March 2022 Newsletter

P

R

A

Y

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 (MSG Translation)

MARCH

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND CONNECTED

THIS ISSUE NOTE FROM ROB Page 02

NMCU HIGHLIGHT Page 04

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING? Page 06

UPCOMING FOR YOU Page 08

2022

A note from our Lead Pastor

Rob McDowell

Hello North Metro Church!

We are already three months into 2022! I am incredibly excited about several things we have this month as we prepare to celebrate what we often call the Superbowl of Christianity! That’s right…Easter will be here before you know it.

It has been several years since we’ve taught through one of the Gospels here on Sunday morning. So, with great anticipation, we will be kicking off a brand new series called According To Mark. We will be taking several Sundays to walk through Mark’s Gospel to allow the scripture to answer the question…Who is Jesus?

We really want to help our church family members engage with these passages each Sunday so we are giving each of you a gift. We have printed a weekly journal that matches the passages we will be teaching each Sunday. We will be giving them away throughout the series. Our hope and prayer is that it will help us all dig even deeper into this powerful account of Jesus’ life.

Every Sunday here at North Metro Church, you’ll witness the worship of God through singing, the teaching of God’s word and groups of people gathering for fellowship. You’ll hear PAGE 2

about groups meeting during the week for community, discipleship opportunities like NMCU, serving opportunities locally and abroad, and a host of other things we have going on around here. And the One who directs and empowers it all is our great God who loves us immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. But that is not all. Our part…our responsibility…our opportunity to bring and witness the power of God is through prayer. Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) is known as the “prince of preachers.” He was pastor of the London Metropolitan Tabernacle and the hand of God was upon him and his church mightily and through his ministry the Lord ignited revival. Thousands came to Christ through his preaching. There were times where worship services drew as many as 10,000 people.

Reverend Spurgeon had a humble and biblical attitude about his ministry.

He never took credit for the fruit. As a matter of fact, when people came to his church to learn the, “secret” of his success, he took them to the basement where there were hundreds of people on their knees in fervent prayer. Spurgeon called these prayer gatherings the church’s “engine or boiler room.” We have several faithful

NMC family members who come to our campus early every Sunday morning to pray for God to meet us where we are and draw us closer to Him. The elders of our church meet every week to pray for the church and for the concerns of the people we are called to shepherd. But we sense that the Lord is urging us to invite the entire church body to pray with us…to be the engine or boiler room of NMC. So, beginning March 1, we will have elder led prayer on Tuesday evenings (7:00-8:0pm) leading up to Easter. We will be praying for God to move within and through us. I know that this could seem like, “just one more thing” on your already busy schedules, but I humbly ask that you would make these evenings a priority and let’s see what God does in our midst.

There is so much more going on around here. Too much for this one page. So please look through the rest of the newsletter and see, not only what is going on, but how you can engage with what God is doing.

Grateful for all of you,

Connect & Grow WELCOME HOME

TABLESETTERS

Sunday, March 27 | 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.

PAGE 3

Highlight

PAGE 4

Wo

is out! h k t c e h C w!

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.

Currently, we have 625 students going through either NMCU 101 or NMCU 102 and we have been encouraged to see so many students graduate NMCU 101 and continue on to NMCU 102.

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.

PAGE 5

What's been happening?

Winter Weekend For our first ever Compass Winter Retreat we headed to Ocoee, Tennessee for a weekend away with our 8th-12th grade students.

This retreat was not only packed with team competitions and paintball, but we also dove in deeper with our small groups and explored what the Kingdom of God is. We know this weekend will have a lasting impact on our students as we are celebrating three salvations and so much more life change!

PAGE 6

The Daddy Daughter Date Night was one to be remembered. Dads connecting with other dads and daughters creating timeless memories will make a huge impact for years to come. We hope and pray that dads left feeling more equipped to build and foster positive relationships with their daughters. Each dad left with a gift bag full of ideas and activities of how to continue the positive memories outside the walls of the church.

Upcoming for you...

CHURCHWIDE SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 | 5:30-8:30PM

NMC will be hosting its second respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will give NMC an opportunity to not only serve kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. Please visit the Events page at northmetro.org for more details, register your family, or sign up to serve at this event! Got questions? Email Erin at enason@northmetro.org.

BAPTISM CLASS

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.

SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 | 8:15AM Saturday Serve is a great opportunity for you, your family, or those you’re in Community Group with to serve consistently throughout the year. Breakfast will be provided in the NMC Cafe at 8:15am, followed by a time of prayer before we go out to serve. We will serve our mobilization partners MUST Ministries and Waymark:

Must Ministries Opportunities We have two service opportunities available with MUST Ministries.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 | 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.

MOBILIZATION KMHS MENTORS You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students on a monthly basis at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). As a mentor, you'll help facilitate 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.

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

PAGE 8

1. Donation Center (9:30am-12:00pm), where we will help sort donated food, clothing, and other items distributed to MUST ministry locations.

2. NMC Hygiene Kit Assembly (9:00am-12:00pm) We will assemble hygiene kits on NMC campus and then deliver them to MUST Ministries. You can assist by purchasing the items needed for the kits, helping with assembly, or both. For more information and to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

Waymark Opportunities We will assist our ministry partner, Waymark, on their Xtreme Journey program. They have opportunities to help with registration, goodie bags, training sessions, and lunch.

The Xtreme Journey program provides valuable training for teens, ages 14-21, as they prepare to emancipate from the foster care system. Sessions focus on training in the areas of financial management, careers/education, independent living, communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, social skills, work/ study life, etc. If you would like more information about serving on an Xtreme Journey Program please contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org or visit waymarkfoster.org/xtremejourney To sign up for this Saturday Serve visit the Events page at 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, & co-ed groups by visiting the Groups page at northmetro.org

WOMENS' SPRING EVENTS -SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendars! More details to come!

MONDAY, APRIL 11 - LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 28- WOMEN'S NIGHT OF WORSHIP SUNDAY, MAY 1- MOTHERS AT HEART LUNCHEON

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 perspective 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 fall 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.

for breakfast, worship, and a devotional that will be catered to all ages. You'll then hear MUST Ministries explain their mission behind the projects the kids and their families will be doing throughout the morning. Afterward, you will be given a list of service projects that you can take home and do as a family for MUST Ministries. Parents are required to attend with their children. For more information about this event, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

PAJAMA SUNDAY

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

It's time for one of our Town Square favorites – Pajama Sunday! Kids and parents always love an excuse to wear pajamas to church, so why not devote a whole morning to it. No matter where you're joining us from, all you have to do is roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and maybe brush your hair. Don't forget to tag @wearenorthmetro on Instagram to share your photos with us.

BABY DEDICATION CLASS

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 | 9:30-10:15AM The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to take part in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be Sunday, May 22 at 3:00pm.

This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and dedication of your child to God’s teaching and instruction. If you would like more information on dedicating your child or to sign up, visit the Events page at northmetro.org.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

NMCMEN | STAY CONNECTED

SUNDAY, MAY 1 | 9:30-10:15AM

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).

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 about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for the class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

KIDS TOWN SQUARE TABLE TALKER

FEBRUARY/MARCH

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 SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 | 9:00AM-12:00PM Parents, we are having a Saturday Serve dedicated to NMC Kids and their families on the morning of March 5! Everyone will join together

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.

STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHIFT 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.

PAGE 9

SHIFT WINTER WEEKEND

SHIFT NIGHTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 - SUNDAY, MARCH 6

SECOND AND FOURTH WEDNESDAYS | 6:30-8:00PM

Join Shift for our Winter Weekend on Friday, March, 4 through Sunday, March 6 as we take over North Metro Church’s campus! We have incredible speakers and worship, service projects, off-campus surprises, and late-night games in store. Do not miss out as we explore what it means for God’s Kingdom to come now and to figure out how we fit into it all. For t-shirt information and to see what else is up our sleeves, be sure to check out NMC Students Instagram. The cost of this event is $55 and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, February 27.

Please note that this is not an overnight event. Sign up by visiting the Events page at northmetro.org

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.

SHIFT DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 20 | 4:00-6:00PM Shift Discipleship Track is an opportunity for 5-7th grade students to explore and grow their faith by applying biblical truths to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, evangelism, and Bible study. Join us this semester for a variety of topics. The instruction will be delivered in multiple ways to reach a variety of learning styles. Learn more about this semester's offerings and sign up by going to northmetro.org/shift.

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.

HIGH SCHOOL - COMPASS Compass is our environment for 8-12th grade students. Through teaching, worship, events, and small groups, we help students find and follow Jesus. Follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the know of upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

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.

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.

PAGE 10

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

46

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

634

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 January 2022 Income: 4,118,535.57 Expense: 3,078,765.62 Over(under): 1,039,769.95

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

PAGE 11

Sunday, March 6

Sunday, March 20

Sunday, March 27

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

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

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

College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

Baby Dedication Class 9:30-10:15am

Adult Baptism Class 11:30am

Sunday, March 13

College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

Welcome Home 11:30am-12:30pm

Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm

College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm

According to Mark 9:30am & 11:30am College Bible Study 1:00-2:15pm Shift Discipleship Track 4:00-6:00pm

March at a glance

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

SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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