August 2022 Newsletter

Keeping you informed and connected

ISSUE HIGHLIGHT

PARTNERING WITH YOU IN WHAT MATTERS MOST Page 06

August 2022

A NOTE FROM LEAD PASTOR

Rob McDowell Hey North Metro Church!

At the end of July, we celebrated our first revival at NMC called Hunger. We had wonderful teachings from Leonce Crump, Jason Gerdes, and even some of our own staff and teaching pastors. At the revival, I shared some exciting news that I, the Elders, Board of Advisors, and staff have been praying for and believe it is time to step out in faith to plant multisite campuses.

About 7 years ago, we met with a church consulting firm along with some of the elders and pastors at the time.

After about 3 full days of them asking us questions, reviewing our church data, and hearing our strategic desires, we sensed that the Lord was leading and clearly positioning us as a church to grow the Kingdom of God through multisites or launching new locations of North Metro Church.

We knew that we would not launch anything new until (a) we were free of our debt, (b) we had taken care of much-needed renovations of our current facilities, which we would be paying with cash now that we were debt free and, (c) we heard from the Lord where exactly He wanted us to launch those new locations.

Then COVID hit in 2020, and as you know this caused so many changes in our lives in so many areas of our lives. Out of this, these are the challenges we have seen: • Unrest in the world. People don’t know whom to trust.

• There has been a national decrease in physical attendance at churches.

• People have become isolated.

• Communities have become fractured.

• People are craving smaller environments

Learn more and stay updated by visiting northmetro.org/locations.

PAGE 2

• The past two years revealed a greater lack of biblical literacy than we had previously thought. (NMCU has taught us a lot about this).

• Overall hopelessness and apathy.

multiple locations. Just think of it as smaller versions of NMC. We plan to make it kinda like Starbucks. Every Starbucks in the world looks and feels like Starbucks.

These new campuses will be much smaller in size, but will have the same look and feel as NMC when you walk inside.

Therefore, here are the opportunities that we see: • • • • • •

The Gospel never comes back void.

The local church is Plan A. NMCU has been incredibly successful.

Our economic outlook is strong.

NMC has zero debt and strong cash reserves.

People are looking for truth and community.

While our vision and mission as a church have not changed, we feel that God is leading us to finally take steps forward on this new strategy. We will continue to plant churches and execute our discipleship strategy to help people find and follow Jesus. We sense God calling us into a multi-site strategy as well, one church with

So, what are the next steps? Pray our guts out! We sense that the Lord is calling us to look in East Cobb.

Pray that God would reveal the location to us in the midst of a crazy real estate market, pray for our staff and leadership to adjust to new assignments, and pray for us as a church to grow in learning with one another through NMCU, loving one another through serving, and living in community with one another through groups AND, for more people to find and follow Jesus.

Grateful for you,

PAGE 3

Connect Grow Welcome Home

Connection Groups

Tablesetters

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.

Connection groups are designed to help you form relationships within NMC around a specific area of interest. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, new to the area, or a long-time native, you’re invited to explore our connection groups! Check out the options for men, women, and co-ed groups by visiting northmetro.org/groups.

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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 | 11:30AM-12:30PM

PAGE 4

PRAYER

Care

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 northmetro.org/prayer.

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 three consecutive Sundays.

The Merge class is available to those who regularly attend North Metro Church and who are already engaged. The next class meets Sunday, August 14, 21, and 28.

PURE DESIRE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 | 7:00PM

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 your addiction. Don’t let shame keep you from finding help, and know that there is hope as you walk out this journey with other Christ-followers.

New groups are beginning this month on Tuesday, August 30.

re|engage

INTEREST MEETING | SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 | 1:00PM GROUPS BEGIN | MONDAY, AUGUST 22 | 7:009:00PM 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. By studying and applying biblical principles within a small group structure, couples

are discipled and equipped to grow in their walk with Christ and in their marriages.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

An informal interest meeting will be held on Sunday, August 14 where you can meet the leaders, learn what to can expect, and learn how re|engage can help strengthen your marriage. Groups will begin on Monday, August 22, and will meet weekly through December. The cost is $50 per couple.

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 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 at 7:00pm.

DIVORCE CARE Divorce Care is a mix of both support and learning for those currently separated or divorced. We believe that divorce is 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. Our next class will begin on Sunday, September 11, from 4:00-6:00pm.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

STEPHEN MINISTRY

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that provides support for those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our North Metro 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 walking through any of life’s difficult circumstances, please consider using our Stephen Ministry to help bear your burdens.

FRESH START If you’ve been hurt or wounded by someone close to you and 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 utilizing biblical principles to help you become Forgiven, Forgiving, and Free.

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 honesty and hope. 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 Sundays of the month at 1:00pm.

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 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 at 7:00pm.

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 that are in the foster care or adoption process.

This group is a place to find support and encouragement from other people who understand these specific challenges. If you are interested in learning more about Meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

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

PAGE 5

Partnering with you in what matters most

GER E N N O I AT

We greatly care about your family and the next generation at North Metro

Large group with songs & weekly Bible story

Church! Here’s a quick infant-to-college overview

Whole class led activities

of our Next Generation

Scripture memorization

ministries.

Vocabulary development about God

Prayer & affirmations spoken over each baby

Vocabulary development about God through monthly Bible stories, centers & structured play

Old Testament & New Testament Awareness

Large group corporate worship experience with motion-led songs & monthly Bible story

PAGE 6

Scripture memorization Books of the Bible memorization (Books in Motion)

KDGRDN

-TO-

-TO-

NRSRY & PRESCHOOL

2ND GRD

15 MTHS

3 YRS

2 YRS

PRE-K

-TO-

Small group activities

Pine Cove City (for rising 1st-6th graders)

2 YRS INFANTS

Large Group with motion-led songs, media, dramas & weekly Bible story

-TO-

NERATION Large group with live worship & Bible message Large group games to build community

Scan QR Code for Kid’s Podcast

Large group with songs & weekly Bible story Small groups are introduced Scripture memorization Books of the Bible memorization (Books in Motion) Pine Cove City (for rising 1st6th graders)

Sunday morning small group time increased

Wednesday nights for community growth

Corporate worship including songs & Bible message Small groups

One Day Retreat for developing relationships

One Day Retreat for developing relationships

Winter Weekend Retreat for developing relationships

Winter Weekend Retreat for developing relationships

Serving opportunities begin

Serving opportunities continue

Pine Cove City (for rising 1st6th graders)

Missions within the ministry

Corporate worship including songs and Bible message Small groups Missions within the ministry

COLLEGE

Shift Discipleship Track

3RD GRD

8TH GRD

4ND GRD

12TH GRD

-TO-

-TO-

5TH GRD -TO-

7TH GRD

Scan to learn more about ONEday

PAGE 7

Upcoming CHURCHWIDE NMCU North Metro Church University is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together in order to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU, you’ll move through a set sequence of classes and learn about the big picture of Scripture and how everything in Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus. And in this learning process, NMCU will also help equip you to both understand and communicate your faith to others so that you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus; a disciple who makes disciples. Each semester offered is a 10-week period and goes in sequential order.

If you’ve yet to take NMCU 101: The Torah, don’t miss this opportunity to join. You can go through it solo or with your spouse, family (8th grade and older), or community group.

You can attend class in person, around tables, or watch all lectures and engage with all materials on-demand.

And if you’ve already been through NMCU 101, we hope that you will continue on to NMCU 102. And if you have already completed NMCU 102, we hope that you will continue on to NMCU 103: The Gospels and The Early Church.

So far, in our first year of NMCU, we have seen 905 students enroll in NMCU 101, and 523 students enroll in NMCU 102, and we hope that you, too, will join us in learning more about the Bible and about our faith in following Jesus.

Learn more about varied group meeting times and sign up to join us by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

MOBILIZATION SATURDAY SERVE

CHARACTER EDUCATION MENTORING AT KMHS

MARIETTA MENTORING FOR LEADERSHIP

Saturday Serve is a great opportunity for you, your family, or those you’re in a 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. We will assist with two new ministries, the Hope Center and Cobb Pregnancy Center. Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

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 the social-emotional curriculum, 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 Rebecca Ross at rross@northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.

The community of Marietta has heard the voice of its young people, who identified the need for the school to not only be a place where students learn academically but also be a place where the issues of life meet real solutions. Marietta Student Life Center provides in-school services related to housing, job skill development, job placement for students and families, college admission support services, and more. This is an opportunity to engage with students in a one-to-one mentoring relationship or as a Group Mentor, which is ideal for people who thrive in a small group setting, who can build rapport with teens and can be active listeners. Take the next step by emailing our Community Engagement Pastor, Bud Darr at bdarr@northmetro.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 | 8:30AM

PAGE 8

for YOU KIDS

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 | 9:30-10:15AM

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 on the baptism process visit northmetro.org/events.

BABY DEDICATION CLASS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 | 9:30-10:15AM The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to take part in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be Sunday, October 23 at 3:00pm. This family-friendly service is an

intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and dedication of your child to God’s teaching and instruction. If you would like more information on dedicating your child or to sign up, visit northmetro.org/events.

NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 1:00-4:00PM Save the date because we’re taking Town Square out of the building for some games, treats, crafts, and a whole lot of fun. The location is to-be-determined, so check northmetro.org/events as the event gets closer.

NMC KIDS NIGHT OUT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 | 6:00-8:00PM Kids Night Out is an event designed for 1st4th grade students and their small group leaders to get outside of a typical Sunday morning environment and have some fun together! This year we’ll be at Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw for pizza, playground, arcade games, skating, and laser tag. The price of this event is $20 and includes a $10 arcade card. Space is limited. Sign-ups will end when the event is full or at midnight on September 18, whichever occurs first. Visit northmero.org/events to sign up today!

STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT

9:30AM & 11:30AM

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.

SHIFT NIGHTS

SECOND AND FOURTH WEDNESDAYS | 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 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.

HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS

7:00-8:30PM

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.

ONEDAY | AUGUST 20 With a new school year comes a new vision, new community, and new memories for our students in Shift and Compass, and it all starts at ONEday! You do not want your students and friends to miss out on this allday event where we will worship together, serve our neighbors, create new friendships and make lasting memories. ALL 5th-12th grade students, join us on Saturday, August 20, on NMC’s campus for ONEday 2022.

Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up your student now!

COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

THURSDAY EVENINGS| 6:45 - 8:45PM

College students, join us for our new NMC College Bible Study Group. We will experience community, dive deep into Bible study, and share a meal together! Whether you’re far from God or near in your walk, this is the place. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

NEW! PAID COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 The College Internship Program is a paid internship designed for enrolled college students. This program is for students who want to understand and experience all the inner workings of the local church to decide if they want to pursue vocational ministry. It’s designed to make them more aware of their character, competency,

strengths, and weaknesses while increasing their understanding of the disciple-making process. They will have the opportunity to explore different ministries behind the scenes and what is needed to make each ministry function and thrive. The application deadline is fast-approaching, so apply today. Check out northmetro.org/intern-program or email Rebecca Ross at rross@northmetro.org for more details.

PAGE 9

Leadership Candidates The North Metro Church fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, and during that time, our leadership teams begin interviewing and selecting new candidates for service.

The Council of Elders has carefully interviewed candidates to serve on the leadership team who have met the Biblical qualifications for leadership outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. At this time, we bring these prospective candidates before the church for 30-days. During this period, any member(s) may show cause as to why these prospective leaders should not serve in leadership. In keeping with Matthew 18:15 and Matthew 5:24, any member with concerns must first express them directly to the individual and then to the Council of Elders (elders@northmetro.org) At the end of the 30-day period, the leaders will be confirmed in their new leadership role.

Candidates under consideration are:

ELDERS

Kim Williamson

Doug Cunningham

Scott Busby

BOARD OF ADVISORS

PAGE 10

Susan Kirkland

Matt Allman

Tim Miles

Angela Daniel

Andy Lampert

Bethany North

2025 GOALS

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 have set 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

51

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

1,428

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 June 2022 Income: 6,487,040 Expense: 5,230,032.77 Over(under): 1,257,007.23

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

PAGE 11

August at a glance

August 7 Next Generation Promotion Sunday

August 14 re|engage Interest Meeting 1:00pm

August 20 Stay in the loop with all things NMC. Join our email mailing list!

ONEday 8:00am - 9:00pm

( SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED )

August 21 Elementary Baptism Class 9:30am

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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

August 27 Saturday Serve 8:15am

August 28 Baby Dedication Class 9:30am Welcome Home 11:30am Adult Baptism Class 11:30am