January 2023 Newsletter

A NOTE FROM OUR LEAD PASTOR

Rob McDowell

Hello North Metro Church,

Happy New Year! I hope your 2023 is off to a great start! On January 8, we kick off a new teaching series we are calling, Asking for a Friend . People have questions about a lot of things in life. Many of those things revolve around God, faith, and the Bible. This series will attempt to answer some of the common questions that people often wonder about but may not be willing to ask outright.

With that said, we will be starting another semester of North Metro Church University this month, and if you want to learn more or you have been thinking about enrolling in a class, go for it! This is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview.

Most importantly, I know that in the new year, people tend to want to get back into attending church or get involved in some way. Or, maybe you have never really been a part of a church before. If this is you, I want to say WELCOME. I am thrilled that you are here, and I want you to know that it is no accident that you are reading these words. This month there will be many opportunities to get involved in Welcome Home, Connection groups, Care groups, and NMCU. You will find more information about it in the following pages of this newsletter. It is our honor to help take the next step, whatever that may be.

Grateful for you!

Connect & Grow

WELCOME HOME

JANUARY 22 | 11:30AM-12:30PM

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.

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.

MERGE

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 Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Classes meet Sunday afternoons from 1:00-4:00pm for three consecutive Sundays. The next session will be on January 8, 15, and 22. The Merge class is available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged.

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. An informational meeting will be held Monday, January 9, at 7:00pm, and the class will begin Monday, January 23. Register at northmetro.org/events.

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

Care

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 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

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.

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.

New women's groups will begin in January 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.

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, January 9, at 7:00pm.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

Whether it's you or a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend, cancer hits with a terrible punch. 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 just get it without explanation or apologies; we just 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 meetings will be Sundays, January 8 and 22 at 1:00pm.

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, January 12 and 26 at 7:00pm.

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

Spotlight:

Groups

Friends? How many of us have them?

You've made your New Year's resolutions; lose a few pounds, save more money, get organized, etc. How about adding a group to that list? We've got brand-spanking new groups starting this month at NMC, and we've got one that fits your needs and schedule.

What's the scoop on groups?

We have two different types of groups here at NMC; community groups and connection groups.

Our community groups help us connect biblical concepts with studies of the Word and discussions on Sunday lessons. Our connections groups help us connect on common interests like mom life, hunting, or pickleball.

Why join?

Remember how easy it was to make friends and connect with people in preschool? You'd just meet at the sandbox or slide, and pronto, you made a new friend. Well, it's not so easy to make friends or connect with people as adults with busy schedules, kids, jobs, and responsibilities.

And yet, that need for relationships doesn't dissipate as we age. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." We still need to connect with one another, more specifically with other believers. Doing so allows us to grow in the things of God and find support when we need it most.

Besides, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and you can have that in a group.

“Meeting regularly with good people, sharing good food, and discussing the good book has been an enjoyable experience,” one member explained. “Life isn’t always easy, and it’s nice to have a group of people who can pray for and encourage me.”

We’ve made joining a group easier than buying gadgets off Amazon. All you do is head to northmetro.org/groups, find a group that fits your needs, and contact the leader. Easy right?

Let’s do it then, North Metro Church! Life is better together!

Groups Groups

Calling all dads

We are pumped and excited about our annual Daddy Daughter Date Night happening here at NMC! It’s by far one of our favorite events. There’s something so special about dads escorting their daughters to what may very well be the very first date ever!

A daughter’s first date is a day most dads dread. They’re already thinking about it the moment she’s born. The guy is preparing the speech and practicing the poker face before the baby girl is even crawling. But that’s the love of a father, right?

Well, you get to be the first date! You get to set the standard for what she should expect (when she’s 36, of course). Picture this…you’re all dressed up in the suit that’s been in your closet for a while. Your daughter comes down the stairs in her ‘fancy’ dress. She’s smiling and excited to just be, not with her friends or her dolls or on her phone, but with you, her dad.

One NMC dad described his experience at Daddy Daughter Date Night, saying, “The Daddy Daughter

Friday, February 10, from 7:00-9:00pm See you and your daughter there!

granddads, and father figures, this one's for you!

Date Night was such a special and intentional time I was able to have with my two daughters. It provided a perfect opportunity to pour into them and treat them as the princesses they are. It was an evening we looked forward to for weeks and are already looking forward to the next one!”

Come on, dads! Make plans today! We’ll have music, dancing, sweet treats, and a photo booth! There’ll even be a glam station designed with your princess in mind.

“I’ll never forget my Daddy Daughter Date night as a little girl,” an NMC mom said. “It impacted my life in so many ways, and it’s a moment I will never forget.”

It’s all happening on Friday, February 10, from 7:009:00pm. Early bird registration for this event is $15 per family from December 22 to January 8, 2023. Prices will increase to $25 on January 9. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, February 5 so register today at northmetro.org/events.

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What is Fresh Start?

You may have heard of Fresh Start here at North Metro Church but have never known exactly what this ministry was all about. The mission of Fresh Start is to see people become "forgiving, forgiven, and free" from the effects of offense, hurt, or loss through the transforming power of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus Christ.

Connie Chatham originally joined Fresh Start because she wanted to help other people find healing. Through the process, Connie realized that God wanted to set her free first! Now she leads groups for women at NMC and even traveled to Botswana this summer to train college students in the principles of Fresh Start. Here is Connie's story.

I thought I had forgiven my father. I didn’t “feel” mad at him. Yet anxiety was my constant companion. I began to understand that due to the effects of my father’s rejection and abandonment in my life, I was trying to fill the God-sized hole in my heart with everything but God. Through Fresh Start, God lovingly opened my eyes to the fact that I was sitting on the throne of my heart. I had unknowingly decided I could do a better job than God at running my life, which left me anxious, exhausted, and constantly striving. When I recognized the ways that I was trying to be the god of my own life, I surrendered my all to Him. And a beautiful miracle happened…freedom came!! Anxiety was replaced with peace…fear with security…exhaustion with rest.

Since that time, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside many women as they take an honest look at their own hearts and how

they have been affected by broken people in a broken world. Whatever we allow growing in our hearts is what will spill out onto those around us. The central Bible verse of Fresh Start is Proverbs 4:23 -- “Guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flows the wellspring of life.” How fresh is the water flowing from your heart that those around you are “drinking” from?

At North Metro Church, Fresh Start uses small group settings to guide participants through a biblical pathway to process the issues of their hearts. Whether you are intentionally holding onto unforgiveness or you think you have forgiven someone but still struggle with feelings of anger or bitterness, Fresh Start is for you! If I could use only two words to describe my experience in this ministry, it would be LIFE CHANGING.

If you are in need of a fresh start, we encourage you to visit northmetro.org/care. New groups will begin in January and the New Year is the perfect time to start walking in freedom.

Brad Thomas has been a part of North Metro Church since its beginning and is the director of Fresh Start International. Brad had the opportunity to lead three different trips in 2022. From students in Botswana and Jerusalem to refugee camps in Uganda, Brad has seen people's lives all over the world change. People around the world are experiencing the forgiveness and freedom that only Jesus Christ can offer! Fresh Start is a partner of North Metro Church, and it is your generosity in giving that allows NMC to support this ministry.

Upcoming for you

CHURCHWIDE

NMCU

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together 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 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.

Our spring semester enrollment is open now and closes Sunday, January 8. Class dates are January 22-March 26. We offer in-person groups or on-demand options. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 | 11:30AM

One of our favorite things to do here at NMC is to celebrate 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.

MOBILIZATION

WAYMARK COMMUNITY4YOUTH

Another way to serve and connect with teens and kids is through Waymark's Community4Youth Mentoring program, which includes one-on-one and group mentoring (Compass Groups). Community4Youth provides a support system for kids in foster care through connections made with caring adults. Connect with our Mobilization Director, Bud Darr, at bdarr@northmetro.org to get involved.

LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 30 | STARTING AT 9:00AM

Did you know that girls in Africa miss days of school and/or work each month due to a lack of hygiene supplies? Many girls are forced to stay in their homes because of their monthly

menstrual cycle causing them to fall behind in school or go without earned wages. Though we in the Western world cannot relate to this common challenge, there is an easy solution where we can help!

The women of North Metro Church sew and assemble feminine hygiene kits that are sustainable, reusable products that give African women the freedom to stay engaged in their everyday life. These kits are then personally distributed to women in East Africa through NMC's mobilization partner, Lydia Circle Ministries. Lydia Circle has hand-delivered hundreds of these kits over the past several years!

Join us at our next Lydia Circle Sews event! There are plenty of ways to help without using a sewing machine, so don’t let a lack of sewing experience keep you from linking arms with NMC women to serve girls in Africa! Sign up to join us by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

CHARACTER EDUCATION MENTORING AT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students every month at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). As a mentor, you'll help facilitate the social-emotional curriculum, Habitudes by Dr. Tim 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.

KIDS

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 | 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.

PINE COVE CITY

REGISTRATION | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 CAMP DATES | MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 5-9

Save the date! Pine Cove City is Pine Cove's summer day camp program returning from Texas for the ninth year at NMC's campus! Be a part of this wildly popular week-long camp. Pine Cove City is for students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th-grade. Pre-registration for those that attended camp last summer at NMC is now open. Learn more at northmetro.org/events

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 1:00-2:00PM

Learn what worldview is, why it matters, and how to help a child develop a biblical worldview by teaching four foundational biblical truths. In addition, participants will learn to identify strong cultural messages that threaten to distort and destroy faith in Christ. This class will help you gain confidence and equip you to have intentional conversations with children so that they develop deep, lasting, and culturetransforming faith. This class is based on Josh Mulvihill’s book, “Biblical Worldview.” Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more, and sign up today!

TOWN SQUARE TABLE TALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY

The Town Square Table Talker is a discipleship tool designed by the NMC Kids team to equip families to intentionally connect around the table. The activities and devotions you'll find in the table talker come from the Gospel Project curriculum that we use in the classrooms. This means you can connect what you do at home with what your kids do in the classroom! But it's not all curriculum; you'll also find silly games, get-to-know-you questions, and family challenges.You are your child's first teacher and the first person to disciple your child! We hope the Town Square Table Talker is just the tool you need to take your family relationships to the next level! Grab yours today in the NMC Kids Ministry, Town Square.

and your family

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 Shift Room.

SHIFT WINTER WEEKEND 2023

MARCH 3-5

Join Shift for our Winter Weekend on Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 5, as we take over North Metro Church’s campus! Don’t miss out as we connect in community, play fun games all weekend long, and learn about God’s good grace He has freely given us (even when we don’t deserve it!) For t-shirt information and to see what else is up our sleeves, check out NMC Student’s Instagram. The cost of this event is $55, and the deadline to sign up is Monday, February 27. Scholarships are available. To learn more and sign up, head to northmetro.org/events. Please note that this is not an overnight event.

SHIFT NIGHTS

2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAYS | 6:30-8:00PM

We believe friendships and an incredible community can profoundly shape our students' lives. So we want to invite our 5-7th students and their friends to our Shift Nights on the second and fourth Wednesdays of

every month to have time to build additional community and stronger friendships with other students in Shift. Join us for everything from movie nights to large group games.These nights are always free, and dinner is provided. Drop off your student at the Cafe doors and have them meet us in the Shift Room.

HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS 6:45-8:30PM

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 know about upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

COMPASS WINTER RETREAT 2023

FEBRUARY 3-5

Join Compass for our Winter Retreat on Friday, February 3, through Sunday, February 5, as we head off-campus to Camp Grace! We will have incredible speakers, worship, zip lines, late-night games, and so much more! Don't miss out as we dive into community and talk about how we serve a good God, giving good grace to undeserving people. For merch information and to see what else is up our sleeve, be sure to check out our Instagram, @nmcstudents. Sign up before December 18 to get your merch! The cost is $135 per student and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, January 22. Scholarships

are available. To learn more and sign up, head to northmetro.org/events.

COLLEGE

COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

THURSDAYS | 6:45-8:30PM

College students, join us for our NMC College Bible Study Group.We will experience community, dive deep into Bible study, and share a meal! This is a place for you no matter what your walk with God looks like. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

PAID COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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. In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore different ministries behind the scenes and what is needed to make each ministry function and thrive. If you're interested in applying for the 2023-2024 school year, check out northmetro.org/intern-program or email Rebecca Ross at rross@northmetro.org for more details.

Calling all Town Square families and NMC adults. 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 serve with Calvary Children's Home (Family Friendly), MUST Ministries, and First Care Women's Clinic. This will be our only kid-friendly Saturday Serve of the year. Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

Year-end Giving

One of the many great features of our personalized online community, NMC Connect, is you have access to view and print giving history and year-end giving statements for tax purposes at your convenience. You can access NMC Connect from the bottom of our homepage at northmetro.org. If you have never accessed the system before, follow a few simple prompts to create login credentials.

Once you are logged in to NMC Connect:

1

"My Giving" from the menu on the left of your screen. (This will take you to your giving page, where you can set up or edit online gifts)

2

On the top of your screen, click on SCHEDULES/ HISTORY tab.

3

On the top right, you will see a "Giving Statement" button. (This will take you to a page where you can print various giving histories individually or for your family)

4

Under "Quick Date Range," select "Last Year" from the dropdown menu. (This will pre-fill the dates for 01/01/2022 through 12/31/2022)

5

Click "Run Report," and a statement will be generated that includes all necessary information for tax purposes. (The statement is available to be saved on your device or printed through this window)

If you need any help with accessing your statement, please contact Kristin Chance at 678-290-7830 x1127 or kchance@northmetro.org.

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.

We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great God who loves us immeasurably more than we can imagine. We 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.

Before Jesus left the disciples, He said, “Go make disciples.” A tangible way to see that hope realized is through our discipleship program, 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.

Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus. We currently support three church plants including Take Hold in Scotland, Grace Auburn in Auburn, Alabama, and Creekside in Dallas, Georgia.

January at a glance

Sunday, January 1 Sunday Teaching 11:30am*

*We will have one service at 11:30am. NMC Kids and NMC Students will be closed.

Sunday, January 8

Asking for a Friend 9:30am & 11:30am

NMCU Enrollment Closes

Sunday, January 15

Asking for a Friend 9:30am & 11:30am

Sunday, January 22

Asking for a Friend 9:30am & 11:30am

Elementary Baptism Class 9:30-10:15am

Adult Baptism Class 11:30am-12:30pm

Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm

NMCU Spring Semester Begins

Sunday, January 29

Asking for a Friend 9:30am & 11:30am