Weekend Snapshot
Hey Northgate,
This weekend, we’ll be ending all three services by coming to the Lord’s Table and sharing in communion together.
I want to tell you about a meaningful conversation I had this week with someone who was feeling uneasy about taking communion. They were wrestling with Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27, where he talks about the danger of eating and drinking “in an unworthy manner.” Their honest question was, “If I’m not worthy, should I even take communion?”
That question matters—and I’m really grateful they asked it.
I encouraged them with this truth: none of us are worthy of God’s grace. If we were, it wouldn’t be grace at all. Communion isn’t something we earn by being good enough; it’s a gift we receive because Jesus is good enough.
At the same time, Paul doesn’t tell us to avoid communion—he tells us to examine ourselves (in the next verse, 28). Each time we come to the table, we pause and ask some important heart-level questions:
Is my heart clear with God?
Is there something I need to confess?
Is there someone I need to forgive—or someone I need to ask forgiveness from?
So no, we don’t come hoping to be worthy. But we do come prepared. Open. Honest. Ready.
As we approach this weekend, I want to encourage you to take a little time between now and then to invite God to search your heart. Sit with Him. Ask Him if there’s anything that needs attention, healing, or release.
When we take communion together, it will be a powerful reminder of a grace we haven’t earned and don’t deserve—and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful.
Come ready. The table is set.
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
This weekend, we’ll be ending all three services by coming to the Lord’s Table and sharing in communion together.
I want to tell you about a meaningful conversation I had this week with someone who was feeling uneasy about taking communion. They were wrestling with Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27, where he talks about the danger of eating and drinking “in an unworthy manner.” Their honest question was, “If I’m not worthy, should I even take communion?”
That question matters—and I’m really grateful they asked it.
I encouraged them with this truth: none of us are worthy of God’s grace. If we were, it wouldn’t be grace at all. Communion isn’t something we earn by being good enough; it’s a gift we receive because Jesus is good enough.
At the same time, Paul doesn’t tell us to avoid communion—he tells us to examine ourselves (in the next verse, 28). Each time we come to the table, we pause and ask some important heart-level questions:
Is my heart clear with God?
Is there something I need to confess?
Is there someone I need to forgive—or someone I need to ask forgiveness from?
So no, we don’t come hoping to be worthy. But we do come prepared. Open. Honest. Ready.
As we approach this weekend, I want to encourage you to take a little time between now and then to invite God to search your heart. Sit with Him. Ask Him if there’s anything that needs attention, healing, or release.
When we take communion together, it will be a powerful reminder of a grace we haven’t earned and don’t deserve—and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful.
Come ready. The table is set.
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
NEED TO KNOWS
- Northgate Valentine's Day — Thursday, February 12 | 6–7 PM | Valentine’s celebration the whole family will love! Kids ages 4 years old through 3rd grade are invited to an hour packed with crafts, food, and fun. Meanwhile, parents can head to the Café to enjoy food, games, and prizes just for the grown ups!
- Men’s Breakfast — Men of Northgate, you’re invited to join us for a hearty breakfast and great fellowship on Saturday, March 7, at 8:30 AM. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with other men in the church, enjoy a delicious meal, and be encouraged in your faith. Whether you're new to Northgate or have been attending for years, we’d love to see you there! Bring a friend and come hungry. Please Register before February 25.