September 2026 Newsletter

Keeping you informed and connected

SEPTEMBER /// 2026

A Letter from Daniel Hello everyone!

I hope you’re having a great start to a new fall season. As you settle into a new routine—or maybe just continue with the routine you’ve already established—I want to remind you of something I say almost every weekend: I love this church, I love the family God is building here, and I want you to be a part of it!

If you’re new around here and looking for a way to jump in, get connected, or simply learn more about who we are and what God has called us to, I want to encourage you to take two important steps this fall.

First, join us for Welcome Home on Sunday, September 13, at our Barrett Campus, or Sunday, September 27, at our Sewell Mill Campus.

Welcome Home is an opportunity to sit down over lunch with our Lead Pastor, Rob McDowell, and members of our staff. You’ll learn more about North Metro Church, hear about our vision and values, have a chance to ask questions, and discover some practical ways you can get connected and become part of this incredible church family.

Second, join us for Group Launch on Sunday, September 27.

We believe we were created for community. We’re not meant to do life alone. That’s why we created Group Launch. It’s built to help you find meaningful relationships and form a deeper community.

At Group Launch, you’ll meet some new people and begin a nineweek journey together designed to help you develop friendships, grow in your faith, and find a place where you can truly belong.

You can register for both Welcome Home and Group Launch at northmetro.org/events.

I hope you’ll take one (or both) of these next steps. You never know how God might use one simple step to change this next season of your life.

I love this place, and I believe God is doing something really special here at North Metro Church. I want you to be a part of it. I hope to see you at Welcome Home and at Group Launch!

Blessings!

Daniel Hicks Barrett Campus Pastor

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UPCOMING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS MOVIE NIGHT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 DOORS OPEN AT 5:30PM, MOVIE STARTS AT 6:00PM

Join us for a movie in the Auditorium!

Popcorn and Pizza provided. Bring friends and blankets to sit on.

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS FALL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 10:00AM-1:00PM

We will be hosting our third annual Fall Festival. It’s free and open to everyone, so bring your neighbors and friends!

NMC KIDS NMC KIDS | THURSDAY NIGHT CHURCH We're excited to share that Thursday Night Church in NMC Kids has officially launched! This new service mirrors the same engaging and high-energy experience kids enjoy on Sunday mornings, creating another opportunity for them to learn biblical truth in a fun, age-appropriate environment.

Each week, kids experience dynamic teaching, worship, games, and small group time designed to help them grow in their faith and build meaningful relationships.

Our goal is to partner with families by providing an additional option that fits busy schedules while still giving kids a place where they can have a blast and encounter Jesus. We'd love for your family to join us on Thursday nights!

FAMILY NIGHT OUT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 SPARKLES FAMILY FUN CENTER – KENNESAW | 5:00-8:00PM

Bring the whole family and join us for Family Night Out! We've rented out Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw exclusively for NMC families from both campuses for an evening of fun, laughter, and connection.

This is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends and for parents to get to know other families from NMC. Enjoy skating, laser tag, the playground, arcade games, and more, all surrounded by your church community!

Families with children of all ages are welcome. Please note: this is a family

event, so all children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the evening. We'll provide the fun, you provide the supervision! Reserve your family's spot today at northmetro.org/events.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | 10:00-11:00AM BARRETT CAMPUS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 9:15-10:00AM

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

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Please join our NMC Kids Facebook Page and Instagram Account (@nmc_kids) to stay in the loop on all things NMC Kids.

NMC STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS

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

Every Sunday morning, 6th–8th grade students are invited upstairs to the Student Headquarters (SHQ) at 9:15am and 11:00am for Bible study and community. We look forward to seeing your student soon!

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS

SUNDAY EVENINGS | 6:00-8:30PM

NMC Students is the middle and high school ministry of North Metro Church. It’s a place for students to come as they are, build real friendships, and take a next step in faith through worship, relevant teaching, small groups, and community.

NMC STUDENTS BAPTISM CLASS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 11:00-11:30AM

NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL

The NMC Kids Table Talker is back! 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-know-you 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.

Parents, if your student is considering baptism, we’d love to partner with you in this exciting step of faith. During the second service on Sunday, September 6, we’re offering a baptism class specifically designed for students. In this class, they’ll learn what baptism means, why it matters, and how to share their story of faith. You can sign your student up at northmetro.org/events.

NMC COLLEGE TRELLIS

BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 7:00PM

Looking for community, connection, and a place to grow your faith? If you’re between the ages of 18 and 23, join NMC College every Tuesday night for our weekly environment, Trellis. Trellis is a place designed to help you connect with others and pursue the Lord together. Plus, dinner is on us!

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Connect & Grow WELCOME HOME

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | 12:15PM SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 11:15AM

Join Pastor Rob McDowell and the NMC staff for lunch! Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and to provide you with next steps to become part of our family. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

GROUPS AT NMC

designed to connect you with God, the church, and your purpose. In a group of 8–12 people, you’ll explore the Bible, engage in prayer and service experiences, share stories, and practice rhythms essential to a healthy spiritual life. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Group Launch is a great next step and a place to find people to do life with. Sign up at northmetro.org/events today!

MEETUPS

We genuinely believe we are better together.

We encourage everyone to circle up with others in a Community Group. To get involved, check out our next Group Launch.

Looking to connect with people over a shared hobby or interest? Check out our Meetups. You can drop in anytime, no commitment, just fun and fellowship. See the entire list at northmetro.org/groups.

GROUP LAUNCH

TABLESETTERS

BARRETT AND SEWELL MILL CAMPUS SUNDAYS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27 | 2:00-4:00PM

Looking for a Community Group? Group Launch is a nine-week small-group experience

When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience God’s grace. 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.

BAPTISMS We offer quarterly classes for elementaryaged children, students, and adults. After attending a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child to discuss what you learned. If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for the next age-appropriate baptism class.

Our next Adult Baptism Class will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 10:15am.

For more information about our beliefs on baptism as well as coming class dates for NMC Kids, and NMC Students, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

Discipleship & Marriage RE:GENERATION

BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAYS | 7:00PM

We all experience brokenness in life and have struggles to overcome. Whether you find yourself wrestling with anxiety, stuck in hopelessness, uncertain how to break an addiction, feeling lost, or ruled by pride, anger, or fear, you are not alone. The good news is that we have a God who loves us so much and desires to help us find healing and freedom! God has a plan for you, and through His Word, He offers us a path to find new life in Christ.

Re:generation equips us with tools to live the way God has called us to live in meaningful fellowship with Him and others. Change is possible! In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We invite you to experience the abundant life that Jesus desires for you. Join us at the Barrett Campus on any Wednesday at 7:00pm in the Theater. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.

MARRIAGE MINISTRIES RE|ENGAGE What if your marriage could be stronger than it is today?

Do you want to deepen your relationship with God? Become more spiritually intimate with your spouse? Learn what it means to draw a circle instead of pointing a finger? Improve your communication?

Better understand what God's love looks like in marriage? Learn how to truly forgive and extend grace?

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If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, Re|engage is for you.

Re|engage is a marriage enrichment ministry designed for couples who are ready to invest in their relationship and experience the kind of marriage God desires for them. Whether your marriage is thriving and you want to make it even stronger, or you're walking through a difficult season, Re|engage offers hope, encouragement, and practical biblical tools to help you grow.

Each week, you'll experience engaging large-group teaching followed by honest conversations in a small group with other couples who are on the same journey, making your marriage matter. Together, you'll study and apply God's Word, deepen your walk with Christ, and discover how the gospel transforms not only your heart but your marriage as well.

No marriage is perfect, but every marriage can take the next step toward greater oneness.

We'd love for you to join us! To learn more visit northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE A strong, healthy marriage begins long before your wedding day. One of the best investments you can make in your future together is intentionally preparing for marriage.

That's why we encourage all seriously dating couples (one year or longer) and engaged couples to participate in Merge, our eightweek premarital discipleship class. Whether

you're planning your wedding or simply beginning to talk seriously about marriage, Merge will equip you with practical, biblical tools to help you build a lasting, Christcentered relationship.

Together, you'll learn how to navigate communication and conflict, manage finances, set healthy expectations, understand family dynamics and future in-laws, and establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of oneness. If you're engaged, Merge is an important part of preparing not just for your wedding day, but for the marriage that follows. We encourage all couples to plan to attend several months prior to your wedding day.

Merge is available to couples who regularly attend NMC. To learn more, visit northmetro.org/marriage.

FOUNDATION The first few years of marriage are exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities to grow together. Foundation is designed for couples who have been married three years or less and is created to help you build a strong, Christ-centered marriage that will last a lifetime.

We gather for eight sessions filled with great food, authentic conversation, and meaningful community with other couples who are navigating the same season of life. Together, we'll dive into one of the most important topics in marriage— communication and conflict—discovering practical, biblical tools that will help you listen well, communicate with grace, work through disagreements in healthy ways, and

grow closer to one another and to Christ.

Our desire is that every couple leaves encouraged, spiritually strengthened, and equipped to pursue a lifetime of oneness.

nor t h met ro.org /care/stephen-minist r y between Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 30.

To learn more or register, visit northmetro.org/marriage.

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 7:00-9:00PM

RE|NEW If you've been married before, are in a new relationship, and are seriously considering marriage, Re|new is designed just for you.

This class helps couples who are engaged or seriously dating intentionally prepare for the unique joys and challenges of a second marriage. You'll walk through a biblically based workbook alongside a mentor couple who has experienced a second marriage themselves and can offer practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope. Along the way, you'll learn how to communicate and listen more effectively, navigate the complexities of blending families, and build the foundation for a lifelong love that honors Christ.

Whether you're discerning if you're ready for marriage or preparing to begin this new chapter, Re|new will equip you with the tools to build a strong, healthy, Christcentered marriage. To learn more, visit northmetro.org/events.

PRAYER 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.

HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE NMC has a faithful group of men looking to assist 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 in need of assistance with home maintenance or repairs, please visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is one-on-one care for people walking through something hard.

Stephen Ministers are trained members of our church who listen, encourage, and pray alongside someone through grief, divorce, job loss, or illness. If you're carrying something heavy right now, let a Stephen Minister walk with you.

Want to become one? September is Stephen Ministry Recruitment Month.

You'll be trained for five months, once a week, and all that's asked is to love the Lord, be kind, and listen well. Apply at

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

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 GROUP

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 12:15-2:30PM

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 where you can 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 impacted you in any way, we strongly encourage you to connect with Diana Pethel, the leader of NMC’s Cancer Support Group, at 678.357.2933.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 | 7:00-9:00PM

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.

FOSTER & ADOPTION PARENT SUPPORT GROUP DINNER

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 6:30-8:00PM

Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is by coming around parents and families participating in foster care or adoption. Additionally, this group provides a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month for a meal and fellowship among these special parents.

Whether you're currently fostering, in the midst of an adoption process, or have been part of this special community of parents for years, we'd love for you to join us for fellowship and a relaxing dinner.

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

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

In NMCU Core (101-104), 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 you understand and communicate your faith to others so you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus, a disciple who makes disciples.

New and Exciting for NMCU Participants!

As we continue to create more flexible and effective pathways for spiritual growth, NMCU will no longer be offered as semester-based classes. Instead, we're excited to introduce two new formats available at both campuses, allowing you to choose the experience that best fits your schedule and learning style.

Option 1: Independent Study Complete NMCU at your own pace through Teachable, our easy-to-use online learning platform.

Option 2: Community Group Experience For those who prefer a more relational and interactive environment, NMCU serves as North Metro Church’s preferred curriculum through community groups, where you can learn, discuss, and grow alongside others as you build meaningful connections.

Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the encouragement and accountability of a community, there’s a pathway designed just for you!

For additional questions, please contact: classes@northmetro.org. Registration is still required. Sign up today by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

WOMEN'S GATHERING

BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 | 7:00-9:00PM

Life is busy. Here's an invitation to slow down for a few hours, enjoy great company with like-minded believers, and break bread together. Here's an invitation to be inspired and equipped to live the life Jesus has called us to. Say yes and join us—you'll be refreshed and ready for whatever else is on your calendar.

Beth Guckenberger will join the ladies as our guest speaker for the Women’s Gathering.

Beth Guckenberger is a storyteller at heart.

With over two decades of missionary work, 11 children, and 16 books to her name, she lives at the intersection of deep-rooted faith and wild obedience.

Mark your calendars for Women's Gathering on Tuesday, September 1. Doors open at 6:45pm, and worship begins at 7:00pm.

Registration for the event is $10 and includes light snacks and refreshments.

Gather your friends and register by visiting northmetro.org/events.

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Wendy Williams' Story

M

y name is Wendy, and I have a new life in Christ.

I am in recovery for co-dependency, peoplepleasing, and grief.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a performer— known for strength, compassion, and dependability.

From childhood, I became a caretaker of everyone else's needs while growing disconnected from my own heart.

I believed it was my job to protect everyone, prevent conflict, and keep relationships from falling apart.

Behind that performance were deeply rooted struggles with pride, fear, control, and self-reliance. I spent decades tending everyone else's garden while neglecting the one God had entrusted to me—my own heart.

I was born into a loving but complicated family, blending Jewish and Christian traditions, without knowing what it meant to follow Jesus personally. My parents loved us, but our home also held addiction, betrayal, and resentment.

My mother was my best friend. I loved her deeply, and I know she carried profound pain of her own. She maintained the appearance that everything was fine while quietly struggling with alcohol. Although drinking may have been her way of coping, it left me carrying fear and pain that I did not know how to express. I poured out wine, watered down bottles, and counted the empties hidden beneath the stove. I didn't know the word codependency, but I was learning it.

As the youngest of four, my relationships with my siblings were marked by distance and uncertainty.

My brother, closest in age to me, was one of my safest relationships. When my parents sent him to a wilderness program, his absence planted a belief in me: protection could disappear without warning, so I had better protect myself. Eventually I tried to protect everyone—watching for danger, absorbing stress, stepping in before anyone asked. I called it love and loyalty, but much of it was fear and control.

At 24, I placed my faith in Him as Lord and Savior. I belonged to Jesus, but I still lived as though everything depended on me—serving, raising my children in the faith, smiling, while quietly forcing relationships and relying on control to feel secure.

More than two decades later, God moved us to Kennesaw, where my neighbor Libby told me, "You need Re:Gen.” I said I didn't have time. I finally walked through the doors

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of Re:Generation in May 2025. Then in July, my father called: we learned that my mom had stage-four cancer.

One night in the hospital, she looked at me and said, "I'm sorry. I had a drinking problem." I told her, "I had no idea.

Don't think twice about it." After 48 years of hiding my feelings from her, I lied, confusing secrecy with protection and control with love. I cannot rewrite that moment. I can only bring it to God. Re:Gen didn't save me—Jesus already had, by grace through faith. But it showed me how often I still tried to live as my own savior. In Step Four, I saw that I had called control "love," enabling "helping," fear "responsibility," and exhaustion "strength." In Step Six, I laid down the "Protector" role I'd worn since childhood. Steps Eight and Nine taught me to own my part without controlling anyone else's response.

Recovery has not made me perfect. It has made me more honest about how much I need Jesus. My relationship with God has become more personal and surrendered. I am learning to pray before reacting and to let Scripture examine, correct, and comfort me—not simply provide answers for someone else. I can care without being controlled. I can help without rescuing. I can love without abandoning myself.

Today my life isn't free of grief or temptation. But I can care without being controlled, help without rescuing, love without abandoning myself. Psalm 139 taught me my worth was never something to earn—it was given by the God who made me.

I think of recovery now as tending a garden. First Corinthians 3 says one person plants, another waters, but God gives the growth. For most of my life, I tried to be the planter, the waterer, the pruner, and the one responsible for the harvest. I am not the Master Gardener—He is.

My part is to stay rooted in Christ and trust Him with the harvest.

I could have been consumed by anger and bitterness as I grieved the loss of my mom this past year, but God graciously protected my heart and drew me closer to Him. As I bring my fear and grief into His light, He cultivates in me what I could never grow alone: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Praise God for the healing and new life He is giving me!

Celebrate Commencement from July 29

Recently three groups finished their journey through the biblical 12 steps of discipleship. We got to celebrate the hope, joy, and freedom that comes in following Jesus.

Join us.

Re:generation Barrett Campus Wednesdays | 7:00pm

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Mobilization UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Getting in the Game with Mobilization Are you looking for ways to get in the game and serve more? NMC partners with a variety of ministries to love and serve our community.

You can always go to northmetro.org/serve to learn more about various options. This graphic is to help you have a better understanding of the options.

You can always stop by the Mobilization Center if you have any questions about serving.

CITY SERVE OPPORTUNITIES City Serve is how North Metro Church lives out our vision to “Be Missed” by serving and loving our local community in practical ways. Through partnerships and serving opportunities, we help people find and follow Jesus by meeting needs, building relationships, and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Join us for any of the events during the week of Cobb County’s Fall Break. We’ll have a variety of options throughout the week, from sewing projects that help women in Africa to a movie and missions night to creating gift bags for social workers who serve children in foster care, and so much more. Sign up at northmetro.org/events.

HEART FOR THE NATIONS MEET UP GROUP Do you feel drawn to the unreached and what God is doing around the world?

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This Meetup Group is a place to gather with others who share that same passion.

Whether you’re exploring the idea of going, have been on a short-term trip, spent years overseas, or love supporting and sending others, you belong here.

Together, we’ll grow in our understanding of God’s heart for the nations, pray for and encourage the missionaries NMC supports, and explore ways we can be part of His work globally.

SCHOOL SERVE TEAM This team supports local schools, teachers, staff, and students through practical acts of encouragement and service. From providing meals and treats to helping with special events, this team offers flexible opportunities to serve when your schedule allows and make a meaningful impact in our community. Sign up to join this team at northmetro.org/serve.

MEMBER CARE AND SUPPORT SERVE TEAM This team serves foster and adoptive families at North Metro Church through practical care and encouragement. Team members receive periodic emails with opportunities to help with meals, lawn care, childcare, transportation, and other needs as they arise. You can choose the opportunities that fit your schedule and availability. Sign up to join this team at northmetro.org/serve.

MISSIONARY CARE SERVE TEAM Do you have a heart for encouraging and caring for missionaries? Join our Missionary Care Serve Team! This is a great opportunity to stay connected with the missionaries NMC supports, learn how to pray for them well, and care for them in practical ways throughout the year. From sending encouragement to helping meet tangible needs, you can play a meaningful role in supporting those who are sharing the Gospel around the world. Sign up at northmetro.org/serve.

—— Upcoming trips to ——

PANAJACHEL, GUATEMALA We have three upcoming trips going to serve with Casa Del Redentor in Guatemala.

December 6-12, 2026

Application Deadline Sunday, September 6

February 14-20, 2027

Application Deadline Tuesday, November 3

April 4-10, 2027

Application Deadline Sunday, January 3

Guatemala Celebration Lunch Sunday, October 18 Whether you have been to Guatemala or supported someone who has, we invite you to join us for lunch.

Sign up at northmetro.org/events.

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Ivan Mijango Casa del Redentor Director

An update from Ivan Mijango.

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

More Than Fresh Paint During July, we had the joy of welcoming our high school mission team—the youngest team to visit us this year. As we planned for their trip, we kept asking ourselves one question, "How can we make the most of just a few days together?" Looking back now, I truly believe we did.

In a single week, we visited every community where Casa del Redentor serves. We laughed with children, worshiped alongside families, prayed in homes, completed meaningful projects, and, most importantly, built relationships.

While many people see the visible results— fresh paint, repaired facilities, or completed projects—the lasting impact of these teams goes far beyond what can be seen.

Our week began in Panajachel, where we recently started serving nearly 140 children at a local school. The school shares its campus with two other schools, and over the years, the sports court had slowly fallen into disrepair. The painted lines had almost disappeared, and the soccer goals and basketball hoops were worn from years of use. As the children watched with excitement, our students rolled up their sleeves and transformed the court in just a few hours. Before long, the goals and basketball hoops looked brand new, and all the children wanted to do was grab a ball and play alongside the team.

Later in the week we traveled to Patzutzun, where the community now has its very first computer lab with internet access.

Before students began using it, we wanted to leave it in the best condition possible.

After spending hours teaching the story of David and Goliath through a skit, leading songs, playing games, painting faces, and preparing 160 hot dogs for the children, we somehow still found the energy to paint the entire computer lab. When we stepped back to look at it, it was hard to believe it had been completed by a group of teenagers in a single afternoon. Every brushstroke reflected the care and love they poured into serving others.

was a powerful reminder that the Gospel is not limited by language or culture.

Our team also spent time in Xecotoj, where we shared the same Bible lesson, games, face painting, and hot dogs. The face painting quickly became everyone's favorite activity, but one of the most meaningful moments happened afterward as we walked from house to house throughout the community. Families welcomed us with warm smiles, invited us into their homes, shared their stories, and allowed us the privilege of praying with them. Those quiet conversations reminded us that sometimes the greatest ministry happens one family at a time.

As we reflect on the week, we're grateful not only for everything that was accomplished, but for the people who made it possible. The students and leaders worked tirelessly, served with joyful hearts, and left behind something far greater than freshly painted walls or renovated spaces.

They left children who felt loved, families who felt remembered, communities that felt encouraged, and friendships that will continue to point people toward Christ.

We finished the week in Chuitziyut, the smallest and most remote community we serve. In addition to the children's activities, we held a special service for the adults. Derek, the student pastor, preached entirely in Spanish, and two students led worship songs in English. Although we spoke different languages, our shared faith brought us together in a beautiful way. It

On our final day together, we visited two families whose homes had recently been rebuilt and improved through previous mission efforts. Seeing how they had already begun turning those houses into warm, welcoming homes was incredibly encouraging. We shared small gifts, prayed together, and celebrated how God continues to work long after a project is finished.

Thank you to every student, leader, and volunteer who came to serve alongside us. Thank you as well to everyone who faithfully supports Casa del Redentor through your prayers and generosity. Your partnership makes these moments possible and helps us continue our mission to help people find and follow Jesus.

We hope you'll have the opportunity to join us here someday and experience these moments alongside us.

Thank you for being part of what God is doing in Guatemala.

We get to partner with Casa del Redentor 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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STEPHEN MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT

Finding Hope, Then Finding My Calling ——— TOM MAGEE'S STORY ———

My first thought was, "There's no way. I'm not qualified."

But … I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being called."

I came to my faith later in life, during a season marked by hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and anger. My wife and I were nearly empty nesters, and I couldn’t see a clear path forward. We weren’t opposed to church; we simply spent most weekends on the ball fields. One Sunday, a dear friend and neighbor called to invite me to church, something she had done many times before.

During the sermon, it felt as though Pastor Rob was speaking directly to me. In a moment of complete surrender, I cried out to God. For the first time in a while, I had a glimmer of hope. Yet, those feelings of anxiety, fear, and anger would sometimes creep back in, and I felt stuck without a healing path to overcome them.

One Sunday during service I heard about Stephen Ministry, so I went online and filled out a form. A kind gentleman called to explain how the program worked and let me know someone would reach out to schedule a meeting. For about two months, I met weekly with my Stephen Minister. It

was such a gift to have someone to talk to, to feel truly heard. Being able to share what was on my heart, and to have someone praying alongside me for my marriage, brought a comfort I hadn't expected. It gave me a healthy outlet for feelings that might otherwise have turned into anger, and the entire process was confidential. Stephen Ministry, at its heart, is about restoring hope and loving others well.

Sometime later, I felt God stirring my heart after hearing that NMC was recruiting new Stephen Ministers. My first thought was, "There's no way. I'm not qualified." But after hearing the same announcement four weeks in a row, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being called to share my testimony and answer that call to serve.

NMC provides five months of training, and it is truly remarkable. Training meets once a week for five months, ensuring every Stephen Minister feels well prepared. One truth stood out to me above all: as a Stephen Minister, I am not the "cure giver." That is

God's role. My role is simply the "care giver."

What once felt overwhelming became, in practice, an act of showing compassion, kindness, attentive listening, and prayer.

Before meeting with a care receiver, I ask God to empty my thoughts, fill me with the Holy Spirit, and work through me.

If you are looking for a place to serve, a place to truly impact someone's life, I encourage you to consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

You will be thoroughly trained. All that's asked of you is to love the Lord, to be kind and compassionate, and to listen well. God does the heavy lifting. It is a commitment, but one that brings great blessing. It is truly an honor to walk alongside someone and watch God go to work in their life.

Finally, we were never meant to walk through life alone, and we will all face struggles along the way. Please know that there is hope, and His name is Jesus. If you are in need of support, I encourage you to reach out. God has worked wonders in my life, and He can do the same in yours.

September is Stephen Ministry Recruitment Month

You'll be trained for five months, once a week, and all that's asked is to love the Lord, be kind, and listen well.

Apply at northmetro.org/care/stephen-ministry between Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 30.

Not sure it's you? Ask our Spiritual Growth Pastor, Becky Everette. Asking isn't applying.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 • 7:00 PM

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

YTD July 2026 Income: $633.489.22 Expense: $444,219.79 Over/(under): $189,269.43

BARRETT CAMPUS (CENTRAL CAMPUS) 2305 Barrett Pkwy NW • Marietta, GA 30064 Service Times: Thursdays at 7:00pm | Sundays at 9:15am & 11:00am SEWELL MILL CAMPUS 2550 Sewell Mill Road • Marietta, GA 30062 Service Time: Sundays at 10:00am info@northmetro.org • 678.290.7830

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