23 Dec, 2023
We've almost made it! We're in the home stretch! Just a few days left until Christmas Day --the day when all of our waiting and preparation is rewarded. There is much to celebrate and be grateful for. Christmas holds that comfort and joy in knowing our savior is born. But, as you know, this time can also become all-consuming. And for reasons that are more worldly, than Godly. Christmas usually brings lots of hustle, bustle, and a fair amount of stress -- the errands, decorating, and baking, the gatherings to attend, and gifts to wrap. Even if our desire is to keep Jesus at the center of things and be present with family and friends, our best intentions may fall to the wayside as we get swept up in all the yuletide trappings of the modern day Christmas. And while it's true that we still find hope, love, peace and joy in the frenzy, there may be one theme of Christmas we miss the mark on too often: humility. When reading the story of Jesus' birth, one element we can't overlook is his humble arrival. Think about it; God could have stepped into creation with booming thunder, or roaring fire, for everyone to fear. Instead he chose the meekness and humility of entering in as a baby. A helpless baby born in a manger, surrounded by animals, to a poor family, with two young, scared parents and some shepherds in the field who are the first to find out. There was no Christmas tree with lights to shine upon him and twinkle at his majesty. No stockings hung by the chimney with care, or gifts -- at least not that first night. Nope. It all started with straw and dirt. Far from picture perfect. Yet that birth was everything the world needed. Jesus left his heavenly throne for a manger so that we could have a relationship with Him. And what's more interesting than his being born in a barn, is that he deliberately chose the path of humility his entire life. He became a simple carpenter, never sought celebrity status or power, he asked people to keep his miracles quiet, became friends with outcasts, and was willingly led to the cross to die for the very people who nailed him to it. What can we learn about the love of a God who would humble himself this way? Maybe the message for us this Christmas, as we consider the straw and dirt, is how we can humble ourselves too, before God and each other. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility , gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15 As you scramble to get the house ready for company, as you bump around the crowds to grab those last minute gifts, as you gather around the table with family members who insist on bringing up divisive issues...remember Jesus. The man who's crib was just a dusty trough. The man who didn't need fanfare or finer things. T he man who didn't tell people off or need to have the last word. The man who gave everything of himself, even when people were being the worst. And maybe, just maybe, as we all try to clothe ourselves in humility like our savior, there will be a new way in which the world sees Jesus during Christmas -- through us, his humble followers.
05 Oct, 2023
Northgate families have pulled together this season to make some really amazing changes happen around our church with the "IT'S TIME" campaign. We've transformed the worship center, upgraded the lobby, and made several connections to the community. We're grateful to see God moving in so many exciting changes. Executive Pastor, Shannon Hepner, reflected on one such change last week: ... The unexpected happened. I cried when I looked at this carpet for the last time. For those who know me, that does not happen easily. Maybe you're like me, with a tendency to focus on the future and the "what's next." Especially when you feel like God is saying "IT'S TIME" to do that. As we've moved forward with so many projects around our facility, the excitement compounded while the dreams and plans become a reality. Then out of nowhere a flood of memories washed over me and God played a quick personal highlight reel of what this faithful old carpet has stood-for and stood-beneath. The truth is this carpet was never meant to be. It came about because of a mistake. An unsightly, ugly blemish in the concrete, right in the middle of the entrance to our worship center. God, as he so often does, redeems unsightly mistakes with more than we can imagine. Back then we barely had the means to build this building, let alone have a monogrammed carpet in the entry to our worship center. The original plan was concrete -- God's plan and provision was a beautiful, warm, inviting, monogrammed floor covering. His ways are always better than ours, and the way He gets things done is often a surprise. I have been walking over this carpet for over a decade. I raised my children in this church. We have walked over that carpet and through those doors for countless Due North nights, worship nights, weekend services, Christmas services, Easter celebrations, our kids' confirmations, their weddings, and most recently, our granddaughter's baptism. A sea of faces flooded my mind as the memories and history of this church and this entrance became, in that moment, a reminder and witness to the Glory of God, His promises, and the lives He has transformed. It served as a reminder of the thousands of God's faithful people who helped make this church a possibility and the continued generosity of His people to carry out the work and plans He has for this growing community. It's no wonder I have a lump in my throat and tears running down my face. I am acutely aware of God's faithfulness and the faithfulness of the people of this church, past and present. God has been clear that "IT'S TIME" to prepare His house for His people, known and unknown, and that has provided the opportunity to update and upgrade what He so generously provided in the first place. So as I have taken a moment to slow down from my instinct to look to "what's next," I bid farewell to this trusted old friend that has been a part of so many blessings in my life. I prayed over the men working on the new floor and God filled me with a joy for appreciating what has been, as well as abundant joy and anticipation of what is to come. ... Need a Kleenex? Us too. Countless families will be coming to worship and crossing over this same threshold in the years to come, many of them encountering Christ for the first time. We're praying that they build beautiful memories, friendships, and transformational faith, just as Shannon's family has. The new floors are in and the adjoining Coffee Spot renovation is almost done! Come in this weekend to see it!
15 Jun, 2023
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 In the beginning God created the world, then Adam, and saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so he created Eve. From there families were built and communities began. Life “together”, with one another, really was God’s intention for us from the very start. It’s why we crave it, and why loneliness is such a hard feeling for us to walk in. It’s why we prefer to not sit alone with our own thoughts for too long. We were created to be in relationship with God and with one another. Have you ever had a time where you just dreaded going to that event, dinner party, or playdate? Thinking “Ugh, I just don’t want to go. I think I just would rather stay home in my comfy clothes and do nothing," o nly to realize after the event, just how much you enjoyed that time with people? Just how much you truly needed it? Satan loves when we isolate ourselves. This isn’t to say that time to rest and be alone is a bad thing. It can be rejuvenating and it is where we spend time individually talking to or growing in relationship with God. For the most part though, those times when we are “just not feeling like being in community”, are the times Satan is smiling. The more isolated he can get you to be, the more opportunity he gets to start creeping in with dark lies and sad thoughts. Being together is critical for our spiritual growth. It’s how we show God’s love to one another most clearly. Walking in relationship with one another allows us to carry each other through lows and trials that we cannot see through to the other side alone. It is where day-to-day troubles can start to melt away. Where we can be present and enjoy being in the company of people who "get it". It’s where we can learn, garner wisdom, relate with one another and occasionally laugh so hard we cry. It’s where we can be lighthearted and have some good old-fashioned fun. We're told that on this side of life, we must walk through difficulty. But one day we will reach Heaven, where we will be in the ultimate sin-free and suffering-free community together. Where we will get to enjoy being with one another all the time with no daily distractions, pressures, stressors, or illnesses pulling us away. It will be complete joy and goodness and kindness and pure fun! Until that day, when we do gather here, that is our little piece of heaven -- our glimpse into what it will look like on the other side of eternity. It’s why it feels so good once we get ourselves to do it. It’s why we feel rejuvenated and more prepared when we leave it. Being in community can make the hardships of life more bearable and allow us to realize we are not the only ones dealing with "that thing”. God not only listen to our prayers, but He is compassionate toward us. He sent Jesus to live a human life, to conquer sin and death, but also to empathize with us. When we read about Jesus’ life on earth, we see He spent most of His time gathered with people, in close relationships with His disciples, and with friends. He relates with us. He understands the depths of our pain in this life and the importance of providing people to help us through it. Our desire at Northgate is that no one feels as if they need to tackle life alone. Community is the heartbeat of our church. We want a safe, healthy, thriving body of believers, where all are welcome to come and experience the fullness God’s love and presence. From groups for grief or addiction, women's groups, a Men's BBQ and co-ed small groups, to youth programs, day camp and “Time to Play” for kids, we've intentionally created tons of spaces so anyone can find a place to belong. Embrace some kind of Christian community this summer! Whatever season you find yourself in, whatever the “thing” you are needing support through, we have ways for you to come and be in community. Whether you are already great at connecting or you are trying to dip your toe in, check out our events and groups to find ways you can experience a stronger sense of belonging. One thing that is guaranteed is God will show up and you will gain something you need out of it. "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20
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