106 Clearview Rd, Madison Heights VA, 24572
Northminster Church © 2017
Find us on
01
May '24
May 2024 Pastor’s Corner — The Unexpected
01
May '24
Blessed is the man…
whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
— Psalm 1:1-4
This is Fred the Tree. Fred is growing in the most unexpected and unlikely of places — right in the middle of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge in Key West. Against all odds (and all the odds are against it), Fred not only sprouted but has thrived in a most inhospitable location. Fred provides a beautiful example of how, when we trust in the Lord, our faith can grow and flourish in the most unexpected places and ways.
Trusting in the Lord, and growing ever deeper in that trust, is everything that is meant by “faith,” particularly faith in Jesus Christ. In Galatians 5:6, Paul summarizes everything he believes about the Gospel when he writes, “For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith [trust] expressed in love.” (Gal. 5:6 MESSAGE) But “trusting in God” is a somewhat strange and abstract concept. It’s very easy to say we “Trust in the LORD with all our heart, and do not lean on our own understanding” (Prov. 3:5 ESV), but how do we know if we actually are trusting in the Lord as much as we think we are?
As March drew to a close, I came down with an unexpected stomach illness. The next day, we made an unexpected visit to the ER, which resulted in an unexpected hospital stay that included unexpected surgery to address a congenital issue that I learned about, unexpectedly, four years ago. When I fell ill, even when I was admitted to the hospital and learned I was going to have surgery, I never imagined I would end up being out of the pulpit for 4 weeks and facing a recovery process that will end up being a total of 6 weeks or more. Every step of the process, as my circumstances continued to become more concerning and severe than I first thought, could have been fraught with anxiety and worry. I’m not saying I didn’t have my moments, but in general (and other than feeling terribly sick), I felt a deep sense of peace and calm through it all. I knew, without a doubt, that everything was going to be fine, no matter what happened.
I have had, and continue to have, seasons of wrestling with the Lord. There have been many times when I have argued with God and struggled to understand the whats and the whys of what He has allowed me to go through, and sometimes things He has purposefully brought my way. I don’t like a lot of those things, and in many respects I still wish going through those seasons wasn’t necessary. And yet, in each and every case, the Lord has proved himself trustworthy and true. Through it all, even though I still don’t understand most of it, I have learned to trust Him a little bit more than I did before. It is because of those times that when this very unexpected, and frankly quite severe, situation occurred, I found that I wasn’t worried or afraid. The Lord had proven himself faithful in the big things and the small in the past, how could I expect anything other this time around?
It is in the unexpected moments and circumstances of life that we both learn to trust Him more and find out how much we already trust in Him. The “soil” that allows our faith to grow and mature is trusting in the Lord and His Word. When we trust in Him and learn to trust Him more each day, our faith is able to grow and even thrive in the midst of the most unexpected or even hostile circumstances. Place your trust in the Lord today, and continue to do so each and every day, so that when the times of trial and struggle, when the unexpected comes along, you will be able to hold fast and stand firm, to face whatever may come with peace and assurance, knowing in your heart of hearts that the Lord will once again be faithful and true.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24-25)
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
Read more...
26
Apr '24
News & Announcements for April 28, 2024
26
Apr '24
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!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
MISSION FOCUS FOR APRIL: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
Read more...
18
Apr '24
News & Announcements for April 21, 2024
18
Apr '24
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!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – COMING SOON
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
APRIL MISSION FOCUS: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. June Hedrick will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
Read more...
11
Apr '24
News & Announcements for April 14, 2024
11
Apr '24
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!
GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, APRIL. 17, 8:30AM
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, April 18, 10AM
The Women’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 18th at 10:00 am at June Hedrick’s home. Our book this month is Wish You Were Here, by Jodi Picoult.
UNRAVELING REVELATION – COMING SOON
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
APRIL MISSION FOCUS: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
Read more...
05
Apr '24
News & Announcements for April 7, 2024
05
Apr '24
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!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, APRIL 14
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning April 14th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, April 8, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying Ruth & Boaz – Second Chances. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
MISSION FOCUS FOR APRIL: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Our mission focus for the month of April is Neighbors Helping Neighbors which assists individuals in Amherst County in overcoming food insecurity. They also help connect those in need to area resources that can help build self-sufficiency and quality of life. You may make a donation by specifying NHN on your check memo line.
Read more...
28
Mar '24
News & Announcements for Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024
28
Mar '24
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!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, APRIL 14
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning April 14th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, April 8, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying Ruth & Boaz – Second Chances. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
HELPING 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!
MISSION FOCUS FOR MARCH: GLEANING FOR THE WORLD
Our mission focus for the month of March is Gleaning for the World which provides relief supplies to those in need. You may also make a donation by specifying GFTW on your check memo line.
Read more...
21
Mar '24
News & Announcements for Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024
21
Mar '24
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!
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 7:30 PM
Join us Friday evening for a contemplative service of Scripture and song as we remember the profound nature of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The service begins at 7:30 pm and is an important part of our preparation to celebrate Easter. 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!
MISSION FOCUS FOR MARCH: GLEANING FOR THE WORLD
Our mission focus for the month of March is Gleaning for the World which provides relief supplies to those in need. You may also make a donation by specifying GFTW on your check memo line.
Read more...
14
Mar '24
News & Announcements for March 17, 2024
14
Mar '24
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
For the next two weeks in Sunday School, Pastor David will be answering your questions. What questions do you have about the Bible, our faith, Christian living, what the Bible has to say about (fill in the blank), etc? You can email us with your questions, which will give him time to prepare, or you can spring them on him in class and who knows what kind of answer you’ll get! Sunday School meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM.
Looking ahead for Sunday School, there will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday, March 31. Bob Mills will be teaching on Sunday, April 7. Beginning on Sunday, April 14 we will be studying the book of Revelation. We hope you’ll join us!
COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICE – WEDNESDAY, MAR. 20, NOON
The Community Lenten Services conclude this week, on Wednesday, March 20 at Madison Heights Baptist Church. Pastor David is preaching this week, and lunch will follow. We look forward to observing Lent with you and our fellow brothers and sisters in the area.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 10AM
The Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Wilhelm’s home. The book we are reading for March is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Whether you are able to read the book in time or not, plan to join us!
MISSION FOCUS FOR MARCH: GLEANING FOR THE WORLD
Our mission focus for the month of March is Gleaning for the World which provides relief supplies to those in need. Please join us on Wednesday, March 20, at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot to go and help in person. You may also make a donation by specifying GFTW on your check memo line.
HOLY WEEK
You’re invited to join us in our Holy Week observation and celebrations.
-
-
-
- Palm Sunday (March 24) – 10:30 am
- Good Friday (March 29) – 7:30 pm
- Easter Sunday (March 31)
- Sunrise Service – 7:30 am
- Easter Celebration – 10:30am
-
-
Read more...
07
Mar '24
News & Announcements for March 10, 2024
07
Mar '24
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!
COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICE – WEDNESDAY, MAR. 13, NOON
The Community Lenten Services continue this week, on Wednesday, March 13 at Madison Heights Christian Church. Each ~30 minute service is at noon at a different church in Madison Heights, with a different pastor preaching each week. We look forward to observing Lent with you and our fellow brothers and sisters in the area.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 10AM
The Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Wilhelm’s home. The book we are reading for March is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Whether you are able to read the book in time or not, plan to join us!
MISSION FOCUS FOR MARCH: GLEANING FOR THE WORLD
Our mission focus for the month of March is Gleaning for the World which provides relief supplies to those in need. Please join us on Wednesday, March 20, at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot to go and help in person. You may also make a donation by specifying GFTW on your check memo line.
40 DAY CHALLENGE – CONTINUES THROUGHOUT LENT
For Lent this year, we invite you to remove one item from your closet or cabinets that you no longer need or wear and put it in a bag. After the 40 days, donate these items to a place that can share them with someone who can really use them. To help you get started, we are providing bags that can be picked up in the Narthex after worship. See the February newsletter for more information.
Read more...
29
Feb '24
News & Announcements for March 3, 2024
29
Feb '24
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!
COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICE – WEDNESDAY, MAR. 6, NOON
The Community Lenten Services continue this week, on Wednesday, March 6 at Rose Chapel Baptist Church. Each ~30 minute service is at noon at a different church in Madison Heights, with a different pastor preaching each week. We look forward to observing Lent with you and our fellow brothers and sisters in the area.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, MARCH 4, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, March 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Judy Reyburn will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying Esther and Xerxes – Marriage to a Monarch. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
MISSION FOCUS FOR MARCH: GLEANING FOR THE WORLD
Our mission focus for the month of March is Gleaning for the World which provides relief supplies to those in need. Please join us on Wednesday, March 20, at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot to go and help in person. You may also make a donation by specifying GFTW on your check memo line.
40 DAY CHALLENGE – CONTINUES THROUGHOUT LENT
For Lent this year, we invite you to remove one item from your closet or cabinets that you no longer need or wear and put it in a bag. After the 40 days, donate these items to a place that can share them with someone who can really use them. To help you get started, we are providing bags that can be picked up in the Narthex after worship. See the February newsletter for more information.
Read more...