Theologian Walter Brueggemann says there is a formula for the psalms, which is pretty simple: Orientation. Disorientation. Re-orientation.

Orientation is the place where everything makes sense in our lives. It's the familiar, day-to-day life we're accustomed. Life marked by comfortability, reliability, and predictability. Disorientation is when the world collapses around us and we sink into the pit. Life as we know it changes due to to loss, death, changes in circumstances, finances, or health. It's not an enjoyable place. Re-orientation is the wisdom which can only come when you realize that God has lifted you out of the pit and there is a new gratitude and awareness about our lives and our God.

Many scholars have said that this is the formula for more than the psalms. It's the formula for faithful living. I would argue that one of the best signs of a healthy faith community is one that walks with people through seasons of disorientation as they navigate into a new orientation.

For a long time, many churches tried to create children's and youth programs that shielded young people from disorientation or instability. The hope was that young people would come to associate church as the familiar, comfortable, unchanging place in their lives. The unfortunate side effect of that approach was that when instability arose, those young people didn't necessarily see the church as a place that could help them navigate the challenges. Instead, they felt like church was the place where they needed to have it all together and show their best, most manicured selves.

I love that Northridge walks with young people through the difficult seasons. The goal is not to shield them from the hard things or pretend like a faithful life is spent avoiding hardship. The goal is for every young person to know without a doubt that "nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

On Sunday morning, our high school seniors will lead us in worship at both 9:00 and 11:00 AM. You'll hear from them directly regarding how you have put flesh on this scriptural promise in their lives. They have so thoughtfully reflected and prepared, and I know it will be a moving service for our community.

On a personal note, I will be worshipping with you virtually on Sunday. I will be out of town for my best friend's wedding this weekend.

With great anticipation,

Betsy

The seniors this year are: Bobby Bye, Meghan McCutchan, Ellie Nicholson, Zöe Scurria, and Avery Schaub.

Kids' Connection

If you cannot get a copy of the book in time, click here to learn more about this book and the history of Civil Rights in Dallas here.

Last week in worship, we welcomed Caroline Alexis Nelson and Catherine Savannah Nelson, daughters of Melinda and Jack Nelson; and Milla Alexandra Spell and Sophie Katharina Spell, daughters of Suzy and Charles Spell into the family of faith

by way of baptism.

In addition, we also welcomed the Nelson family into the Northridge congregation as new members. Melinda and Jack Nelson, along with their children Chris (16), Anthony (13), Caroline (9), and Catherine (8),are joining by letter of transfer from Lakepointe Church in Rockwall. They first became familiar with the church through Camp Northridge, where Jack has previously taught a robotics camp. Together, Melinda and Jack are passionate about foster care and adoption advocacy. Please give them a warm welcome when you see them in the halls!

Each week, The Wired Word provides resources on a current event. This week's topic is:

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.

Calling all women and young women 12 or older! Please join us for a great chance to give back, by volunteering with us on Saturday, May 21, from 9-11 am at Hope Supply. Hope Supply is a terrific hub and spoke charity, providing desperately needed diapers and other supplies to charities who use them in servicing the needs of their clients in family violence shelters, homeless shelters, and many others. (See hopesupplyco.org.) We'll work in an open-sided warehouse, sorting and packing supplies. It's not air conditioned, but there are fans—so dress appropriately! You need to be able to stand for an extended period of time. 

Are you interested in helping with Friday Night Faith this summer? Please email Emily Cox at [email protected]. We need helpers who can come June 24, July 29, and August 26 from 5:30-8:30 PM.

We are looking for teachers to join our team! Northridge Child Development Center is an accredited preschool serving children age 2 to 5 years. We are a play-based school focusing on the whole child. For more information, please email Director Heather Kolodziej at [email protected]

This summer, we will meet the last Friday of the month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for fun, dinner, music, bible stories, mission projects, and more! Set your calendars for June 24, July 29, and August 26! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.