Keeping you informed and connected
Letter from Matt Johnston
Fall has fallen! It's that time of year.
I hope you are all enjoying the crisp autumn air, the lingering scent of pumpkin spice on the cool breeze, the much-anticipated and beloved changing of the leaves, the sweet flavor (but candle wax consistency) of candy corn, and the advent of football season.
It's my favorite season. And probably a top for many of you!
When I moved to Georgia, I was instructed to no longer say, "I love autumn, you guys," but rather, "Happy Fall y'all."
So Happy Fall, y'all.
My name is Matt Johnston. I am one of the pastors on staff here and the Campus Pastor at our Sewell Mill Campus specifically.
As part of my role, each week I get to invite people to participate in what we call "the circles." Each week, I get to invite people to (1) live in community, (2) love God, His Church, and others, and (3) learn biblical truth. And these are the three things we want for every single person who calls NMC home, so that we may all become more faithful followers of Jesus together.
And October offers us many opportunities to participate in these circles.
To (1) live in community, you can jump into a group and begin taking steps to find the right group for you. We offer a rich diversity of group settings and contexts — from community to connection groups — to accommodate what you are looking for in your particular stage of life and help you feel more at home at NMC.
To (2) love God, His Church, and others, you can participate in our special needs Respite Night. This night provides you an opportunity to bless the families in our special needs ministry (and in our community) with a night out for the parents and a night of fun, games, and laughs with the kids. No prior experience is necessary. Just show up ready to serve and be blessed as you do.
Lastly, to (3) learn biblical truth, we are going to be wrapping up our series in 1 Peter this month and then kicking off our new teaching series in which we will help unpack who the Holy Spirit is and how we can walk in the Spirit and live by the Spirit together.
In all of this—in participating in the circles—we do not want you to busy yourself for the sake of busying yourself. Nor do we just want to plan events for you to attend. We want to provide you with purposeful opportunities to grow, to be blessed, and to find and follow Jesus.
I hope you all have a wonderful start to Fall, a glorious ringing in of the autumn season, and the best October you've ever October'ed.
Grace and peace.
… Oh, and Happy Fall, y'all.
Did I say that right?
Matt Johnston
Sewell Mill Campus Pastor
7:00PM AT
THE BARRETT CAMPUS
We’re excited to gather and create more time and space to worship together! Thursday Night Church kicks off our weekend services, including the same message and worship as Sunday. It’s a great way to connect, celebrate, and help make room for the incredible growth we’ve seen at the Barrett Campus. We hope you join us at Thursday Night Church.
NMC Kids (Infants-5th grade) will not be available.
Connect & Grow
WELCOME HOME
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 | 12:15PM
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 12:15PM
Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and provide you with the next steps on how you can become part of 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 a 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.
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 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 classes for elementary-aged children, students, and adults once a quarter. After attending a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child to discuss the class content.
If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for our next class on October 12 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.
Discipleship & Marriage
RE:GENERATION
BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAYS | 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 daily, 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.
Change is possible! You can experience freedom and the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Join us on any Wednesday at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.
RE|ENGAGE
No matter where your marriage is, whether you're struggling, feeling stuck, or think everything is going great, Re|engage is for you! This isn’t just a ministry for couples in hardship. It's a safe and encouraging space for all couples who want to grow closer to each other and to Christ.
Re|engage is a marriage enrichment ministry designed for couples ready to invest time and energy into building a stronger marriage. Through a combination
of large-group teaching and smallgroup discussions, you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged to use practical, biblical tools to strengthen your relationship. You’ll grow in your walk with Jesus and learn how to apply gospelcentered principles to your marriage—all within a supportive community of other couples walking a similar journey.
We offer Re|engage twice a year, in August and January, at both campuses. Registration for the January semester will open in November, so don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your marriage and experience the joy of growing together. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
MERGE
Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Merge is an eight-week class and is available to those who regularly attend NMC and are engaged. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
MERGE 2.0
Have you previously been married, are in a new relationship, and are considering marriage seriously? In Merge 2.0, we have a specific curriculum to help you lay the
foundation for a healthy second marriage. Through the workbook content and a mentor couple who have navigated the dynamics of a second marriage, Merge 2.0 will give you the tools to help you decide if you're ready and, if so, how to build a biblical union with each other. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
FOUNDATION
The early years of marriage are filled with excitement, and a fair share of challenges. The Foundation classes are designed for couples who have been married for three years or less and offer a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a strong, Christcentered relationship that lasts a lifetime.
We offer Foundation twice a year, in August and January, at the Barrett campus. The semester-based class meets eight times during the semester on Monday nights. Together we will gather for dinner, fellowship, and meaningful conversation.
Registration for the January semester will open in November—we'll explore biblical principles and practical tools to help you grow in unity and deepen your connection as a couple. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.
Care
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.
DIVORCE CARE
Divorce Care is a combination of support and education for individuals currently separated or divorced. We understand that divorce can be one of life's most challenging and painful experiences. Our Divorce Care ministry is led by individuals who know 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 who are enduring painful times, such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or a health issue. If you are facing any of life's difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.
FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT
ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
4:00-6:00PM AT TUMLIN PARK IN MARIETTA
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 gathers on several occasions throughout the year with the hope of fostering fellowship for these special families.
Our next gathering will be for the whole family! We hope you can join us for our Annual Family Picnic at Tumlin Park in Marietta. To find out more or to sign up for this free event, visit our Events page at northmetro.org/events.
INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 | 7:00-9:00PM
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
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. This group will lead you to a faithful community of brave, strong women who have learned to trust God no matter what because He is trustworthy.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP
BARRETT CAMPUS
THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 9 & 23 | 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.
For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.
UPCOMING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
GROUP LEADERSHIP BRUNCH AND LEARN
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:00AM
We all desire to have a great community in our lives, but let’s face it: finding your people and the perfect group can be hard. So we invite you to help be part of the solution. 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.
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 lifegiving for the leader and those being led. So, do not miss this opportunity to step into an exciting new season by signing up at northmetro.org/events.
SINGLES' FRIENDSGIVING
BARRETT CAMPUS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 | 6:30-8:30PM
Join us for Singles' Friendsgiving!
We’ll gather around the table to share Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy conversation, and celebrate the gift of community. Whether you’re 25 or 99, this night is for all singles who want to connect, laugh, and make memories together. Come and enjoy a warm, welcoming evening of gratitude and good food.
Registration is $15 and includes dinner.
ITALY TRIP
OCTOBER 5-12, 2026
Over the last few years, North Metro Church has had the joy of partnering with Faith-Based Expeditions to lead biblical encounter tours to Israel and Greece. This year, our Lead Pastor, Rob McDowell, will guide a group on a remarkable journey through Italy. Together, you’ll freshly experience the richness of Scripture as you walk in the physical and spiritual footsteps of Paul and the Apostles. To learn more about this unforgettable trip, visit our Events page at northmetro.org.
NMC KIDS
SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT
BARRETT CAMPUS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 5:30-8:30PM
NMC will host its ninth respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will allow NMC
to serve not only kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. Are you interested in serving our families in the special needs ministry for this respite event? Visit our events page to view a comprehensive list of serving opportunities for this special evening. The deadline to sign up to serve or attend this event is Friday, October 3. Sign up and learn more at northmetro.org/events.
PAJAMA SUNDAY
BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
It's time for one of our NMC Kids favorites—Pajama Sunday! Kids and parents always love an excuse to wear pajamas to church, so why not devote a whole morning to it? No matter where you're joining us from, all you have to do is roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and maybe brush your hair. Don’t forget to tag @wearenorthmetro and @nmc_kids on Instagram to share your photos with us.
ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS
BARRETT CAMPUS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 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.
NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL
The NMC Kids Table Talker is a discipleship tool developed by the NMC Kids team to help families connect intentionally around the dinner table. The activities and devotions you'll find in the Table Talker are based on the Gospel Project curriculum that we use in our classrooms. This means you can connect what you do at home with what your kids do in their NMC 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.
NMC STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM
6-8th-grade students are invited to join us upstairs in the Student HQ at our 9:15am
and 11:00am services for Bible study and community.
5TH QUARTER
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | FRIDAYS | 10:00-11:30PM
Join us for the 5th Quarter, an exciting new student hangout happening right after Friday night football games. Kicking off on Friday, September 5, during the fall football season at our Sewell Mill Campus, this event provides students with a fun, safe space to relax, connect, and socialize with friends. There will be free food, music, games, and plenty of community. Don’t miss out on the best way to end your Friday nights this fall!
NMC STUDENTS FALL RETREAT '25
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24-26
Students in grades 6-12 from both Barrett and Sewell Mill campuses are invited to an unforgettable Fall Retreat at Woodlands Camp! The weekend will be filled with powerful worship, engaging teaching, meaningful small-group conversations, and plenty of outdoor fun. The cost is $185 per student after September 21. Registration closes Sunday, October 5. Scholarships are available, but applications for a scholarship must be submitted by Wednesday, October 1. Details to register your student or apply for a scholarship can be found at northmetro.org/events.
NMC STUDENTS BAPTISM CLASS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:00-11:30AM
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, November 2, 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 & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23)
COLLEGE NIGHTS
BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM
College-age 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.
We all have struggles to overcome. Whether big or small, destructive habits like anxiety, alcohol, overspending, fear, sexual addiction, and a need for control hold us back from the life we want—and the life God calls us to live. God offers us principles through His Word where freedom and new life can be found. Re:generation, a ministry at NMC, is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you are struggling with. Read below to hear how God used Re:generation to change Alyssa's life.
Re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Join us on October 29 for an Interest Meeting! Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to learn more.
Hi, my name is Alyssa. I have a new life in Christ, and I am in recovery from fear of rejection and self-protection.
I came to North Metro broken, scared, and alone. I was overwhelmed with anxiety and weighed down by hopelessness. I severely misplaced my identity into that of others; I put all my energy, time, and attention into morphing into who I thought I needed to be. This was unhealthy and unsustainable, and led to brokenness in so many of my relationships as I began to withdraw from and neglect all connections. Before recovery, I constantly lived in fear.
I remember during difficult times running to God. For most of my life, He was my last resort. When I was at the end of my strength, I would turn to God and beg for whatever it was I wanted. And once I was feeling better, I’d drop it all and move on. But this time, God
really got hold of my heart. He opened doors for me and showed me what a beautiful life with Him could look like. It was a series of events orchestrated only by Christ, one of which was an invitation to Re:generation (thank you, Becky).
Through Re:gen, the Lord was so kind and so gentle in revealing to me all the ways I had not been living for Him, all the idols I had constructed, all the false beliefs I held onto. During this process, Jesus completely transformed my life. He truly brought me out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” This has become such a tangible truth. The community God has blessed me with through Re:gen has been incredible. In the depths of my hopelessness, I never thought I’d have community. I thought the life I had was what it would always be. But He’s given me a renewed sense of hope, displayed through His kindness and grace. My future no longer seems bleak now that I am pursuing the Lord and all that He has for me.
God’s goodness is greater than anything imaginable. My encouragement to anyone is that when you feel the Lord place something on your heart, do it. I have never once regretted a time I walked in obedience to the Lord. Even if it is scary, He is always faithful. Maybe for you, this looks like joining us one Wednesday evening for Re:gen. Maybe it is taking that next step into the unknown, but trusting that God has already prepared the way. There is always more with the Lord, and with Him, change really is possible.
Mobilization
MONTHLY UPDATE
We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we, the body of Christ, would Be Missed.
CAMP GRACE
Earlier this summer, Meagan Vinson, our mobilization director, had the opportunity to visit our long-time partner, Camp Grace, down in Roberta, Georgia. Camp Grace transforms the lives of urban, underserved youth through a grace-filled, overnight camp experience. Consider joining us next summer for a week-long serving opportunity and be on the lookout for more details!
CIRCLES COBB
Did you know? 37% of Cobb County residents can't afford the basics—like housing, child care, food, health care, and transportation, even though most are working full time. Many families are forced to make impossible choices, such as paying rent or purchasing needed medications. Together, we can change their story.
Circles Cobb uses a proven approach that blends mentorship, financial literacy training, and connections to community resources—all while fostering intentional friendships through weekly gatherings. The impact is powerful: families in our program increase their income by an average of 75% and move to lasting financial stability.
Learn more about Joining the Circle and Changing the Story by going to circlescobb. org/volunteer or emailing Barbara Garner at barbara@circlescobb.org for more details. 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 once a month at Kennesaw Mountain High School during the 20252026 school year. 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.
WAYMARK HANDS OF HOPE GALA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | BARRETT CAMPUS | 6:30-9:00PM
You are invited to make a direct impact on the lives of youth in foster care by participating in Waymark’s 7th annual Hands of Hope Gala at NMC on Friday, November 7, at 6:30pm. Waymark is one of our Mobilization Partners. This gala is an opportunity to provide comprehensive support and the hope found in Christ to this vulnerable population, who otherwise often face futures marked by homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and substance abuse. The night will include a delicious dinner, a live and silent auction, and much more!
There are many opportunities to be a part of this special night. For more information regarding these opportunities, contact Tasha Whitener at tasha@waymarkfoster.org or go to waymarkfoster.org/gala. We hope you can join us for this incredible night benefiting local youth in foster care.
LYDIA CIRCLE SEWS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 | BARRETT CAMPUS| 9:00AM
Did you know that girls in Africa miss days of school and/or work each month due to a lack of hygiene supplies? Many girls are forced to stay in their homes because of their monthly menstrual cycle, causing them to fall behind in school or go without earned wages. Though in the Western world, we cannot relate to this common challenge, there is an easy solution and we can help!
A group of NMC women sew and assemble feminine hygiene kits that are sustainable, reusable products, which give African women the freedom to stay engaged in their everyday lives. These kits are then personally distributed to women in East Africa through NMC's mobilization partner, Lydia Circle Ministries. Lydia Circle has hand-delivered hundreds of these kits over the past several years!
Join us at our next Lydia Circle Sews event! There are plenty of ways to help without using a sewing machine, so don’t let a lack of sewing experience keep you from linking arms with NMC women to serve girls in Africa. Sign up to join us by visiting northmetro.org/serve.
MISSIONARY HIGHLIGHT
We hope the men enjoyed hearing from guest speaker, Coach Morris Michalski, also known as "Coach Mo" at Man Church, this past month! Coach Mo and his wife are also missionary partners that NMC supports. They work with Athletes in Action to reach athletes at all levels with the gospel and disciple them to go out into the world. To find out more about Coach Mo’s ministry, visit athletesinaction.org.
GOBBLE JOG
On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will come to the Marietta Square to participate in the 23rd Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Join in on the biggest fundraiser for our local partner using our NMC code: NMC_25. The code will deduct $10 from the race registration, and NMC will match all donations to MUST Ministries. For more details and to register, visit northmetro.org/events.
CITY SERVE SATURDAY
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Join us on Saturday, October 11, for a time of serving and loving our community with a few of our local mobilization partners. As we go, each daily interaction is a mission opportunity.
In everything we do, you'll consistently hear that we are here to help people find and follow Jesus, and we do this by becoming carriers of the Gospel across the street and around the world. We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we (not the building but the body of Christ) would be missed. We look forward to seeing you there! Sign up by visiting northmetro.org/events.
PANAJACHEL, GUATEMALA,
FEBRUARY 15-21 & APRIL 19-25
Join us as we work with our international ministry, Redeemer's House, in Panajachel, Guatemala. We have two exciting opportunities this spring for individuals and families to go and serve. Contact our mobilization director at mvinson@northmetro.org to find out more.
Coach Mo
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.
Celebrating God’s Word with the Next Generation
In Guatemala, August is informally known as Bible Month. As its name suggests, it is a time dedicated to honoring God’s Word through special activities in churches and Christian schools. In some places, people organize parades, marches, and even what we call “torches,” similar to the Olympic Games, where groups of runners carry a lit torch along the highways until they reach their churches or schools. This year, for the very first time in history, the Guatemalan government announced that beginning in 2026, the first Saturday of August will be recognized as the official Bible Day. What a joy to see God’s Word honored in this way!
Since the Bible is the most important book for us as believers, and at the very center of what we teach children—loving God and loving others—we could not miss the chance to join the celebration. In each village, we hosted a small activity where we talked about the Bible as a book, sharing interesting facts and stories around it. We encouraged the children, even at their young age, to begin the habit of reading it regularly. We played Biblethemed games, raffled children’s Bibles and Christian books, and ended with one of their favorite treats: donuts.
Over the past few months, we have witnessed how the children are not only valuing what they learn in Bible classes but also putting it into practice. They eagerly look forward to each lesson. A beautiful example of this is prayer. In the past, when we asked if anyone wanted to pray, no child would volunteer, so our team members usually did it. Today, the children themselves ask for the opportunity to lead, even reserving turns for the upcoming weeks. Hearing their simple and heartfelt prayers—not only for themselves or their food, but also for Casa del Redentor and our team—fills our hearts with joy. We can see that they are truly growing in their relationship with Jesus.
We are deeply grateful to all our partners, donors, and friends who make it possible for CDR to continue helping people find and follow Jesus in Guatemala. Soon, we will welcome the last mission team of the year for our Christmas program. If you ever have the chance to join this or one of our upcoming trips, we encourage you to take that step. It will be a blessing to serve together.
Ivan Mijango
As we near the end of 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.
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.
We’re telling our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about our great 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.
Before Jesus left the disciples, He said, “Go make disciples.” A tangible way to see that hope realized is through our discipleship program, 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.
Church plants are an expression of our multiplication strategy, multiplying the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.
2030 GOALS
God has entrusted us with a powerful vision — to Be Missed, and a clear mission: We help people find and follow Jesus. To live that out, we’ve set five God-sized goals that will stretch our faith and grow His Kingdom.
GOAL #1: 1,000 GRADUATES OF NMCU CORE
We want to see 1,000 people grounded in Scripture, faithfully following Jesus, and ready to share their faith with others. NMCU equips disciples to become disciple-makers.
CURRENT CORE GRADUATES: 481
GOAL #2: 1,000 PEOPLE MOBILIZED TO SERVE LOCALLY & GLOBALLY
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Our aim is to mobilize 1,000 North Metro family members to be the hands and feet of Jesus — both in our community and around the world.
CURRENT MISSION TEAM MEMBERS: 85
GOAL #3: 500 RE:GENERATION COMMENCEES
Jesus came to give life — and life abundantly. We’re trusting God to bring freedom, healing, and renewal to 500 people through Re:generation, helping those who feel stuck find hope and transformation.
CURRENT COMMENCEES: 127
GOAL #4: PLANT FIVE NEW CHURCHES
Church planting is central to our multiplication strategy — taking the mission of helping people find and follow Jesus into new communities. We currently support seven church plants: Take Hold (Scotland) • Grace Auburn (Auburn, AL) • Creekside (Dallas, GA) • Deeper Church (Dallas, GA) Heirloom Church (Kyle, TX) • Oaks Community Church (Naples, FL) • Compassion International (Guatemala)
GOAL #5: LAUNCH TWO ADDITIONAL NORTH METRO CAMPUSES
Campuses allow us to multiply our mission right here at home. We currently have two campuses, Barrett and Sewell Mill — and we’re praying for two more by 2030.
LOVE GOD, HIS CHURCH, AND OTHERS
NMC TABLESETTERS
whether it’s helping in the parking lot, serving with NMC Kids, leading worship, playing guitar, or leading a small group in one of our marriage ministries. There’s a spot for everyone, and we want you to find yours!
If you’ve never served at NMC before, maybe this fall is your moment. Visit northmetro.org/serve to explore opportunities and take a simple next step.
If you’ve never served at NMC before, maybe this fall is your moment. Visit northmetro.org/serve to explore opportunities and take a simple next step.
This past year, 903 individuals stepped up to serve here at NMC. That’s incredible! That’s 903 people who helped “set the table” so others could experience the life-changing grace of God. If you’ve served this past year, thank you. You are a vital part of what makes NMC a place where people feel seen, known, and loved.
As we look ahead, we know new families will walk through our doors, and we want to be ready to welcome every single person who walks in.
That’s where you come in. We have room for more Tablesetters across all ministries—whether it’s helping in the parking lot, serving with NMC Kids, leading worship, playing guitar, or leading a small group in one of our marriage ministries. There’s a spot for everyone, and we want you to find yours!
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