August 2021 Newsletter

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

AUGUST

THIS ISSUE NOTE FROM JOHN Page 02

BEAUTY FOR ASHES Page 04

TABLESETTER HIGHLIGHT Page 06

UPCOMING FOR YOU Page 08

2021

A NOTE FROM JOHN Hello NMC!

Is it me or do summers just keep getting shorter? I can’t believe school is starting! I hope your summer was awesome and full of rest, connections with others, and maybe you got to sneak in a vacation. With school back in session, we’re kicking off a new ministry year and I’m so excited about where God is leading North Metro Church.

We set some God-sized goals at the beginning of the calendar year that we hope to reach by 2025.

As a church we’re moving towards three big objectives over the next four years. These measurable goals will move us closer to the mission, Help People Find & Follow Jesus, and vision, Be Missed.

• • •

Help 1,000 people enroll in NMCU Help 1,000 people find Jesus Expand the Kingdom of God through five church plants nationally and/or globally

We say they’re God-sized because they are big, but we know that if you aim for nothing you’ll hit it every time. Each month moving forward in the NMC Newsletter, you’ll see updates on where we stand with these goals. Will you join us in praying for people to find Jesus and know Him better both in our area and around the world?

If you’re an NMC family member, I’d highly encourage you to jump into NMCU. The staff, board, and elders had the opportunity this summer to pilot the group. We’ve learned some great stuff as we look to build upon our knowledge of God’s Word and how the story of Scripture is knitted together in one thread from Genesis to Revelation. I can tell you, you don’t want to miss it.

JOHN MAGGARD

Executive Pastor

PAGE 2

CONNECT & GROW NMCU Beginning week of Sunday, September 12

MAKING DISCIPLES THAT MAKE DISCIPLES.

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. Learn more about varied group meeting times and sign up to join us by visiting northmetro.org/NMCU.

Welcome Home Sunday, August 22 | 11:30am-12:30pm

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.

Group Connect Sunday, August 29 | 1:00-2:30pm

If you haven’t found a Community Group here at NMC, Group Connect is for you! Whether you are looking for a women’s, men’s, or married group, we invite you to join us.

Group Connect events occur twice a year as a place to match those looking for a group and trained leaders looking to build new groups. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

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

PAGE 3

CARE PRAYER

STEPHEN MINISTRY

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.

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, 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.

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, August 15.

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

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.

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.

Interest Meeting Thursday, August 26 7:00pm

FEATURE STORY This fall, North Metro Church is launching a new care ministry for women called Beauty for Ashes, a group created to provide encouragement and hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction.

One woman shared with us her story and why this group is important to offer here at NMC.

PAGE 4

My marriage started off like most others; a big wedding full of family and friends and all the love in the world with endless potential and full of promise.

We had been high school sweethearts, destined for the dreamiest of futures desiring kids, a dog, and the clichewhite picket fence. Two years after being married, we suffered a miscarriage. This was a serious blow to the narrative I was writing for my life.

We were devastated, each blaming ourselves for the loss. Shortly after the miscarriage, my husband went on what seemed like a midlife crisis in his late twenties. He was emotionally detached from me and encroaching upon a personal journey that I was absolutely unprepared for. Talk about a house built on sinking sand!

I soon discover my husband is having an affair with a coworker. Satan is now having a field day in our lives. Life was absurd and upside down, like a circus daily. Despite the chaos of life in those days, I gave birth to our daughter early due to complications from preeclampsia.

Exactly nine months later, my husband’s affair produced the birth of this first son, and then my heart shattered. I literally felt myself die inside. Matthew 10:39 would become more literal to me in the hours, days, months, and years to come: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Now things are way outside of the plans I had for us at this point, but like Proverbs 19:21 reminds me “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” We

both wanted to get out of this mess we found ourselves in, just to escape the anguish of it all. My husband even dreamt of him and I in a tug of war literally with a rope, but it wouldn’t break. Immediately, the Lord brought to our attention that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

The Lord was the thread holding it all together.

tough, but nothing is too big for our God, and He continues to give me beauty for ashes!

Our brokenness is showing all of its ugly glory. He was cheating and I was cussing and fussing and losing absolute control of myself. The loss of my dream for my marriage was unbearable. I had worshipped my husband more than the Lord. Things were completely out of order! However, God was sure not to leave either one of us how he found us. We needed a house built upon the rock...Jesus!

As a member of the body of Christ, I hold a burden in my heart for those who have suffered betrayal in their marriages as I have. I believe what Revelation 12:11 tells us: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Our testimony is a powerful weapon against the adversary.

It deposits seeds of faith and hope.

The process of purification, refinement, sanctification, and humility led me to seek Jesus with everything in me. I buried myself in Scripture and stayed on my knees, and fasted regularly. Because of the depth of the darkness, I was able to truly appreciate His marvelous light!

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph told his brothers who left him to die in a pit, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Although Satan had hoped to destroy yet another marriage, God used it to develop my faith and my fight and my love of His Word!

Fast forward fifteen years now, I have been raising my bonus son as my own since he was three years old. It’s been

The mere fact that I survived the destruction and anguish of my heart, mind, and soul was proof enough to me that the Lord would use every ounce of my pain for His glory. God doesn’t waste a single thing.

I know that God is close to the brokenhearted because His word says so. I am serving with NMC’s care ministry to walk alongside and to point my sisters to a near and present help in the time of trouble…Jesus!

My prayer for this new Beauty for Ashes group is for God to be just who He is and to do just what He did for me.

We are a niche group of people with a unique experience, and it’s not easy to find support in the church for this type of trauma. I’m so grateful for NMC being a place of refuge for those of us who are walking or have walked this particular path. I know God will use these trying circumstances to draw us into a closer walk with Himself and that alone makes it worth it!

PAGE 5

Jim Poulakos

J

Q: What brought you to North Metro Church?

im Poulakos serves on the

A: We moved to the West Cobb area

Parking Team and as an

in 2017. I was looking for a particular

Elementary Classroom

yogurt for my wife’s smoothie at a

Teacher in Town Square.

grocery store that sent me driving past

He is known as someone who

North Metro Church. I noticed it,

always has a smile on his face.

which led us to check out the church’s

Director of First Impressions, Jess

website.We visited, enjoyed the valuable

Magee, says “Jim doesn’t need to

biblical teaching, prayed about it, and

be continually asked, motivated,

the rest is history now. The funny thing

or inspired to serve because it’s

was that two weeks after being led here,

already ingrained in him. It’s

Publix stopped carrying that brand of

evident that he loves the local

yogurt!

church and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He is a joy to serve alongside and such a blessing to everyone and every area he touches.”

Q: When did you get connected through serving?

A: I didn’t respond to God’s call since

We sat down with Jim to hear

moving to Georgia until this past

more about his story of coming

year. Pre-pandemic, I traveled a lot

to North Metro Church and his

for work, never really knowing when I

heart for serving others.

would be home. Now, the after-effects of COVID have allowed me to travel less. I know what we’re called to do as Christ Followers, to serve others.

Q: How did you end up in two serving roles?

A: I am comfortable greeting people, so parking sounded like a good place for me. And at my age, it’s tough to make friends, so I was also looking forward to fellowship with other men. That’s where I started after the building reopened. And then, I heard the call for Tablesetters needed in NMC Kids.

The Spirit said, ‘It’s time, I equipped you, you’ve done this before, the church needs you,’ so I jumped in, and it’s been great. These kids need to hear the Gospel, no kid should be turned away from that, so I had to make myself available.

Q: How do you feel God has equipped you to serve?

A: God equips! When I first started following Jesus, I was a small group leader, and there was a woman in the group who week one you could tell she didn’t want to be there. When I greeted her on week two by name, she couldn’t believe I remembered her. By week eight, she ended up accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior! She told me later that she only came back because I remembered her name. God allowed me to retain information. So sometimes, it’s just equipping with a good memory.

Q: Do you have anything to say to those thinking about becoming a Tablesetter?

A: Even if you don’t feel equipped, serve. We would be ill-equipped if we weren’t being fed first, though. I’ve found that the more connected we are to God and immersed in His Word, the more He can use us to serve others.

Visit the Get Involved page at northmetro.org today to see all the opportunities to connect with a serve team.

Poulakos PAGE 6

Beginning Thursday, August 26

Ever feel like you are meandering aimlessly through your faith journey, not experiencing the fullness of what you know is possible in your relationship with Christ? Join us for the Walk Worthy podcast!

Walk Worthy is a podcast

Walk Worthy is anchored in

In each episode, NMC’s

designed to both inspire and

the principles highlighted in

Women’s Groups Pastor,

equip women in taking more

Colossians 1:9-10...”to be

Becky Everette will invite a

deliberate steps towards more

filled with the knowledge of His

special guest for a meaningful

intimate, fulfilling Christ-

will in all spiritual wisdom and

conversation to help us all

centered lives–bearing fruit

understanding so as to walk in a

walk worthy. New episodes

and awakening Scripture in

manner worthy of the Lord, fully

will be released every other

their daily lives.

pleasing to him: bearing fruit in

Thursday.

every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

northmetro.org/womens-podcast

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UPCOMING CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

GROUPS MAN CHURCH

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 | 11:30AM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 | 7:00-9:00PM.

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.

Need to be inspired? Need to be encouraged? Need to find a community of guys to walk through life with? That is what Man Church is all about. Join us as we lock arms and are encouraged to be the men that God has created us to be. Our guest speaker will be pastor and author Crawford Loritts! Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

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.

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. Listen every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web 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.

KMHS MENTORS 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 Derek at dmcclardy@northmetro.org.

NMC+

Join us for brunch as we kick off a new ministry year! This is a great opportunity to re-connect with your NMC friends, make new ones, and learn about the opportunities available within Women’s Ministry this year. The cost for the event is $15/person and the deadline to sign up is Tuesday, August 17. Sign up on the Events page at northmetro.org.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES INTEREST MEETING

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 | 7:00PM

NMC+ FACEBOOK CAMPUS Hundreds of you have already started to jump in community on our NMC+ Facebook Campus! It’s amazing to see the church praying for one another and growing together. Scan the QR code below to join the group and check it out for yourself!

Scan the QR code to find our Facebook campus!

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WOMEN’S GATHERING

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 | 10:00AM-12:00PM

If you’re a woman who understands the pain of a husband’s sexual addiction, we encourage you to join us as we launch a new group, Beauty for Ashes, which is designed to support you on your journey. This interest meeting will be a time to meet the group leaders and learn about the heart and mission of this care group before it officially launches in September. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

FOR YOU KIDS

STUDENTS

KID’S PODCAST | TALK OF THE TOWN

MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT

Season two of our seasonal Kid’s Podcast, Talk of the Town, is coming to the final episodes! In Foundation of Friendship, we walk families through several different friendships we see in the Bible and find ways to apply these biblical truths to our friendships. Grow together as a family wherever you are by listening in the car, at the dinner table, or even outside! Learn more and listen anytime by visiting northmetro.org/kids.

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.

PROMOTION SUNDAY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

With a new school year comes a new church year! On Promotion Sunday, all children two years old through elementary-age will be promoted to their new Town Square classroom. Preschoolers are promoted by age, elementary students are promoted by grade level. If you have questions about your child’s new class, contact Erin at enason@northmetro.org.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 | 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 or the Parents page on northmetro.org.

BABY DEDICATION CLASS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 | 9:30-10:15AM

The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to take part in our next Baby Dedication Service held on Saturday, October 16 at 3:00pm. This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and dedication of your child to God’s teaching and instruction. If you would like more information on dedicating your child or to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

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

Save the date because we’re taking Town Square out of the building for some games, ice cream, crafts, and a whole lot of fun. The location is to-be-determined, so check the events page at northmetro.org as the event gets closer.

SHIFT DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 & 19 | 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 in September for this two-part inductive Bible study class. 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.

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.

COMPASS AT THE PARK

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 | 7:00-8:30PM

We’re taking Compass out of the building for some kickball, spike ball, corn hole, frisbees, and pick-up football. Meet us at Lost Mountain Park (4845 Dallas Hwy, Powder Springs, GA 30127), and look for Mobi! There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime. We can’t wait to see you there!

COLLEGE NMC COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

HAPPENING EVERY THURSDAY | 6:30-8:30PM

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.

PRESENTING THE GOSPEL

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

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.

PAGE 9

One Day is the day for all NMC Students to come together and connect as a family. We’re going to bring Shift and Compass together, pressing into our unity as a ministry! This day is designed to create meaningful relationships in our ministry early in the school year.

We will have intentional time with small groups, competition games, and worship. The cost of this event is $45. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Shift or Compass page at northmetro.org.

“Often I’d hear people say, ‘I can’t wait until winter retreat to get close to my small group and leaders.’ And then I thought, ‘why can’t we do that sooner?’ So, One Day was created. There is no other event on the calendar in student ministry where Shift and Compass students are all together. Having that oneness for One Day is going to be hype. My hope is that students come out of this event knowing what it’s like to be part of the student ministry, feel a deeper connection to the church family, and are excited to pursue the Lord together.”

Derek McClardy NMC Student Pastor

PAGE 10

LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES The North Metro Church fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, and during that time, our leadership teams begin interviewing and selecting new candidates for service.

The Council of Elders has carefully interviewed candidates to serve on the leadership team who have met the Biblical qualifications for leadership outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. At this time, we bring these

prospective candidates before the church for 30days. During this period, any member(s) may show cause as to why these prospective leaders should not serve in leadership. In keeping with Matthew 18:15 and Matthew 5:24, any member with concerns must first express them directly to the individual and then to the Council of Elders (elders@northmetro.org) At the end of the 30-day period, the leaders will be confirmed in their new leadership role.

Candidates under consideration are:

HENRY SALLEY

JIM DELOZIER

As of June 2021

Income: $6,095,516.20 Expense: $4,900,984.52

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Over(under): $1,194,531.68

PAGE 11

AUGUST AT A GLANCE Sunday, August 1

Sunday, August 22

Looking Back & Looking Forward 9:30am & 11:30am

Airplane Mode 9:30am & 11:30am

Compass At the Park 7:00-8:30pm

Elementary Baptism Class 9:30-10:15am

Sunday, August 8

Baptism Class 11:30am

Airplane Mode 9:30am & 11:30am Promotion Sunday All Next Generation Environments!

Thursday, August 12 Man Church 7:00-9:00pm

Sunday, August 15 Airplane Mode 9:30am & 11:30am

Saturday, August 21 Women’s Gathering 10:00am-12:00pm

Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm

Thursday, August 26 Beauty for Ashes Interest Meeting 7:00pm

Saturday, August 28 One Day 8:30am-8:30pm

Sunday, August 29 Airplane Mode 9:30am & 11:30am Baby Dedication Class 9:30-10:15am Group Connect 1:00-2:30pm

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

SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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