NLC Connect - April 30, 2025

PC: Pastor Brad, Maria Gonzalez and Vincent Ochoa
Lydia Aquino and Fatima Maldonado giving the congregation their "next steps."
NLC Kids had a surprise party for Jesus as they learned about the Road to Emmaus on Sunday.
Noemi Gonzalez helping out Lyubov Heinrichs and Martha Sawatzky during connecting point.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAY 1
National Day of Prayer
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 2 & 3
Prayer Booth at Dinuba's Cinco de Mayo Festival - Entertainment Plaza downtown (contact the church office or Pastor Brad to sign up for a time slot)

SUNDAY, MAY 4
8:30 a.m. - "Salt & Light" Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

• Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio

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

• Communion
• Deacon Care Fund offering

11:30 a.m. - Deacons meeting - Community Room
5:00 p.m. - NLC Youth meeting - Room 207

TUESDAY, MAY 6
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study - Room 114/115 (end of series)
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115 (final session)
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
Carl's Jr. fundraiser in Dinuba--mention NLC when you place your order
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113

THURSDAY, MAY 8
Carl's Jr. fundraiser in Dinuba--mention NLC when you place your order
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups

SUNDAY, MAY 11 - Mother's Day
8:30 a.m. - "Salt & Light" Growth Class - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT

• Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio 
• Pre-ordered chocolate-covered strawberries will be available to pick up -- thanks for supporting kids attending summer camp!
• Pick up a baby bottle for Dawnings Pregnancy Resource Center's' "Change for Life" fundraiser (through Father's Day in June)
• Summer camp registration forms due to Jessica Aquino or the church office

10:00 a.m. - WORSHIP/NLC KIDS/NURSERY
No Youth meeting

TUESDAY, MAY 13
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room (final session until July)
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Prayer Ministry - Library

Received Last Week (4/27): .............. $3,169
Received this year: ......................... $209,591
Budget to Date:............................... $258,250
Budget Goal: ……....……........…...…...$383,686
Needed Weekly: ………....…................ $10,241

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."
— Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
God doesn’t just meet our needs—He cares about the details of our hearts. Sometimes His provision shows up in miraculous ways, and other times in quiet reminders that say, “I see you. I know you. I’ve got you.” When we trust Him—even with the small things—we open the door to see how personal and powerful His love really is.
Fifteen years ago, when my husband and I had just gotten married, we moved to a new area to begin our life together. It was a season of starting from scratch—new town, tight budget, and lots of uncertainty. Thankfully, the church we joined welcomed us with open arms and decided to “pound” us—a tradition where members bring groceries to bless someone in need.
I was so grateful, but there was one small thing I quietly hoped for: Colby Jack cheese. It wasn’t something I asked anyone for. Just a little craving in my heart—comfort food, really.
As we loaded the boxes into the car, I kept thinking, There’s cheese in there. I just know it. I couldn’t wait to open them. We got to the third box, and there it was—two full pounds of Colby Jack cheese. The only refrigerated item in any of the three boxes. Tucked at the bottom, waiting like a little whisper from God: “I see even that.”
God is more than able to provide—not just the big breakthroughs, but the quiet reassurances that He’s near. What’s something small you’ve been holding back from asking Him for? Trust Him with it today. He delights in meeting both the need and the heart behind it.
--Jessica Aquino