December 2023 Newsletter by wearenorthmetro

DECEMBER 2023

HIGHLIGHT

CAROLINE FIDELL 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT Page 06

KE E PING YOU INFORME D AND CONNEC TE D

A NOTE FROM LEAD PASTOR

Rob McDowell Hello North Metro Church! Christmas is coming and I am so excited! The McDowells have been counting down the days. We are ready to celebrate Advent! If you are new to church, it gives me great joy that you would spend your time with us here at NMC. The Advent season is a time when the church rejoices in the birth of Jesus Christ and expectantly celebrates the return of Christ in His second coming. I invite you to join us this month on each Sunday as we dive into our Christmas series at North Metro Church. We will be looking at the key players: Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the Magi, King Herod, and the prophecies that foretold the coming of Christ. With that said, in the following pages of this newsletter, you will also learn about our Christmas Eve service times on Saturday, December 23, and Sunday, December 24. You won't want to miss this special time at NMC. I encourage you to start praying for the Lord to stir in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. As this year comes to an end, I want to make you aware of two opportunities starting in January 2024 that are all about marriage. Our premarital ministry, Merge, and our marriage enrichment ministry, re|engage, all begin the second week of January. If you are getting married in the new year, I encourage you to sign up for Merge because a healthy marriage starts long before the wedding. If you want to take your marriage from good to great, I encourage you to check out what re|engage has to offer in the following pages of this newsletter. I look forward to sharing this Advent season with you. Grateful for you.

Worship Devotion by Clark Beasley Clark Beasley serves as Worship Director and is in charge of music for our Sunday morning gatherings. 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!

Light of the World A single child born A lonely star in the sky A small band of overlooked shepherds A young inexperienced mother A young husband trying to do right in a seemingly scandalous situation A little town of Bethlehem These all seem insignificant by our standards, yet God used them for His entrance into the world. Divinity touched humanity. The supernatural became the natural. The God of the universe became the servant of all. Each year, the Christmas season becomes more important and impactful to me. I think the reason for that is not that I love the decorations or the presents, or even because I have more family and friends to share the time with me. For me, the main reason is that the more years I live, the more darkness I find in myself and the world around me that makes me thankful for the light of Christ. The Gospel of John has several references to Christ being the Light of the world. It appears, even from the beginning of the book, that John wanted to connect us to the reality that there was a new perspective when Jesus came into the world. He even went so far as to write its first verses in the same style as Genesis 1, proclaiming that, in the same way that God looked at the darkness and spoke, "Let there be light," Jesus came into the darkness of our world and spoke a new way of being. That new way is why I praise Him every single day of my life. Because of Christ, we don't have to ascend some mountain to get to God. Our good works won't do it; our best efforts, our right living,

and thinking—nothing we do can earn us acceptance into Heaven and right standing with God. There is no hope in what we can do. Instead, Jesus came down from the mountaintop and lived among us. He knew in every way what it meant to be human, yet did not falter in His path to the cross. In His death, He took on all of our ways that we don't measure up, and He replaced them with His perfection. "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:4-5 Every single time I read those words, my heart sinks into this peacefilled place. Jesus did it. Psalm 46:10 - "I can now cease striving and know that He is God." "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." John 1:9 ESV This is the statement that I'm adopting for my Christmas season, and I hope that you find new revelation of who God is and what He's done in Jesus as well... "God, illuminate the darkness in me and around me this Christmas season!"

+++ In addition to leading our Sunday worship teams, Clark has also 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.

Connect and Grow

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.

HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE NMC has a faithful group of men looking to serve single women in our church. These men are skilled in most areas of basic home repairs, including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry; however, they are unable to take on major renovations or projects that require county permitting. If you are a single woman needing assistance with home maintenance or home repairs, visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.

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 and teaches you how to apply the principles of Scripture to your everyday life. Participants walk through 12 steps of 4

Care 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. Mark your calendar for an Informational Meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00pm and sign up on the Events page.

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, January 22, 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 formative 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, January 22 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 largegroup 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. The next re|engage class will begin Monday, January 22, from 7:00-9:00pm. This class meets weekly and concludes in early May. To sign up for the class or to simply attend the informational meeting, visit the Events page on our website.

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.

WELCOME HOME

GROUPS

TABLESETTERS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 | 11:00AM-12:00PM

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.

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.

PURE DESIRE

matter what because He is trustworthy. This month's meeting will be on Sunday, December 10 at 12:15pm.

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.

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. This month's meeting is on Wednesday, December 13 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 well trained in encouraging others who are 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 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. New groups will begin in January. Visit northmetro.org/freshstart to sign up.

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 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, December 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

BEAUTY FOR ASHES Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to encourage and give 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 Thursday, December 14 at 7:00pm. For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care. For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.

NMCU CORE North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU Core, 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. 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 ten weeks and goes in sequential order.

Spotlight North Metro Church is celebrating our 25th anniversary with deep gratitude for the incredible years of ministry and the lives Jesus has changed along the way. Fully dependent on God, we can not wait to see what the next 25 years will hold.

Caroline Fidell Throughout this anniversary year, we reflect on stories of God's kindness to NMC. In this edition, Caroline Fidell, an NMC member from the beginning, shared a faith-filled conversation with Daniel Hicks. They delve into her early years at NMC, her time leading worship, and her ministry to college students. Listen to their podcast conversation, available on your preferred platform, and read along with us here.

n the early days of NMC, the founding members would worship anywhere they could. They would continually call themselves "a church on the move," and 7th grader Caroline and her family were among these members. Caroline knew God from a young age; her parents raised her to know and love God, but being a part of NMC made it more real. Small group leaders started to mentor and disciple her, and it was in high school that she knew she wanted to surrender her life to Jesus. It was not just about Him saving her but about Jesus being the Lord of her life. God moved in Caroline's life as she was a part of the body of believers at NMC. A few years passed and Pastor Rob McDowell was hired at NMC to be the college pastor. Rob and Caroline, an intern at the time, were tasked with creating a ministry. They asked God to draw college students to come and know the Lord at NMC. During that time, Caroline spent half her time on the kid's team and the other half leading worship for the large college ministry, Echo. She learned much humility from privately cutting shapes for the kid's curriculum while publicly leading worship. This season for Caroline felt similar to King David's story, where God prepared David as a shepherd

boy. The time David spent in the fields was full of purpose, and likewise for Caroline's time cutting shapes. Humble and fully dependent on God, Rob and Caroline continued to lead Echo. They saw the faithfulness of God as He brought in hundreds of college students. Powerful baptism nights, mission trips, and crowded weekly worship gatherings marked these years of ministry. When other people and churches asked why so many college students were attending Echo, their answer was always the Holy Spirit. Caroline shared, "It was not us. Like, we're not doing anything special or unique, but I do think that God honored the humility that Rob was leading with." As Caroline continued at NMC, she stepped into a worship leader role and wrote songs, like Heal Our Land, that ministered directly to our church when walking through a certain season. She, Matt Solik, Clark and Selena Beasley, and a few more people led our church in worship through music week after week. She's been leading worship for 15 years and said, "I didn't know I would be leading worship as my job, and I'm very thankful that the foundation for that was

humility and realizing the importance of that in any Christ follower's life." Today, life for Caroline still looks like a life in full-time church ministry. She and her husband, Eugene Fidell, followed God's calling to plant another church in Marietta. Leading a church plant is incredibly involved, and throughout Daniel and Caroline's conversation, she recalled how all her years at NMC prepared them for this endeavor. The years in youth group learning about God, cutting out shapes and cleaning toilets, learning how to lead people into worship, and using talents for God's glory have all been for them, fulfilling the calling God has placed on them. Caroline's conversation with Daniel shows that God's call to humility marked her time at NMC. Listen along on the podcast to hear even more stories from Caroline Fidell! While we look back at God's faithfulness during NMC's 25th anniversary, we also look forward and can not wait to see what God has in store for us. Reflecting on this month's conversation, pray that God continues to turn our hearts towards humility and raise followers of Christ who are ready to answer His call.

Check out the podcast on Spotify or Apple!

Join us every Sunday in December for Christmas at North Metro Church! Step into the story of Christmas with our Christmas series that brings the nativity characters to life, showing their struggles, doubts, and hopes. We'll embrace their emotional journeys by looking at the lives of Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the Magi, King Herod, and Jesus. This will lead us to personal reflection and growth as we explore surrendering control, finding purpose in seeking,

overcoming doubt, and experiencing new hope. We will ultimately connect with the timeless message of hope, redemption, and transformation that the birth of Jesus brings, being reminded that the birth of Jesus offers something powerful and meaningful to everyone in this season and guiding us toward deeper connections and a renewed commitment to our faith.

Celebrate Christmas at NMC We are gathering for six identical services on Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24. Saturday: 2:00pm | 4:00pm Sunday: 10:00am | 12:00pm | 2:00pm | 4:00pm Town Square nursery through preschool classrooms will be open for all services. Elementary-aged children and older are invited to join their families in service.

TABLESETTERS Set the table for guests and family members to experience the joy of Christ at our Christmas Eve services by serving with us. Christmas Eve is a big deal around NMC, meaning we need big teams to open classrooms and welcome everyone in! Help people find and follow Jesus and serve with us as a Town Square Classroom or Guest Services Tablesetter. Go to northmetro.org/christmas to learn how to serve at our Christmas Eve services and sign up.

We are beyond excited to share that we have had 342 people graduate in 2023 from North Metro Church University Core (101-104). These individuals have completed our 40-week class going on a journey through the entire Bible. They completed all four semesters on 101 - The Torah, 102 - The History, Prophets, and Writings, 103 - The Gospels and the Early Church, and 104 - The Letters. The NMCU Team is thrilled about the next steps for NMCU. In addition to the

342 GRADUATES

NMCU Workshops, which are one-week classes covering specific topics, that will resume beginning in April, the team is in the throes of writing NMCU 201, Inward Life. Any NMCU Core (101-104) graduate is invited to join us in NMCU 201 and live teaching will kick off in September 2024. In 201, we will discuss matters of internal life and how, through a biblical perspective and worldview, we address and respond to them. Topics such as prayer, fasting, scripture reading, memorization, spiritual gifts, mental health, forgiveness, anxiety, and sexuality will be covered. If you still need to jump into NMCU, we encourage and invite you to join us in January, when our spring semester begins. Classes are offered in person on Sunday afternoons or on-demand. Enrollment for NMCU 101-104 Spring Semester is open now through Sunday, January 7. For more details and to sign up, check it out at northmetro.org/nmcu. Learn truth with us at North Metro Church University!

Upcoming for

you BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 | 11:00AM

Friday, February 9 SAVE THE DATE! Calling all fathers and father figures. This magical night filled with desserts, dancing, games, and photo ops creates a lot of anticipation and excitement around here! Registration opens on Friday, December 22, 2023.

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.

MOBILIZATION MOBILIZATION TRAINING

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 | 9:00AM

Women's Gathering Wednesday, January 17 6:30-9:00pm

Man Church Thursday, January 18 6:30-9:00pm

Life is busy. Period. It just is. So, I can understand the tension of putting another event on your already busy schedule. BUT … the Women’s Gathering and Man Church are not just another event. They are an invitation to slow down for a few hours and enjoy some great food while sitting around a table with people in the same walk of life as you. It’s also an invitation to be inspired and equipped to live the life Jesus has called us to. The combination of the inspiration you will leave with and the depth of community you will create will be just what your soul needs. So yes, it is another event to add to your calendar, BUT it’s an event unlike any other … an event that might change your life. Speaker and Pastor Meredith Knox will join the ladies as our guest speaker for the Women’s Gathering. She is part of the teaching team at Newspring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, and has a tremendous heart for seeing revival spark in our generation. Sam Collier is our guest speaker for Man Church. Sam is the lead pastor of Story Church in Atlanta. In addition, he is the founder of A Greater Story Ministries podcast, which houses a nationally televised interview series and podcast called “A Greater Story with Sam Collier,” he has just released his first book, "A Greater Story.” So mark your calendars for the Women's Gathering on Wednesday, January 17, and Man Church on Thursday, January 18, from 6:30-9:00pm. Doors open and dinner begins at 6:30pm and worship will begin at 7:00pm. Registration for each event is $20 and includes dinner. Invite some friends and get everyone registered by visiting northmetro.org/events.

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 that 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, January 20, 9:0011:00am, to help equip you with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to engage missionally with our Neighbors and Nations. Sign up at northmetro.org/events.

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 care for them adequately. Circles USA works to move families out of poverty. 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

your

family

every month at Kennesaw Mountain High School. 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 no

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 culturetransforming faith. This class is based on Josh Mulvihill’s book, Biblical Worldview. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more, and sign up today!

KIDS

TOWN SQUARE OFFERING

FAMILY CHRISTMAS GUIDE This year, the Family Christmas Guide is an advent calendar. Maybe some of you remember opening the little doors of an advent calendar and eating a piece of chocolate. Well, this is just like that! Except instead of chocolate you get to dig into the Word of God with your family! Starting December 1, you'll open a door on the advent calendar every day! On Christmas Day, you'll open the final door and celebrate together. If you haven't picked up your Family Christmas Guide 2023, you can find it on the Outdoor Pavilion on November 26 or December 3. After that, we will have some available in Town Square. In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it's easy to think that you must do it all right away. We pray that this Family Christmas Guide helps you find five minutes with your family daily to connect with the story of Jesus' birth intentionally.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 | 9:15-10:00AM

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.

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 | 12:30-1:30PM

The Kids Clean Water Project is receiving 100% of our Town Square offering. This project brings clean water and Christ's love to those around the world in desperate need of both. By doing this, they experience love and hope. We want to help provide clean drinking water for families who may have never had clean water before. Every $10 we raise means another child can have clean water for ten years.

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 students at the Cafe doors and have them meet us in the Shift Room or Theater.

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.

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.

Learn what worldview is, why it matters, and how to help a child develop a biblical 11

+ + + Join us for a night of baptism & worship

Thursday, January 25 // 7:00pm northmetro.org We will be celebrating all that God has done in people's lives through baptism on this night. If you are ready to get baptized, whether a child, student, or adult, we'd love to celebrate with you. Learn more about baptisms and sign up for one of our baptism classes.

+ + +

YEAR-END GIVING With the close of a calendar year, we know many of you may be looking to make a contribution before the end of 2023. Any year-end contributions can be made through our website, northmetro.org/give, and are posted in real time. Mailed contributions will be credited in 2023 as long as they are postmarked on or before Sunday, December 31, 2023. The church building will be open on the 31st for our 9:15am and 11:00am services should you want to drop off your year-end contribution in person. If you have any questions about giving, contact John Maggard at 678-290-7830 x1119 or jmaggard@northmetro.org.

Ivan Mijango Casa del Redentor Director

Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.

An update from Ivan Mijango

Children's Day in Guatemala During October in Guatemala, Children's Day is celebrated. It is a very special event for all children since it is a day dedicated to them when their parents or relatives take them to eat at their favorite places, give them gifts, and even have parties with clowns and games. This year, because of a political situation in Guatemala causing protests, the government suspended activities and schools, all stores and businesses were closed, and even the roads to move from one town to another were blocked.

This surprised the entire country, and we did not have time to prepare; we had to adapt to the situation and become creative in the kitchen because getting groceries and even water was challenging. However, in these difficult times, we have felt the support, love, and care that God has for us both as a ministry and personally for each of the CDR staff members. Just as the Bible tells us about the ravens that brought food to Elijah, every day we saw the grace of God from places and people that we did not expect; I want to take this opportunity to

thank NMC for all their help and prayers, we felt covered and supported during this crisis. When some of the roadblocks were removed, and we were allowed to serve the children again, we could finally celebrate Children's Day in Panajachel and Xecotoj, which they enjoyed since we had not seen them for a month. We did not want them to feel forgotten. Next month, we hope to do something similar in the other communities now that the situation in Guatemala is normalizing.

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. 14

2025 GOALS

As we head toward 2025, we are praying our guts out and are entirely 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 want to

PEOPLE FOUND

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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 share their beliefs with others ultimately. NMCU creates disciples that make disciples.

GOAL #3: EXPAND THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH NEW CHURCH PLANTS NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus. We currently support six church plants including Take Hold in Scotland, Grace Auburn in Auburn, Alabama, Creekside in Dallas, Georgia, Heirloom Church in Tyler, Texas, Oaks Community Church in Naples, Florida; and Compassion International in Guatemala.

YTD October 2023 Income: $2,243,663.73 Expense: $1,816,067.66 Over(under): $427,596.07

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Make plans to join us this holiday season!

DECEMBER AT A GLANCE Sunday, December 3 Stay in the loop with all things NMC. Join our email mailing list! ( SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED )

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

Christmas at North Metro Church 9:15am & 11:00am

Sunday, December 10

Saturday, December 23

Christmas at North Metro Church 2:00pm & 4:00pm

Sunday, December 24

Christmas at North Metro Church 9:15am & 11:00am

Christmas at North Metro Church 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, & 4:00pm

Sunday, December 17

Sunday, December 31

Christmas at North Metro Church 9:15am & 11:00am

New Year's Eve Service 9:15am & 11:00am