NWC Weekly Email Update - Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Church Family,

I wanted to start my email by simply saying "Happy Thanksgiving!" I truly hope that you are able to enjoy the presence of God and family/friends today as we give thanks to God for all that He is to us and all that He has done for us.

My family and I are so thankful for all of you. It was just four months ago that we moved here to assume the lead pastor role of Northwest church. Although I was absolutely certain that God had led us to NWC, I was unsure of how everything go because to be quite honest, pastoral transitions don't always go so well. That being said, I must tell you that our church has been a blessing to my family in countless ways. Please hear me when I say "THANK YOU" for the example of love and faithfulness that you have been to us and everyone around us. We are blessed.

Pastors Steve and Mary Schell were not only the pastors of NWC for over 27 years but they were family to so many of us. I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone say that Pastor Steve was a true spiritual father in their life. With this kind of impact it could be that some of you are especially missing Pastor Steve and Mary during this holiday season. I want you to know that I can truly understand and appreciate your love for our former pastors. In fact, it blesses me quite a bit and causes me to be even more thankful that God led us to this church family. Make sure to read the announcement below regarding the Dr. Steve Schell library which will be available over the next two weekends at NWC.

It could be that the holiday season brings about pain in your life. Maybe you are grieving a loss, longing for a greater family dynamic or maybe reliving a painful memory. Let me just say that God is mindful of you and able to comfort you right where you are (2 Corinthians 1:3). It could be that nobody else around you can understand what you are going through, but God certainly does and because of that we are never alone. I encourage you to look to the Lord today and ask Him for His perspective because He is able to give us thankful hearts even when we feel the exact opposite. He loves you, He sees you and He hears you when you call upon His name.

Again, I am thankful for you and I look forward to being with you this weekend as we worship Jesus, receive communion, learn from His Word and minister to one another.

"This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

Pastor Ben Dixon
ben.dixon@nwcfoursquare.org
www.nwcfoursquare.org