As I prepare for Lent, I can't help but remember that we're quickly approaching round two as a pandemic church. It wasn't long after Ash Wednesday last year that churches began to shut their doors without any sense of how long it would be before we gathered together again. We're rapidly approaching a time when we'll be able to say "we've done this before" as we plan for our life together. A virtual Lent: we've done this before! Celebrating Holy Week during a pandemic: we've done this before! Being able to say that doesn't lessen the sting of isolation, but it is a reminder of just how far we've come and just how much we've endured.
And, I'm so grateful for the leaders of this congregation and the staff who, instead of growing fatigued over the past year, have only grown more innovative, more creative, more excited about possibilities for our current circumstances. I hope you'll read about some of those opportunities below and plan to join us whether it's for outdoor worship, faith formation, or a small group. You belong here!
The last thing I'll share is one brief staff update: you'll see in the prayer concerns that Lynn Ward is having surgery this morning. Please keep her in your prayers. She will be out of the office recovering for the next week. As of now, she does not need anything more than your prayers but we will update you if that changes. Marisu Fenton will be holding down the fort at the office so be sure to extend your thanks to her for stepping in. And, we appreciate your grace and patience with us as we juggle responsibilities in Lynn's absence.
Gratefully,
Betsy
|
|
We finish our sermon series titled Christian Clichés with the cliche "Love the sinner, hate the sin." We'll welcome the Rev. Sarah Are, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, as our preacher.
The Rev. Sarah Are will lead worship this Sunday with a sermon titled
Christian Clichés: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.
You may read Luke 18:9-14 in preparation for Sunday's service.
|
|
UPCOMING IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES |
|
Ash Wednesday, February 17th
Ashes to Go 12-1 PM
Drive by the sanctuary doors on Bob-O-Link to receive ashes without ever leaving the comfort of your heated car! Note: We will not be having a 7 PM in-person outdoor worship service
Sunday Worship Thru Lent, Feb. 21-March 28
Beginning February 21st, we will offer an in-person outdoor worship service each Sunday at 10 AM, including special activities for children. This is the same time as our livestreamed virtual service from the sanctuary, which we will continue to offer.
At 9:15 AM on Sundays during Lent, you will be able to reserve a slot for Sacred Moments in the Sanctuary, a time of meditation and prayer prior to worship services.
|
|
Northridge Kids at Outdoor Worship
The kids of Northridge are in for a treat, throughout Lent there will be a developmentally appropriate, fun, and meaningful area to quietly play outside while simultaneously experiencing the worship service. In some faith formation circles, this is called a "pray-ground". This will consist of coloring stations, playdoh, sand, puzzles and more that will help keep little hands busy while they listen and learn about our rituals and worship. Parents are encouraged to sit near the Northridge Kids area to keep an eye on their child and to allow for a natural flow in the worship service. Our childcare staff will be busy keeping things sanitized between kid usage to help prevent the spread of COVID, and are asked to keep a distance of six feet from the children to protect themselves and others. We are so excited to see and worship alongside our beloved and delightful Northridge Kids!
|
|
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
Sunday, February 14 at 11:00 AM
Be sure to join the Fellowship Committee for a Zoom Coffee Hour, on Sunday after worship, from 11:00 to 11:45. This will be a good chance to visit with your Northridge friends and catch up on what is happening. So grab a cup of cocoa or coffee and visit with us for awhile.
Meeting ID: 822 2442 4192
Passcode: 377319
|
|
INTRODUCING THE ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTION COMMITTEE |
|
Kathy Watson, Kim Shuler and I are VERY EXCITED to introduce a new vigorous approach to what were formerly the Fellowship and Membership committees. The two former committees, with unanimous session approval have joined resources and merged to become The Engagement and Connection Committee (E&C).
The mission of the E&C is to support, sustain and encourage growth to our members and neighborhood by sharing the love of God through our welcoming, affirming, and all-inclusive community. The E&C is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to share, grow, and connect through activities and events both virtually and in-person.
We’re holding on to the “best of each former committee,” while combining efforts and resources to not only focus on each valued Northridge member but also our neighborhood. The E&C will also actively collaborate and partner with other church committees (i.e., Mission, CE, Property, Worship, etc.…) to ensure activities, events are open and available to all…
Stay tuned for exciting small group (virtual and in-person) as well as larger group opportuntites and activities (both outside and inside as permissible).
Ray Chavez
2021 Chair, Engagement & Connection
|
|
SMALL GROUPS AT NORTHRIDGE! |
|
The newly formed Engagement and Connection (E&C) committee is currently coordinating the formation of small groups (no more than 10 people) for outdoor gatherings - socially distanced, of course!
This can be a great way to ENGAGE in great conversation, CONNECT with friends (old and new), support one another, and just have FUN!
If you’re interested in being a part of a small group or if you have other ideas for small groups (in person or online), please email Kim Shuler.
|
|
YOUTH GROUP HAS RESUMED FOR 2021 - COME JOIN THE FUN! |
|
Youth Group Watching and Discussing The Social Dilemma this Month
The Youth Group is watching the documentary The Social Dilemma. "This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations." The youth are digging into their use of these devices and discussing how to move forward in appropriate and healthy ways.
Northridge Youth -- Youth Group will meet in the lower parking lot from 5:30-6:30 PM each Sunday. Please note the new time span! And check your email in case of weather changes.
|
|
4, 5, 6ers Meet via Zoom this Sunday at 11:30AM
The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are invited to join in fun, games, and planning via Zoom this Sunday. If you need the Zoom link, please email Emily Cox at emilyc@northridgepc.org.
|
|
Reach Across the Aisle
Beginning Feb. 21st
NOTE DATE CHANGE!
In-Person Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
in the lower parking lot
OR via Zoom on Thursdays at 7:30pm
This is a three-part discussion seminar, exploring the art of talking with those who we perceive as adversaries. It will be facilitated by Stewart Ball, spouse of NPC member Kim Shuler. Spots are limited. Register at www.northridgepc.org/connect/registration/
|
|
The Wired Word: Wednesdays at 7 PM - Click on the link below.
Current Events & Christianity - this week's topic is:
"Survey on How Pandemic Affects Respondents' Faith: Generally Unchanged"
Meeting ID: 837 1620 1906
Passcode: 681172
|
|
Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:30 AM
Studying the Scripture for each coming Sunday. Join us!
Meeting ID: 954 9571 6184
Passcode: 027540
|
|
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF DEACONS |
|
THE DEACONS MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU...
Are you having challenges with knowing how to register for a COVID vaccine, or with using a computer to register? Your Northridge Deacons may be able to provide some assistance with registration if you are unable to do this yourself. Registering for the vaccine is the first and most important step. To request assistance, please contact Tony Cummins at DeaconChair@northridgepc.org or by phone at 214-343-9838.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
