NorthRidge Church & Christian Academy

June 2012 Volume 4, Issue 5

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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 6 (or click here)

Youth Happenings
Page 8 (or click here)

NorthRidge Christian Academy News Page 9 (or click here)

Upcoming Events, Birthdays and Information Page 10 (or click here)

A Message From Pastor David

Of late, I have found the Spirit of God directing my thoughts toward the need for personal refreshment. I often need those times of refreshing. How about you? I know we all do. We need those times when our soul is refreshed and made new. This refreshment is the sovereign work of God that God's people must desire. The need for renewal and refreshing is always a significant need among God's people because we are prone to wander. When we wander, we abandon Gods plan for our life. When we abandon Gods plan, we not only lose our way but we lose the significance of our existence. When we lose that significance, we live or walk the journey of our life as we did before Christ; without purpose, without direction, without hope, and without constraint. Joy fades. Peace is absent. Passion for reaching the lost wanes. I need spiritual refreshment. How about you? Psalm 85:6-7 6Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. Revival is the refusal to hide, cover, excuse, deny and ignore the corruption within us called sin. It is being honest about our sinful condition along with the renewed desire to be clean and wholly surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 51:10-11 10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Revival is the restoration of joy of the salvation that is God's precious possession shared generously with us. It is the granting of a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Revival is the renewed desire to obey the word of God in the practical expressions of our daily living. Psalm 119:9-11 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Revival is the restoring of the reverence for God. It is a longing for the perfecting holiness of the Lord Jesus. 2Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Revival is the refreshed reality of being cleansed from besetting sin. John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Revival is renewed obedience. Psalm 119:16-17 16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Revival is the revelation of deception in our lives. It is the clear and simple desire to obey the word of God. It is the longing to please and honor the Lord. James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Revival is a renewed disgust for worthless things. Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Revival is the rekindled desire to put away the old nature and experience the new life in Christ with His holiness and power. Ephesians 4:22-24 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Revival is the releasing of the resilience of God's Spirit within us. It is the God-given ability to not surrender to defeat. It is the renewal of our spirit daily. It is not instant anything except the touch of God upon our lives. This is out of His grace and love for us and His bride, the Church. 2Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Revival is God's desire. Is it yours? Consider asking Him to bring revival to your life.

-Pastor David

Expressions of Worship:
Whats Next?
Jeremiah 29:10-14 A couple of weeks ago, Ruth and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ironman competition in Haines city. This was the first time that either of us had been up close to a triathlon competition and the competing athletes. Assisting in registration, I encountered various accents that testified that these people came from around the globe to join in this event. I have to admit, I was a bit star struck; not necessarily by any one athlete, but by all of these people that come to our town to compete in this grueling event. I say this because part of my experience at the Ironman competition was the discussion I had with one of our church members a couple of weeks prior to that with regards to my own fitness regimen and potential goals for my life (i.e., running a marathon or a 5K, etc...). As I watched these athletes swim by me in Lake Eva, my mind was racing along with them as I wondered, Could I ever do that? By the way, I am not announcing my intention to compete in a triathlon, but admittedly, I was intrigued about what next steps might be in order for my own life. During this time of year, we are all witnesses to graduations, weddings, birthday parties, summer celebrations, and all sorts of events. As we join together to celebrate ones accomplishments, there are times that we might sit back and think, good for them, all the while wondering, whats next for me? As we join in these moments in other peoples lives, are we looking at our own self with thoughts of hope in coming opportunities or with thoughts of despondency, due to a complacency prevalent in our lives? I believe a good balance insists that we prompt ourselves occasionally through the possibility of a Whats Next? kind of mentality. This doesnt mean that we cannot celebrate anothers accomplishments; it does, however, mean that we also look at the things we are still yet to do in Gods plan. So heres the question I have been asking myself recently: If what/who I am right now is all that Ill ever be, will Gods plan be fulfilled in my life, or is there something else that I have left to accomplish? Its difficult to consider because it insinuates that we might not be satisfied in our current state. However, I am not looking at it that way. I ask for the purpose of finding a new goal; a Whats Next? sort of event. This might be a physical task set before us (weight loss, athletic competition), a spiritual goal (reading through the Bible, growing in certain spiritual disciplines), a goal for relationships, for work, for learning, something that is long-term, something that is short-term, something family-centered, or something that is so personal that no one else knows. What has God already planned for our life that we have yet to achieve? Are we still asking this question and looking for Gods direction?

-Terrill

We are still lining up projects as well as ideas, and we are striving to find a variety of family friendly activities that encourages the modeling of Christ-like service, regardless of a participants age or physical ability. To get involved in the NorthRidge Church Inasmuch Day on June 16, register online today.

It is free to register and participate, but donations are always welcome to help offset costs for supplies, etc... If you are interested in donating funds or items, please contact Pastor Terrill. As with anything, we need prayer support more than anything, and covet your diligent prayer. For more information on the NorthRidge Inasmuch Day, make sure you stay current with us on Facebook or by visiting our website

From the Desk of Pastor Harold

June has us jumping into many things. School is about to out for the summer and vacations will be happening. Many of us will be traveling and getting away for a break. Be intentional about keeping up with one another. It is difficult to know what everyone is doing, but sometimes we assume someone is gone on vacation when in fact something else is keeping them away. Lets live life together and minister to one another in such a way that no one slips through the crack. One way to do this is to plan to be here the first Thursday of each month to have some great food, fun and fellowship. And while you are at it BRING someone with you.

All men all invited and encouraged to attend breakfast each Saturday morning at 7:00 Starting soon we will be studying together different books of the Bible. We plan to start in James chapter one and continue there until we complete the book.

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 Home-bound 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) 422-5204 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. Ms. Ruth Copeland Savannah Court. 301 Peninsular Drive. Haines City, FL 33844-5046 (863) 422-5204 Mr Russ Vincent @ home Ms. Dorothy Burgess @ home Ms. Regena Lyle Savannah Court. 301 Peninsular Drive. Haines City, FL 33844-5046 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

Youth Happenings
Greetings church family! Let me start by saying thank you for all that you have done to make our fundraising successful. The students who worked every event have paid for half of their trip this summer. We are very appreciative of the love you have demonstrated to these students. This is my favorite time of the year. Every time I take students to camp, we always come back recharged and ready to take on the world. I ask that you continue to pray for these students. It is always difficult to come back home after being surrounded by Christians for a week. This year, the theme for camp revolves around how to grow continually in Christ. The week of June 18th we will be having our Rent-a-Kid fundraiser. Whatever you need done around your home, we have students willing to help you out. There is no set pay rate, so, you pay the students based on how they work. We have a sign-up sheet in the church foyer. Please let us know if you have anything you want accomplished. Again, thank you all for the prayers for our youth ministry. Every week, I feel like you are all up there with me on Wednesday nights. Check out our prayer cards on our table in the foyer. The kids going to camp have a card with some of their information on it. Please feel free to take cards so that you have a visual reminder to pray, as well as a face to see who you are praying for.

God Bless you, my church family stepping out in faith, Derrick Whiteman

NorthRidge Christian Academy News

Greetings in the Lord Academy family! I cannot believe how fast the year has gone by. While we all may be ready for a little break, NCA is already preparing for the 2012-2013 school year! Interest has been off the charts with many families coming for tours. In fact, a couple of classes are already full and waiting lists to add more classes are just getting started! Thank you so much for an incredible year. I cannot imagine the Lord calling me to serve at a more wonderful place. From our campus pastoral leadership, to church office staff, preschool teachers, academy crew and all of our parents and volunteers thank you! Thank you for giving to the Lord there are lives being changed here on a daily basis, and being prepared for life eternal.

Sincerely in Christ, Mr. Kaser Head of School

School Announcements 1. Finals for MS-HS students on M-TU-W June 4, 5 and 6 daily with NOON release for MS-HS students regular release schedule for elementary students 2. The NCA Awards Assembly is on Thursday morning, June 7th at 8:30 am. Come and celebrate all of our student academic achievements! 3. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Thursday, June 7th! 4. Come and visit NCA over the summer to learn more about how your children can become a part of the NCA family! 5. NCA is offering a summer tutoring program . Call the school office for additional information.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed

Want to change a childs life through the Gospel of Christ in an hour and a half a week? AWANA is in need of the following volunteers for the 2012-2013 year (beginning in August):

Sparks

Director* Cubbies Director * TNT Leader**(Need 6) AWANA Secretary (Provides administrative support by maintaining attendance and achievement records, tracking inventory and placing orders. May support one or more clubs.) Store Night Helpers (4 leaders needed to assist only 4 times per year.) Sparks Leader** Challengers Leader** (one male, one female) Cubbies Leaders**

*Director position responsibilities include communicating vision, shepherding leaders, managing administrative duties and communicating to church leadership, parents, children and leaders.) **Leader position responsibilities include building relationships with a small group of children or youth to help them learn and understand handbook sections and Bible lessons. Actively participates in all club segments. Cubbies: Preschool; Sparks: Grades K5-2; TNT: Grades 3 &4; TNT Challengers: Grade 5. Our AWANA Clubs meet Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM.

If you have been at NorthRidge for more than 6 months, consider joining us in one of these positions! You may pick up a Volunteer Application form from Kourtney Lopez in the Church Office, or call 863-422-4488.

Irreconcilable Differences the leading cause of divorce?

While many think that the issues of finances, sexuality, or differences in parenting styles are the leading causes of divorce, the state of Florida says that a couple can divorce simply over irreconcilable differences. What are irreconcilable differences? According to Dr. John Gottman, the leading marriage researcher of the 20th century, divorce is predictable when any one of the following four attitudes are present in a marriage: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, or stonewalling. This may explain why a couple with many issues can survive a marriage better than a couple who cant seem to work through a single issue. Lets look at the definitions of the four attitudes: Criticism. Could also be defined as nagging. This happens when one spouse does not meet the expectations of the other spouse. Criticism leads to a dead-end street, because the issue is never resolved. The disappointed spouse keeps hoping their spouse will change if they just keep telling them whats wrong. It is better to lower the expectations and accept a spouse for who they are. Learn to separate the person from the behavior. Defensiveness. This happens when a spouse cannot afford to admit they are wrong. They have an answer for everything except the magic words, I was wrong. Failure to admit weaknesses only leads to defeat. It is better to admit there is something wrong, and work towards finding a right solution. Stonewalling. This occurs when a spouse withdraws emotionally, and refuses to address the issue head -on. This is a lose-lose situation. Instead, have the courage to face the issue and find positive solutions to improve communication and resolution of conflict. People who feel unsafe will withdraw emotionally from a situation. Contempt. Dr. Gottman describes contempt as the most destructive emotion in a relationship. The first three, if left unattended, lead to contempt, which is unresolved anger. The opposite of love is apathy, and contempt leads to apathy. The prescription for contempt is forgiveness. A good marriage consists of two good forgivers. The Bible has a clear outline for resolving all four of these attitudes. 1. Judge not lest you be judged. 2. Admit when you are wrong, and ask for forgiveness. 3. Do not be afraid; perfect love casts out all fear. 4. Forgive others, just as Christ Jesus has forgiven you. When we choose to live by Christs example, we will not have irreconcilable differences. In fact, all our relationships will be healthy and thriving. -Written by Cindy Southworth from The Relationship Center, a ministry of NorthRidge Church. Cindy and David Southworth are certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors as Marriage Coaches, members of the International Christian Coaching Assn, and owners of Breakwater Coaching.

Join us in sharing Christs love with needy children around the world by participating in Operation Christmas Child. Since 1993, approximately 95 million shoe box gifts have been collected and distributed internationally. NorthRidge Church received 260 boxes from our congregation in 2011. We prayerfully seek to at least double that number during the 2012 collection. One way we seek to do this is by collecting items monthly beginning in May and ending in November. We suggest particular items each month to be placed in a designated box in the foyer. The intent of this collection is to provide additional items used to pack boxes in addition to the boxes normally donated. Recommended Donations: MayHygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap bars, deodorant, etc. (No liquified items or aerosol spray cans allowed). JuneSocks, flip flops, ball caps and hats, combs, hair brushes, small clothing items, etc. JulyToy trucks, cars, motorcycles, boats, balls, whistles, small stuffed animals, dolls, etc. AugustSchool supplies such as notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, rulers, markers, crayons, coloring books, blunt tipped scissors (child-sized), tape, etc. SeptemberIndividually wrapped hard candies, tootsie rolls, chewing gum, bubble gum, lollipops, gummy bears, etc. (No chocolate items allowed). October and NovemberAny of the above items. Only new items are accepted. Thank you and may the Lord bless you for your participation!

June Birthdays
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 SATURDAY 2
Tammy Farrens Cody Witter

5
Helen Cowley

6
Carly Farrens

7
Daniel Cameron

8
Jordyn Conerly Lynda Coots Alex Smith

9
Megan Kachmarik

10
Bill Hatley Elaine Higgins Amanda Watts Rusty Watts

11
Sara Williams

12
Faith Pike

13

14

15
Gissell Alba David Clement Karen Myers Silas Rowell Cheryl Yurick

16
Kayleigh Butler

17
Jen Fetes Janice Kobs

18
Caley Coots Cherrie Jordan Dawn Wiley

19
Marie Charles Bryan Hatley

20
Amanda Menendez

21
Roger Lee Todd Trierweiler

22
Melinda Arceneaux Tom Yurick

23
Jeff Shelton Pat Teske

24

25
Terri Schaeffer

26
Ed Newberg

27

28
Gary Moyer

29

30

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.