Top Ten - September 2
Reminder: As this is the first weekend of the month we will be observing communion in all of our services.
Also, “Centered” is happening next Wednesday at 6pm in the North Sanctuary.
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Playground Construction – Thank you to everyone who has been helping with the construction on the playground. As you can see, this is a huge project! There’s so much that goes into it, and it will take some time to finish, but it will be spectacular when it is done, and children are going to love it. And none of it would be possible without your generous donation of your time and talents. So, thank you!
4. 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).
Flyers and handouts will be by the Northgate Kids sign in tablets and will include website info and QR codes to register. MOPS would also like to thank past and current supporters of the group. MOPs has a rich history in this church and we are so appreciative of the church community involvement that makes it a success.
If you can’t make it on Sept 26th, the MOPS/ Moms Next first official meeting is October 10 - but you can join anytime!
5. Mommy and Me Play Group – The purpose of the Mommy and Me play group is to create friendships and connection for moms who are in the early years of motherhood, while allowing little ones to play together and socialize in a fun laid-back setting. This playgroup is designed for children, preschool age and younger. It will take place on Tuesdays starting in October from 9:30 to 10:30 in the preschool room. For more information contact Tara at tara@northgatefmc.com.
6. 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.
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).
Bonus: New DivorceCare and GriefShare Groups Are Starting Up – Divorce Care starts September 16 from 5-6:15 at North Campus and GriefShare begins September 12 from 6-7:30 at South Campus. For more information contact Patti Chadwick at 585-297-3009. Thanks.
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 5:9 – For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28)
We much prefer to talk about the love of God than we do to talk about the wrath of God. But we can’t ignore the fact that a day of judgment is coming when God will take decisive action against sin and against all who reject Him. That will be a day of darkness and terror for many.
But we do not need to fear that day of judgment if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It’s not God’s desire that anyone have to fear that day of judgment, though many will live in fear then because they refuse to accept the salvation that God offers through Christ. Why is that? God has done all that is necessary for our salvation and offers it to us as a gift of His immense love and mercy. He simply asks us to humble ourselves, admit our sinfulness and receive His gift, and honor His love and His gift with our obedience. If we do this, we have nothing to fear about that day of darkness.
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.
Also, “Centered” is happening next Wednesday at 6pm in the North Sanctuary.
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Playground Construction – Thank you to everyone who has been helping with the construction on the playground. As you can see, this is a huge project! There’s so much that goes into it, and it will take some time to finish, but it will be spectacular when it is done, and children are going to love it. And none of it would be possible without your generous donation of your time and talents. So, thank you!
4. 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).
Flyers and handouts will be by the Northgate Kids sign in tablets and will include website info and QR codes to register. MOPS would also like to thank past and current supporters of the group. MOPs has a rich history in this church and we are so appreciative of the church community involvement that makes it a success.
If you can’t make it on Sept 26th, the MOPS/ Moms Next first official meeting is October 10 - but you can join anytime!
5. Mommy and Me Play Group – The purpose of the Mommy and Me play group is to create friendships and connection for moms who are in the early years of motherhood, while allowing little ones to play together and socialize in a fun laid-back setting. This playgroup is designed for children, preschool age and younger. It will take place on Tuesdays starting in October from 9:30 to 10:30 in the preschool room. For more information contact Tara at tara@northgatefmc.com.
6. 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.
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!
•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).
Bonus: New DivorceCare and GriefShare Groups Are Starting Up – Divorce Care starts September 16 from 5-6:15 at North Campus and GriefShare begins September 12 from 6-7:30 at South Campus. For more information contact Patti Chadwick at 585-297-3009. Thanks.
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 5:9 – For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28)
We much prefer to talk about the love of God than we do to talk about the wrath of God. But we can’t ignore the fact that a day of judgment is coming when God will take decisive action against sin and against all who reject Him. That will be a day of darkness and terror for many.
But we do not need to fear that day of judgment if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It’s not God’s desire that anyone have to fear that day of judgment, though many will live in fear then because they refuse to accept the salvation that God offers through Christ. Why is that? God has done all that is necessary for our salvation and offers it to us as a gift of His immense love and mercy. He simply asks us to humble ourselves, admit our sinfulness and receive His gift, and honor His love and His gift with our obedience. If we do this, we have nothing to fear about that day of darkness.
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.
Posted in Top 10
Recent
Archive
2024
February
2023
September
2022
January
September
No Comments