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.


Read more...

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.


Read 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.


Read 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)
 
I’ve been interested in astronomy ever since I was a child. That may in part be an accident of timing: I had just turned six when President Kennedy said America would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. I was a rising 8th-grader when I watched Neil Armstrong make one giant leap for mankind.

 

Through the years, the intensity of my interest in things beyond our planet has varied.  But it never disappeared. In 1986, I saw Halley’s Comet make its only swing by earth in my lifetime. Earlier this year I went to Indiana to observe a total solar eclipse. (As I wrote in the May newsletter, it was spectacular.) And in 2020, I looked through my son Tim’s telescope to see Jupiter and Saturn appear closer together than they had at any time in the last 800 years. Indeed, they came so close that the naked eye might have mistaken them for a single, new object.
 
The astronomical term for such unusual proximity is “conjunction.” Conjunctions are not rare. But they are sufficiently uncommon that those who study the night sky tend to take note of them. That’s why some today believe it was a conjunction of planets that the wise men saw and followed to Bethlehem, looking to worship the newborn king of the Jews.
 
 Their theory does have some scientific support There was a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 B.C. This “new star” could have been interpreted as a sign of a royal birth, with Jupiter symbolizing kingship. Less likely astronomical theories sometimes used to explain the celestial phenomenon that led the wise men to Bethlehem include the appearance of a comet and the explosion of a star.
 
As Scripture regularly reminds us, God is quite capable of using natural phenomena – storms, floods, earthquakes, fire – to reveal his will to his human creation. But the appearance of a previously unknown celestial entity, what many now call the Star of Bethlehem, does not require a naturalistic explanation. The Maker of heaven and earth is certainly capable of putting a new star in the sky, allowing only those he chooses to see it, and then having them let us know what they saw.

 

For example, think about the army of angels that was initially invisible to Elisha’s servant (II Kings 6:15-17). The servant, constrained by the physics of human vision, thought he and Elisha were hopelessly outnumbered by the army of the King of Aram,. But Elisha had been given the gift of seeing what God saw. And when God answered Elisha’s prayer, the servant saw not only the chariots of fire but also the truth of Elisha’s words, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

 

Perhaps more so than in years past, it is understandably easy for you and me to look out our windows as this new year begins and see only the forces arrayed against God and those who do his will. Each time we look, their numbers seem to have grown. In such moments, may we be strengthened by the example of the wise men, who saw for a sign then followed it to Jesus. And may we be comforted by the knowledge that, today and always, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

 

Blessings,

Rev. Bob Mills


Read more...

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.


Read 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.


Read 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.


Read more...

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.


Read more...

News & Announcements for Sunday, December 8, 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 – NEXT SUNDAY

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, DECEMBER 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!

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!

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season. You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.  They are $10.00 each and the deadline is today, Sunday, Dec. 8. Please contact Anne Wilkins if you have questions.

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.


Read more...

News & Announcements for Sunday, December 1, 2024

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE CHANGE BEGINS SUN. DEC. 1

Beginning Sunday, December 1, the worship service will begin at 11:00 am.  Sunday School will meet from 9:30-10:30. 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 7:00PM

The Women’s Bible Study will meet at 7pm Monday evening, December 2nd at the home of Debbie Irvine. We wanted to study something related to the “real” Christmas story.  So read or reread Joseph and Mary, complete your workbook or look over what you did last year and come prepared to discuss Mary, Joseph and Jesus. As always, if you don’t get a chance to finish your lesson, come anyway. However, if you don’t get it done, come anyway and always feel free to bring a friend.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 11:00AM

The Northminster Book Club will meet at Depot Grille on Thursday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m for our Christmas party. Please bring a story, poem or story about Christmas that they can share with the group. We are also asking each person to bring a book (it doesn’t have to be new, just in pretty good shape), wrapped in gift paper. We are going to exchange books with one another.  See the newsletter for more information.  We look forward to seeing you there!

HANGING OF THE GREENS – SATURDAY, DEC 7, 9AM-Noon

You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 7 from 9-noon as we prepare our church to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  We will gather together to decorate beautiful trees with Chrismons, set up Advent candles, wreaths, and banners as we enjoy light brunch refreshments, Christmas music playing in the background, and above all, each other’s company.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season. You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.  They are $10.00 each and the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 8. Please contact Anne Wilkins if you have questions.

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.


Read more...