Gloria, one of NMC’s interns, on a mission trip with NMC College and City Takers.
Keeping you informed and connected
A note from Rob
Hello, church family! I’m so excited that it’s August—this month has truly become one of my favorites around NMC! For many families, it marks a return to rhythm after the summer craziness, and we start to see so many coming back to church. We also get to meet a number of first-time guests, some of whom are brand new to the area—if that’s you, I want to say from the bottom of my heart: WELCOME HOME!
There’s a lot to celebrate this month, and I want to take a moment to share one of the incredible things God is doing in and through our church. One huge milestone— we’re celebrating the first birthday of our Sewell Mill Campus! When God called us to be a multi-campus church, it was so that we could better help people find and follow Jesus across our community. And one year ago, on July 28, 2024, we launched our second location in East Cobb.
What a year it’s been! We’ve seen our Sewell Mill family gather each week to worship, grow in faith, serve their neighbors, and celebrate salvations and baptisms. It’s been a joy to watch God move in such a powerful way in that community.
To those of you who’ve been part of NMC—thank you. Thank you for your generosity and obedience in giving, for serving faithfully, and for covering this new campus in prayer. Your commitment is making an eternal difference. Because of you, more people are finding and following Jesus.
As we step into this new season—back to school, the return of practices, and the start of so many ministries across NMC—I want to invite you to consider this question: What might God be calling you to say “yes” to this fall? Around here, we’re centering
this ministry year on the word more believing God has more in store for us, more He wants to do in us and through us. Maybe for you, that means pursuing more healing through re:generation, investing more intentionally in your marriage with Re|engage, or gaining more biblical insight through North Metro Church University. Maybe it’s stepping out in faith with a mission trip and serving alongside Casa del Redentor, our international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala. Whatever it is, we believe there’s more for you here—and we’re excited to walk with you into all God has next.
Grateful for you,
Rob McDowell
We’re excited to gather and create more time and space to worship together! Thursday Night Church kicks off our weekend services, including the same message and worship as Sunday. It’s a great way to connect, celebrate, and help make room for the incredible growth we’ve seen at the Barrett Campus. We hope you join us at Thursday Night Church.
NMC Kids (Infants-5th grade) will not be available
7:00PM AT THE
Join us on Tuesday, September 2, for an evening of brotherhood and encouragement at Man Church. Morris Michalski—former coach and current Chaplain to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, will be sharing a message on being faithful ‘til the end.
This fall, we’re keeping things simple and focusing on what matters most—connection, worship, and the truth of God’s Word. Doors open at 6:45pm. The program will begin at 7:00pm. Make sure to grab dinner before you arrive.
Bring a friend and come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded of the strength we find in Christ and each other.
Register by visiting northmetro.org/events.
In a world that pulls in every direction, faithfulness matters.
Tuesday, September 2 7:00-9:00pm
You’re invited to a joyful evening created just for women.
On Tuesday, September 16, let’s press pause on the hustle and gather together for a night filled with laughter, connection, worship, and encouragement. We’ll hear a timely message on Joy from our special guest speaker, Karen Lorrits, and share moments that remind us of the goodness of God and the gift of community.
While we won’t be serving dinner this time, we will have light snacks, sweet treats, and a few delightful surprises tucked throughout the night—because joy loves to show up in the little things.
So come as you are. Come with a friend. Come ready to be refreshed and reminded that joy is ours in Christ — no matter the season.
» Doors open at 6:45pm, and the evening kicks off at 7:00pm.
» Registration is $10. Space is limited, so save your seat today by registering at northmetro.org/events!
Tuesday September 16
7:00-9:00pm
Connect & Grow
WELCOME HOME
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 | 12:15PM
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 12:15PM
Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and give you the next steps on how you can belong to our family. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.
GROUPS
At NMC, we genuinely believe we are better together. Therefore, we want everyone to circle up with others in a group. We have three different types of groups you can join. Connection Groups meet over shared
interests such as hiking, board games, or movies; Community Groups meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups assist anyone walking through difficulty or life transition. If you want to join a Connection Group, Community Group, or Care Group, or start your own group, check out northmetro.org/groups.
TABLESETTERS
When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience the grace of God. That’s why, around here, we call our volunteers Tablesetters. Our goal is for everyone to experience the joy of
serving others as a Tablesetter and serve somewhere within our church. Regardless of your schedule, experience, or gifting, there’s a fulfilling place for you to serve here. Visit northmetro.org/serve to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.
BAPTISMS
If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for a class at our Barrett Campus or meet with a pastor at the Sewell Mill Campus. For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for a class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.
Discipleship & Marriage
RE:GENERATION
BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAYS | 7:00PM
Are you hurting, feeling stuck, giving up hope for change, or wanting to identify and remove obstacles for a deeper fellowship with God? Wonder why you keep struggling with the same thing daily, year after year? You’re not alone. We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, these destructive thoughts and habits hold us back from the life we want—and the life God calls us to live. Through His Word, God offers us principles where freedom and new life can be found. Re:generation is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with.
Change is possible! You can experience freedom and the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Join us on any Wednesday at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.
RE|ENGAGE
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 | 4:00PM
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, AUGUST 11 | 7:00PM
Re|engage is a marriage enrichment ministry designed for couples ready to invest time and energy into building a stronger marriage. Through a mix of largegroup teaching and small-group discussion, you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged with practical ways to apply the gospel of Jesus to your marriage. Couples
are discipled and equipped to grow in their walk with Christ and their marriages by studying and applying biblical principles within a small group structure. To learn more or register, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
MERGE
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | 7:00PM
Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Merge is an eight-week class and is available to those who regularly attend NMC and are engaged. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
MERGE 2.0
Have you previously been married, are in a new relationship, and are seriously considering marriage? In Merge 2.0, we have a specific curriculum to help you lay the foundation for a healthy second marriage. Through the workbook content and a mentor couple who has navigated the dynamics of a second marriage, Merge 2.0 will give you the tools to help you decide if you’re ready and, if so, how to build a biblical union with each other. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
FOUNDATION
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, AUGUST 11 | 7:00PM
The early years of marriage are filled with excitement—and a fair share of challenges. The Foundation classes are designed for couples who have been married for three years or less and offer a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a strong, Christcentered relationship that lasts a lifetime.
This fall, we’ll be walking through the book Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp. This is a powerful resource that brings gospel-centered truth to the realities of married life.
The semester-based class meets eight times during the fall on Monday nights, and we hope you can join us for food, fellowship, and meaningful conversation. Together, we’ll explore biblical principles and practical tools to help you grow in unity and deepen your connection as a couple. To learn more or register, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
Care
PRAYER
Prayer is powerful. It’s one of the most important things we can do as a church. Our staff and leadership would love to come alongside you, fight for you in whatever difficulty you may be experiencing, and celebrate any answered prayers. To share your prayer requests, visit northmetro.org/prayer.
HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE
NMC has a faithful group of men looking to assist widows, single moms, and other ladies in our church. These men are skilled in most areas of basic home repairs, including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry; however, they are unable to take on major renovations or projects that require county permitting. If you are a single woman needing assistance with home maintenance or home repairs, visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.
DIVORCE CARE
BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 | 6:30PM
Divorce Care is a mix of support and learning for those currently separated or divorced. We understand that divorce can be one of life’s most painful trials. Our Divorce Care ministry is led by individuals who understand what you’re experiencing and will support you as you move forward. Through Divorce Care, you will learn how to deal with the heartache of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. To sign up, visit northmetro.org/events.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC community who are well-trained in encouraging others enduring painful times, such as the loss of a loved one,
a marriage, a job, or one’s health. If you are facing any of life’s difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.
FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 11:00AM
Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is to come around families participating in foster care or adoption. In addition, this group is a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges. This group gathers on several occasions throughout the year with the hope of fostering fellowship for these special families. Visit the Care page to be connected with the group leaders.
INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, AUGUST 11 | 7:00-9:00PM
When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises it will be easy, but He does promise to lead when we are lost. Take refuge in knowing you’re not alone. If you struggle with infertility or have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, there’s a place for you.
WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT LUNCHEON
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 12:15-2:15PM
Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether it’s you, a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend. We can’t take you out of this storm, but we can walk alongside you and hold you up when the weight is too heavy. We can be that safe place to let all your feelings fall. We can have the honor of praying continually for you and your family. We can be that safe group of ladies who get it without explanation or apologies; we get it all.
If cancer has affected you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to NMC’s Cancer Support Group leader, Diana Pethel, at 678.357.2933. This group will lead you to a faithful community of brave, strong women who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy.
If cancer is something you or a loved one is walking through right now, we would love to have you join us at our next Women’s Cancer Support Luncheon. To register for this free luncheon, please visit northmetro.org/events.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP
BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAYS, AUGUST 14 & 28 7:00-9:00PM
Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to encourage and give hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a husband’s betrayal; however, our goal is not to stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope.
For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.
Change is possible! We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, destructive habits with things like anxiety, alcohol, overspending, fear, sexual addiction, and a need for control hold us back from the life we want—and the life God calls us to live. God offers us principles through His Word where freedom and new life can be found. re:generation, a ministry at NMC, is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with. Read below to hear how God used re:generation to change Mark Eberhard’s life.
Hi, my name is Mark. I have a new life in Christ, and I am in recovery for pride, lack of self-control, and sexual sin.
When I started Re:generation (Re:gen), my understanding of myself was that I was a “good” man, and I thought the Re:gen process would be another way for me to learn more about God. What I quickly learned through the beginning part of the process, Groundwork and Steps 1-4, was that I wasn’t “good.” In fact, in Step 4: Inventory, I realized just how my own sin, as well as sins committed against me, had deeply affected me and how much I needed Jesus to heal and forgive me.
I started the process thinking I was working on my sin struggles, but what I soon found out through the next several steps was much more. What I realized was that I needed a real relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was so aware that my God had paid an immeasurable price for my sin when His Son was nailed to a cross. This sacrifice, a show of unconditional love, was done simply so that I could have a personal relationship with Him. The Re:gen steps helped me walk through acknowledging my sin (Step 4: Inventory), confessing those sins (Step 5: Confession), repenting from these sins (Step 6: Repent), asking for & granting forgiveness (Step 8: Forgiveness), making amends whenever possible (Step 9: Amends), and ultimately reconciling with Him and others in my life (Step 12: Regeneration).
The biggest takeaway from this process was that the Creator of the World (and everything in it) wanted a personal relationship with me (a sinner!) so that I could live out His purpose for my life. He made me a fisher of men in need of a Lord and Savior, to care for their hurting hearts, and point them towards Him.
I have struggled, yet desired, for years to have a daily walk with God that included things like daily devotion, prayer, journaling, and memorizing scripture. Through the habits I developed in Step 10: Continue and Step 11: Intimacy, God has given me the ability to prioritize a daily relationship with Him for months.
2 Peter 1:5-8 reinforces my daily commitment when it says “For this reason make every effort to add to your life goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, and to self-control perseverance, and perseverance godliness, and to godliness mutual affection, and to mutual affection love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
My story doesn’t end there, and God continues to show me new things in my life. After becoming a leader and guiding a group of men through the steps, I had a lightbulb moment (or more like a sledgehammer moment for those of you who know how stubborn I can be). God had finally given me the courage and power to see that my initial sin struggles were just symptoms of a much more deeply seated sin that needed to be acknowledged, confessed, and repented. I came to understand that the root of all my sin struggles was a fear of failure!
My fear of failure was manifested in my prideful, angry responses towards others when something wasn’t going as I planned, in the exaggerations and outward lies I would tell, in blaming coworkers for their mistakes that reflected poorly on me, and the sin of using pornography to escape and comfort me in my loneliness. All these, plus many more, were brought into the light and out of the darkness through my growing and continued relationship with Jesus Christ.
Re:generation is simply a process, and God is the ultimate healer. I am a strong believer that if you put in the time and your whole heart into this process, God will reveal what makes you anxious, angry, depressed, conflicted, jealous, envious, prideful, egotistical, and unkind. He has done it in my own life, and He wants to give you the same freedom and healing.
May God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit that dwells within me receive all the credit and glory for my transformation. Amen.
Re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Join us on Wednesdays in the Theater! Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to learn more.
Mark Eberhard
Upcoming for you
MOBILIZATION
WAYMARK COMPASS GROUPS
BARRETT CAMPUS | EVERY OTHER THURSDAY NIGHT
Compass Groups are a resource for foster and adoptive families (ages 6-18+) every other Thursday night beginning July 31. These groups provide respite for parents, a community for kids/teens, discipleship, and access to valuable tools and resources. If you are an adoptive or foster family, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org for additional information to learn about this resource for you.
CIRCLES USA
Did you know that here in Cobb County, over 17% of our children live below the poverty line? Have you wondered how you can make a lasting difference in helping a family move from poverty to financial stability? Circles has a proven model that combines mentorship, financial literacy training, and connections to existing community resources, all while building intentional friendships through weekly meetings. The result? Families increase their income by 75% on average. To serve with Circles USA, go to northmetro.org/serve.
CHARACTER EDUCATION
MENTORING AT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students once a month at Kennesaw Mountain High School during the 2025-2026 school year. As a mentor, you’ll help facilitate the social-emotional curriculum, Habitudes by Dr. Tim Elmore. This is an opportunity to engage students in the public school environment where they spend so much time, all while equipping them with tools for healthy leadership in their world and the world around them. Take the next step by emailing Jill Stewart at jstewart@northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.
CITY SERVE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 | 8:30AM-12:00PM
Join us on Saturday, August 9, for a time of serving and loving our community with a few of our local mobilization partners. As we go, each daily interaction is a mission opportunity. In everything we do, you’ll consistently hear that we are here to help people find and follow Jesus, and we do this by becoming carriers of the Gospel across the street and around the world. We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we (not the building but the body of Christ) would be missed. We look forward to seeing you there! Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/events.
NMCU CORE (101-104)
BARRETT CAMPUS: SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 14 NOVEMBER 16 | 3:00-5:00PM
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS: TUESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 18 | 7:00-9:00PM
North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU Core, you’ll move through a set sequence of classes and learn about the big picture of Scripture and how everything in Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus. In this learning process, NMCU will also help equip you to both understand and communicate your faith to others so that you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus, a disciple who makes disciples. Each semester offered is 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.
Registration for our fall semester is open now. We offer in-person groups or on-demand options for both of our campuses. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu. Head to northmetro.org/nmcu to sign up! Enrollment closes on Sunday, August 31.
NMCU EQUIP (FOR NMCU CORE GRADUATES ONLY) BRAND NEW!!!!
This class is solely for Core Graduates (students who have completed 101104). Having established a foundation of the Bible, we will discuss matters of
internal life and how, through a biblical perspective and worldview, we address and respond to them.
We will continue to offer these modules to equip our Core graduates to learn, understand, and articulate biblical truth, so that they can form a biblical worldview that applies to their lives, how they live in the world, and how they love others. To provide Core graduates with flexible access to a variety of new and live teachings, we will adjust our approach to delivering our modules, previously known as 201 and 202. You’ll get automatic access as soon as you graduate from Core. Yay for no more sign-ups!
As a bonus, this fall we are recording new material for NMCU Equip. Graduates will be invited to join the live recordings of these teachings, if they desire. Check your email for the upcoming invitation to sign up for the live teaching on Sundays in September through November. If you don’t want to be a part of the live recording, no problem! You can wait until the material is posted on Teachable, which is usually about a week after we record it.
PARENTING TODAY CLASS
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 2:00-4:00PM
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding— and sometimes challenging—journeys. You don’t have to navigate it alone. This parenting workshop offers practical insights and encouragement to help you thrive. Join us as Kids Pastor Nathan Woodward and his wife, Kyndell, share helpful tools and strategies to strengthen your connection with your child and build confidence in your parenting. Learn more and register at northmetro.org/events.
NMC KIDS
POP UP SUNDAY
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
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
and yourfamily
new NMC Kids classroom if applicable. Preschoolers are promoted by age; elementary students are promoted by grade level. If you have questions about your child’s new class, contact Aubree at ajohnson@northmetro.org.
ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 | 9:15-10:00AM
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 9:15-10:00AM
This 45-minute class is designed for you and your child to attend together. If your elementary-aged child has already taken the step of salvation, this class is the perfect next step. For more information on the baptism process, visit northmetro.org/events.
SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 | 11:00AM-12:00PM
This is an opportunity for parents who have children with special needs to get together and form community. Pastries and coffee will be provided during the 11:00am service. Register at northmetro.org/events.
BABY DEDICATION
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS
CLASS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 | 9:15-10:00AM DEDICATION | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 | 9:15AM OR 11:00AM
BARRETT CAMPUS
CLASS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 9:15-10:00AM DEDICATION | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 3:00PM
The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to participate in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00pm at our Barrett Campus and on Sunday, November 9 during the 9:15am or 11:00am service at our Sewell Mill Campus. This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and your child’s dedication to God’s teaching and instruction. If you want more information on dedicating your child or signing up, visit northmetro.org/events.
KIDS NIGHT OUT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 6:00-8:00PM
Kids Night Out is an event designed for 1st5th-grade students and their small group leaders to get outside of a typical Sunday morning environment and have some fun together. This year we’ll be at Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw for pizza, playground, arcade games, skating, and laser tag. The price of this event is $25 and includes a $10 arcade card. Space is limited. Sign-ups will end when the event is full or at midnight on August 31, whichever occurs first. Visit northmero.org/events to sign up today.
NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL
The NMC Kids Table Talker is back! This is a discipleship tool designed by the NMC Kids team to equip families to connect around the table intentionally. The activities and devotions you’ll find in the table talker come from the Gospel Project curriculum that we use in the classrooms. This means you can connect what you do at home with what your kids do in the classroom. But it’s not all curriculum; you’ll also find silly games, get-to-knowyou questions, and family challenges. You are your child’s first teacher and the first person to disciple your child. We hope the NMC Kids Table Talker is just the tool you need to take your family relationships to the next level. Grab yours today in NMC Kids.
NMC STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM
6-8th grade students are invited to join us upstairs in the Student HQ at our 9:15am and 11:00am services for Bible study and community.
NMC STUDENT NIGHTS
BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | POP UP SUNDAY | AUGUST 3, 6:00-8:30PM
Attention all 6th-12th grade students! Join us on Sunday, August 3, for Pop Up Sunday as we kick off the new school
year at NMC Student Nights! Find your people, worship together, and grow in your faith. The night will begin with check-in and dinner at 6:00pm, followed by a time of worship and the start of a brand new teaching series. Have your student come hungry and ready for a fun night full of food, community, and connection! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the loop and join in on the fun!
5TH QUARTER
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | FRIDAYS | 10:00-11:30PM
Join us for the 5th Quarter, an exciting new student hangout happening right after Friday night football games. Kicking off on Friday, September 5, during the fall football season at our Sewell Mill Campus, this event provides students with a fun, safe space to relax, connect, and socialize with friends. There will be free food, music, games, and plenty of community. Don’t miss out on the best way to end your Friday nights this fall!
COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23)
COLLEGE NIGHTS
BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM
College-age students and young adults (18-23) join us on campus in the Theater for worship, dinner, community, time in God’s word, and small groups. This time is for anyone and everyone, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey; there is a place for you here. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.
Mijango Casa del Redentor Director
An update from Ivan Mijango. Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.
Serving with Joy: A Summer Mission Trip Update
This past June, we welcomed the first high school team of the year. What a joy it was to see these students again! Some of them returned to Guatemala for the third year in a row. It’s been beautiful to witness how much they’ve grown—not only in height, but also in wisdom, and above all, in their love for God and for others. Their passion to help people find and follow Jesus is still as strong as ever.
We kicked off the week working on the multi-sports court in Xecotoj, the village closest to our base. This court is a valuable and well-used space for over 50 children and youth in the community, but it was in need of some care. The students didn’t hesitate to grab brooms and paintbrushes—and by the end of the day, the court looked brand new! It hadn’t looked that good since it was first inaugurated. The final result was truly applause-worthy.
Last year, with many of these same students, we gave the Xecotoj school a fresh new look. With just a few buckets of paint and some brushes, we helped transform this small school—which serves over 20 local children—into a bright and joyful place.
This year, we did the same in Chuitziyut, the smallest and most remote village we serve. The government built a beautiful school building a few years ago, but it needed a touch-up. We were able to repaint the entire building, and now, thanks to the vibrant green color the teachers selected, you can see the school from miles away! It was a team effort that only took a few hours but will last for years, and communicates to the community that they are valued and loved.
Thanks to the generosity of this group, we were also able to pack and distribute food bags to every family in the village—a gesture that was met with much gratitude and will provide meals for several days.
We also had the opportunity to spend time with the children of Patzutzun, the largest village we serve. Around 180 kids came—an amazing turnout considering it was their school vacation week! We played, sang, listened to the students’ testimonies, enjoyed a skit, and Student Pastor Derek shared the Gospel. We wrapped up the day with a pizza party—always a highlight for the kids. Something as simple as pizza
and Coke brought so much joy, and we felt honored to be part of that moment.
As I always say when I share stories from mission trip weeks, flexibility is part of your packing list . You never know how the weather will be or what changes will come, but God always works everything together for good. This team chose to give up their fun day in Antigua (Guatemala’s colonial city) to spend a full morning in prayer and evangelism around Xecotoj. We knocked on the doors of about 115 homes and prayed for every family that welcomed us. It was without a doubt the icing on the cake of a truly amazing mission trip.
To all the students — both new and returning — and to their leaders: thank you. You did an incredible job and left a lasting mark on the hearts of the children in Guatemala … and on ours.
If you’re reading this and haven’t yet been on a mission trip to Guatemala, I encourage you to sign up for the next one! Experiencing this in person is truly life-changing. Your visit will bring joy to the children, their families, and our entire team.
Ivan
As we near the end of 2025, we are praying our guts out and are entirely dependent on the Lord! He has entrusted us with our vision to “Be Missed” and our mission, “We Help People Find and Follow Jesus.” To live that out, we have set three God-sized goals to aim for as a church.
We currently support seven church plants, including Take Hold in Scotland; Grace Auburn in Auburn, Alabama; Creekside in Dallas, Georgia; Deeper Church in Dallas, Georgia; Heirloom Church in Kyle, Texas; Oaks Community Church in Naples, Florida; and Compassion International in Guatemala.
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.
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 share their beliefs with others ultimately. NMCU creates disciples that make disciples.
Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.
Love God, His Church, and Others
NMC TABLESETTERS
If you’ve never served at NMC before, maybe this fall is your moment. Visit northmetro.org/serve to explore opportunities and take a simple next step.
This past year, 903 individuals stepped up to serve here at NMC. That’s incredible! That’s 903 people who helped “set the table” so others could experience the life-changing grace of God. If you’ve served this past year—thank you. You are a vital part of what makes NMC a place where people feel seen, known, and loved.
As we look ahead, we know new families will walk through our doors, and we want to be ready to welcome every single person who walks in.
That’s where you come in. We have room for more Tablesetters across all ministries—whether it’s helping in the parking lot, serving with NMC Kids, leading worship, playing guitar, or leading a small group in one of our marriage ministries. There’s a spot for everyone, and we want you to find yours!
