February 2025 Pastor’s Corner — Your Happy Place?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Phil. 4:4-7
We all have somewhere we call our “happy place.” It might be at the beach, perhaps on a mountain, or maybe beside a lake or river. It might be in an easy chair in front of the fireplace with a good book, or perhaps with a game or movie on the TV. Your happy place might be standing (or sitting) at a workbench working on your favorite hobby or craft. I’ve been told that there are some strange people who say the gym or dance studio is their happy place. For some, their happy place is wherever and whenever the family is gathered together. Exactly what our happy place is can vary, but what they all have in common is that our happy place is, well, the place that makes us happy. It’s a place where we are at peace, content, relaxed, and feel safe and secure.
There’s something else all of these “happy places” have in common: they are externally defined. We “go” to our happy place, and if we are not there, then we must not be happy. Not only that, but how often do we find the peace and comfort of our happy places shattered? Yes, our happy places do indeed make us happy, but that happiness is fragile, and it is fleeting. There’s certainly nothing wrong with wanting to have a happy place, but what’s important is to recognize what that desire is pointing us toward.
In The Weight of Glory CS Lewis writes,
Our commonest expedient is to call it beauty and behave as if that had settled the matter.…The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.
The Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:17 and the writer of Hebrews in 8:5 and 10:1 talk about the things of earth being shadows of the true substance of Christ and of Heaven. The feelings of peace and contentment we get in our happy places are gifts from God, in order to point us to what will truly satisfy the longings of our soul — Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul is able to talk about the “peace that surpasses understanding” in Philippians 4. The church in Philippi was dealing with internal strife and conflict and external persecution. Paul wrote this letter while sitting in prison. And yet, he tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice.” There is a peace and a joy that is available to us no matter where we are or what we are going through. It’s a peace that comes from the Holy Spirit and a joy that springs from a soul that is at rest in Christ. The happy places of this world are meant to remind us of the happy place for which our soul yearns: being in the presence of God.
When it all comes down to it, that is what Heaven is. Whether Heaven is some ethereal place in the clouds, or the remade earth at the end of history, or the glorious City of God, what those places all have in common is the presence of God. The longings of this life are meant to remind us that in Christ the deepest desires of our souls are met, and that one day, we will long no more for we will see God face to face and exult in the joy and delight of being His children with Him forever.
When we set our eyes on Jesus Christ and allow Him to be our peace and joy, then we discover our “happy place” is wherever He is, doing whatever He has called us to do. Then, even the most unlikely situations or circumstances become our “happy place.” Our true happy place is Jesus. Instead of trying to satisfy your longing for a happy place by going to somewhere particular, go to Jesus, and rest in the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. — Phil. 4:11-12
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
News & Announcements for Sunday, February 2, 2025
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet Monday, February 3 at the Church at 7:00 p.m. We will be continuing with “The Friendships of Paul” (from The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream) and we will begin on page 203, halfway down the page. Regarding refreshments, we are asking everyone to bring a little something to share at the meeting. Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening at the church. Please enter through the library or back door. And, as always, bring a friend!!
Coming Soon…
INQUIRERS CLASS
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app (see below).
GET IN SHAPE CLASS
No, not physical shape – spiritual S.H.A.P.E.! God has given every believer gifts and shaped us for ministry and service. If you’re asking questions like, What are my spiritual gifts? How has God shaped me for service and ministry? Where do I “plug in?” What is God calling me to do in this phase of my life? Then this class is for you! We encourage every member of Northminster to join us for this, coming this spring.
News & Announcements for Sunday, January 26, 2025
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – NEXT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, February 3 at the Church at 7:00 p.m. We will be continuing with “The Friendships of Paul” (from The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream) and we will begin on page 203, halfway down the page. Regarding refreshments, we are asking everyone to bring a little something to share at the meeting. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday, February 3rd at the church. And, as always, bring a friend!!
Coming Soon…
INQUIRERS CLASS
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app (see below).
GET IN SHAPE CLASS
No, not physical shape – spiritual S.H.A.P.E.! God has given every believer gifts and shaped us for ministry and service. If you’re asking questions like, What are my spiritual gifts? How has God shaped me for service and ministry? Where do I “plug in?” What is God calling me to do in this phase of my life? Then this class is for you! We encourage every member of Northminster to join us for this, coming this spring.
News & Announcements for Sunday, January 19, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
Coming Soon…
INQUIRERS CLASS
Would you like to know more about our church? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a member? This class will give you the opportunity to hear about our church, the denomination we belong to, and where we see God leading us. If interested, tell Pastor David or sign up in the Church Center app (see below).
GET IN SHAPE CLASS
No, not physical shape – spiritual S.H.A.P.E.! God has given every believer gifts and shaped us for ministry and service. If you’re asking questions like, What are my spiritual gifts? How has God shaped me for service and ministry? Where do I “plug in?” What is God calling me to do in this phase of my life? Then this class is for you! We encourage every member of Northminster to join us for this, coming this spring.
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search in your App Store for “Church Center” to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
News & Announcements for Sunday, January 12, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 7:00 PM
Northminster’s Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. Our lesson for the month is “The Friendships of Paul” and it begins on page 197 in the book. Please complete the lesson in your workbook, too. If you are willing to host or be in charge of the lesson, please let Sharon Bryant know. This is also a great time to bring a friend. See you on Monday, January 13th!! Happy New Year!!
GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WED., JANUARY 15TH @ 8:30 am
Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 10:00 AM
The Northminster Book Club will meet on Thursday, January 16th at 10:00 in the morning at Northminster in the New Song Room. The book we are reading is “Dreaming of Flight” by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Happy New Year to all!! We are excited to begin a new year of reading books and if you are not involved, please come and join our group and bring a friend! We have so much fun!! You do not have to be a member of Northminster to join the book club! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, January 16th!!
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search for “Church Center” in your favorite app store on your phone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
January 2025 Mills’ Musings – Do You See What I See?
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)
Rev. Bob Mills
News & Announcements for Sunday, January 5, 2025
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, JANUARY 6TH, 7:00 PM
Northminster’s Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. Our lesson for the month is “The Friendships of Paul” and it begins on page 197 in the book. Please complete the lesson in your workbook, too. If you are willing to host or be in charge of the lesson, please let Sharon Bryant know. This is also a great time to bring a friend. See you on Monday, January 6th!! Happy New Year!!
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search for “Church Center” in your favorite app store on your phone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
News & Announcements for Sunday, December 29, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, JANUARY 6TH, 7:00 PM
Northminster’s Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. Our lesson for the month is “The Friendships of Paul” and it begins on page 197 in the book. Please complete the lesson in your workbook, too. If you are willing to host or be in charge of the lesson, please let Sharon Bryant know. This is also a great time to bring a friend. See you on Monday, January 6th!! Happy New Year!!
HELPING HANDS OFFERING – THIS MORNING, DECEMBER 29
Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates go to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search for “Church Center” in your favorite app store to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
News & Announcements for Sunday, December 22, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:30-10:30. We look forward to seeing you!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING – THIS AFTERNOON, 4:00 PM
Join us for our annual tradition of caroling to our homebound members. We’ll meet at the church and carpool together as we enjoy fellowship and make a joyful noise singing our favorite Christmas tunes. This is a great opportunity for folks of all ages to come together as we spread some Christmas cheer!
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDELIGHT SERVICE – DEC. 24, 7:00 PM
On Christmas Eve, we invite you to join us for a family-friendly candlelight service celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This service of song, carol and Scripture provides a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of how eager the Hebrews were for the coming of the Messiah so long ago and reminds us how eager we are for his return. We look forward to seeing you there!
HELPING HANDS OFFERING – NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates go to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!
DECEMBER MISSION FOCUS – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The December Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. Please bring items to help bring a little joy to needy families in our area. Details can be found in the December newsletter.
News & Announcements for Sunday, December 15, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS – THIS MORNING
Join us after worship on Sunday, December 15 as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday! In all the celebrations of the Christmas season, it’s sometimes easy to forget that it is also the day Jesus was born. We’ll have birthday cake, treats, and more to help us remember that Christmas is about the miracle of the incarnation… and the day of Jesus’ birth!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING – SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 4:00 PM
Join us for our annual tradition of caroling to our homebound members. We’ll meet at the church and carpool together as we enjoy fellowship and make a joyful noise singing our favorite Christmas tunes. This is a great opportunity for folks of all ages to come together as we spread some Christmas cheer!
COLLEGE CHRISTMAS PARTY – MONDAY, DEC. 23, 7:00 PM
All College (or college-age) students are invited to join us at the Garrisons for a Christmas Party! Sport your tackiest Christmas sweater, and come ready to relax after a long semester and enjoy celebrating the season together. See you there!
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDELIGHT SERVICE – DEC. 24, 7:00 PM
On Christmas Eve, we invite you to join us for a family-friendly candlelight service celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This service of song, carol and Scripture provides a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of how eager the Hebrews were for the coming of the Messiah so long ago and reminds us how eager we are for his return. We look forward to seeing you there!
DECEMBER MISSION FOCUS – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The December Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. You are invited to join us at Amelon United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 19 at 9 AM to sort the donations and then on Friday, December 20 at 9 AM to pack the baskets.
