Top Ten - August 24
If you’d like to help out in some area in the church contact Pastor John at john@northgatefmc.com.
If you’re interested in a small group, contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com.
1. MOPs is Planning For This Year – MOPS is not just Mothers of Preschoolers – it is for all Moms! We’re kicking off another great year of fellowship and fun on Tuesday September 26 from 6-8pm. MOPS is also including Moms of school aged kids (thru age 18) and Mentor Moms for mothers that have grown kids, who are wanting to offer support through prayer, insight, and holding babies during meetings. MOPs meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month during the school year and meetings always include something delicious, and a relatable discussion topic. We’ll do crafts, hear from speakers and plan a few events for MOPS families, as well as look to partner with a community group to support women or families in some way.
The group is hoping to offer childcare and we’re looking for volunteers, who will need to be “We Care” certified. We’d like to cover the biweekly meeting times to eliminate that barrier but would be happy to have help with childcare at least a few nights during the school year so that people can enjoy a couples night or a retreat (we’re considering a non-weeknight for this, depending on volunteer availability).
If you can’t make it on Sept 26th, the MOPS/ Moms Next first official meeting is October 10 - but you can join anytime!
2. Men of Northgate, Save the Date – Our second annual “Man Camp” will be September 1-2 (with some guys staying through the 3rd). Bring your camper, tent, or hammocks and enjoy the beauty of Northgate’s big backyard! Plan on joining us for a great time of fellowship, food, and relaxation. There is no age minimum or maximum. Cost is $20 per person with an immediate family max of $60 and covers all of your food. Registration will be available soon on our website or app. Questions - email john@northgatefmc.com.
3. Playground Construction – Work is continuing on the playground, and we are planning to have another “workweek” next week (starting 8/ 28). Work will be from about 9am to noon, Monday through Saturday, but things may change so if you want to be sure there is work on any particular day you can contact Mark at mark@northgatefmc.com, or Matt at mattjolliff@gmail.com. And thank you to all who have helped and are helping to make this dream a reality!
4. September Fasting – Each of the past three years we have called the church to put a special emphasis on fasting and praying for the month of September. We’re going to do that again this year! We invite you to fast (it may be a fast from some foods, or some meals, or screens, etc. If you need guidance on fasting, please let us know.) and we will provide a daily devotional reading for you from The Lord’s Prayer or one of the Psalms, written by our staff and leaders. If you’d like to receive the daily devotional please let Pastor Vern or Angelique know (vern@northgatefmc.com or angelique@northgatefmc.com). Thank you joining us in this important discipline as we seek the heart of God for our church.
5. Old Testament Survey Class – Pastor Chris will be teaching an Old Testament Survey class this Fall on three Saturdays (9/16, 10/21, 12/2) from 10am-4pm at North. There is no cost for a Northgate attender to take this class. If you’re interested in a college level class on the Old Testament, talk to Chris – chris@northgatefmc.com.
6. First Responder Appreciation Picnic – We respect and appreciate all of the men and women who serve others by responding to emergencies, including law enforcement situations, fires and medical emergencies. We want to show our appreciation for the good work that these individuals do, and so we are planning a picnic for them on Saturday, September 16 from 1-4pm at our North Campus pavilion. This will be a come as you can, leave as you need to event, and take out options will be available. Please pass the word to all first responders that you know, and if you’d like to help make this happen contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com. Thank you!
7. Parenting Adult Children Group – Kick Off Group Life weekend is coming!! The Parenting Adult Children will be held again, beginning on September 10 at 9:30 in room #1! Debbie Vick will lead this 10-week study of the book Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life, written by Jim Burns. Spread the word! If you have any questions, please contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com.
8. Embers: An Intergenerational Bible study For All Ages – This study will look into God’s Word and learn simple ways to apply it to your life. It will start with earthly stories with Heavenly meaning and check our understanding through a window and a mirror. This group will also explore ways to reach into the community sharing God’s love with others in need. Come as an individual or as a whole family and share real life together. This group will meet at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in Room #6.
9. New Bible Study for our Young Adults (18-29) – Brandon Northrup is leading this study at 11 AM in room #4 (next to Cafe). This group will look at topics relevant to this phase of life and what the Bible says about this season of life. Hope to see you there!
10. Northgate Book Club Is COMING BACK SOON! – The next book we will be reading together will be Jesus In Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz. Here is what to expect from this book:
For more information contact Angelique (angelique@northgatefmc.com).
Praising God! – If you were in worship last weekend, or viewed the service on-line, you know that material to make 345 new dresses was sent to the ladies of Gahanda, through the generous giving of people who participated in our Mothers’ Day photo shoots. And this week sewing machines arrived there as well, which will be used to make those dresses as well as provide an opportunity for people to be trained in sewing which can lead to employment opportunities! In addition to all of that, donations have been made to build around 20 new houses in Gahanda!! God is doing incredible things in Gahanda and we’re blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for your prayers and financial support of this ministry.
Community Choir Opportunity – Kevin Dibble (Associate Director of the Greatbatch School of Music and the Associate Director of Choral Activities at Houghton) is working with several local entities to develop the Allegany County Community Choir. This will be a non-auditioned community choir, based in Allegany County and sponsored by the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton University, but will be open to the entire Western NY region. More information is below, and we hope that you will consider joining us!
For more information you can contact Kevin at Kevin.Dibble@houghton.edu.
**********************************************************************************
You Can Count on This – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)
Losing the people we love to death is tragic and painful. Grief can last a long time – there is no set period for our grieving after which we are “done” and “move on.” Our son Matthew died almost 31 years ago and there are still moments I think of him and grieve. I expect that will be true until I see him again in heaven, which I absolutely believe I will and which I look forward to very much. I’m excited to see what he looks like (he was 8 when he died) and what he can do (because of developmental disabilities he was unable to walk, talk, etc. here on earth). I’m excited to have conversations and walks and to give him a big hug!
We do grieve when loved ones die, but we do not grieve without hope, as Paul says. When someone dies covered by the grace of Jesus, we can be confident that we who are in relationship with Jesus will see them again. Jesus promises to keep us safe and to bring us home to heaven. Here’s what He says in John 10:27-29:
This is our hope, but not hope that is wishful thinking. This is the source of our confidence and our expectations, and we are assured that it will be so because Jesus has promised it will be. Praise God for His wonderful promises!
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.
If you’re interested in a small group, contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com.
1. MOPs is Planning For This Year – MOPS is not just Mothers of Preschoolers – it is for all Moms! We’re kicking off another great year of fellowship and fun on Tuesday September 26 from 6-8pm. MOPS is also including Moms of school aged kids (thru age 18) and Mentor Moms for mothers that have grown kids, who are wanting to offer support through prayer, insight, and holding babies during meetings. MOPs meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month during the school year and meetings always include something delicious, and a relatable discussion topic. We’ll do crafts, hear from speakers and plan a few events for MOPS families, as well as look to partner with a community group to support women or families in some way.
The group is hoping to offer childcare and we’re looking for volunteers, who will need to be “We Care” certified. We’d like to cover the biweekly meeting times to eliminate that barrier but would be happy to have help with childcare at least a few nights during the school year so that people can enjoy a couples night or a retreat (we’re considering a non-weeknight for this, depending on volunteer availability).
If you can’t make it on Sept 26th, the MOPS/ Moms Next first official meeting is October 10 - but you can join anytime!
2. Men of Northgate, Save the Date – Our second annual “Man Camp” will be September 1-2 (with some guys staying through the 3rd). Bring your camper, tent, or hammocks and enjoy the beauty of Northgate’s big backyard! Plan on joining us for a great time of fellowship, food, and relaxation. There is no age minimum or maximum. Cost is $20 per person with an immediate family max of $60 and covers all of your food. Registration will be available soon on our website or app. Questions - email john@northgatefmc.com.
3. Playground Construction – Work is continuing on the playground, and we are planning to have another “workweek” next week (starting 8/ 28). Work will be from about 9am to noon, Monday through Saturday, but things may change so if you want to be sure there is work on any particular day you can contact Mark at mark@northgatefmc.com, or Matt at mattjolliff@gmail.com. And thank you to all who have helped and are helping to make this dream a reality!
4. September Fasting – Each of the past three years we have called the church to put a special emphasis on fasting and praying for the month of September. We’re going to do that again this year! We invite you to fast (it may be a fast from some foods, or some meals, or screens, etc. If you need guidance on fasting, please let us know.) and we will provide a daily devotional reading for you from The Lord’s Prayer or one of the Psalms, written by our staff and leaders. If you’d like to receive the daily devotional please let Pastor Vern or Angelique know (vern@northgatefmc.com or angelique@northgatefmc.com). Thank you joining us in this important discipline as we seek the heart of God for our church.
5. Old Testament Survey Class – Pastor Chris will be teaching an Old Testament Survey class this Fall on three Saturdays (9/16, 10/21, 12/2) from 10am-4pm at North. There is no cost for a Northgate attender to take this class. If you’re interested in a college level class on the Old Testament, talk to Chris – chris@northgatefmc.com.
6. First Responder Appreciation Picnic – We respect and appreciate all of the men and women who serve others by responding to emergencies, including law enforcement situations, fires and medical emergencies. We want to show our appreciation for the good work that these individuals do, and so we are planning a picnic for them on Saturday, September 16 from 1-4pm at our North Campus pavilion. This will be a come as you can, leave as you need to event, and take out options will be available. Please pass the word to all first responders that you know, and if you’d like to help make this happen contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com. Thank you!
7. Parenting Adult Children Group – Kick Off Group Life weekend is coming!! The Parenting Adult Children will be held again, beginning on September 10 at 9:30 in room #1! Debbie Vick will lead this 10-week study of the book Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life, written by Jim Burns. Spread the word! If you have any questions, please contact Angelique at angelique@northgatefmc.com.
8. Embers: An Intergenerational Bible study For All Ages – This study will look into God’s Word and learn simple ways to apply it to your life. It will start with earthly stories with Heavenly meaning and check our understanding through a window and a mirror. This group will also explore ways to reach into the community sharing God’s love with others in need. Come as an individual or as a whole family and share real life together. This group will meet at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in Room #6.
9. New Bible Study for our Young Adults (18-29) – Brandon Northrup is leading this study at 11 AM in room #4 (next to Cafe). This group will look at topics relevant to this phase of life and what the Bible says about this season of life. Hope to see you there!
•Also, there will be a lunch meeting on 8/27 after second service in Room 2/3 for anyone connected with GCC (faculty or students) or anyone interested in helping to create a ministry to students at GCC. For more information contact DL at dl@northgatefmc.com.
•And Base parents… please save 11/17-19 as the dates for the Base Fall Retreat.
10. Northgate Book Club Is COMING BACK SOON! – The next book we will be reading together will be Jesus In Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz. Here is what to expect from this book:
The Holy Spirit is not a magic genie, a flame of fire, or a vague feeling; he is our constant companion! Lotz draws on biblical knowledge and personal stories---including her recent cancer diagnosis---to help us understand and appreciate the meaning behind seven of the titles given to this Third Person: Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby.
For more information contact Angelique (angelique@northgatefmc.com).
Praising God! – If you were in worship last weekend, or viewed the service on-line, you know that material to make 345 new dresses was sent to the ladies of Gahanda, through the generous giving of people who participated in our Mothers’ Day photo shoots. And this week sewing machines arrived there as well, which will be used to make those dresses as well as provide an opportunity for people to be trained in sewing which can lead to employment opportunities! In addition to all of that, donations have been made to build around 20 new houses in Gahanda!! God is doing incredible things in Gahanda and we’re blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for your prayers and financial support of this ministry.
Community Choir Opportunity – Kevin Dibble (Associate Director of the Greatbatch School of Music and the Associate Director of Choral Activities at Houghton) is working with several local entities to develop the Allegany County Community Choir. This will be a non-auditioned community choir, based in Allegany County and sponsored by the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton University, but will be open to the entire Western NY region. More information is below, and we hope that you will consider joining us!
•Where: Houghton University, the Greatbatch School of Music
•Who: Anyone ages 17 and up who wishes to come together and make music. Community members, church choir members, local teachers, university students, university professors, etc. with all levels of experience!
•When: Thursday nights, likely in the 7:30-9:00 PM range. We will likely rehearse and sing from early September through December and then again in late January through early May.
•How: There will be a $50 per semester fee to cover costs associated with this opportunity. Once you have paid, you simply show up and enjoy!
For more information you can contact Kevin at Kevin.Dibble@houghton.edu.
**********************************************************************************
You Can Count on This – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)
Losing the people we love to death is tragic and painful. Grief can last a long time – there is no set period for our grieving after which we are “done” and “move on.” Our son Matthew died almost 31 years ago and there are still moments I think of him and grieve. I expect that will be true until I see him again in heaven, which I absolutely believe I will and which I look forward to very much. I’m excited to see what he looks like (he was 8 when he died) and what he can do (because of developmental disabilities he was unable to walk, talk, etc. here on earth). I’m excited to have conversations and walks and to give him a big hug!
We do grieve when loved ones die, but we do not grieve without hope, as Paul says. When someone dies covered by the grace of Jesus, we can be confident that we who are in relationship with Jesus will see them again. Jesus promises to keep us safe and to bring us home to heaven. Here’s what He says in John 10:27-29:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
This is our hope, but not hope that is wishful thinking. This is the source of our confidence and our expectations, and we are assured that it will be so because Jesus has promised it will be. Praise God for His wonderful promises!
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.
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