Weekend Snapshot - November 30

November 30th, 2024

Hey Northgate,

Here we are—it’s officially Christmas season! As I look at all the great events happening at Northgate this month, I have two main thoughts:

1. It’s going to be a wonderful month as we prepare for Christmas together.
2. I hope you don’t try to attend everything on the calendar!

That might sound odd coming from a pastor, so let me explain. Of course, I hope you’ll make it a priority to join us for worship services every weekend—this month and always. But when it comes to the other events on the calendar, I encourage you to wisely pick and choose what will be most life-giving for you during this season. Focus on what will best prepare your heart, mind, and soul for Christmas.

For some of you, the Service of Prayer & Remembrance will be a key part of that preparation. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge grief in a healthy, God-centered way. (By the way, if you haven’t registered for that yet, the deadline is December 1 at 5 p.m. https://www.bataviafuneralhomes.com/resources/annual-remembrance-service

If Vintage Christmas offers you warmth and nostalgia that prepares your heart for the season, I hope to see you there one of those nights. If singing hymns at the Christmas Carol Hymn Sing is what helps you focus on the meaning of Christmas, then don’t miss it! But don’t feel pressured to attend every event. Honestly, this is my full-time job, and even I won’t be at everything—I’m not even invited to the Women’s Christmas Gathering! So, choose wisely. Show up for the things that will help you center on Jesus this season. But also take some quiet nights at home to sit by the glow of the tree, breathe deeply, and relax. That’s an important part of preparing for Christmas too. We’re anticipating an incredible December here at Northgate, and we can’t wait to celebrate the birth of our Savior with all of you!

Northgate's Christmas Events

December is filled with wonderful ways to celebrate the Christmas season together! There’s something for everyone, so get ready to mark your calendars.

Take a look at the other upcoming events below!

Learn More

Need To Knows

This Weekend:

Worship Services — Saturday, 6:00pm, Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am — Advent is here! What’s Advent? Advent is a season of preparation and waiting that takes place in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This weekend we will be starting our Advent Message Series “The Choice” as we explore the pivotal decisions woven into the story of the first Christmas. We will also be lighting the first Advent candle for hope!
Sunday Morning Prayer Group — Sunday, 9:30am — Meeting Room 4 — Join this faithful group that prays together for our weekend services and much more!
Sunday Base — Join us in the sanctuary to hear Pastor DL preach!
Service Opportunity:
- Are you looking for a great way to serve on your own or with a group this Christmas season? You can support our great ministry partner, The Salvation Army, by signing up to ring the bell at one of their red kettles. This is not only a huge blessing to Brad and Rachel and their team, I also find it to be incredibly encouraging every year when I have a chance to do it. All you have sign up here. Pick a location (Tops in LeRoy, Tops in Batavia, or the Batavia Walmart), choose a time, and then show up with a smile on your face! You will be glad that you did.

The Week Ahead:

Annual Service of Prayer and Remembrance — Wednesday, December 4, 7:00pm - You don’t need to register to attend, but you do need to register (for free) here. https://www.bataviafuneralhomes.com/resources/annual-remembrance-
Vintage Christmas — Thursday, December 5 & Friday, December 6 from 6:00-8:00pm in the pavilion and Northgate’s big back yard. We have a walk through our woods with the nativity story, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and chili in the Pavilion, old Christmas classics playing on a large outdoor screen, a huge campfire, and a tree lighting. This is a come-and-go event. No cost, no need to register, and you don’t have to be a part of Northgate. Invite some friends to join you!
Prayer Shawl Ministry — Saturday, 10:00am-12:00pm — This group, led by Rosalina, meets on the first Saturday of the month at our North Campus in Meeting Room 4 to knit and crochet. They work to make prayer shawls for people who are in the hospital or sick so that they know they have been prayed for. They are also working to make 1,000 hats and scarfs by Christmas for the Salvation Army. New people are always welcome, as are beginners!

Coming Up:

Christmas Carol Hymn Sing — December 10, 6:30 PM, hosted by Northgate Caregivers at the North Campus. Sing carols with us, and stay afterward for cookies, coffee, and fellowship!
Women’s Christmas Gathering — December 11, 6–8 PM. Grab a friend and come for a fun night of crafting, a devotional, and great fellowship. We just need to know if you’re coming so we have plenty of supplies ready for you, so Sign up here
Primetimers — Thursday, December 12, 12:00pm — Primetimers is a group of 55+ year olds who get together once a month for time of lunch and learning. We will have a time of singing Christmas Carols together led by Anthony and Becca!
Christmas Eve Services – Tuesday, December 24
- 4:00 PM Family Service Designed for families with young children, this service offers a fun, age-appropriate way to celebrate Christmas. Choose between regular or battery-operated candles, and our Infant and Toddler Rooms will be open.
  7:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service A classic Christmas Eve celebration with a meaningful message, beautiful music, and a candlelit closing.
Baptism Weekend — Saturday & Sunday, December 28 & 29 — Is baptism the next step in your faith journey? Contact Pastor John if you are interested in having a conversation to find out! Saturday and Sunday, November 23&24
New Message Series - We will be kicking off 2025 with a six-week series called “Twisted Scripture” as we take a look at verses that commonly are taken out of context, misused, and misapplied. We want God’s word to inspire and shape our lives - but in order to do that, we need to properly understand what is in the Bible, and what isn’t.
Group Leaders Gathering — Sunday, January 12, 12:15 PM — Save the date for this is valuable time to connect and get inspired for the New Year!