and Grow Connect Care

Prayer

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

RE:GENERATION

Through His Word, God offers us principles where freedom and new life can be found. Are you hurting, feeling stuck, having given up hope for change, or wanting to identify and remove obstacles for a deeper fellowship with God? Wonder why you keep struggling with the same thing day after day, year after year?

re:generation is discipleship for the heart. Participants walk through 12 steps of biblical healing in the context of authentic community. If you want to learn how to live out a "new life in Christ" and find healing in Jesus during your day-to-day life, re:generation is a great place to discover the fullness that Christ alone offers us. To learn more about re:generation, we invite you to attend our informational meeting on Wednesday, August 23, at 7:00pm. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

Merge

Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts

Welcome Home

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 11:00AM-12:00PM

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 northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

Groups

At NMC, we genuinely believe that we are better together. For that reason, we want everyone to circle up with others in a group. We have three different types of groups that you can join. They include Connection Groups that meet over shared interests such as hiking, board games, or movies; Community Groups that meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups that assist anyone walking through difficulty or life transition. If you want to join a Connection Group, Community Group, Care Group, or even start your own group, then check out northmetro.org/groups.

Tablesetters

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 northmetro.org/serve to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

Stephen Ministry

and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our four-week premarital discipleship class. Merge classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. The next session begins Monday, August 7, from 6:00-9:00pm.

Foundation Gatherings

The first few years of marriage can be difficult, but they also offer a chance to build healthy patterns into a marriage at a crucial stage. Foundation Gatherings are open to married couples who have been married for 3 years or less. These events include dinner, teaching, and a chance to foster relationships with other newlywed couples.

Our first gathering is Monday, August 28, at 7:00pm. Registration is required to attend. The cost for dinner is $10/couple, and childcare is available with registration. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

RE|ENGAGE

re|engage is a marriage enrichment ministry designed for couples ready to invest time and energy into building a stronger marriage. Through a mix of large-group teaching and small-group discussion, you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged with practical ways to apply the gospel of Jesus to your marriage. Couples are discipled and equipped to grow in their walk with Christ and their marriages by studying and applying biblical principles within a small group structure. We offer re|engage twice a year, beginning in August and January.

If you're interested in re|engage this fall, join us for an informational meeting on Monday, August 14, where you can learn more about how this ministry can strengthen your marriage. The fall session will begin on Monday, August 21. The cost for the class is $50/couple, and childcare is available for a small fee.

Divorce Care

Divorce Care is a mix of support and learning for those currently separated or divorced. We understand that divorce can be one of life's most painful trials, and while God hates divorce, He doesn't hate divorced people. Our Divorce Care ministry is led by individuals who understand what you're experiencing and will support you as you move forward. Through Divorce Care, you will learn how to deal with the heartache of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT

Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is to come around families in foster care or adoption. In addition, this group is a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC 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 are facing any of life's difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.

If you feel led to serve as a Stephen Minister, keep a lookout for more information next month. Stephen Ministry recruiting takes place each September, with training beginning in January.

Fresh Start

Is there someone in your life that has hurt you deeply? Have you tried to forgive, but when you hear or see the person, feelings of anger or bitterness crop up in your life? If so, the ministry of Fresh Start can help free your heart. It is a process that will help you live “Forgiven, Forgiving & Free." It will help you understand what forgiveness is and what it is not.

Women's groups meet on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Men's groups meet depending on individual availability.

Pure Desire

Pure Desire is a men's ministry that provides hope, freedom, and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ. Through this group, you will understand how family of origin and trauma impact your behavior, how addiction affects brain chemistry, and develop a plan to create freedom from addiction. Don't let shame keep you from finding help; know there is hope as you walk out this journey with other Christ-followers.

CONQUER: SEXUAL INTEGRITY 101

This fall, Conquer will be offered for husbands and wives to attend together. In this five-week class, couples will learn how shame and grace affect the healing process, give an understanding of addiction and betrayal trauma, and get marriages started on the path to healing and unity. Class begins on Monday, August 14, and concludes on September 18. To learn more or to register, visit northmetro.org/events.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises that it will be easy. But, He does promise to lead when we are lost. So, 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. This month's meeting will be Monday, August 14, at 7:00pm.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether it’s you or a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend. We can't take you out of this storm, but we can walk alongside you and hold you up when the weight is too heavy. We can be that safe place to let all your feelings fall. We can have the honor of praying continually for you and your family. We can be that safe group of ladies that get it without explanation or apologies; we get it all.

If cancer has affected you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to NMC's Cancer Support Group. You will find an amazing community of brave, strong women that have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy. This month's meeting will be Sunday, August 13, at 12:15pm.

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 husband's betrayal; however, our goal is not to stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope. This month's meetings will be Thursdays, August 10 & 24, at 7:00pm.

For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.

Trusting God to Lead the Way

Despite their unhappiness, Barry and Karen remained together for years before divorcing through Karen’s breast cancer diagnosis, treatments, and beyond. Although they both saw little to no hope for the marriage, Barry clearly understood the Lord was calling him to love and care for Karen and remain faithful to her instead.

Barry also received biblical counsel from his uncle, a godly man who had been through divorce himself. He encouraged Barry to be cautious with whom he shared details and to be generous with his time and resources, advice that was counter-cultural to the opinions of many.

Barry listened.

He stayed obedient to the Lord and leaned into his uncle’s advice, adopting God’s posture of mercy and grace towards Karen throughout their marriage and, ultimately, their divorce–but it was a time filled with heartache.