Weekend Snapshot - November 9

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.

• 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 

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!