January 2026 Newsletter

Beyond your generous gifts, 80+ NMC volunteers served at the Christmas Market! From wrapping gifts to serving hot cocoa, you helped ensure 1,500 kids have a great Christmas. Thank you for loving our community!

A Note from Rob.

Happy New Year! NMC Family!

I truly hope your 2026 is beginning with a sense of hope, expectation, and maybe even a holy restlessness. A new year has a way of reminding us that God is not finished with us. Scripture tells us His mercies are new every morning … so it’s no surprise that something in us longs for renewal, clarity, and fresh beginnings.

If you are new to NMC, welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. I really believe it’s not an accident that you walked through our doors, joined us online, or picked up this newsletter. You matter to God, and He has something for you in this community. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades or you’re just beginning to explore faith, I’m convinced that God wants to meet you in a fresh and personal way this year.

We all have moments when we know something needs to change … habits, attitudes, patterns, or priorities. But lasting transformation begins when we stop drifting and start declaring who we will become with God’s help.

This January, our new weekend teaching series, Drawing Lines in the Sand, will help us name those declarations and walk them out, one step at a time. Whether you’re hoping to grow in consistency, courage, responsibility, generosity, or any other area of life and faith, this series will give you the tools and direction to move forward with clarity and conviction. Let’s begin the year seeking God together and trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Alongside this new series, January also brings several opportunities to take meaningful steps toward community and spiritual growth. North Metro Church University (NMCU) begins a new semester, offering environments where you can deepen your understanding of Scripture and form a solid biblical worldview. Re:generation continues to be a powerful place of healing, recovery, and freedom for so many. And for married couples ready to invest in their relationship, Re|engage offers a Christ-centered path toward connection, restoration, and renewed purpose.

My challenge to you as we begin this year is simple: Ask God what step He is inviting you to take. Maybe it’s joining a class, stepping into recovery, strengthening your marriage, serving in a ministry, or simply committing to be present and open this year. Whatever it is, I believe God honors our willingness. When we step toward Him, He meets us with grace, guidance, and power we could never muster on our own.

I’m grateful for you, NMC. My prayer is that 2026 will be a year when we not only sense God’s movement in our church, but we experience His transformation in our lives … individually and together. May we look back a year from now and marvel at all God has done.

Grateful for you,

Rob McDowell

Hear what people have to say about walking through Re:generation:

Growing up in church and going to counseling through college, I thought I had already uncovered most of my past. But what surprised me the most in Re:gen was how Step 8, Forgive, and Step 9, Amends, would completely change the way I view my relationships. Forgiveness became freedom for me. And making amends became an act of obedience—what we are called to do as followers of Christ: to love others just as Christ has first loved us.

The most surprising thing is the way Re:gen positively affects so many areas of your life and relationships because it gives you a better understanding of God, yourself, and others.

Re:gen helped me get to the root of some things in my life. Through it, I am now headed in the right direction towards healing instead of constantly nursing and rehearsing!

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a bunch of guys would come together and in a VERY short time, build a trust and willingness to bare it all. This has been the most profound spiritual growth discipleship of my life. I can't think of anything that would stop me from recommending this to others.

My favorite parts of Re:generation were building a community of women that I trust and growing closer to God.

Life changing. Freeing. Breaking generational chains.

Want to develop stronger habits & grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord this year? Consider attending one of the upcoming Interest Meetings on January 14 or 21!

Re:generation meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Barrett Campus. Join us on Wednesdays in the Theater. Visit northmetro.org/regeneration to learn more.

Hi, my name is Connie. I have a new life in Christ, and I’m recovering from emotional detachment, prideful performance, and fear of rejection.

Before I came to Re:generation, I honestly thought I was good; I had already experienced God’s miraculous transformation in my life. In 2023, however, I began to experience unexpected emotional triggers at work of deep echoes of abandonment, rejection, and instability from my childhood. I sensed God inviting me to go deeper, so I decided to go through Re:gen.

Before recovery, my life looked outwardly successful but inwardly guarded. I used emotional detachment and control as protection. Driven by a fear of rejection, I overachieved to feel safe, needed, and affirmed. My relationship with God was sincere but compartmentalized. I kept parts of my heart walled off. I believed God loved me, but I didn’t know how to receive His love through others. I viewed emotions as weaknesses and vulnerability as unsafe. I didn’t trust people to stay if they truly knew me. I often felt unseen, yet I contributed to that invisibility by hiding behind strength and selfsufficiency. My longing for connection was real, but so was the fear of being disappointed or abandoned. I was tired of feeling alone while surrounded by people. Despite my polished exterior, my soul was weary.

One of the most powerful turning points in Re:gen came during Step 4, Inventory. As I named the people and wounds I had buried, God showed me not only where I had been hurt, but also where I had hurt others through emotional withdrawal or critical self- protection. I had caused pain through silence, emotional distance, and control.

Repentance, Step 6, became one of my favorite parts of recovery. It wasn’t just sorrow; it was redirection. God showed me I didn’t have to stay stuck. Through Re:gen, I developed a practical plan for

handling triggers, one I still use today: pause, pray, journal, and invite Him and trusted people into my emotions instead of shutting down. I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what’s underneath the reaction and to help me replace my emotional walls with genuine connection, and replace striving with resting in His love. Sometimes that means picking up the phone to call a friend, asking for prayer, or simply sitting with God until His peace lifts the weight from my heart. Each time I turn back to Him, He meets me there, steady and kind, proving again that repentance isn’t shame, it’s an invitation to return to love. It keeps my heart soft, my relationships honest, and my freedom alive. God also deepened how I relate to others. Through a safe, Spirit-led friendship with my best friend, I learned how to be truly vulnerable and experience the beauty of being fully seen and still fully loved. I no longer had to hide. I started living like someone who belonged.

Step 8, Forgiveness, was incredibly difficult but deeply freeing. One person had deeply wounded me, and the damage from that relationship affected years of my life. But when I released that person to God, it felt like a heavy burden lifted. Resentment no longer held me hostage. My heart was free.

Today, I walk in more peace, connection, and freedom than I ever thought possible. When I feel tempted

to control outcomes or avoid hard conversations, I now pause, pray, and trust God’s presence in the process. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Vulnerability no longer feels like weakness; it feels like worship. God is teaching me to receive love in tangible ways from friends, from community, and even through dating again with clarity and wholeness. My relationship with God has become more personal, more grounded, and more emotionally connected. I’m trusting more, isolating less, and walking in meaningful relationships. I still make amends as God prompts me, choosing honesty and humility as a way of life. I serve from a place of overflow, not striving.

The old voices still try to whisper: “Stay guarded. Stay busy. Stay in control.” But I don’t believe them anymore. I replace them with truth: I am loved. I am free. I am made new. I am seen. I am chosen. I am His daughter!

Before Re:gen, I used emotional detachment and control as protection, driven by performance and fear of rejection. But through God’s grace, mercy, and the tools in Re:gen, He set me free to live vulnerably and receive His love not only from Him but through others. I now walk in peace, connection, and the freedom to become who God created me to be. All glory and honor be to God!

Connect & Grow

WELCOME HOME

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 | 12:15PM

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 | 12:15PM

Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and provide you with the next steps on how you can become part of our family. Visit northmetro.org/events to learn more and sign up.

GROUPS

At NMC, we genuinely believe we are better together. Therefore, we encourage everyone to circle up with others in a group. We have three different types of groups you can join. Connection Groups meet over shared interests such as hiking, board games,

or movies; Community Groups meet for fellowship, prayer, and study of the Bible; and Care Groups assist anyone walking through difficulty or a life transition. If you want to join a Connection Group, Community Group, or Care Group, or start your own group, check out northmetro.org/groups.

TABLESETTERS

When we serve others, we set the table for them to experience God’s grace. That’s why, around here, we call our volunteers Tablesetters. Our goal is for everyone to experience the joy of serving others as a Tablesetter and serve somewhere within our church. Regardless of your schedule, experience, or gifting, there’s a fulfilling place for you to serve here.

Visit northmetro.org/serve to browse opportunities and take the next step to serve.

BAPTISMS

We offer classes for elementary-aged children, students, and adults once a quarter. After attending a class, one of our pastors will meet with you or your child to discuss the class content.

If you’re ready to take this step in your faith journey, we invite you to sign up for our next class on Sunday, January 11, or meet with a pastor at the Sewell Mill Campus. For more information about our beliefs on baptism and to sign up for a class, visit northmetro.org/baptism.

Discipleship & Marriage

RE:GENERATION

BARRETT CAMPUS | INTEREST MEETINGS

WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 14 & 21 | 7:00PM

Navigating day-to-day life can be challenging. Whether you find yourself wrestling with anxiety, stuck in hopelessness, uncertain how to break an addiction, feeling lost, or ruled by pride, anger, or fear, you are not alone. We all have struggles to overcome, and we all experience brokenness. But the good news is that we have a God who loves us so much and desires to help us find healing and freedom! God has a plan for you, and through His Word, He offers us a path to find new life in Christ. Re:generation equips us with tools to live the way God has called us to live in meaningful fellowship with Him and others.

Change is possible! In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We invite you to experience the abundant life that Jesus desires for you. Join us at the Barrett Campus on any Wednesday at 7:00pm in the theater, OR sign up for the Interest Meetings on January 14 and 21. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.

RE|ENGAGE

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 26

Take your marriage from good to great, bad to better, or best to bestest. Marriages matter deeply! Marriage is hard—even the strongest couples face seasons of disconnect,

stress, or unresolved conflict. Over time, small cracks can grow into deep divides, leaving couples wondering, “Is this really what we hoped for when we said, ‘I DO’?”

Re|engage is a safe place for couples to reconnect, reignite, or completely resurrect their marriage and remember why they said "I DO" in the first place. Whether you’re struggling deeply or simply longing for more closeness, Re|engage offers a clear path forward.

Re|engage is a marriage enrichment ministry designed for couples ready to invest time and energy into building a stronger marriage. Our goal is to help you grow in enriching & restoring your relationship with your spouse, other couples, and with God. It’s not just for couples in crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to move their marriage from good to great, or from hurting to healing.

Through a combination of large-group teaching and small-group discussions, you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged to use practical, biblical tools to strengthen your relationship. You’ll grow in your walk with Jesus and learn how to apply gospel-centered principles to your marriage—all within a supportive community of other couples walking a similar journey.

We offer Re|engage twice a year, in January and August, at both campuses. Registration for the January semester is now open. Don’t

miss this opportunity to reinvest in your marriage and experience growing together, reconnect deeply, and rediscover the joy of saying “I DO.” Because your marriage matters—to each other, to your family, and to God. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

FOUNDATION

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 26

The early years of marriage are filled with excitement and a fair share of challenges. The Foundation classes are designed for couples who have been married for three years or less and offer a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a strong, Christcentered relationship that lasts a lifetime.

This spring, we’ll be walking through the book Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp. This is a powerful resource that brings gospel-centered truth to the realities of married life.

We offer Foundation at the Barrett campus. The semester-based class meets on Monday nights during the semester. Together we will gather for dinner, fellowship, and meaningful conversation.

Registration for the January semester is now open—we'll explore biblical principles and practical tools to help you grow in unity and deepen your connection as a couple. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, MARCH 2

Strong, healthy marriages start long before the wedding. To build a marriage that lasts and gets off to a great start, we encourage all engaged couples to participate in Merge, our premarital discipleship class. Merge is an eight-week class and is available to those who regularly attend NMC and are

Care

NMCU CORE (101-104)

BARRETT CAMPUS |

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 25-MARCH 29 | 3:00-5:00PM

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS |

TUESDAYS, JANUARY 27-MARCH 24 | 7:00-9:00PM

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU Core, you'll move through a set sequence of classes and learn about the big picture of Scripture and how everything in Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus. In this learning process, NMCU will also help equip you to understand and communicate your faith to others, so that you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus—a disciple who makes disciples. Each semester offered is 10 weeks and goes in sequential order.

Our spring semester enrollment is now open and closes on January 11. We offer in-person groups for Core, as well as ondemand options for every course. Learn more by visiting northmetro.org/nmcu.

PRAYER

Prayer is powerful. It's one of the most important things we can do as a church. Our staff and leadership would love to come alongside you, fight for you in whatever difficulty you may be experiencing, and celebrate any answered prayers. To share your prayer requests, visit northmetro.org/prayer.

HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE

NMC has a faithful group of men looking to assist widows, single moms, and other ladies in our church. These men are skilled in most areas of basic home repairs, including plumbing, electrical, and carpentry; however, they are unable to take on major renovations or projects that require county permitting. If you are a single woman in need of assistance with home maintenance or repairs, please visit northmetro.org/care to submit your request.

engaged. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

MERGE 2.0

Have you previously been married, are in a new relationship, and are considering marriage seriously? In Merge 2.0, we have a specific curriculum to help you lay the foundation for a healthy second marriage.

Through the workbook content and a mentor couple who have navigated the dynamics of a second marriage, Merge 2.0 will give you the tools to help you decide if you're ready and, if so, how to build a biblical union with each other. To learn more, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one care ministry that supports those experiencing difficult times. Stephen Ministers are members of our NMC community who are well-trained in encouraging others who are enduring painful times, such as the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a job, or a health issue. If you are facing any of life's difficult circumstances, please consider using a Stephen Minister to help bear your burdens.

FOSTER & ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP BRUNCH

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 | 11:00AM Scripture urges believers to look after the orphans in our community. One way we do this at NMC is to come around families participating in foster care or adoption. Additionally, this group provides a place to find support and encouragement from others who understand these specific challenges. This group meets several times throughout the year to foster fellowship among these special families.

Whether you're currently fostering, in the midst of an adoption process, or have been part of this special community of parents for years, we'd love for you to join us for fellowship and a delicious brunch on Sunday, February 1. To register, please visit northmeto.org/events.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, JANUARY 12 | 7:00-9:00PM When God calls our hearts to grow our families, He never promises it will be easy, but He does promise to lead when we are lost. Take refuge in knowing you’re not alone. If you struggle with infertility or have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, there’s a place for you.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 | 12:15-2:30PM Cancer hits with a terrible punch, whether

it’s you, a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend. We can't take you out of this storm, but we can walk alongside you and hold you up when the weight is too heavy. We can be that safe place where you can let all your feelings fall. We can have the honor of praying continually for you and your family. We can be that safe group of ladies who get it without explanation or apologies; we get it all.

If cancer has impacted you in any way, we strongly encourage you to connect with Diana Pethel, the leader of NMC’s Cancer Support Group, at 678.357.2933. We also hope you will consider joining the group on the second Sunday of every month. This group will be a helpful resource, offering a supportive community of courageous and resilient women who have discovered the strength of trusting in God, knowing that He is reliable and trustworthy.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES SUPPORT GROUP

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7:00-9:00PM

Beauty for Ashes is a confidential group designed to encourage and give hope to women whose husbands struggle with sexual addiction. We understand the devastation of a husband's betrayal; however, our goal is not to stay in this place of wounding but to seek the Lord for healing and hope.

For more information or to sign up for any of our Care Ministries, visit our Care page at northmetro.org/care.

UPCOMING FOR YOU

FOR US DATE NIGHT

BARRETT CAMPUS | FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 | 7:30-9:00PM

Attention couples who are seriously dating, engaged, or married. You need a date night, and we’ve got you covered. Get ready for FOR US DATE NIGHT—featuring guests Ted and Nancie Lowe.

This is not therapy. This is not a lecture. This is a date night where you will experience a night full of comedy, laughter, and encouragement, and walk away with one powerful, go-and-do, you can actually go and do. You don’t want to miss it.

Registration is $15 and includes dessert.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 | 6:30PM

If you've ever felt like you just can't get in control of your money, you're not alone. You'd be surprised how many people you know are just like you. But it's time to take care of your finances today. Join Financial Peace University.

Learn how to pay off debt, save more money, build wealth, and live generously by understanding biblical principles through Ramsey Solutions' Financial Peace University class at NMC. This class meets on Thursday evenings beginning January 29. Registration closes on Monday, January 26, or earlier if maximum capacity is met.

If you're ready for 2026 to be the year of getting your finances on track, sign up for Financial Peace University by visiting northmetro.org/events.

BIBLICAL ENCOUNTER TOUR: ITALY

OCTOBER 5-12

Over the last few years, North Metro Church has had the joy of partnering with Faith-Based Expeditions to lead biblical encounter tours to Israel and Greece. This year, our Lead Pastor, Rob McDowell, will guide a group on a remarkable journey through Italy. Together, you’ll freshly experience the richness of Scripture as you walk in the physical and spiritual footsteps of Paul and the Apostles. To learn more about this unforgettable trip, visit northmetro.org/events.

NMC KIDS

BABY DEDICATION

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS

CLASS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 | 9:15-10:00AM

DEDICATION | SUNDAY, MAY 10 | 9:15AM OR 11:00AM

BARRETT CAMPUS

CLASS | SUNDAY, MARCH 1 | 9:15-10:00AM

DEDICATION | SUNDAY, MAY 3 | 3:00PM

The Baby Dedication Class will prepare you to participate in our next Baby Dedication Service, which will be on Sunday, May 3, at 3:00pm at our Barrett Campus and on Sunday, May 10, during the 9:15am or 11:00am service at our Sewell Mill Campus. This family-friendly service is an intentional environment, with the message and worship focused on celebrating life and your child's dedication to God’s teaching and instruction. If you want more information on dedicating your child or signing up, visit northmetro.org/events.

ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 | 9:15-10:00AM

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MARCH 22 | 9:15-10:00AM

This 45-minute class is designed for you and your child to attend together. If your elementary-aged child has already taken the step of salvation, this class is the perfect next step. For more information on the baptism process, visit northmetro.org/events.

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT

BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUSES | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 | 7:00-9:00PM

Calling all fathers and father figures! Get ready for a magical night that’s just around the corner, filled with delicious desserts, dancing, games, and plenty of photo ops. The excitement at NMC is building, and you won’t want to miss it! It will be an evening made just for dads and daughters, a Sweetheart Dance. A night filled with charm, laughter, and special moments you’ll both treasure. Come dressed in your best and be ready to make memories, celebrate the bond between dads and daughters, and remind every girl how deeply she’s loved. Registration is now open. Head to northmetro.org/events to sign up today.

SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 | 11:00AM-12:00PM

This is an opportunity for parents who have children with special needs to get together and form community. Pastries and coffee will be provided during the 11:00am service. Register at northmetro.org/events.

AND YOUR FAMILY

GAME DAY DRESS UP

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Game Day Dress Up is the perfect opportunity to blend comfort with team pride through game-day apparel. Whether you're rocking a classic jersey, a cozy hoodie, or a casual T-shirt with your team's logo, the key to this Sunday is to show your spirit for your favorite College or NFL football team while staying comfortable. No matter your style, the goal is to celebrate the big day in kids ministry with some fun. Game on!

PAJAMA SUNDAY

BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MARCH 8

It's time for one of our NMC Kids favorites— Pajama Sunday! Kids and parents always love an excuse to wear pajamas to church, so why not devote a whole morning to it? No matter where you're joining us from, all you have to do is roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and maybe brush your hair. Don’t forget to tag @wearenorthmetro and @nmc_kids on Instagram to share your photos with us.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE NIGHT

BARRETT CAMPUS | FRIDAY, MARCH 27 | 5:30-8:30PM

NMC will host its tenth respite night for families of children with special needs and their siblings. This event will allow NMC to serve not only kids and students but also their caregivers. Parents will have a chance for a night out while their children will get to have a night of fun on the NMC campus. Are you interested in serving our families in the special needs ministry for this respite event? Visit our events page to view a comprehensive list of serving opportunities

for this special evening. The deadline to sign up to serve or attend this event is Friday, March 20. Sign up and learn more at northmetro.org/events.

NMC KIDS TABLE TALKER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY DISCIPLESHIP TOOL

The NMC Kids Table Talker is a discipleship tool developed by the NMC Kids team to help families connect intentionally around the dinner table. The activities and devotions you'll find in the Table Talker are based on the Gospel Project curriculum that we use in our classrooms. This means you can connect what you do at home with what your kids do in their NMC classroom. But it's not all curriculum; you'll also find silly games, get-to-know-you questions, and family challenges. You are your child's first teacher and the first person to disciple your child. We hope the NMC Kids Table Talker is just the tool you need to take your family relationships to the next level. Grab yours today in NMC Kids, and when you finish, bring it back for a special prize!

Pine Cove City, Pine Cove’s incredible summer day camp program, is returning to North Metro Church! Camp will be hosted at our Barrett Campus June 1-5 and at our Sewell Mill Campus July 20-24. Pine Cove has been impacting families since 1968, and we’d love for your child to experience this wildly popular camp that fills up with waiting lists across the country!

This weeklong camp is designed for rising 1st-6th graders for the 2026-2027 school year. Each day runs from 9:00am4:00pm and includes a climbing wall, inflatables, water slides,

team games, Bible studies, and hilarious skits! Families are also invited to a special closing celebration on Friday at 4:00pm.

After five days with some of the most energetic and engaging college staff in the country, your child will head into summer encouraged, excited, and ready to grow in their faith. Campers will encounter Jesus through Bible study, worship, time with their counselor, and tons of unforgettable camp activities. Get ready for an amazing week at Pine Cove City!

NMC STUDENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL MORNINGS

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 9:15AM & 11:00AM 6-8th-grade students are invited to join us upstairs in the Student HQ at our 9:15am and 11:00am services for Bible study and community.

NMC STUDENTS BAPTISM CLASS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 | 11:00-11:30AM

Parents, if your student is considering baptism, we’d love to partner with you in this exciting step of faith. During the second service on Sunday, February 1, we’re offering a baptism class specifically designed for students. In this class, they’ll learn what baptism means, why it matters, and how to share their story of faith. You can sign your student up at northmetro.org/events.

NMC COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS (18-23)

COLLEGE NIGHTS

BARRETT CAMPUS | TUESDAYS | 6:45-9:00PM

College-age students and young adults (1823) join us on campus in the Theater for worship, dinner, community, time in God's word, and small groups. This time is for anyone and everyone, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey; there is a place for you here. For more details, visit northmetro.org/college.

The cost for Pine Cove City is $319 per camper.

If your family needs financial assistance or would like more information, visit the Events page at northmetro.org

For additional questions, feel free to email our Kids Pastor, Nathan Woodward, at nwoodward@northmetro.org

Registration is NOW OPEN for our Barrett Campus. If your child attended Pine Cove City at our Sewell Mill Campus last summer, early registration is open for you as well. Open registration for the Sewell Mill Campus begins Monday, January 12

Mobilization

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

We engage with everyone in and outside of our circles in a way that if NMC ceased to exist, we, the body of Christ, would Be Missed.

CITY SERVE WEEK

FEBRUARY 15-21

Invest in the renewal of our city and love others at City Serve. City Serve Week is a week-long, short-term mission project in our city that will include multiple projects with varying start times, lengths, and locations. This church-wide event will allow NMC members to love others. You can serve our Mobilization and Serve partners through outreach projects, including sharing the Gospel, homeless outreach, landscaping, light construction, distributing food, and much more. Grab your family or a few friends, find an opportunity, and sign up at northmetro.org/events.

Be on the lookout for more details about summer opportunities for families, including Camp Grace and a trip to New Jersey.

CHARACTER EDUCATION MENTORING AT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

You can invest in the next generation by becoming a mentor to encourage students once a month at Kennesaw Mountain High School during the 2025-2026 school year. As a mentor, you'll help facilitate the social-emotional curriculum, Habitudes by Dr. Tim Elmore. This is an opportunity to engage students in the public school environment where they spend so much time, all while equipping them with tools for healthy leadership in their world and the world around them. Take the next step by emailing Jill Stewart at jstewart@ northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.

PANAJACHEL, GUATEMALA

APRIL 19-25

This team just returned from their trip in December. They had the opportunity to love on children and host a Christmas celebration, including the use of NMC's Christmas Guide printed in Spanish. We will have another team going in April to Casa de Redentor (Redeemer's House), in Panajachel, Guatemala. Head to northmetro.org/events to find out more. The deadline to sign up for the April trip is Wednesday, January 14.

What is City Takers?

CityTakers envisions a world where the Kingdom of Darkness is replaced by the prevailing Kingdom of God in every city. Through the dedicated efforts of disciples of Jesus, empowered by CityTakers' guidance, communities once trapped in poverty, crime, addiction, and fatherlessness find restoration and purpose. Our vision is a tapestry of fulfilled lives, woven together by urban missionaries, micro-churches, and spiritual family, creating a landscape of lasting transformation and hope.

Learn more at citytakers.com

Compassion International is a Christ-centered, childfocused, church driven ministry whose mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The Child Sponsorship Program allows a sponsor to invest in a child’s life.

During our last Compassion event in February of 2020, NMC members sponsored over 500 children

from a network of churches in Kenya. Currently, NMC sponsors 592 children worldwide.

This year, we will be focusing on children living in Guatemala. Because of our partnership with Casa del Redentor in Guatemala, this will allow people the opportunity to meet their child in person. This is an incredible opportunity to invest in a child in another part of the world.

COMPASSION EXPERIENCE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22-SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

The Compassion Experience is an interactive audio/ visual journey showing Jesus's transformative work through a child's story of overcoming poverty. Visitors will walk through a semi-truck that’s been transformed to recreate scenes from the lives of two children sponsored through Compassion International. Each visitor will get an audio device and will hear recordings of the child’s story in each room. This event is free and suitable for the whole

family. Register online to save your time slot. Head to northmetro.org/compassion today!

Be sure to join us on campus at our weekend services! We'll have opportunities to sponsor children through Compassion, AND we'll get to hear from Casa del Redentor's Director, Ivan. Ivan is visiting Georgia for the first time from Guatemala, and we are so excited to have him with us in person! This will be a great weekend full of practical ways for us to love others and to Be Missed!

Meeting Fridah

Lisa's Story of Meeting Her Compassion Child

On Compassion Sunday in February 2020, a Compassion alumnus shared stories of his faith journey, his career, and the life-changing experience of being delivered from poverty. We saw hundreds of children's faces on Compassion Sponsor Packets. I was humbled and convicted. Most children were from Kenya, and when I saw Fridah’s face, I was drawn to her. Of all the children I saw, I kept going back to her photo, and my husband and I decided to commit to monthly financial support. Her picture went up on my fridge, and we started writing to each other.

Being 8 years old, she started with drawings and fill-in-the-blank template letters. She wrote about her mother, siblings, and her daily chores of gathering firewood and helping with vegetable farming. Her English improved, and she wrote about her activities at the Compassion Child Development Center (CDC) and how much she loved going to “the project” every week. She learned to recite poetry and talk about her faith. It was evident that the Compassion Center was involved in her spiritual development, literacy, and well-being. In her letters, she consistently thanked us and prayed for us. Every year, we receive photos of the clothes and food items her birthday money bought for her family.

When writing to her, I share experiences, events with photos, offer encouragement, hope, and include a lot of love. In 2023, there was an interest meeting at NMC for a possible trip with Compassion to Kenya. The trip itinerary sounded wonderful and included meeting your sponsored child! I was stunned to think I could go on a church trip to Africa and meet my Compassion kid. My heart burst with excitement, and the Lord lit a fire in me. Unfortunately, the turnaround time to launch this trip didn’t work out.

A year later, I received an email directly from Compassion promoting a pilot field experience trip to Kenya for sponsors. I assumed others at NMC would receive this email and sign up for the trip. The itinerary sounded similar, so I reserved a spot with a deposit. Later, I found out I was the only one from Georgia going on this trip!

In January 2025, my dream of going to Africa became a reality. Our team consisted of 21 sponsors from across the US. I was privileged to go on this trip and blessed with new friendships. We visited frontline church partners in and around Nairobi. At each CDC, we were greeted by incredibly hospitable people who welcomed us with joyful singing and dancing. We met dedicated workers with a heart for discipleship who provide hope to families in their community.

In the rural village of Nderu, the children were delighted to perform poetry, dancing, and testimonies for us. The Survival Program moms were excited to show us their sewing and fashion design skills. I was in awe of the true discipleship demonstrated by the program alumni, who lovingly invest their time in teaching the next generation of students.

We also visited the Korogocho slum area in Nairobi, where approximately 1 million people live in a 4-square-mile area. We hiked down a rocky path

to the church where the children were. After crossing many sewage streams and the Mathare River on a makeshift concrete slab bridge, we arrived at Korogocho Redeemed Gospel Church. The church is open to the whole community, regardless of religion. Compassion kids often bring their entire family to church, and over time, many come to know Jesus.

During my trip, the Lord softened my heart to sponsor another child. I called my husband back home to ask. He informed me that Compassion had sent a letter that week asking us to consider sponsoring another child at the exact center where Fridah attended. His name is Gift, age 10, and his birthday is the same as my mom’s. My answer was a resounding “YES!!”

On the “sponsor fun day,” the Compassion Kenya staff arranged for us to spend the day at Stedmak Gardens in Nairobi, where we met our children for the first time. Fridah, her mom Lornah, and Rahab from the CDC traveled hours from the plains of Rongai. I was so excited to meet them. Should I shake hands or hug her? How would she respond to me? When we met, my heart melted at the sight of her beautiful smile. She was real and not just a picture on my refrigerator! That moment was captured with a photo that I treasure. Fridah was quite shy about speaking English, so we relied on Rahab to translate her Swahili. We each enjoyed the zoo and amusement rides at the Gardens.

We had lunch and table time together. I learned that Fridah was an infant when her father died, as I listened to her mom’s story of raising four children as a young widow. We bonded and shared gifts as kindred spirits. I wept when Fridah pulled out the well-loved, tattered letters I had sent her over the years. She wanted to know more about my children and life in America. I encouraged her to do well in school, pursue her dreams, and trust God with her future. We prayed for each other and shed tears when we had to say goodbye.

An update from Ivan Mijango. Redeemer's House, or Casa del Redentor, is North Metro Church's international ministry in Panajachel, Guatemala.

A Year Overflowing With God’s Grace

After the pandemic, when things were slowly returning to something like normal, we went through a difficult season trying to reconnect with the children in the same way we used to. Everything had changed, and we had to change with it. There was a moment when I honestly thought we might have reached our limit and that there wasn’t much more room to grow. But once again, God showed us that He always has a plan. Today, I can look back and see that season as a time of “rest,” where we regained the strength needed for everything that would come afterward.

This year, as I’ve shared in previous letters, has been a true waterfall of grace that God has poured over this ministry. If someone had told me a year ago that the teachers in Patzutzún (one of the villages we serve) would one day allow us to teach Bible classes inside their classrooms during school hours—and even collaborate with us—I’m not sure I would have believed it. But it happened. All year long, the doors were wide open for us to try anything that could help us bring the Bible to the children, and the teachers walked alongside us in that work. She won’t read this, but I want to mention the principal, Señora Telma, who, for some reason, seems to have received very clear instructions not to deny any of our requests. I’m truly grateful for her willing and generous heart.

Something similar happened in Chuitziyut, the smallest and most remote village we serve. This year, it was a blessing to be able to provide food for the 14 families with children in the school, teach the Bible to the little ones, and hold weekly devotionals with the mothers. Without a doubt, it was one of the many answers to prayer that we witnessed this year.

And what can I say about Xecotoj? It’s a small village just 10 minutes from Panajachel (where our base is), and one that probably would never have appeared on our radar if it weren’t for the pandemic. We’ve been serving there for a little over three years, but this year it truly felt like a second base because of the way they receive us and allow us to serve. We implemented a third

feeding program for the students—providing breakfast three times a week—and we also get to teach Bible classes, provide art classes, and conduct tutoring sessions. On top of that, we completed many improvements and renovation projects thanks to the NMC mission teams. All that love and effort is producing abundant fruit.

And to finish this summary of the year, I can’t leave out Panajachel, our home. Thanks to the vision of our president, Barry Vaughan, our facilities are being renovated so we can host more people during mission trips and prepare meals for the children. I’ll share more details about this in future letters, as it’s still a work in progress, but I am excited to tell you how God is allowing us to grow and to serve our local community in new ways.

So many amazing things happened this year that one newsletter would never be enough to describe them all. If you ask any child, I’m sure they’ll say their favorite moment was the trip to the zoo (Note that I am writing this before the long-awaited Christmas). For me, the best part has been seeing how God continues to use CDR to draw people closer to Jesus.

I want to close this letter by thanking the entire NMC family for your unconditional support of this ministry. Thank you to every missionary who visited us this year and filled us with love, energy, and encouragement. Thank you for keeping Guatemala and CDR in a special place in your hearts—and above all, thank you for your prayers.

I wish you a Christmas season filled with peace and joy. And if you have free time in your schedule, I would love to meet you, shake your hand, or give you a bear hug and thank you in person during my visit to NMC in January (just one of many testimonies that carry God’s signature and seal!). And of course, I can't pass up the opportunity to invite you to join one of the 2026 mission trips with the Mobilization Team. Together, let’s continue helping people find and follow Jesus.

You have access to view and print giving history and year-end giving statements for tax purposes at your convenience through our giving platform, Church Center, on northmetro.org/give.

Once you're in Church Center:

1. Click on Give in the top right menu on your screen.

2. Click the blue My Giving button under the heading My Information.

3. In the menu on the left side of your screen, select Donation History

4. Select the Year from the drop-down menu.

5. Select Download , and a report will be generated that includes all necessary information for tax purposes. (The statement can be saved or printed on your device.)

YTD November 2025 Income: 3,408,398.13 Expense: 2,819,743.60 Over(under): 588,654.53