NLC Connect - April 9, 2025

PC: Amanda Dover
Last Wednesday several people got together to pray over the sanctuary. We also took some time to write Scripture and prayers of blessing on the staging area that will be covered with carpet. Please join us Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30 as we pray over the sanctuary once again. We are excited to see all the new people that will begin their journey to follow Jesus in this space!!
Our young adults got together for their first (of what will be many) Bible study! We are so thankful for our young people that are passionate about creating a space for other young adults to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - meet in Sanctuary

THURSDAY, APRIL 10
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 11 & 12
Mennonite Relief Sale at Fresno Pacific University

SUNDAY, APRIL 13
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 - Patio 

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

• Meet in the Sanctuary
• Communion 

5:00 p.m. - CREW youth meeting
6:00 p.m. - Mennonite Men's Chorus Concert at Reedley M.B. Church

TUESDAY, APRIL 15
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library
(GriefShare Support Group meets Wednesday this week)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - meet in Sanctuary

THURSDAY, APRIL 17
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY, APRIL 18
5:00 p.m. - "Taste of Passover" kids/youth family event -- sign up below under the event picture

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20
6:30 a.m. - Community Sunrise Service - Downtown Dinuba Entertainment Plaza
(No "Salt & Light" Growth Class this week)
9:15 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

• Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

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

• Baptisms
• Easter message

11:30 a.m. - Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt for kids - Family Center

TUESDAY, APRIL 22
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
(No Healing Room this week)

Received Last Week (4/6): .... $4,851
Received this year: ............. $195,322
Budget to Date: .................... $236,114
Budget Goal: ……................. $383,686
Needed Weekly: …………........... $9,418

The start of the new year also set into motion the kick off of NLC Youth Cash. Students are rewarded for their participation in class with “cash” that they will then be able to exchange for some pretty cool prizes! Some of those prizes include gift cards, dinner outings, and the youth's favorite--dying Ms. Jessica's hair a color of their choice! Some of the ways to earn cash include, attendance, reading scripture, opening/closing in prayer, and class participation. Students are excitedly asking to open or close in prayer. They are raising their hands to read the scriptures for our devotion of the day. This little push/incentive has really been a big hit with the youth. I look forward to experiencing the youth become more confident in their faith and in the classroom.

When asked to share something about youth class one student shared how they feel everyone is connected in class. The games played during youth night are fun and gets people out of their comfort zones. Not only are the students receiving lessons from the Bible, but they are also receiving life lessons that they can use outside of the classroom. How many of us need that little push outside of our comfort zone? I know I do! Another student mentioned their involvement with helping the 2nd-4th grade teachers. He thought it was cool! How amazing is that! We are building up young men and women who are willing and also enjoy serving in the church.

One of our leaders spoke about how encouraged he is by the attentiveness/responsiveness of our youth to the lessons. Our kids want to know more about Jesus and what a blessing, we as a church are able to provide that for them! I am so thankful to be part of a church and work with youth ministry leaders who go above and beyond to lead our children to Christ. I encourage everyone who has a preteen/teen in their life to share all the cool things happening Sunday morning and Sunday night during youth class. Please reach out to one of the leaders if you need help with that extra push to get your child involved! We would love to see new faces and build those godly friendships.

Melissa Celaya--Sunday Morning Youth Lead