January 2024 Newsletter

JANUARY 2024

HIGHLIGHT

PAM SUTTON re:generation Care Group Spotlight Page 8

KE E PING YOU INFORME D AND CONNEC TE D

A NOTE FROM LEAD PASTOR

Rob McDowell Hello North Metro Church, Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start!

As our new year begins, I want to encourage you to read in the following pages all the opportunities we have for you to take the next step in some form of community. We have our Women's Gathering and Man Church coming up, along with our next semester of North Metro Church University, to name a few. If you are new to NMC and want to learn more, I encourage you to sign up for our next Welcome Home class that will take place later this month. We desire that everyone go from sitting in a row on Sunday morning to a circle of rich community.

Having deep and authentic relationships within the body of Christ is often where God does His great work in us individually. There is something for everyone, and I am so excited that you are here.

On Sunday, January 7, we kick off a new teaching series called "About That Thing You Do ..." In life, as imperfect people, every once in a while, we need a trusted friend to talk to us about "that thing we do." You know ... it's that thing that can damage our character, relationships, and reputations. It is that thing that shows up when we react.

That thing that rears its ugly head when we don't get what we want. Whatever it is, it’s in the way … and it’s time to beg God to "Kill that within me that doesn't bring Him glory." It's time to lean into God's grace and beg Him to help us make a change. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Our part is to present ourselves to God, and His part is that He takes us the rest of the way, transforming us into the likeness of His son, Jesus.

My prayer and hope is that 2024 will be the start of a transforming year for you and me and that we will be able to look back and marvel at all that God has done.

Grateful for you.

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+ + + 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.

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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 January 10, at 7:00pm and visit northmetro.org/events to sign up.

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 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. 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 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 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, JANUARY 28 | 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 meetings will be on Sunday, January 14 and 28, 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, January 10, 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. 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 8, 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.

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 meeting will be Thursday, January 11, at 7:00pm.

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.

The new semester dates are Sunday afternoons, 4:006:00pm, January 21-March 24. We offer in-person groups or on-demand options. Enrollment for 101, 102, 103, and 104 is open until January 7, so be sure to register today.

Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

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 5

Spotlight North Metro Church celebrates its 25th anniversary with deep gratitude for 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.

Debt-Free Celebration When NMC opened its doors 25 years ago, it was on fire to share the good news of Jesus with as many people as possible. We were so determined that we embraced the saying, "We're a church on the move," where we would have church in different locations on different Sundays - depending on the available space. As NMC grew and matured, like many churches, we found ourselves in tremendous debt.

When Rob McDowell became Lead Pastor in 2011, NMC was about $7.6 million in debt. One thought kept Rob awake at night, "If NMC disappeared, would we even be missed?" The answer was a resounding yes!

NMC would be missed if we disappeared.

This question launched us into a campaign to truly be a church that would be missed in our community.

In the fall of 2012, we launched the Be Missed campaign and focused on three things: things we must do, things we should do, and things we could do to Be Missed in our community. We knew we must share the Gospel and make disciples.

But we also had to pay off this debt that became handcuffs for us. We should

continue to invest in the next generation, continue to grow in community, and serve others. Then the could-dos came along, like we could renovate our current building to serve our church better or give even more money locally and globally and start planting churches.

Six years later, in January 2016, through the obedience and generosity of our church and the power of God, the handcuffs fell off, we paid off every cent of debt, and we've remained a debt-free church! What started as a campaign to pay off our debt became our vision at NMC: to Be Missed. That is, if NMC ceased to exist, we, the body of Christ, would Be Missed.

Check out the podcast!

Join our Celebrating 25 Years podcast conversation anywhere you listen to podcasts. This month, Daniel Hicks caught up with Chip Busbee, who served as an elder and provided leadership to the church while we paid off the debt.

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Remaining debt-free and having a fresh vision, we are about to open up our second location, and we support pastors and church plants, give generously to our community and international missionaries, and much more.

Each January, we celebrate our debt-free anniversary and recount the faithfulness of God and the obedience of our church.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we could not miss out on remembering where God has brought us from and how He has released the debt handcuffs that were once on us so that we can continue the good work He has called us to do.

Join in on the celebrations and grab some merch!

We have created an exclusive merchandise store to celebrate our 25 years and Be Missed Anniversary!

Shop our NMC merch store by heading to northmetro.org/merch.

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Care Group Spotlight

Grounded in Christ A New Life of Peace, Healing, and Joy

Pam Sutton

“My name is Pam. I have a new life in Christ, and I am recovering from the desire to seek approval and attention from others, a critical spirit, and perfectionism.”

These are some of the most meaningful words I can speak, and my journey to that statement would not have happened without God’s love and a program called re:generation (re:gen).

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In September of 2022, Becky Everette, a staff member at NMC, invited me to a meeting to discuss a new discipleship program. My assumption was that she was looking for teachers or leaders for this program. I’d been at NMC for less than a year, but I’ve taught lots of Bible studies in the past and was comfortable doing so again. Becky began to describe re:gen as a ‘recovery program for the heart’, and as I listened to her, I felt the Holy Spirit saying, “You need this for yourself!” I didn’t feel that I needed a “recovery program” (Wasn’t that for people struggling with alcoholism), but I did need something for my heart.

Making Peace with Our Pasts I grew up in an alcoholic home and experienced physical, mental, and emotional abuse every day. My father was in the Army, so we moved every 2-3 years. My life was in constant turmoil. I was made to feel unloved and worthless.

It was a hard way to grow up, so I developed some behaviors that felt like coping mechanisms to me … trying to be the best, trying never to make a mistake, and speaking badly about people to make myself feel better. I knew about God and was taken to church every Sunday, but there was nothing personal about it. God seemed distant, and I grew up thinking that he did love people, but not people like me.

As an adult, married and with children, I was living a good life. We went to church as a family, and I was introduced to the idea of having a relationship with Jesus. Sadly, my sin struggles and selfishness kept me in a negative cycle … feeling ‘less than,’ constantly comparing myself to others, and being insecure at work and at home. I thought I had made peace with my past, but there was still anger, hurt, resentment, and jealousy.

For 30 years, I was comfortable knowing that God helped me get through a lot of situations, and Jesus Christ died on the cross for people’s sins. I knew these things in an academic fashion, as if I were reciting multiplication tables.

The reality was I did not feel it personally.

Looking to Recover When re:gen started, I found myself in a room with nine other women, all of them strangers to me. We began going through Groundwork (the first phase of re:gen), and I quickly discovered that we were all broken, we all struggled with sin, and we all wanted to be better. We were looking to recover.

I went into re:gen feeling that I wasn’t worthy of God’s love or forgiveness. I was still burdened by past hurts and my sin patterns. I was experiencing an inner turmoil that I just couldn’t overcome on my own. God was always present in my life, but I chose not to acknowledge him often enough.

I thought I could, and should, do it all by myself. I was so wrong.

The daily work in re:gen helped me to understand more about myself and about God’s love for me. Our group discussions each week allowed us to share insights that were thought-provoking and meaningful. As the months went on, I began to feel myself drawing closer to God and opening my heart fully to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was the price that God was willing to pay for my sins in order to bring me back to Him and secure my place in heaven.

Recovery of the Heart Through the re:gen steps, and with the help of the other women in the pilot group, I began to embrace the very personal gifts I had been given. My heart accepted that I was truly a child of God, wonderfully and fearfully made.

I am at peace in a way I never have been before and it has been life-changing. Going through re:gen has made such a difference in how I feel about myself, how I look at other people, and how I spend my time. re:gen is the tool that we use for “recovery of the heart,” but the real power comes from Jesus alone. My journey has brought me a level of peace I never thought possible. I have opened my heart to the love of Christ, and I am living in joy, regardless of my circumstances.

As we finished the re:gen pilot program in June 2023, I knew I wanted to help the next group of women go through the process. I wanted to share my story with as many people as I could.

If you have been hurt in your life, if you feel lost, if you are stuck in sin patterns that weigh you down, re:gen is for you. We are all broken in some way and we all struggle with hurts, hang-ups or habits that keep us from leading the lives God intended us to lead. Being in a recovery program can be intimidating and sometimes uncomfortable, but the end result will be worth every moment you invest. The power of re:generation is not the material, but the power of Jesus Christ guiding you through the process.

Jesus came to give us life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). Do you feel like you are living your life to the fullest? The reality is that we all experience brokenness in this life. You’re not alone. re:generation is a biblically-based discipleship program offering healing, recovery, and freedom from any struggle. Join us at NMC for an informational meeting to learn more about re:generation on Wednesday, January 10. Sign up at northmetro.org/regeneration.

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Friday, February 9 Dads, grandfathers, and father figures hurry and sign up now! Registration closes on Sunday, February 4, or earlier if maximum capacity has been met.

northmetro.org/events

Our beloved Daddy Daughter Date Night is returning on Friday, February 9. Dads, this is an opportunity for you to remind your daughter just how loved and cherished she is. Join us for a night of fun, including photo booths, candy stations, games, and a dance floor to show off your best moves. After the night is over, your daughter will go home with priceless memories, and you will be equipped with conversation starters and memories to help you continue to invest in your relationship with your daughter.

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Wednesday, January 17 6:30-9:00pm

Life is busy. Period. It just is. So, we 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.

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

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.

Pastor Brent Shoemaker will join Man Church. After serving as a Youth Pastor and Lead Pastor at local churches for over 20 years, Brent is now the Founder and President of Seal Team Ministries, which is dedicated to the mission of helping raise young men into strong warriors for Christ.

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.

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Upcoming for

MOBILIZATION MOBILIZATION TRAINING

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 | 9:00AM

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.

CITY SERVE WEEK

FEBRUARY 18-24

Invest in the renewal of our city and love others at City Serve. City Serve is a weeklong mission project that offers multiple ministry opportunities across our city at different times and locations. Grab your family or a few friends, and sign up for a project.

City Serve is a short-term mission project in our city that will include multiple projects varying start times, lengths, and locations.

This church-wide event will allow NMC members to love others. You can serve our Mobilization and Serve partners through outreach projects, including sharing the Gospel, homeless outreach, landscaping, light construction, distributing food, and much more. Find an opportunity for you and 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

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you

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 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 northmetro.org/serve.

KIDS TOWN SQUARE TABLE TALKER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY DISCIPLESHIP TOOL The Town Square Table Talker is back!

This is a discipleship tool designed by the NMC Kids team to intentionally equip families to connect around the table. The activities and devotions you'll find in the table talker come from the Gospel Project curriculum 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-knowyou 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.

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

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 culturetransforming faith. This class is based on Josh Mulvihill’s book, Biblical Worldview.

Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more, and sign up today!

BABY DEDICATION

CLASS: SUNDAY, MARCH 17 | 9:15-10:00AM DEDICATION: SUNDAY, MAY 19 | 3:00PM The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to participate in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be on Sunday, May 19, at 3:00pm. This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and your child's dedication to God’s teaching and instruction. If you want more information on dedicating your child or signing up, visit northmetro.org/events.

TOWN SQUARE OFFERING 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.

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family

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 SPRING WEEKEND 2024

MARCH 1-3

Join Shift for our Spring Weekend on Friday, March 1st, through Sunday, March 3rd, as we take over North Metro Church’s campus! Don’t miss out as we connect in the community, play fun games all weekend long, and learn how to stay Father-Focused.

This event costs $60, and the deadline to sign up is Friday, February 16. 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 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.

COMPASS SPRING RETREAT 2024

APRIL 19-21

Calling all 8-12th grade students! On Friday through Sunday, April 19-21, join us for an unforgettable experience at our upcoming Compass SPRING Retreat!

This will be an incredible opportunity for powerful worship, lasting connections, and spiritual growth. From ziplines to crazy shenanigans, this retreat will encourage you to stay Father-Focused. The last day to sign up is Friday, April 5. You won’t want to miss it! The early bird pricing for each student is $165. Be sure to sign up before the price increases in March. 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.

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Ivan Mijango Casa del Redentor Director

An update from Ivan Mijango.

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

Christmas in Guatemala Every year Casa del Redentor (CDR) celebrates its Christmas program in all the communities where we share our programs.

During 2023, we did new and exciting things, but the Christmas program is always the most expected by the children and their families. Months before they eagerly ask what we will do that year so they can get even more excited.

Thanks to the donations from NMC and special friends this year, we were able to bring 360 gift bags to each child in Chuitizyut, Patzutzun, Xecotoj, and Panajachel. This year the bags had school supplies that the children will use next year in school like crayons, notebooks, scissors, glue, paint, and other stuff. Each

child also got a tamale (Traditional food in Guatemala for parties), a large piece of bread, a giant mosaic gelatin, and a can of Coca Cola which drove them crazy with joy because that's something that most of them don't eat frequently.

Each family was also given a bag with nonperishable groceries, which helped them save money to buy everything they needed for Christmas dinner. This touched the hearts of the mothers who live from day to day, and we had the opportunity to pray for them; they asked us to say thank you in the name of the communities to all our NMC friends and sponsors.

It was an incredible Christmas week, we made a small parade in Xecotoj where we

were able to go to each one of the houses giving Christmas candy and wishing happy holidays to all the families.

Thank you to all the people who make CDR able to carry out these programs and special activities, bringing joy and hope to the people who need it the most in Guatemala.

I would like to hug each of my brothers and sisters from North Metro Church who keep this ministry in their hearts. We can feel your love from Georgia all the way down here, and I want you to know that we love you all, too. If you who are reading this haven't been on a mission trip yet, I want to encourage you to come to Guatemala and live this amazing experience with us. I hope you have an amazing year.

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.

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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

6

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 Kyle, Texas, Oaks Community Church in Naples, Florida; and Compassion International in Guatemala.

YTD November 2023 Income: $2,848,424.92 Expense: $2,287,015.69 Over(under): $561,409.23

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

15

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

Sunday, January 7

Sunday, January 21

Wednesday, January 10

Elementary Baptism Class 9:15-10:00am

About That Thing You Do 9:15am & 11:00am

re:generation Information Meeting 7:00pm

Sunday, January 14 Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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

About That Thing You Do 9:15am & 11:00am

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

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

678.290.7830

Saturday, January 20 Mobilization Training 9:00-11:00am

About That Thing You Do 9:15am & 11:00am

Sunday, January 28

About That Thing You Do 9:15am & 11:00am Welcome Home 11:00am-12:00pm Adult Baptism Class 11:00am-12:00pm