The kickoff of a new year always reminds me of the anticipation I felt before a new school year as I wondered about who my teachers would be and what new friends I'd make and what classes would be most interesting to me. A new school year brought along with it so many possibilities and hopes.

I feel the same way about the start of a new church year. I am full of anticipation and excitement as I wonder about who will join our community this year, what new expressions of faith will take root, what extravagant acts of compassion will happen among us, how we'll impact our city, and how God will surprise us in the year ahead.

I hope to see you this Sunday for worship at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.. During our 10:00 a.m. Connection Hour, we'll gather in Quillin Hall to reconnect with others, have breakfast, and learn about ways to get involved this year. 

We are excited that this new year brings with it a new digital church directory. There is more information below, but you'll be receiving an email invitation today to create a login to Realm Connect and set up your profile. This will enable you to access the church directory from your phone or computer and see the most up-to-date information. We'll have a station set up in Quillin Hall where you can get help logging in, downloading the app, setting up your profile, and more. We hope everyone will commit to setting up their profile and confirming their information, making it easier than ever to connect with your Northridge community.

With great anticipation,

Betsy

Our fall worship schedule begins SUNDAY with 9:00 a.m. outdoor worship in the lower parking lot and 11:00 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary.

Worship with us in person or online

(click button below).

Rev. Betsy Swetenburg will preach a sermon entitled "I Am The Way." In preparation, you are invited to read John 14:2-7.

We will partake in the sacrament of communion, so if you are worshiping at home, please have your elements ready.

10:00 Connection Hour

Head to Quillin Hall for breakfast tacos and a chance to meet with leaders from our various ministry areas. Bring your calendars to mark down some fun opportunities for the fall! Kids and teens will also get the chance to meet their Sunday school teachers. 

Bring $20 for a Northridge mug!

Don't forget to bring $20 (cash or check) to buy a Northridge insulated coffee mug! Supplies are limited.

TUESDAY

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

7:30 a.m. via ZOOM

Join us!

P.W.I.N. MORNING CIRCLE

On Tuesday, the Morning Circle begins its study of Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight. All women of Northridge are invited to join us at 10:00 a.m. in Room 135 or by zoom.

Are you tired? Weary? Do you feel like you are running on empty? Come do the counterintuitive thing by making a plan to join us for our discussions on sabbath and experiencing a place of welcome where you can come just as you are.

You're encouraged to read Matthew 11:28–12:15 before our gathering. Have a bit more time? Read our study, pages 11-18. Please reflect on the question: Do you think of Sabbath as a NO or as a YES? Why? (Note there is no wrong answer!)

This question is posed by Mary Marcotte, who will lead the study. Join the conversation with other women. It is a great time to renew friendships, meet new women and expand your faith through insightful bible study.

Linda Lob will lead the Morning Circle. Contact her if you have any questions or need childcare.

WEDNESDAY

We will resume The Wired Word meetings by Zoom on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. This week's subject is "New Studies on the Quality of Sleep May Help Us Rest Better."

Previous participants will automatically receive the lesson via email. Interested? Contact Mike Marcotte. 

FRIDAY

SERVE WITH THE STEWPOT

We're back with The Stewpot on September 16! Help us serve dinner, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Meet at 1818 Corsicana, wearing closed-toe shoes, a hat or hairnet, and a mask.

The Well-Watered Soul

September 22, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

As schedules kick into high gear, how are you feeling? Energized and well-watered? Or parched and overwhelmed? The start of a new school year is the perfect time to reflect on how you're caring for yourself amidst life's joys and challenges. How are you watering your soul? Join Barbara Rader and Betsy Swetenburg for an evening of spiritual nourishment where we will explore ways to refill our tanks and discuss everyday practices for navigating life's joys and heartbreaks. Childcare available. 

Outdoor Concert

September 23, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Save the date for our Outdoor Concert on Friday, September 23 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm! 

Our musical guest will be Mike Randall, and children's activities will be provided.

Feel free to BYO chairs, food, and drink, or enjoy the Salsa Limón taco truck! 

Watch for Spam Emails

A friendly reminder to watch for spam emails pretending to be from Betsy. Remember that Betsy will never ask for your private or financial information over email, nor will she ask you for "favors" such as purchasing gift cards. If you suspect an email to be spam, check the email address it was sent from—if it's not [email protected], it's not her! 

Tutor with Literacy Achieves 

Our mission partner, Literacy Achieves, has an urgent need for in-person afternoon (12:30 - 2:30 pm) teachers at all three campuses for the upcoming fall semester. There are also some open positions for morning classes.