News & Announcements for January 28, 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!

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.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – TODAY AFTER WORSHIP

The Session has called a congregational meeting for this morning following the worship service in order to receive the report from the Nominating Committee.  The elder-nominees are: Anne Wilkins (class of 2024), Mike Henderson (2025) and Ron Reyburn (2026).

YOUTH GROUP TONIGHT! – JANUARY 28, 6:30PM

All students in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us Sunday evenings here at Northminster from 6:30-7:45pm.  We’re continuing a three week series looking at true-life stories from people in the Old Testament: “Old Timers: Priceless Advice from Old Friends.”  See you there!

COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES BEGIN WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

The Community Lenten Services begin on Ash Wednesday, February 14. Each ~30 minute service is at noon at a different church in Madison Heights, with a different pastor preaching each week.  The first service will be at Amelon UMC, with Rev. Derik Hamby (from Randolph Memorial) preaching.  We look forward to celebrating Lent with you and our fellow brothers and sisters in the area.

2024 OFFERING ENVELOPES NOW AVAILABLE

2024 Offering Envelopes are now available to be picked up.  You can find them in the church narthex.

FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE

The February edition of “Highlights from the Heights” is now available in the newsletter rack outside the sanctuary.  Mailed copies will be sent this week.


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News & Announcements for January 21, 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!

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.

YOUTH GROUP RESUMES TONIGHT! – JAN. 21, 6:30PM

All students in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us Sunday evenings here at Northminster from 6:30-7:45pm.  We’re starting a three week series looking at true-life stories from people in the Old Testament: “Old Timers: Priceless Advice from Old Friends.”  See you there!

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 10 AM

The book for January is “All Girl’s Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg. We will plan to meet on Thursday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Sookie Earle awakes one morning a 59 year old happily married female Methodist with American roots that go way back in history and a wonderfully steadfast dentist husband. However, before she goes to bed that night all that will change. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Sunday, January 28 at 11:30am

The Session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, January 28 at 11::30am to receive the report from the Nominating Committee.  The elder-nominees are: Anne Wilkins (class of 2024), Mike Henderson (2025) and Ron Reyburn (2026).

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code under the weekly calendar with the camera on your smartphone to download our app!  In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more. 


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News & Announcements for January 14, 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!

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.

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, 8:30AM

Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am. 

YOUTH GROUP RESUMES NEXT SUNDAY! – JAN. 21, 6:30PM

All students in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us Sunday evenings here at Northminster from 6:30-7:45pm.  We’re starting a three week series looking at true-life stories from people in the Old Testament: “Old Timers: Priceless Advice from Old Friends.”  See you there!

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 10 AM

The book for January is “All Girl’s Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg. We will plan to meet on Thursday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. Please let Sharon Bryant know if you would like to host. If we don’t get anyone to host this month, we will plan to meet at the church. Sookie Earle awakes one morning a 59 year old happily married female Methodist with American roots that go way back in history and a wonderfully steadfast dentist husband. However, before she goes to bed that night all that will change. 

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code under the weekly calendar with the camera on your smartphone to download our app!  In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.  If you need help, see Peter Garrison before or after the worship service.


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News & Announcements for January 7, 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!

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 8, 7pm

Join us Monday evening, January 8th at 7pm at Northminster. Liz Boothe will be leading the discussion about Samson and Delilah – Mercy and Restoration, page 31 of Love Stories of the Bible Speak. Don’t forget to complete your workbook pages beginning on page 23. (And if you don’t get your chapter read or your workbook pages completed, come anyway.)

CHRISTMAS DECORATION CLEAN-UP – SAT, JAN. 13 @ 9AM

Epiphany has come, a season where we let the wonder of the Incarnation and the depth and breadth of God’s grace to settle into our lives and our hearts.  It also means that its time to take down the Christmas decorations.  If you are able and willing, please join us Saturday, January 13 at 9am.  Many hands make light work!

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 10 AM

The book for January is “All Girl’s Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg. We will plan to meet on Thursday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. Please let Sharon Bryant know if you would like to host. If we don’t get anyone to host this month, we will plan to meet at the church. Sookie Earle awakes one morning a 59 year old happily married female Methodist with American roots that go way back in history and a wonderfully steadfast dentist husband. However, before she goes to bed that night all that (apart from the married and female bits) will change. 


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News & Announcements for December 31, 2023

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!  Please note that we will not have Sunday School next Sunday, December 24.  Bob Mills will be teaching the following Sunday, December 31.

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.

8HELPING HANDS OFFERING – THIS MORNING

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!

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, January 8, 7pm

Join us Monday evening, January 8th at 7pm at Northminster. Liz Boothe will be leading the discussion about Samson and Delilah – Mercy and Restoration, page 31 of Love Stories of the Bible Speak. Don’t forget to complete your workbook pages beginning on page 23. (And if you don’t get your chapter read or your workbook pages completed, come anyway.)


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News & Announcements for December 24, 2023 Christmas Eve Service

SUNDAY SCHOOL RETURNS NEXT SUNDAY

Sunday School will resume next Sunday, December 31, with Bob Mills teaching.  Our study of the Gospel of Mark will resume on Sunday, January 7, 2024.  If you’d like to join the class, feel free to drop in any time!

YOUTH GROUP RETURNS IN JANUARY 2023

There will be no youth group tonight or next Sunday, New Year’s Eve. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year! 

WEDNESDAY 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.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP SERVICE – 10:30 a.m.

Welcome the new year with worship and joy as we wrap up 2023 in God’s house, thanking Him for all He has done.


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News & Announcements for December 24, 2023 Morning Service

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!  Please note that we will not have Sunday School next Sunday, December 24.  Bob Mills will be teaching the following Sunday, December 31.

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.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE – Dec. 24, 7:oo pm

This evening, you are invited 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

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!


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News & Announcements for December 17, 2023

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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!  Please note that we will not have Sunday School next Sunday, December 24.  Bob Mills will be teaching the following Sunday, December 31.

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.

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, DEC 20, 8:30 AM

Join us as we head over to the Gleaning For The World warehouse to help them pack towels and stuffed animals.  We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 AM and carpool, returning around 11:30 AM.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE – Dec. 24, 7:oo pm

Next Sunday is the 4th Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve, In the morning, we will have our normal worship service and light the 4th candle of the advent wreath.  That evening, 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

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!

 


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News & Announcements for December 10, 2023

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!

 

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.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – DEADLINE IS TODAY!

Today is the deadline to order a Christmas Poinsettia.  The sign up sheet and order form are on the bulletin board in the hallway.

 

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, DEC 14, 11:45AM

In December, the Book Club will be meeting at Depot Grille on Thursday, December 14th at 11:45 a.m. to enjoy lunch together.  We will also be talking about the book, A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. We’ll see you there!

 

CHRISTMAS CHEER BASKET PACKING – FRIDAY, DEC 15, 9 AM

We’ve been collecting items for the Christmas Cheer Baskets since June, and now it’s time to pack the baskets for delivery!  Join us at Amelon UMC on Friday at 9am as we prepare to spread some Christmas Cheer on Saturday.  Come see how God has provided for many families in our community!

 

PICK UP YOUR ADVENT DEVOTIONAL TODAY

To help deepen your spiritual journey this season, we invite you to pick up an Advent Devotional in the Narthex.
 

NEXT SUNDAY IS THE NORTHMINSTER CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA!

See the picture above for more details, or go to our Advent page on the website.


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December 2023 Pastor’s Corner — A Season of Promise

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” — Jeremiah 33:14-16

Advent is one of the most popular seasons in the church calendar, it’s certainly one of mine.  Of course, culturally its popular because it means Christmas is coming and most of us look at Advent as a time to prepare for the celebration of that holiday.  But there is a depth and richness to Advent, an irony even, that runs much deeper than merely getting ready for Christmas.  “Advent” is a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.”  Yes, it is a season of preparing to celebrate Christ’s first coming 2,000 years ago, but even more it is a season of preparation for Christ’s return.  This dual focus makes Advent a season of promise — promise fulfilled and promise yet to come.

As foretold in Jeremiah (and Isaiah and the other prophets), the incarnation of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of God’s promises to redeem His people from sin and exile and restore His Kingdom on earth in a fuller and more beautiful way than ever before.  As the New Testament makes clear, every one of God’s promises about the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  Every single one.  We can spend our entire lives contemplating the wonder of God’s promises fulfilled in the incarnation of Christ and find there’s always more depths to explore, which is why Advent is necessary to help us prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  

What no one expected, though, was that the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ was just the beginning, the inauguration, of that work.  The completion and consummation of that work is yet to come, which is why we use this season to prepare for the glorious return of our Savior.  As certainly as He came the first time, He will surely come again.  The guarantee of His return is that He has already come, let alone how many times He said He would return (Matthew 16:27; Luke 12:40; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:20, to list just a few).  A full and complete celebration of Advent and Christmas not only looks back, but also looks ahead, anticipating the joyous return of our Savior and the consummation of the Kingdom of God.

Advent is the season that shines brightly the hope, love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ in the darkness of this world.  The irony of Advent is this: as cold of winter sets in and the leaves fall and flowers die, as the dark of winter grows longer each day, Advent reminds us that death has been defeated (1 Corinthians 15: 54-57) and the Light of Jesus Christ continues to shine forth and can not be overcome (John 1:1-14).  God will be faithful, and the promise of this season will bear fruit.  So this Advent, hold fast your hope.  Love, because He first loved us.  Rejoice in your salvation now and your salvation yet to come.  Rest, knowing that God has brought you peace, even in the midst of your enemies.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. — Hebrews 10:22-25

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison


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