I was reminded on Sunday of just how awkward stewardship season can be for the church. Words about money ring differently in each of our ears because we each have different attitudes, behaviors, and life experiences when it comes to money.
Part of what makes stewardship season so awkward is that there is not a one-size-fits-all response. In some ways it would be easier if we were asking everyone to respond in the same way with a set amount of money or a set percentage of income, but that would absolve each of us of the responsibility of defining what generosity looks like in our own lives.
While there's not a one-size-fits-all response to stewardship, I am coming to believe that there may be a one-size-fits-all rubric which can guide our stewardship. So, I offer you this rubric as you prayerfully consider your response to God’s grace in your life:
- Offer yourself at the level that avoids the guilt of giving too little and the anxiety of giving too much.
- Offer yourself at the level that helps you know you are a generous person, not a greedy one, a giver and not a taker, the trustee of your resources rather than a slave to them.
- Find a level of giving that joyfully expresses the grace you’ve known in God.
- Seek to grow in that grace and then reflect it in your stewardship—with money, time, and the gift of service.
- And whatever you give, give your heart along with it.
And, I hope you’ll join Owen and me in the commitment to give past your prior capacity and to offer yourself to God at an even deeper level. I believe that our world is in need of our hearts and dollars more than ever before.
Grateful to be on this journey with you,
Betsy
|
|
|
Rev. Betsy Lyles Swetenburg will be preaching a sermon titled
In God We Trust: Release
You're invited to read
in preparation for Sunday.
|
|
This is a new section for quick hits in the newsletter! Scroll for more details.
- ADVENT: Wreath-making, diaper drive, decorating, and Women's Worship!
- REFUGEE DONATIONS: Sign up to donate goods on Nov. 13 or 14
- CAMP NORTHRIDGE: Spots still remain for Christmas Camps!
- FORWARD BY FAITH: Finish your 2021 pledge, if you haven't already!
- ADULT ED: Flawed Family of God, Living the Questions, and Wired Word all continue as normal this week.
- YOUTH: New partnership with the IRC! Scroll down for more info.
- GUEST ARTIST: Nov. 16 at noon! Scroll down for more info.
- CAMP GILMONT: Rev. Deanna Hollas leads a retreat Dec. 3-5
- E&C: Join a small group! Scroll down for contact info.
- SAFETY: Masks still required indoors, but are optional outdoors.
- PRAYERS: See below for prayer requests from the congregation.
|
|
Advent Wreath Making Event
November 28 at 10:00 AM
Registration Required: $5 cost to help cover supplies
Come to Quillin Hall on November 28 to make an Advent Wreath to take home. In addition to the Advent Wreath supplies, we will provide an inspirational hand out to guide your walk through the Season of Advent at home.
|
|
DIAPER DRIVE
Help us collect diapers for the IRC! Bring your donations to the narthex or church office (or bring them during the Kids' Connection on Sundays) before December 19.
Then, we will present them as gifts at Jesus' Birthday Party on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10:00 am!
|
|
|
|
CHURCH DECORATING
Help decorate the church for the season! Contact Laurie Bret to confirm your spot.
- Sunday Nov. 21 immediately after the 11:00 service
- Monday Nov. 29, 9:00–1:00
- Tuesday Nov. 30, 9:00–1:00
- Wednesday Dec. 1, 9:00–1:00
|
|
WOMEN'S ADVENT SERVICE
Come escape the busyness of the season and reflect in a calm, peaceful service with PWiN on December 13 from 7-8 pm. Wassail, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts will be served following worship. Childcare with seasonal activities available upon request.
|
|
DONATE GOODS FOR REFUGEES
|
|
|
Help Northridge Without Borders support a recent refugee family by donating goods or supplies to furnish one small apartment! Must sign up through link below. We need:
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Dishware
- Linens
- Cleaning supplies
Donate the following times:
- Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9-11 AM
- Sunday, Nov. 14 after 11:00 worship
|
|
CAMP NORTHRIDGE: CHRISTMAS SPOTS OPEN!
|
|
|
Camp Northridge will be hosting Christmas Camps December 20-22, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm! Ages 4-10 welcome. Cost is $210 per camper. Spots are still available!
|
|
This is your friendly reminder regarding the Forward by Faith Capital Campaign: If you have not yet paid the 2021 installment on your campaign pledge, please do so as soon as possible!
Thank you,
Co-chairs Cory Barnard and Rob Taylor
|
|
HAPPENING NOW: TWO ADULT CLASSES
|
|
Flawed Family of God: Stories About the Imperfect Families of Genesis
Reconciling with Your Siblings as an Adult - Ch. 9
Led by Rev. Betsy Swetenburg
|
|
Living the Questions
Nov. 14 - "A Passion for Christ: Paul" led by Lee Jones
This class will be using a video-based curriculum that features acclaimed scholars, theologians, and other experts as they seek to study in a new way. On their website, this study is described as "an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what’s next for Christianity."
|
|
Bible Study: Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m.
Join us!
|
|
WIRED WORD - Wednesday nights at 7 pm via ZOOM
Christianity and a current event - a group discussion.
Each week, The Wired Word provides resources on a current event.
This week's topic is:
"New Zealand Makes Teaching of Nation's History Mandatory
for All Its Schools"
An email is sent to those interested. Previous participants don't need to sign up again — they're on the list. Those who would like to join or who would like more information are invited to contact Mike Marcotte.
|
|
New Partnership with IRC
& Northridge Youth
Starting in January, Northridge youth and IRC youth will gather monthly to play games, get to know each other, and learn about various cultures represented. Many of these IRC teens are recent refugees or asylum seekers interested in learning more about their new home's culture. This will be an amazing opportunity for Northridge youth to expand their horizons and for the IRC youth to learn about America and make friends in their new hometown. Learn more about the IRC here: https://www.rescue.org/page/ircs-impact-glance
|
|
NOV. 16: GUEST ARTIST AT NORTHRIDGE
|
|
The Engagement & Connection Committee is pleased to announce a complimentary art lecture and demonstration: Associated Creative Artists (ACA), the longest running fine arts group in Dallas, will meet on November 16 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Quillin Hall. Guest artist is the acclaimed Clinton Broyles, and all of Northridge is invited.
The ACA invites well-known professional artists to do a demonstration painting during their monthly meetings. No sign-up is required.
|
|
Looking for ways to plug in at Northridge? There are many small groups that meet regularly with a variety of focuses including thoughtful discussions, an afternoon or morning of pickleball, or an evening of purely social connection.
If you're interested in joining an existing small group or forming a totally new one, please contact Kim Shuler with the Engagement & Connection Committee to see how you can connect on a whole new level at Northridge.
|
|
REV. DEANNA HOLLAS AT CAMP GILMONT
|
|
REV. DEANNA HOLLAS at
CAMP GILMONT, DEC. 3-5
Rev. Deanna Hollas, who interned with Northridge several years ago, will be leading a retreat at Camp Gilmont in East Texas this December.
|
|
|
- Masks and social distancing are required for indoor gatherings, including worship.
- Masks are not required for outdoor activities, such as 9:00 worship.
- If you are feeling ill or have been exposed, please worship with us through our YouTube channel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|