Northstar Church: August, 2011

A new day, A new blog

I’m feeling really blessed tonight after spending some time with our church staff and family today. I just love them!

I feel encouraged and uplifted after being with staff. I wonder how many church staff members can say that their staff meetings are a highlight to their week. How many can say they laugh out loud every week? What a privilege to work with this crew.

Then there is our small group. We are growing in number and there is excitement in the air! New families, new babies, new students…it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to “doing life” with these folks this fall.

And then I had the chance to be reminded of our foundational beliefs at Discovering Northstar tonight. Always good to hear it again. It just reiterates that God had a purpose in bringing our family to Northstar, even before the current leadership was in place.

Props to Andrew Tegenkamp for a place to blog my thoughts on Children’s Ministry. I know this post was seemingly unrelated, but I find myself thinking about CM in just about every setting. Whether I’m meeting new families, meeting the future kiddos of our ministry, or meeting potential CM teachers- it is always there.

Thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve alongside my brothers and sisters to bring glory to your name!

Hannah

Children’s ministry opportunities!

Ever wonder where all the kids are on Sunday mornings? Our children’s programs take place at the 9:00 am service each Sunday. Babies through 5th graders are being taught each week about God’s love for them.

Kids 0-5 years old use a curriculum published by the ReThink Group called First Look. This curriculum is designed to give kids their first look at God. Each week we focus on one of three basic truths: God Made Me, God Loves Me, and Jesus Wants to Be My Friend Forever! We use fun activities and catchy worship music to reinforce the lessons. The kids (and teachers!) can’t help but have a good time!

Our Jumpstart class is for K-5th graders. This group is currently using a curriculum from Standard Publishing called Route 52. Their current topics are Jesus’ Teachings and Discipleship. These kids are eager to learn and excited to share the gospel with childlike abandon. They also have a worship band! Kid-led and mother-approved!

If you want to grow in your Christian walk and learn how to have faith like a child, we would love to have you join our team. There is a way for everyone to be involved in serving the “least of these”. For more information email hannah@northstarfamily.org.

Childcare positions available

Are you looking for a way to make a little extra cash this semester? Local MOPS groups are looking for quality childcare for their groups. They need dependable Christian workers to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for children.

MOPS exists to support and equip Mothers of Preschoolers to realize their full potential as women, mothers and leaders in the name of Jesus Christ. Having childcare available for these moms during their meetings is a huge blessing and a much needed break for many women. Opportunities are available on Tuesday and Friday mornings as well as Sunday nights. For more info contact Hannah Sewell at hannah@northstarfamily.org.

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and The End!

Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God and the coming of the Son of Man in Luke 17:20-37. In doing so, we are urged to be ready, discerning and watchful for His return. Lead pastor Jeff Noble shares about end time perspectives in this message about the final days.

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Third worship service option begins September 11!

We are excited to announce that on Sunday, September 11, we will offer a THIRD SERVICE at 6:00 p.m. at BHS (same place as the morning services)!! God is at work in our communities and campuses! We want to offer more opportunities for those who may not be able to participate on Sunday mornings and for those who God will bring to experience joyful Christian community in our church family. If you’re interested in being a part of the “launch team” for the third service, let us know!

Youth group and small group for parents!

This semester, come along with the Youth of Northstar as they learn the 10 essentials that are needed for this trail called the Christian life. They will learn about 10 essentials that will increase their faith and realize the joy of following the Lord. There will be topics like faith, authority, purity, and devotion. Trail Runners will meet at the Lancaster House on Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:30, beginning September 7. Please invite your friends and spread the word!

ATTENTION PARENTS!
This trail of life is not just for youth. Parents of youth will meet at the same time as the youth at Jeff and Carolyn Noble’s house, Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 at 204 Heartwood Crossing. There will be a coordinating lesson each week for parents to help leave a faith legacy. This will be refreshing for the parents’ faith as well and will help raise them to use the 10 essentials along the path of life.

On September 7, we both youth and parents will meet together at Lancaster house for a fun evening of food, games and introductions!!

The Absence of Gratitude

Teaching from Luke 17:11-19, lead pastor Jeff Noble shares about “The Absence of Gratitude.” As we look at the ungratefulness of 9 lepers, we learn much about the importance of stopping to reflect and express thanks.

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Cru invites pray-ers and prayers, Saturday, August 20

Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) at VT invites you to a prayer meeting on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 9am – 10:30am at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg (map).

Cru’s heart is to see VT students come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, grow in their faith and then be sent all over the world as followers of Jesus for the rest of their lives.  We know this won’t happen without prayer and we would ask that you come and pray for our students and for the campus of VT.  See you on August 20th!!!

For more information contact Jeff Highfield at jeff.highfield@uscm.org or at 540-808-5040.

College Kick Off Night

If you are a new or returning college student, join us for a night of s’mores and live music, featuring Jeff Walker at the Lancaster House! It is this Thursday night, (8/18) Starting at 8:00 pm.

Here’s a map!

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Report from International Furniture Giveaway

Here is a brief report on last Saturday’s (8/13) International Furniture Giveaway at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries building. We thank God for another successful event, and we thank you for your service! The weather was good, and we were able to give almost everyone who came two pieces of furniture (one large and one small). Over 300 pieces of furniture were selected, loaded and delivered in less than four hours.   
 
At 7:30 am, 133 students and scholars entered the building. Eventually, 167 students and scholars received furniture. The recipients came from 11 nations, with PR China (99, 59%) and India (56, 34%) as the largest groups. The other nations included Nepal (2), Vietnam (2), Thailand (2), Germany (1),  Guatemala (1), Malaysia (1), Brazil (1), Sweden (1), and Venezuela (1).  

We’re grateful for your help this year! It’s an incredibly practical way to demonstrate the love of God to the nations.