Weekend Snapshot
Hey Northgate,
On Sunday I was asked about our upcoming Night of the Cross service on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00pm—what exactly is it, and why do we do it?
It’s a really good question.
The honest answer is that most of us naturally want to rush past the pain and heartache of the cross to get to the joy and celebration of the empty tomb. And rightly so. Easter is the life-changing, eternity-changing win for all of us! I’m all about living in the reality that Jesus is alive, that the tomb is empty, and that we have unshakeable hope because of it.
But I also think it’s important to intentionally slow down and make space to reflect on the cross.
This Night of the Cross service is designed to help us do exactly that.
We’ll gather “in the round” in the sanctuary for a more intimate and focused time of worship. It will be simple, reflective, and centered on the weight and meaning of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our hope is that by sitting in that moment, and not rushing past it, our hearts will be even more prepared for the celebration of Easter Sunday.
There will be powerful music led by our incredible Worship Team, and I’ll share a short reflection on three things Jesus said while He was on the cross from Luke’s Gospel.
I know that your Easter week is probably busy, but I really hope you’ll make this a priority in your schedule. I am sure that you will be glad that you did!
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
On Sunday I was asked about our upcoming Night of the Cross service on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00pm—what exactly is it, and why do we do it?
It’s a really good question.
The honest answer is that most of us naturally want to rush past the pain and heartache of the cross to get to the joy and celebration of the empty tomb. And rightly so. Easter is the life-changing, eternity-changing win for all of us! I’m all about living in the reality that Jesus is alive, that the tomb is empty, and that we have unshakeable hope because of it.
But I also think it’s important to intentionally slow down and make space to reflect on the cross.
This Night of the Cross service is designed to help us do exactly that.
We’ll gather “in the round” in the sanctuary for a more intimate and focused time of worship. It will be simple, reflective, and centered on the weight and meaning of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our hope is that by sitting in that moment, and not rushing past it, our hearts will be even more prepared for the celebration of Easter Sunday.
There will be powerful music led by our incredible Worship Team, and I’ll share a short reflection on three things Jesus said while He was on the cross from Luke’s Gospel.
I know that your Easter week is probably busy, but I really hope you’ll make this a priority in your schedule. I am sure that you will be glad that you did!
Pastor John
Lead Pastor
NEED TO KNOWS
- Baptism Weekend — April 9 & 12 If you’ve made the decision to follow Jesus and you’re ready to say, "Jesus changed my life, and I want the world to know," baptism is your next step. If you’re ready to take this step, we’d be honored to celebrate with you. Learn more or sign up at NORTHGATEFMC.COM/NEXT-STEPS
- Costa Rica Breakfast Fundraiser — Saturday, April 18 9–11 AM Join us at the Youth & Community Center for a special breakfast. We’ll be serving a traditional Costa Rican dish, Gallo Pinto, along with some American favorites like pancakes. Please register at NORTHGATEFMC.COM/EVENTS so we can plan accordingly.
- Kids' Camp Registration — Summer Camp will run from July 20-23, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM each day. Then, on Thursday evening, July 23 from 5:30–7:00 PM, we’ll be throwing a big, family-friendly cookout, open to all the families who joined us for camp.
Registration at NORTHGATEFMC.COM/EVENTS