June 2023 Newsletter

Keeping you informed and connected

ISSUE HIGHLIGHT

RE:GENERATION - A NEW MINISTRY AT NMC Page 06

June 2023

We have new service times!

Join us on Sundays at 9:15am and 11:00am!

A note from Rob. Our Lead Pastor

Hello North Metro Church!

I hope your summer is off to a great start. My prayer for you is that over the next couple of months, you find time to rest intentionally. Whether you have vacation plans somewhere on a beach or find yourself reading a book by the neighborhood pool, take time to slow down.

NMC had its very first Hunger Revival last summer, and it was so powerful. It set great momentum into our year, so much so, that we have decided to have another Hunger Revival July 27-30. Let's prepare our hearts for what the Lord will do during this time, and you'll hear more about Hunger Revival in the month to come. You do not want to miss it!

Lastly, with great excitement, I am thrilled to share that we have officially closed on the Sewell Mill property!

Plans for renovations are set in motion, and we cannot wait for this location in East Cobb to be ready, hopefully in the spring of 2024. I humbly ask you to please continue to pray over all the building details of Sewell Mill and for the people that we believe God will bring to this campus. We get to help people find and follow Jesus!

Grateful for you,

Rob McDowell.

Join us July 27-30 Gather with our NMC family members for a revival. Mark your calendars and get ready to seek after God together. We’ll be joined by guest speakers Miles Fidell and Will Gravely!

Childcare for infants through 4th grade is offered while space is available and sign-ups are needed. A form to signup for childcare will be available starting on Sunday, June 25. Find out more about this event at northmetro.org/hunger!

GOD'S WAYS • GOD'S WORSHIP • GOD'S WORD

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Connect and Grow WELCOME HOME

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | 11:00AM-12:00PM 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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GROUPS

TABLESETTERS

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, or 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.

Care PRAYER

FOSTER & ADOPTION 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.

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 four-week premarital discipleship class. Merge classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. The next session begins Wednesday, May 24, 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.

If you're interested in re|engage this fall, join us for an informational meeting on Monday, August 14, where you can learn more about how this ministry can strengthen your marriage. The fall session will begin on Monday, August 21.

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.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC community who are well trained in encouraging others enduring painful times such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or one's health. If you are facing any of life's difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.

If you feel led to serve as a Stephen Minister, keep a lookout for more information in the coming months. Stephen Ministry recruiting takes place each September, with training beginning in January.

FRESH START

This August, the Conquer series will be offered for husbands and wives to attend together. In this 5-week class, couples will learn how shame and grace affect the healing process, give an understanding of addiction and betrayal trauma, and get marriages started on the path to healing and unity.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT 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, June 12, at 7:00pm.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether it’s 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.

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.

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 meeting will be Sunday, June 11, at 12:15pm.

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

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, June 8 and 22, at 7:00pm.

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.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

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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Care Group Spotlight

Grounded in Christ A New Life of Peace, Healing, and Joy MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Larry Stenger Whether a new believer or a mature follower of Jesus, everyone struggles to walk in the ways of the Lord.

But for Larry Stenger, his personal battle is threefold–and decades in the making.

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After completing college, Larry spent seven years working as a bartender in his father’s restaurants and Atlanta’s popular Buckhead district. It was during this time that the first battle–alcoholism–slowly crept into his life.

Larry knew he was headed down a destructive path, so he entered the Marine Corps. But after four years of military discipline, he continued to drink heavily– until one experience changed him forever.

“I got my second DUI in 1989 and went to jail for the night,” Larry says. “It was a lightning bolt for me from God. I was

young, and I didn’t want to continue what I was doing and end up there again. So I started going to AA. That night was the last time I had a drink.”

Larry diligently worked on his sobriety.

Within a few years, he settled into a career in Information Technology and met and married his wife, Samantha.

But when they had their daughter one decade later, another challenge entered Larry’s life– lust and pornography. Shortly after, his job went fully remote–and the isolation only added to the problem.

Finding the Missing Piece with re:generation As a child, Larry knew about God and went to church, but he didn’t understand or desire a relationship with Christ. But when Larry and Samantha started attending church together after marriage, his thoughts gradually turned toward the Lord.

He began immersing himself in different groups and activities, allowing God to slowly change him from the inside out.

When they landed at North Metro Church several years later, Larry quickly became involved. He continued maturing in his faith and served in various roles over the course of 20 years. He also attended NMC programs to continue his fight against alcoholism and pornography. With the help of God and friends, he persevered and triumphed.

But still, Larry felt something was missing.

“I had a pretty good relationship with God at that point,” Larry says. “But I was willing myself to be a different person.

The temptations were always there, and I was depending on my emotions. I wanted to learn how to continually equip myself, transform my behavior, and be disciplined in my daily walk with God. I wanted to take my spiritual life to a different level–but I knew my heart wasn’t completely connected to Christ.”

Fortunately, NMC leadership was in the process of researching a successful discipleship program called re:generation (re:gen), which is based on a 12-step recovery model.

The aim of the program is to offer healing and freedom from destructive thoughts or habits, allowing a believer to experience truly abundant life in Christ. Members can focus on different addictions, or over 100 other common struggles like fear, shame, trust, control, betrayal, isolation, approval of others, and more.

It was exactly what Larry was hoping to find.

“I agreed to assist with one of the men’s pilot groups, led by Shane Groover,” Larry says.

“But before we got started, we met with a regional leader for re:gen to learn even more–and I was fascinated. Then he set us up with Fellowship Church in Roswell to experience the program in action. When I saw the environment, that did it for me. The testimonies moved me. I knew re:gen could change lives.”

During his visit to Fellowship, Larry uncovered his third challenge for the first time–a critical spirit. He learned he had issues with judging others and seeing their flaws rather than their positive traits, which in turn had affected several important relationships throughout his life.

Learning to Live as a Follower of Jesus For the first two months of re:gen, Larry and the other class members learned the foundational principles of the program and identified their individual struggles.

From there, they split off into small groups to begin attacking the pervasive and longstanding issues in their lives.

With specific ground rules in place, it didn’t take long to develop trust and start opening up. In Larry’s group, the challenges of pride, intimacy, codependency, and anger quickly made their way to the surface. “re:gen is a safe environment to be real with each other and not put on false pretenses,” Larry says. “And what I love is there’s no interruptions, or cross-talking, or trying to fix that person while they’re sharing. We’re just there to lift each other up. And the best part is the sense of security, knowing everything we discuss is confidential.”

Larry’s group met consistently over the next eight months, working through each step to get to the root of their issues and learn to truly live as a follower of Jesus. Larry found all the lessons invaluable, but the lesson of forgiveness was especially profound.

“Forgiving people who have hurt you is one of the most important steps,” Larry says.

“I also needed to let go of guilt and shame from my past. You have to treat yourself and others as Christ did to truly be free and do the things God wants you to do. We’re forgiven, even though we didn’t deserve it.

With re:gen, I have great hope of being a godly person and attacking all the demons in my life. We’re all broken and have a void to fill–but re:gen is a stepping stone to becoming complete.”

Freedom and Peace Abound in Christ Through re:generation, Larry came to understand the driving force behind his behaviors. Now, he’s experiencing the benefits and joy of a new life in Christ.

He recently had a difficult conversation with his daughter–but instead of being critical or trying to fix the problem, Larry listened and displayed patience. As a result, they communicated without arguing or cutting off the discussion. Larry feels the Lord’s guidance and encouragement in his other relationships as well.

He also continues to win the fight against alcoholism, lust, and pornography. His re:gen group provides an authentic support system as they walk through their brokenness together. They pray for each other and meet outside of the church–and whenever someone experiences difficulties, they band together in unity to carry each other’s burdens.

But Larry’s greatest joy is knowing he’s given his whole heart to Christ. He’s living out his faith with a mindset of servitude and deep commitment to the Lord. And he has a peace that surpasses understanding. Going forward, Larry desires to write about the Christian faith and help others find their purpose in Jesus.

Whatever the future brings, Larry knows the Lord will lead the way.

“We’re all going through our own individual struggles,” Larry says. “But surrendering and getting your pride out of the way is key. You have to let go of control and just center on God. re:gen helped me make that connection. All these worldly things are nothing compared to being right with the Lord. It doesn’t take away the hardship, but I can function better through the storms.

I’d recommend re:gen to anyone. I feel grounded and at peace–and that is the key to living.”

re:generation is a biblically-based discipleship program offering healing, recovery, and freedom from any type of struggle. re:generation consists of weekly meetings, which include large group teaching and small group discussion, which meet for 10-12 months. Small groups are divided by gender and are "closed" groups to develop trust and confidentiality among group members. re:generation will be open to the NMC family members this fall, and men's and women's groups will begin in August. To learn more, visit northmetro.org/care.

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Practical ideas to be effective in how we live, learn, and love.

Join us for our new North Metro Church University (NMCU) Workshops that are designed to give people practical ideas for being effective in how they live, learn, and love. Attend one of our many unique workshops led by our very own pastors. Registration is free and open to anyone in the church or community. Students who are in 8-12th grade are invited to attend as well. Check out the schedule and sign up for one or all of them.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | 4:00-6:00PM

SUNDAY, JULY 16 | 4:00-6:00PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 | 4:00-6:00PM

BECKY EVERETTE

JOHN MAGGARD

NATHAN & KYNDELL WOODWARD

Using lessons learned from Job & his friends,

With Culture Index(TM), you get to be a

Parenting can be a daunting and isolating

this workshop will teach you what to do

part of an individualized survey that will

experience. It can feel like an insurmountable

(and what not to do) when someone in your

exhibit traits and behaviors specific to

challenge, but it does not have to be that way.

life experiences suffering. Come and learn

you. After the survey, you will be provided

Attending this parenting workshop can help

practical tools for how to offer compassion

results that help identify how you are wired

you understand the possible parenting traps

to those who are hurting and, in turn, trust

to perform, grow, and succeed. Come learn

you may have fallen into and equip you with

those burdens to the Lord.

more about how God has gifted you and

the tools to succeed in future parent-child

how you can use those gifts more effectively

interactions. We will be covering topics like

in your relationships - whether at work, in

behavior, mental health, discipleship, and

your personal life, or in ministry. We will

much more.

have time dedicated to understanding the traits, reviewing your individual results, and discussing with other attendees in this hands-on workshop.

*Childcare is provided for infants through fourth graders for a small fee; however, early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

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IT’S BACK!

The NMC Kids podcast, Talk of the Town, is back for its fourth season! This summer, we’re going to explore God and science through the creation narrative. We’ll take time in each episode to explore a different day and aspect of creation. Then, we’ll talk through a science experiment that goes along with our story! You and your family can do these experiments at home and talk about God’s wonderful creation. Kids can also watch the experiments on our Town Square YouTube channel, where our Kid Talk kids will demonstrate each one. At the end of each episode, we’ll dig a little deeper into how to apply what we’ve learned to our lives.

We know that families look forward to the Talk of the Town podcast each summer. Our hope and prayer is that by learning more and experiencing God’s creation in a new light, kids will grow in their relationship with Him. Our goal is for kids and families to explore Bible stories, characters, and how it all points back to Jesus. Explore with us this season on Talk of the Town: God of Science!

SCAN CODE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST PAGE 9

We love our Tablesetters!

Tablesetter: One who sets the table for others to experience the grace of God.

Around NMC, we call our volunteers Tablesetters because they set the table for others to find and follow Jesus! From brewing coffee to caring for children to leading marriage ministries and discipling students, we love that we get to serve God together. We believe God has gifted each and every person with unique talents that can be used to the glory of God! If you're not already serving at NMC, scan this QR code and discover all of the different ways you can set the table with us!

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Upcoming CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | 11:00AM 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.

NMCU NMCU is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU, 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. And 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. Each semester offered is 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.

Our summer school enrollment closes soon on May 30. Summer school dates are Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, June 13-August 15 (On-demand only on July 4 and July 18). We offer in-person groups or on-demand options. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

MOBILIZATION SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 16 & 23

As a way to serve our community, we're hosting a school supply drive to benefit students from Hayes Elementary and Lockheed Elementary School. We will work together to supply uniforms to students at Lockheed and school supplies to Hayes. All that is collected will help provide hundreds of students with the items they need to be successful this upcoming school year.

Find the entire shopping list and Amazon wishlists by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

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SATURDAY SERVE

WAYMARK COMMUNITY4YOUTH

Join us Saturday, August 12, for a time of serving and loving our community. We will help two new Mobilization Partners, Hands Extended International and Sheltering Grace, as well as MUST Ministries. Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/serve.

A 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 mentoring 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.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 | 8:30AM

CAMP GRACE SUMMER MISSION TRIP

JUNE 12-15

Camp Grace provides a three-day, overnight camp for underserved youth, ages 7-12. These camps serve to create positive memories, instill a sense of purpose and value, and teach these children that they are special, and loved and that God has a plan for their lives. Team members must be at least 13 years and older. For additional information or next steps, connect with our Mobilization Director, Bud Darr, at bdarr@northmetro.org.

REDEEMER'S HOUSE

GUATEMALA | SEPTEMBER 24-30 We are offering a family mission trip to serve our ministry partner, Redeemer's House, in Guatemala from September 24-30. On this trip, the team will focus on serving in the villages and assisting with the local community programs. You can learn more and sign up for this trip by leading to northmetro.org/serve.

CIRCLES USA Did you know that here in Cobb County, over 17% of our children live below the poverty line? The ramifications of poverty are heartbreaking and can include homelessness, food insecurity, and children being removed from their homes and entering the foster care system simply because their families cannot afford to adequately care for them. Circles USA works to move families out of poverty, and you can be involved in this work in many ways, including offering a meal, becoming an ally, and so much more. 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 every month at Kennesaw Mountain High School. 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.

KIDS NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, JULY 15 | 10:00AM-12:00PM Save the date! We're taking Town Square out of the building for some games, popsicles, 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. Find out the location at northmetro.org/events as we get closer to the event.

SHIFT PREVIEW SUNDAY

SUNDAY, JULY 30 | 9:15AM & 11:00AM Attention, parents of rising 5th graders.

On Sunday, July 30, your kids will have the opportunity to experience our 5-7th grade ministry Shift during either service time.

They will check in down in Town Square and will go to their assigned classrooms.

Then, their small group leaders will go up to Shift with them for the whole service

you & your family before returning to Town Square before each service is concluded. This is a great opportunity for your kids to get excited for their next ministry journey here at NMC!

PROMOTION SUNDAY

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 or Theater.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

ONEDAY

With a new school year comes a new church year! On Promotion Sunday, all children two years old through elementary age will be promoted to their new Town Square classroom. Preschoolers are promoted by age; elementary students are promoted by grade level. If you have questions about your child’s new class, contact Erin at enason@northmetro.org.

With a new school year comes a new vision, new community, and new memories for our students in Shift, and it all starts at ONEday! You do not want your students and friends to miss out on this all-day event where we will worship together, learn more about our Father, create new friendships, and make lasting memories. All Shift students join us on Saturday, August 19, on NMC's campus for ONEday 2023. Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up your student now!

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 | 9:15-10:00AM

This 45-minute class is designed for you and your child to attend together.

If your elementary-aged child has already taken the step of salvation, this class is the perfect next step! For more information on the baptism process, visit northmetro.org/events.

STUDENTS SHIFT

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.

PROMOTION SUNDAY

SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

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.

On Promotion Sunday, all 5-7th grade students will join their new small groups in Shift, 8-12th grade students will join us on Sunday night at Compass, and our graduated seniors are invited to join us at our college gatherings on Tuesday nights.

If you have a 5th or 8th-grade student as of the 23/24 school year, you will receive an email from the student team welcoming you to Shift and Compass. If you have questions about your student's new ministry or small group, contact Jill at jstewart@northmetro.org.

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.

COLLEGE COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP

TUESDAYS | 6:45-8:30PM

College students, join us on-campus under the outdoor Pavillion 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.

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 disciplemaking 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.

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Ivan Mijango Casa del Redentor Director

An update from Ivan Mijango.

Redeemer's House or Casa del Redentor is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Free Clinic in Patzutzun Over the past few years, Casa del Redentor (Redeemer's House) has been able to develop links with other local and international nonprofit organizations and ministries that are constantly looking for new ways to help and bless Guatemala.

A few weeks ago, I got a call from Pastor Martin Mijango, who is a friend of Redeemer's House, asking me if we would be interested in collaborating with the missionary Karen Hembrough, a retired doctor from Texas who was coming to Guatemala with a group of evangelists and medical professionals to hold

free clinics. I did not have to think too long and my immediate answer was yes!

So we decided to take Karen and her team to Patzutzun, the largest village where we work.

We invited the whole village to be part of the free clinic, and they were excited because this is something that almost never happens.

On the day of the clinic, the missionary team presented a couple of story plays for more than 250 children who attended a school that day; even the teachers were so excited about this opportunity, and they allowed the children extra time outside to hear the message.

When we finished the activities with the children, there were approximately 50 people waiting to be seen by the doctors. Each one had their turn and received a bag with medicines, vitamins, and personal hygiene items. We had the opportunity to share the Gospel and pray for each of them before they returned to their homes.

Our friends from Texas were happy to work with us, and we said goodbye hoping to be able to do it again next year.

We get to partner with Redeemer's House to help people find and follow Jesus in Guatemala because of your obedience in giving. To get involved, you can go to northmetro.org/serve.

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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

87

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 April 2023 Income: $5,557,285.85 Expense: $4,463,366.07 Over(under): $1,093,919.78

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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Sunday, June 4

Sunday, June 18

Sunday, June 11

Sunday, June 25

Tuesday, June 13

Adult Baptism Class 11:00am

Sunday Teaching 9:15am & 11:00am

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

Sunday Teaching 9:15am & 11:00am

NMCU Summer School Starts 7:00pm

Sunday Teaching 9:15am & 11:00am

Sunday Teaching 9:15am & 11:00am

Welcome Home 11:00am

June Care & Compassion NMCU Workshop 4:00pm

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

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

at a glance