Summer Is Here

Is it possible that summer is upon us already? Schools have just finished or will finish up soon and summer break will begin. We know that this time represents freedom. There are opportunities to travel, to go see family, or to just relax in general. All of these are good things and are needed in life. However, do not forget about your church family. We are still here and lots of ministry is still going on.

Take the time to get away with family and have fun, but when you are in town, continue to be a part of church life. Show your support to the various ministries by your presence. Make sure that church and ministry remain a priority. Do not get so busy that you disappear for the next three months.

We are looking forward to a great summer of ministry. The student, children, and mission ministries all have a full schedule. Do not miss an opportunity to minister to others or to be ministered to. God has big plans for you this summer…don’t let your plans trump His plans.

Honored to be your pastor,

Darrell

Looking Ahead

I was asked by a friend this week how things were going in my new role. I told him the best way I can describe it is to put your head in front of a fire hydrant and open it. All kidding aside, I am settling in and very excited about what God has in store for Northside. It is clear that we have a very strong, vision-driven team. The facilities that we have are truly a blessing and Northside’s name seems to be well known and well thought of in our community. All of these are aspects that are necessary for future growth and impact.

For the month of May, we have turned our attention toward four priorities that we want to be central to our church as we look forward. Certainly, some of these things have already been a priority, but we want to renew our commitment to them. These four things are: Prayer, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Missions. These four elements will allow us to fully embrace the Great Commission of our Lord. I would encourage you in these coming days to evaluate your own life. How are you doing in these areas? Do you have a commitment, at least at some level, to each of these aspects? If not, is this the time God is calling you to take an inventory and readjust priorities? Remember, we can never be corporately what we are not individually. A fully committed church is only the result of a membership that is fully committed.

So, we wait with great anticipation to see what God is going to do. I trust that He has big things for us in the days ahead. I once heard it asked, “If your church were to disappear tomorrow, would the community miss it?” Let’s make sure that we are a church that is focused on right things and that our community would truly miss us if we were gone.

Honored to be your pastor,

Darrell