NLC Connect - March 19, 2025

Our Next Gen team took to the outdoors on Sunday afternoon for a scenic walk down at Kaweah Oaks Preserve.

Our Early Childhood class participated in a fun craft that reminds them that Jesus invites us to listen! Our kiddos that finished reading their Bible stories were excited to receive their ticket to have Pancakes with Pastor Brad this Sunday.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, MARCH 20
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRI., MARCH 21:  Chamber of Commerce event - Family Center
SAT., MARCH 22:  Family event - Room 114/115

SUNDAY, MARCH 23
8:30 a.m. - "Salt & Light" Growth Class (series ends) - Room 114/115
8:45 a.m. - NLC Kids' "Pancakes with Pastor" (by invitation) - Community Room
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
11:30 a.m. - Summer Camp/SOAR Interest Meeting with Jessica - Dining Room
5:00 p.m. - CREW youth meeting

TUESDAY, MARCH 25
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, MARCH 27
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SUNDAY, MARCH 30
8:30 a.m. - "Salt & Light" Growth Class (new series begins) - 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

• Installation Service for Pastor Brad
• Guest speakers

11:30 a.m. - Family Meal (everything provided--come and celebrate together!)
5:00 p.m. -  CREW youth meeting

TUESDAY, APRIL 1
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115

Received Last Week (3/16): .......... $3,818
Received this year: .................... $181,069
 
Budget to Date:..................... ... $213,979
Budget Goal: ……….........…...…...$383,686
Needed Weekly: …….................... $8,809

Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based, 12-step ministry program designed to help individuals overcome various struggles, including addiction, grief, anxiety, co-dependency, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and other life challenges. It provides a supportive and non-judgmental community where people can find healing, hope, and freedom through Biblical principles. The program focuses on personal growth, spiritual development, and building healthier relationships, offering participants the tools to break free from their past hurts and find restoration, peace, and balance. We are far more than just a support group—it’s a place where people can connect, grow, and experience a transformation that impacts their entire lives.

For most of my life, I asked God, "Why?" Why was I born a drug baby to a teen mother with mental health issues who allowed men to abuse me? Why did I face all the struggles of unlearning so many ingrained bad behaviors from my first five years of life? Why did my marriage end the way it did, and why was I forced to raise six children alone with no help? When I became a CR leader in Tulare, then Visalia, and finally here in Dinuba, I realized:

• I had lessons to learn, and I am stubborn, so I needed hard lessons.
• It put me in a position to come alongside others in those same situations and help them see a better path forward.
• It helped me grow a very deep personal relationship with Christ!

I have done several step studies, and each time I learn something new about myself and where God wants me to be!

Dinuba CR is a beautiful group of broken people whom God can, will, and is using for His purpose! We are currently in need of childcare teams of two, as well as men to step up and be trained to lead the men’s groups. Women are always welcome to join the leadership team as well. We would love to get the large group and dinner back up and running, but that is just not possible until we rebuild those two areas. Please reach out to Brian or me if you are interested or know anyone else who is interested. We are also currently reaching out to all the churches in our area to see if they are interested in helping as well. This outreach is very dear to Brian and me, and we pray that God will once again make it strong and rebuild it.
--Christine Willems