Keeping you informed and connected
A Letter from Daniel
Hello North Metro Church,
I hope everyone is settling into the new rhythm of the school year. As you do, I encourage you to mark Thursday, September 18 , on your calendar for our next Hunger Night of Worship. These nights are so special; one of my favorite things we do as a church. On these nights, we gather for extended worship, lifting our voices to make much of King Jesus. Nothing stirs my heart for Him like singing with the family of God in the house of God. To top it off, we celebrate life transformation through baptism on these nights.
We started Hunger Nights a few years ago because so many people wanted to be baptized that we were running out of room on Sunday mornings. So, we created a special evening dedicated to celebrating God’s work in people’s lives through baptism.
As we celebrate baptism, let me remind you what it is and what it is not. Baptism does not save anyone. Those being baptized have already placed their faith in King Jesus. Baptism is a public declaration of that faith, an outward sign of an inward reality.
It’s also a powerful picture of what Jesus did for us. Jesus Himself was baptized, going down into the water as a foreshadowing of His death and burial, and coming up as a picture of His resurrection. In the same way, baptism symbolizes dying to our old life, being buried with Christ, and rising to walk in new life with Him.
Over the past year, we’ve seen 117 people baptized during Hunger Nights of Worship and our Hunger Revival. That’s 117 unique stories of God pursuing people and transforming lives—and that is worth celebrating!
So, I hope you’ll join us for our next Hunger Night of Worship on September 18. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus but have never been baptized, we would be honored to help you take that step. There’s still time to sign up, and if you’re nervous, know that you’ll be surrounded by people who are there to celebrate, encourage, and honor what God is doing in you.
Come and be part of this special night, whether by being baptized yourself or by joining in the celebration of God changing hearts and lives.
See you there!
Daniel Hicks Barrett 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, SEPTEMBER 21 | 12:15PM
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | 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.
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
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.
Discipleship & Marriage
RE:GENERATION
BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAYS | 7:00PM
Navigating day-to-day life can be challenging. 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. We all have struggles to overcome, and we all experience brokenness. But 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.
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 mix of largegroup teaching and small-group discussion, you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged with practical, biblical tools to strengthen your relationship. You’ll grow in your walk with Jesus and learn how to apply gospel-centered 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. 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
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | 7:00PM
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 seriously considering marriage? 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. 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 needing assistance with home maintenance or home repairs, visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.
DIVORCE CARE
BARRETT CAMPUS
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. 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.
A new group is underway, but it's not too late to join. If you need support, we encourage you to reach out today to one of the Divorce Care leaders, Jill Pivato at pivatojill@gmail.com.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC community who are well-trained in encouraging others enduring
painful times, such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or one's health. If you are facing any of life's difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.
September is Stephen Ministry Recruitment Month - if you're interested in an opportunity to walk with others facing their most difficult seasons of life, apply online at northmetro.org/care beginning September 1. Deadline for all applications is September 30.
FOSTER
& ADOPTION SUPPORT
BARRETT CAMPUS
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 to foster fellowship for these special families. Visit the Care page to be connected with the group leaders.
Join us for the Annual Foster & Adoption Fall Family Picnic!
Sunday, October 26 4:00-6:00pm Tumlin Park, Marietta
Bring your whole family to gather with some old friends and make some new ones! Snacks, drinks, and fun will be provided! To register for this free event, visit northmetro.org/events.
INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT
BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 | 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 LUNCHEON
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 12:15-2:15PM
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. 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.
If cancer is something you or a loved one is walking through right now, we would love to have you join us at our next Women's Cancer Support Luncheon. To register for this free luncheon, please visit northmetro.org/events.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP
BARRETT CAMPUS
THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 11 & 25 | 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.
A message from Cynthia Hayes, Stephen Minister.
Finding Hope in a Season of Exhaustion
In 2016, everything in my life was shifting. We had just moved from Connecticut to Georgia: A new job for my husband, new schools for our kids, a new house, a new community. Everything was new. On top of that, we were processing a traumatic event involving a family member that had left us emotionally raw and disoriented. I was pouring all my energy into helping everyone else settle in. But inside, I was quietly unraveling.
I was exhausted, grieving, and felt painfully alone. I had no close friends here, no support system, no coping skills to deal with this trauma, and no energy left for myself.
When I heard about Stephen Ministry at North Metro, I decided it was worth trying. I was paired with a wonderful woman who quickly became a steady presence in my life. Week after week, she showed up just for me with no judgment and no expectations. She offered me a safe space to grieve, to vent, to exhale, and to process. I began to look forward to our time together. It was such a relief to have someone care about how I was doing when so much of my energy was going to others.
At one point, I felt stuck in my grief. I trusted it was a temporary season, but I couldn’t seem to move forward. My caregiver mentioned that she would bring our situation to her Stephen Ministry peer supervision group for prayer and input. She explained how those meetings were an extension of care involving complete confidentiality, mutual support, and spiritual discernment. The next week, she returned with a few suggestions for me to consider. I tried one, had a deeply cathartic cry with the Lord, and something broke loose. A weight lifted. It was life-giving.
We continued meeting and processing together for several more months. Eventually, we both sensed it was time to close our caregiving relationship. But the healing that had taken place left a lasting impact. It reminded me that God sees us in our loneliness and faithfully sends people to walk with us through it.
From Healed to Helper
Years passed. My kids went off to college and began building lives of their own. As I adjusted to this new chapter with more margin, I began asking God, “What now?” I sensed a
growing capacity to pour into others, and one memory kept resurfacing: the gift of Stephen Ministry.
I remembered how my caregiver never tried to fix me. She simply made space for me to breathe, feel, and be met by God. I realized that was a gift I wanted to pay forward.
I applied, completed the interview process, and began training. The training experience was both practical and spiritual. We learned how to listen deeply, honor confidentiality, and walk with people through difficult seasons. We talked about boundaries and trust, about praying with humility, and about letting the Holy Spirit lead.
Now, as a Stephen Minister myself, I’ve joined a peer supervision group like the one that once served me so well. It’s a beautiful circle of fellow caregivers. A place where we encourage each other, share perspectives, and grow together. These gatherings are truly a gift. They keep us spiritually grounded and remind us that we are never serving alone.
An Invitation to Consider
If you’re wondering whether Stephen Ministry is for you, let me offer this picture:
Imagine a person stranded in the woods. They know the direction they need to go, but the path is overgrown and full of thorns. You don’t need to carry them out or clear the whole trail. You just need to show up, walk alongside them, and gently remind them they aren’t alone. Your presence becomes the light breaking through the canopy. That’s what Stephen Ministry is.
You don’t need to be perfect or polished. If you have a heart to care, God will do the rest.
This ministry is quiet, sacred, and profoundly meaningful. It brings Christ’s love and hope into someone’s darkest moments. And along the way, it will grow your own faith in unexpected and beautiful ways.
If you feel even the slightest tug, I encourage you to follow it. You may be the exact person someone who’s about to face an unexpected crisis will soon be praying for.
If you are like Cynthia and are interested in the opportunity to serve others by walking with those who are experiencing some of their most challenging times in life, take the first step in becoming a Stephen Minister by applying online at northmetro.org/care beginning September 1. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, September 30.
Cynthia Hayes
My name is Gail, I have a new life in Christ, and I am in recovery for self-righteousness and pride.
Born and raised in the church, I accepted Christ at age seven. Throughout my life, I continued to read scripture and was taught that works did not earn me love from God, but I found myself focused on church attendance, serving, leading, being a good child of God, all the things that I thought were important to please Him.
In 1995 and again in 1997, God graciously blessed my husband Richard and me with two kids, and what felt like overnight, my purpose had changed. I started seeing myself as “Gail,— Bennett and Rachel’s mom” first and “Gail, child of God” as a far second. All of my choices and focus were related to them. I now realize I wanted people to credit me for what sweet and smart kids they were. I prided myself on being the key person who would make them who they would be in the world’s eyes, and I did not trust God to protect them and teach them through struggles.
When I started Re:gen at NMC, God revealed my sin struggles of self-righteousness and pride. It was clear that years of living as a good person and a great mom weren’t enough in God’s eyes. He was asking me to submit to Him, and He was calling me to what John 3:30 tells us - “He must become greater; I must become less.”
God has generously gifted me with many new relationships through Re:gen over the last few years. The group of nine ladies that I initially journeyed with as a participant has continued to be so important to me, and we are still very close. I have recently co-led a group of precious ladies with my dear friend Kim Tucker, and we were so honored to walk with them during their recovery and celebrate their recent commencement!
Although I have commenced from Re:gen, God is still at work. He laid on my heart a deep desire to not only continue “regenerating” but to serve in this ministry that I love so much at NMC. Serving alongside a group of men and women on the leadership team provides both support and accountability as I continue my faith journey, and I can truly say Wednesday nights are one of the true highlights of my week.
Gail Garland
Upcoming for you
NMCU CORE (101-104)
BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 14-NOVEMBER 16, 2025 | 3:00-5:00PM
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | TUESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 16-NOVEMBER 18, 2025 | 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.
We offer in-person groups or on-demand options for both of our campuses. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu. Head to northmetro.org/nmcu to sign up! Enrollment closes on Sunday, August 31.
NMCU EQUIP (NMCU CORE GRADUATES ONLY) BRAND NEW!!!!
This class is solely for Core Graduates (students who have completed 101104). 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.
We will continue to offer these modules to equip our Core graduates to learn, understand, and articulate biblical truth, so that they can form a biblical worldview that applies to their lives, how they live in the world, and how they love others. To provide Core graduates with flexible access to a variety of new and live teachings, we will adjust our approach to delivering our modules, previously known as 201 and 202. You'll get automatic access as soon as you graduate from Core.
As a bonus, this fall we are recording new material for NMCU Equip. Graduates have been invited to join the live recordings of these teachings. Check your email for the invitation to sign up for the live teaching on
Sundays in September through November. If you don't want to be a part of the live recording, no problem! You can wait until the material is posted on Teachable, which is usually about a week after we record it.
MAN CHURCH
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 | 7:00-9:00PM
In a world that pulls in every direction, faithfulness matters.
Join us for an evening of brotherhood and encouragement at Man Church. Morris Michalski—former coach and current Chaplain to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers will be sharing a message on being faithful ‘til the end.
This fall, we’re keeping things simple and focusing on what matters most— connection, worship, and the truth of God’s Word. Doors open at 6:45pm, and programming will begin at 7:00pm. Make sure to grab dinner before you arrive!
Register by visiting northmetro.org/events.
WOMEN'S GATHERING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 7:00-9:00PM
You’re invited to a joyful evening created just for women.
On Tuesday, September 16, let’s press pause on the hustle and gather together for a night filled with laughter, connection, worship, and encouragement. We’ll hear a timely message on Joy from our special guest speaker, Karen Lorrits, and share moments that remind us of the goodness of God and the gift of community.
While we won’t be serving dinner this time, we will have light snacks, sweet treats, and a few delightful surprises tucked throughout the night—because joy loves to show up in the little things.
Doors open at 6:45pm, and the evening kicks off at 7:00pm.
Registration is $10 and space is limited, so save your seat today by registering at northmetro.org/events!
MOVIE ON THE LAWN
SEWELL MILL | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 8:00PM
Join us under the stars at our Sewell Mill Campus for a fun outdoor movie night! Bring your own blanket or chair, settle in, and enjoy free popcorn as the movie starts at dusk. It’s a great chance to relax and connect—so invite your friends and come enjoy the evening with us!
FALL FESTIVAL
SEWELL MILL | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 9:00AM-12:00PM
We’re excited to gather everyone at our Sewell Mill Campus Fall Festival to celebrate the season and enjoy time together in community. We’ll have a coffee truck, donuts, face painting, pumpkin painting, and inflatables for the kids. It’s free and open to everyone—so bring your neighbors and friends!
NMC KIDS
ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS
SEWELL MILL CAMPUS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 9:15-10:00AM
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.
KIDS NIGHT OUT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 6:00-8:00PM
Kids Night Out is an event designed for 1st5th-grade students and their small group leaders to step away from a typical Sunday morning environment and have some fun together. This year we’ll be at Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw for pizza, playground, arcade games, skating, and laser tag. The price of this event is $25 and includes a $10 arcade card. Space is limited. Sign-ups will end when the event is full or at midnight on August 31, whichever occurs first. Visit northmero.org/events to sign up today.
and yourfamily
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? Head over to our events page to see a full list of serving opportunities for this event. The deadline to sign up to serve or attend this event is Friday, October 3. Sign up and learn more at northmetro.org/events.
NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER DISCIPLESHIP TOOL
The NMC Kids Table Talker is back from summer break! 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.
NMC KIDS OFFERING
The Kids Clean Water Project is receiving 100% of our NMC Kids offering. This project brings clean water and Christ's love to those around the world in desperate need of both. By doing this, they experience love and hope. We want to help provide clean drinking water for families who may have never had access to clean water. Every $10 we raise means another child can have clean water for ten years.
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.
NMC STUDENT NIGHTS
BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00-8:30PM
Hey middle and high school students! Join us Sunday nights to find your people, worship God together, and grow in your faith in Jesus. Each Student Night includes dinner, powerful worship, relevant teaching, and small groups where you can connect and grow. Follow us on Instagram @nmcstudents to stay updated and join in on all the fun!
NMC STUDENTS FALL RETREAT '25
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24-26
Students in grades 6-12 from both Barrett and Sewell Mill are invited to join us for an unforgettable Fall Retreat at Woodlands Camp! This weekend is packed with powerful worship, engaging teaching, meaningful small group conversations, and plenty of outdoor fun. It’s the perfect chance for students to grow in their faith and build lasting friendships. The cost is $165 per student; however, the price will increase to $185 after Sunday, September 21. We’ll kick things off with a check-in at our Barrett campus on Friday, October 24, at 6:00pm, and return Sunday afternoon. Registration closes Sunday, October 5, so don’t wait! About two weeks before the retreat, families will receive an info packet with packing details, the weekend schedule, camp menu, and more. Scholarships are available. To register or apply for a scholarship, visit northmetro.org/events.
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!
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.
Mobilization
We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we, the body of Christ, wouldBe Missed.
MONTHLY MOBILIZATION UPDATE
BARBEE FAMILY
North Metro Church has the privilege of partnering with multiple missionaries around the world. In July, the Barbee family visited NMC and shared some highlights of the 14 years they have spent in Thailand. They serve in Chiang Rai with TMS Global. Before going to Thailand, Chris and Dora served at CSF(Christian Student Fellowship) at the University of Kentucky under the leadership of our very own Rob McDowell. Connect and learn more through their blog at powerinmeekness.org.
CITY SERVE WEEK
SEPTEMBER 20-27, 2025
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 churchwide 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 JOURNEY WEEKEND
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3-5
Waymark Journey weekend is a life-changing overnight camp for youth ages 1217 in foster, adoptive, and group homes. Held in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, it’s packed with ropes courses, team games, art activities, fishing, Chapel, a birthday celebration, and more, all designed to speak hope, value, and the love of Christ into the lives of these amazing teens. Volunteers are needed in several roles, including counselors, nurses, photographers, scrapbookers, and registrars. Training is provided (September 8 & 9 or 22 & 23). To learn more, contact Peyton at peyton@waymarkfoster.org or visit waymarkfoster.org.
SAMARITAN'S PURSE & TEXAS FLOOD RESPONSE
At NMC, we want to love God, His Church, and others. Because of your generosity and obedience in giving, NMC was recently able to partner with Samaritan's Purse in response to the Texas flooding in July. NMC has donated $28,000 to Samaritan's Purse, allowing teams on site in Texas to help the most vulnerable with clean-up and rebuild programs for 100 homes. For more opportunities to serve with Samaritan's Purse and disaster relief, email Mobilization Director, Meagan Vinson, at mvinson@northmetro.org.
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.
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 2025-2026 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.
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.
Painting houses with love.
In July, we had the blessing of hosting the second team of high school student missionaries. For the first time in my memory, this team was composed exclusively of young women and their leaders. Many of them were returning to Guatemala for the second or third time, while others were experiencing their first missionary trip. By the end of the week, three of them decided to be baptized. Without a doubt, this group left a very special mark on our hearts and memories.
The week was filled with hard work and joy, and made a significant impact on the lives of many people. It all started from day one, the day of travel. Before going to sleep, we packed food bags that we later distributed to some families we connected with during the week.
On the first day, we visited the community of Xecotoj, a small village located near our base, where we serve weekly. There, we had the opportunity to clean the entrances and paint several families’ houses. Many of these families had been unable to do this themselves since they had to move to this community and start over after losing everything when Hurricane Stan hit in 2005. It was very moving to see how, with a fresh coat of paint, many houses and streets regained their vitality and joy, reflected in
the gratitude of these families. We had the chance to pray with them and give them food bags.
On the second day, we visited Patzutzun, the largest village where we serve. Over 200 children joyfully greeted the “gringos,” as they affectionately call the missionaries. We played with the children, shared Bible lessons in their classrooms, and provided some of their favorite lunch items, pizza and Coca-Cola. Before returning to our base, we also painted the oldest building of the school, where over 50 children receive classes weekly. It now looks as good as it did when it was first opened.
For the last mission day, we traveled to Chuitziyut, the most remote and smallest of the four communities we serve, about 15 families. Yes, we painted there too! We put finishing touches on the school and gave a fresh coat of paint to the Rush Bailey pavilion, which we also use as our church building. While the women of the community prepared a special lunch for everyone, we enjoyed an evangelistic service attended by many adults and children. One of the missionaries shared her testimony (in Spanish), and another sang some songs, an undoubtedly perfect conclusion to a great week of missions.
We are deeply grateful to each young lady who participated in this mission trip. Your dedication and hard work have left a lasting impact on the hearts of many people in Guatemala and in the Kingdom of Heaven. Every mission trip is unique, but the impact of painting, praying, sharing food, and engaging with children is priceless and greatly helps CDR continue serving week after week.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to join a mission trip, I encourage you to sign up for the next one and experience it firsthand. And if you have been before, don’t delay, we want to see you again and serve alongside you!
Thank you for your support and prayers. Together, we are making a difference!
Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/serve.
Please join us on Sunday, October 5 to celebrate all that God has been doing in Guatemala. This event is open to anyone who has gone, is interested in going, or would like to learn more. Register by visiting northmetro.org/events
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: 480
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 NMC 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 CHURCH 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.
