Weekend Snapshot - November 9
Hey Northgate,
When this hits your inbox on Saturday morning, it will be exactly 100 days since I started as Lead Pastor and Allison began her role as Operations Director. It’s been an invigorating challenge, deeply meaningful, and I’ve loved (almost) every minute of it.
I wanted to share a few thoughts of gratitude as we look back over these first three plus months.
I’m proud of how we’ve navigated another election season with grace, love, and integrity.
I look forward to the future and am excited to see what God will continue to do in this church as we fully surrender to Him and His will for us—both as individuals and as a community.You all are the best, and I appreciate you so much.
See you this weekend!
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
I wanted to share a few thoughts of gratitude as we look back over these first three plus months.
- Allison and I have so much appreciation for Pastor Vern and Mark Logan—not only for the excellent work that they did in their roles but also for setting us up for success after their retirements. It brings me (and so many of you) so much joy to see them attending Northgate again after some time away. This kind of healthy transition doesn’t happen everywhere, but it is definitely who we want to be as a church community.
- This is an incredible church. I don’t say that because I’m supposed to; I say it because it’s true. The heart of the people here is absolutely unmatched. Even with the responsibilities that come with this position, you all truly make it a joy.
- I can’t say enough good things about our staff. This is an amazing team! It’s full of people who love Jesus, love Northgate, love each other, work hard, and operate in their strengths. It’s such a gifted group, and they’re so much fun to be with on a daily bases. Even Becca. (Just checking to see if she’s reading this!)
- I am incredibly proud of how our church has engaged with challenging series like Under the Influence and American Idol. I know there are lighter, more cheerful topics we could cover each weekend, but you’ve embraced the challenges and truths of these messages. I believe we’re a stronger church for it, as we address hard things together.
- Thank you also for how you’ve responded to changes we’ve made during these early days. It’s encouraging to see a church that holds nothing sacred above Jesus and the Gospel when shifts do happen.
I’m proud of how we’ve navigated another election season with grace, love, and integrity.
I look forward to the future and am excited to see what God will continue to do in this church as we fully surrender to Him and His will for us—both as individuals and as a community.You all are the best, and I appreciate you so much.
See you this weekend!
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
CELEBRATION CORNER
Last night at Centered, we had the joy of welcoming over 40 attendees! Our Group Life Director, Angelique Spring, led a beautiful devotional focused on Lectio Divina. If you’re unfamiliar, Lectio Divina means "divine reading" in Latin, an ancient Christian practice that guides us to engage deeply with Scripture. This contemplative approach invites a spiritual connection and a richer appreciation for God’s word, helping us see its relevance in our everyday lives.
Together, the group explored the four steps of Lectio Divina using 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The steps include Lectio(Reading), Meditatio (Meditation), Oratio (Prayer), and Contemplatio (Contemplation).
As we move into this season of thankfulness, consider how you might embrace gratitude this week. Perhaps start a gratitude journal or share a moment of thankfulness with someone close to you. Let’s celebrate God’s blessings together!
Together, the group explored the four steps of Lectio Divina using 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The steps include Lectio(Reading), Meditatio (Meditation), Oratio (Prayer), and Contemplatio (Contemplation).
As we move into this season of thankfulness, consider how you might embrace gratitude this week. Perhaps start a gratitude journal or share a moment of thankfulness with someone close to you. Let’s celebrate God’s blessings together!
Need To Knows
This Weekend:
- Worship Services — Saturday, 6:00pm, Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am — This is the first week of our new three week series called “Making Cent$” a practical message series on handling money God’s way. We’ll dive into Biblical principles on tithing, learning how generosity opens the door to God’s blessings. Discover the wisdom of budgeting as we explore how to manage our resources with intention and purpose. Finally, we’ll unpack the secret to true financial peace in a message on contentment, finding joy in what we have rather than chasing what we don’t. Let’s transform our financial lives by aligning our wallets with God’s Word..
- Sunday Morning Prayer Group — Sunday, 9:30am — Meeting Room 4 — Join this faithful group that prays together for our weekend services and much more!
- Middle School & High School Base — Sunday, 11:00am — Northgate Meeting Room 2/3 — There is time for hanging out, teaching, and prayer led by our Next Generation Pastor, DL.
- Midway Young Adult Group — Sunday at 11:00am — Meeting Room 4
The Week Ahead:
- Monday Night Bible Study — Monday, October 28, 6:30pm — Meeting Room 2/3 — Pastor Vern leads an in-depth Bible study focusing on the book of Galatians.
- Peace Seekers — Monday, 6:30pm — Youth & Community Center, Room 205 (350 Bank Street). This is a Nar-Anon Family Group that gets together weekly to support each other in that process.
- Spanish Class — Wednesday, 12:00pm — Northgate Meeting Room #1 — Rosalina leads a Spanish class 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 Base — Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Northgate Youth and Community Center — 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
- Primetimers — Thursday, November 14, 12:00pm — Primetimers is a group of 55+ year olds who get together once a month for time of lunch and learning. In November turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing will be provided. They will be collecting items for the Salvation Army food pantry; there is a list of suggested items at the Information Desk in the lobby. Per usual, please bring a dish or dessert to share, plates and plastic ware provided.
- Celebrate Recovery — Thursdays, 7:00pm — This group meets together weekly at Northgate to work through hurts, habits, and hangups. New people are always welcome!
- Divorce Care — Saturdays, 5:00pm — Northgate Meeting Room #1 — DivorceCare is a 13-week, video-based series that helps people heal from the hurt of separation and divorce. Contact John and Patti Chadwick for more information (patti.chadwick@juno.com).
- Pickleball — We have several groups playing all levels of pickleball at the Youth & Community Center during the week. The best way to get connected is to download the TeamReach app and then use the Group Code: B5225K for the Batavia Pickleball Club.
Coming Up:
- Great Day of Giving — Saturday and Sunday, November 23&24
- December Message Series — “The Choice” a Northgate Christmas Series
- Annual Service of Prayer and Remembrance — Wednesday, December 4, 7:00pm
- 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!
- Baptism Weekend — Saturday & Sunday, December 28 & 29 — Is baptism the next step in your faith journey? Contact Pastor John (john@northgatefmc.com) if you are interested in having a conversation to find out!
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