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Note from Mark In the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the word “amazed” is used in some form 33 times. One of the times is when the Shepherds share about Jesus, and people are amazed (Luke 2:17). Another is when Jesus' parents hear what is being said about him (Luke 2:33), and they were amazed. Amazement has this sense of wonder and astonishment at what is happening. As we get older or jaded by life, it is easy to lose a sense of wonder and amazement about both the simple things in life, like a toy train going around a track, or the twinkling Christmas lights. But even in the big things, we can lose our sense of amazement. We can become familiar and comfortable with the birth of Jesus and miss how amazing it really is: that God would send his one and only Son, Jesus, on a rescue mission, to bring reconciliation, forgiveness, healing, deliverance, peace, joy, hope, love, and so much more. May we slow down and allow ourselves to be amazed again at the incredible gift of Jesus. MINISTRIESNeighborhood Kids Leader: Karin Sauder, [email protected] A safe place for children to meet Jesus, know Jesus & learn to share Jesus. Our theme for this month in Neighborhood Kids was “Courage”, which is being brave enough to do what you should do, even when you’re afraid. We looked at the stories of Esther, Daniel, Joshua, and David to show us what courage looks like, and how God is with us even when we are afraid and don’t know what to do. Our memory verse was Joshua 1:9, and the kids did an awesome job memorizing it. Our friend Evelyn Ott got to light her lightbox in front of the church this month, after saying her first Yes to Jesus last May! At the end of the month we had a really fun Advent Event with our church family, where we all got together and made Advent Wreaths, ate Christmas cookies, and even had a visit from St. Nicholas who taught us about who he is and the meaning of Christmas (and gave out gold coins and Advent calendars!). We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that you are all looking forward to Christmas! Neighborhood Youth Leader: Tim Allen, [email protected] A place for teens to meet Jesus, know Jesus & be encouraged to share Jesus. This past month, Neighborhood Youth enjoyed dinner (thank you Bonnie Wissink for the delicious food!), a few game nights & time off around the holiday season. The youth also participated in a short survey to give valuable feedback on the ministry. At the end of the month, we joined the church family for a fun Advent Event! Worship & Production Team Leader: Mel Neely, [email protected] We are a diverse community of followers of Jesus Christ, empowered by His Spirit with one heart and one mind to invite and lead in declaring His worth. The Neighborhood Church Worship & Production team continues to lift high the name of Jesus through our in person and online services. This month Mel Neely, Adoara Nwokoye and Joseph Villacis led worship along with our dedicated team of instrumentalists and vocalists. On Thursday evenings, the team engaged with the devotionals reinforcing our Sunday sermons shared by Eric Peacock, Evan Homan, Donna Brown and Mel. We also shared praises and prayer requests. We introduced the song, “I Speak Jesus” and will continue to proclaim His great Name! Our Worship & Production team continues to thrive under the leadership of Jeff Geraci. We are thankful to have a truly multigenerational team with middle school, high school and adult volunteers working together to make our Sunday services in person and online possible. Thank you, Jeff for fixing our Nord triple pedal! BECAUSE of God’s faithfulness, our Worship Team is living on mission as a multi-ethnic, multigenerational team being transformed by Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and inviting the Neighborhood Church family to be launched on mission with them! Neighborhood Groups Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected] Our primary venue for making friends, inviting God's transformation through Scripture and prayer, and living on mission together. Neighborhood Groups are the primary way that we care for each other, and one of our groups is leading the way in helping one of their members get a good start in stable housing. To see how you can help, click the link below (collecting donations through December 11). You can also give to the benevolence fund to offset these kinds of expenses. Move In Kit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49a9ad22abfc1-tracis Plans are underway now for our winter/spring semester of groups. Stay tuned for registration details. Missions Team Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected] We are launched on His mission from our neighborhoods to the nations. (Acts 1:8) We continued with our monthly packing of breakfasts for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless on November 20. The missions team oversees our local and global missions engagement, which is everything from our local partnerships with organizations such as MCCH, to our ongoing support of missionaries in South America, Africa, and Europe, to our twice a year "Global Encounters" missions emphasis weeks. For more information about how you can get involved, see Mark Trinkl. Welcome Team Leader: Contact Rose Ojwiga, [email protected] We will be a community that is authentic, transparent & creates space for real relationships (Acts 2:42) It was a nice blessed month with a good turnout especially during the 10:30am Sunday Gatherings. The Welcome Team continues to greet and welcome all guests and regular attendees. LEADERSHIPStaff Mark Trinkl, Tim Allen, Linnea Allen, Melanie Neely, Karin Sauder & Dana Zetterberg Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected] The staff manages Neighborhood Church ministry teams. Jen Ashby’s last day at Neighborhood Church was December 4th. Her parting words were to “speak Jesus” over Neighborhood Church and pray we would do the same wherever we go. Her transition will change the dynamics of the staff and the church. Please be praying for both her and the church during this transition. Elders Mark Trinkl, Evan Homan, Steve Beardsley, Mark Neely, & Keith Luse Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected] The Elders shepherd and give spiritual oversight to Neighborhood Church. We are prayerfully seeking to add more Elders, please pray with us, that God would lead us to qualified men to fulfill this role. Board of Governance Mark Trinkl (Chair), Evan Homan (Vice Chair), Matt Sale (Treasurer), Sarah Luse (Secretary), Angela Drumm, & Steve Beardsley The Board of Governance (BOG) sets boundaries for the Pastor. The Board will meet on December 12th to focus on connecting with Christ and our biblical mission and values. This will also be a time to talk through and approve the 2023 budget. We are so grateful for how God has taken care of Neighborhood Church this year. PEAK Assessment The leadership of the church will meet again on December 10th. This session is titled “Story” and we will review the story of Neighborhood Church and continue to process the assessment and what God is speaking to us through it. UPCOMING DATESDecember 18: MCCH Bagged Breakfast
December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 25: I’ll Be Home for Christmas (a virtual Sunday Gathering) January 1: Together Sunday March 2-4: Soul Care Conference Comments are closed.
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