KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED
A note from Rob
Hello North Metro Church,
Happy summer! I can’t believe it’s already June. Each year, as summer approaches, I always have high hopes for our families at North Metro Church. Whether you have young kids and follow a school calendar or are past those years, I hope you have time for a break and some rest this summer as we enjoy God’s creation and sunny days.
We have a lot to look forward to this summer at NMC. First, I can not wait to kick off our newest series, Summer Psalms. This series will take us through one of the greatest collections of poems and songs ever compiled: The Psalms. Each week, we will explore the genre, theme, and content of a particular Psalm in order to be encouraged, guided, comforted, and inspired to faithfully follow Jesus and to become more like Him as we do. I hope you join us for this series.
To end the summer, we are growing in expectation for our annual Hunger Revival. This will be our fourth Hunger Revival, which will be in the evenings of ThursdaySaturday, July 24-26, and we’ll wrap it all up on Sunday, July 27. We’ll have intentional times of worship, open God’s word with guest speakers, and celebrate baptisms. These Hunger Revivals have become a landmark in the life of NMC, and we can not wait to see what God will do this year as we hunger for His word, ways, and worship.
Grateful for you,
Rob McDowell
A Legacy of Freedom
June 19
or Juneteenth, is the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved people in Texas—more than two years after it was issued. Juneteenth is a day that NMC looks forward to celebrating each year.
Pausing to observe Juneteenth affords us the opportunity to reflect on several important truths. For some, it’s a moment to consider the long journey of racial reconciliation that began in 1865. We can celebrate how far we’ve come, while also recognizing the work still ahead as we seek healing and unity in our nation, our communities, and even within our own church family.
For others, and especially as followers of Jesus, Juneteenth invites us to rejoice in God’s deep heart for freedom and justice. We remember that Christ came to set the captives free—not only in spirit, but in every aspect of life.
In our lives are people who still need to hear the good news of the freedom that comes when all God’s children are seen, embraced, and loved well. As we celebrate Juneteenth this month, let us strive to make it known to our community that the good news of freedom is the Good News of Jesus.
This Juneteenth, we invite you to join us in honoring the day with intentional prayer, community involvement, learning, and a renewed commitment to loving our neighbors as ourselves. May we continue to be a church that listens, learns, and leads with the love of Christ.
Rejoice in God’s deep heart for freedom and justice.
Connect & Grow
WELCOME HOME
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JUNE 15 | 12:15PM
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | 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
We offer classes for elementary-aged children, students, and adults once a quarter. After you have attended a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child.
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 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 and sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org/events.
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 8-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.
FOUNDATIONS
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, AUGUST 11 | 7:00PM
The first few years of marriage can be exciting yet challenging, but they also offer a chance to build healthy patterns into a marriage at a formative stage. Foundations is open to those who have been married for three years or less and exists to establish couples for a lifetime of oneness in the context of Christ-centered community.
This semester-based class will meet 8 times during the fall on Monday nights. Join us for food, fellowship, and curriculum designed for your stage of life! 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 serve 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. While God hates divorce, He doesn’t hate divorced people. 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 the Events page at www.northmetro.org.
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, JUNE 9 | 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
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JUNE 4 | 1:00PM
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. You will find an amazing community of brave, strong women who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP
BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAYS, JUNE 12 & 26 | 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.
We want to help build and support strong, thriving marriages centered on Christ.
At North Metro Church, every life stage is important, and we want to equip every person to be a faithful follower of Jesus. In particular, we want to help husbands and wives, at any stage of marriage, to thrive.
Our marriage ministries kick off this fall, so explore which environment is right for you! Head to northmetro.org/events to get involved.
Who’s It For: Engaged Couples
Length of Class: 8 Weeks Consecutively
Start Date: Monday, September 22
End Date: Monday, November 17
Who’s It For: Engaged Couples on Second Marriage
Length of Class: 9 Weeks
Start Date: Schedule Determined by Couple
Who’s It For: Couples Married Less than 3 Years
Length of Class: 8 Weeks, Every Other Week
Start Date: Monday, August 11
End Date: Monday, November 17
Who’s It For: Engaged Couples
Length of Class: 15 Weeks Consecutively
Start Date: Monday, August 11
End Date: Monday, December 8
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. 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.
NMCU WORKSHOPS
CULTURE INDEX CLASS
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | 2:00-4:00PM
If you did not attend last year’s NMC workshop with Culture Index(TM), join us for an individualized survey that exhibits traits and behaviors specific to you. After the survey, you will be provided results that help identify how you are wired to perform, grow, and succeed. Join us as
John Maggard, Executive Pastor, teaches and shows us how God has gifted you and how you can use those gifts more effectively in your relationships—whether at work, in your personal life, or in ministry. We will have time dedicated to understanding the traits, reviewing your individual results, and discussing with other attendees in this hands-on workshop. Learn more and register at northmetro.org/events.
PARENTING TODAY CLASS
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 2:00-4:00PM
Parenting can be a daunting and isolating experience. It can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but it does not have to be that way. Attending this parenting workshop can help you understand the possible parenting traps you may have fallen into. Join us as Children’s Pastor, Nathan Woodward, and his wife, Kyndell, share ways to equip you with the tools you may need to succeed in future parent-child interactions. Learn more and register at northmetro.org/events.
and yourfamily
NMC KIDS
NMC KIDS AT THE PARK
SATURDAY, JULY 12 | 10:00AM-12:00PM
We’re taking NMC Kids out of the building for some games, popsicles, and a whole lot of fun. You’ll find Mobi and us from 10:00am to 12:00pm at a local park, and we’d love to see you there! Check back on the website to find a location as the date approaches. There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime.
PROMOTION 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 new NMC Kids classroom. Preschoolers are promoted by age; elementary students are promoted by grade level. If you have questions about your child’s new class, contact Nathan at nwoodward@northmetro.org.
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 CAMPUS
NMC Students Barrett Campus will be taking a break from regular Student Night
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.
BABY DEDICATION
BARRETT CAMPUS
CLASS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 | 9:15-10:00AM
DEDICATION | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 3:00PM
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS
CLASS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 | 9:15-10:00AM
DEDICATION | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 | 9:15AM OR 11:00AM
The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to participate in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be on
gatherings over the summer and will return for Promotion Sunday on August 3! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the loop and for any content through the summer.
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-8:00PM
Meanwhile, we’re excited to announce the Sewell Mill Campus Summer Playlist—a series of fun, connection-focused events happening every other Sunday night,
COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23)
COLLEGE SUMMER NIGHTS
BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM
Starting Tuesday, June 10, college-aged young adults will meet every other week for food and fellowship. The gathering will be held in the Theater. This is a great way to meet other like-minded believers,
pray together, encourage one another, and learn what it means to live in biblical community. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.
SUMMER MEETING DATES ARE TUESDAYS, JUNE 10 & 24, JULY 8 & 22, AND AUGUST 5.
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.
NMC KIDS OFFERING
The Kids Clean Water Project is receiving 100% of our NMC Kids offering. This project brings clean water and Christ’s love to those around the world in desperate need of both. By doing this, they experience love and hope. We want to help provide clean drinking water for families who may have never had clean water before. Every $10 we raise means another child can have clean water for ten years.
starting Sunday, May 25. These gatherings are open to all middle and high school students and are designed to keep them engaged and connected while we take a break from our regularly scheduled Student Nights. For specific information concerning the fun events, visit our Instagram page, @ nmcstudents, or connect with our Sewell Mill Student Pastor, Brian Ellison, at bellison@northmetro.org.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
An update from Ivan Mijango. Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.
God’s Surprising Plans
For nearly 15 years, CDR has welcomed dozens of mission teams—ranging from high school students to retirees—and something that never ceases to amaze me is no matter how much we plan ahead or try to think through every detail, I’ve never seen a team that didn’t need to be flexible and adapt during their mission trip. This flexibility has become a defining characteristic of the teams from NMC. They show an admirable ability to adjust to changes, cancel or add new activities, spend long hours on construction projects under the sun or rain, and still never lose their joy, their smile, or their positive attitude.
In April, we received our first adult mission team of the year. The plans for the week were clear: bring joy to children in the villages through crafts and games, distribute food bags to mothers, and install a new security camera system at the school in Xecotoj— one of the communities we serve. But like
many mission trips before, the week didn’t go exactly according to the itinerary.
One unexpected twist came when what was supposed to be a short walk through a park turned into a 5-kilometer hike through the Guatemalan mountains—while carrying 25-pound food bags on our backs!
The road from Patzutzún (our largest partner village) to Chuitizuyt (our smallest) has been under repair since last year. Local leaders had hoped it would be finished in time for the trip, but it wasn’t. That meant we couldn’t use the pickup truck to transport the food. Without hesitation or complaint, the team strapped the bags onto their shoulders—literally—and we made the trek down into the ravine to deliver the food directly to the families in Chuitizuyt.
The way they welcomed us—with smiles, excitement, and gratitude—made every drop of sweat worth it. The sight of a group
of foreigners, young and old, soaked in sweat, arms numb, legs shaking, but filled with love, is a memory we will all carry in our hearts.
Every mission trip has moments that don’t go as planned, but time and time again, God shows us that His plans are far better than ours. Whether we’re playing soccer with kids in a village or packing food for families, He uses these moments to bring love, joy, and hope to the people we serve in Guatemala.
If you haven’t been on a mission trip yet, I encourage you to consider it. I’m confident it will be an experience that marks your life forever.
Thank you to our most recent team for leaving a lasting mark of love and compassion on this ministry and in the lives of the children in the villages.
Ivan Mijango Casa del
Director
As we head toward 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.
Check Out NMC Kids’ Summer Podcast
Big Bible Questions
Kids (and adults) have a lot of questions about God! We hear from kids on Sunday mornings, questions like: Who made God? How many siblings did Jesus have? What do angels look like? Join Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Ashley in our new podcast series, NMC Kids: Summer BBQ, where we will ask and answer Big Bible Questions.
Beginning Wednesday, June 4, episodes will be released weekly. Each episode will be about 15 minutes long, perfect for a quick ride to the park or a road trip to the beach. Our topics of conversation will be kid-friendly and biblically based while having fun and laughing along the way. We pray that through this podcast, you and your family grow in faith and knowledge of who God is and all that He has done for us. Remember to subscribe to Talk of the Town on Apple Podcast or Spotify so you don’t miss an episode of NMC Kids: Summer BBQ!
