December 2024 Newsletter

KE E P I N G YO U I N FO R M E D A N D CO N N E CTE D

DECEMBER 2024 EDITION

A letter from Rob Hello North Metro Church, It’s one of the greatest times of the year—the Holidays! A few days

according to plan. By looking at Jesus’s birth story we will learn how

from now, it will be Thanksgiving (my personal favorite), and then by

God had specific plans for who his parents were, where he would be

the stroke of midnight, all Christmas festivities will erupt. You might

born, and the significance and eternal hope his life would bring to a

even be in the camp where Christmas decor goes up on November 1.

broken world.

No matter your preference, the Holidays bring great anticipation of joy to be had and time to be shared with the ones you love.

encourage you and boldly ask you to pray about who you can invite

Speaking of anticipation, the church’s Advent season has begun as

to church. We will also have Christmas Eve service times listed in

we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift, the birth of our savior, Jesus

the pages of this newsletter. I look forward to worshiping with you!

Christ. Our Christmas series, Birth Stories, will be centered on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke for they give an account of Jesus’s birth story. Many of you know from personal experience that when you bring a child into the world it is a unique time of excitement, fear, unpredictability, and preparation. Things typically don’t go

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This is a season to share the hope that we have in our savior, Jesus. I

Grateful for you,

Calling All Fathers and Father Figures! Get ready for a magical night that’s just around the corner, filled with delicious desserts, dancing, games, and plenty of photo ops! The excitement at NMC is building, and you won’t want to miss it!

Friday, February 7 | 7:00-9:00pm Barrett and Sewell Mill Campus

This year, we’re taking a trip back to the fabulous 50s!

Join us for a sock hop-inspired evening, complete with nostalgic soda floats and stylish poodle skirts. Choose to wear your vintage leather jacket and poodle skirts, or wear your favorite suit and dress; either way, the night will be awesome!

We hope this retro night creates lasting memories and strengthens dad and daughter relationships, reminding daughters how loved and special they truly are! Let’s make this a night to remember!

Registration is now open Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up today!

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Connect and Grow

WELCOME HOME

SEWELL MILL | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 | 12:15PM BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 | 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.

GROUPS At NMC, we genuinely believe we are better together. Therefore, 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, or Care Group, or start your own group, check out northmetro.org/groups.

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GROUP LEADERSHIP BRUNCH AND LEARN

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 | 11:00AM

We all desire to have a great community in our lives, but let’s face it, finding your people and the perfect group can be hard.

So we invite you to come help be part of the solution to these circumstances.

Learn what it would look like for you to start and lead your own Connection and/ or Community Group for a semester by attending the upcoming Group Leadership Brunch and Learn. We believe God uses groups to change people’s lives, and as a leader, you get to be a part of that. At this Brunch and Learn, you will hear about the expectations of a Connection and Community Group Leader, as well as the training and ongoing coaching you will receive to ensure that you have everything you need to make your group leadership journey successful. Leading a group is not as scary as it may seem. It can be life-giving for the leader and for those who are being led. So, do not miss this opportunity to step into an exciting new season by signing up at northmetro.org/events.

Care

PRAYER

HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE

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.

NMC has a faithful group of men looking to serve widows, single moms, and other ladies 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

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.

BAPTISMS We have classes for elementary-aged children, students, and adults that are each offered once a quarter. After you have attended a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child.

If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for a class at our Barrett Campus or meet with a pastor at the Sewell Mill Campus.

For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for a class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

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,

giving 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? You’re not alone.

We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, these destructive thoughts and habits hold us back from the life we want—and the life God calls us to live. re:generation is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with. Join others who have had their lives transformed by Christ. re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus.

You can join us anytime! Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to learn more.

RE|ENGAGE

SEWELL MILL | SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 13

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.

Register today for our January semester!

To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE

FOUNDATION GATHERINGS

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

The first few years of marriage can be exciting yet challenging, 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 regularly throughout the year and include dinner, teaching, and a chance to build relationships with other newlywed couples. To learn more about Foundation Gatherings and upcoming Gathering dates, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

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. 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.

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 | 6:30PM

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 group meets once a month for dinner and encouragement. Visit the Care page to be connected with the group leaders.

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Merge classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. Our next Merge class will begin on Monday, February 24, 2025. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

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 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.

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. Learn more about meeting times at northmetro.org/care.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 | 7:00PM

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.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 | 12:15PM

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 leader, Diana Pethel at 678.357.2933. You will find an amazing community of brave, strong women who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 | 7:00PM

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.

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

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re:generation is a biblically-based discipleship opportunity for anyone to experience the abundant life God desires for us through a process of healing, freedom, and reconciliation from any type of struggle.

God, through re:generation, has changed the lives of many family members at NMC. Some of them have generously shared what God has done in their lives.

“Hi, my name is Kim. I have a new life in Christ and God is recovering me from peoplepleasing, fear of rejection, and perfectionism.

Through re:gen, God has taught me that I am fully known, fully loved, and was created on purpose for a purpose. When I truly believe and accept God’s love for me, I don’t need other people to make me feel loved or worthy.”

“Hi, my name is Gail. I have a new life in Christ, and God is recovering me from self-righteousness and pride. God has used re:gen in my life to remind me that although I’ve known and loved Jesus since I was a child, He deeply desires for me to walk closer to Him, living a life in obedience to John 3:30 which says, ‘He must increase, I must decrease.’”

“Hi, my name is Larry and I have a new life in Christ! I am in recovery for alcohol abuse and lust. The Lord has used re:gen to finally highlight the areas in my life that have been preventing me from giving Him my all. By doing so He has given me a spiritual blueprint on how to mortify sin and be truly sanctified.”

Hi, my name is Linwood. I have a new life in Christ and I’m in recovery from pride and grief. re:gen helped me to identify the real source of my struggles in life and taught me I couldn’t recover by trying harder, but only by leaning on Jesus.

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“Hi, my name is Andy. I have a new life in Christ and God is recovering me from pride, codependency, and anxiety. Through my re:gen experience, God is showing me how to recognize and respond to the triggers that slow my spiritual growth. My life has changed in a very good way, with more assurance, fruitfulness, and consistency (Hebrews 12:1-2).”

“Hi, my name is Courtney. I have a new life in Christ and God is recovering me from pride, control, and perfectionism.

Through re:gen, God has taught me that He sets the standard and His ways are truly better. I have learned that change really is possible with God and Godly community, which means I’m never actually alone.”

“Hi, my name is Kim. I have a new life in Christ and God is recovering me from anger and resentment. Through re:gen, God has taught me that only He can provide the security I long for and need, and I can stop stressing when that need is not met by other people.”

Change is possible. You can experience freedom and the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Join us on Wednesday, January 15, for an interest meeting.

Learn more and sign up at northmetro.org/events.

“Hi, my name is Jill. I have a new life in Christ and I am in recovery from codependency, control, and fear of abandonment. Through re:gen God has taught me that HE is my Savior. I can trust Him and believe that where He leads me, He will be with me. That refinement can hurt and is hard, but His desire and His promise is to make me more like Him so obedience is my privilege.”

“Hi, my name is Charles. I have a new life in Christ, and I am in recovery from alcoholism and resentment. Through re:gen God has taken me on a deeper journey in my relationship with Him. I now turn to Him quicker when dealing with challenges. This has provided me with a deeper contentment in my life with peace and serenity much more a part of my life now.”

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Sundays, December 8 through December 22 Birth stories can be amazing, hilarious, suspenseful, miraculous, tragic, and beautiful, sometimes all in the same story. Even if someone has never witnessed a birth story or had one of their own, we’ve still heard plenty of them.

In our Christmas series, Birth Stories, we want to connect the birth stories we hear and live in today with the birth narratives of Jesus that we read about in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In any birth story, there is always great uncertainty and fear, but also joy and hope once the baby is born. In Jesus’ days, births were even more chaotic and painful.

However, the LORD was at work and orchestrating everything in concert in order to bring about the Incarnation, send the Messiah, bring about the restoration of his good Creation, and enact His plan for redemption.

So, in our lives, though things often seem fearful and uncertain, and while we experience waiting and pain, we too can look to these birth narratives to be reminded that the LORD is orchestrating all things according to His will and is ultimately working all things together for tov (good), even in hardship.

And in this, there is great joy and hope.

You’ll find Christmas all over our campuses starting Sunday, December 8, through Christmas Eve. At Barrett and Sewell Mill, grab free hot chocolate and coffee in our Cafe. You’ll also want to round up your friends, family, and community groups to snap a photo at our free photo booth. At Barrett, you’ll find one photobooth in our Back Lobby, an additional identical photobooth in our upstairs Offices, and an additional cafe in our Theater.

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Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24 Barrett Campus | 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm Sewell Mill Campus | 2:00pm & 4:00pm ———— ••• ————

Make plans for you, your friends, and your family to join us on Christmas Eve! NMC Kids

Serve with Us

At the Barrett Campus, NMC Kids will open nursery and preschool classrooms for all Christmas Eve services.

Whether you’d like to serve with the NMC Kids Team or on our Guest Services Team, we’d love for you to help make NMC feel like home for all of our guests. Learn more about all the serving opportunities available for our services on Tuesday, December 24 at northmetro.org/christmas.

At the Sewell Mill Campus, families are invited to bring their entire family to worship together in the Auditorium.

NMC Kids will be closed.

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Sunday, December 15 | 12:15 pm Sunday, January 26 | 12:15 pm BARRETT CAMPUS

Ready to Make NMC Your Church Home?

Sunday, December 8 | 12:15 pm Sunday, January 19 | 12:15 pm SEWELL MILL CAMPUS

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Living in Circles We help people find and follow Jesus. While faithfully following Jesus includes many things, one of the ways we help people take their next steps around NMC is by helping them jump in a circle. Anyone can take the next step towards Living in Community, Loving God, His Church, and Others, and Learning Biblical truth.

Take a next step!

These three circles provide direction to all of the ministries and efforts we do around NMC.

LEARN

LIVE LOVE

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Upcoming for you and your family...

MOBILIZATION REDEEMER’S HOUSE SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP

CHARACTER EDUCATION MENTORING AT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

We are organizing an adult Short-Term Mission Trip to Guatemala from February 16-22, 2025. On this trip, the team will assist with building projects and share the love of Christ with the communities we minister to and serve. You can learn more and sign up for this trip by heading to northmetro.org/serve.

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.

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2025

WAYMARK COMPASS GROUPS

BARRETT CAMPUS | EVERY OTHER THURSDAY NIGHT

Compass Groups are a resource for foster & adoptive families (ages 6-18+) every other Thursday night. These groups provide respite for parents, a community for kids/teens, discipleship & access to valuable tools & resources. If you are an adoptive or foster family, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org for additional information to learn about this resource for you.

CIRCLES USA Did you know that here in Cobb County, over 17% of our children live below the poverty line? Have you wondered how you can make a lasting difference in helping a family move from poverty to financial stability? Circles has a proven model that combines mentorship, financial literacy training, and connections to existing community resources all while building intentional friendships through weekly meetings. The result? Families increase their income by 75% on average.

To serve with Circles USA, go to northmetro.org/serve.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

If you’ve ever felt like you just can’t get in control of your money, you’re not alone.

You’d be surprised how many people you know are just like you. But it’s time to take care of your finances today. Join Financial Peace University.

Learn how to pay off debt, save more money, build wealth, and live generously by understanding biblical principles through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University class at NMC! This class meets on Thursday evenings beginning January 30. Registration closes on Monday, January 27, or earlier if maximum capacity is met.

NMCU CORE (101-104)

BARRETT CAMPUS SUNDAYS, JANUARY 26-MARCH 30, 2025 | 3:00-5:00PM SEWELL MILL CAMPUS TUESDAYS, JANUARY 28-APRIL 1, 2025 | 7:00-9:00PM

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview.

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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 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.

Our spring semester enrollment opened on Sunday, November 24, and closes on January 12, 2025. We offer in-person groups or on-demand options. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

NMCU 201

JANUARY 26-MARCH 30, 2025

This class is solely for Core Graduates (students who have completed 101-104).

Having established a foundation of the Bible, we will discuss matters of internal life and how, through a biblical perspective and worldview, we address and respond to them. This eight-week semester, we will discuss salvation, atonement, the Creeds, the Trinity, scripture reading and memorization, and sexuality.

Our spring semester enrollment opened on Sunday, November 24, and closes on January 12, 2025. We will be offering 201 on-demand only. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

NMC KIDS SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 | 11:00AM-12:00PM

This is an opportunity for parents who have children with special needs to get together and form community. Pastries and coffee will be provided during the 11:00am service. Register at northmetro.org/events.

NMC KIDS FAMILY CHRISTMAS GUIDE DECEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL

As we enter the holiday season, the NMC Kids team is excited to partner with you in creating intentional family Christmas traditions! “Light, Camera, Christmas!

This year, we want to help your family create those memories by watching three episodes of The Chosen that remind us of the very first Christmas and everything we have to celebrate. Each episode is accompanied by a page in the booklet filled with a brief devotion, discussion questions, and a family activity. On Sunday, December 1, your family can pick up their popcorn bucket, filled with everything you need to kick off the Christmas season!

Then, you can sit back, relax, and hold the popcorn until the very end. When we watch the last episode, Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night, we will all open our popcorn buckets and make hot chocolate.

Let’s get ready to create new traditions this Christmas season.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 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.

NMC KIDS OFFERING The Kids Clean Water Project is receiving 100% of our NMC Kids 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.

NMC STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM

6-8th grade students are invited to join us upstairs in the Student HQ for our 9:15am and 11:00am services for Bible study and community. As a reminder, Middle School Mornings will not be meeting for Christmas Eve services.

NMC STUDENT NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-8:30PM SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-7:15PM

6-12th grade students, find your community, worship God alongside other students, and grow your faith in Jesus at our NMC Student Nights.

These nights include worship through music altogether, and then 6-8th grade and 9-12th grade students transition to different environments for relevant teaching and small groups. Connect with us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the loop.

NMC STUDENTS CHRISTMAS PARTY

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 | 6:00-8:30PM

Get ready for games, festive treats, holiday music, and a chance to connect with friends as we celebrate the season together!

COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23) COLLEGE NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM

College students and young adults (1823) join us on campus in the Theater for worship, dinner, community, time in God’s word, and small groups. This time is for anyone and everyone, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey; there is a place for you here. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

COLLEGE CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 17

We warmly invite you to join us for a festive Christmas Party. Embrace the spirit of the season with an evening filled with food, fellowship, hot chocolate, and the joy of Christ-filled community.

PASSION 2025 JANUARY 6-8

We are going back to Passion Conference Monday-Wednesday, January 6-8! All college students are invited to join us!

NMC has purchased 35 tickets and has reserved rooms at the Omni Hotel near the State Farm Arena. The total cost of the conference and hotel is $200 per person.

Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up.

Join us for a fun-filled Christmas celebration! NMC Students is hosting a Christmas Party on Sunday, December 15.

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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.

A Community’s Dream:

Patzutzun’s Youngest Soccer Champions For nearly 12 years, we believed we had experienced everything possible and seen all there was to see, but the children surprised us again, and in the best way. About three months ago, the preschool children (ages 4-5) from the school in Patzutzun, the largest village where we serve, began training and preparing for the school soccer championship. It was exciting to see how, week after week, they improved under their teacher’s guidance and how thrilled they were to have the opportunity to represent their school and community.

We knew these kids would give their best, but we had no idea how talented they were. They won the first round and secured a spot to represent Patzutzun in the playoffs, where they would face schools from across the region. The teacher approached us and asked if we would be willing to sponsor their uniforms, as they wanted to make it very special for their first representation. Thanks to the support of NMC through CDR, this was made possible, and both the children and their parents were extremely excited—it felt like they were about to represent Guatemala in the Olympics or the World Cup. During the playoffs, they won the decisive match that took them to the finals. No one could believe it; these children from a village

in the mountains of Guatemala were leaving everyone amazed by winning 3-0 against the team they faced in the semifinals. Finally, they played the grand final in the largest stadium in the region.

It was a very close match; they were tied with no goals, and the opposing team had a penalty that was saved by the goalkeeper, thanks to the advice from Elvys (a member of our staff). When it seemed the winner would be decided in extra time, with less than five minutes to go, the children from Patzutzun scored the only goal of the match and were crowned champions.

We couldn’t believe it. There were cheers and tears; the joy of the children lifting the trophy was visible and palpable for miles around. But even more, they were happy to take it home and share that victory with the entire village.

It was a unique and very special experience. If you have ever been on a missionary trip to Guatemala, you surely remember Patzutzun and can imagine the joy this brought to the entire community. And if you haven’t come yet, we welcome you to experience this and much more, and even take a photo with the champions. Thank you, NMC, for making all of this possible.

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

PEOPLE FOUND

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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.

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

1,518

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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 October 2024 Income: $2,650,129.28 Expense: $2,335,068.40 Over(under): $315,060.88

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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How’s your marriage?

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

Every marriage has room for improvement. re|engage gives you a safe place to work on your relationship together, regardless of whether your marriage needs saving or you just want to take it from “good” to “great.” re|engage is a 14-week course that meets weekly and is offered twice a year, in the fall and the spring. Sign up for our Interest Meeting on Sunday, January 12, at the Sewell Mill Campus and Monday, January 13, at the Barrett Campus.

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

2305 Ernest Barrett Pkwy • Marietta, GA 30064 Sewell Mill Location • 2550 Sewell Mill Road Marietta, GA 30062 info@northmetro.org • 678.290.7830