Scripture: Genesis 23:1-20 | Connections Matter

Join us On Campus or Online | Sunday, May 25, 2025

That was my answer when recently asked by a colleague for my go-to theological statement when I encounter a stranger who is in crisis. To clarify, in situations like this, I ask lots of questions first. I want to know as much about this stranger and about their present crisis as I can before I presume to offer theological content or pastoral advice. 

But most of the time, once we arrive at the point where I feel like it’s time for some theological/pastoral comment, I feel compelled to lead with the fact that no matter what we are going through, no matter how disconnected we feel, no matter how desperate the specifics of the context—first and foremost, folks need to know they are not alone and that God is with us. 

This line comes from the Creed of the United Church of Canada, and it’s a creed that I have said and led in worship services since I was a kid (in McKinney, not in Canada). Collectively, in those worship spaces, I loved saying these words; they rang true because in the midst of my various church families, I already felt, already knew, that I wasn’t alone. My church families were the flesh and bone proof that I was not alone. 

I was recently in the allergy medication aisle at Sam’s, when I bumped into a friend who I hadn’t seen since he suddenly and tragically lost his wife. And as we discussed how he was doing, he said, “I don’t know how anyone can get through a loss like this without faith, without God to turn to, and without a church.” 

I know this to be true.

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, and it’s a holiday that draws a lot of generational grief and contemplation out of me. Here’s some pics: 

My grandfather’s oldest brother, James, almost

made it out of WWII, killed by the last sniper while clearing a town in Northern France. In 2000, I visited his grave at Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, FRA;

I was the first of his family to ever see his final resting place. The pictures brought some peace.

My sister’s first husband, who joined our family when I was 14, was killed outside of Baghdad during his first combat deployment in an almost 20-year military career. He’s buried on his late father’s farm in

Leonard, Texas.

My son and his fellow 5th graders on a D.C. trip last

year, the week after Memorial Day, visiting his great grandfather’s grave (my wife’s paternal grandfather)

in Arlington National Cemetery, just after the

marker had been placed. 

When I think about my grandfather, in his grief, my sister & her grief, my father-in-law, and all the other friends & family who felt these losses in each specific time, and many who still feel and deal now, and I wonder, “how did they go on, move on? How did they get through?”— I remind myself that they were all people of deep faith whose church families stepped in to care for them, and I remember those creedal words: "We are not alone. We live in God’s world.”

Neil Moseley

Director of Community Engagement

9:00 am - Sunday School

10:00 am - Fellowship

10:30 am - Worship Service

The Sunday worship service is also available online, on Facebook, and on YouTube. Below are some tips for worshiping with us online.

Announcements begin at 10:15 am, with the prelude to follow. Join us early! Prepare your own bread, cup and candle for communion. Turn on and adjust the sound to your computer.

Children's Music

Currently on Summer Break

Will resume mid-August

Sunday Worship Service

Neil Moseley in the Pulpit

10:30 am in the Sanctuary and online.

Worship Rocks

Following the children's moment during the worship service, children (ages 3 - 5th grade) will be escorted to F-102 for their own kid-friendly worship experience. 

Reception in Narthex

(following worship service)

in celebration of Fernando's

26th Work Anniversary.

Solomon's Porch (Men's Group)

2nd and 4th Saturdays

7:30 am in the Music Suite.

Tai Chi

Monday, June 2

10:30 am in F-102

Contact Donna for info

972-271-3949

Summer Choir

Sunday, June 15-July 6

10:00 am in Sanctuary

(no robes)

Choir Rehearsal

Currently on Summer Break

Will resume Wed, Aug 6

at 7:00 pm

in the Music Suite

Vacation Bible School

Mon-Fri, July 21-25

9:15 am - 12;15 pm

at Northway.

Click for details.

It's a surprise! In celebration of Fernando Valdez's 26th work anniversary at Northway, we're collecting a love offering and planning a surprise reception which will take place following the worship service this Sunday, May 25th. If you would like to participate in the love offering you may give online (select "love offering" in the drop down), or mail your gift to the church office at 7202 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225 (c/o Love Offering). Please note, gifts toward a Love Offering are not tax deductible.

With honor and gratitude, we remember.

Mobile Food Pantry

1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesdays

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Front lot of the church.

Seeds of Faith Community Garden

1st and 3rd Saturdays

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Greater Garth Chapel

2828 Carpenter Ave.

Dallas, TX 75215

Diaper Distribution

4th Saturdays

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

NOTE: On Sat, May 24, distribution will take place on the Circle Drive off Airline Rd. (west side of the church).

Stuff-the-Truck Diaper Drive

Diaper collection for Hope Supply Co through the month of May.

International Rescue Committee

Bundle packages to support

refugee families.

Click to view list.

Cartercare Blood Drive

Saturday, November 1

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

in the Sanctuary

Want to get involved?

Email us and we will

help you get connected!

05/26 Memorial Day Holiday

06/15 Father's Day Breakfast, 9:30 am in F-101

06/22-06/27 NCC host site for Be The Neighbor

06/29-07/04 NCC host site for Be the Neighbor

06/29 Fellowship Lunch, 11:45 am in F101

07/06-07/11 NCC host site for Be the Neighbor

07/06-07/11 Youth Mission Trip to KC, MO

07/21-07/25 Vacation Bible School

08/02 Regional Men's Breakfast at NCC

VBS is filled with fun, faith, and friendship! VBS is for children ages 4 (must be potty trained) to 5th grade. The dates for VBS are Mon-Fri, July 21-25, from 9:15 am—12:15 pm.

If you would like to serve on the team that prepares VBS, please contact Pastor Chesna.

Registration is now available for Summer Camp and Retreats at Disciples Crossing.

For a list of camp dates and registration details click here.

This calendar year – 2025 – we are setting a congregation goal of

25,000 Hours of Blessing and Service! Will you help us reach our goal?

Everyone can participate - members, visitors, guests, and neighbors who want to contribute to Building the Beloved Community. If you're here on Sundays, simply fill out a card and place it in the offering tray as it's passed. Or, to access a digital card click here or scan the QR code.

What counts as Hours of Blessing & Service? Working at Northway's mobile food pantry, diaper distribution, or community garden events are obvious examples, but every moment of kindness to your neighbor counts. 

Happy birthday to Susan Clark, Susan Cortez, Dorothy Fisher, Carol Geckler, Janet Hopkins Rone, Jason McNatt, Steve Poteet, and Sandra Sailer.

Hey Parents! If you'd like to keep up with Northway's activities for children and youth, you'll want to click here to check out our "Parent Connection" newsletter. If you're not receiving this weekly email, but would like to, send us a note.

April Month End Receipts: $43,978.

2025 Budgeted Receipts to be announced.

Financial Update Note: Contributions will be reported at the time they are received, even if they are prepayments of annual pledges. If you have questions, please contact Jacob Geary or call the church office at 214-361-6641.