Northridge Church

"No Never Alone," Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-23T17:23:00.002-05:00

Beginning this Sunday, and continuing throughout the year on each 4th Sunday, we will pay attention to and learn from one of the saints of the church. Today, in the sermon Jake considered the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., who, on this month, is officially remembered with a national holiday. In fact, he is the only African American, the only pastor, the only individual who is honored by our country in this way. Join us as we consider the ways he reminds us of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." -Colossians 2:15

"I have to do this, to expose myself, to bring this hate out into the open." -MLK

Our saints remind us who we are really meant to be. Yes, they are flawed, as well. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

In the face of enemies:
1. Proclamation: the art of truth-telling
2. Presence: the art of loving
3. Perseverance: the art of trusting

These are art-forms, they require creativity, as well as sacrifice.

Haiti and Effectiveness

2012-01-16T09:48:00.002-05:00

Given our work in Haiti as a community of faith, this might be of interest:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/januaryweb-only/effectiveness.html

Grace in Story

2012-01-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

As Jake continues a series of grace, a thought that changed the world, we will consider God's movements of grace throughout the Scriptures and how that impacts the way we see the world, how we see ourselves, and how that might shape who we are and what we do.

-Luke 15:11-32

We think of the story of the prodigal son as being about the son who leaves and squanders his inheritance. But it is also about the lostness of the son who remains at home, and resents the party that is thrown for his returning brother. Since Jesus was speaking with the Pharisees here, they would identify with the older son who is also lost, according to Jesus.

-Luke 15:3-7

Connecting with Each Other: Ignite and Small Groups

2012-01-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

There are several new opportunities to connect with God and others in our community of faith.

First, "Ignite!" begins Sunday January 15th, meeting from 9:40 - 10:40 downstairs at the Richmond Area Arts Council building, where our Sunday morning services are held. We will discuss and look at the Scriptures together. The focus will be on exploring the different writing styles in the Bible to help us understand and apply the Word to our lives. Our goal is to open up our lives to God to be changed personally and to be equipped to make a difference in our community and world. Childcare will be available upon request.

Second, two small groups are starting up soon. One meets at Jerry and Trish Isaacs' house on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm starting January 18th. Another group will begin meeting in early February at the home of Kyle and Heidi Nystrom.This is a great way to connect with others in prayer, fellowship, and study.

If you have questions about any of the above, feel free to post them here or contact Jake at the church office.

Grace

2012-01-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

From the beginning of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, grace is present. Grace, in fact, is within the law.

Grace is the very fabric of the universe.

See Genesis 2:2, 6:8, and 15:9; Jeremiah 31:33; 31:15; and Exodus 25:10; 20:4.

It is the name that is written on our life that matters. You are loved.

State of the Church and Fellowship Meal

2012-01-06T14:25:00.002-05:00

This Sunday will be our monthly meal after the service. Please bring a side and a soda, and even if that doesn't materialize for you, bring your appetite!

Also, we will be having a "state-of-the-church" time where Jake shares about where we are as a church, we will give a financial update, and you will have a chance to ask questions and make (highly encouraging, brilliant, joyful) comments.

The slow Kingdom

2011-12-19T09:52:00.001-05:00

Matthew 1:1-18
Matthew begins his gospel with...a genealogy. It is structured in a way that makes it memorizable, but the point is to give the credentials of a true king.
Jesus waits 30 years to start his public ministry.
Jairus waits on Jesus to heal his daughter, and she dies. But though Jesus was slow, he wasn't too late. He raises her from the dead.
The kingdom of God is going to take a long time, and in it redemption trumps efficiency.

THE weak KINGDOM

2011-12-18T10:18:00.001-05:00

Matthew 2:13-18

Jesus was born a defenseless infant, immediately on the run for his life from those in power.

God seeks to heal the world, including us, through weakness.

Christmas Eve Service

2011-12-18T10:11:00.003-05:00

We will celebrate the advent of Jesus together at 5:30 pm. Come join us for a time of worship!

THE small KINGDOM

2011-12-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

As we enter the season of Advent, we both remember and anticipate the coming of Jesus. Join us as we reflect upon what that "coming" truly looked like in the 1st Century, and how that helps us to understand how Jesus comes to us--and moves through us--today.

Luke 2:1-7
The King comes not with the construction of a large temple atop a mountain, but rather is born in a small feeding trough. This coming is quiet, unassuming, and virtually invisible. This is the way the kingdom of God works, it looks small but is incredibly significant.

New Location for Sunday Mornings

2011-11-02T09:36:00.002-04:00

Starting this Sunday, November 6th, we will be meeting at the Richmond Area Arts Council, at the corner of Water and Lancaster. Our meeting time will remain the same, 11:00 am. Hope to see you there!

Y'All

2011-09-22T15:41:00.001-04:00

Philippians 1:3-6

The concept of "membership" carries with it some negative connotations: some are in, some are out; and members have priveleges that non-members don't have.
In Philippians, Paul talks about being partners in the gospel. Partnership has its responsibilities.

Partnership is about fellowship together toward a common cause.

Two Towers Fallen, Two Questions Raised

2011-09-17T12:35:00.004-04:00

Luke 23:44-47

1. What should our response be to those who perpetrate evil?

2. Where does trust in God come into play?

Last Pool Party of the Summer

2011-09-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

We will have a fellowship meal at the home of Dale and Alison Emmons, Sunday September 4th at 5:00 pm. Bring a side dish. If you need directions, contact Dale ( 623-3266) or Jake (623-5322).

Trust: Arrival is not an Option

2011-09-01T14:42:00.000-04:00

For the ancient Greeks, good meant perfect, and therefore static. For the Hebrew mind, good meant something dynamic, moving somewhere. We tend to struggle with change, and see it as bad. Clearly the character of God doesn't change (see Hosea 11), but God does respond to us.

At the end of the message, Jake left us with this question: What change do you need to entrust to God?

Sunday July 31: Question and Response

2011-07-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, Jake returns and we will have the chance to ask him any question we'd like. Have a question about a difficult or controversial Bible passage? About the role of the Church in the world? Something else?

If you're interested come and join in the conversation!

In His Name: Rabbi

2011-04-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

Mark 10:17-31; Luke 10:25-37

Jesus is Rabbi, or Teacher. Eternal life is about how you can live a life that will always make sense, no matter what happens.

Many things can divide us from the community of the kingdom: money, ethnic prejudice, and many more things.
Extend the kingdom of God to the person you think deserves it the least (parable of the good Samaritan).

Am I living a life that will always make sense in the presence of God?

In His Name: Soter

2011-04-03T17:47:00.000-04:00

Jesus is Savior of the world, but this means so much more than we tend to appreciate. It is not just about what happens after we die, but also about the here and now.

John 4:39-42

Salvation is trusting Jesus in this broken world that will find its fulfillment in God's renewed world.

3 stages related to this in our lives:
1. Pause for repentance.
2. Believing, trust.
3. Receiving His love, forgiveness, compassion, etc.

What inner brokenness do you need to entrust to Jesus?
What injustice do you need to entrust to Jesus?

In His Name: Yeshua

2011-03-15T17:20:00.000-04:00

Yeshua means "The LORD saves," and is translated into the English name "Jesus". A brief tour of some of the scenes and teachings of the Sermon on the Mount tells us something important about Jesus.
Matthew 5:43-48; 6:19-24; 7:7-12; 5:5; 6:31-34; 7:24-27; and 22:37-40.

A story of his leading implies our "following".

The most alarming sign of the state of our society now is that our leaders have the courage to sacrifice the lives of young people in war, but have not the courage to tell us that we must be less greedy and less wasteful.
-Wendell Berry

Lent 2011: Movement 4

2011-03-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

Destroy Your Enemy

Understanding that God deals with us as "enemy" by destroying our enemy"ness" through the sacrifice of forgiveness...

...how can I make sacred space during Lent from my enemy and for my enemy through the act of forgiveness?

For forty days...

Am I willing to sacrifice my desire to see myself as better than my enemy?

Am I willing to sacrifice my desire to see them fail?

Am I willing to sacrifice my desire to carry the grudge?

Am I willing to sacrifice my desire to define them by the sin I see in them?

Let us seek sacred space by asking the question:

Who do I need to lay down?

Lent 2011: Movement 3

2011-02-27T12:59:00.002-05:00

Sacred Space: Beyond Guilt Management

Introductory thoughts
Genesis 2:15; 3:1...: Limitation is a gift from God. Division between us and others, us and God, and us and creation is a consequence of our failure to respect God's limits.

2000/3000/3800
People's daily caloric intake in Haiti, in the world, and in the USA

Key Passage: Isaiah 58
Sacred space is created when we limit what we consume.
Use what we go without when we make do to help others and be in solidarity with the poor.

Matthew 6:9-13
Fasting is intended to connect us more deeply with the Creator and the poor, not as something to release the pressure of guilt.

Questions
1. What can I fast from that will connect me more deeply with God and those in need?
2. Who will it benefit?
3. How will it draw me closer to the neediest in our midst?

Lent 2011: Movement 2

2011-02-23T14:10:00.002-05:00

Movement 2: A Common Room

Recognizing that our space is meant to be shared with those that are foreign to us, and that the presence of God is to be sought in a shared space with others…

How will I turn a common room into a sacred space this Lent?

If I intend to take a space fast, what will that look like? (What space will I give up? What will I share? Who will I invite over? How often?)

If I intend to take a technology fast, what will that look like? (What tech will I turn off? For how long? How often?)

Some ideas:

Space Fast

1. Invite someone “foreign” to you over for dinner once a week during Lent (a neighbor, co-worker, fellow-worshipper, etc.)

2. Three days a week, devote the time between dinner and sleep to those that you live with.

3. Share one washer and dryer with two to three other families that you know.

4. Invite a family over once a week to cook dinner in your kitchen.

Technology Fast

1. Allow no outside information into your home between dinner and sleep. (No smart phones, cell phones, land-line phones, T.V., computers, etc.)

2. Turn off the electricity for one night a week and spend time around one source of heat.

3. Play games with family or friends that don’t require looking at a screen.

Lent 2011: Movement 1

2011-02-23T14:09:00.002-05:00

Movement 1: Dust and Breath

Recognizing that I am a living being made up of dust and breath…

What space will I set aside to meet with God in silence? (What time and place?)

With what liturgy will I join in with the greater Community of Faith?

Some ideas:

1. The shema: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

2. Jesus’ Liturgy: Matthew 6:9-13

3. The Little Book of Hours: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Hours-Praying-Community/dp/1557255334/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1298316265&sr=1-1

4. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals: http://www.amazon.com/Common-Prayer-Liturgy-Ordinary-Radicals/dp/0310326192/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1298316313&sr=1-1

Haiti Newsletter Night Thursday February 24th

2011-02-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

Haiti Newsletter Night at the Lee's house this Thursday 6pm until Hopefully 8ish.

Please let Julie know if you can make it. This is officially a ladies group but we'll take all the help we can get, so guys feel free to join too, you won't be the first (ask Shane or Andy :-)

Thank you!

Julie

112 Bob-O-Link St.

Lent 2011

2011-02-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

Lent begins on March 9^th, Ash Wednesday, and is practiced until April 24^th, Easter. It is observed for the forty days in between the two dates, minus Sundays (since Sundays always remind us of the Resurrection and are always a time for breaking our fasts for celebration). It is a time of emptying ourselves of things that consume us, whether they be good, inert, or insidious, in order to create a sacred space for God to do a new work in us.

In preparation for emptying ourselves in order to make room again for the presence of God and the Way of Jesus, we as a community want to consider four movements for practicing Lent this year. This is about being intentional and creative. Each life is different, and requires different spaces. We invite you to share with us how you intend to practice this emptying and sacred space within each of the four movements that we will explore. As you share, the rest of us are encouraged to participate, and are given creative ideas to inspire us to our own practice of Lent.

May we, as a community of faith, make sacred space for God to do a new work in us together as we hold our breath and await the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

CiCi's Pizza Night for Mayfield is Tonight Feb. 18th

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-05:00

From 5:00 - 8:00 pm tonight at CiCi's in the old Richmond Mall, it's Mayfield night.

20% of receipts will go to Mayfield Elementary. It will be a fun time with Mayfield kids and karaoke--don't miss it!

The Songs They Sung: The Last Word (Psalm 140)

2011-01-30T17:55:00.000-05:00

In the past few weeks, Jake has discussed some of the different songs of Israel as recounted in the book of Psalms. We've seen songs of lament, brokenness, cries, and even vengeance. Now, the book of Psalms conclude with a resounding note of praise.

Hallel-u-Yah: this Hebrew phrase means "to praise Yahweh together," and this is what the Psalms call us to do and show us how to do. Praise has the last word (see Revelation 4). Our ending is a new beginning; despair becomes hope; and death turns to resurrection.

In praise, we embody our future.

In Dirt and Darkness

2011-01-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

Galatians 6:15

God infuses his creation with the potential and power of creation.
Mark 4; Philippians 2:12-13; Rev. 20:1-3; John 20

The story of Clarence Jordan: Koinonia Farm became Habitat for Humanity, and other things.

What has God been planting in you?

Risking the Road That Isn't There

2010-12-27T10:22:00.000-05:00

Joshua 1
God tells people to leave where they are, and move into a new place and reality (see also Gen. 12).

Exodus 20:2-4
Idols freeze our image of God and our current reality.
Walking with God entails being challenged again and again and again, in a variety of ways, which calls for courage, among other things.

We are called to risk, to a radical trust, to stepping out on a hidden path by faith.

Christmas Eve Service

2010-12-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

Join our community of faith as we celebrate Christ's advent on December 24th at 5:30 pm.

Withness

2010-12-13T10:15:00.000-05:00

From Mark 3

The advent of Jesus is the extension of family and the destruction of labels, like Reformed, Emergent, Progressive, Conservative, Evangelical, Mainline, Fundamentalist and so on. Labels serve to distance and depreciate, but we are to appreciate one another. Others need us, and we need them in and out of our community of faith.

Advent: Throughness

2010-12-01T07:11:00.000-05:00

In the Exodus, we see the pattern of slavery, water, wilderness, and promise. In Exodus 16 and 32, Israel fails to trust in God and his provision. Jesus, however, in Matthew 4:1-11, chooses to trust, wait, and follow on our behalf.
Will we receive?

Advent: As a community of faith, we join together with the larger church throughout the world in celebrating Advent, or the coming, of Jesus. When we have guests coming to our home, there are certain things that go along with that. Anticipation. Preparation. Reception. As we lead up to Christmas, join with us in anticipating His coming, preparing for His arrival, and receiving His presence in sacred ways.

Flame

2010-11-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

Leviticus 23:1-4
We are not what we do, but what God has done.
Thanksgiving can be a time and place of rest and celebration, between the lights.

John 1:1-5; 9:5
"The Light of Christ."
"Thanks be to God."

Door (Bread and Brimstone, Mint and Rose Petals)

2010-11-14T13:49:00.000-05:00

Genesis 18:1-10
Hebrews 13:2
Genesis 19:1-6
Leviticus 19:33-34
1 Timothy 3:2
Titus 1:8
All of these passages emphasize the virtue of hospitality.

Bedouin saying: "Had I known that you would honor me by walking this way, I should have strewn the path between your house and mine with mint and rose petals."

When we open our door, God's presence and blessing come in.

Announcements

2010-11-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

Tuesday November 23: Noon
Richmond area-wide Thanksgiving service and lunch at First United Methodist Church in Richmond.

Saturday December 4: 2:00-4:00
Christmas party at Smith Village.

Bread

2010-11-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

Preparing for Thanksgiving
November means one very important thing to me: Thanksgiving. And the better the preparation for it, the better the event! But what if we started thinking about Thanksgiving now? And what if those elements became integral to what it means for us to follow Jesus every day? Over the next few weeks we will pay attention to three spiritual movements of Thanksgiving and consider how we could continue to open ourselves up to them the Monday after we return to work/school/life.

Bread
Dt 14:3-21
The reason for the regulations concerning food--what we eat is connected to our spirituality.
3 Questions to ask:
1. Which kind?
2. Where from?
3. What for?

Since God connects our food to our spirituality, then we should bring to our food a renewed intentionality.

Words Aren't Everything

2010-08-23T11:42:00.001-04:00

Jake talked some about the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. If you want to see that, go here.

We also discussed the song "Words Aren't Everything" written by Colin and Zack, some of our own in-house musicians. We considered as well some of the prayers of Scripture (Psalm 113; 119:1-8; 34:1-8), and the importance of faith expressing itself through love, from Galatians 5:6.

Our faith is not merely about words, but it is also about actions.

VBS Video

2010-07-21T13:40:00.001-04:00

VBS

2010-06-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

Our church is having VBS at Smith Village here in Richmond, 6/27 - 6/29 with dinner at 5:30, and crafts, story, and games from 6:20-7:30 or so. All are welcome!

Resurrectionary--Holding and Opening

2010-05-23T17:41:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 4:1-16
-Is. 6:1-3
One of Jake's main emphases today was the need we have for one another to grow up into maturity as members of the body of Christ. God has made us in particular ways to serve together, and when we grow we help one another grow. We are mutually interdependent. The only way in which we can live lives worthy of our calling is together.

Mayfield Appreciation Dinner

2010-05-21T10:45:00.002-04:00

is tonight (May 21st). You can still be a part of this, just contact me (mikedotaustinatekudotedu) and I'll forward your email to Debbie Garrison. This is a great time of expressing appreciation for all that the people of Mayfield do for kids and families in our community.

Reflection: The Temple Mount

2010-03-30T09:17:00.001-04:00

Luke 19:28-48

A key point to consider from this passage and Jake's sermon this week is that God's judgment is intended to lead to restoration. In what ways during this season of Lent do you sense the restorative presence and activity of God via His judgment? How might you respond to this?

See also the following message from Jennifer Foster:
http://standinginneedofprayer.blogspot.com/2010/03/so-greatful-for-all-of-you.html

Standing in Need of Prayer

2010-03-24T16:09:00.000-04:00

For those of you wanting to follow the developments with Jennifer's illness and treatment, see this link:
http://standinginneedofprayer.blogspot.com/

Reflection: Beginning with Bread

2010-03-24T16:06:00.000-04:00

In Exodus 16:1-18, the community grumbles against Moses, but God provides for them through manna. It is in this context that the Ten Commandments are given to Israel, a context of love and provision. Centrally, what we must ask ourselves is this:

Will we trust in this love?

Where do I need to respond to God's love with my trust?

Reflection Part I: Image is Everything

2010-02-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

Scriptures: Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Kings 1:1-4; Genesis 18:19; 12:1-4; 1:27-28

In the Ancient Near East, a person's value was often associated with what they could do. Doing took precedence over being, in this sense. But we see in Colossians and elsewhere that for God, nurturing who we are being must always precede what we are doing.

We are chosen to reflect God's image, not so we can be better than the world, but so we can be better for the world.

To put these thoughts into practice, consider the following question Jake closed with:

How am I reflecting God's image in the world?

Joy in Family: Separating Fact from Fiction

2010-02-07T15:26:00.001-05:00

Joy is not an act of will power, superficial and flimsy, or natural. At its best, joy is something else. It is a spontaneous emotional response of the heart, deep and stable, and a supernatural fruit of God's Spirit (John Piper). Joy is also experienced not in isolation, but in community with others.

Colossians 3:12-14
Colossians is one of the New Testament epistles. Like the others, the letter seeks to teach us about Christ's identity and our identity in Christ, and then instructs us how to live that out in the messiness of daily life with others, including our families in our homes and our family of followers of Christ. The main theme of Colossians is that Christ is supreme, as the Son of God, creator, savior, and head of the church. Given that we belong to him, we are to set our hearts and minds on him so that we live for him.
We step into joy when we practice compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love in the power of God for the sake of others.

Finally, here are some books that may be helpful:
How to be Good in a World Gone Bad
Playing with Fire
Wise Stewards: Philosophical Foundations of Christian Parenting

charin-charas-charin...charis

2010-02-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 8:1-15

Our overflowing joy is found between receiving the grace of God and distributing that grace to other people.

We step into joy when we practice generosity.

Deuteronomy 15:4-8

Eating on Purpose

2010-01-26T08:37:00.000-05:00

As we continue the series on joy, Jake encouraged us to eat on purpose. Examining several scriptures--Exodus 23:14-19; Lev. 23; Ezekiel 11:16, and 1 Co. 11:17-28; we see that the people of God have always practiced joy by practicing the meal. The table becomes a sanctuary.

Meals can be sacred, a time of worship, community, and joy. We can ask ourselves the following question this week:

How can I reclaim the sacredness of the meal?

Helping Haiti

2010-01-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

When suffering occurs, as is happening now on a horrific scale in the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, a natural question to ask is "Why?" This is a valid question, but an important question that the Bible addresses as well is "Now what?" What do we do now, with the many in need of rescue, food, water, medical care, and help for the long-term as well is the coming weeks and months. Today, Jake discussed John 9:1-5, Matthew 25:14-30, and Galatians 6:7-9. One thing to take away from these passages is the question, "How can I remember?" When the celebrities, CNN, and international attention moves elsewhere, how can I remember Haiti in actions?
Here are some possible avenues of support:
Christian Flights International
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Kentucky Annual Conference - Haiti Response

Advent-Gifted

2009-12-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 61:1-11
Luke 4:14-29; Malachi 3:1-3; Acts 1
A key point from this week is that we are a gifted people. How will we use the gifts God has given us? Who is on our Christmas list, and what can we do for them?

The Sign of Immanuel

2009-12-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

This week Jake talked about the context of the prophecy related to Christ in Isaiah 7:14 by looking at the context of this well-known verse. We also learned that the Hebrew word for faith--'aman--carries the meaning of the English term 'faithfulness.' It is about how we actually live in the world. And Jesus is with us and will carry us through as we seek to follow him in our roles: parent, spouse, employee, volunteer, and so on. Whatever the challenges, we must not give up, and we are given the strength to endure.

The Good News in Ranquitte

2009-11-23T07:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we heard from members of the Haiti team about their recent trip to Ranquitte (set to some great music from U2!). Our goal as a church is to be involved in bringing all aspects of the good news to this town. This means that we bring the good news of forgiveness, of new life, and of righteousness, justice, and peace in the community. The good news is not just personal, it is an all-encompassing thing in which the rule of Jesus becomes more and more realized in all aspects of life. We were left with the following question:

How can I get my hands dirtier through my involvement in Ranquitte and at Mayfield?

The Prejudice of Jesus, Part 3: Carrying the Name

2009-10-05T11:34:00.002-04:00

Exodus 28 tells us about the procedure Aaron had to go through in order to go into the presence of God. He carries weighty reminders of the fact that he carries his community with him as he goes into God's presence. In Acts 2:42-47, we see a similar carrying of one another occurring among the early followers of Christ. We see again the prejudice of love.

Who am I carrying? Who am I praying for? Who am I setting my table for?

The Prejudice of Love: Blessed are the Blind

2009-09-27T18:01:00.003-04:00

What does Joe Montana have to do with the blessedness of the blind? Well, that would take too long for this blog, but here are some thoughts from Jake this week:

Mark 16:1-8 (why would someone add 9-20?)
John 20:24-28
-The doubt of Thomas and the response of Jesus.
-We love God when He seems far away, when He seems absent.
-Maybe we're being shaped in such times for greater things.
How has the experience of doubt, of God's hiding, been good for you? For others in your life? How has it made life more difficult?

The Prejudice of Jesus

2009-09-21T20:03:00.003-04:00

1 John 4:7-10

Some things to think and pray about from this week's teaching:
-Our ideas about God can be icons or idols.
-What comes to mind when we understand God as father, judge, or love?
-Jesus calls us to move in a direction, a direction of forgiveness, a direction of love.
-What in your life feels like it is in a fog of confusion or indecision?
-What would it mean to choose the prejudice of love in the midst of it?

The Way of Life

2009-09-18T08:09:00.001-04:00

Matthew 7:13-27
Some key points from Sunday:

1. Examples of false prophets, those who proclaim falsehoods.
2. We should seek a way of life that is bearing fruit, fruit for others.
3. When we trust in the Way of Jesus, life will come.

The Way of the Universe

2009-09-06T15:26:00.002-04:00

Matthew 7:7-14

God's generosity, as found among and between the members of the Trinity, is the way of the universe. God waits, listens, and responds to us. This generosity is part of the deepest reality of the universe. Given this, we are called to actively seek the good of others by the Golden Rule.

Where do I need to rest in this deep reality, to trust in the generosity of my Father?

The Way of Prayer, Part I

2009-08-18T09:01:00.002-04:00

Matthew 6:7-13 gives the answer of Jesus regarding how to pray. We are to pray beginning with the word "Our" in mind. What is the impact of this? We should pray for reconciliation between the soldier of the United States and the Taliban soldier, for reconciliation in our church community, in the community of Richmond, and the global community. For example, consider that the Richmond city pool was closed down after it was to be integrated. What does this do to our city? What needs to be done? How can we be agents for good in the world? These are the questions that the way of prayer will seek to answer and act upon.

Q & A Sunday

2009-07-20T12:34:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was question and answer Sunday, dealing with issues such as baptism and the Holy Spirit, whether or not it is possible to lose one's salvation, the role of the church, the nature of the kingdom of God, and why God commands the Israelites to wipe out the Canaanites in the Old Testament. Big questions to think about, and to continue to discuss. If you have more questions, thoughts about the discussion on Sunday, or other issues to raise, please do so in the comments.

God's Voice in Nature

2009-07-06T13:10:00.002-04:00

Among the things God speaks to us about via creation are the following:

1. That He exists.
For more on the Fine-tuning argument, go here.
2. That He loves us and will raise us from the dead.
Matthew 5:44-46
3. That we are finite, and should be humble. And that we need to be connected to Christ to grow.
John 15

What's the next step?
-create natural beauty where you live
-spend time in creation appreciating beauty, and observing the ways God provides for you through the created world
-think through Psalm 19, ask yourself what sort of knowledge you can gain about God through observing the natural world
-other ideas?

Our Building

2009-06-07T13:17:00.002-04:00

It's not what you think. Our building is not where we "go to church" for worship. The true markers of our spirituality are not church attendance, how much we give, or service inside of the church.

Rather, we are the building. Our homes, our neighbors' homes, Mayfield Elementary, the homes in our community, Christian Flights International, the school in Ranquitte, and the homes of the people in Ranquitte.

Scripture References from the sermon: 2 Kings 18:31-35; Acts 17; Mark 11:15-19, Jeremiah 7:1-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-22.

What does this mean for us? How do we build what God wants to build, given the above?

Losing Weight

2009-05-11T09:57:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 31 seems to place heavy expectations on wives and mothers. If anything, they give a picture of a stressful and hectic life. However, as Jake directed us towards the end of the chapter, women are to fear the Lord rather than be bogged down by an unrealistic picture of the "ideal woman," as King Lemuel's mother describes to her son as a wakeup call that targets his unrealistic expectations. This fear is the awe and reverence for God that brings liberation and freedom. Women have the weight of their responsibilities, cultural expectations, as well as childrearing and supporting their husbands for many. Liberation comes in fear of God, rather than seeking to meet the expectations put upon women by others.

Living the Message

2009-05-04T08:54:00.003-04:00

Geoff and Sherry Maddock shared a lot of motivating and challenging ideas. Here are some questions for reflection and potential action:

1. How does the fact that God is a Trinity relate to my life, relationships, and service?
2. How does my experience of God in Scripture and in my daily life work to deepen my knowledge of Him?
3. What might God be saying to me, and to us at Northridge, through Jeremiah 29?
4. What does it mean for us to be a people of God at a particular place?

For more about Communality, go here.

The Way of Jesus

2009-04-19T14:32:00.005-04:00

Now that Jesus has risen, and the tomb is empty...what next?
There are at least 3 other ways to go for those who want to follow Him, and one that is the way of Jesus.
First, we can seek to flee, hole up in a cave, and talk to each other.
Second, we can fight, as some have unfortunately done in the past, seeking to build God's kingdom with violence.
Third, we can fully assimilate, or compromise, and take on the values of wealth, health, and power, seeking what the culture tells us will bring fulfillment.
Or we can follow a fourth way, the way of Jesus. One key picture of life along the way of Jesus comes from the Sermon on the Mount, which we'll be exploring together the next few Sundays. Today we went through the Beatitudes, and the following question was posed to us by Jake:

Where have I lost the way of Jesus?

Towel and Basin

2009-03-29T14:52:00.004-04:00

This week, we were pointed towards the many reversals that Jesus embodied and accomplished. From calling down forgiveness on his persecutors instead of wrath, bringing healing where there was sickness, and salvation rather than condemnation to Zacchaeus, Jesus turns things upside down from what we normally see and expect.

This is especially true of the episode in which He washes the disciples' feet, in John 13:1-5. It is difficult to offer all of who we are to him, but it is what He wants.

ReDreaming Northridge

2009-03-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

We're adding a feature to this website, where we occasionally post important points from Sunday morning for further thought and discussion. The comments option is now on, so you can post your thoughts and interact with other Northridge folks here on the website.

This week, Jake encouraged us to reDream Northridge in the following way:

A community of faith for the good of the world.

Community: We are in this together, supporting one another as equal and unique.

Faith: All that we do, we do in partnership with God.

Good: We want to be here for the good of others, as a part of the inbreaking of God's kingdom to meet needs and address hurts--as Paul says in Galatians 6: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

World: There is something we can fulfill here, part of God's dream for our world.

So, any thoughts on this? How can we do this? What is holding us back? What will move us forward?

Announcements

2009-02-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

1. February 15th is South of the Border Sunday

2. Mark the date--May 22 at 7 pm--for the Mayfield Appreciation Dinner at June Morning. We need door prizes, music, and manpower. See Deb Garrison or Teresa Lowe.

reDreaming Church

2009-01-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

Join us for the new year as we explore and redream what it might mean to be the church.

Beginning the conversation: What is the church really all about? How do we fit into that and how does the church fit into the world? Why do we go to church and what should we be doing?

What is God's dream for His church? What is your dream?

Christmas Eve Service

2008-12-21T18:26:00.001-05:00

Come celebrate the advent of Jesus with us at 5:30pm on Christmas Eve.

December at Northridge

2008-11-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

December 4th: Women's Book Club Group meeting at Jennifer Foster's--The Shack
December 7th: Communion/Fellowship Sunday and Christmas Meal
December 19th: Christmas Party at Marianne and Wayne Lee's

November News

2008-11-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

November 16th: South of the Border Sunday

Information on new small groups coming soon!

Haiti Donations

2008-10-13T07:12:00.000-04:00

All this month you can donate items to be sent to Haiti November 4th. The needs include AA and C alkaline batteries, pencils, pens, and toothbrushes. Look for the green bin on stage before and after the service.

October News

2008-10-08T13:01:00.000-04:00

October 5th: Communion and Fellowship Sunday (Potluck at Wesley Center)

October 19th: South of the Border Fellowship Pot Luck/Games at the Lowe's residence immediately after the service.

October 27th: Family Fun Night at Mayfield Elementary, 5pm - 7pm