NLC Connect - December 18, 2024

December 18th, 2024

connect with God's Word

NLC Kids and Youth turned Joshua and Jessica into a human ice cream Sundae to celebrate reaching their Missions goal.
NLC Youth enjoyed making s'mores at George and Marcia's house on Sunday night. Thank you, George and Marcia, for opening up your home!
NLC celebrated with four young people on Sunday who made the decision to follow the Lord in believer's baptism (Michelle Villarreal, Briana Mondragon, Aria Morazan and Eliza Aquino).

PC: Amanda Dover and Judy Brown

connect your calendar

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 -- Christmas Day (office closed)

THURSDAY, DEC. 26
5:30 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

SUNDAY, DEC. 29
No adult or kids' classes
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

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

10:00 a.m. - FAMILY WORSHIP for all ages

Joshua Aquino will be the speaker

11:15 a.m. - Family Meal -- please bring a side dish or dessert to add to the main dish of stew and rolls that the Kitchen Crew will provide
5:00 p.m. - Youth leader meeting (no CREW) - Room 207

MONDAY, DEC. 30
6:00 p.m. - CR Worship Team - Gym

TUESDAY, DEC. 31: No Men's Bible Study or Healing Room Ministry

connect through giving

Received Last Week (12/15): ….... $3,796
Received this year: ................... $109,544

Budget to Date:.......................... $118,057
Budget Goal: ……..……...…...…...$383,686
Needed Weekly: ……..…….............. $7,615

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.
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 Power of Your Testimony

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." — Revelation 12:11 (NIV)

What a powerful and uplifting Sunday it was! Welcoming new members into the church body (Eva Morazan, Amelia Villarreal, Melissa Celaya, Elva Cardona, Dulce Gonzalez and Victor Gonzalez Jr.) and celebrating the decision of four young people to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism is such a testimony to God's work in their lives. Each baptism represents a story of transformation and faith, and hearing those personal testimonies can inspire us all to reflect on our own journey with Christ.
If you missed the service, I encourage you to visit our website and watch the recording. There’s something special about hearing the testimonies of others, as it reminds us of the power of God’s grace and how He continues to work in the lives of believers. As you watch, consider how God has moved in your life and how you might share your testimony to encourage and strengthen others in their faith journey.
As believers, we are called not only to live by faith but to testify of God's greatness in our lives. Our testimony is a powerful tool for victory and encouragement. Revelation 12:11 reminds us that through the blood of Jesus and the power of our testimony, we overcome the enemy. The enemy cannot stand against the truth of God's transformative power in our lives. Our words of faith and deliverance can bring hope to others and declare the glory of God.
Today, reflect on the testimony of God's work in your life. What victories, big or small, can you share with others? Whether through a simple conversation, a social media post, or a personal story, let your testimony shine. Remember, it’s not about the perfect words, but about sharing how God has been faithful to you. Allow your testimony to bring encouragement, strength, and hope to those around you, and watch how God uses your story for His glory.