March 2023 Newsletter

Keeping you informed and connected

Celebrate Easter Weekend With Us Good Friday Service April 7 | 7:00pm Saturday Easter Service April 8 | 4:00pm Sunday Easter Services April 9 | 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:30am

ISSUE HIGHLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT: CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Page 06

March 2023

Connect & Grow

WELCOME HOME

GROUPS

TABLESETTERS

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 11:30AM-12:30PM

At NMC, we genuinely believe that we are better together. For that reason, we want everyone to circle up with others in a group. We have three different types of groups that you can join. They include Connection Groups that meet over shared interests such as hiking, board games, or movies; Community Groups that meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups that assist anyone walking through difficulty or life transition.

If you want to join a Connection Group, Community Group, Care Group, or even start your own group, then check out northmetro.org/groups.

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.

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.

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Care

PRAYER

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

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.

Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is to come around families in foster care or adoption. In addition, this group is a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges.

Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises that it will be easy. But, He does promise to lead when we are lost. So, 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. This month's meeting will be Monday, March 13, at 7:00pm.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT

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.

Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether you or 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 that get it without explanation or apologies; we just get it all.

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 class is available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. The next session will be Wednesdays, March 8, 15, & 22, from 6:00-9:00pm.

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.

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, and 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.

FRESH START Is there someone in your life that has hurt you deeply? Have you tried to forgive, but when you hear or see the person, feelings of anger or bitterness crop up in your life? If so, the ministry of Fresh Start can help free your heart. It is a process that will help you live “Forgiven, Forgiving & Free." It will help you understand what forgiveness is and what it is not.

Women's groups meet on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Men's groups meet depending on individual availability.

PURE DESIRE Pure Desire is a men's ministry that provides hope, freedom, and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ.

Through this group, you will understand how family of origin and trauma impact your behavior, how addiction affects brain chemistry, and develop a plan to create freedom from addiction. Don't let shame keep you from finding help; know there is hope as you walk out this journey with other Christ-followers.

If cancer has affected you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to NMC's Cancer Support Group. You will find an amazing community of brave, strong women that have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy. This month's meetings will be Sundays, March 12 and 26, at 1:00pm.

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 not to stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope. This month's meetings will be Thursdays, March 9 and 23, at 7:00pm.

For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.

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National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The month of March brings with it many things. When most people think of the month of March, they think of things like the coming arrival of spring, the Ides of March, St. Patrick’s Day, and March Madness. And if you grew up in Louisiana like I did (Rob), you might think of Mardi Gras. Sometimes Mardi Gras lands in March, depending on when Easter falls. But for the past 28 years, March is also when our nation celebrates National Disability Awareness Month. As a church, we often take these national calls of awareness to look even deeper to highlight some of those throughout history who have given their lives to make much of God. This month, we'd like to honor the life of Joni Eareckson Tada.

In 1967, at the age of 17, Joni Eareckson Tada was injured in a diving accident that left her quadriplegic in a wheelchair without the use of her hands. During her rehabilitation, Joni spent long months learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her highdetail fine art paintings and prints are sought after and collected by thousands of people. Joni is also an accomplished author and singer.

To date, she has written over 40 books, recorded several musical albums, starred in an autobiographical movie of her life, and is an advocate for people with disabilities. Her life has been hard, but if there is anything Joni personifies, it is joy. As she states, “Today,

“Today, look around you. Surely there are small blessings, little joys, and tiny hints of God’s favor for which you can be grateful.

Don’t take things for granted today. Take them with gratitude.”

— Joni Eareckson Tada

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look around you. Surely there are small blessings, little joys, and tiny hints of God’s favor for which you can be grateful. Don’t take things for granted today. Take them with gratitude.”

She currently leads an international ministry called Joni & Friends, and their vision is to envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.

On a more personal note, I (Denise) was profoundly impacted by Joni’s life story. In the early 1980s, my school offered free tickets to the autobiographical movie Joni. They even gave away cassettes (aka albums) of Joni’s music. I was deeply impacted by Joni’s incredible testimony of perseverance and willingness to minister to others despite the limits her broken body now placed upon her. I repeatedly listened to Joni’s recording of “It Is Well With My Soul” during a season when no one in my home went to church. Joni’s choice to thrive and use her perceived disabilities to reach a hurting and broken world changed my life.

For more information and to see all of the amazing things Joni and her team are currently doing to promote the Gospel in tangible ways, check out her website, joniandfriends.org.

W

e love everything we do here at NMC, but one of the ministries that make our hearts explode with joy is NMC's ministry to kids with special needs and to the parents with whom the Lord has entrusted them. Sometimes, people can look upon those with disabilities and think, “they can’t be as effective in ministry because they can’t walk, use their hands … fill in the blank.” But with Christ, that is simply not true. We have several friends whose disabilities might limit them physically in some way, but their ability to minister to others, teach the scriptures, or use their spiritual gifts is nothing short of powerful.

Scripture highlights many people who might have been considered too broken for use or honor. In 2 Samuel 4, we learn that “Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled.

His name was Mephibosheth, which means “dispeller of shame” in Hebrew. In Ancient Middle Eastern culture, this kind of flaw, this imperfection, this weakness that people with severe injuries or disabilities carried was not proudly shown or welcomed, especially if they were of royalty. They would never have been seen as equal, and yet, King David requested that Mephibosheth always dine at the king’s table.

And so it is with our King. All of us are “disabled” in some form or another. For it is only by and through Christ that any of us “stand” out and “stand” up for His glory and His renown.

Not only does the Lord not want people with special needs, health conditions, or impairments to be hidden away, but He also wants them to be seated at the table as a part of ministry, making decisions. As honored children of the Most High changing the world, proclaiming that found people find people—all people—however they were created, whatever the circumstances.

Rob & Denise McDowell

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Cancer Support Group Highlight I have had many opportunities to love people who are walking out hard seasons but, more importantly, have the opportunity to point them to the One that calms the roughest storms.

Read along as Diana Pethel shares her cancer story and how she sees God using her story for His good purposes...

In January 2018, like most women, I went to 'check a box off' of my to-do list and had my normal mammogram. That day sparked a terrifying journey into the cancer world. While waiting for the results from my scans, the Lord drew near to me like never before. He began comforting, directing, and reassuring me that I was not alone. I clung to Him with every fiber of my being. I trusted Him to write my story.

As the details unfolded of a very scary diagnosis, I turned over the pen of my story to a faithful God that is always trustworthy. After a year of treatments, including chemo, radiation, and surgery, my oncologist was in awe of the miracle he had witnessed.

With only a 20% survival rate, cancer that chemo was not expected to touch was now gone with no other explanation but GOD. I made up my mind that I would trust God no matter what. I would walk whatever hard road lay before me with confidence that He would somehow use it for my good and His glory.

Now, 5 years later, I stand cancer free, helping lead a cancer support group. I am more confident that God is trustworthy, living daily with purpose and not worrying about tomorrow. I have had many opportunities to love people who are walking out hard seasons but, more importantly, have had opportunities to point them to the One that calms the roughest storms. I know cancer support is never a group you want to be a part of, but if you find yourself on a cancer journey, we would be honored to walk through it with you. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we have no doubt that God holds our tomorrow.

Whether you are currently battling cancer or you are a caregiver to someone who is, we want you to join us on the second and fourth Sundays at 1:00pm. Take the next step of joining us by going to northmetro.org/care.

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Diana Pethel

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Upcoming for you

CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

MOBILIZATION REDEEMER'S HOUSE

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 11:30AM

GUATEMALA | APRIL 23-29

One of our favorite things here at NMC is celebrating 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.

We are leading an adult trip to serve our ministry partner, Redeemer's House, in Guatemala from April 23-29. On this trip, the team will focus on building a pergola and a covered shelter and assist with the local community programs. You can learn more and sign up for this trip by heading to northmetro.org/serve.

CONQUER SERIES If you're a man who struggles with sexual brokenness or addiction, NMC wants to come alongside you. The healing journey begins with the Conquer series, a five-week introduction where you'll learn more about the Pure Desire program and what you can expect. Through Pure Desire, you will understand how family of origin and trauma impact your behavior, how addiction affects brain chemistry, and develop a plan to create freedom from your addiction. Learn how to tackle this issue with confidence, clarity, and a biblical perspective.

The Conquer series will meet on Tuesdays, February 28-March 28, from 7:00-9:00pm.

To register, visit northmetro.org/events

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY CLASS

APRIL 23 & 30 | 4:00-6:00PM

Would you like to feel more confident in your approach to studying the Bible on your own or in a small group? Join us for a free 2-week class at NMC to learn how to read and study your Bible. Join our very own Jess Magee in two fun and practical classes to learn the Inductive Bible Study Method - a time-proven strategy to learn how to study the Bible that will leave you challenged but more comfortable engaging with your Bible.

For more details, FAQs, and to register today, check out this event at northmetro.org.

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SATURDAY SERVE

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 | 8:30AM Join us Saturday, April 1 for a time of serving and loving on our community. We will serve with Hands Extended International, Sheltering Grace, MUST Ministries, and First Care Women's Clinic. Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

WAYMARK

COMMUNITY4YOUTH Another way to serve and connect with teens and kids is through Waymark's Community4Youth Mentoring program, which includes oneon-one and group mentoring (Compass Groups). Community4Youth mentorship program provides a support system for kids in foster care through connections made with caring adults. Connect with our Mobilization Director, Bud Darr, at bdarr@northmetro.org to get involved.

CHARACTER EDUCATION MENTORING AT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students every month at Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS). 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 Rebecca Ross at rross@northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.

KIDS MARCH/APRIL TABLE TALKER The Town Square Table Talker is a discipleship tool designed by the NMC Kids team to equip families to connect around the table intentionally. The activities and devotions you'll find in the table talker come from the Gospel Project curriculum that we use in the classrooms. This means you can connect what you do at home with what your kids do in the classroom! But it's not all curriculum; you'll also find silly games, get-to-know-you questions, and family challenges. You are your child's first teacher and the first person to disciple your child! We hope the Town Square Table Talker is just the tool you need to take your family relationships to the next level!

Grab yours today in the NMC Kids Ministry, Town Square.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 | 9:30-10:15AM

This 45-minute class is designed for you and your child to attend together. If your elementary-aged child has already taken the step of salvation, this class is the perfect next step! For more information on the baptism process, visit northmetro.org/events.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 | 5:30-8:30PM

NMC will host its fourth respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will give NMC an opportunity to serve not only kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents

& PJ SUNDAY

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 It's time for one of Town Square & Shift's 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 19 | 9:30-10:15AM DEDICATION: SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 3:00PM The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to take part in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be Sunday, May 21, 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 northmetro.org/events.

family

STUDENTS SHIFT

COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

SUNDAYS | 9:30AM & 11:30AM

TUESDAYS | 6:45-8:30PM

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 Shift Room.

College students, join us for our NMC College Bible Study Group.We will experience community, dive deep into Bible study, and share a meal! This is a place for you, no matter what your walk with God looks like. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

SHIFT NIGHTS

2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAYS | 6:30-8:00PM We believe friendships and an incredible community can profoundly shape our students' lives. So we want to invite our 5-7th students and their friends to our Shift Nights on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month to have time to build additional community and stronger friendships with other students in Shift. Join us for everything from movie nights to large group games.These nights are always free, and dinner is provided.

Drop off your student at the Cafe doors and have them meet us in the Shift Room.

COMPASS

SUNDAYS | 6:30-8:30PM 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 know about upcoming services and events, or check out the schedule online at northmetro.org.

WOMEN'S GATHERING & MAN CHURCH Take a break from your week to gather together over dinner. We'll spend time connecting with each other around tables as well as worshipping God and studying the Bible with guest teachers. Mark your calendars for the Women's Gathering on Monday, March 13, and Man Church on Tuesday, March 14, from 7:00-9:00pm. Registration for each event is $15 and includes dinner. Be sure to invite someone and sign up by Wednesday, March 8.

PAID COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The College Internship Program is a paid internship designed for enrolled college students. This program is for students who want to understand and experience all the inner workings of the local church to decide if they want to pursue vocational ministry.

It’s designed to make them more aware of their character, competency, strengths, and weaknesses while increasing their understanding of the disciple-making process.

In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore different ministries behind the scenes and what is needed to make each ministry function and thrive. If you're interested in applying for the 2023-2024 school year, check out northmetro.org/intern-program or email Rebecca Ross at rross@northmetro.org for more details.

NORTHMETRO.ORG

will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. Are you interested in serving our families in the special needs ministry for this respite event? Head over to our events page to see a full list of serving opportunities for this event. The deadline to sign up to serve or attend this event is March 3. Sign up and learn more at northmetro.org/events.

your

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Celebrate Easter Weekend With Us Good Friday Service, April 7 | 7:00pm Saturday Easter Service, April 8 | 4:00pm Sunday Easter Services, April 9 | 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:30am No NMC Kids or NMC Students programming at the Friday evening service or Sunday 7:00am sunrise service.

FIND PEOPLE We spend Easter weekend each year celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus accomplished our salvation on the cross, and His resurrection forever changes us. We end every service at NMC by reminding our Church that as people found by Jesus, we now get to go into our worlds and find people, telling them about who Jesus is and what He did. Because found people, find people. Explore all the ways we are celebrating Easter weekend, and then go and find people to invite to our gatherings.

EASTER SERVING OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY FESTIVAL

Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to serve others and help people find and follow Jesus! We're asking you to serve with either our Guest Services or NMC Kids teams during one of our services this year. To learn more about the serving roles available, visit northmetro.org/easter.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 | 5:00-8:00PM

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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!

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

69

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

1,428

3

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. We currently support three church plants including Take Hold in Scotland, Grace Auburn in Auburn, Alabama, and Creekside in Dallas, Georgia.

YTD January 2023 Income: $4,046,128.52 Expense: $3,111,678.71 Over(under): $934,449.81

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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Derek McClardy, our Student Director, and students enjoying a hilarious game at their Winter Retreat!

March

at a glance

Sunday, March 5

Tuesday, March 14

Elementary Baptism Class 9:30am

Sunday, March 19

We Want a King 9:30am & 11:30am

Stay in the loop with all things NMC. Join our email mailing list! ( SCAN THE CODE TO BE ADDED )

Friday, March 10

Special Needs Respite Night 5:30-8:30pm

Sunday, March 12

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

2305 Ernest Barrett Pkwy Marietta, GA 30064 info@northmetro.org 678.290.7830

We Want a King 9:30am & 11:30am

Sunday, March 26 We Want a King 9:30am & 11:30am

We Want a King 9:30am & 11:30am

Welcome Home 11:30am

Daylight Saving Time Pajama Sunday

Adult Baptism Class 11:30am

Monday, March 13 North Metro Church

Man Church 7:00-9:00pm

Women's Gathering 7:00-9:00pm