Issuu

Keeping

“Yeah, I’ve heard about it, but I don’t actually know what it is.”

That’s the most common response I hear when Re:generation comes up in a conversation around NMC. In its simplest form, Re:generation is a Christfocused, biblically-centered 12-step recovery program.

In American culture, being in ‘recovery’ is often synonymous with chemical addiction or substance abuse. However, I would contend that all of humankind is in need of recovery due to the sin nature that we inherited. Each of us turns to something else besides our Creator as a means of managing our lives and the brokenness of the world. The list of how people do this is long and varied! People come to Re:generation for a wide range of struggles—anywhere from seemingly ‘benign’ issues like control, pride, and codependency, to deeper spiritual issues like bitterness, unforgiveness, and mistrust of God, to chronic habitual struggles with chemical abuse and sexual sin.

While most people come to Re:generation because they feel stuck in some area of their life, there are also many others who come to simply grow in their relationship with the Lord. The steps of Re:generation are actually

12 key steps to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Through the ministry of Re:generation, thousands of people have found freedom from their struggles and experienced new life in Christ. Most people who have completed Re:generation say they grew in the following ways:

96% Experiencing freedom from presenting struggle

93% Understanding how to deal with conflict

97% Confessing to God and someone I trust

94% Receiving God’s forgiveness

94% Forgiving others

88% Receiving forgiveness from others

97% Being open and honest

85% Time in God’s Word

93% Reliance on God’s Word when making decisions

96% Trust in God

92% Relational trust with others

80% Trust of the Church

Everyone has room to grow, and change is possible!

Becky Everette Pastor of Discipleship Ministries

If you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to join us at the Barrett Campus on a Wednesday evening. Re:generation meets weekly at 7:00pm. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.

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.

SUMMER IS COMING — AND IT'S TIME TO JUMP IN!

Are you looking for ways to serve others, build strong community, and create memories that will last long after the season ends? There’s no better way to grow in your faith and strengthen relationships than by serving side by side. When we roll up our sleeves together, something powerful happens—friendships deepen, faith grows, and our community is changed.

CAMP GRACE

ROBERTA, GA | SUMMER 2026

Spend a week this summer serving with our long-time ministry partner, Camp Grace, just under two hours away in Roberta, Georgia. Camp Grace transforms the lives of underserved youth through grace by providing life-changing overnight camp experiences—and you can help make that happen.

We will be going down for the day on June 10th to serve the people at Camp Grace. We will have the opportunity to pray over the campers and wash their feet. If you are interested in learning more, go to northmetro.org/serve.

This summer, there are opportunities for everyone—families, singles, students, young, and old. Whether it’s serving in Guatemala, South Georgia, inner-city Atlanta, kids' camps, or right here in our own neighborhoods, there’s a place for you. Let’s not let the summer slip by. Let’s love boldly, serve faithfully, and make an impact together.

CITY SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

We will have many opportunities throughout the summer with our local partners through washing the cars of senior citizens, serving meals to families in need, doing yard work, and much more. Also, if you are interested in finding ways for your community group to serve together, email mvinson@northmetro.org.

CASA DEL REDENTOR

PANAJACHEL, GUATEMALA | SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMBER 27

We are having our first-ever medical trip down to Guatemala. We are partnering with GHO (Global Health Outreach) to serve over 1,000 people in the villages near Panajachel. We will need a variety of medical professionals - doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, nurses, and more. Reach out to Meagan Vinson to learn more: mvinson@northmetro.org.

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 2026-2027 school year. Mentors serve once a month, helping facilitate meaningful conversations through Habitudes by Dr. Tim Elmore. This leadership and social-emotional curriculum equips students with tools for healthy character, wise decision-making, and strong leadership. This is an opportunity to engage students in the public school environment where they can practice these skills daily. Take the next step by emailing Jill Stewart at jstewart@northmetro.org or check out the details at northmetro.org/serve.

MAY IS

FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH

Happy May, Y’all!

We are Caleb and Sunny Lampert. We have been married for almost 15 years and are the proud parents of five kids, ages 5 to 13. We’ve been part of North Metro Church for seven years and currently serve on the NMC Kids team as Coaches. We love this church, we love our community, and we love that NMC is using the month of May to bring awareness to Adoption and Foster Care.

Adoption and Foster Care are intimately woven into our family. We entered parenthood in early 2018 as foster parents, welcoming our first placement—three siblings—into our home. Later that year, their newborn baby brother joined us, and we became a family of six. Fast-forward two years (and a global pandemic) later to 2020, and we get a call that their mom had given birth to another newborn baby boy, who joined our crew, bringing us to a household of seven.

We finalized the adoptions in July of 2022.

Now that was a lot of dates, numbers, and info thrown at you in a newsletter. If you need a cup of coffee from the café, feel free to put it on our tab- just give them the name Daniel Hicks, and they will take care of it. Kidding kidding. Give ‘em the name Lampert, and we got you, as long as you settle in—there’s more to unpack here.

We met in college, on the first day of class, freshman year, and married a few years later. I [Sunny] came into our marriage with a heart for the ministry of foster care. I was formed and molded in a home that prioritized caring for children in need. Growing up, I had biological, foster, and foster-adopted siblings. Our home was rowdy and full, and my sheltered life was undone with the realities that my foster/adopted siblings experienced. I remember watching my parents’ character, faith, marriage, finances—all the things—be incredibly stretched and strained. But in that, I grew up watching God faithfully, miraculously, and even tenderly show up. I felt the tension of the weight of their obedience, but I also saw the equal measure of God’s

faithfulness being poured out. I wanted in on the wild ride my parents brought us, kids on, and I felt uniquely called and equipped to step into the world of foster care when I was an adult.

[Caleb] That was not my background. I was an only child in a loving, stable, Christ-centered home. Acts of service and caring for those in need were ever at the forefront of our day-to-day. My summers were spent mowing elderly widows’ lawns and serving in the local children’s hospital. I also spent a lot of time waiting in the car while my dad, Andy Lampert, ministered to someone in the parking lot whenever we ran errands. My mom was a force for sharing God’s love with others through encouragement and meeting practical needs. It was a kingdom mindset and eternal perspective operating out of the overflow of God’s love and provision that were the DNA of our small family. It looked a lot like Sunny’s in that way, just a different flavor.

When I first met Sunny, it was very clear that she felt led to have a family much like the one she grew up in, which blended foster care and adoption. I did not feel led that way at all. In fact, that prospect was terrifying. I loved her family, but they were spicier than what I was used to. I decided that my master plan would be to wait her out, hoping she would forget about this whole spiritual calling thing. She did not. This was a difficult tension Sunny and I had to navigate for the first six years of our marriage. Though it was instilled in me to serve others, the idea of stepping into foster care seemed a bridge too far. I did not feel called into it at all.

Sunny’s draw towards foster care never wavered, and in time, I ultimately said yes. No, she did not wear me down or push me into it. Rather, Sunny’s gentle but persistent prayers and passion for foster care drew me in. That, and I read a book called If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Ultimately, while I did not feel an explicit calling into foster care, God’s heart around caring for the widows and orphans (James 1:27) is very clear. I responded to the need for foster care out of obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Not everyone can do all the things, but everyone can do something.

We want to be a church where families are not only called— but sustained. Where no one walks this road alone. Where children and families experience the tangible love of Jesus.

If you feel even a small nudge to get involved—whether that’s fostering, supporting, or simply learning more— we would love to help you take a next step.

Because together, we can make a difference. Remember, none of us are actually qualified to step into this space on our own

merits or abilities, but we have been called to do something because of what Christ has done for us. He only has sinners to work with, and he never calls the equipped, but always equips the called. And we are all called to do something!

If you are interested in any way or capacity to serve families and children, please email Meagan Vinson at mvinson@northmetro.org or Sunny Lampert at sunnylampert@gmail.com.

The Lampert Family

Connect & Grow

WELCOME HOME

SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 17 | 11:15AM

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 24 | 12:15PM

Welcome Home is designed to help you learn about everything that makes up North Metro Church and provide you with 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 Bible study; 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. See below for our recent groups launched and currently receiving new members:

Community Groups:

Portia Tadesse — Co - ed singles 40+ group, meets every other Monday, 6:30–8:30pm

Suso Villa Campos — Spanish-speaking group, meets every other Sunday, 12:30–2:00pm

Charlene Beaton — Singles of all ages, meeting Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm

Heather Dreeman & Julia Mattern — Women’s Bible study, meets Mondays, 7:00–8:30pm

Seth & Aubrey Gregory — Families with young kids (elementary age or younger), meets Sundays, 12:30–2:00pm

Lance Thrash — Men's Bible study meets every Thursday, 6:30-8:00pm

Connection Groups:

Erin Nason — Super Moms of Special Kids- Moms with children with special needs meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month 7:00-8:30pm

Tony Fuentes — Soccer meets every other Thursday, 8:00-9:30pm

Heather & Justin Foster — Faith in Motion- walking, jogging, running group

Maintenance and Mods — For those who love to connect through cars

Heart for the Nations —For those who have a heart for missions, whether global or local 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 quarterly. 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 adult baptism class on Sunday, March 8, at our Barrett 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 | WEDNESDAYS | 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. Learn more at northmetro.org/regeneration.

MARRIAGE MINISTRIES

Healthy marriages start long before the wedding. Building strong marriages matters here at North Metro Church. We want to help build and support strong, thriving marriages centered on Christ.

We have marriage discipleship classes designed for engaged couples, newly married couples, and couples who want to make their marriages more enriched by applying biblical principles and growing in their walk with Christ. To learn more about these classes, visit our Marriage page at northmetro.org/marriage.

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.

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.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUPPORT

BARRETT CAMPUS | MONDAY, MAY 11 | 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 us 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.

The Support Group will not meet in June and July but will resume in August with monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month. If you're looking for something through the summer, join us for our Infertility & Loss Bible Study - details are below.

INFERTILITY & LOSS SUMMER BIBLE STUDY | TREASURES IN THE WAITING

BARRETT CAMPUS | WEDNESDAYS STARTING JUNE 3 | 7:00-9:00PM

If you are a woman experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriages, you are invited to join us for a nine-week Bible study as we support one another and discuss topics like prayer, hope, decision-making, and dealing with difficult relationships. This group is open to all women regardless of faith background, church affiliation, or infertility story. To learn more and to register, please visit northmetro.org/events.

WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP LUNCHEON

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 3 | 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.

We would love to have you join us for our Cancer Support Luncheon on May 3, a time of encouragement and support among those who understand the journey. Please sign up by visiting northmetro.org/events to sign up for this free event.

BEAUTY FOR

ASHES SUPPORT GROUP

BARRETT CAMPUS | THURSDAY, MAY 7 | 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.

NMCU

NMCU | ENROLL TODAY

North Metro Church University (NMCU) is our primary vehicle for studying the Bible together to form a biblical worldview. In NMCU Core (101-104), 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 you understand and communicate your faith to others so you can become a more faithful follower of Jesus, a disciple who makes disciples.

All classes will be offered online to accommodate summer travel schedules. Additionally, we will have 101 in-person. For those who desire a more relational experience to complete NMCU, we invite you to start or join a community group. The summer semester dates are Tuesday, June 16, through August 18. Head to northmetro.org/nmcu to sign up!

UPCOMING FOR YOU

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

SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT BRUNCH

BARRETT CAMPUS | SUNDAY, MAY 3 | 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.

NMC KIDS AT THE PARK

SATURDAY, MAY 16 | 10:00AM-12:00PM

We're taking NMC Kids out of the building for some games, popsicles, and a whole lot of fun. You'll find Mobi and us from 10:00am to 12:00pm at a local park, and we'd love to

see you there! Check back on the website to find a location as the date approaches. There is no cost or sign-up for this event, so invite your friends and family and stop in anytime.

NMC KIDS OFFERING

The Kids Clean Water Project is receiving 100% of our NMC Kids offering. This project brings clean water and Christ's love to those around the world in desperate need of both. By doing this, they experience love and hope. We want to help provide clean drinking water to families who may have never had access to it. Every $10 we raise means another child can have clean water for ten years.

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 STUDENT NIGHTS

BARRETT & SEWELL MILL CAMPUS | SUNDAYS | 6:00PM Students in grades 6–12 are invited to join us Sunday nights at 6:00 PM for dinner, worship, a message, and small groups. This

Let the fun (and games) begin!

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

space is designed to help students find community, engage with God’s Word, and process life together in a fun, welcoming environment. To be in the know of all the fun things happening, be sure to view our Instagram, @nmcstudents.

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.

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!

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 OPEN for our Sewell Mill Campus. The Barrett Campus is FULL! You can sign up today to attend Pine Cove City at Sewell Mill or join the waitlist for Barrett Campus.

AND YOUR FAMILY

NMC STUDENT MISSION TRIPS

A few weeks ago, we shared the vision for our five student mission teams and invited you to partner with us in sending them out. To say we are "wowed" would be an understatement. Because of your incredible generosity, we raised over $27,000! We often tell our students that if God calls them to go, He is faithful to provide the way. By stepping up so boldly, you haven’t just cleared a financial hurdle; you have provided our students with a tangible, front-row seat to God’s faithfulness. You are a living testimony to them that the Body of Christ takes care of its own and cares deeply for the world.

While the financial goal has been met, the spiritual mission is just beginning. As our teams prepare to head

to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Panajachel, Guatemala, we ask that you shift your focus to intentional prayer.

Please join us in asking the Lord for the safety and protection of every student and leader as they travel. We pray specifically for the hearts of those we will meet, that the Holy Spirit would go before us to soften them and make them receptive to the Gospel. Our deepest hope is that every conversation and act of service would plant seeds of faith that the Lord would cause to flourish long after our teams return home. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ASV

Thank you, North Metro Church, for being the hands and feet of Jesus. We cannot wait to share the stories of what God does through these students and through your prayers this summer!

Calling all secret agents!

This summer, NMC Kids is launching Summer on Mission, a top-secret operation designed to change the world right from your backyard.

We’ve put together a specialized field manual featuring eight weekly missions that include Scripture passages to study, devotions to read together, and missions to complete in your community. Whether it's serving a neighbor or spreading kindness in the community, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to show God’s love in action!

After you complete all eight missions, report back to NMC Kids headquarters! Cut off the completion slip, sign your "code name" (first and last), and drop it in the designated NMC Kids Mailbox at the church. Agents who complete their missions will receive an exclusive invitation to our Summer Serve Party, a celebration lunch, and a service project for our hardworking recruits!

Grab your Summer on Mission starting May 24 and get ready for a summer of intentionality, impact, and fun!

Ben and Anna Long’s story begins right here at North Metro Church. They met while attending our college ministry when Pastor Rob McDowell was leading. During those years, their faith was being shaped in powerful ways—Ben even went on a mission trip to Guatemala with Executive Pastor John Maggard.

As their relationship grew, so did their roots at NMC. They were part of the two-year newlywed group led by Greg and Barbara Williams, and over time, they stepped into leadership themselves—pouring into others just as they had been poured into. Like many families in our church, Ben and Anna were simply walking faithfully with the Lord, raising their three children, and growing in their faith—unaware of how God would lead them in the future.

Several years ago, they moved to Colorado. It was there that God began stirring something unexpected in their hearts—a call to missions.

Today, Ben and Anna have said “yes” to serving as long-term missionaries with Refugee Oasis in Antwerp, Belgium.

What will they be doing?

They will be helping local churches build relationships with refugees and immigrants by offering language classes and sharing the love and message of Jesus.

Their story is a powerful reminder that God often calls ordinary people to extraordinary things—and that journey often starts right where you are.

We will be commissioning Ben and Anna at North Metro Church on May 14 and 17. Stop by to meet them before or after the services at Barrett. We will also be hosting a meet-and-greet on Friday night if you would like to learn more about what they are doing and how to pray and support them.

longsonmission.com

If you would like to stay connected to what God is doing through our missionaries and learn how to pray, consider joining our Missions Connection Group: Heart for the Nations.

The Long Family

CELEBRATING WHAT GOD DID Baptisms at NMC

God has always been on the move at NMC, but this past Easter Weekend, we felt God’s Spirit in a new way. We celebrated over 150 baptisms between both campuses. 150 children, adults, parents, friends, and grandparents who publicly proclaimed that Jesus is their Lord and Savior! It was a weekend full of joy and excitement! If these celebrations have inspired you to take your next step to get baptized, we offer classes for kids, students, and adults. Learn more about baptisms at NMC by going to northmetro.org/baptisms!