NorthRidge Church & Christian Academy

September 2012 Volume 4, Issue 8

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Our News Reaching You; Reaching Out to You In This Issue

A Message From Pastor David

Page 2( or click here)

Expressions of Worship
Page 4 (or click here)

From The Desk of Pastor Harold

Page 5 (or click here)

Youth Happenings
Page 7 (or click here)

NorthRidge Christian Preschool News

Page 8 (or click here)

Events, Birthdays & Information Page 9 (or click here)

A Message From Pastor David

Its His Time

We live in a day when what sells best in the Christian world are books, sermons, and television programs that are aimed directly at you This Is Your Day, You Are the Reason for the Season, Become a Better You, Its Your Time, The Me I Want to Be, The Life Youve Always Wanted, and similar titles orbiting around the Youniverse. Its time to take all the arrows that point to you and bend them back to our Lord. Behold the ill-starred Nazarene who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. Behold the artisan from Galilee, the one who called Himself the Son of Man (which means son of Adam the human being). Watch Him as He is taken before Romes delegates in the city of Jerusalem. See Him standing before Pilate rejected, dejected, bludgeoned, beaten, spat upon. Behold Him who created the heavens, the Lord of the universe, suffering the most horrific, gruesome form of torture that was ever invented by the human imagination. Observe Him hanging on a wooden stake, dying a slow, hideous death, covered with blood naked, mocked, and shamed. The Messiah has become a public spectacle that elicits the spinechilling, gleeful laughter of satan himself. Watch death, the child of sin, emerge from the pit. With open arms, it darkens the wood of the cross and takes the Prince of heaven into its silent, hopeless domain. The powers of Rome may have defeated the suffering artisan two thousand years ago, but in the end, He shall triumph. Christ shall subdue all things and put them under His feet, for upon that bloody hill, Jesus of Nazareth the spotless, sinless man defeated the powers of darkness and won for Himself the keys of death, hell, and the grave. He is a Savior to the uttermost for our guttermost. He saves in every situation and at all times. There is no circumstance too hard for Him. By Jesus resurrection, God the Father vindicated Him before angels, demons, and the human race to be the universally triumphant, sovereign Lord. This same Jesus now sits at the right hand of power, as a faithful high priest, tirelessly interceding for His own in the presence of God. He lives by the power of an endless life, and He never fails. The one foundation, the unshakable support of the universe is Christ, who upholds all things, and preserves in well-being all that has been firmly founded. We are all built upon him: we are a spiritual house bonded together by the Spirit to form a holy temple which is his own dwelling place, for he dwells in our hearts through faith. ~ St. Cyril of Alexandria And one day, every kingdom, every ruler, every principality and power shall bow their mortal knees to the rejected Nazarene. He, the Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, shall reign in regal glory over everything in, below, and above the earth, in heaven. He shall be the judge of all creation, and His kingdom shall never end.

...Continued next page

In that day, Jesus the Nazarene shall be universally vindicated as the ruler of the kings of the earth. Humanity will meet the power of glory face-to-face, for when He appears, the world will see His divinity, His beauty, His majestic splendor, His perfect righteousness, and His complete holiness. He shall make all crooked lines straight as the earths rightful judge. But more, all who follow Him today will share in the unveiled, unapproachable, indescribable radiance of Gods Son tomorrow a greater glory than this world could ever comprehend. Indeed, it will be His time, and He will have the last word. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Revelation 1:7 The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever! - Revelation 11:15 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:811 How can you not love a Lord like that? How can you not bow the knee to a God like that? How can you not allow this radiant Lord to capture your heart and ravish your soul? How can you not make Him your lifes pursuit for the rest of your days on this earth? And how can you preach and teach anything else? Look again at the craftsman from Nazareth. Bow before Him, embrace Him, adore Him, and seek to know Him. He is available and closer to you than you can imagine. Jesus is your new tabernacle and temple. If you really want to see God present, dwelling among you, if you genuinely want to worship God in all of His glory, if you truly want to receive that gift of wonder and see glimpses of divine glory, then come to Him. Take your chances with the God of second chances. Jesus didnt die just to take you out of hell and into heaven. He died to take Himself out of heaven and deposit Himself into you. Adapted from Jesus Manifesto Leonard Sweet, Frank Viola When we see God for who He is, we will discover the solution for whom I have become and the hope to be whom I was created to become.

-Pastor David

Expressions of Worship:
for your ears...
Listen to this months selection on Spotify by clicking Here

Eddie Kirkland: Kings and Queens; released August 14 Download Link: Here

IHOPKC Worship: Onething Live: Magnificent Obsession; released July 24 Sixpence None the Richer: Lost in Transition; released August 7 Download Link: Here Download link: Here

Mac Powell: self titled; released August 21 Download Link: Here

From the Desk of Pastor Harold

Thank you for your patience while I am transitioning with several different positions in the church and academy. I am still the associate pastor, leading with the senior adults; I have also recently taken over the academy as interim principal. I am staying very busy. The new school year has started with much success. We have 156 students enrolled in Kindergarten through 10th grade. We added a second Kindergarten class and have several new faculty members. We are praying that God will continue to bless our school as we continue to grow. Thank you to all of our church members that are volunteering at the school this year too. Your time and willingness to serve is a blessing to me. Gina and I have also gone through another big transition as we sent Kayleigh off to college a few weeks ago. She is settled into her dorm at Southeastern College and started classes. Please continue to pray for Kayleigh as she begins this new journey in her life, and Gina and I in our journey as empty nesters. -Pastor Harold

Home-bound Ministry
Thanks for all who give their time and resources to this ministry. If you are considering where you might serve, please pray about getting involved with the Homebound Ministry. This is the current group of Home-bound with addresses that are being ministered to at this time. If you know of others that would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rowena Daley or call the church office @ 863.422.4488 Ms. Irma Swain Spring Haven Retirement LLC 1225 Havendale NW Winter Haven, Florida 33881 (863)-293-0072 Ms. Lucille Tiner Savannah Court assisted living. 301 Peninsular Drive Haines City, FL 33844-5046 (863) 4225204 Ms. Vera Cook Brandywyne Health Care Center 1801 Lake Mariam Drive Winter Haven, FL 33884 (863) 293-1989 Not home bound, but limited in some way and could use a word or two of encouragement with a visit, call or card. Mr Russ Vincent @ home Ms. Dorothy Burgess @ home Ms. Regena Lyle Savannah Court 301 Peninsular Drive #7, Haines City, FL 33844. Phone 863-422-4157. Mr. George Price Spring Haven Retirement LLC 1225 Havendale NW Apt. 154 Winter Haven, Fl. 33881 Joyce Dillon Spring Haven Retirement LLC 1225 Havendale NW Apt. 163 Winter Haven, Fl. 33881 Home phone: 875-7070 Joyce Cell 419-6794

All men all invited and encouraged to attend breakfast each Saturday morning at 7:00
We are currently studying the book of James. Come and enjoy a great time of fellowship and study of Gods Word

Youth Happenings
Greetings Church Family, Well, the school year has started and I am excited to be able to follow God on His mission for our young people. I am going to ask that you all join me in prayer for our students this year. In our services, we have been talking about a revival coming to this area, and I feel that there is a great need of revival in our schools. Our students face a spiritual battle every day that they walk on campus. It seems that every year people are trying to force God farther away from our campuses. This year, our students will once again be able to join with other Christians (students, and in some cases teachers as well) for See You At The Pole 2012. This event will be taking place on Wednesday, September 26th, a half hour before school begins. This is a time for Christians to gather at their schools flagpoles to pray for their school, teachers, and other students. At NorthRidge, we have many schools represented in our youth group, and we are planning to have someone at each of the schools that morning. This is the part where you come in! I am asking that our church joins with our students in prayer on this day. I have seen what God can do in the lives of these young people, and I have also seen the power of prayer in action. I believe that if we all join with the other Christians in prayer for the schools, that we will begin to see our campuses taken back in the name of the Lord. I thank you all in advance for praying for us this year.

-Stepping Out in Faith, Derrick

NorthRidge Christian Preschool News

Dateline: September 2, 2012, Northridge Christian Preschool After a week of school and a Tropical Storm named Isaac, Northridge Christian Preschool is going forward, full force and with Gods Blessing. The beginning of school finds the halls teeming with children, families and teachers. All of the faces are happy however we do have a few tears now and then. (The parents mostly!) Current population: 55 Voluntary Pre Kindergarten Students (4s) 15/Three - four year olds 12/Two - three year olds 12/One - two year olds 11 Teachers 1 Director 1 new baby born to Jessica (teacher) and Joey Watson (Daniel Bean) Many wonderful volunteers Stay tuned for more news and information as NCP continues through the year.

-Miss Holly

Events and Announcements

The Relationship Center

With school back in session, and vacations behind us, now is the time to sign up for fall classes, the following classes are being offered beginning Wednesday, Sept 12 at NorthRidge: Mark your calendar for the best ever ROMANTIC MARRIAGE RETREAT on October 12-14th at the Ben Hill Griffin Lodge located at the FFA Training Center in Haines City, Florida. This enrichment retreat is designed to make "good marriages better." For just $449, ($424 if paid by Sept 5th), all meals and lodging are covered plus the benefits of an unforgettable weekend with your spouse! For these upcoming events, go to The Relationship Center table before and after the Sunday Services or call the Southworths at (863) 875-6869. Why? Because your relationship is a priority! A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc. 4:12

Back to School Splash Bash!

Here are some of the highlights of the fun we had:

[Register by September 2nd]

Fall/Winter 2012 Childcare provided for Wednesday evening classes only. For Women James: Mercy Triumphs Ladies: come along with Beth Moore on a journey to get to know both the man and the Book of James. You will never be the same again. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer. For Men Temptation: Standing Strong Against Temptation This is a men's Bible study of the Book of James that will equip you to think clearly and choose wisely when dealing with temptation. This study will help you confront this pervasive problem in God's wisdom and strength, so you can begin to live an undivided life. For Young Ladies Me, Myself, & Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover This young ladies Bible study will encourage you to clean out the junk of your mind and replace hidden negative thoughts with positive truths from God's word. Words are powerful, especially the words girls speak to themselves. For Everyone The PRISM Weight Loss Program The PRISM Weight Loss Program is a Christian oriented program. It is a complete, 24 plus weeks program, divided into four or more six-week phases. Enrollment is optional for each six-week phase, enabling you to choose how long you will participate in the program. 8 weeks Wednesdays (6:30-8:00) September 12-October 31

$20 per person

Wednesdays (6:30-8:00)

8 weeks September 12-October 31

$10 per person

Tuesdays (6:00-8:00)

7 weeks September 11-October 23 $20 per person

Thursdays (6:30-8:00)

7 weeks September 13-October 25 $55 per person

Building Your Marriage to Last 7 weeks Your marriage is under construction every day as you build on the Wednesdays September 12-October promises that youve made to each other & learn to deal with setbacks (6:30-8:00) 24 and challenges. No matter how good, difficult, long, or short your time has been, you can start buildingor remodelingright now. As you join your $20 per couple spouse and a small group of friends, youll discover Gods designs for your marriage. Smart Stepfamilies Ron Deal explodes the myth of the "blended" family as he provides practical, realistic solutions to the issues that stepfamilies face. He helps remarried and soon-to-be married couples recognize the unique personality and place of each family member and solve the everyday puzzles of stepparenting and stepchildren relationships. Spanish For Missions Are you being led into Missions in 2013 or beyond? Learn a new language and answer that call. This 10-week course offers lessons for beginners in conversation, testimony, scripture, and evangelism. Pastor's Bible Study (no registration required) Dig a little deeper with Pastor David on Wednesday evenings. Join us in the fellowship hall for refreshments and Bible study. Topics vary but always consist of a more in-depth approach to God's Word. 8 weeks September 12November 14 No fee 10 weeks Wednesdays September 12(6:30-8:00) November 14 $40 per person 10 weeks Wednesdays (6:45-7:45) Ongoing No cost

Wednesdays (6:30-8:00)

Name: ______________________________________ Phone: (

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Email: _____________________________________ Amount Paid: $_________________ Class You are Registering For: ________________________________________________

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September Birthdays
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 Richard Kerr

3 Theresa Smith

4 Stephani Williams

5 Jan Shira Krislynn Walker

7 Rachel Giegold Mark Myers Morgan Watts

Kevin McGuire Sam Bowman

8 Michelle Baron Carmelo Calon

Nathan Mattheus

10

Colton Singleton Jacque Conrad Carolyn Snively Mollie McGuire Mary Wright Paul Myers

11 12 Dorothy Burgess Jose Echevarria Judy Enos Samuel Mixon Sharon ODonnell

13

14

15

Amanda Buchanan Janet Schatz Leigha Heverly Spencer Whiteman

Terri Savage

Gene Smart 16 Ruth Gilley 17 Russ Vincent 18 19 20 Samairah Klaus 21 Awilda Mendez Devon Watts 22

23 Ann Barnes

24
Chevaughn Campbell Rashida Forrester

25 Aubrey Johnson Cheryl Piercy Thomas Williams

26 Alaina Bowman Cole Watts

27

28 Carol Shemwell

29

30 Harold Butler
Landon McGuire

Scott Shira

Wednesday services

Sunday services

5:45-6:45 -Prayer in Sanctuary 6:45-7:45 -Coffee and Bible study in Fellowship Hall

Sunday Morning Caf -8:45am Sunday School -9:20 Worship Service -10:30am (also Kids' Church K5-3rd)

Church Office
Hours-Monday -Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm. If you need to contact the Pastor On Call you can at any time by calling the Church Office 863-422-4488 and leaving a message in the On Call mailbox (ext. 2104) The Pastor that is on call for the week will return your call ASAP.