May 2025 Newsletter

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KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

A note from Rob

Hello North Metro Church,

Easter weekend was incredible! It was so great to be together and worship our Risen Savior. If you are new here or visited during Easter weekend, I encourage you to check out the following pages in this newsletter to learn what might be the next step for you. We have so many opportunities to get involved in the life of North Metro Church.

Our next series “ Winning the War Within” is designed to help people tackle the mental and emotional battles we all face. By God’s provision, you and I can overcome destructive thinking, depression, and anxiety through biblical truth, brain science, and practical strategies.

Through the writings of the Apostle Paul and examining the life of the prophet Elijah, we’re going to explore how to rewire our thinking, break free from harmful thought patterns, and embrace God’s truth as our foundation for lasting transformation. We’ll see that even people of strong faith can struggle with depression—but God meets us in our darkest moments with hope and healing. Finally, we’ll examine how modern influences, especially social media and a digital-first culture, have contributed to rising anxiety and isolation, and how we can reclaim a life of peace, purpose, and connection.

Our hope and prayer is that this series will equip you with biblical principles and practical steps to win the battle in your mind, restore joy, and walk in the freedom God intends for you!

Lastly, I want to take a moment and say Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and mother figures in our lives. I can truly say “What would we do without you?!” God has uniquely wired you to be a superhero in so many ways. In the same breath, I would also like to take a moment and say to all the women at NMC who desire to be a mother and are perhaps in a season of waiting, questioning, and longing, that my wife and I have been in your shoes, and we KNOW the pain that you feel and the deep desire you have. Denise and I also believe God sees you and is with you on this journey. You are not alone.

Grateful for you,

Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and provide some next steps on how you can belong to our family. Both classes begin at 12:15pm. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up. We’d love to be your church home!

WELCOME HOME

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 25 | 12:15PM

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 18 | 12:15PM

Connect & Grow

WELCOME HOME

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 25 | 12:15PM

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 18 | 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.

GROUP LEADERSHIP BRUNCH AND LEARN

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 11:00AM

We all desire to have a great community in our lives, but let’s face it: finding your people and the perfect group can be hard. So we invite you to come help be part of the solution. Learn what it would look like for you to start and lead your own Connection and/or Community Group for a semester by attending the upcoming Group Leadership Brunch and Learn. We believe God uses groups to change people’s lives and, as a leader, you get to be a part of that. At this Brunch and Learn, you will hear about the expectations of a Connection and Community Group Leader, as well as the training and ongoing coaching you will receive to ensure that you have everything you need to make your group leadership journey successful. Leading a group is not as scary as it may seem. It can be lifegiving for the leader and those being led. So, do not miss this opportunity to step into an exciting new season by signing up at northmetro.org/events.

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

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 lthing day after day, 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 and sign up at northmetro.org/events.

RE|ENGAGE

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 large-group 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. We offer re|engage twice a year, beginning in August and January.

To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE

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 classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. Our next Merge class will begin in Fall 2025. 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 curriculum specifically 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.

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

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.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing

To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

FOUNDATION GATHERINGS

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, APRIL 28 | 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. Foundation

Gatherings are open to married couples who have been married for three years or less. These events occur regularly throughout the year and include dinner, teaching, and a chance to build relationships with other newlywed couples. To learn more about Foundation Gatherings and upcoming Gathering dates, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC community, who are well-trained in encouraging others who are 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 | THURSDAY, MAY 8 | 6:30PM

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 meets once a month for dinner and encouragement. Visit the Care page to be connected with the group leaders.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, MAY 12 | 7:00PM

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.

*NEW* INFERTILITY & LOSS

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY — TREASURES IN THE WAITING

WEDNESDAYS STARTING MAY 28 | 7:00-9:00PM

If you are a woman experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriages, you are invited to join us for a 9-week Bible study as we support one another and discuss topics like prayer, hope, decision-making, and dealing

with difficult relationships. This group is open to all women regardless of faith background, church affiliation, or infertility story. To learn more and to register, please visit northmetro.org/events.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

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 | THURSDAY, MAY 8 & 22 | 7:00PM

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.

Learn more at

MERGE 2.0

Premarital Mentoring for Second Marriages

At NMC, we’re passionate about fostering thriving marriages built on biblical principles and practices. We believe strong foundations are essential for all marriages—and much of that groundwork begins before couples even say “I do.”

Many followers of Jesus find themselves considering a second marriage, whether due to divorce or the loss of a spouse. We’re equally committed to helping these couples build relationships that flourish.

That’s why we created Merge 2.0, a specialized premarital mentoring experience designed specifically for couples entering second marriages. This program helps couples invest in their relationship from the start by enhancing communication skills and addressing unresolved issues from previous marriages, allowing couples to begin their new journey together with clarity and confidence.

Susan and Phil Kirkland, one of our dedicated mentor couples, recently guided Marcus and Michelle through their dating and engagement journey using Merge 2.0. Read on to discover how both mentor and

mentee couples were transformed by this meaningful experience.

Susan and Phil Kirkland

Briefly share your stage of life when you met and married.

At our previous church, Phil and I attended the same church but did not become acquainted until we both joined the Divorce Recovery class offered by the church. At nearly 40 years of age, Phil and I were both experiencing significant personal challenges and sought spiritual healing. Initially, neither of us intended to pursue another relationship. However, as time progressed, we began interacting at various church events, and spending more time together, often with our children. Over the following year, we discovered shared values centered on our faith and family.

This realization led us to consider a future together, culminating in our marriage on December 27, 2001.

How/why did you become a Merge 2.0 leader?

Phil and I first facilitated a small group called re|engage at NMC, and we fell in love with the curriculum. Marriage is hard without God at the center, and that program was refreshing in its approach to marriage enrichment. We don’t consider ourselves teachers, but God has brought us on this crazy journey in life together, and we felt that we had something to offer. We haven’t done everything right, but if others can learn from our sharing our mistakes and lessons, then God makes good out of the hard things in life. So, when we were asked what we thought about starting a class for couples that were either engaged

Susan & Phil Kirkland
Michelle & Marcus Russell

or thinking about getting married for a second time, it really struck a chord in our hearts.

What is covered in Merge 2.0?

Satan is trying hard to destroy marriage and the family - John 10:0 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We pray that this study will help strengthen and protect marriages so that God will be honored through the journey.

So, Merge 2.0 was created to answer that need. We are currently using the curriculum by Les and Leslie Parrott, Saving Your Second Marriage Before it Starts. The curriculum covers topics like: Are you ready to get married again? Have you faced the myths of remarriage with honesty?, Identifying your love style, Can you say what you mean and understand what you hear, Do you know how to blend a family? Are you soul mates?, and several other communication topics. The 9-week mentoring sessions’ primary purpose is to facilitate those hard conversations that most people do not know they need to have before remarrying.

Marcus and Michelle How did you meet?

Michelle: I was 7 weeks into my 50th year and an empty nester with an overwhelming and demanding job. My career was my focus as I settled into life as a single person, adjusting to my son being away at university.

I had a profile on a dating website. Still, I was becoming cynical about dating because I was not meeting the person who checked the proverbial boxes (spiritual leader, shared values, and interest). Just as I logged in to the site to disable my account, I received a message from Marc asking me about the “values” I’m referring to in my profile. I responded by saying that I was seeking someone with a relationship with God. I was very direct about my intentions, and after several hours of phone conversation, we decided to meet in person.

Marcus: When Michelle and I met in the Fall of 2022, life was challenging but going well for the most part. My relationship with the Lord was growing. My daughter, Gabrielle, had just started middle school, and I was adjusting to life as a teen girl dad. God was helping me experience community with other guys and successfully handle a demanding career. Despite these blessings,

something was missing. It had been about four and a half years since my prior marriage ended, and after giving God time to help me heal and grow, I was longing to share life with a godly woman.

After several conversations and our first date, I knew I wanted to focus on getting to know Michelle. Because we had both been married once before, we were both very intentional in our dating relationship. From the outset, Michelle asked me if I’d be willing to read a book called Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Each chapter centered around a different topic that would be discussed during a date that Michelle or I would plan. I loved the idea!

We both wanted to give ourselves time to really get to know one another. We gave ourselves enough time to experience our differences, learn how to accept those differences, and work through disagreements. We both felt that if God was calling us to get married again, we wanted our marriage to be different the next time.

Why did you join Merge 2.0?

Marcus: We signed up because we wanted to give ourselves as many tools and support as possible to build a God-honoring and fulfilling marriage for ourselves, our children, extended families, and others that God would be impacted for his glory through our marriage.

Merge 2.0 was very appealing to me because it seemed designed for couples in our stage of life. Michelle and I are getting married for the second time. We both have an older child from those marriages. We are both 50+ years of age and have experienced much of life. I felt like Merge 2.0 thoughtfully considered many unique circumstances couples remarrying later will need to navigate.

How did the mentor leaders help you prepare for your second marriage?

Marcus: I love that Merge 2.0 paired us up with Phil and Susan Kirkland. God used them to encourage and remind us of his love and redemptive power. Self-doubt and the enemy will try to make us feel like a past outcome is all God has for us. When you’ve personally experienced the devastating heartbreak and impact of divorce, it’s easy to sometimes think this is all life has for you and your child(ren). God used the

Kirklands to remind us he can turn past hurts into stories of joy and victory.

For me, it was a reminder to always put God at the center of our marriage and be open to the ways he chooses to take us where he wants us to go. He isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of God when it comes to how to do marriage. However, he has given us his written word which has principles we can apply to our marriages. And when we do, He blesses our marriages, families, and those he places in our spheres of influence.

Michelle: We were blessed with Phil and Susan Kirkland, who were gracious enough to let us see into their lives as they guided us through some of the same challenges that they encountered as they prepared to merge and blend their families. I value Susan’s directness in questioning our responses. They each advocated for Marc and I whenever one of us may seemed uneasy about a subject. Phil and Susan created an environment where we felt like we were not judged and our point of view was valued. We have built a relationship with a couple that we want to continue a relationship with, and I think that’s what the program is about: building a community that supports our journey.

What from Merge 2.0 will you take into your new marriage?

Michelle: Merge 2.0’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address our unique needs of second marriage. From communication strategies and guidance on blending families with children to conflict resolution techniques, the program equipped us with the tools to thrive.

I appreciated the SYMBIS, a pre-marriage assessment, as it offered insights into the compatibility of our personalities and how we understand each other based on our love styles. Our mentors set the tone by making the topics engaging, and we also applied God’s word throughout our discussions.

Marcus: The best part of the curriculum is the insight I gained from the SYMBIS report. Before our first session with the Kirklands, Michelle and I took an assessment that looked at how we’re individually created by God. It evaluates areas such as 1) our mindset towards marriage, 2) what we think about ourselves, 3) our support community, 4) our spoken and unspoken expectations of marriage, and so much more!

Upcoming for you

MOBILIZATION

ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMP/ ROYAL JOURNEY

MAY 31-JUNE 6

This is a one-week, overnight camp in the summer that Waymark has provided for children in foster care ages 7-12 since 2008. We will also host “Royal Journey” for youth ages 13-14 in our Mentoring Program. These camps create positive memories, instill a sense of purpose and value, and teach these children that they are unique and loved and that God has a plan for their lives. The children experience normal camp activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, Chapel time, horseback riding, and team games. We also have specialized activities such as “Everybody’s Birthday Party,” a Superhero Night for the boys, and a Princess Ball for the girls, among many others. Children receive a memory bag, Bible, mail throughout the week, a photo album, etc. For more information visit waymarkfoster.org.

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

ENROLL TODAY

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU Core (101-104), 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.

All summer classes (101-104 and 201) will be offered online to accommodate all travel schedules. Additionally, we will have 101-104 in-person on the Barrett Campus. The summer semester dates are Tuesday, June 10 through August 12. Head to northmetro.org/nmcu to sign up! Enrollment closes on Sunday, May 25.

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), you will get to be a part of 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.

and yourfamily

NMC KIDS

PINE COVE CITY SUMMER CAMP

BARRETT CAMPUS | JUNE 2-6 (CURRENTLY FULL AND ON A WAIT LIST)

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | MAY 26-30 (SEVERAL OPENINGS)

Pine Cove City is Pine Cove’s summer day camp program returning to our NMC Campuses with college counselors from all over the country! Be a part of this wildly popular week-long camp on either the Barrett or Sewell Mill Campus. Pine Cove City is for students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Registration for both campuses is currently open. Learn more and register for camp at northmetro.org/events.

SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 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

NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, MAY 17 | 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 Sewell Park (2055 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30067) and we’d love to see you there! There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime.

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 for our 9:15am and 11:00am services for Bible study and community.

NMC STUDENT NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-8:30PM

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-7:15PM

6-12th grade students, find your community, worship God alongside other students, and grow your faith in Jesus at our NMC Student Nights. These nights include worship through music altogether, and then 6-8th grade and 9-12th grade students transition to different environments for relevant teaching and small groups. Connect with us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the loop.

NMC STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

MISSION TRIP

MONDAY-THURSDAY, JULY 14 - JULY 17

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.

“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

Join us for a 2-day mission experience just for middle schoolers! From July 14–17, students will serve locally at incredible ministry partners like Mission 1:27, MUST Ministries, City Takers, and Calvary Children’s Home. Students will be assigned two days to serve based on their grade and registration. Please note that this is not an overnight event. Students will return to their homes each night and to Barrett Campus in the morning. It’s a chance to grow in faith, build friendships, and make a real impact! Spots are limited, so visit northmetro.org/serve to sign your student up.

An update from Ivan Mijango. Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Love in Action: A Week of Ministry and Mission

Each year, we receive 5 to 6 mission teams from NMC. In March, we welcomed the first team of 2025: a group of six college students from NMC College Ministry, led by Pastor Brandon Webber. They spent a week with us, joyfully serving and sharing the love of Jesus with the children and families in our communities.

Every mission trip has a special purpose. This time, we focused on bringing hope to families in need through home visits. On the first day, we met with families from Chuitziyut (one of the villages we serve) at a spot known as “the overlook,” near the cemetery. Since the road to the village is under construction, many moms and children walked uphill for nearly 40 minutes to receive a food bag and hear a heartfelt

testimony from one of our missionary friends. When it was time for them to return home, we couldn’t help but carry some of their food bags and walk with them to their houses. That simple act became one of the most meaningful moments of the week.

Later that day, we visited 15 families in Patzutzún, prayed with them, and delivered food. In one home, we met an elderly woman whose husband had passed away just four days earlier. Being able to pray with her and bring her food was a powerful reminder that she is loved and not forgotten.

Throughout the week, we also spent time with the children and visited homes in Xecotoj, praying with mothers and

delivering food bags. Despite the small size of their homes, many families invited us inside to pray. Their hospitality made us feel welcomed and honored.

This was one of the most personal and heartwarming trips we’ve experienced— full of meaningful encounters where we were able to look people in the eyes and remind them that they are loved, valued, and seen by God.

We are so grateful to each student who joined this team. Your passion and love left a lasting impact. We still have several trips planned for this year, and if God is calling you to come, we encourage you to join us. We’re waiting for you with open arms!

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.

NMC Kids Summer Podcast Talk of the Town

This summer, NMC Kids is bringing back our original podcast, Talk of the Town! As we were brainstorming what we should discuss in our summer podcast, we thought about all the questions we hear from kids on Sunday mornings, like: Who made God? How many siblings did Jesus have? What do angels look like? Then we got a little distracted by the rumbling in our stomachsthat’s when it dawned on us! What

is one thing everyone loves to do during the summer? Have a BBQ with their family and friends! So, join Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Ashley on our new series, NMC Kids: Summer BBQ, where we will ask and answer Big Bible Questions.

Beginning Wednesday, June 4, we will release one episode weekly every Wednesday. 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 kidfriendly 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!

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May 2025 Newsletter by wearenorthmetro - Issuu