November 2019 NEXT - Special Missions Edition

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/ Annual Missions Edition 2019–2020

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE JETER

Peacemakers

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GET INVOLVED — Jump into life at NCC! New to faith? Pick up a Next Steps booklet at the Connections Table. ncc.re/nextsteps Join a small group. ncc.re/groups Join a local or global mission team. ncc.re/onmissioneveryday Join a team and serve at your campus. ncc.re/team

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Missions 2019–2020

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Next Contents

Note from

Pastor Mark & Lora Keeping the peace is NOT just conflict avoidance. Yes, Jesus calmed the storm. But He also rocked the boat! Jesus didn’t avoid conflict; He often caused it. Why? Because Jesus knew that conflict, not comfort, is the catalyst for growth.

One of the biggest mistakes I made as a young leader was trying to make everyone comfortable. In the long run, that doesn’t do anybody any favors. Tough decisions and tough conversations only get tougher!

And the only way out is tough love. What is tough love? It’s Jesus, and Jesus was full of grace and truth. Grace means, “I’ll love you no matter what.” Truth means, “I’ll be honest with you no matter what.” Tough love is found where grace and truth intersect.

At NCC, November means mission! During our annual mission series, we take a unique angle on what it means to be on mission.

Our focus this year? Peacemaking. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” That’s you and me! We’ll called to bridge the gap, just like Jesus.

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What’s Going On

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Blessed are the Peacemakers

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On Mission Every Day

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Principles of Peacemaking

10 Causes 14

Global Partnerships

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Local Opportunities

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DCDC Report

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NCC Youth

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NCC Kids

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A1:8 Commons

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Mission Teams

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Small Groups

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Coming Up at NCC

Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor Lora Batterson

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WHAT’S GOING ON

Second Saturday Serve Saturday, November 9 ncc.re/now

DC: Nov. 23 VA: Nov. 28 ncc.re/now

Every second Saturday, we get together to meet tangible needs in our communities. Join us in DC or VA. Second Saturday Serve: DC - Rally and project overview at 9:30 am at Ebenezers Coffeehouse Performance Space.

NCCers love to celebrate Thanksgiving by serving those experiencing homelessness. Join us to serve or prepare food for either of these NCC traditions:

Second Saturday Serve: VA Alexandria- Potomac Yard Movie Theaters 9am Arlington- Chick Fil A Ballston Quarter 9am Gainesville- Email pam.gilray@theaterchurch.com Join one of several teams to help serve.

No long-term commitment is necessary and all are welcome. See you this Second Saturday!

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Serve at Thanksgiving

DC: Friendsgiving, Saturday, Nov. 23 Sign up here: ncc.re/friendsgiving VA: Alexandria Gratitude Table Thursday, November 28, 12-2pm alexandriagratitudetable@gmail.com

Peacemaking through Trauma Care Training

Deeper

Saturday, November 16 Miracle Theatre, 9am - 12pm

Monday, November 4 Miracle Theatre, 7pm - 9pm

Understanding the impact of personal trauma and societal trauma in our culture is an important first step for anyone who cares for others in any capacity. Bonnie Martin, LPC—an expert in complex trauma—brings the latest in neuroscience, psychology and spirituality to understand the impact of trauma and conflict. Register at ncc.re/ traumacare.

Slow Down • Pray • Listen This month we will be focusing on peacemaking.

Everyone is welcome. Deeper is for anyone who wants to learn to quiet themselves in God’s presence, receive personal or prophetic prayer, longs to worship, and wants to expand their prayer life.

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Missions 2019–2020

BLESSED ARE THE

PEACEMAKERS

BY PASTOR DAVE SCHMIDGALL

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Mathew 5:9 esus coined the word “peacemaker,” a never-before-used Greek word (εἰρηνοποιός, όν/eirénopoios), which means “bravely declaring God’s terms which make individuals and communities whole.”

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Peacemaking is bravely declaring God’s terms which make individuals and communities whole.

In a time of division and conflict, self-absorption and self-protection, we invite you to commit to growing as a peacemaker.

It seems every social, political, and theological issue has been reduced to either-or, us versus them divisions. At every level and in every space we see a pervasiveness of anger, apathy, and numbness. As Jesus followers we see opportunity for healing, renewal, and hope.

During this series, we’ll study the Jesus way of peacemaking, equip you with tools for engagement, and empower you for local and global participation.

Our prayer for our community during this series is found within the Franciscan tradition, a blessing that is more relevant than ever: May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands and comfort them, and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all.

Peace be with you. ●

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HOW ARE WE ON MISSION EVERY DAY?

OUR MISSION IS TO MOBILIZE PEOPLE EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT TO DO WHAT JESUS DID­— TOGETHER, WHEREVER THEY ARE. ACTS 1:8

Jesus calls us to

ACT Address poverty by

ASSISTING

THE POOR and OPPRESSED Address suffering by

CARING

FOR THE SICK and SORROWFUL PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

Address brokenness by

TRANSFORMING

THROUGH RECONCILIATION

1.

ASK ANYTHING Work to cultivate a culture of trust, where challenging questions are not just tolerated, but encouraged. Meet differing perspectives with with honest discussion, rather than judgement.

2.

LISTEN WELL Seek to develop God’s heart for non-dual awareness as you listen to those who think differently than you. Pause first as you listen to understand, rather than listen to respond.

THE FOUR PRACTICES OF

PEACEMAKING Peacemakers are not conflict-avoiders. Peacemakers join with others in a quest for truth from a posture of grace.

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3.

FREELY DISAGREE Create an environment that allows for people to disagree freely and still live in unity.

Build an understanding that our differences bring strength and beauty to the kingdom of God, rather than division. While challenging, this is the ethos of peacemaking.

4.

LOVE REGARDLESS Above all, love is not conditional.

Let’s commit to loving the way Jesus loved—not refusing to challenge, but refusing to hate.

We refuse to turn people into issues. We must persist in seeing the image of God in everyone.

Becoming a peacemaker is a spiritual and a mental discipline. It takes courage, and it takes practice. The Four Practices we offer here are a gift from NCC Youth. Our students have been using these rules of engagement as a framework for bridge-building for a long time now as they grow in the ways of Jesus. We can’t think of a better way to begin walking together as peacemakers.

We invite you to memorize and adopt these four practices in all your interactions—and be attentive to all the ways the Holy Spirit is using them in your continual transformation.

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What’s the injustice, the need, the cause that propels you to action?

As a church working together, we seek to fulfill the call of Acts 1:8 through nine core causes we believe are central to our participation in God’s mission in the world.

Anti-Trafficking

There are an estimated 40 million slaves today worldwide. This statistic covers all areas of slavery, including sexual exploitation and labor trafficking. Serve with our partner organizations to help eradicate slavery.

Child Advocacy

Partner with families and organizations to ensure that all children grow up in environments where they can thrive.

Community Development

One of the goals of living on mission is to develop long-term relationships, not short-term projects. Through knowing our neighbors by name, we can help meet needs within our own communities.

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Missions 2019–2020

Evangelism

We are called and compelled to share the good news of Jesus in word and deed wherever we are. Whether in our workplace, in our neighborhoods, or coming alongside NCC partner organizations around the world, we live out our faith so all may know the love of God through Jesus Christ.

PHOTO CREDIT: CRISTINA GORE

Health

Through local and global partnerships we come alongside to ensure holistic needs are being met. Examples are serving those living with HIV/AIDS, providing medical clinics, and health education.

Homelessness

We have been serving those experiencing homelessness since 2004. We began by meeting people where they are with lunch and conversation. Over the years, our investment has evolved but we continue to remain committed to building relationships with individuals.

Peacemaking

As ambassadors of reconciliation, we will continue to seek peace and justice through the ways of Jesus in places of extreme violence and conflict in our city and around the world. Areas of focus include Israel and Palestine, DR Congo, South Africa, border communities, and racial reconciliation in our own cities.

Poverty

By partnering with local and international organizations, we support efforts to develop sustainable solutions to material poverty locally and worldwide.

Refugee Care

For refugees resettling in our community after enduring tremendous loss and hardship, we work and pray for comfort and peace. We reach out to the vulnerable and marginalized, providing loving care, generous support, and meaningful collaboration with other engaged agencies and partners both locally and globally.

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PHOTO CREDIT: AMANDA GANN

PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

We partner with over 150 local and global missionaries, churches, and organizations.

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November 2018

Explore these opportunities at ncc.re/missionsmap

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Missions 2019–2020

PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

#OnMissionEveryDay: Local Opportunities DC127

Anti-Trafficking ANTITRAFFICKING

CHILD ADVOCACY

We will be redeveloping what local engagement in anti-trafficking looks like in 2020. In the past we have partnered with local organizations walking alongside survivors, doing outreach, and providing education and awareness events.

DC127 exists to reverse the foster-care wait list in DC, helping prospective foster and adoptive parents and recruiting volunteers to support families in crisis. Get involved by caring for some of the most vulnerable children in our city.

DC Dream Center

Champions in Action DC CHILD ADVOCACY

CHILD ADVOCACY

Champions in Action is a premier soccer development and mentorship program aimed to bring life change to refugee youth in the local DMV area. NCC partners with CIA DC through Refugee Care. There are opportunities to coach and support teams through transportation and snacks.

Homes Not Borders

Crocus Collective REFUGEE CARE

The Crocus Collective, a partner of NCC, engages in interfaith dialogue and relationships with refugees in our community of Northern Virginia.

They host events, informal gettogethers, and English as a Second Language classes.

One person at a time, the DC Dream Center inspires youth and adults to dare to dream, equipping them to reach their God-given potential. Lots of opportunities to serve by mentoring or tutoring kids.

REFUGEE CARE

Homes Not Borders works to provide the refugee and asylumseeking population of the DC area with all they need to succeed and feel at home in the US. Through setting up apartments, career mentorship, and carpentry training they are always looking for volunteers and donations. NCC partners with Homes Not Borders through Refugee Care.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

InService HOMELESSNESS

We build relationships with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. We pass out lunches as a way to build relationships, offer prayer, and listen to stories. We meet people where they are and invite them into a community where our hope is that they feel welcomed and cared for through the love of Christ.

Restore Alexandria exists to empower neighbors and strengthen communities in the city of Alexandria. A partner of NCC, they focus on community, leadership, and economic development that will lead to healthy, whole, and thriving neighborhoods and families and the spread of the gospel.

Second Saturday Serve COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Second Saturday Serve is a first step in engaging what it means to be on mission every day.

Through local partnerships we are given a monthly opportunity to build relationships and serve our community.

The Living Room HOMELESSNESS

The Living Room is a small group that brings people together from all walks of life to fellowship and study scripture over a meal. While all are welcome, many individuals in this small group have found themselves living on the streets, in a local shelter, or as part of the working poor.

Washington Interfaith Network COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Mentorship HOMELESSNESS

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Through group activities, overnights, and one on ones we are building relationships with men and women experiencing homelessness. Life transformation can happen through the Holy Spirit and relationships. This group seeks to dive deeper with our friends experiencing homelessness.

November 2019

WIN seeks to create long-term influence through a broad and united front across the divides of race, culture, income, faith, and neighborhood in order to initiate public action on a variety of issues.

National Community Church partners with WIN to care for and serve with our most vulnerable District residents on everything from housing to immigration.

The Way Home Campaign HOMELESSNESS

No one should be homeless. No one should be homeless for years.

The Way Home believes that the District of Columbia has the resources, creativity, and ability to end chronic homelessness.

This is a vital step in our greater efforts to end homelessness in our community.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILLIAN WILZBACHER

Restore Alexandria

Listen + Learn So much of our world is oriented toward speaking out and being heard. This is a chance to push against that paradigm, to lean in, to listen and learn.

Upcoming Gatherings

At Listen + Learn we seek to celebrate people and their stories of reslience. For example, we might listen to a resettled refugee family or returning citizen as they share about their experiences and often teach us a skill or craft. Peacemaking begins with decreasing the gap of proximity and Listen + Learn is one way to take a step towards proximity. These are intimate gatherings designed for interactive learning, candid conversation, and honest curiosity. Listen + Learn is an on-going regular event.

You can buy your ticket at ncc.re/listenandlearn. All proceeds

November 19 Anti-Trafficking Love Your Neighbor Asia LOCATION:

Arlington

go directly to the people you’ll meet.

December 12

Volunteer Opportunities with the Listen + Learn Team:

Prison Reform Returning Citizens

• Communication: photography, blogging, marketing, and social media

LOCATION:

South Alexandria

• Logistics: event coordinating • Storytelling: work with the people before an event to help them share their story and speak in front of a group.

ncc.re/listenandlearn

• Partnerships: network with NGOs in the DMV and other churches to build up the refugee care movement. nationalcommunity.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE JETER

PEACEMAKING IN SOUTHEAST

WASHINGTON, D.C. e hold a monthly Volunteer Information session at the Dream Center and run through our Core Convictions, to give the bigger picture of who we are and what we are about. One of these is “We are peacemakers.” What does peacemaking look like at the DC Dream Center? It means seeking to learn with a humble posture, to better understand the community we are working with and the needs here.

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At our twice-monthly Reconciliation Lunch we invite anyone “alive and breathing” to come and join us for a free meal at the Southeast White House. While the Dream Center is a space for programs and outreach, the Southeast White House provides space for fellowship, hospitality, and discipleship – ‘a house on a hill for all people.’ The lunch is every first and third Wednesday at 2909 Pennsylvania Avenue, with a tour of the Dream Center afterwards. We want to make space for the power of sharing a meal and crossing lines of age, race, class, and more that may divide us. Longtime friend of the Southeast White House and luncheon attendee Margaret Pope says, “Over the

As part of our ongoing conversation about the issues that divide us, we will be facilitating Racial Reconciliation discussion groups in 2020, as a space to look to scripture, ask questions, discuss bias, and share experiences. If you are interested, please reach out to us at info@ dcdreamcenter.com for more details.

We celebrated two years in August, and are looking forward to year three with the following programs taking place:

• The Vibe Teen Group

• One-on-one mentoring (Fifty mentors so far have committed to at least 10 hours per month)

• Art classes

• Year-round music classes (Students have the opportunity for one-on-one lessons each semester, and there is a general class so that every child can be involved, even if they are new to music classes. Kids can learn guitar, piano, keyboard, violin, or percussion.)

• Bible studies

• Food distribution

• Martial arts classes • Health and fitness classes

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Peacemaking also comes through partnerships. We continue to work with the Mary’s Center, and this fall will be offering their Strengthening Families Coping Resources course of sessions to families.

Counselors and trained team members will be on hand to facilitate and assist in bringing harmony to family dynamics.

• After-school tutoring

• Self-defense classes

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years I’ve met people from different walks of life and they have all been delightful to meet.

At each luncheon I’ve learned something that I didn’t know before about the person or life in general — this has been one of the highlights of my life.”

Missions 2019–2020

Partnering with Corporations, Churches, and Organizations “We’d love to have you consider having your company or organization partner with us,” says Ernest Clover. “Just send us an email at info@dcdreamcenter.com.”

• Purple Strategies, Inc donates web hosting and communications consulting

• The Dwellus Group hosts an annual fundraising golf tournament

• For the second year running Deloitte partnered with us for their Impact Day to beautify the outside spaces at the DC|DC and Southeast White House

• Partnership with NCC Kids and other local churches to provide 150 children with school supplies for the new academic year

A Hub for the Community The DC|DC continues to fill a significant need for a warm, bright space where neighbors and organizations can meet, deepen relationships, and increase understanding.

• Monthly Police Service Area meetings • Randle Highlands Citizen Civic Association • Second Job Fair with over 350 attendees • “Made in the DMV” conference with over 400 creatives attending • Pop-up shops for locally-owned businesses • MLK Day service project with 150 teens

Want to get involved?

Just show up any Second Saturday 10am-noon: serve with us 1pm-2pm: info session and tour

• Thanksgiving dinner basket distribution to over 200 families • Christmas party and Santa’s Toy Shop for neighborhood kids with 400 children receiving new toys • Easter party • Twice-monthly Wednesday reconciliation lunches • Weekly Tuesday prayer breakfasts

Learn more: info@dcdreamcenter.com DCDreamCenter.com DCDreamCenter

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PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

ASK ANYTHING. LISTEN WELL. FREELY DISAGREE. LOVE REGARDLESS.

BY PASTOR BROOKE PERRY

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his next generation is one that is deeply moved by injustice. They also have access to more information than any other

generation has ever had before. That’s why it’s more important than ever that they (and we) learn how to think, and not what to think. And as we learn how to think, we practice peacemaking by learning how to engage with people who think differently than we do.

We learn how to ask questions and be honest about doubts and struggles in faith. We learn how to disagree with one another and still stay in dialogue; how to listen to someone and not feel the need to correct, argue or defend; and how to love, really love one another—no matter where the other person is or what the other person has done.

These practices of peacemaking—Ask Anything; Listen Well; Freely Disagree; and Love Regardless— shape the way our students learn how to think and how to interact as bridge builders. Our youth will have many opportunities in the coming year to continue practicing peacemaking: in intense small group discussions; at Mission Camp as we serve our friends experiencing homelessness; and on mission in Jackson, MS this summer. It’s exciting to watch as more and more of our students take the initiative to practice peacemaking at home, in school, and in all spheres of their lives.

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Missions 2019–2020

PHOTO CREDIT: OBI OKOLO

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PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA HUGHES

PHOTO CREDIT: CRISTINA GORE

HOW FAMILIES CAN PARTICIPATE

Young Peacemakers What if the next generation were leaders in dialogue, diffusers of conflict, quick to extend empathy and understanding? What if they saw difference as an opportunity for learning and listening?

Young people often lead us with how to approach difference with curiosity and how to be quick to forgive.

Through our Peacemakers series, we will encourage kids to explore what it looks like to honor others while expressing themselves.

Through the teachings of Jesus, we have a model for love, forgiveness, understanding, and empathy.

We will explore what it looks like to engage with those that seem different, to ask hard questions, to listen well, and to self-reflect.

Our prayer is that kids will learn the skill of being peacemakers in their families, communities, and the world. We can’t wait to partner with you!

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Missions 2019–2020

Share a Meal

This year, NCC Kids is encouraging families to engage in relationship by sharing a meal with another family.

Each NCC Family will receive a “Pass it Forward” dish.

The intent is for families to practice peacemaking by dining with someone new or delivering a meal to build a new relationship. Kids will receive discussion questions to guide conversation and encourage this new connection.

Support Local Families

At the kids check-in, a collection jug will be available for NCC Kids to donate to bless another family. The DC Dream Center provides Thanksgiving meals to local families. Funds donated to the DC Dream Center will help cover the cost to bless a family with an entire Thanksgiving dinner.

Provide Blessing Bag Supplies

As tradition, NCC Kids is partnering with A1:8 to provide blessing bags for the annual Annual DC Friendsgiving and Alexandria Gratitude Table. We are hoping that each family will donate the supplies for at least one complete blessing bag for our families experiencing homelessness. Kids will receive a bag to collect donations, bringing them to kids church November 17. Blessing bag supplies include basic survival necessities, personal care items, and thoughtful extras that might brighten someone’s day.

PHOTO CREDIT: PEARCE MURPHY

A1:8 Commons

Meeting the needs of our cities with the resources and skills of our church.

As the church began, those who believed had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2:44-45) A1:8 Commons is a database of needs, skills, and resources. Getting involved is easy. Just go to the website and: 1. Create a profile 2. Offer your skills and resources 3. Meet needs in our community

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PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM MASON

2020 Mission Teams “For you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 The goal of every Christ-follower is to live on mission every day, wherever you are. The deepest level of gospel transformation results in living out the mission of Jesus wherever we walk. Our mission teams serve as ambassadors of reconciliation, providing on-theground support to long-term partners, establishing new relationships, and witnessing how God is working to bring all nations to Him. Our mission teams serve as peacemakers, coming alongside long-term partners, establishing new relationships, and learning how God is at work throughout the world.

For more information, updates, or to sign up for a mission team, visit ncc.re/missionteams.

Africa.....................................................................35 Asia/Pacific..........................................................36 Europe.................................................................. 37 Latin America/Caribbean..................................38 Middle East/North Africa..................................42 North America.....................................................43 34

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Missions 2019–2020

Africa South Africa (Jeffreys Bay) May 2020 $2,250 / Leaders: Jodi Otto and Amanda Seidler

PHOTO CREDIT: AMANDA GANN

CHILD ADVOCACY

PEACEMAKING

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

For the eighth year, we are partnering with Victory4All Ministries—an organization dedicated to providing education and care to children to help break the cycle of poverty in their communities. We have witnessed the transformational power of prayer over the past few years in South Africa, and we continue to bring teams to support Victory4All as they boldly ask God for the provision of miracles.

DR Congo (Uvira) June/July 2020 $3,150 / Leader: Kristin Bennink

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

CHILD ADVOCACY

Focused on education and teacher training, we will be returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the tenth consecutive year to work with Congo for Christ Center. A ministry replanted after devastating war has grown to become a robust children’s center, a thriving church, and an exemplary primary school. If you work in education, we highly encourage you to become part of this mission team.

DR Congo Partnership Team Fall 2020 $3,000 / Leaders: Nik Hanlon and Kristin Bennink

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

CHILD ADVOCACY

PHOTO CREDIT: NICK WELSH

The staff and students at Congo for Christ Center and Mango Tree School in Eastern Congo have become a part of the NCC family. This year, we will be hosting them in DC! Funds raised by NCC team members will pay for housing and transportation for their mission team. We will work with their staff and students to continue their professional development and English studies. They will share their experiences of God’s love with us.

We desire to see their roots grow even deeper within NCC!

Ghana (Accra) November 2020 $2,500 / Leaders: David Collier and Marvin Glenn

CHILD ADVOCACY

HOMELESSNESS

For the second year, we will return to learn from Future of Africa as they provide literacy and arts programs, meals, and mentorship for youth experiencing homelessness in Accra. If you have a heart for children, passion for peacemaking, and a willingness to share God’s love, we invite you to join this team!

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Zambia (Chingola)

CHILD ADVOCACY

POVERTY

August 2020 $3,000 / Leaders: Pastor Marion Mason and Jamie Friedrich We will be returning to Chingola, Zambia, for our eighth year, working with Lusungu Children’s Home and Mercy Kids Africa. We will be working with children in the community—hosting kids programs, tutoring, teaching life and job skills, and providing medical care. If you want to work with children, have expertise in social work, teaching/training, medical, agriculture, construction, storytelling, or business development, we encourage you to become part of this team!

Asia/Pacific

PHOTO CREDIT: NICK WELSH

India (Telangana) March 20 - 28 2020

CHILD ADVOCACY

$3,100 / Leader: Pastor Joel Schmidgall We’ll be partnering with Covenant Children’s Homes, whose aim is to integrate children who have been abandoned into well-established church communities. These children are raised by the pastor and nurtured by the larger church community. We’ll also partner with India Christian Ministries, a disciple-making organization, committed to bringing the gospel to every village and town of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Thailand (Bangkok) Late Summer/Early Fall 2020 $2,800 / Leader: Pastor Jenni Clayville

ANTITRAFFICKING

Thailand and DC aren’t so different—both have high incidences of human trafficking and exploitation. We will focus on prevention, care, and outreach with partners such as A21 Thailand, MST Project, and The Well. Our hope is to come in as learners and use what we learn when we return in serving our own community. While this team is limited to ages 18+ and prior mission experience is required, we welcome all knowledge and skill levels.

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Missions 2019–2020

Europe

PHOTO CREDIT: OBI OKOLO

Cyprus (Nicosia) Summer 2020 Leaders: Pastor Dave Schmidgall and Pastor Mark Batterson

EVANGELISM

Tony and Jamie Sebastian are using coffee and a business platform to pioneer spiritual community and empower the marginalized in Cyprus. They are forming platforms in Cyprus that give legitimacy and legal covering for other business as mission sites around the globe. Pastor Mark, Lora, and Pastor Dave will join invited business leaders within NCC to partner in a business as mission event that will draw practitioners from over 20 countries in a variety of styles, all using business to build spiritual community and empower marginalized people.

Italy (Rome) Spring 2020 $2800 / Leader: Pastor Heidi Scanlon

EVANGELISM

This is a “business as mission” team to encourage senior international professionals based in Rome.

Participants will lead sessions related to integrating kingdom principles in leadership and business. Sessions include incorporating best practices in emotional health and intercultural communication for high-capacity staff from diverse, global backgrounds. This multi-church team requires experience in prophetic ministry.

Northern Ireland (Derry)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

July 3 - 13, 2020 $2500 / Leaders: Coleen O’Leary and Melissa Burns-Johnson

PEACEMAKING

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

This team will return to Derry, the site of 1972’s Bloody Sunday. Our hope is to bring continued healing to a historically tense region and engage in active peacemaking. We will partner with Cornerstone City Church in Derry as they put on a week of vacation Bible school for the area’s Catholic and Protestant children; offer prayer; assist in a football tournament for kids; and participate in various projects around the city to improve the community.

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Latin America /Carribean

PHOTO CREDIT: JHOEL GARCIA

The Bahamas (Grand Bahama)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

April 12 - 26, 2020 $2450 / Leaders: Katarlah Taylor, Katarvia Taylor, and Sean Spence

Join us as we travel to Grand Bahama to assist with rebuilding efforts in the wake of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Dorian, the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the open Atlantic Ocean. Our team will partner with the local Christian Council as they help rebuild a community and provide spiritual and physical support to those who have lost loved ones and homes.

Bolivia (Cochabamba)

CHILD ADVOCACY

Early July 2020 $2000 / Leaders: Kelly and Rick Kenney

Join us as we partner with NCCers Brian and Julie McArthur on their outdoor adventure therapy program, Fundación Aventura. Fundación Aventura uses experiential learning techniques that utilize participatory outdoor challenges to help teens work through the effects of trauma and build up their self-confidence as they experience the fullness of life God has for them. If you love unique experiences—such as rigorous hiking at high altitudes, camping, and the outdoors—this team is for you!

El Salvador (Chirilagua)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Summer 2020 $1200 / Leaders: Pastor Jon Vaughn and Adriana Gomez Schellhaas

Between 1979 and 1992, nearly 25 percent of the population of El Salvador fled the violence of civil war.

Some 5,000 people came from a village called Chirilagua and settled in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria. Our team will listen and learn about the history and culture of the village. We’ll be serving with local churches in practical ways throughout the Chirilagua area.

Guatemala (Guatemala City) July 18 - 26, 2020 $1600 / Leaders: Jacob Eckles and Lauren Chambers

CHILD ADVOCACY

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

We will continue our partnership with Champions in Action Guatemala, an organization dedicated to changing the lives of youth in Guatemala through soccer and faith. We will participate in their annual soccer camp, which provides training, competition, coaching, and connects youth to a year long mentoring program.

Team participants will support Champions in Action, as they help put on the camp.

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PHOTO CREDIT: JHOEL GARCIA

These portraits (pages 38–41) are taken by Jhoel Garcia, a Bolivian youth who grew up in the Bolivia Life Center (BLC), a home for children who have been neglected or abandoned. Through Fundación Aventura, many of the youth at the BLC participate in adventure therapy programs, such as camping and hiking, as a way to work through trauma, and build life-skills. After leaving the BLC, Jhoel has gone on to become a photographer, capturing some of the camping trips he once participated in as a boy.

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Guatemala Partnership Team

CHILD ADVOCACY

February 3 - 6, 2020 $1350 / Leader: Lauren Chambers

We will be collaborating with DC-based partners to create and implement a three-day training workshop for the Champions in Action Guatemala Team. Funds raised by NCC team members will pay for housing and transportation for the Champion staff to travel to DC to receive training in areas such as leadership, program planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and curriculum development. Utilizing our local resources, we expect this will enhance and strengthen the Champions in Action mentorship program, as well as allowing our NCC community to learn from and pray with their incredible staff.

CHILD ADVOCACY

Haiti (Port-Au-Prince) May 2020

POVERTY

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

$2,100 / Leaders: Heather Corsi and Reagan Chaney Haiti was the first country to have a successful slave revolt that led to the revolution of Haiti. In recent years, Haiti has experienced economic hardships as well as political unrest; however, that has not prevented Haitians from having hope and fighting for justice for their future. Since 2012, NCC has partnered with Haitian couple Franceli and Julie Joseph at the Redeemers Child Orphanage and school. Join us as we continue to work alongside the Josephs as well as engage with the kids at Redeemer’s Child.

Honduras (Choluteca) August 2020 $2150 / Leaders: Jeanne Almeida, Caleb and Kelly Hii

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

CHILD ADVOCACY

We will be partnering with Koinonia Children’s Ministries to share the gospel and pray with the children in Cedeño and Choluteca. We’ll be building relationships with the children in the Ministry’s children’s home, work on small-scale construction, and repair projects for local families. Our hope is to share Jesus’ love in these communities, as well as grow closer to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Jamaica (Ocho Rios)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

August 2020 $2,300 / Leaders: Josepha Mbouma and Tiffany Slater

HEALTH

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

One of our oldest mission teams, we are returning to Ocho Rios to partner with Teen Challenge Jamaica as they endeavor to holistically help men and women become physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well. They seek to meet these goals through mentoring, vocational training, and biblical studies. Through encouraging entrepreneurship, they’ve nearly realized their dream to see their ministry and students be selfsustaining.

México (Agua Prieta) Spring 2020 $1800 / Leaders: Jill Carmichael and Amy Hubbard

PEACEMAKING

We will be returning to the border at Agua Prieta, Mexico, and Douglas, Arizona, seeking to learn from the people who live on both sides of the Mexican-American border. The team will visit border patrol, migrant shelters, churches, rehab facilities, fair trade businesses, and experience walking through the desert. We will participate in facilitated dialogue around immigration and border life, and what a Kingdom vision looks like in this space. It is our hope to learn from people who experience all sides of immigration and take the posture of peacemakers as we seek to bring what we have learned back to our local community.

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PHOTO CREDIT: JHOEL GARCIA

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Middle East /North Africa

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE JETER

Egypt (Cairo)

EVANGELISM

PEACEMAKING

March 23 - 27, 2020 $2000 / Leaders: Joe and Kristin Pushak We will be partnering with LiveDead in Cairo, Egypt, seeking to learn what ministry looks like for them in an urban, Muslim context. While on the team, you’ll receive Arabic lessons so that you can speak a few words to the Egyptians you meet throughout your stay. This team will focus on prayer, building relationships, and learning more about vocational missions.

Israel/Palestine

PEACEMAKING

May 2020 $2,850 / Leader: Becca Pugh

Learn the foundations of peacemaking in the land where Jesus called us to be peacemakers. In partnership with The District Church and Telos, we will walk in Jesus’ footsteps to place his teachings in the current context of a conflict the world has deemed hopeless. As followers of Jesus seeking to better understand the formation and resolution of conflict, we will listen to many narratives, explore the realities of daily living in this context, examine our preconceived assumptions, and learn skills from peacemakers doing the hard work on the ground.

Jordan (Mafraq) Spring 2020 $2,500 / Leaders: Joe Cope and Jordan Teague

PEACEMAKING

REFUGEE CARE

We are excited to return to Jordan for the third year, where we will serve alongside a church in a town whose population has doubled due to the influx of Syrian refugees. Our team will be supporting and learning from our partners on the ground as they do sustainable and impactful refugee care, relief, development, and reconciliation in the midst of conflict.

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North America

PHOTO CREDIT: ERICA BAKER

American South

PEACEMAKING

Summer 2020 $2800 / Leaders: Althea Holford, Charles Williams and Rachel Irmen What if diving together into our shared past—and our current polarized reality—could help us write a better, more just future? From conversations with Native American communities along Louisiana’s bayous, to breaking bread with modern-day civil rights leaders in Selma, an American Pilgrimage provides us the tools, relationships, and inspiration to wrestle with a more complete telling of the American story. Together we can better work to heal the racial injustice, inequality, and political polarization that plagues our nation today.

Baltimore, Maryland

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

May 2020 $400 / Leader: Pastor Joshua Symonette

CHILD ADVOCACY

This is a two-day missional opportunity to Baltimore in partnership with BluPrint, a new non-profit created

by Pastor Joshua to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. The goal of this endeavor is to better understand the landscape of Baltimore by engaging in a tour of the city to see the issues and the potential. We will also engage with a BluPrint partner school to revitalize one area inside the school and facilitate a fun-filled day for the students and staff. Our hope is to lay a foundation for long-term relationships, and to infuse hope into the environment of the local students, parents, and teachers.

Champions in Action DC July 2020 $600 / Leader: Bethany Strumpell

CHILD ADVOCACY

PEACEMAKING

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

Champions In Action DC (CIA DC)—a sports-focused nonprofit—uses soccer to extend hospitality and love to refugee families that have been resettled in the Washington DC area. Soccer has given these kids both an outlet and a place to belong. Join us to help host their third annual camp where 80+ kids are placed with coaches that will help develop their soccer skills, build relationships with their families, and invest in their futures. Soccer or sports experience is recommended, but not essential.

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Jackson, Mississippi

PEACEMAKING

HOMELESSNESS

July 10 - 19, 2020 $950 / Leaders: Brooke Perry and Nick Montgomery

NCC YOUTH

NCC Youth will be returning for a third year to learn from the city of Jackson. We will partner with “We Will Go” to serve those experiencing homelessness, drug abuse, and poverty among other hardships. We will also help host and run their Camp Hope, a summer-long program for the kids of Jackson, by teaching them about Jesus and giving them a space to have a ton of fun!

Justice Experience DC

HOMELESSNESS

Spring 2020

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

$100 / Leaders: Michelle Cody and Jill Carmichael We invite you to join us as we partner with the National Coalition for the Homeless to share in the struggles of people who are experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. With advice and insights from a guide who has experienced or is currently experiencing homelessness, you will spend three nights learning what the city has to offer (in terms of services for those experiencing homelessness), and begin to understand what it is like to sleep on the street. It is our hope for participants to gain lasting empathy and practical knowledge through this experience.

Monterey, Virginia

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

October 2020 $250 / Leaders: David Steele and Stewart Elzinga

The Monterey Woodcutting Ministry has gathered each October to cut, split, and load logs into trucks, and deliver the wood to community members who lack the physical or financial means to provide it for themselves. In partnership with the local church, participants will also spend time developing relationships and praying with community members.

NCC Youth Mission Camp June 26 - July 1, 2020 $0 / Leader: Ericka Symonette

PEACEMAKING

HOMELESSNESS

Something happens in students at Mission Camp, as the Bible goes from being talked about and heard to something experienced and applied. Students experience how they can upend injustice in their city, extend mercy in their community, and walk with God along the way. This generation desires to make a difference.

Mission Camp teaches them how. This team will not only help organize the local mission projects for NCC Youth, but will also serve the youth of our church by helping expose them to real needs in the DMV area, and develop their hearts for justice and service for the Kingdom.

Washington View, DC June 2020 $1,000 / Leaders: Joel Buckner and Joel Frye

CHILD ADVOCACY

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

Led by a team of NCC men, we will be partnering with KIPP DC: Heights Academy (Douglass Campus) to help third and fourth grade boys navigate the journey from childhood to adolescence. Through support and mentorship, participants will safely experience a week of physical challenges, character-building exercises, and exposure to Washington, DC’s amazing natural landscapes and wildlife. Following a week of daily challenges and adventures, we will conclude with an overnight camping trip at a local state park.

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Waynetown, Indiana

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

June 20 - 28, 2020 $750 / Leaders: Pam Gilray and Amy Lebrecht

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

Join us for our fifth mission team to Waynetown, Indiana, as we partner with Be the Church, a ministry began by former NCCers Brad and Kathryn Eads. We will work, alongside Be the Church, renovating buildings in the heart of Waynetown. Our hope is to create places for community to gather, for the church to be present in the middle of the marketplace, and for Christ’s love to be experienced in rural Indiana.

Waynetown Strategic Skills Team

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

April 18 - 25, 2020 $750 / Leader: Bruce Bryant

The 2020 Waynetown Strategic Skills Mission Team is a continuation of NCC’s relationship with Brad and Kathryn Eads and their “Be the Church” ministry. This team will provide targeted and skilled support, as identified by the Eads. We are hoping to recruit a team skilled in construction/finishing, marketing, business planning, and prayer.

Pine Ridge, South Dakota

PEACEMAKING

Summer 2020 $1000 / Leader: Eric Marshall

GREAT FOR FIRST TIME

One of the nation’s largest Indian reservations, Pine Ridge, is home to the Lakota people and some of the most significant figures and events in American Indian history. It is also the most impoverished community in America. We will be working alongside local tribal members to repair homes and help residents withstand harsh weather. Along the way you’ll engage with local residents and hear incredible stories of perseverance, forgiveness, faith, and peace.

For more information, updates, or to sign up for a mission team, visit ncc.re/missionteams.

A1:8 Missions Campus Directors B ARR ACKS ROW: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.barrackspm@theaterchurch.com CAP I TOL HILL: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.capitolhill@theaterchurch.com LIN COLN: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.barracksam@theaterchurch.com B ALLSTON : Patrick Gooley — aoneeight.ballston@theaterchurch.com GAINESVILL E: Pam Gilray — pam.gilray@theaterchurch.com KIN GSTOWNE: Sean Spence — aoneeight.kingstowne@theaterchurch.com P OTOM AC YARD : Matt Gillette — matthew.gillette@theaterchurch.com

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PUTTING PEACEMAKING

INTO PRACTICE f we are going to practice peacemaking, we cannot do it alone.

We need the Spirit of God, and we need each other—for support, guidance, encouragement, and refinement. Several NCC groups are dedicated to peacemaking.

I

Nick’s men’s group mentors youth experiencing homelessness and instability, learning from one another along the way.

In preparation for the holidays, Danielle and Amanda are equipping individuals to have conversations with family members who hold differing points of view.

Althea is creating a mission team-small group hybrid that will explore the issues of systemic racism and historic structures of oppression in our country, all while dialoguing to find a way forward.

Meg leads a group for men and women that applies biblical principles of reunion, reconciliation, and healing to the issues of inequity and brokenness in the #metoo era.

How might God be encouraging you to engage in peacemaking? How might He be encouraging you to create space for others to engage?

Be on the lookout for peacemaking-oriented groups, or consider starting a conversation with the Groups Director at your location to launch something new.

We’d love to help you put peacemaking into practice. Email groups@theaterchurch.com to find out more.●

Mission: Reconcile presents

Conversation On: Peacemaking Around the Family Table Thursday, November 21 | 7–9pm | The Capital Turnaround ncc.re/now For more info, contact Danielle Blevins, emailsindc@gmail.com

We’re headed back home for the holidays. Gathered around tables, we will be confronted with the many unique views shared by family members. Learn how to engage with others of differing viewpoints as a peacemaker—in grace and truth.

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COMING UP AT NCC

Learn more at ncc.re/now

Wednesday, November 6

DC Dream Center Reconciliation Lunch

Saturday, November 9

Second Saturday Serve

Saturday, November 16

Peacemaking and Trauma Informed Care

Tuesday, November 19

Listen + Learn: Anti-trafficking

Sunday, November 17

Blessing Bags due to NCC Kids (check-in table at your campus)

Wednesday Nov 20th

DC Dream Center Reconciliation Lunch

Thursday, November 21

“Peacemaking Around the Family Table” (presented by Mission:Reconcile)

Saturday, November 23

DC Friendsgiving

Thursday, November 28

Thanksgiving Day; Alexandria Gratitude Table

Saturday, December 7 NCC Kids Christmas Show Saturday, December 7 InService Info Session and Celebration Thursday, December 12

Listen + Learn: Returning Citizens

*Follow NCC’s A1:8 Missions on Instagram (@aoneeight)

3 Ways To Give “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

theaterchurch.com/giving TXT “$(amount) NCC” to 45777 Cash or Check

(Find offering envelopes at the Connections Table)

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WEEKLY GATHERINGS AT NCC CAMPUSES God created us to support, encourage, and rely on one another. Find community each week at NCC. Worship • Be transformed, inspired, and filled as you come into the presence of God Learn • Grow in faith as we hear teaching from the Bible we can apply to our lives Connect • Develop meaningful relationships and grow in community Go • Get equipped to love and serve each other, our neighborhoods, and around the world

BARRACKS ROW Saturday Nights, 5pm Pastor Marion Mason

— theaterchurch.com/barracksrow E-news: ncc.re/enewsBarracksSat • Facebook Group: Barracks Row Saturday Night NCCers Washington, DC

A1:8 Campus Director: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.barrackspm@theaterchurch.com

CAPITOL HILL

Sundays, 9am & 11am Pastor Joel Schmidgall — theaterchurch.com/capitolhill E-news: ncc.re/enewsCapHill •

Facebook Group: Capitol Hill NCCers A1:8 Campus Director: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.capitolhill@theaterchurch.com

LINCOLN THEATRE Sundays, 10:30am Pastor Dave Schmidgall E-news: ncc.re/enewsLincoln •

— theaterchurch.com/lincoln Facebook Group: Lincoln Theatre NCCers

A1:8 Campus Director: Kiana Vincent — aoneeight.barracksam@theaterchurch.com

BALLSTON

Sundays, 9:30am & 11am Pastor Jenni Clayville — theaterchurch.com/ballston E-news: ncc.re/enewsBallston •

Facebook Group: Ballston NCCers A1:8 Campus Director: Patrick Gooley — aoneeight.ballston@theaterchurch.com

GAINESVILLE

Virginia

Sundays, 10am Pastor Robb Schmidgall — theaterchurch.com/gainesville E-news: ncc.re/enewsgvemail •

Join our Facebook Group: Gainesville NCCers

A1:8 Campus Director: Pam Gilray — pam.gilray@theaterchurch.com

KINGSTOWNE Sundays, 9am & 10:30am Pastor Joshua Symonette E-news: ncc.re/enewsKT •

— theaterchurch.com/kingstowne Facebook Group: Kingstowne NCCers

A1:8 Campus Director: Sean Spence — aoneeight.kingstowne@theaterchurch.com

POTOMAC YARD Sundays, 10am Pastor Jon Vaughan — theaterchurch.com/potomacyard E-news: ncc.re/enewsPY •

Join our Facebook Group: Potomac Yard NCCers A1:8 Campus Director: Matt Gillette — matthew.gillette@theaterchurch.com

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