April 2022 Newsletter

APRIL

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

THIS ISSUE NOTE FROM JOHN Page 02

EASTER WEEKEND AT NMC Page 04

UPCOMING FOR YOU Page 06

NMCU SUMMER SCHOOL Page 08

2022

Letter from

John Hello North Metro Church!

Well, it looks like Spring is here. While as a Floridian, I am more than happy to put the cold weather in the rearview mirror, I can't say I am pumped about the dusting of pollen that follows. However, this pollen is a small price to pay for great weather, Spring Break, and baseball!

As great as this season is, for Christ Followers this season means so much more as we welcome Easter. Historically, we make a big deal about Easter around NMC. I still vividly remember two years ago when COVID first hit and the Governor of Georgia asked churches to close for two weeks while we "get this virus under control." We were assured that we would be gathering in person again by Easter 2020-well, you all know the story on that. Last year we were able to gather in person, but we still felt like it was not time to bring back our full slate of programming around Easter. This year, I am pleased to announce, we will be making every effort to return to more normal Easter week programming!

So, break out your seersucker and white shoes (Is that still a thing?). We are planning Elder prayer on Tuesday, a Good Friday service, a sunrise service on Easter Sunday to complement our two regular service times, and drumroll, please...the Easter festival on Saturday! I have such great memories of this for my family, and we are so excited to bring the festival back this year.

You will learn more about Easter week and all the details on the following pages. I look forward to seeing you all at the Easter festival. I just call first dibs if Rob is in a dunk tank!

John Maggard Executive Pastor

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Connect & Grow WELCOME HOME

TABLESETTERS

Sunday, April 24 | 11:30am-12:30pm

When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience the grace of God. That’s why around here, we call our volunteers Tablesetters.

Our goal is for everyone to experience the joy of serving others as a Tablesetter and serve somewhere within our church. Regardless of your schedule, experience, or gifting, there’s a fulfilling place for you to serve here! Visit the Get Involved page at northmetro.org to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

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 the Events page at northmetro.org to learn more and sign up.

Care PRAYER

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

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

When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises that it will be easy. He does promise to lead when we are lost. Take refuge in knowing you’re not alone. If you struggle with infertility or have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, there’s a place for you.

Meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 7:00pm. To connect with the leader, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that provides support for those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our faith community who are well trained in encouraging others enduring painful times such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or one's health. If you find yourself in a valley of tough times, please consider using our Stephen Ministry to help you bear your burdens. For more information or to speak with a Stephen Minister, visit the Care page at northmetro.org.

WOMEN'S CANCER SUPPORT We understand hearing the diagnosis of cancer is scary and lifechanging. The Women's Cancer Support group was created to help both patients and caregivers through this challenging journey with a focus on God first. If you've recently been diagnosed, are a survivor, or are a caregiver, this group is for you. Group meetings are in-person, with digital options, and meet on the second Sunday of the month at 1:00pm. To learn more, contact the group leaders by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

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

BEAUTY FOR ASHES Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to provide encouragement and hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a husband's betrayal; however, our goal is to not stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope. This group meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, at 7:00pm. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Care page at northmetro.org.

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GOOD FRIDAY AT NORTH METRO CHURCH

Service begins at 7:00pm on April 15

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AT NORTH METRO CHURCH

Easter weekend is going to be a time of worship and celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all He accomplished on the cross. We want you to know about all that is happening on campus this week and weekend. We hope that with the variety of times, you will come with your family and friends to celebrate the Risen King!

TUESDAY NIGHT PRAYER

CELEBRATE EASTER WEEKEND WITH US

Tuesday, April 12 | 7:00-8:00pm

Good Friday Service, April 15 | 7:00pm Saturday Easter Service, April 16 | 4:00pm Sunday Easter Services, April 17 | 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:30am

One of the things we value is praying together. Our Elders meet and pray weekly for the church and they want to invite you and your family to our Tuesday Night Prayer gathering as we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter weekend.

No NMC Kids or NMC Students programming at the Friday evening service or Sunday 7:00am service.

FAMILY FESTIVAL

EASTER SERVING OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday, April 16 | 5:00-8:00pm

Learn by visiting northmetro.org/easter

We're excited to host a Family Festival immediately following the 4:00pm service on Saturday. Come join us outdoors on the NMC campus for food and festivities!

Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to serve others and help people find and follow Jesus! We're asking you to get signed up to serve with either our Guest Services or NMC Kids teams during one of our services this year.

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Upcoming for you...

CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, APRIL 24 | 11:30AM One of our favorite things to do here at NMC is to celebrate life change through water baptism. If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to attend the next adult baptism class. For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for the class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

DADS' BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 | 9:00-11:00AM Are you in the midst of the fast-paced life of fatherhood? Take some time to spend with your kids, as the Men's and Next Generation Ministries host a Dads' Breakfast. There will be breakfast, games, and intentional time throughout the event to connect with your kids.

So, dads, load up the mini-van, bring grandpa, and don't forget the seatbelts. The event costs $10 per family. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

NMCU- SUMMER SCHOOL

STARTING TUESDAY, JUNE 14 | 7:00-9:00PM NMCU is the new discipleship process at North Metro Church.

NMCU is an intentional environment built to create a firm foundation of faith by studying God's Word and forming a biblical worldview to more faithfully follow Jesus in every area and aspect of life. This process also equips us to both understand and communicate our faith to others so that we can become disciples who make disciples.

In this program, you'll move through a set sequence of semesters and learn about the big picture of Scripture, how it all leads to Jesus, and how we live in light of that. And all of it is done around tables in a community.

If you have been interested in enrolling in NMCU and haven't had the availability, consider taking our Summer School offerings for NMCU 101 or NMCU 102. This is a great way to catch up on a semester over the summer to get you ready for the fall. Our next live teaching venue and offering in the fall will be NMCU 103.

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

MOBILIZATION

MARIETTA MENTORING FOR LEADERSHIP The community of Marietta has heard the voice of its young people who identified the need for school to not only be a place where students learn academically, but also be a place where the issues of life meet real solutions. Marietta Student Life Center provides in-school services related to housing, job skill development, job placement for students and families, college admission support services, and more. This is an opportunity to engage with students in a one-to-one mentoring relationship or as a Group Mentor, which is ideal for people who thrive in a small group setting, who can build rapport with teens and can be active listeners. Take the next step by emailing our Adults Pastor, Bud Darr, at bdarr@northmetro.org.

GROUPS CONNECTION GROUPS Connection groups are designed to help you form relationships within NMC around a specific area of interest. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, new to the area, or a long-time native, you're invited to explore our connection groups! Check out the options for men, women, and co-ed groups by visiting northmetro.org/groups

LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 11 | 9:00AM-5:00PM Did you know that girls in Africa miss days of school and/or work each month due to a lack of hygiene supplies? Many girls are forced to stay in their homes because of their monthly menstrual cycle causing them to fall behind in school or go without earned wages. Though we in the Western world cannot relate to this common challenge, there is an easy solution where we can help by making personal hygiene kits! Whether you're an avid sewer or have never sewn before, you're welcome to join us, meet other women in the church, and bless our sisters in Africa! For a list of donations needed and to register, visit the Events page at northmetro.org/events.

WOMEN'S NIGHT OF WORSHIP

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 | 7:00PM

Join us for Night of Worship! We host these events twice a year as an opportunity for you to slow down and spend focused time with the Lord. During April's Night of Worship, we will come together to make much of Jesus and foster the hope that He alone offers us. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

MOTHERS AT HEART

KMHS MENTORS

SUNDAY, MAY 1 | 2:00PM

You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students on a monthly basis at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). As a mentor, you'll help facilitate the social-emotional curriculum, Habitudes, by Dr. Elmore. This is an opportunity to engage students in the public-school environment, where they spend so much time - all while equipping them with tools for healthy leadership in their world and the world around them. Take the next step by emailing our Student Pastor, Derek McClardy at dmcclardy@northmetro.org.

Mothers at Heart is an event honoring women experiencing infertility, miscarriage, or infant loss. Join us to connect with others and receive encouragement, hope, and community. We'll enjoy snacks and dessert while you learn more about NMC’s Infertility & Loss Support Group and other resources available to help women on their journey to motherhood and healing. Sign up before Wednesday, April 27, by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org.

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WOMEN'S PODCAST | WALK WORTHY Join the conversation as we discuss how to walk worthy through every season of life! From millennials to career choices to grandparenting, we'll cover it all with ten amazing guests who lend their unique perspectives on how they follow the Lord. New episodes are released every other Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the web at northmetro.org

NMC WOMEN | STAY CONNECTED We have two new options for you to stay in the loop with everything that is happening with the women of NMC! Follow us on Instagram at WalkWorthyNMC, or sign up to receive our periodic text message updates by texting NMCWOMEN to 833.511.0834 (you can opt out of these text messages at any time).

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

NMCMEN | STAY CONNECTED To stay in the loop with everything that is happening with the men of NMC, sign up to receive our periodic text message updates by texting NMCMEN to 888. 697.1467 (you can opt out of these text messages at any time).

KIDS TOWN SQUARE TABLE TALKER

APRIL/MAY

We want to help equip families to intentionally connect around the dinner table, which is why we have created the Table Talker. Each month's Table Talker features family devotionals and discussion questions. There will always be laughter as you make memories together. As a way of encouraging families to participate, there is a mailbox outside of Town Square where you can deposit your Table Talker once it is complete. When the NMC Kid's Team receives the completed Table Talker, your kids will be sent a reward in the mail!

Pick yours up today in the halls of Town Square.

NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 1:00-4:00PM Save the Date! We're taking Town Square out of the building for some games, ice cream, and a whole lot of fun! There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime.

There will be more information on the Events page at northmetro.org as we get closer to the event.

NMC KIDS BLUE SKIES MISSION TRIP

JULY 10-15 | ST. SIMONS, GA

You will be participating in an unforgettable week at the beach getting to know families who are going through the difficult journey of childhood cancer through NMC’s partnership with Blue Skies.

This team will share God’s love in very practical ways from cleaning, playing with children, offering a hug, a smile, a shoulder to lean on, and laughing as you enjoy amazing themed events and beach activities.

This week allows the parents to connect in a deep way through their trial and lets the kids laugh and play again. If you have a heart to uplift hurting families, this trip might be for you! Learn more on the Events page at northmetro.org.

STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT

SUNDAYS 9:30AM & 11:30AM

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

SHIFT NIGHTS

SECOND AND FOURTH WEDNESDAYS | 6:30-8:00PM Take your Sunday small group experience and friendships to the next level by participating in our small group gatherings. The night consists of dinner, games, and community. It is our hope that the relationships you build in your small group will take you all the way through high school. Check out the calendar at northmetro.org/shift to find out more. These are free events and dinner will be provided.

HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS

SUNDAYS 7:00-8:30PM

Compass is our environment for 8-12th grade students. Through teaching, worship, events, and small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus.

Follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the know of upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS | 1:00-2:15PM

College students, join us for our new NMC College Bible Study Group. We will experience community, dive deep in biblical study, and share a meal together! Whether you're far from God or near in your walk, this is the place. For more details, visit the College page at northmetro.org.

PINE COVE CITY

JUNE 6-10 | 9:00AM-4:00PM This weeklong, wildly popular, camp is for students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Campers will experience Jesus through Bible study, worship, and time with their counselor as well as participate in tons of great camp activities. Registration is now open, so head on over to the Events page at northmetro.org to learn more.

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SUMMER SCHOOL Starting Tuesday, June 14 7:00-9:00pm

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nE rl o t nro tm h etrro. oday at gn/ muc

You Belong Here!

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END OF YEAR GIVING STATEMENTS

One of the many great features of our personalized online database, NMC Connect, is that you have access to view and print giving history and year-end giving statements for tax purposes at your convenience. You can access NMC Connect from the homepage at northmetro.org. If you have never accessed the system before, follow a few simple prompts to create login credentials.

Once you're in the system: 1.Click on "My Giving" from the menu on the left of your screen. (This will take you to your giving page where you can set up or edit online gifts) 2.On the top of your screen, click on SCHEDULES/ HISTORY tab.

3.On the top right, you will see a "Giving Statement" button.

(This will take you to a page where you can print various giving history individually or for your family) 4.Under "Quick Date Range," select "Last Year" from the drop down menu. (This will pre-fill the dates for 01/01/20201 through 12/31/2021) 5.Click "Run Report" and a statement will be generated that includes all necessary information for tax purposes. (The statement is available to be saved on your device or printed through this window) If you need and help with accessing your statement, please contact Kristin Chance at 678-290-7830 x1127 or kchance@northmetro.org.

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2025 GOALS As we head toward the year 2025 we are praying our guts out and being fully 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.

GOAL #1: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE FIND JESUS We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great God who loves us immeasurably more than we can imagine. We

PEOPLE FOUND

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want to celebrate with you if you’ve played a part in helping someone move from death to life or if you came to faith in Christ! We invite you to share your story by visiting the Contact Us page at northmetro.org.

GOAL #2: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE ENROLL IN NMCU Before Jesus left the disciples, He said, "Go make disciples." A tangible way to see that hope realized is through our discipleship program,

PEOPLE ENROLLED IN NMCU

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NMCU. We're looking to see 1,000 people faithfully following Jesus, equipped with knowledge of Scripture, to ultimately share their beliefs with others. NMCU creates disciples that make disciples.

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

YTD February 2022 Income: 4,540,690.52 Expense: 3,467,434.54 Over(under): 1,073,255.98

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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April at a glance

Sunday, April 3

EASTER WEEK:

Saturday, April 23

According to Mark 9:30am & 11:30am

Tuesday, April 12

Dads' Breakfast 9:00-11:00am

College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

Sunday, April 10 According to Mark 9:30am & 11:30am College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

Tuesday Night Prayer 7:00pm

Friday, April 15 Good Friday Service 7:00pm

Saturday, April 16

Monday, April 11

Easter Celebration Service 4:00pm

Lydia Circle Sews 9:00am-5:00pm

Family Festival 5:00-8:00pm

Sunday, April 17 Sunrise Service 7:00am Easter Celebration Services 9:30am & 11:30am

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

SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED

Sunday, April 24 According to Mark 9:30am & 11:30am Adult Baptism Class 11:30am Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

Thursday, April 28 Women's Night of Worship 7:00pm

Saturday, April 30 NMC Kids At The Park 1:00-4:00pm

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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