Weekend Snapshot - September 21

September 21st, 2024

Hey Everyone,

I had the honor of attending the Justice Network Summit of the Free Methodist Church at Pearce this Thursday and Friday. It is encouraging to see our denomination increasingly focusing on issues of justice, and I hope to see the same emphasis here at Northgate. We are called to be people who seek love-driven justice. Our God is a God of justice. He is also a God of mercy and compassion, but make no mistake—He is a God of justice. However, this justice is not driven by anger or wrath. God's desire for justice flows from His love for people.

God loves all people, whether they follow Him or not, whether they are living righteous and holy lives or not. Sometimes, when we live more righteously or more holy than others, we can get the idea that God loves us more because of it. But that's not true, and it's not biblical.

God loves us all, and because of His love for everyone, He desires justice for all people.

What do I mean by justice? When I say justice, I simply mean making things right. Justice is the act of putting things right.

And why should we, as Christ-followers, be involved in making things right? Because God's love compels us to do so.

That is love-driven justice. That is who we are called to be as Christ-followers, and it is what we are called to do: to be on the right side of justice, the side of making things right.

Micah 6:8 — He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

See you this weekend,

Pastor John
Lead Pastor

Need To Knows

This Weekend:

Worship Services — Saturday, 6:00pm, Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am — We are in the third week of our “Under the Influence” series, looking at the impact of addiction. This weekend we will be specifically unpacking the issues of “Stigma and Relapse.”
Sunday Morning Prayer Group — Sunday, 9:30am — Meeting Room 4 — Join this faithful group that prays together for our weekend services and much more!
Liturgical Worship — Sunday, 10:00am — Arbor House (350 Bank Street) — Lead by Pastor Chris Landon they will be continuing their series from the book of Judges.
Middle School & High School Base — Sunday, 11:00am, Meeting Room 2/3 — There is time for hanging out, teaching, and prayer led by our Next Generation Pastor, DL.
In the Lobby — As we continue a September Missions Focus we will have information about sponsor kids from our Connected Community in Gahanda, Rwanda. Stop by and find out how you can change the life of a child for $38 a month!

The Week Ahead:

The MomCo Kickoff — Tuesday, September 24, 6:00pm — Northgate Cafe — MOPS has been rebranded to The MomCo! This 'Mom Community' welcomes all moms from pregnancy to child age 18. After the kickoff even they will meet at Northgate on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:00pm-8:00pm, during the school year. Register Here
Spanish Class — Wednesday, 12:00pm — Rosalina leads a Spanish class in the Guest Lounge on Wednesdays for anyone interested in improving their Spanish language skills. All levels of knowledge are welcome, including beginners! Weather permitting several group members also visit the prayer walk after class. They would love to have you join them!
Midweek Prayer Group - Wednesday, 1:00pm - Northgate Meeting Room #1 — This group meets weekly to pray for the needs of the church and staff.
Midweek Base — Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm, at our South Campus (350 Bank Street). This program is for students in 5th-12th grade and includes times of worship, teaching, games, fun, food, and small groups. If you have any questions about Base, or any of our student ministries, reach out to our Next Generation Pastor DL Walter at dl@northgatefmc.com
Celebrate Recovery — Thursday, 7:00pm — This group meets together weekly at Northgate to work through hurts, habits, and hangups. New people are always welcome!

Group Life

Make sure to check out all of the group life offerings at Northgate.
If you have any questions you can always contact our Group Life Director, Angelique (angelique@northgatefmc.com)

Group Life

Coming Up:

Centered — Wednesday, October 2, 6:00pm - Centered is a slow paced and relaxed service of worship, prayer, and occasionally some light teaching.
Intergenerational Weekend - Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 - Pastor DL and the Costa Rica Missions Team will be leading this service and reflecting on an amazing and impactful trip to Costa Rica!
October Message Series — “American Idol” — Reordering Faith & Politics
Primetimers — Thursday, October 10, 12:00pm - Primetimers is a group of 55+ year olds who get together once a month for time of lunch and learning. Bring a dish to pass, plates and plasticware will be provided.
November Message Series — “Making Cent$”
Carol McLeod Women’s Conference — November 1-2 — Join us for Northgate's Women Conference with Guest Speaker Carol McLeod. Watch this video from Carol McLeod to hear about the conference. Register Here
Northgate 101 — Sunday, November 3, 9:30am-12:00pm - Are you interested in learning more about Northgate and possibly becoming a member? This class will do those things! Email office@northgatefmc.com to reserve your spot.
Base Retreat - Our middle schoolers and high schoolers will be going on a Fall Retreat from November 22-24 at the LeTourneau Christian Center! This retreat is open to students in grades 5-12. This year’s theme is "Thirst," inspired by Psalm 63:1. Experience worship, inspiring messages, fun activities, and new friendships. This is a great event to invite a friend. The cost is $100 per student. You can register online until October 23.
Vintage Christmas - Thursday, December 5 & Friday, December 6 from 6:00-8:00pm in the pavilion and Northgate’s big back yard. Save one of the two dates and plan to join us for Northgate’s annual outdoor Christmas celebration!