October 2021 Newsletter by wearenorthmetro

OCTOBER

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

THIS ISSUE NOTE FROM JOHN Page 02

MOBI SPOTLIGHT Page 04

TABLESETTER HIGHLIGHT Page 06

UPCOMING FOR YOU Page 08

2021

A NOTE FROM

John Hello North Metro Church! I’m glad October is here, can’t you just smell the pumpkin spice? Hopefully the biggest debate this month is candy corn, yes or no? For me that’s a big yes and especially those candy corn pumpkins, I don’t know what they are made of nor do I want to know. There is just such a delicious mystery about a candy shaped liked a vegetable that also might be a candle? All that aside, this is an exciting season as a church and I just wanted to share some highlights. Saturday Serve is back after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. We’re excited to get back out into the rhythm of going beyond the church walls to serve the local community! This month we’ll be serving at three locations: Hollydale Elementary, Goshen Valley, and Walk with a Purpose. Find more details in the Upcoming for You section.

we sensed the Lord leading us to give financially to the crisis happening in Afghanistan and Haiti. We shared with the church body that 100% of the church offering that came in on August 29 would be going to trusted Christcentered organizations. Well, you gave $187,907.51!!! I am personally blown away by this and am very grateful to be a part of a church that is so obedient and generous. Due to your continued generosity on Labor Day, we were able to provide 600 meals for the entire staff at Kennestone Hospital! This was a tangible way to offer our gratitude and serve them for their continued hard work and sacrifice caring for those facing COVID-19 and other health hardships during this difficult season. Way to be the church, North Metro!

Another major win that I am so humbled to report is that at the end of August

JOHN MAGGARD

NMC Executive Pastor

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CONNECT & GROW Welcome Home

Tablesetters

Sunday, October 24 | 11:30am-12:30pm

When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience the grace of God. That’s why around here, we call our volunteers Tablesetters. Our goal is for everyone to experience the joy of serving others as a Tablesetter and serve somewhere within our church. Regardless of your schedule, experience, or gifting, there’s a fulfilling place for you to serve here! Visit the Get Involved page at northmetro.org to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and give you the next steps on how you can belong to our family. Visit the Events page at northmetro.org to learn more and sign up.

CARE STEPHEN MINISTRY RECRUITMENT In October, our Stephen Ministry is recruiting more men and women to join their ranks as front-line caregivers at NMC. If you sense God calling you into the sacred role of caring for another, please visit the information desk in the main lobby at the conclusion of Sunday morning services on October 3, 10, or 17.

Scan to access the application form

three consecutive Sundays.The Merge class is available to those who regularly attend North Metro Church and who are already engaged. The next class begins Sunday, October 10. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org/care.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that provides support for those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our faith community who are well trained in encouraging others enduring painful times such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or one’s health. If you find yourself in a valley of tough times, please consider using our Stephen Ministry to help you bear your burdens. For more information or to speak with a Stephen Minister, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

PRAYER

FRESH START

Prayer is powerful. It’s one of the most important things we can do as a church. Our staff and prayer team would love to come alongside you and fight for you in whatever difficulty you may be experiencing and also celebrate any answered prayers! To share your prayer requests, visit the Contact Us page at northmetro.org.

If you’ve been hurt or wounded by someone close to you or have tried to forgive someone, but feelings of resentment, bitterness, and hurt still crop up in your life, maybe you need a Fresh Start. Fresh Start is an interactive process with a small group of women or men and facilitators utilizing biblical principles to help you become Forgiven, Forgiving, and Free. For more information, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

PREMARITAL MENTORING Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in our premarital discipleship class, Merge. Classes meet Sunday afternoons for three hours on

lost. Take refuge in knowing you’re not alone. If you struggle with infertility or have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, there’s a place for you. Meetings are on the second Monday of each month from 7:00-8:45pm. To connect with the leader, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT We understand hearing the diagnosis of cancer is scary and life-changing. The Women’s Cancer Support group was created to help both patients and caregivers through this challenging journey with a focus on God first. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, are a survivor, or are a caregiver, this group is for you. Group meetings are in-person, with digital options, and meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. To learn more, contact the group leaders by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to provide encouragement and hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a loved one’s betrayal. However, our goal is to not stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope. This group meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, from 7:00-9:00pm. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises that it will be easy. He does promise to lead when we are PAGE 3

Thursday, November 25 On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will come to the Marietta Square to participate in the 19th Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Join in on the biggest fundraiser for our local partner using our NMC code, NMC21. The code will take $10 off race registration, and North Metro Church will match all donations for MUST Ministries. For more details and to register, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

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Jog with us to support MUST Ministries!

MUST addresses the basic needs of individuals, families, and children with facilities in the Cobb and Cherokee counties and programs in numerous other counties. MUST brings people of many faiths together to respond to God’s challenge to minister to others with compassion and love, without judgment of the beliefs, background, or circumstances of those who serve or are being served. NMC has been partnering with MUST for many years and we cherish this local partnership and the work they are doing to make a difference in our local community.

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Stephen Ministry

Chris Barnett Q. What is the Stephen Ministry and what is the role of a Stephen Minister? A. Stephen ministry is a one-to-one, Christ-centered ministry that walks beside individuals that are facing a

not others. It was a long season of healing

and process-oriented conversation. I also

but I learned that God would carry me

formed some great relationships with my

through my depression and anxiety and

fellow trainees that I still have today.

give me a mind of peace. If it hadn’t been

Q. As a man, do you find that it’s challenging for other men to come forward who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister?

for Thomas or my Pastor supporting me, I wouldn’t have gotten through what I did.

specific crisis in their life. Confidentiality

In 2012 I moved to Texas for work.

is paramount in this ministry and we

During my time there I was introduced

strive to provide a non-judgmental

to a ministry called, Freedom Ministry,

A. I know that in my past it was really

environment. Stephen Ministers are not

which helps teach people to hear God’s

tough for me to open up but once I did

licensed counselors or church staff, but

Voice. I ended up going through that

it was the best thing I ever did for myself.

each Stephen Minister has 50 hours of

ministry training to become a Freedom

It’s easier for men to talk about cars or

training. Stephen Ministers typically

Minister. The training teaches you to

hunting, but not what’s hurting. From

meet with their Care Receiver one hour

allow God to do the work, and that it’s not

my own experience, there is peace and

a week for one-to-one support. Males

necessary that you have the right answers,

healing that comes in God’s perfect timing

walk with males and females walk with

but that my job was to point people whom

when you choose to take the brave step

females. We also meet in supervision

I was walking alongside back to God and

of being vulnerable and allow others to

groups with fellow Stephen Ministers

ask “What are you hearing from Him?”

into your life. God didn’t design us to

for accountability twice a month.

Q. What attracted you to look into serving with the Stephen Ministry? A. Well, a big part of it is because of my story and what I have walked through in my past.

When I look back at my life I can see how God was laying out stepping stones that would bring me to want to get involved in Stephen Ministry.

Q. How did you hear about Stephen Ministry? A. I knew about Stephen Ministry

walk this life alone especially when you find yourself in a pit and think there is no way out. I would encourage all men that if you are in a tough season with work, with your family, with your marriage, with your health, consider getting a Stephen Minster who would be honored to come alongside you.

Q. Has there been a benefit in your own life by serving with the Stephen Ministry?

In my early 20’s I dealt with depression,

through my mother-in-law. In 2017

anxiety, and sleep deprivation. This

when they started to recruit for the

led to isolation and I had to face what

new training season I just felt led to

was going on on the inside and identify

apply and see what would happen.

A. I believe that God has gifted me with

turned his back on me. I was in a pit.

Q. What was training like?

the ability to humbly connect with people

Over time I was able to confide in my

A. Once you apply and go through a

people trust me and God opens doors

short interview, you then have about 50

for me to speak into tough situations.

hours of training. I would meet with other

I want to see hurt Men just like I was

trainees once a week for a few hours for

getting well....to be on the other side. I

4 months. In that time I was equipped to

know it can happen. Stephen Ministry

serve, learning about what is distinctive

has been a huge blessing in my life and

about Christian care, reflective listening,

has taught me more about God’s heart

role-play different scenarios, and learn

for the hurting and His unconditional

the difference between result-oriented

love and timing to pull you out of the pit.

what was broken. I felt like God had

good friend Thomas and Pastor of the church I attended at the time. They were both mature believers and knew everything about me. I could say anything and knew that I could trust them. Through those relationships, I learned God wanted me to rely more on Him and PAGE 6

of all walks of life. I get the sense that

w o nk e r hw eso h t e l p o e r h t r o f .m i h

He ’t nseod d ’ e h eb f i

’t n d a h n e b

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for you

UPCOMING CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 11:30AM

One of our favorite things to do here at NMC is celebrating life change through water baptism. If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to attend the next adult baptism class. For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for the class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

*A FRIDAY NIGHT TBD | 5:30-8:30PM

NMC will be hosting its very first respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will give NMC an opportunity to not only serve kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. *Due to many of our families with children of special needs being immunocompromised, we have delayed

this event. Got questions? Email Erin at enason@northmetro.org

DADS’ BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | 9:00-11:00AM

Are you in the midst of the fast-paced life of fatherhood? Take some time to spend with your kids, as the Men’s and Next Generation Ministries host a Dads’ Breakfast.There will be breakfast, games, and intentional time throughout the event to connect with your kids. So, dads’ load up the mini-van, bring grandpa and don’t forget the seatbelts. The event costs $10 per family. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

WOMEN’S NIGHT OF WORSHIP

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 | 7:00-9:00PM

Save the date for our Night of Worship! EB Cole & the band will be back to lead us in a special worship service as we begin the Advent season. Registration details to come!

HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS This is our fifth year of Hope for Christmas, and we get to bless 300 families through our partnership with Marietta City Schools. Last year we created a new process which was a huge success and allowed for anyone, anywhere, to join us in spreading hope at Christmas! Again, this year, children are getting exactly what they want to find under the Christmas tree. Parents will choose two items for each child from our North Metro Church Hope for Christmas Amazon wishlist and gift card wishlist. In addition to gifts, each family will be receiving a $50 grocery gift card to aid in preparing a Christmas feast. Look for more information on our Hope for Christmas webpage coming in October.

GROUPS MEN’S PODCAST | ON THE CLOCK We’ve got a great lineup of guests this fall that will be a reminder to all men that life is short, and if we’re to accomplish all that God has laid out for us, we need to live with intentionality. New episodes are released every other Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web at northmetro.org.

NMCMEN / STAY CONNECTED To stay in the loop with everything that is happening with the men of NMC, sign up to receive our periodic text message

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updates by texting NMCMEN to 888.697.1467 (you can opt-out of these text messages at any time).

WOMEN’S PODCAST | WALK WORTHY Walk Worthy is a podcast designed to both inspire and equip women in taking more deliberate steps towards more intimate, fulfilling Christ-centered lives– bearing fruit and awakening Scripture in their daily lives. New episodes are released every other Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web at northmetro.org.

SHORT TERM GROUP | PLACED FOR A PURPOSE

BEGINNING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 | 9:30-10:30AM

Many of us don’t know our neighbors. If we do know them, we aren’t sure how to grow the relationship or talk about our faith with them. Placed for a Purpose provides a theologically rich framework for neighboring that helps people live on mission where God has placed them. To learn more, check out the Events page on northmetro.org

MOBILIZATION BLUE SKIES LUNCH & LEARN

WAYMARK - HANDS OF HOPE GALA

GUATEMALA LUNCH & LEARN

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 1:00-2:00PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 | 7:00-9:00PM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 | 1:00-2:00PM

NMC families, come enjoy a free lunch and hear about how you can love on and support families going through pediatric cancer. We will be going to the beach in summer 2022 to work alongside one of our mobilization partners, Blue Skies. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

You are invited to make a direct impact on the lives of youth in foster care by participating in Waymark’s 4th annual Hands of Hope Gala at NMC on November 4, 2021 at 7:00pm. It’s an opportunity to provide comprehensive support and the hope found in Christ to this vulnerable population who otherwise often face futures marked by homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and substance abuse. The night will include a delicious dinner, a live and silent auction, special guest Erick Alvarez, and much more!

Men of NMC, come enjoy a free lunch and hear about an incredible opportunity we have to serve our partner in Guatemala, Orphan Prevention Community in summer 2022. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 9:00AM-12:00PM

Ladies, join us at our next Lydia Circle Sews event! We will be assembling kits so no sewing experience is necessary. We are in need of some donations in order to fulfill these kits so check out the Events page at northmetro.org to learn more and sign up to join us!

WAYMARK - JOURNEY WEEKEND

There are a few options for involvement: 1. Volunteer as a Table Host who is responsible for filling a table of 8; or serve on a Committee.

OCTOBER 8-10

Journey Weekend is a camp for ages 1217 in foster care or those considered “at-risk.” Most of our teens live in local group homes. The weekend takes place in the North Georgia Mountains. There are high and low ropes courses and other team activities that help teens gain the foundational skills needed to transition into adulthood. Other activities include art, Chapel, roundtable talks, football/basketball, delicious food, a birthday party, and much more! Most importantly, we show these precious teens the love of Christ and communicate their value, worth, and the message that their future is full of hope and purpose! Campers receive mail throughout the weekend, a photo album, and a duffel bag full of goodies when they arrive. We are looking for Big Campers (Counselors), Nurses, and Registration volunteers. Training is required for those volunteering for the entire weekend. For a full list of opportunities and more information, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org. You can also provide a scholarship for a teen to attend. The cost is $300 per teen. We do not charge families for any of our programming. You can go to waymarkfoster.org/give to sponsor a teen for camp. Thank you for helping us give hope, skills, and support to youth in foster care!

2. Sponsorship Opportunities These provide various levels of recognition detailed on our website. 3. Donate a Live Auction Item Contact Anne Keller at anne@waymarkfoster.org for more info. 4. Attend the Gala You can either RSVP as an individual or attend at the invitation of a table host. Tickets to our event are free for everyone upon reservation. 5. Make a donation Can’t attend or serve as a volunteer? You can make a donation at waymarkfoster.org/ give. Your gifts are tax-deductible.

SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 | 8:15AM

Saturday Serve is a great opportunity for you, your family, or those you’re in Community Group with to serve consistently throughout the year. Breakfast will be provided in the NMC Cafe at 8:15am, followed by a time of prayer before we go out to serve. This month we will be serving Hollydale Elementary, Goshen Valley, and Walk with a Purpose. For more information and to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

KMHS MENTORS You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students on a monthly basis at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). As a mentor, you’ll help facilitate a social-emotional curriculum of Habitudes by Dr. Elmore. This is an opportunity to engage students in the public-school environment, where they spend so much time; all while equipping them with tools for healthy leadership in their world and the world around them. Take the next step by emailing our Student Pastor, Derek McClardy at dmcclardy@northmetro.org.

For more information regarding any of these opportunities, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org or go to waymarkfoster.org/gala. We hope you can join us for this incredible night benefiting local youth in foster care.

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for you

UPCOMING KIDS

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

PAJAMA SUNDAY

NMC KIDS FAMILY TABLE TALKER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 9:30-10:15AM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

LAUNCHES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

This 45-minute class is designed for you and your child to attend together. If your elementary-aged child has already taken the step of salvation, this class is the perfect next step! For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for the class, visit northmetro.org/ baptism.

It’s time for one of our Town Square favorites – Pajama Sunday! Kids and parents always love an excuse to wear pajamas to church, so why not devote a whole morning to it. No matter where you’re joining us from, all you have to do is roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and maybe brush your hair. Don’t forget to tag @wearenorthmetro on Instagram to share your photos with us.

Our very first NMC Kids Family Table Talker is coming soon to a dining room table near you. We want to help equip families to intentionally connect around the table. Each month’s Table Talker will feature family devotionals and discussion questions. There will also be laughter as you make memories together. As a way of encouraging families to participate, there will be a mailbox outside of Town Square where you can deposit your Table Talker once it is complete. When the kid’s team receives the completed Table Talker, you will be sent a reward in the mail!

Shift is our environment for 5-7th grade students. Through teaching, worship, games, and connections in small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus. We meet during all Sunday morning worship services in the upstairs Shift Room.

of prayer, worship, evangelism, and Bible study. Join us this semester for a variety of topics. The instruction will be delivered in multiple ways to reach a variety of learning styles. Learn more about this semester’s offerings and sign up go to northmetro.org/shift.

that the relationships you build in your small group will take you all the way through high school. Check out the calendar at northmetro.org/shift to find out more. These are free events and dinner will be provided.

SHIFT DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

SHIFT SMALL GROUP NIGHTS

Compass is our environment for 8-12th grade students. Through teaching, worship, events, and small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus. Follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the know of upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT

UPCOMING FOR YOU SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 & 17 | 4:00-6:00PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 & 14 | 4:00-6:00PM

Shift Discipleship Track is an opportunity for 5-7th grade students to explore and grow their faith by applying biblical truths to the spiritual disciplines

SOME WEDNESDAY NIGHTS | 6:30-8:00PM

Take your Sunday small group experience and friendships to the next level by participating in our small group gatherings. The night consists of dinner, games, and community. It is our hope

COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

COLLEGE WORSHIP NIGHT

THURSDAY NIGHTS | 7:00-8:30PM

OCTOBER 28 | 7:00-8:30PM

College students, join us for our new NMC College Bible Study Group, where we’ll experience community and God’s Word together. We’ll also have dinner, games, and a time of worship. For more details, visit the College page at northmetro.org.

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HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS

2025 VISION

As we head toward the year 2025 we are praying our guts out and being fully dependent on the Lord! He has entrusted us with our vision, to “Be Missed,”

and our mission, “We Help People Find and Follow Jesus.” To live that out, we’re setting three God-sized goals to aim for as a church.

GOAL #1: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE FIND JESUS We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great God who loves us immeasurably more than we can imagine. We

PEOPLE FOUND

want to celebrate with you if you’ve played a part in helping someone move from death to life or if you came to faith in Christ! We invite you to share your story by visiting the Contact Us page at northmetro.org.

GOAL #2: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE ENROLL IN NMCU Before Jesus left the disciples, He said, “Go make disciples.” A tangible way to see that hope realized is through our discipleship program,

PEOPLE ENROLLED IN NMCU

619

NMCU. We’re looking to see 1,000 people faithfully following Jesus, equipped with knowledge of Scripture, to ultimately share their beliefs with others. NMCU creates disciples that make disciples.

GOAL #3: EXPAND THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH FIVE NEW CHURCH PLANTS NATIONALLY AND/OR GLOBALLY Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.

YTD August 2021 Income: 1,086,642.91 Expense: 700,913.93 Over(under): 385,728.98

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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OCTOBER

at a glance

Sunday, October 3

Sunday, October 24

Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am

Blue Skies Lunch & Learn 1:00-2:00pm

Elementary Baptism Class 9:30-10:15am

Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm

Adult Baptism Class 11:30am

Sunday, October 10

Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm

Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am

Sunday, October 17 Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am

Sunday, October 31 Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am

Short Term Group | Placed for a Purpose 9:30-10:30am Guatemala Lunch & Learn 1:00-2:00pm Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm

Stay in the loop with all things NMC. Join our email mailing list! SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED

North Metro Church • 2305 Ernest Barrett Pkwy • Marietta, GA 30064 • info@northmetro.org • 678.290.7830