NLC Connect Aug 16 2023

I was present at the Dinuba Chamber of Commerce's "Good Morning, Dinuba!" event this morning at a local insurance company. Thirty people or so were there representing local businesses, the school district, and non-profits, including two representatives from Teen Challenge. We're familiar with this ministry, which accepts men locally at their residential facility near Immanuel's sports complex and guides their recovery from addictions and other issues.

As each one did around the room, so Jordan and Rick, the two representatives from Teen Challenge, greeted the local community members and shared a bit about their business. As they finished they made this remarkable statement: we're seeing lives transformed as men accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Praise the Lord for their boldness! Our monthly memory verse immediately came to my mind. These two men were entirely unashamed to publicly declare the power of Jesus Christ to redeem and restore lives. Hallelujah!

Sometimes I overhear Christians talking about how bad things are becoming in this world. I recently received a letter from a sister church that decried: "the world’s influence [is] now at our doorstep in our once protected corner of the world of the Central Valley". Please. We are not called to hide away and protect ourselves from whatever ills the devil wants to throw at us. And our weapons to fight such battles are neither political nor cultural. God has given us the Gospel, which is his power to bring salvation to everyone who believes. So step out your door, greet the day the Lord has made, and carry the Good News with you to everyone without shame or fear! 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16
6:30 p.m. - Worship Practice - Gym
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
5:30 p.m. - Celebrate Recovery meal and ministry. TOPIC: Forgiveness. Small Groups. Solid Rock Cafe.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
9:30 a.m - Noon - Celebrate Recovery offers OPIOID AWARENESS TRAINING and NARCAN KITS - Dining Room - CLICK TO REGISTER BELOW

I have to put this event in light of Scripture. When Jesus told the parable we know as "The Good Samaritan" in Luke 10, he described religious people who were either not equipped or not interested or maybe even afraid to help someone lying on the side of the road. When Jesus described the one person who stopped to provide aid, using what he had with him to bandage the hurting person and then using his resources to pay for the injured person's lodging and care until he was recovered and strengthened, everyone immediately recognized Jesus' point. It was this person--ready to care--who represented best God's command to love our neighbor.

Laurie and I will be coming to be trained on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, something that is on the increase in our region and nation. We will accept the NARCAN kits and be ready wherever we are to stop and give aid in the hope of saving a life so someone might come to experience the love of God for them in the name of Jesus. Please join us.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
8:30 a.m. - Adult Growth Class: FOUNDATIONS IN FINANCE - Rooms 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT (Dining Room)
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP - NLC CREW - NLC KIDS - NURSERY

• Pastor Mark preaches the second in the series on money called: "IN GOD WE TRUST" - What it Means to be a Good Steward
• Terry Chappell will be sharing his story of lifelong stewardship as part of the sermon.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
6:00 a.m. NEW Men's Bible Study on 1 Thessalonians - Dining Room - CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE TRAILER
6:30 p.m. Healing Rooms of Dinuba - West Porch of Worship Center

NEXT WEEKEND
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 25-27 - Hartland Christian Camp's FALL FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
8:30 a.m. - Adult Growth Class: FOUNDATIONS IN FINANCE - Rooms 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT (Dining Room)
10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP - NLC CREW - NLC KIDS - NURSERY

• Pastor Mark preaches the last of the series on money called: "IN GOD WE TRUST" - Overcoming Financial Obstacles
• Otilia "Tillie" Avila will be sharing her story of overcoming financial obstacles as part of the sermon.

11:15 a.m. - FAMILY MEAL - TACOS, RICE, AND BEANS!

• Last names A-K: Please bring Sides/Salads
• Last names L-Z: Please bring Sweets/Desserts

UPCOMING EVENTS
LIFT Women's Bible Study starts September 5th
HAGGAI Sunday morning video growth class starts September 17th

SPECIAL FISCAL YEAR END REPORTING
Offerings Received Last Week (8/13): ............................$4,107
Offerings Received this year to date:.........................$379,567
Other Income (Ministries, Facility Rental, Interest, Misc.) this year to date:.... $61,806
Total Income this year to date: …………….............$441,373
Estimated Expenses to Fiscal Year End  (Aug. 31):...$385,000
Fiscal Year Income greater than Expenses:.............…..$56,373