Find Your Community with The NETT Church

By Kristen Eleveld

“Nations Experiencing Transformation Together” is the goal and mission for a local Gwinnett County church whose culturally and socioeconomically diverse membership is making new strides in including people from literally all over the globe. Calling themselves The NETT Church, they have felt a calling to create a space where anyone from anywhere is not only welcome to worship, but can find a true church home. Led by Pastor Rodrigo Cruz, The NETT Church has become a staple in the Gwinnett community for worshippers from all cultural backgrounds who are seeking a biblical community.

“I have always pictured heaven as everyone worshipping and rejoicing together,” said Pastor Cruz. “If it will look that way in heaven, why shouldn’t the church look like that here on earth?”

With this mission in mind, The NETT Church represents one of the most diverse churches in the most diverse county in the southeastern part of the United States. In addition to the commitment to include as many people as possible, The NETT church also works hard to serve those who may be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and any number of difficulties.

“We want to start breaking the cycles of poverty that we see around us,” said Pastor Cruz. “We are looking at the big picture holistically to see how we can better the society we live in.”

For Cruz, his family, and the rest of the team at The NETT Church, their goals of diversity inclusion are multifaceted. One of the most motivating factors is the church’s desire to see God in every place around the world, not just those who hail from Gwinnett.

“We want to fully value each other’s cultures,” said Pastor Cruz. “By getting to know so many different kinds of people, we get an unlimited glimpse of God.”

Become a Lifelong Learner at Brenau University

By Kristen Eleveld

When learning new information and skills, we all have different styles. Some of us like to attend an in-person class, while others prefer to fit an online class into their busy schedule. Some students begin their college education straight out of high school, while others return to school later in life and are just as eager to learn. But whether you learn best in person, online, in the morning, in the evening, or through handson work, we have great news: Brenau University is the perfect fit for you. While Brenau was once exclusively a women’s college, it has expanded its offerings to meet the needs of all student populations. And by every student, they mean anyone from the traditional college-age student and up, because no matter what stage of life you’re in, Brenau

The NETT Church backs up its beliefs by putting actions behind words. The last Sunday of every month is dedicated as Mission Sunday. Instead of meeting to worship at one of the church campuses, worshippers go out into the community to meet new people and find ways they can help those in need. Even when it’s not Mission Sunday, you can often find someone from The NETT Church working to meet a physical need or even just to strike up a conversation with someone who needs a friend. Whatever they are doing, they are committed to ensuring that everyone knows they are each valued by God – and subsequently by the church – in the same way.

With four campuses spread out between Norcross, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville, The NETT Church doesn’t focus their resources on acquiring the latest technology or the newest items. Instead, they use every inch of each campus to serve those around them. Their resources are spent on projects like turning church buildings into shelters, summer camps for kids and youth with special needs, and food banks – anything to serve their community. And if the church wants to take on a task that may exceed their knowledge or skills, they are always willing to partner with other businesses and services to get the job done.

“We are here to reclaim the task of caring for widows and orphans and anyone who needs our help,” said Pastor Rodrigo. “When we all work together, we do better together.”

If this church sounds like the kind of place you have been looking for, rest assured you are welcome. With a more traditional service at 9:30 a.m. on the Lawrenceville campus, a more modern service at 11:00 a.m. on the Lilburn campus, or another one geared towards young adults at 5:00 p.m. on the Norcross campus, you can choose the atmosphere that suits you best and join The NETT for worship any time. Bring your whole family or come on your own. Whatever your circumstances, you are certain to find a faith-centered community waiting for you.

“We are here to stand in the gap for each other,” said Pastor Cruz. “More than anything, we are so thankful, because none of us are perfect, but we can share a perfect Savior.”

More information at thenettchurch.com or 770-923-1403 invites you to keep learning.

For Dr. Shatrela Washington-Hubbard, Dean of the College of Business & Communication, encouraging students of all ages to add new knowledge and skills to their life is a goal that is infinitely worth pursuing.

“I am very passionate about education,” Dr. Washington-Hubbard said of what inspires her as dean. “Seeing students begin careers and advance careers through their education is one of the best parts of my job.”

Dr. Washington-Hubbard and the team at Brenau see a myriad of students walk through the doors – or log on to the online learning platform – at Brenau. And as dean of the College of Business & Communications, Dr. WashingtonHubbard facilitates those students building critical skills through Brenau’s programs, regardless of where their career and life may take them after graduation.

“Business and communication are areas that provide fundamental skills that everyone needs, no matter what industry you want to work in,” said Dr. Washington-Hubbard. “We offer degrees in communication, accounting, finance, digital marketing, healthcare management, Continued on page 23