NLC Connect April 3 2024

April 3rd, 2024
by Mark Isaac

connect with God's Word

A new verse for April!

The Bible often uses the word "light" to describe Jesus (the Light of the World) or to describe the glory of God. Light is also used to describe our own actions and attitudes.
Jesus told his followers, "You are the light of the world...
Let your good deeds be seen by all so that they will glorify your Father in heaven."

So it's no surprise that John encourages us to "walk in the light, as he (Jesus) is in the light. That's what it means to be in fellowship with Jesus--to be close to him as a follower.
The light of Christ in which we walk is present and powerful for us because of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection. Our sins are forgiven!
We don't have to keep living in the "darkness"!

How do you walk in the light as he is in the light?
Recognize him for who he is, your Savior, and tell him you want to follow him and his word (the Bible) as your Lord. Then trust that he will lead you every day as you open your Bible and surrender your will to him. It's one day, one step, at a time!

connect your calendar

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
6:30 pm - Prayer Gathering, Room 113
6:30 pm- Worship Team rehearsal

THURSDAY, APRIL 4
5:30 pm - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

SUNDAY, APRIL 7
8:30 a.m. - GROWTH CLASS for ADULTS

Ephesians - Salt & Light Class, Rooms 114-115 (all are welcome!)

9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Jordan & Tristan Ringhofer and team leading worship
Otto Ekk preaching the first of a series on Jesus' Vision for Leaders (Luke 6:12-16)
Communion Service (everyone who has accepted Jesus is welcome to participate)

11:00 a.m. - SAUSAGE FUNDRAISER

Support our Celebrate Recovery ministry by purchasing rounds of homemade sausage

5:00 p.m. - NLC CREW (youth group) - Room 207

THE COMING WEEK:

MONDAY, APRIL 8
6:00 pm - CR Worship Team rehearsal

TUESDAY, APRIL 9
6:00 am - NEW Men’s Bible Study on JOSHUA- Gym
*HEALING ROOMS reopens April 16th
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Viewing for Barbara Friesen, Reedley Dopkins Chapel

Click photo above for trailer

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
9:00 a.m. - Graveside service for Barbara Friesen, Reedley Cemetery
10:00 a.m. - Memorial service for Barbara Friesen, Palm Village - followed by a light lunch
6:30 pm - Prayer Gathering, Room 113
6:30 pm- Worship Team rehearsal

THURSDAY, APRIL 11
5:30 pm - CELEBRATE RECOVERY meal, worship, groups

FRIDAY, APRIL 12
6:30 p.m. - Youth For Christ Annual Auction & Dinner - Free dinner - Tulare Community Church, 1820 N Gem St, Tulare

Click to Register

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13
West Coast MCC Sale and Auction - Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S Chestnut, Fresno

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 14
8:30 a.m. - GROWTH CLASS for ADULTS

Ephesians - Salt & Light Class, Rooms 114-115 (all are welcome!)

9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Dining Room

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY

Bruce Smith and team leading worship
Pastor Mark preaching the 2nd of a series on Jesus' Vision for Leaders (Luke 6:20-49)

11:15 a.m. - NLC KIDS/CREW VOLUNTEER lunch - Community Room

Invitation-only, but let Jessica know you'd like to help and that's your ticket!

5:00 p.m. - NLC CREW (youth group) - Room 207

YES! THIS CAMPING TRIP IS FOR YOU!

connect through giving

Received Last Week (3/31):……......... $6,895
Received this year to date:........……..$221,667
Budget to Date: …….......................... $238,665
Budget Goal: …………...…...…...............$400,342
Needed Weekly: …………….……............…$8,508

BATES HOUSE
Our church recently sold the home just north of the gym to the family who've been renting it from NLC for many years. A portion of the profit completely paid off our solar loan, and the rest has been placed in the Capital-Reserve fund for future projects.
Would you like to know more about NLC's balance sheet? Talk to Treasurer Ken Sawatzky.

PRAYER

Barbara Friesen passed away this past weekend. She has been a longtime member of our church. Viewing, graveside, and memorial services are April 9 and 10. See Calendar above for details. Keep her family in prayer, also. Her son Glen & Cindy were members here for many years, as well as sister Carol Isaak, and other family members.
Pray Ron Froese as he heals from back surgery. He has intense nerve pain right now which keeps him from sleeping well, or at all. Pray for rest and healing.
Pray for health and peace for: Marilyn Chappell, Paulie Romero, Michelle Perez, Brian Willems, and Mary Salazar. Brian started a new job recently.
Remember those dealing with cancer: Elva Cardona's sister, Connie Gomes, Ron Froese's sister-in-law Garinel, Eugene Enns, Carolina Coralles, Lanisha Washington, and Glen Zimmerman.
Keep praying for Cheryl Jackson, Executive Director at Open Gate. Her mother remains on hospice, and Cheryl and her sisters rotate sitting with her 24/7.
Pray for our pastoral transition and search team as they organize and begin their work.
Praise the Lord for our Easter Vacation Bible School "RISE UP!" At least 4 children accepted Jesus as their Savior. On Easter Sunday morning there were 73 children and youth at NLC!
Praise the Lord for the powerful testimonies of those who were baptized on Sunday. Keep praying for them as they have taken a big step in following Jesus: Karen Madrid and Misty Hernandez (rebaptisms), Freddy & Deja Parker and their daughter, Cali Torres, Justin Griggs and his son, Austin Griggs, and Natalie Zaragoza.
Praise the Lord for Ana Tovar and her regular live translation of our services!
Pray for Pastor Mark & Laurie as he participates with many Dinuba High School students this weekend at the state SkillsUSA competition. Many of these students benefited from partnering with NLC for their projects.
Pray for our missionaries: Johnny & Denise Esposito in SE Asia, Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, and Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal.
Continue praying for an end to war and violence around the world, and for many who are also starving as a result of continuing violence.