|
To: The Members and Friends of Northminster
Re: Weekly Update
|
|
|
|
|
|
When the deacons met last night, we talked a little about understanding and serving people who make up the different generations. From the “Silent Generation” (born before 1945) to “Generation Z” (born after 1995), we wondered together about the various influences that helped to shape entire generations. Among some of the top worldly influences were differing parenting styles in which a generation grew up, the impact of world events and cultural trends, and technological developments that shifted behavior—especially in the area of communication.
History and anthropology together tell the story of human change—from one generation to the next. The Bible tells the story of what remains constant—from one generation to the next.
These biblical constants include humanity’s absolute need for God and God’s steadfast love for humans. Through historical narrative, ancient poetry, prophetic proclamation, and inter-community correspondence, the Bible tells the story of these two constants over and over again.
Generational change and the events and trends that lead to those changes can often feel like a series of unstoppable tidal waves which chase us down and threaten to keep us in a state of anxiety and disappointment.
The biblical constant of God’s steadfast love—seen powerfully in his acts of mercy and supremely in the sacrificing of his Son for our salvation—provides us with a high place upon which we find refuge, a tidal-wave-proof rock upon which we can stand and cannot be shaken.
The sharing of the constancy of God and of our constant need for him, is the absolute best gift one generation can pass along to the next generation. We might need to learn new ways of communicating and grapple with new expressions of humanity’s need for God, yet the good news found in God alone through Jesus Christ alone will always remain the same.
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all others who yearn to see future generations experience true and eternal love and joy, redemption and salvation, wholistic healing and divine fellowship, let us prioritize the wise, gentle, courageous, and Spirit empowered sharing of our faith constantly, committedly, decidedly.
Begin today. Pray for a younger person. Listen to their story. Meet them where they are. Walk next to them in life. Learn about what shapes them. Demonstrate truth and love in your words and actions. Trust God to be with you and to use you to bless another generation.
|
|
|---|
|
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL KICKOFF
Bob Jordan, Sr. Pastor
|
|
|---|
|
I had such a great time on Sunday morning as we together “Kicked Off” the ministry year! With the gathering of so many for worship and friendship and a wonderful spirit of welcome, how could I not have a great time! I hope you too felt encouraged and maybe even blessed through your participation. To those who hosted us, thank you! Thank you for decorating, arranging, planning, preparing, cooking, welcoming, sharing, leading, serving, feeding, and loving.
|
|
|---|
|
THE SUNDAY 10:10 GATHERING PLACE GATHERING
Bob & Vicky Jordan
|
|
|---|
|
We resume our 10:10 Faith Formation Hour this coming Sunday, with classes for all ages—from nursery to … well, as old as you could possibly be. One of the offerings will be that group that meets in the Gathering Place, just off the lobby, that area with the high tables. While we still struggle to name our group, we would love to have you come join us. If you have kids in our children or youth ministries, or if you’re single, or married with no kids, or you’re just looking for a place to land and to connect, we’ve got a spot for you. We prioritize building connection and growing in our faith. After worship this Sunday, grab yourself a donut, pour yourself a cup of coffee and meander over our way. We’ll make sure there is a seat for you! |
|
|---|
|
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR
The Children’s Ministry Coordinator is guided by NPC’s mission, vision and values and works in partnership with the Faith Formation Pastor. This person will be responsible for implementing, managing, facilitating and equipping teams and volunteers who run kids programs that are focused on the spiritual formation of children, ages preschool through fifth grade. This is a part-time position (20 hours/week). Send questions or resumes to applyNPC@northminster.us.
|
|
|---|
|
We are looking for an energetic people person who enjoys working on projects in support of ministry programs and events. Additionally, this person will serve as the front office face and voice for the congregation, interacting with members, guests, and vendors over the phone and in person. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software and social media applications desirable. If you are a positive team player and would find joy in helping us pursue the mission and vision of our church (www.northminster.us), please email your resume with a cover letter to applynpc@northminster.us. This is a 15-20 hour per week position. |
|
|---|
|
OPEN POSITION IN THE LEARNING CENTER
We are trying to get the word out. We have a lead teacher position open for the fall. We are looking for a teacher to join our ministry as we provide Early Childhood education to 2-5 year olds as well as share God's word through Godly Play. If you know of someone in the educational field that would like to apply, email michellel@northminster.us You could also help by sharing our Facebook request. Thanks for your support of the Learning Center.
|
|
|---|
|
THE CHOSEN VIEWING BEGINS THIS WEEK |
|
|---|
|
Have you been hearing about the TV show about Jesus, called
The Chosen? Is it boring? Relevant? Dangerous? Helpful? And why is it so hard to find? Come and explore together this TV series, then engage in some discussion about each episode with facilitators Kim Holdham, Greg Manship and Wesley Aldroubi. Bring your own (non-alcoholic) beverage and grab some Skinny Pop (provided). You may be surprised that this high quality television show, while NOT word for word scripture, touches your heart, maybe even makes you laugh and cry. It’s a great excuse to connect with your church family. The fun begins this Friday, September 16 at 7 pm in Room 118. |
|
|
|
|
ADULT FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES RESUME THIS WEEK
Fall Life Groups
Our Life Groups provide opportunities to build friendships, go deeper in Bible study, ask questions, and generally share life together.
Sundays, 10:10am – Stuck Group
Meets at Church (room 106)
Contact: Ric Stuck – ric_stuck@comcast.net
There will be 3 options for Monday Nights at 7 pm. For additional information on these Life Group opportunities, contact Jos Smolik - joss@northminster.us, Kathie Rollins kathieandsteve@sbcglobal.net or Tina Vandermyde tinavandermyde@gmail.com.
Fall Bible Study
Sundays, 10:10am – Gospel of Mark - Resumes September 18
Meets at Northminster Campus
Contact: Greg Manship - BioethicsRev@gmail.com
Tuesdays, 9am – Women’s Study Group – Parables - Resumed September 13
Meets at Northminster Campus
Contact: Kim Holdham – cjholdham@comcast.net
Thursdays, 7pm – Thursday night study on The Temple and the Presence of God (Resumes September 22)
Meets at Northminster Campus
Contact: Jos Smolik – joss@northminster.us or Michael Berg - zmberg1@tiu.edu
Additional Adult Formation Opportunities
Friday, 7:00 pm - Watching
The Chosen - Begins September 16
Room 118
Contact Kim Holdman – cjholdham@comcast.net
Sundays, 10:10am - Bob & Vicky’s Sunday Morning Gathering - Resumes September 18
Gathering Place
Contact Bob Jordan - bobj@northminster.us
|
|
|---|
|
BREAKFAST MISSION OPPORTUNITY |
|
|---|
|
 |
Imagine coming to school without eating breakfast. Not an ideal way to start your school day. Now imagine you didn’t eat dinner the night before. Most of us can’t even fathom going without this basic need. But this is what dozens of students experience every day at Wilder Waite Grade School. Due to the pandemic and the economy, the demographics of Dunlap School District are changing. The school district does not serve breakfast, so the teachers at Wilder Waite now distribute over 400 breakfast items or snacks each week throughout the school year.
The Missions Team has identified the need for breakfast & snacks as an opportunity to partner with Wilder Waite to provide assistance. We will be collecting items from the following list from Sunday, September 18 thru Sunday, September 25. A collection bin will be in the lobby all week and items will be delivered the week of September 26.
Acceptable donation items:
Granola bars - crunchy or chewy
Pop Tarts
Belvita Breakfast Cookies
Nutri-grain Bars
Special K Bars
Squeezable Applesauce Pouches
Fruit Snacks
Cheez-Its Crackers
Goldfish Crackers
Pretzel Sticks with Cheese
Cheese Crackers with Cheese Filling
Please Note: All items should be commercially made & individually packaged. No refrigerated or fresh foods. Items need to be shelf stable with a lengthy expiration date. Due to food allergies please do not buy items with peanut butter.
|
|
|
|
|
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR SERVE THE CITY IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
|
|
|---|
|
September 24 8:00-Noon
Deadline to sign up is this Friday, September 16. You can get to the sign up link on the Dream Center website Dream Center Peoria | Serve the City or here http://tiny.cc/rmbyuz.
If you have questions or need help signing up, please contact Lori Rohlfing (309-657-3796) or the church office (309-691-6322).
|
|
|---|
|
|
There is still some time to sign up for the Golf to Defeat ALS, Swing Fore Mike & Ron event on Thursday, September 29 at Weaver Ridge. We are honoring and remembering Ron Sullivan and Mike Rickey who passed away in late 2021 from ALS. This is a four person scramble teeing off at 12:00 noon. You do not have to have a foursome to sign up. If you don’t golf, there are other ways to participate. There will be a post pizza party and an online silent auction that everyone can participate in with many great items (this will be begin on Saturday, September 24th and close on Thursday, September 29 at 6 pm). Donations to ALS may also be made. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/golftodefeatals, or you may contact Kathy Sullivan at (309) 370-5350. Your participation will help raise awareness and funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
 | | |
|  |
|
|
|
|
