NLC Connect - January 22, 2025

January 22nd, 2025

connect with God's Word

5th-12th Graders came together on Sunday night to participate in some great team building exercises as we get ready to launch our Next Gen team! These young people will be serving in many capacities at NLC over the next year. Pray that God will continue to work on their hearts as they seek to serve Him at NLC!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN.23
5:30 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

SUNDAY, JAN. 26
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
Write notes or a prayer for kids going to Winter Camp--supplies in the Dining Room by the camp picture wall

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

Joshua Aquino will be the speaker

(Family Meal is postponed until Feb. 2)
5:00 p.m. - CREW youth meeting - Room 207

TUESDAY, JAN. 28
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible study - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29:
Open Gate food distribution 2-3 p.m. in the NLC parking lot every Wednesday afternoon (one of several distribution sites in Dinuba, Orosi and Cutler, each with their own schedule) -- for more information, contact Open Gate at 559-591-1241
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, JAN. 30
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

FRIDAY, JAN. 31
6:30 p.m. - Dinuba Youth For Christ Report Banquet - Family Center (Come enjoy a delicious meal and hear how God is working at local schools with YFC staff and students! A donation opportunity will be included.)

SUNDAY, FEB. 2
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

Jordan Ringhofer will be the speaker
Prayer time for Winter Camp

11:15 a.m. - Church Family Meal (please bring a dessert to share--the kitchen crew will provide the main dish)
5:00 p.m. - CREW Youth - Room 207

TUESDAY, FEB. 4
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:00 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group begins - Room 114/115

NLC Kids have our annual Winter Jam in February. Parents, don't let your kids miss out on these special days!

NLC Youth begin their incentive program in February. Teenagers have many ways to earn youth cash to turn in for cool prizes!

connect through giving

Received Last Week (1/19): ......... $3,858
Received this year: .................... $138,714

Budget to Date:.......................... $154,950
Budget Goal: ……….........…...…...$383,686
Needed Weekly: ………..….............. $7,902

connect to God through prayer

Pray for health and strength for Emma (Karen Madrid's mother), Carolina Coralles, and Glen Zimmerman.
Pray for Maria Gonzalez's family as they mourn the loss of her uncle Raul.
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 and has upcoming tests.
Pray for Anissa Almaguer and Irene Gonzalez to have good health as they prepare to bring new life into this world!
Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
Former member Ivan Wohlgemuth passed into heaven on Jan. 19 at age 94, and the family appreciates the prayers and support. Services are pending.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones. A new GriefShare support group will begin in February.
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 our campers as they get they make preparations to head to Hartland.
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.
Please pray for the USMB churches in the Los Angeles area that remain at risk from ongoing wildfires. Pray for protection from the fires, for those who have been evacuated, for first responders and others providing aid, for the winds to calm and for the fires to be quickly contained.
Pray for Brad and Delilah Isaak and family as they prepare to begin their ministry at NLC in February.

Connect to Embracing Change

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." — Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Change is one of the few constants in life. Whether it’s a new season, a career shift, or a personal transformation, change can often feel unsettling. It brings uncertainty, and sometimes, it challenges our sense of stability. Yet, amidst all the shifting moments in our lives, there is one unchanging truth: God remains constant. While circumstances, people, and seasons evolve, God's character and promises never do.
In Hebrews 13:8, we are reminded that Jesus Christ remains the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” This provides us with incredible reassurance. Even when we face change, we can find security in God’s faithfulness. Just as He has been with us in the past, He will guide us in the present and continue to lead us into the future.
Embracing change doesn’t mean we deny our feelings of fear or discomfort. Instead, it means trusting in God’s unchanging nature and believing that He can bring purpose even through the most challenging transitions. Change, when navigated with faith, can become an opportunity for growth, refinement, and a deeper reliance on God's provision.
Challenge:
This week, identify one area of your life where you’re struggling with change. It could be a personal habit, a relationship, a job, or an area of spiritual growth. Take a moment to reflect on how you can trust God more fully in this area. Pray for peace and wisdom as you walk through this transition, remembering that God’s consistency and love are the anchors you need in the face of change.
In the midst of change, hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is not only with you but actively shaping you for something greater.