As a mother of two young children, I can't help but point out the chaotic and frazzled energy that takes over my brain this time of year. When I am bold enough to pause my to-do list and sit still and listen to music, scripture, good news, or even just silence, I am always inspired. In the stillness, I have the ability to notice the little things; to see the beauty in the generosity and kindness of the season; and then, I usually get right back to that list. But I am better because of that pause—I am kinder to myself and others. These moments root me in the peace and hope of the season.

I hope you will join me for an inspiring "pause" this Sunday morning for Lessons & Carols at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.

I also hope that you have plans to join us for Christmas Eve. There are two distinct offerings: our Outdoor Interactive Family Service with Petting Zoo at 10:00 a.m., and a Traditional Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Dr. George Mason preaching. Look for more info on our upcoming offerings here.

Faithfully,

Emily Cox

Director of Faith Formation

Join us for 9:00 a.m. worship outside in the lower parking lot or for 11:00 a.m. worship in the sanctuary.

Or, worship online by clicking the button below.

Today, we will take part in

Lessons & Carols

Missed a sermon? Listen to our podcast here!

Names matter. Northridge is a community where no one is anonymous, to God or others. We invite you to dust off your nametag and wear it to church. If you need a nametag, reach out to Sarah Bennett at [email protected].

Visitors, we also have nametags for you to fill out at either service!

Advent Devotional Discussion

If you’d like to have a conversation about the Advent Devotional, join Nell Green in room #135 on Sunday mornings of advent during the Connection Hour. This group will have time to reflect on what they’ve learned from the scripture, and will support one another as they navigate the season of Advent.

Holy Disruption Advent Class

Join us in room #130-131 during the Connection Hour, we will begin our Advent adult education study "Holy Disruption: Discovering Advent in the Gospel of Mark." Adults are invited to dig deep into the Gospel of Mark each Sunday of advent. Margaret Floyd and Lee Jones will be facilitating the discussions in this class.

JESUS' BIRTHDAY PARTY

During the Kids' Connection Hour on December 18, children are welcome to join us as we read the Christmas story and celebrate Jesus' birthday with cupcakes.

TONIGHT

SERVE AT THE STEWPOT FRIDAY, DEC. 16

We have 8 spots every third Friday of the month to serve dinner at The Stewpot! Join us at 1818 Corsicana at 5:45 p.m. wearing closed-toe shoes, a hat or hairnet, and a mask. Expect to be there until 7:00 p.m. See ya there!

SUNDAY

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY

All Northridge youth are invited to a movie night at the Nicholsons' house on December 18, starting at 5:30 p.m. Message Emily for more info.

YEAR-END GIFTS & TAX REPORTING

Many of you will make gifts close to the end of the year. Depending on how and when you make your gift, you can control whether the gift will be deductible for federal income tax purposes in 2022 or 2023.

Here are the rules: (1) If you date your check 2022 and put it in the plate or deliver it to the church office by December 31, 2022, your gift will be deductible in 2022. (2) If you mail your gift to the church and your mailing envelope is postmarked by December 31, 2022, your gift will be deductible in 2022. (3) If you date your check 2022 and bring it to the church office, put it in the plate or mail it after December 31, 2022, your gift will be deductible in 2023. (4) If you date your check 2023, your year-end gift will be deductible in 2023, whenever you send it to the church. Northridge will follow these rules in reporting year-end gifts on giving statements. If you have any questions, please contact our treasurer at [email protected].

Thank you,

Allan Tepera, Treasurer

Northridge staff and congregants have made an in-house devotional that will be used to foster conversation surrounding the sermon text. Want to receive the daily email? Click the button below!

Advent At-A-Glance

Sundays of Advent: Opportunity to make Two Pencils mission offerings after worship

December 18: Lessons & Carols in worship; Jesus' Birthday Party at 10:00 a.m.

December 24: Outdoor Family Christmas Eve Service with Petting Zoo at 10:00 a.m. and

Candlelight Sanctuary Service at 5:30 p.m. (childcare available)

Reverse Advent Calendar

This year, we are asking our Northridge families to consider using a different kind of advent calendar. Pick up a hard copy on Sunday at either worship service! All donations will be given to the White Rock Center of Hope to help those in need in East Dallas.

Two Pencils

Northridge has a strong commitment to our mission partners, and we especially look forward to the Advent season, when we can share that commitment with our friends and family through giving donations in their honor as Christmas gifts!

We're coming up on week 3 of the Two Pencils campaign! Northridge works diligently to show our love for each other with amazing faith partnerships: the White Rock Center of Hope; Arrow Outreach Star Scholarships; St. Croix Hospital, Haiti; The Stewpot/Bridge; Literacy Achieves; and the Roger Quillin Scholarship Fund.

TUESDAY

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

7:30 a.m. via ZOOM

Join us!

WEDNESDAY

The Wired Word will be taking a break

for the next few weeks and

will resume in January.

Watch the newsletter in January for

our next discussion time.

INTERACTIVE FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE

Join us at 10:00 a.m. on the lower parking lot for this fun, interactive, family service. Each kid is given an accessory for a costume and a single line to repeat as their part in the story. Children will do a brief "rehearsal" of their part and songs while grown-ups settle in with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The children will then lead us in the interactive singing and story. Photo booth, petting zoo, and mission project stations to follow.

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE

Join us in the sanctuary at 5:30 p.m. for this traditional service, complete with candlelight worship. Rev. Dr. George Mason, formerly of Wilshire Baptist Church (where he served as senior pastor for more than30 years before retiring in May) will lead us in worship.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Starting in January, Doug Fenn will lead us in a community engagement series so that we can stay informed on issues faced by our community. Mark your calendars for:

• January 8: Explanation and intro to the series with Doug Fenn
• January 15: Lawyer Jenna Carl will speak about immigration law and issues facing immigrants
• January 22: Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner will speak on "Women with 2020 Vision: American Theologians on the Voice, Vote and Vision of Women"
• January 29: Congregational Meeting
• February 5: Refugee Services of Texas demonstration

ADULT EDUCATION IN JANUARY

You have questions? We do, too! You are invited to try out a different kind of Sunday school class at Northridge called Living the Questions—it’s a continuation of a program that we explored previously. 

Each week, we will watch a short video of several knowledgeable people discussing a major question that many Christians ask about our faith. Then, the class will discuss our own thoughts on the topic. Because this is Northridge, we will encourage all members of the class to express their own personal versions of the questions and even possible answers. You will not need to do any reading or other preparation. You can try the class anytime, without a commitment to continue. 

This class will run from January 8—February 12 during the 10:00 Connection Hour. To accommodate choir members and others who need to leave early, a class leader will be available in the classroom starting at 9:45.  

For more information, contact Don Zentmeyer.

VOLUNTEER WITH LITERACY ACHIEVES

Want to volunteer to teach with Literacy Achieves? No prior experience needed! Applications are now being accepted for spring tutors. Semester begins January 23.

Morning, afternoon, and evening classes available, both online and in person. Training provided.