NLC Connect - December 11, 2024

December 11th, 2024

connect with God's Word

NLC Youth had their first ever craft fair on Sunday after the morning service. Thank you to our youth leaders for investing in our young people!

Women's LIFT ministry had a wonderful time together celebrating this season with a Christmas party and baby shower for a young Mom!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 12
5:30 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

SUNDAY, DEC. 15
8:30 a.m. - "Salt & Light" Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Joshua Aquino will be the speaker
Baptisms
New Member Testimonies

Camp fundraiser -- today is the last day to place an order for posole, chocolate or vanilla cakes, or sugar cookie kits from a student (or contact the church office), and pick up on Dec. 22
11:15 a.m. - Special Members' Meeting regarding sanctuary remodel proposal
5:00 p.m. - CREW youth meeting - Room 207

MONDAY, DEC. 16
6:00 p.m. - CR Worship Team - Gym

TUESDAY, DEC. 17
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:00 p.m. - Healing Room Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, DEC. 19
5:30 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

SUNDAY, DEC. 22
("Salt & Light" Class resumes Jan. 5)
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

"Behold the King" NLC Kids event
Jordan Ringhofer will be the speaker
Winter Camp fundraiser orders may be picked up

5:00 p.m. - CREW Youth Nativity Escape Room - Room 207

MONDAY, DEC. 23
6:00 p.m. - CR Worship Team - Gym

TUESDAY, DEC. 24
No Men's Bible Study or Healing Room Ministry
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service

connect through giving

Received Last Week (12/08): ….... $7,011
Received this year: .................. $105,748

Budget to Date:........................... $110,679
Budget Goal: …………...…...…..... $383,686
Needed Weekly: …………................. $7,512

connect to God through prayer

Pray for health and strength for Emma (Karen Madrid's mother), Carolina Coralles, and Glen Zimmerman.
Pray for Miguel-Angel (Hezekiah) Parker, recovering from surgery.
Pray for Amanda Dover. Her surgery has been rescheduled. She is awaiting a new surgery date.
Pray for Abe & Holly Isaak's 6-year-old granddaughter Tessa Fiscus, who is being treated for cancer but is back at school.
Pray for Ibeth (Maria Gonzalez's niece) and her newborn daughter Estrella. Estrella had an unexpected early arrival into this world. Pray for Ibeth to have a speedy recovery and for Estrella to continue to grow in strength and health. Estrella is now home!
Pray for Laura Miller (step-grandma of Amanda Dover) who is in need of funds to move back down to California so she can be with family. Amanda's family will be hosting a fundraiser to gather funds for this need.
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, especially during the holidays.
Pray for safety and peace of mind for the students who attend schools in our surrounding communities. There has been an increase in violent threats recently.
Pray for those who are seeking employment.
Pray for traveling safety during this foggy season.
(pastoral search update)
Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito, who are home before returning to SE Asia.
Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.

Connect to the Reason for the Season

The holiday season is often a whirlwind of activity—shopping, family gatherings, decorating, and countless traditions. While these things bring joy, they can also become distractions, pulling our attention away from the true reason we celebrate: Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This verse encourages us to center our hearts and minds on Him, especially during times when the world clamors for our attention.
When we focus on Jesus, we are reminded of the gift of His love, grace, and the hope He brings into our lives. His birth is the ultimate reason for the season—a tangible expression of God's love for humanity. Keeping our focus on Him helps us approach the holidays with gratitude, generosity, and a spirit of worship.
This season, amidst the busyness, take time to pause and reflect. Spend moments in prayer, read the Christmas story in Scripture, or sing songs of worship. Let the light of Christ be your guide, so your joy during the holidays remains rooted in His eternal promises.

Lord, help us to keep our focus on You this holiday season. Let every tradition and celebration remind us of Your love and the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus. May our hearts be filled with Your peace and joy. Amen.
--Joshua Aquino