Pastor Vern's Top Ten

1. Get to Know the Pastors and Staff – If you’d just like to spend some time with the pastors and staff in a more informal setting, join us for some refreshments and conversation on the 3rd Sunday of the month (this Sunday, September 19) after the second service at North.  All are welcome regardless of how long you’ve called Northgate home. We’ll meet in Room #1.

2. SEED Tables This Weekend – This weekend at North and at Arbor House we will have SEED tables set up. SEED is a Free Methodist missions organization that supports people in countries where our FM missionaries serve. SEED stands for Sustainable Empowerment through Economic Development. By purchasing SEED products we are helping people become more financially stable. And it’s not too early to think about Christmas gifts!
3. Legacy Journey Class – Rick and Sara Kent will be leading a Legacy Journey class focusing on financial health. The class will meet on Sundays at 9:30am and it’s suggested that participants have attended Financial Peace University at some point. This is a video/discussion group and Rick and Sara will be covering the following topics:For more information contact Pastor Marsha at marsha@northgatefmc.com.

4.  Pastor Daniel is Looking for Some Board Games – Pastor Daniel is planning a game night for young adults in October and would be happy to relieve you of the board games (in good condition) that you have in your closet but don’t plan to use again! For more information on the game night or on donating games contact Pastor Daniel at daniel@northgatefmc.com.

5. Want to Have Great Relationships With Your Adult Children? – A new small group is meeting on Sundays at North at 8:30am called “Navigating Life with Adult Children”.  This is a Chip Ingram study, and it will be facilitated by Debbie Vick.  Everyone is welcome!  Please let Pastor Marsha (marsha@northgatefmc.com) know if you’d like to attend or want more information.  

6. Some Dates to Keep in Mind – Our next “Centered” night of prayer and worship will be on Wednesday October 6 at 6pm at North. We will be having communion at North on Saturday and Sunday October 2nd & 3rd. (We have communion every first weekend of the month now.) And on Tuesday October 19th from 6-8pm our Caregivers group is hosting a hymn sing at our South Campus. All are invited!

7. “Soul Pain Revealed” – Pastor Marsha and Pastor Vern will share the leadership of this small group which begins in September.  The group will be using a book and study guide developed by local psychologist Dr. Julie Caton, which is about the intersection of spiritual and emotional healing.  Solidly grounded in our Christian faith this group will be helpful to anyone looking to live with more joy!  Contact Pastor Marsha or Pastor Vern to sign up or go to the Northgate website (northgatefmc.com).  The group will meet on Sundays at North at 9:30am.

8. Are You Looking for Work that is Also a Kind of Ministry? – I was talking with a friend this week who oversees group homes for the ARC here in our area. She encouraged me to let people know that they have openings at the ARC and are looking for some caring individuals who might like to work part time or full time. So that’s what I’m doing! Serving individuals with disabilities is a rewarding thing to do and if you want to explore the chance to do that you can check out the ARC website here: https://www.arcgo.org/employment-opportunities.

9. Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) – MOPS will be meeting this Fall, beginning with a kickoff service next Wednesday September 22 at 6:30pm.  One change to note is that MOPS will be meeting at our North Campus this year (8160 Bank St. Rd. Batavia) and meetings will be held on the 2nd Wednesday in the morning and the 4th Wednesday in the evening.  For more information contact Pastor Marsha.

10.  Men’s Group and Women’s Journey on Wednesday Evenings – All men and women are invited to join these groups that meet separately but at the same time (7pm) on Wednesday evenings. If you are looking for a place where you can meet new people, get encouragement, and fellowship and continue your growth in Christ, these are good places to begin.

To learn more about these opportunities, or to suggest an idea for a group the best contact person is Pastor Marsha (marsha@northgatefmc.com). You can check out our website too (northgatefmc.com).

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You Can Count on This – Acts 28:15 – The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. (Read Acts 28:1-16)

I try to picture this scene – with Paul making his way (under guard) to Rome and having his friends come to meet him and accompany him for part of his journey. I read that Paul “thanked God and was encouraged” at the sight of them and that stirs something in my heart. I’m reminded of times I was going through something difficult and friends of mine showed up, sometimes unexpectedly, and how encouraging and comforting that was. Sometimes showing our love for others and serving Jesus in their lives is just that simple: as simple as showing up and walking alongside for a while. I wonder who we know that might be encouraged by a visit, a phone call or a note?

When you’re not sure what you can count on in the world around you, know this: You can count on God keeping his word.  So read what God has to say in scripture!  And count on it.