September 2021 Newsletter

SEPTEMBER

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

THIS ISSUE NOTE FROM JOHN Page 02

HISPANIC HERITAGE Page 03

TABLESETTER HIGHLIGHT Page 07

UPCOMING FOR YOU Page 08

2021

A NOTE FROM JOHN I

hope those of you with kids are adjusting back to the school schedules, remembering to make lunches, and getting to the bus stop on time. If you’re like me, we just sent our first child off to college, so that adds a whole different aspect to this season.

Although the calendar says fall is right around the corner we live in Georgia, so no one told the weather. However, I am excited for football season and the fact that it appears those ceramic pumpkins in front of Kroger are finally in season.

I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for how we rallied around this summer’s School Supply Drive! Both Hayes Elementary and Marietta High School students and teachers were blessed by the abundance of supplies donated. I love seeing NMC being the Church and meeting needs; these are the things that will help us in our vision to Be Missed.

Kennesaw Mountain High School approached us to help them lead and launch a character education program on campus and of course, we said yes, but we need help. If you are interested email our Student Pastor, Derek McClardy at dmcclardy@northmetro.org.

This fall, Rob and the teaching team will be going through the Old Testament Book, Song of Solomon, in a series called Into Me See. This will be a time to dive deeper into what Scripture says about dating and marriage.

Lastly, I wanted to invite each of you to jump into NMCU with us this fall. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to preview Semester One and it quickly became the highlight of my week. So, if you haven’t already, jump over to our website, find one of the time offerings that work for you, and sign up. You will not regret making time for this!

On the subject of local schools, another great way you can get involved is to become a mentor at a local high school.

JOHN MAGGARD

Executive Pastor

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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH September 15 through October 15 marks the celebration of Hispanic American Heritage Month.

Our nation honors the history, positive impact, and contributions Hispanic and Latino cultures have made in America. Through festivals, music, art, food, and parades these cultures will be highlighted across our nation.

In 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated this month starting September 15 because it was the day that five central American countries gained their independence.

Throughout the years, the Lord has used so many of our Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters to help people find and follow Jesus within and throughout our country.

And while it would take hundreds of books to capture all of the stories of their sacrifice, their devotion, their perseverance and their love of the Gospel, we would like to take a moment in this month’s newsletter to highlight one of the heroes of the faith.

Evangelist, Luis Palau Jr. was born in Argentina, November 27, 1934. He became a believer when he was 12. While still living in Argentina in the 1950’s he heard Billy Graham for the first time on a radio

broadcast. This inspired him and eventually led him to work for Billy Graham’s ministry as a Spanish translator and evangelist. Graham would go on to become one of Luis’s greatest financial supporters when the Lord led him to launch his own ministry.

He and his wife Pat did mission work in Mexico and Colombia for 8 years. In the 1970’s Luis started building the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, based in Beaverton, Oregon. In 2003, he hosted radio programs in English and Spanish that reached 48 countries. He was recognized that year for being “at the forefront of efforts to make evangelist more active, contemporary and accessible to a younger audience.”

Luis authored several books. One of his most famous is A Friendly Dialogue Between An Atheist and a Christian.

After battling lung cancer, Luis went home to be with Jesus on March 11, 2021. His passion and burden to help people find and follow Jesus impacted millions throughout his ministry. “...The most thrilling thing you can ever do is win someone to Christ. And it’s contagious. Once you do it, you don’t want to stop.” - Luis Palau Jr.

To all of our Hispanic/Latino American brothers and sisters here at NMC, please know that we are honored that the Lord called you here to be a part of the NMC family. We simply could not be the church God has called us to be without you.

To God be the glory!

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CARE PRAYER Prayer is powerful. It’s one of the most important things we can do as a church. Our staff and prayer team would love to come alongside you and fight for you in whatever difficulty you may be experiencing and also celebrate any answered prayers! To share your prayer requests, visit the Contact Us page at northmetro.org.

PREMARITAL MENTORING 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 our premarital discipleship class, Merge. Classes meet Sunday afternoons for three hours on three consecutive Sundays.The Merge class is available to those who regularly attend North Metro Church and who are already engaged.

The next class begins Sunday, October 10.

Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org/care.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that provides support for those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our faith community who are well trained in encouraging others enduring painful times such as the loss of a loved one,

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a marriage, a job, or one’s health. If you find yourself in a valley of tough times, please consider using our Stephen Ministry to help you bear your burdens. For more information or to speak with a Stephen Minister, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

FRESH START If you’ve been hurt or wounded by someone close to you or have tried to forgive someone, but feelings of resentment, bitterness, and hurt still crop up in your life, maybe you need a Fresh Start. Fresh Start is an interactive process with a small group of women or men and facilitators utilizing biblical principles to help you become Forgiven, Forgiving, and Free. For more information, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to provide encouragement and hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a loved one’s betrayal.

However, our goal is to not stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope. This group meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, from 7:00-9:00pm. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

WOMEN’S INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises that it will be easy. 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. Meetings are on the second Monday of each month from 7:00-8:45pm.

To connect with the leader, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT We understand hearing the diagnosis of cancer is scary and life-changing. The Women’s Cancer Support group was created to help both patients and caregivers through this challenging journey with a focus on God first. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, are a survivor, or a caregiver, this group is for you.

Group meetings are in-person, with digital options, and meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. To learn more, contact the group leaders by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

CONNECT & GROW NMCU is the new discipleship process at North Metro Church.

NMCU is an intentional environment built to create a firm foundation of faith by studying God’s Word and forming a biblical worldview. In this program, you’ll move through a set sequence of semesters and learn about the big picture of Scripture, how it all leads to Jesus, and how we live in light of that. And all of it is done around tables in a community.

BEGINNING THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Inaugural Semester 1 group begins Sunday, September 12, and will run through Sunday, November 14. The deadline to sign up is Monday, September 6.

SUNDAY 4:00-600pm

WEDNESDAY 9:30-11:30am

THURSDAY 7:00-9:00pm

FRIDAY 6:30-8:30AM

Women’s Group

On-Campus and NMC+ options

Men’s Group

WELCOME HOME

TABLESETTERS

Sunday, September 26 | 11:30am-12:30pm

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 the Get Involved page at northmetro.org to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

Finding a church home can be a challenging process. Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and give you next steps on how you can belong to our family. Visit the Events page at northmetro.org to learn more and sign up.

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LYDIA CIRCLE MINISTRIES

Making, Multiplying, and Growing Disciples

Mobilization Spotlight

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 The people of Africa are very spiritual,

displays the way our hearts are changed by

passionate, and truly genuine souls...

the Gospel. This ministry tool is dynamically

especially the women of Africa. After

encouraging in a community where about

Lydia Circle Ministries’ Founder,

half of the women, and the community they

Melinda Dykstra, took a trip to Zambia

preach to, are illiterate. The pictures on the

in 2005, she immediately saw this

cloth give even those who cannot read the

passion and the huge potential for

courage to tell someone about the Gospel.

ministry among the women of Africa.

This year the women of NMC are partnering with Lydia Circle to provide women in Malawi with their own Bible. The goal is 1500 Bibles and we would

Since most of the women who attend a Lydia

love for you to join us in

Since then Melinda has traveled all over

Circle conference speak tribal languages, the

providing the Word of God

Malawi, Togo, Ghana, Nairobi, Kenya,

women are encouraged to read the Bible

to these women! You can

Zambia, Uganda, and several cities in

in their own language while a translator is

purchase a Bible by visiting

Mozambique pursuing her mission to provide

used as well. They are also asked to teach

lydiacircleministries.org

women with discipleship and the tools to

each other, so they not only receive a good

and click Donate.

evangelize to the people in their community.

understanding of the lesson taught but

Lydia Circle uses a simple yet powerful strategy to teach the women who come to their ministry: “Evangelism is taught using a proven visual tool that helps deliver the life-changing message of Christ,” as well as

remember it. By professing the Gospel in a way that is akin to the genuine connection Africans make with each other every single day, Lydia Circle has been able to make a huge impact in the rural churches they visit.

easily remembered Scripture verses. This

For more information on all of

visual tool is an “evangi-cloth” based on the

NMC’s Mobilization Partners

Heart of Man evangelism model. The cloth

visit northmetro.org.

LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS Monday, October 4 | 9:00am-12:00pm

Did you know that girls in Africa miss days of school and/or work each month due to a lack of hygiene supplies? Many girls are forced to stay in their homes because of their monthly menstrual cycle causing them to fall behind in school or go without earned wages. Though we in the Western world cannot relate to this common challenge, there is an easy solution where we can help!

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The women of North Metro sew and assemble feminine hygiene kits that are sustainable, reusable products that give African women the freedom to stay engaged in their everyday life. These kits are then personally distributed to women in East Africa through NMC’s mobilization partner, Lydia Circle Ministries. Lydia Circle has hand-delivered hundreds of these kits over the past several years!

Join us at our next Lydia Circle Sews event!

There are plenty of ways to help without using a sewing machine so don’t let a lack of sewing experience keep you from linking arms with NMC women to serve girls in Africa! Sign up to join us by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

Barbara Williams

B

arbara and her family have been a part of North Metro church since the very

beginning, 23 years! Barbara is known for her gifting in sewing and God has been using this talent to serve others. Little did Barbara know that this beloved hobby would be used to meet the needs of hundreds of young women in Africa.

We sat down with Barbara to hear more of her story and why she leads Lydia Circle Sews here at North Metro Church.

Q: How did you end up leading Lydia Circle Sews?

A: I’ve served in different areas throughout the church, but one of my greatest passions was co-leading young couples in what was called

each piece, so those who don’t sew have something to do, including my young elementary-aged grandchildren.

Q: Were you able to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic?

NWeds with my husband, Greg.

A: During the pandemic, we could

And NWeds is where leading Lydia

not hold the workshops altogether,

Circle Sews began because one of

so ladies worked at home and made

the newlyweds, Megan, came to me

pieces of the kit. When we get together

after a friend of hers had been to

in October we’re going to gather

Haiti and saw menstrual hygiene

all the pieces everyone has been

kits being handed out to ladies

working on in their homes and small

there. Since we did service projects

groups and assemble them all in kits.

often with NWeds, she asked me

We’re hoping it makes 100 kits!

if we could do something like it, so I looked into the humanitarian organization Days for Girls, who made

Q: Where do the kits go when they are finished?

those kits and connected with the

A: All of the kits we’ve made go with

Atlanta chapter. And now we’ve been

one of NMC’s mobilization partners,

making them for nearly five years!

Lydia Circle. Founder, Melinda

Q: How are the kits made?

Dykstra, delivers these by hand to

A: Word spread about the effort, and

across several African countries.

ladies from the church were all in with

Her goal while she’s there is to teach

this idea, providing the materials we

women how to share the Gospel, and

needed to make them and making

thousands have come to know the

them efficiently, like providing a dye-

Lord because of her ministry. Melinda

cut machine and serger. We usually

has pictures of women waving their

have about 30 women come out to

kits, all very excited with the gift.

the sewing workshops, and it’s a fun

So we’re not only changing their

time. There are many steps to make

lives spiritually but physically too.

women who attend her conferences

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UPCOMING FOR YOU CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 | 11:30AM

One of our favorite things to do here at NMC is celebrating life change through water baptism. If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to attend the next adult baptism class. For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for the class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 | 8:15AM

Saturday Serve is a great opportunity for you, your family, or those you’re in Community Group with to serve consistently throughout the year. Breakfast will be provided in the NMC Cafe at 8:15am, followed by a time of prayer before we go out to serve. This month we will be serving Hollydale Elementary, Goshen Valley, and Walk with a Purpose. For more information and to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

GOBBLE JOG

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 | 5:30-8:30PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25

NMC will be hosting its very first respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will give NMC an opportunity to not only serve kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. Please visit northmetro.org for more details, register your family, or sign up to serve at this event! Got questions? Email Erin at enason@northmetro.org.

On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will come to the Marietta Square to participate in the 19th Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Join in on the biggest fundraiser for our local partner using our NMC code, NMC21. The code will take $10 off race registration, and North Metro Church will match all donations for MUST Ministries. For more details and to register, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

DADS’ BREAKFAST

KMHS MENTORS

Are you in the midst of the fast-paced life of fatherhood? Take some time to spend with your kids, as the Men’s and Next Generation Ministries host a Dads’ Breakfast. There will be breakfast, games, and intentional time throughout the event to connect with your kids. So, dad’s load up the mini-van, bring grandpa and don’t forget the seatbelts. The event costs $10 per family. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students on a monthly basis at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). As a mentor, you’ll help facilitate a social-emotional curriculum of Habitudes by Dr. 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 our Student Pastor, Derek McClardy at dmcclardy@northmetro.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | 9:00-11:00AM

MOBILIZATION BLUE SKIES LUNCH & LEARN

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 1:00-2:00PM

NMC Families, come enjoy a free lunch and hear about how you can love on and support families going through pediatric cancer. We will be going to the beach in summer 2022 to work alongside one of our mobilization partners, Blue Skies. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

GUATEMALA LUNCH & LEARN

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 | 1:00-2:00PM

Men of NMC, come enjoy a free lunch and hear about an incredible opportunity we have to serve our partner in Guatemala, Orphan Prevention Community in summer 2022. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

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GROUPS MEN’S PODCAST | ON THE CLOCK We’ve got a great lineup of guests this fall for you that will be a reminder to all men that life is short, and if we’re to accomplish all that God has laid out for us, we need to live with intentionality. New episodes are released every other Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web at northmetro.org.

KIDS NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | 1:00-4:00PM

We’re taking Town Square out of the building for some games, ice cream, crafts, and a whole lot of fun. Meet us at Logan Farm Park (4405 Cherokee St, Acworth, GA 30101). There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime between 1:00-4:00pm.

PRESENTING THE GOSPEL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | 1:00-2:00PM

WOMEN’S PODCAST Walk Worthy is a podcast designed to both inspire and equip women in taking more deliberate steps towards more intimate, fulfilling Christ-centered lives–bearing fruit and awakening Scripture in their daily lives. New episodes are released every other Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web at northmetro.org.

Do you want to hear about the different techniques for presenting the Gospel to your child? Do you feel comfortable presenting the Gospel to your children or grandchildren? Attend our Presenting the Gospel event where we’ll discuss the “hows” and “whys” behind presenting the Gospel clearly to the children of this generation. To find out more information and to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 9:30-10:15AM

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 the Events page at northmetro.org.

PAJAMA SUNDAY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

SHORT TERM GROUP | PLACED FOR A PURPOSE

It’s time for one of our Town Square favorites – Pajama Sunday! Kids and parents always love an excuse to wear pajamas to church, so why not devote a whole morning to it. No matter where you’re joining us from, all you have to do is roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and maybe brush your hair. Don’t forget to tag @wearenorthmetro on Instagram to share your photos with us.

BEGINNING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 9:30-10:30AM

Many of us don’t know our neighbors. If we do know them, we aren’t sure how to grow the relationship or talk about our faith with them. Placed for a Purpose provides a theologically rich framework for neighboring that helps people live on mission where God has placed them. To learn more, check out the Events page on northmetro.org

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UPCOMING FOR YOU

STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT Shift is our environment for 5-7th grade students. Through teaching, worship, games, and connections in small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus.We meet during all Sunday morning worship services in the upstairs Shift Room.

SHIFT DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 & 19 | 4:00-6:00PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 & 17 | 4:00-6:00PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 & 14 | 4:00-6:00PM

Shift Discipleship Track is an opportunity for 5-7th grade students to explore and grow their faith by applying biblical truths to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, evangelism, and Bible study. Join us this semester for a variety of topics. The instruction will be delivered in multiple ways to reach a variety of learning styles. Learn more about this semester’s offerings and sign up at northmetro.org/shift.

group will take you all the way through high school. Check out the calendar at northmetro.org/shift to find out more.

These are free events and dinner will be provided.

HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS Compass is our environment for 8-12th grade students. Through teaching, worship, events, and small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus. Follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the know of upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

NMCU

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12-NOVEMBER 14 4:00-6:00PM

We’re inviting all 8th-grade students, high school students, who call North Metro Church their church home to participate in NMCU, the discipleship program at North Metro Church.

NMCU is an intentional environment built to create a firm foundation of faith by studying God’s Word and forming a biblical worldview internally to live out externally. For more information or to sign up, check it out at northmetro.org.

FOR YOU SHIFT SMALL GROUP NIGHTS

SOME WEDNESDAY NIGHTS | 6:30-8:00PM

Take your Sunday small group experience and friendships to the next level by participating in our small group gatherings. The night consists of dinner, games, and community. It is our hope that the relationships you build in your small

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COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

HAPPENING EVERY THURSDAY | 7:00-8:30PM

College students, join us for our new NMC College Bible Study Group, where we’ll experience community and God’s Word together. We’ll also have dinner, games, and a time of worship. For more details, visit the College page at northmetro.org.

COLLEGE WORSHIP NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 23 | 7:00-8:30PM

College students, join us for our new NMC College Bible Study Group, where we’ll experience community and God’s Word together. We’ll also have dinner, games, and a time of worship. For more details, visit the College page at northmetro.org.

NMCU

SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 12-NOVEMBER 14 4:00-6:00PM

All college students who call North Metro Church their church home are invited to participate in NMCU, the discipleship program at North Metro Church.

NMCU is an intentional environment built to create a firm foundation of faith by studying God’s Word and forming a biblical worldview internally to live out externally. For more information or to sign up, check it out at northmetro.org.

2025 VISION We’re getting to the year 2025 by praying our guts our and being fully

dependent on the Lord! He has entrusted us with our vision, to Be Missed,

and mission, We Help People Find and Follow Jesus. To live that out, we’re setting three God-sized goals were running towards as a church.

GOAL #1: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE FIND JESUS We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great God who loves us immeasurably more than we can imagine. We want to 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, NMCU. We’re looking to see 1,000 people faithfully following Jesus, equipped with knowledge of Scripture, to ultimately share their beliefs with others. Disciples that make disciples.

GOAL #3: EXPAND THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH FIVE NEW CHURCH PLANTS NATIONALLY AND/OR GLOBALLY Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.

As of July 2021

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Income: $411,387.29 Expense: $335,250.71 Over(under): $76,136.58

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SEPTEMBER AT A GLANCE Sunday, September 5

Friday, September 17

Morning Services 9:30am & 11:30am

NMCU 6:30-8:30am

Saturday, September 11

Sunday, September 19

NMC Kids At the Park 1:00-4:00pm

Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am

Sunday, September 12

Presenting the Gospel 1:00-2:00pm

Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am NMCU 4:00-6:00pm Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm

Wednesday, September 15 NMCU 9:30-11:30am

Thursday, September 16 NMCU 7:00-9:00pm

Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm NMCU 4:00-6:00pm

Sunday, September 26 Into Me See Teaching Series 9:30am & 11:30am Adult Baptism Class 11:30am Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm NMCU 4:00-6:00pm

Stay in the loop with all things NMC. Join our email mailing list!

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Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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