On Monday, the Georgia Bulldogs FINALLY beat the Alabama Crimson Tide for a National Championship in college football. At halftime, however, the score had Bama up by a field goal. If you had been in Bulldog Head Coach Kirby Smart’s place, what would you have said to the Bulldogs in their locker room to get them ready for the second half? Whatever transpired in those brief moments off the field must have been spot on, for the Bulldogs came out and scored 27 points, while holding the Crimson Tide to only 9.

 

Let’s say today was halftime for God’s people, a.k.a. the Church, and you were given the task of sharing some words before they went back on the field to finish strong. What would you say? Would you give a testimony, preach a sermon, offer up a prayer? Thankfully, God’s people, a.k.a. us, have a bunch of passages from the Bible that can easily function as meaningful, helpful, and spot on words of focus and encouragement for God’s people in any situation. Try this one on for size (note: when you read it, imagine yourself standing in a locker room with the whole church gathered around you, listening to every word you say).

 

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

 

 

The first of our two Mexico Mission teams has arrived safely in the Yucatan peninsula and have connected with our partners at YPM. They report that YPM leaders Rev. Willian Cen and his wife Erly are both doing well and send their love to our congregation. In addition to fellowshipping with Christian brothers and sisters in Mexico, our team will be fabricating and pouring concrete columns for a new classroom building at the IYPM campus. For more information on YPM and their ministry of education, watch a short YouTube video by clicking here.

Fueling up for the first day of work.

 

 

Getting ready for work, with instructions, safety briefing and prayer.

Our current sermon series focuses on some of the blessings we have received from God. In Scripture God blesses his children who then become a blessing to others (Genesis 12:1-3). It’s the biblical teaching behind the phrase blessed to be a blessing. In our congregation, one of our members has, like the rest of us, received God’s blessings. Having received God’s blessings, this individual has generated personally made artwork and is offering the rest of us a chance to use handmade cards, bookmarks and magnets to bless someone else—blessed to be a blessing so others can bless someone else: a blessing trifecta! Pick up one of the cards, magnets or bookmarks in the; church lobby this week and pass the blessing along.

 

 

Do you know that Northminster has a ministry to serve young adults with special needs and their families? Do you know this ministry has been in place since 2006 and has survived Covid? Do you know our Sunday School class meets during the 9:00 worship hour? One thing you may not know is that we need your help to assist our teachers on one Sunday every six weeks or so to make the ministry work. We need compassionate, caring adults or teens to step up and help make our ministry successful. We will offer training and support to anyone who would like to join us.  Please contact LeeAnn Glatz at 309.453.1005 by call or text if you are interested in more information.

 

 

The Mind Over Matter Book Drive is collecting new and gently used books that can shift the mindset and provide therapy for the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center library. The Juvenile Detention Center provides a short-term confinement after a youth has been arrested, but before the court has determined the youth's innocence or guilt. The ages of the youth range from 10 to 18. Northminster Mission would like to give you the opportunity to participate in changing minds and hearts so that they may begin to heal and make better choices. You may access suggested books here. A collection box will be available in the lobby. Any questions may be addressed to Pam Garner 309.691.6322.

 

 

Just think that if you were ever participating in a trivia night at your local pub and they asked, “What are the churches that make up the Presbytery of the Harvest of the ECO denomination?” with the following information, you would get the answer correct!