September 2023 Newsletter

HIGHLIGHT VIRGINIA BLACKWELL : STEPHEN MINISTRY

Page 06

A NOTE FROM LEAD PASTOR

Rob McDowell

This entire year, starting in September, we are celebrating North Metro Church's 25th anniversary. Now, we're not just counting years—we're celebrating the faithfulness of God over these last 25 years. We are praising God for His kindness toward us and the people whose lives have been changed by the grace of God through what He has done in and through NMC. Join us in these celebrations! Each month for the next year we are looking back on the stories of God's hand around NMC. We'll share a story in the monthly newsletter, have faith-filled conversations on our monthly podcast, and pray together as a church on the 25th of each month! We can't wait for our faith to grow as we remember what God has done and pray that God continues to move in big ways for the next 25 years!

To start off, we are celebrating one of the rocks of our church, Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry walks with people through their most difficult seasons and has been at NMC for 20 years. 20 years! Man, I can not imagine the prayers, tears, hope, and life that have come out of this vital ministry. Stephen Ministry has a special place in our hearts because it provides a way for us to serve our church with great reach. While our pastors would love to walk with everyone who needs it, it just would not be possible, and that is where Stephen Ministry, with its highly trained volunteers, meets our church members in a crucial and blessed way. Virginia Blackwell has faithfully served in our Stephen Ministry since it has been at NMC. Virginia gives leadership over the Stephen Ministers and is truly called to serve those walking through a crisis. She is wise and discerning and filled with compassion and empathy. In the pages that follow you can read how God has led Virginia over the last 25 years at NMC and how Stephen Ministry has been a beloved part of our church for the last 20 years.

Celebrate with us!

On Sunday, September 10, we are kicking off our year-long celebration of our 25th anniversary! Join us for donuts and buy our limited-edition anniversary coffee mug on the Outdoor Pavilion!

Virginia Blackwell

Rob McDowell

Clark Beasley Worship Devotion

Clark Beasley serves as Worship Director at NMC. While Clark is passionate about leading others to worship God through music, he is also passionate about God transforming our entire lives to be in worship of Him. Read this month's worship devotion!

Why Are We Not Shouting?

“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy."

- Psalm 65:8

The words are still ringing in my ear like tinnitus. Wow ... I mean I believe God's Word is true—all of it, but something about that statement just stayed with me! It instantly begs the question, "If God inspires shouts of joy, then why am I not shouting?"

Humans are such interesting creatures, aren't we? We can remember some of the most deeply troubling things that have ever happened to us, but we can seem to have such an absent mind toward all the great things God has done for us, right? I'm always so astounded by how many times I will pray in such earnest for God to move mountains in my life, and then when He does, it’s almost like I go, "Thanks God," and then run out the door like a spoiled kid to play in the back yard with my new toy, forgetting how much I was crying for it, oh, like five seconds ago. Let's put this into a context that isn't spiritual to bring the point home. In the '90s, the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, ended up winning the NBA finals six times, '91-'93 and '96-'98. I'm sure if you were a die-hard Bulls fan, you were screaming like crazy when they took that championship home in '91. But, what about

'97? Do you think Bulls fans matched that same amount of celebration, or do you think maybe, just maybe, some of the fans' shouts of joy might have turned more into a sense of unhealthy expectation ("I mean, with Jordan and this great team, it was bound to happen right?") or even entitlement ("The Bulls are the best, and they deserve the championship!"). Maybe a more recent parallel might be in order. What about the New England Patriots at the Super Bowl yet again with Brady at the helm? Do you think every fan that was so pumped for him to win his first ring acted the same way when he won his 6th?

So it is with us in our spiritual journey, and I would submit even more so. Just like the children in the wilderness (Exodus 15 onward), we cry out for God to do something, and He does it, then we either complain or forget instantly about this amazing miracle that God just performed in our lives. Our joy of an answered prayer can easily turn to unhealthy expectations and even entitlement.

So, if God inspires shouts of joy, and we aren't shouting on the regular, then what is the missing ingredient? I humbly submit that we are under utilizing a crucial part of the Christian journey—gratitude. Taking moments every day to remember all that

In addition to leading our Sunday worship teams, Clark also has organized a partnership between NMC and Rooted Music Coaching, a company providing individual and intentional music lessons to help students of every age thrive in music and in life.

For more information on what Rooted is about, feel free to reach out to Clark at clark@rootedmusiccoaching.com or visit their website: rootedmusiccoaching.com/westcobb.

God has done for you and thanking Him has the intrinsic power to overcome a host of warring views and feelings and can literally change the trajectory of your day! And all of us, no matter our situations and seasons, can find things in our lives to thank God for.

This psalm continues by saying that creation remembers better than we do:

"You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for You have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!” Psalm 65:9-13 NLT

So, let's not let creation outdo us, and let's not let the loudest moments of our lives be at our favorite sporting events or concerts of our favorite acts. Remember all that God is and all that He has done for you, and let that turn your hearts into shouts of joy! He is so worthy of all of our energy, not just our heart, soul, and mind!

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. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more about re:generation and sign up. To participate in re:generation this fall, sign up by Wednesday, September 13.

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 four-week premarital discipleship class. Merge classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. The next session begins Monday, October 23, from 6:00-9:00pm. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

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 three years or less. These events occur three times a quarter and include dinner, teaching, and a chance to build relationships with other newlywed couples.

Our next gathering is Monday, October 2, 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.

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.

This 13-week class will begin on Sunday, September 10. To learn more or to register, visit northmetro.org/events.

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 participating 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. There will be an additional meeting this month on Sunday, September 17 at 10:30am. We hope you can join us!

WELCOME HOME

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 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 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 you can join. Connection Groups meet over shared interests such as hiking, board games, or movies; Community Groups meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups 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.

On October 22, we are hosting a meet-andgreet at Tumlin Park in Marietta from 4:006:00pm. This will be a fun opportunity to meet other foster and adoptive families from NMC. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

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.

If you feel led to serve as a Stephen Minister, we would love to talk to you! September is recruitment month for new Stephen Ministers. To apply, please visit the Stephen Ministry page on northmetro.org/care to complete the application.

FRESH START

Is there someone in your life who 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 mornings and Tuesday evenings. 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. 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, September 11, at 7:00pm.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether it’s you, 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 who 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 who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy. This month's meeting will be Sunday, September 10 and 24, 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, September 14 and 28, at 7:00pm.

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

Celebrating 20 Years of Specialized Care and Compassion at NMC

You’ve probably heard about them during a Sunday message, read about them in an NMC email, or learned about them from a story told by NMC.

You’ve probably met one of them at church without even knowing it.

But you may not know exactly what they do.

Stephen Ministers

This special group of Tablesetters is trained by a national organization and coordinates with NMC leadership to provide one-on-one care to church members in difficult circumstances or crises. Stephen Ministers are there after you get the call, after the relationship ends, or after your world comes crashing down … and there’s no quick or easy resolution in sight.

In essence, they come alongside you when you need it most–and pour into you in ways that others simply can’t. Becky Everette, NMC Care Director, describes the impact of Stephen Ministry best:

“Stephen Ministry is a huge gift to our church, but also our pastoral team,” Becky says. “Stephen Ministers are on the front lines of caring for people walking through hard seasons. It would be

Virginia

Blackwell:

Leading the Way For Stephen Ministers at NMC

At the helm of NMC’s Stephen Ministry team is Virginia Blackwell. Virginia started attending North Metro Church in 1998 when NMC was in its infancy.

A few years later, NMC announced its partnership with Stephen Ministries as the church grew and the needs of the congregation increased. Right away, Virginia felt a calling in her heart to apply. As a result, she became part of the first group of Stephen Ministers to care for church members at NMC.

“In 1998, my family had a terrible year,” Virginia says. “But I had good support from family and friends. They walked with me through those hard times. Later on, I realized God was preparing me to do the same for others through Stephen Ministry. We exist to support people through life’s difficulties and help them see God’s perspective. Care receivers are loved for who and where they are, without judgment or condemnation. Stephen Ministry is a confidential, safe place to be transparent and vulnerable and tell your story.”

Virginia has faithfully served as a Stephen Minister at NMC since 2003. She eventually joined the leadership team, completing additional high-level training to help guide NMC’s Stephen Ministry into the future. In the last two decades, Virginia has personally walked alongside numerous people in need, acting as the hands and feet of Christ in their lives.

For Virginia and her team, the calling to be a Stephen Minister is challenging, but full of incredible blessings. She plans on continuing to serve NMC in her role until God tells her to stop–or He brings her home.

“It’s hard to see situations that don’t get better,” Virginia says. “But the results aren’t up to us. They’re up to God. But the greatest reward is seeing lives changed because of a person’s deeper relationship with the Lord–for them to trust Him and lean into Him rather than lean

into someone or something else. And it’s encouraging to hear from them later and have the affirmation that our time together made a positive, lasting impact on their lives.”

In addition to Virginia, NMC is blessed to have an additional 13 women and 7 men currently serving as Stephen Ministers.

This incredible team continues to faithfully give of their time and energy, meeting with their care receivers weekly for as long as care is needed, either in person or over the phone. They also gather twice a month on Tuesday nights to hear from guest speakers, complete additional training, and support and encourage one another in small group communities.

What It Takes to Be a Stephen Minister and Why They’re Vital to NMC

As Virginia notes, being a Stephen Minister is a tremendous blessing for everyone involved–but where there is much responsibility, much is required.

Each Stephen Minister is carefully interviewed by three seasoned Stephen Ministers and selected based on specific characteristics and attributes essential to the role. These include being Christ-centered, trustworthy, compassionate, humble, spiritually mature, a good listener, and comfortable sharing their faith and praying with others.

They also must have a solid relationship with the Lord, as Stephen Ministers rely heavily on their faith as they walk with other people through various difficulties and crises. At the time of their application, they must also submit several personal references who can speak to their character and readiness to serve others in this specialized way.

Then, upon selection, extensive training begins.

difficult to fulfill our roles in leadership and meet with individuals long-term, so they provide a great and much-needed service to our congregation.”

So this month, to celebrate and honor two decades of this special partnership, we’re sharing what Stephen Ministry is all about: the extraordinary volunteers, their incredible Kingdom work, and how you can get involved.

What is Stephen Ministry and Why Does It Exist?

Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries is a non-profit Christian organization that trains and equips laypersons to provide emotional and spiritual support to other people–called “care receivers”–going through challenging life situations. By stepping into this specialized

role, Stephen Ministers also serve to strengthen and support church ministry teams.

Stephen Ministers are not counselors but volunteers that have a calling in their hearts to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christcentered care to people who are hurting. They’re needed most in the weeks and months after a distressing event has happened, such as a divorce, new medical diagnosis, death of a child or spouse, parenting struggle, loss of a job, strained relationship, and more.

Currently, there are over 13,000 congregations nationwide that utilize Stephen Ministers, with an incredible 600,000 persons trained since the ministry’s inception. At NMC, we currently have 21 amazing Stephen Ministers caring for our congregation and supporting our staff.

Each new Stephen Minister spends 50+ hours taking a deep dive into topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more. The resources curated by Stephen Ministry are known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth.

“Stephen Ministry is a big organization with a very good reputation,” Virginia says. “The basic Stephen Ministry training at North Metro Church is excellent. And the national leadership training class is one of the best I’ve ever been in. Everything from Stephen Ministry is very well done, thought out, and scripted. We have an outstanding training program that prepares us to serve well.”

For NMC, the impact Stephen Ministry has on the staff and congregation is beyond measure.

“Twenty years ago, there wasn’t a ministry like this in place at NMC,” Virginia says. “But the staff envisioned growth in the church and more people who would need care. Now, everyone agrees that bringing in Stephen Ministry was a good decision. We’re needed. We fill in the gap when staff cannot spend an extended amount of time with people who are hurting. We walk with them, point them toward God, and show them the unconditional love the Lord has for them.”

Virginia and her team pray consistently, knowing the Lord will touch people’s hearts and prompt them to respond, whether they need care through a difficult situation or desire to become a Stephen Minister themselves.

What To Do If You Need Care From a Stephen Minister

If you’re walking through a difficult season, we want to help. You don’t have to go it alone. Stephen Ministers are ready to come alongside you and support you–and getting connected is easy and confidential.

Simply go to northmetro.org/care and choose “Request to speak with a Stephen Minister”. From there, you’ll fill out a brief form with your contact information, and one of our Stephen Ministry leaders will be in touch with you right away.

You can also privately tell any NMC staff member or current Stephen Minister that you need help. Alternatively, on Sunday, September 10, 17, and 24, Stephen Ministers will be available in the lobby after both services to answer any questions you may have. We’ll help you take the next steps from there.

How To Become a Stephen Minister at NMC

Chances are, there are a few of you who resonate with Stephen Ministry and feel the gentle, persistent nudge of the Holy Spirit to get involved. If that’s you, we encourage you to learn more and consider applying to be a Stephen Minister at NMC. We’d love for you to join this amazing and critically important team!

You can stop by the lobby on September 10, 17, or 24 after service for more information. If Stephen Ministry feels like a fit for you, please submit your application for consideration no later than Sunday, October 8. The Stephen Ministry team will contact you and begin interviews shortly after receiving your application. Training for new Stephen Ministers begins in January 2024.

You can learn more about Stephen Ministry and submit your application by going to northmetro.org/care. For more in-depth information, please visit stephenministries.org.

Thank you to Virginia and all our Stephen Ministers for 20 years of incredible Kingdom work. We’re beyond grateful to you!

Virginia Blackwell

Upcoming

CHURCHWIDE

BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 11:00AM

One of our favorite things 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.

HUNGER NIGHT OF WORSHIP

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 7:00PM

Celebrate life change with us at our Hunger Night of Worship! This will be a time of worship through singing as well as celebrating baptisms. Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 26!

GROUP CONNECT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Looking to have some fun while connecting with others at NMC? Then, come meet all of our Connection Group leaders and learn more about their groups after the 9:15 and 11:00am services on the Pavilion. Connection Groups are groups that meet at least once a month to build community over shared interests and hobbies such as hiking, golf, board games, movies, or coffee.

MOBILIZATION

MISSION MARIETTA

SEPTEMBER 24-30

Go on a mission trip to Marietta! Mission Marietta is a week-long missions project that offers multiple ministry opportunities across our city at different times and locations. Grab your family or a few friends, sign up for a project, and invest in the renewal of our city.

Mission Marietta is a short-term missions project in our city that will include multiple Mission Marietta is a week-long mission project in our city that will include multiple projects, varying start times, lengths, and locations. Grab your family or a few friends, sign up for a project, and invest in the renewal of our city.

This church-wide event will allow NMC members to Engage Missionally right here in Marietta. You can serve through landscaping, light construction, sharing the Gospel, distributing food, and much more. Find an opportunity for you and sign up at northmetro.org/events

ENGAGE MISSIONALLY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 8:30AM

At NMC, we believe we’re all “on mission” all the time. As we go, each daily interaction is a mission opportunity. In everything we do, you’ll consistently hear, we are here to help people Find and Follow Jesus, and we do this by becoming carriers of the Gospel across the street and around the world. We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we (not the building but the body of Christ) would be missed.

Join us Saturday, October 21, 8:30am12:00pm, to help equip you with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to engage missionally in your neighborhood and community. Breakfast will start at 8:30am, and lunch at 11:30am. Sign up at northmetro.org/events.

SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 8:30AM

Join us Saturday, October 14, for a time of serving and loving our community. We will serve with four of our Mobilization Partners: City Takers, Wellspring, MUST, and First Care. Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

CIRCLES USA

Did you know that here in Cobb County, over 17% of our children live below the poverty line? The ramifications of poverty are heartbreaking and can include homelessness, food insecurity, and children being removed from their homes and entering the foster care system simply because their families cannot afford to adequately care for them. Circles USA works to move families out of poverty, and you can be involved in this work in many ways, including offering a meal, becoming

an ally, and so much more. To serve with Circles USA, go to 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 Jill Stewart at jstewart@northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.

KIDS

TOWN SQUARE TABLE TALKER

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL

The Town Square Table Talker is back! This is a discipleship tool designed by the NMC Kids team to equip families to connect around the table intentionally. 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.

KIDS NIGHT OUT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 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

for your &you family

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 10, whichever occurs first. Visit northmetro.org/events to sign up today!

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 | 12:30-1:30PM

Learn what worldview is, why it matters, and how to help a child develop a biblical worldview by teaching four foundational biblical truths. 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 they develop deep, lasting, and culture-transforming faith. This class is based on Josh Mulvihill’s book, Biblical Worldview. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up today!

SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 | 5:30-8:30PM

NMC will host its fifth respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will allow NMC to serve not only 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. Are you interested in serving our families in the special needs ministry for this respite event? Head over to our events page to see a full list of serving opportunities for this event. The deadline to sign up to serve or attend this event is Friday, October 6. Sign up and learn more at northmetro.org/events.

STUDENTS

SHIFT

SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM

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 NIGHTS

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

Friendships and an incredible community can profoundly shape our students' lives. 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 or Theater.

SHIFT DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

SEPTEMBER 10-NOVEMBER 5

Shift Discipleship track is an elevated learning experience and spiritual growth opportunity that goes beyond a Sunday morning Shift service. 5-7th grade students will participate in activities and classroomstyle learning as we dive into deep biblical themes such as the Trinity and the Story of the Bible. Our hope and desire is that students who take part in these classes will leave with a new, enriched knowledge of the Bible and how to study the Bible. These classes will meet on Sundays from 4:006:00pm to correspond with the NMCU schedule. The first class will launch on September 10, and a student can take as many or as few classes as desired. Visit northmetro.org/events to sign up!

COMPASS

SUNDAYS | 6:30-8:30PM

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 FALL RETREAT 2023

SEPTEMBER 15-17

Join Compass for our Fall Retreat on Friday, September 15, through Sunday, September 17, as we head off-campus to Camp Grace! We will have dynamic speakers, worship, a

low ropes course, lake activities, and crazy shenanigans! Don't miss out as we dive into community and talk about what it means to be Father Focused. The last day to sign up is Sunday, September 10. Scholarships are available. To learn more and sign up, head to northmetro.org/events.

COLLEGE

COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

TUESDAYS | 6:45-8:30PM

College students, join us on-campus under the outdoor Pavilion 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 disciplemaking 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.

Ivan Mijango Casa del Redentor Director

Where it All Started

Casa del Redentor (CDR) will be 12 years old in January 2024! Over the last 12 years, we have seen great things happen in the communities we serve. We've been able to give away thousands of meals, plant multiple churches, help restore families through God's power, and meet wonderful people on mission trips that visit us, but how did it all start?

It all started in 2011 when a man named Lee Radford, who lived in Panajachel during the time, realized the poverty and needs of the people who lived in very precarious conditions. Lee took the initiative to share food with them and became friends with these people with whom he prayed and shared the Gospel with every time he saw them. At that time it was just Lee and his family but as they were able to reach more people they also began to need help and various volunteers started working with them as well as some foreign churches

including North Metro Church. NMC's involvement allowed CDR to partner with a local school; providing teachers for classrooms, scholarships for students, and a faith-based curriculum - which had never happened before.

During the first years, the Radford family and the volunteers focused on improving the living conditions of those in the community. This included repairing roofs, providing medical treatment, installing water filtration systems, and safer stoves, and helping them to start their own businesses so they could have a stable source of income.

Eventually, this small ministry that was in one village grew and they were able to hire several people to dedicate themselves to CDR full-time. One of these full-time workers knew of a village called Patzutzun where there were people who had many needs but no organization came to help

them. Through a few connections, CDR began to make visits to the community and after seeing the need that there was, CDR decided to start operations indefinitely.

12 years later and we're still ministering to the community of Patzutzun and more! Because the Lord has allowed us to minister for almost 12 uninterrupted years, we have seen children grow and become adults, we have seen thousands of smiles, we have fought malnutrition, we have been blessed to be able to share the love of God and His ways and most recently we have helped plant a Church where there wasn't one (in a village named Chuitziyut). All of this would not be possible without the kindness of God towards CDR and the partnership and leadership that NMC has extended to us over the years. Thanks to everyone who has made this ministry possible; we look forward to helping people find and follow Jesus in Guatemala for a long time to come.

An update from Ivan Mijango. Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.

We get to partner with Redeemer's House to help people find and follow Jesus in Guatemala because of your obedience in giving. To get involved, you can go to northmetro.org/serve.

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.

1,428

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.

YTD July 2023

Income: $590,272.74

Expense: $418,573.46

Over(under): $171,699.28

Women's Gathering and Man Church

WOMEN'S GATHERING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 | 7:00PM

Our busy schedules can sometimes tell us that a "just Jesus and me" approach to church is sufficient as faithful followers of Jesus, but being relationally involved in a community of followers of Jesus provides opportunities to be taught, loved, and encouraged. The Bible is full of calls for us to"one another"; to love, to serve, and to confess to one another. Over and over, Scripture reminds us that our practical faith is not a "Jesus and me," but really, it is a "one another" kind of faith.

"One anothering" is what our Women's Gathering and Man Church are about, cultivating community and helping men and women go further together in faith. Take a break from your week to gather together in community, fellowship over dinner, worship God through music with our own worship leaders, and study the Bible with guest teachers.

Author and Life Coach, Pat Layton, will be joining the ladies as our guest speaker for the Women’s Gathering. Pat has dedicated the past 25 years of her life to full-time ministry, where she has authored six award-winning books including the popular Life Unstuck as well as founding one of the nation’s largest pregnancy resource centers and a Christian adoption agency.

Colonel Lee Ellis, a nationally-recognized leadership coach and author, will join us as our guest speaker at Man Church. Lee retired from the USAF after 25 years of service. His service included flying 68 combat missions and being held for five years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. He is the author of many award-winning books and is the founder and President of Leadership Freedom.

So mark your calendars for the Women's Gathering on Wednesday, September 20, and Man Church on Thursday, September 21, from 7:00-9:00pm. Registration for each event is $15 and includes dinner. Be sure to invite someone and sign up by Friday, September 15 (or earlier if maximum capacity is met) by visiting northmetro.org/events.

Sunday, September 3

Sunday, September 17

We Want a King

9:15am & 11:00am

Sunday, September 10

We Want a King 9:15am & 11:00am

NMCU Core Kick-Off

4:00-6:00pm

Shift Discipleship Track Begins

4:00-6:00pm

25 Year Celebration

Tuesday, September 12

Kids Night Out

6:00-8:00pm

Friday, September 15

Compass Fall Retreat Begins

Friday-Sunday

Adult Baptism Class 11:00am

Sunday, September 24

We Want a King

9:15am & 11:00am

Welcome Home 11:00am

Mission Marietta Begins

Pat Layton

Col. Lee Ellis