January 2025 Newsletter

KE E P I N G YO U I N FO R M E D A N D CO N N E CTE D

JAN UARY 2025 E DITION

A letter from Rob Happy New Year, North Metro Church, Would you agree that a new year, a new beginning, brings excitement, anticipation, perhaps apprehension, a belief that change can happen, that’s coupled with hope? I sure do. If God’s word talks about how we are given new mercies each morning, then I think we intrinsically know and search for the “new” in our lives quite often.

If you are new to NMC, welcome! I am so excited that you are here. It’s not a coincidence that you have walked through the doors, signed up for an event here, or found yourself reading this newsletter. There is something here for you, and more importantly, there is something “new” for you to discover about God. Whether you have stepped into a church for the first time or you have been walking with God for years, He is ALWAYS at work to help us know more of Him, deeply.

Upon this new year, I would like to talk about a few group opportunities starting this month: North Metro Church University (NMCU), re:generation, and re|engage. NMCU is one of our environments for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. Knowing God’s word is imperative to the life of a Christian, and we desire that you know the truth because the truth

will set you free! re:generation is a biblically based discipleship program offering healing, recovery, and freedom from any type of struggle. On the pages of this newsletter, you can read about the life change of one of the members of re:gen. Lastly, re|engage is a marriage-enrichment ministry for couples ready to invest time and energy into building a stronger marriage. Through 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.

So, with all that said, my New Year’s challenge to you is to pray and ask God what “new” beginning He could be calling you to. I believe there is something. Would you be courageous enough to say yes?

Grateful for you,

Once you are logged in to NMC Connect:

End of Year Giving Statements One of the many great features of our personalized online community, NMC Connect, is 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 bottom of our homepage at northmetro.org. If you have never accessed the system before, follow a few simple prompts to create login credentials.

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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 histories 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 01/01/2024 through 12/31/2024) 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 any help with accessing your statement, please contact Kristin Chance at 678-290-7830 x1127 or kchance@northmetro.org.

Calling All Fathers and Father Figures! Get ready for a magical night that’s just around the corner, filled with delicious desserts, dancing, games, and plenty of photo ops. The excitement at NMC is building, and you won’t want to miss it!

Friday, February 7 | 7:00-9:00pm Barrett and Sewell Mill Campus

This year, we’re taking a trip back to the fabulous 50s.

Join us for a sock hop-inspired evening, complete with nostalgic soda floats and stylish poodle skirts. Choose to wear your vintage leather jacket and poodle skirts, or wear your favorite suit and dress; either way, the night will be awesome.

We hope this retro night creates lasting memories and strengthens dad and daughter relationships, reminding daughters how loved and special they truly are! Let’s make this a night to remember.

Registration is now open Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up today!

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Connect and Grow

WELCOME HOME

SEWELL MILL | SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 | 12:15PM BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 12:15PM

Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and give you the next steps on how you can belong to our family.

Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

GROUPS At NMC, we genuinely believe we are better together. Therefore, we want everyone to circle up with others in a group. We have three different types of groups you can join. Connection Groups meet over shared interests such as hiking, board games, or movies; Community Groups meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups assist anyone walking through difficulty or life transition. If you want to join a Connection Group, Community Group, or Care Group, or start your own group, check out northmetro.org/groups.

GROUP LEADERSHIP BRUNCH AND LEARN

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 | 11:00AM

We all desire to have a great community in our lives, but let’s face it, finding your

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people and the perfect group can be hard.

So we invite you to come help be part of the solution to these circumstances.

Learn what it would look like for you to start and lead your own Connection and/ or Community Group for a semester by attending the upcoming Group Leadership Brunch and Learn. We believe God uses groups to change people’s lives, and as a leader, you get to be a part of that. At this Brunch and Learn, you will hear about the expectations of a Connection and Community Group Leader, as well as the training and ongoing coaching you will receive to ensure that you have everything you need to make your group leadership journey successful. Leading a group is not as scary as it may seem. It can be life-giving for the leader and for those who are being led. So, do not miss this opportunity to step into an exciting new season by signing up at northmetro.org/events.

of your schedule, experience, or gifting, there’s a fulfilling place for you to serve here. Visit northmetro.org/serve to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

BAPTISMS We have classes for elementary-aged children, students, and adults that are each offered once a quarter. After you have attended a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child.

If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for a class at our Barrett Campus or meet with a pastor at the Sewell Mill Campus.

For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for a class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

TABLESETTERS When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience the grace of God. That’s why, around here, we call our volunteers Tablesetters. Our goal is for everyone to experience the joy of serving others as a Tablesetter and serve somewhere within our church. Regardless

Care

PRAYER

HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE

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.

NMC has a faithful group of men looking to serve widows, single moms, and other ladies in our church. These men are skilled in most areas of basic home repairs, including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry; however, they are unable to take on major renovations or projects that require county permitting. If you

are a single woman needing assistance with home maintenance or home repairs visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.

RE:GENERATION

BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 | 7:00PM

Are you hurting, feeling stuck, giving up hope for change, or wanting to identify and

remove obstacles for a deeper fellowship with God? Wonder why you keep struggling with the same thing day after day, year after year? You’re not alone. We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, these destructive thoughts and habits hold us back from the life we want— and the life God calls us to live. Through His Word, God offers us principles where freedom and new life can be found. re:generation is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with. re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Join us for an Interest Meeting to learn more on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00pm. Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to sign up.

RE|ENGAGE

SEWELL MILL | SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 | 4:00PM

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.

Registration is now open for the January semester! Join us for our Interest Meeting on Sunday, January 12, at our Sewell Mill Campus. Please note that re|engage at the Barrett Campus is currently full. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE

FOUNDATION GATHERINGS

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 27 | 7:00PM

The first few years of marriage can be exciting yet challenging, but they also offer a chance to build healthy patterns into a marriage at a formative stage. Foundation Gatherings are open to married couples who have been married for three years or less.

These events occur regularly throughout the year and include dinner, teaching, and a chance to build relationships with other newlywed couples. To learn more about Foundation Gatherings and upcoming Gathering dates, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

DIVORCE CARE Divorce Care is a mix of support and learning for those currently separated or divorced. We understand that divorce can be one of life’s most painful trials. While God hates divorce, He doesn’t hate divorced people. Our Divorce Care ministry is led by individuals who understand what you’re experiencing and will support you as you move forward. Through Divorce Care, you will learn how to deal with the heartache of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 | 6:30PM

Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is to come around families participating in foster care or adoption.

In addition, this group is a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges.

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

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 | 6:30PM

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Merge classes are available to those who regularly attend NMC and are already engaged. Our next Merge class will begin on Monday, February 24, 2025. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

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 who are enduring painful times such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or one’s health. If you are facing any of life’s difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.

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. There is hope as you walk out this journey with other Christ-followers.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 13 | 7:00PM

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

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT LUNCHEON

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MARCH 2 | 12:15PM

Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether it’s you, a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend. We can’t take you out of this storm, but we can walk alongside you and hold you up when the weight is too heavy. We can be that safe place to let all your feelings fall. We can have the honor of praying continually for you and your family. We can be that safe group of ladies who get it without explanation or apologies; we get it all.

If cancer has affected you in any way, we encourage you to reach out to NMC’s Cancer Support Group leader, Diana Pethel at 678.357.2933. You will find an amazing community of brave, strong women who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 | 7:00PM

Barrett Campus | Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to encourage and give hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a husband’s betrayal; however, our goal is not to stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope.

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

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Hi, my name is Courtney, and I have a new life in Christ.

God is recovering me from pride, control, and perfectionism.

My entire life, I focused on doing the right thing and never making mistakes. The problem was I defined “right.” I expected others to follow my standards, and when they didn’t, I felt disappointed and resentful. I had so much built-up resentment that I entered situations with no expectations of others, trying to self-protect from disappointment. It was a heavy, critical, and unkind way to live.

I grew up attending church, enjoying vacation Bible school, youth group, and retreats. These were foundational for learning about God, but something was missing—a relationship with Him. I could pray when led by others, memorize scripture for competitions, and take sermon notes. Being called “teacher’s pet” or “goody two shoes” built me up because it meant I was good.

I accepted Jesus in 7th grade, thinking everything would change after baptism, but it didn’t because I thought I was already doing good. It wasn’t until re:generation that I realized I only trusted God with my eternal life, not my daily life.

I love control—plans, checklists, and accomplishments.

And when things don’t go my way, I criticize. I am hard on myself and those around me. No one knows this better than my loved ones. I have been harsh, demanding, and unkind…and then I resented them for it all. It wasn’t until my husband once said to me, “your ability to always find the negative in any situation is impressive.” This comment hit me like a ton of bricks.

As someone who wanted to be the best at everything… to be perfect…turns out I was the best at being negative and critical. YUCK! At North Metro Church, I attended a re:generation meeting. Hearing others turn to Christ for healing felt like a “duh” moment—of course, I should go to God

for change! On my first night, I cried while admitting struggles I hadn’t shared with my closest friends.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” I was weary.

Step 3, trust, revealed how little I trusted God in daily life. Step 4, inventory, showed me the burden of my resentment. Step 5, confess, allowed me to say it out loud and feel relief. In Step 8, forgiveness, I struggled but prayed and gave it to God, finally letting go. Only

by His forgiveness could I make amends. Praise God. During regeneration, I realized my loneliness stemmed from neglecting Jesus in my daily life. Now, I imagine Him as a friend by my side. To deepen this relationship, I do devotionals, spend quiet time with God, and pray through songs. I’m kinder to my husband and more open about struggles. Failures remind me how much I need Jesus. Romans 7:18 says, “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Only Jesus can bring change.

I don’t listen to Satan’s lies about isolation or inadequacy.

Instead, I turn to God, embrace His truth, and rely on my Christ-centered community. I’m not holding onto resentments or expecting perfection from others. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds me, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”

Though I’m still a work in progress, I know God created me with purpose. He’s not focused on my checklist but my heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Lord, I seek you with all my heart and delight in you.

My name is Courtney, I have a new life in Christ, and God is recovering me from pride, control, and perfectionism. God deserves all the glory.

Through His Word, God offers us principles where freedom and new life can be found. Are you hurting, feeling stuck, giving up hope for change, or wanting to identify and remove obstacles for a deeper fellowship with God? Wonder why you keep struggling with the same thing day after day, year after year? You’re not alone.

We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, these destructive thoughts and habits hold us back from the life we want—and the life God calls us to live. re:generation is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with. Join others who have had their lives transformed by Christ. re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. You can join us anytime!

Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to learn more.

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Courtney Strosnider

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Upcoming for you and your family...

MOBILIZATION REDEEMER’S HOUSE SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP FEBRUARY 16-22

We are organizing an adult Short-Term Mission Trip to Guatemala from February 16-22, 2025. On this trip, the team will assist with building projects and share the love of Christ with the communities we minister to and serve. You can learn more and sign up for this trip by heading to northmetro.org/serve.

CITY SERVE WEEK FEBRUARY 15-22

Invest in the renewal of our city and love others at City Serve. City Serve Week is a week-long, short-term mission project in our city that will include multiple projects with varying start times, lengths, and locations.

This church-wide event will allow NMC members to love others. You can serve our Mobilization and Serve partners through outreach projects, including sharing the Gospel, homeless outreach, landscaping, light construction, distributing food, and much more. Grab your family or a few friends, find an opportunity, and sign up at northmetro.org/events.

WAYMARK COMPASS GROUPS

BARRETT CAMPUS | EVERY OTHER THURSDAY NIGHT

Compass Groups are a resource for foster and adoptive families (ages 6-18+) every other Thursday night. These groups provide respite for parents, a community for kids/teens, discipleship and access to valuable tools and resources. If you are an adoptive or foster family, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org for additional information to learn about this resource for you.

CIRCLES USA Did you know that here in Cobb County, over 17% of our children live below the poverty line? Have you wondered how you can make a lasting difference in helping a family move from poverty to financial stability?

Circles has a proven model that combines mentorship, financial literacy training, and connections to existing community resources all while building intentional friendships through weekly meetings. The result? Families increase their income by 75% on average. To serve with Circles USA, go to northmetro.org/serve.

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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.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 | 6:30PM

If you’ve ever felt like you just can’t get in control of your money, you’re not alone.

You’d be surprised how many people you know are just like you. But it’s time to take care of your finances today. Join Financial Peace University.

Learn how to pay off debt, save more money, build wealth, and live generously by understanding biblical principles through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University class at NMC. This class meets on Thursday evenings beginning January 30. Registration closes on Monday, January 27, or earlier if maximum capacity is met.

NMCU CORE (101-104)

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS, JANUARY 26-MARCH 30 | 3:00-5:00PM SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | TUESDAYS, JANUARY 28-APRIL 1 | 7:00-9:00PM

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview.

In NMCU Core, you’ll move through a set sequence of classes and learn about the big picture of Scripture and how everything in Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus.

In this learning process, NMCU will also help equip you to both understand and communicate your faith to others so that you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus, a disciple who makes disciples. Each semester offered is 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.

Our spring semester enrollment opened on Sunday, November 24, and closes on January 12, 2025. We offer in-person groups or on-demand options. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

NMCU 201

JANUARY 26-MARCH 30

This class is solely for Core Graduates (students who have completed 101-104).

Having established a foundation of the Bible, we will discuss matters of internal life and how, through a biblical perspective and worldview, we address and respond to them. This eight-week semester, we will discuss salvation, atonement, the Creeds, the Trinity, scripture reading and memorization, and sexuality.

Our spring semester enrollment opened on Sunday, November 24, and closes on January 12, 2025. We will be offering 201 on-demand only. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

NMC KIDS PINE COVE CITY SUMMER CAMP

BARRETT CAMPUS | REGISTRATION CURRENTLY OPEN CAMP DATES | MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 2-6 SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | REGISTRATION OPENS THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 CAMP DATES | MONDAY-FRIDAY, MAY 26-30

Pine Cove City is Pine Cove’s summer day camp program returning to our NMC Campuses with college counselors from all over the country! Be a part of this wildly popular week-long camp on either the Barrett or Sewell Mill Campus. Pine Cove City is for students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Registration for Barrett Campus is currently open and registration for our Sewell Mill Campus will open on Thursday, January 16. Learn more and register for camp at northmetro.org/events.

NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY DISCIPLESHIP TOOL

This 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-knowyou questions, and family challenges. You are your child’s first teacher and the first person to disciple your child. We hope the NMC Kids Table Talker is just the tool you need to take your family relationships to the next level. Grab yours today in NMC Kids.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 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. If your family is at the Sewel Mill Campus, and your elementary-aged child wants to get baptized, please email our Kids Pastor, Nathan Woodward, nwoodward@northmetro.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 11:00AM-12:00PM

This is an opportunity for parents who have children with special needs to get together and form community. Pastries and coffee will be provided during the 11:00am service. Register at northmetro.org/events.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY GAME DAY APPAREL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect opportunity to blend comfort with team pride through game-day apparel.

Whether you’re rocking a classic jersey, a cozy hoodie, or a casual T-shirt with your team’s logo, the key to this Sunday is to show your spirit for your favorite College or NFL football team while staying comfortable. No matter your style, the goal is to celebrate the big day in kids ministry with some fun. Game on!

BABY DEDICATION

CLASS: SUNDAY, MARCH 2 | 9:15-10:00AM DEDICATION: SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 3:00PM

The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to participate in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00pm on the Barrett Campus. This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on the celebration of life and your child’s dedication to God’s teaching and instruction. If you want more information on dedicating your child or signing up, visit northmetro.org/events.

GUATEMALA LUNCH & LEARN INTEREST MEETING

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 | 12:30PM

NMC STUDENTS

If your student is interested in our upcoming Guatemala mission trip but isn’t ready to apply just yet, join us for a lunch and learn! This will be a time for you and your student to come and learn about what we do in Guatemala, how much it’ll cost, when we are going, etc.

Please be advised that the trip is for 9-12th graders. This Interest Meeting will be after the second service, upstairs in the SHQ at 12:30pm. Lunch will be provided. To reserve your spot, visit the events page at northmetro.org/events.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS

SPRING RETREAT 2025

6-8th grade students are invited to join us upstairs in the Student HQ for our 9:15am and 11:00am services for Bible study and community.

Join us from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23, for an unforgettable weekend at Camp Grace! Packed with fun, friends, exciting camp activities, and plenty of crazy shenanigans, this is a retreat your student won’t want to miss. Together, we’ll dive into discovering how to live Just Like Jesus.

Take advantage of our early bird pricing— just $160 if you sign up before February 1. After that, the price increases to $185.

Don’t wait too long; the final registration deadline is Sunday, March 2. Scholarships are available. Secure your spot today and learn more at northmetro.org/events.

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM

NMC STUDENT NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-8:30PM SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-7:15PM

6-12th grade students, find your community, worship God alongside other students, and grow your faith in Jesus at our NMC Student Nights.

These nights include worship through music altogether, and then 6-8th grade and 9-12th grade students transition to different environments for relevant teaching and small groups. Connect with us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay in the loop.

NMC STUDENTS BAPTISM CLASS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 11:00AM

If your student is curious about baptism or ready to take that next step, join us for our next baptism class during the second service on Sunday, January 26. This class is open to students and their parents (if they wish to attend) and is designed to help young believers understand the significance of baptism and what it means to take this important step in their faith journey.

Whether you’re ready to be baptized or just exploring what it’s all about, we’d love for you to join us! To sign up or learn more, visit northmetro.org/events.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 - SUNDAY, MARCH 23

COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23) COLLEGE NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM

College students and young adults (1823) join us on campus in the Theater for worship, dinner, community, time in God’s word, and small groups. This time is for anyone and everyone, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey; there is a place for you here. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” — 1 Corinthians 8:3

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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.

Always December: Celebrating God’s Plans As we approach the end of the year, at Casa del Redentor, we jokingly refer to this season as “Always December.” Over the past few years, the weeks leading up to our Christmas program have been marked by unexpected events that change our plans and turn us into expert crisis solvers.

honor and blessing to write this letter to our NMC family, who have been with us every single day of this year—through your prayers, financial support, and in spirit—in the kitchen, in the classrooms, in the church, in the dining hall, and in every activity we’ve undertaken.

Three years ago, four out of our six staff members spent the week of the Christmas program visiting doctors and couldn’t be present.

That year, I learned that changes in plans and crises are hidden blessings. Through them, God showed me that His plans are always better than anything my small human mind could imagine, and that all the stress and panic could have been avoided by trusting Him a little more. That same year, for the first time, we were visited by a mission team from NMC College. They stepped in, worked tirelessly, and handled all the hard tasks: packing over 300 gifts in less than eight hours and preparing more than 125 food bags for families in the villages.

I wish each of you could hear the shouts of joy from the children when we arrive in the villages, see their smiles as they receive their food, and feel how their faith and love for the Lord grow each day.

I cannot fully express or describe the enormous impact NMC is having in Guatemala. I wish I could shake each of your hands and give you a big bear hug. I hope to visit the church campus someday and share many stories about the beautiful and special things happening here.

This year, as I write this letter, we are finalizing the last details for our Christmas program. Once again, we are blessed to welcome a mission team of adults from NMC who are coming to help bring joy and smiles to over 300 children and 150 families. It is a great

Thank you so much, brothers and sisters of our North Metro Church family. To those who visited us this year with mission teams, we remember you fondly. And to those who will come on future trips, we can’t wait to welcome you with open arms!

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 2025, we are praying our guts out and are entirely dependent on the Lord! He has entrusted us with our vision to “Be Missed,” and our mission, “We Help People Find and Follow Jesus.”

To live that out, we have set three God-sized goals to aim for as a church.

GOAL #1: HELP 1,000 PEOPLE FIND JESUS We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great

PEOPLE FOUND

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God, who loves us immeasurably more than we can imagine. We want to celebrate with you if you’ve played a part in helping someone move from death to life or if you came to faith in Christ! We invite you to share your story by visiting the Contact Us page at northmetro.org.

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

1,518

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

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

We currently support seven church plants, including Take Hold in Scotland; Grace Auburn in Auburn, Alabama; Creekside in Dallas, Georgia; Deeper Church in Dallas, Georgia, Heirloom Church in Kyle, Texas; Oaks Community Church in Naples, Florida; and Compassion International in Guatemala.

YTD November 2024 Income: $3,243,589.88 Expense: $2,786,181.18 Over(under): $457,408.70

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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How’s your marriage?

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

Every marriage has room for improvement. re|engage gives you a safe place to work on your relationship together, regardless of whether your marriage needs saving or you just want to take it from “good” to “great.” re|engage is a 14-week course that meets weekly and is offered twice a year, in the fall and the spring. Sign up for our Interest Meeting on Sunday, January 12, at the Sewell Mill Campus. Please note that re|engage at the Barrett Campus is currently full.

Follow us on Social Media! @wearenorthmetro

2305 Ernest Barrett Pkwy • Marietta, GA 30064 Sewell Mill Location • 2550 Sewell Mill Road Marietta, GA 30062 info@northmetro.org • 678.290.7830