
“Hi. I’m new here.” by Minda Corso
NCCer Minda Corso recently moved to Michigan, and, after almost five years of deep connection at NCC, she experienced being the new person at a brand-new church. Here’s what that’s like.
’ve got news for you. Being the new person at church is usually not fun. Walking in to a service, finding a seat, watching friends greet each other and carry on conversations all around you while you sit there alone? Not the most comforting feeling. And if you’re single? Even worse. Having to show up to a service full of people all by yourself, silently praying someone will say hi to you? Depending on the church, and depending on your personality, it can be anything from mildly awkward to, well, excruciating.
I
After being a deeply connected NCCer, I’ve moved away, so now I’m the new person at a new church. The experience has given me a fresh reminder of what’s important to someone who’s new to a church. I’m not listening to the message to see if it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I’m not listening for a band that has seamless transitions
and the most current songs. I’m looking at the people, the space, the vibe. I’m asking, “Do I fit here? Can I serve here? Can I belong here?” Making people feel welcome at NCC is everyone’s job. If you consider yourself a part of NCC, it’s your job to make people feel at home. Just Say Hi to Someone If you’re not new, just say hi to someone. Ask their name. The easiest question to ask is, “How long have you been attending NCC?” If they say it’s their first weekend, you’ve got an incredible opportunity to invite them into the fold. If they say they’ve been attending for years, ask them their favorite things about NCC. Ask them about small groups. Ask them where they serve. No answer is the wrong answer with that question! All anyone is looking for is a
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Step into community at NCC! Join a group. ncc.re/groups
Join the mission. ncc.re/onmissioneveryday
Join a team. ncc.re/team
Not sure where to plug in? volunteer@theaterchurch.com
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NCC Families
NCC Kids (birth-5th grade)
Subscribe to the monthly Parent Insider:
Our kids ministry has a fresh, new look! NCC families can look forward to the same high-quality, intentional ministry to all kids and families—we just have a freshlook and a new name!Ourincredible team of leaders remain committed to building relationships,teaching kids about Jesus,and partnering with parents. We look forward to celebrating this change with you!
kids@theaterchurch.com
Learn, be inspired, get encouraged:
parentshareblog.com kidsofncc
Uprising Youth (6th-12th grade)
therealnccyouth
A1:8 Missions
Pray about Joining a 2018 Mission Team
ncc.re/missionteams
We’re called to be people empowered by the Spirit, doing what Jesus did, in our neighborhoods, city, and around the world. Consider investing your time and resources to join a 2018 mission team. Prayerfully browse almost 30 opportunities available this year.
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February 2018
All students grades 6-12 are invited! We provide a safe place for students to feel known, discuss real topics, find mentorship, and develop meaningful friendships. Our adult leaders are advocates of students and partners with parents. We meet across four locations Sundays and Wednesdays. For more info, email steffen.humbert@theaterchurch.com.
Small Groups
Join a Small Group ncc.re/groups
Groups are where we get connected to community, grow together as we seek Jesus, and positively impact the world around us. Looking for a Bible study, family group, or a place to meet up with others who want to learn more about a particular interest? There’s a group for that! Spring semester starts February 10/11.
Join a Team
NCC Kids volunteer@theaterchurch.com We invite you to partner with parents as they disciple their kids. You’ll be provided with lots of coaching, exciting Bible lessons, and fun games and crafts as you pour into the lives of the next generation! Be a part of this dynamic team serving families at NCC!
“I’m New,” continued from page 5 friendly smile and a connection. It’s so easy, and it means so much. If You’re New to NCC And newbies? Here’s what worked for me. I just started acting like the new church was my church! Say hi to someone. Tell them your name, and ask theirs. Press through the awkwardness of those first couple of minutes and realize that you’re in the presence of other people who love Jesus and want to follow Him. That’s all the
Coming Up at NCC
connection you need! And please realize: You are needed. You are valuable. And if God has called you to become part of NCC, just jump in! If you are new to church and to Christianity, we would love to meet you. We want you to feel at home here and we are committed to doing everything possible to make you feel like you can call NCC your home. You are welcome here and we recognize you did a BIG thing by walking through the doors of our campus.
Learn more at ncc.re/events
Saturday, February 10
Second Saturday Serve at your campus
Sunday, February 11
40-Day Prayer Challenge Kickoff at The Miracle Theatre Simulcast at ncc.re/40kickoff or tune in on Facebook LIVE
Saturday-Sunday, February 10-11
Spring term small groups begin
Tuesday, February 13
Freshmen of the City begins
Tuesdays-Fridays in February and March
Morning prayer at Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 7:14am - 8am Begins Ash Wednesday, February 14
Wednesday, February 14
Ash Wednesday
Monday, February 26
The Alpha Course begins
Saturdays, March 24 & 31 Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunts hosted by NCC campuses eggstravaganzadc.com Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1 Easter Weekend *Follow A1:8 Missions on Instagram@aoneeight to pray for our mission teams.
3 Ways To Give “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
theaterchurch.com/giving TXT “$(amount) NCC” to 45777 Cash or Check
(Find offering envelopes at the Connections Table)
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Sozo is simple, fast, Spirit-led, and next effective for inner Let us help you take your steps!prayer Visit the New to healing. Sozo prayer helps people better hear theyour Holy Connections Table and we’ll make surefrom you get Spirit so they can walk through process of freedom and own Bible and our Nexta Steps guide. You can read Following wholeness. this Getworkbook trained inon effective Sozo prayer from one your own, but we encourage you of Sozo Inner Healing do it withpractitioners, a group of friends or in a small group. leading Dr Margaret Nagib. Jesus?the country’stoWant to talk with someone about your new faith?
Prayer Training
Contact campus and consider joining an Register and findyour out morepastor at ncc.re/sozo
Saturday, September 16, 9am - 5pm Ebenezers Coffeehouse
Alpha group. More info here: ncc.re/alpha.
Your NCC Campus Community Sustainable apprenticeship to Jesus, effective mission, and real relationship—that’s our deepest desire for every person who’s part of NCC. This happens best in community at your campus. Here are a few ways to stay informed about what’s going on at your NCC campus.
Barracks Row
Saturday Nights, 5pm Pastor Mike Whitford Sundays, 9, 10:30, and noon Pastor Joel Schmidgall theaterchurch.com/barracksrow Subscribe to E-news: ncc.re/enewsBarracks Join our Facebook Group: Barracks Row NCCers
Ballston - Sundays, 9:30am & 11am
Pastor Mike Whitford theaterchurch.com/ballston NCC Kids at 9:30am E-news: ncc.re/enewsBallston Join our Facebook Group: Ballston NCCers
Gainesville - Sundays, 10am Washington, DC
Pastor Marion Mason theaterchurch.com/echo Subscribe to E-news: ncc.re/enewsEcho Join our Facebook Group: Echostage NCCers
Kingstowne - Sundays, 9am & 10:30am Pastor Joshua Symonette theaterchurch.com/kingstowne E-news: ncc.re/enewsKT Join our Facebook Group: Kingstowne NCCers
Georgetown - Sundays, 5:30pm
Pastor Jeremy Steffens theaterchurch.com/georgetown E-news: jeremy.steffens@theaterchurch.com
Join our Facebook Group: Georgetown NCCers
Potomac Yard - Sundays, 10am
Pastor Jon Vaughan theaterchurch.com/potomacyard E-news: ncc.re/enewsPY Join our Facebook Group: Potomac Yard NCCers
Lincoln Theatre - Sundays, 10:30am
Pastor Dave Schmidgall theaterchurch.com/lincoln Subscribe to E-news: ncc.re/enewsLincoln
Join our Facebook Group: Lincoln Theatre NCCers
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Virginia
Pastor Robb Schmidgall theaterchurch.com/gainesville E-news: ncc.re/gvemail Join our Facebook Group: Gainesville NCCers
Echostage - Sundays, 9:30am