Northside Community Church weekly email newsletter
February 1, 2017
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There is More to Lent...

(By Nancy Sleeth, Blessed Earth Ministries)

Dear Blessed Earth’s friends and family,
 
Lifeway recently released a survey on Lent practices in America, and I was surprised by some of the results.  While I knew that Catholics and the more liturgical denominations seek to draw closer to God by abstaining from certain foods or practices, I was amazed to learn that nearly 1 in 3 evangelicals now practices Lent.
 
As I would have guessed, fasting from a favorite food or beverage is the most common way to observe Lent.  But I was surprised to learn that going to church was equally high on the list (57%), followed by praying more (39%) and giving to others (38%). 
 
These positive ways of preparing for Easter--worship, prayer, and giving--got me thinking: instead of giving up something for Lent this year, what practices could I add during this season to draw closer to God?
 
Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday--March 1 this year--and ends during Holy Week, is traditionally seen as a time to prepare for our hearts for Easter. Part of that preparation often includes fasting--a practice that dates back to the early church. 
 
But I was intrigued by the idea of adding rather than subtracting  something during the coming 40 days.  So I tossed around the idea with some friends, and here's 10 ideas we came up with, and some of their comments:
 
  • Ask 5 colleagues how you can pray for them, and commit to praying for your list every day. "I keep a list on my desk and pray first thing when I arrive at the office."
 
  • Spend 5 minutes on your knees each day listening to God. "At first I set my phone alarm for 5 minutes, but to my surprise I nearly always end up praying longer."
 
  • Invite someone new to fellowship with you over a meal at least once each week. For example, this Friday we are having a young, newlywed couple over for dinner; we have been friends with her dad and late mother for years, but are excited to get to know their daughter and son-in-law better.
 
  • Take a walk and pray for the homes you pass.  "This helps me remember my neighbors who I so often forget." Bonus: bring a bag, and pick up trash as you walk!
 
  • Ask God to provide new opportunities for helping others, and then give generously.
 
  • Sing a psalm out loud each day.  Here's  a tool to get you started.
 
  • Memorize a bible verse each day. "I'm using Liz Curtis Higgs' 31 Verses to help me. 
 
  • Give away at least one bible or faith-based book every week. "I keep several copies of Mere Christianity on hand so I always have one to give away."
 
  • Find a prayer partner and encourage each other to keep a weekly Sabbath. Send a text on Saturday wishing them a renewing and restful shabbat.
 
  • Instead of checking the news each day, listen to an inspiring podcast or have a daily devotional sent to you.
 
As for me, I've decided to keep an appreciation journal focused on my husband throughout this Easter season. So often it's the ones we are closest to that we take for granted.  Recording specific acts or words from Matthew that I appreciate will not only help my marriage, it will open my eyes and soften my heart for the many ways that Jesus loves his bride--you and me and the family of believers--each and every day.
 
With love and prayers,
 
SUNDAY SERMON
LOOK FOR...
Women's Bible Study
 
Join Vicki Johnson as she takes you on a journey through Beth Moore's engaging study of 2nd Timothy:
 
Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy
Wednesdays, March 1 - April 12
(No study on March 29 due to spring break)
9:30 am - Fireside Room
Childcare provided
 
Cost: $15 Workbook
The sign-up sheet is located in the church foyer or you may contact Vicki Johnson at alaskavicki@gmail.com.
We are partnering with 2nd Street Church
------------------------------------
Revelation Fitness is a six week class for women to move in worship, care for our bodies, and build relationships. Led by a trained instructor/pastor, each week will focus on a truth from God's word. The physical exercise is adaptable to all ages and abilities.

Sunday, February 12 - March 19
6:30 - Fireside Room

Click here for more information and registration



 

 
The Story of Esther
A Purim Musical
All Newberg performances are FREE of charge.

Performances
Northside Community Church
Fri. March 3rd - 7:00 pm
Sat. March 4th - 7:00 pm
Sun. March 5th - 3:00 pm

Click here for more performances & info.
Saturday, March 11
9:00 am - Meet at Northside

 Partner with Larry and Katie Bannister this Saturday at Northside to pray for our church and our community. Everyone is welcome to be apart of this important time of prayer and seeking. 

Contact Katie Bannister at kaban1950@yahoo.com for more info.
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy ..."
Hebrews 12:14
So why is there war in the Bible?

Join Northside as we discuss the tension between the call for peace and the act of war in the Bible, as well as in modern times, through the lens of Jesus and the
Just War theory.

Wednesday, March 15th
7:00 pm - Sanctuary

Guest speakers will include Mark Hall, who has a PhD in political science and who's interest include the relationship between religion and politics, and Paul Anderson. Paul has acquired both his MDiv and his PhD in religious studies, and is the founding member of John, Jesus, and History Project and has co-edited four of its volumes. 
The new face of Harp & Bowl
----------------------------------------
Friday, March 17
7:30 - Fireside Room

Come join us for a night of worship. Together, as we pour out our praise, we are expectant for a radical encounter with the outrageous kindness of God's love. Feel free to grab a journal, a canvas, or even a pillow! Come to rest and simply be in the presence of God.
In 2016, Northside prayed for healing during every Sunday service. We believe in the power and partnership with God in prayer, and want to continue our prayers together for healing. 

Dave and Carol Kelley will be leading a time of healing prayer Saturday, March 18th from 6-8 pm in the Sanctuary. This will be during our 24 Hour Call to Prayer, which begins Saturday at 8 am and lasts until 8 am Sunday.

Dave and Carol will open with a brief teaching and equipping on healing prayer, followed by an extended time of praying for healing. If you or someone you know need healing prayer, come receive.
We are having a ladies day, so mark April 1st on your calendars ladies!
More details to come...
Furthermore . . .


Sermon Recordings
Looking to listen to last weeks sermon either again or for the first time? You can find it here! 


Bible Reading Plan
In 2017 we are reading through the Bible together. If you are interested in taking this journey with us, click here for our Bible reading plan. Click here to download more info (videos, posters, etc.) Click here to get the app.


Restoration Ministries
God is pursuing your heart. He always has pursued the heart of His people. We know this from our reading in the Torah, Genesis - Deuteronomy. Every time His people rebelled or pulled away, God made a way for them to be back in His presence. He is doing that today! Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is relentlessly pursuing your heart. It may not feel safe, but He is not a safe or tame Lion. He will do what it takes to free you from those things, those negative beliefs about yourself that keep you from victory and enjoying His presence. Contact us at Restoration Ministries, marlajsweeney@gmail.com, to find out more. There are counselors and mentors waiting to help you. God Bless!

Prayer Chain
If you have a prayer request you'd like to share, or if you'd like to be added to the group that prays for requests that come in, simply send an email to prayer@northsidenewberg.org.
Event Info 
 
Click on links below for details: 
 
  • Revelation Fitness: February 26 - March 19 (see info above)
 
  • HADASSAH - The Story of Esther: March 3, 4, 5  info
 
  • Women's Bible Study: Wednesdays, March 1 - April 12 (see info above)
 
  • Celebrate Recovery: March 5  website
 
  • Prayer Walk: March 11 (see info above)
 
  • Thrive: Bible Lecture Series:  March 15 (see info above)
 
  • Resonance (Harp & Bowl):  March 17 (see info above)
 
  • Prayer: March 18 (see info above)
 
 

Feel like learning more about us? Visit our web page at

northsidenewberg.org

Quick Links

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Free Methodist Oregon Conference Website
Light & Life Magazine Online
Copyright © 2017 Northside Community Church, All rights reserved.
http://northsidenewberg.org/

Sunday Service 10 AM
1800 Hoskins Street 
Newberg, OR 97132

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Northside Community Church · 1800 N. Hoskins Street · Newberg, Oregon 97132 · USA

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