NLC Connect - Sept. 3, 2025
connect with God's Word
Last Wednesday, a wonderful group gathered to pray for those experiencing loneliness in our church and surrounding communities. We’re grateful for the faithful core led by Stan Isaac who come together every week to intercede for others!
We also celebrate Carolyn and Phyllis’s leadership at our Home Resource Center as they reached an exciting new milestone in our partnership with Care Portal. Curious about how you can be part of this transformative ministry? Contact the church office today and get connected!
We also celebrate Carolyn and Phyllis’s leadership at our Home Resource Center as they reached an exciting new milestone in our partnership with Care Portal. Curious about how you can be part of this transformative ministry? Contact the church office today and get connected!
connect your calendar
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113
THURSDAY, SEPT. 4
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups - Education Center
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT
- Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
- Communion
- Deacon Care Fund offering
- Donations welcome for Sharing Hands pantry - barrels available in foyers
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
TUESDAY, SEPT. 9
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
9:00 a.m. - LIFT Women's Bible Study starts new series (come prepared to do first lesson!) - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Ministry - Library
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10
8:00 a.m. - DUSD Meeting - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - Prayer Gathering - Room 113
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
6:00 p.m. - CELEBRATE RECOVERY small groups
FRI.-SUN., SEPT. 12-14: Women's Retreat at Hartland
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
8:30 a.m. - Salt & Light Class begins new series - Room 114/115
9:30 a.m. - CONNECTING POINT
- Come meet and encourage others over coffee and snacks - Patio
5:00 p.m. - Youth Group - Room 207
TUESDAY, SEPT. 16
6:00 a.m. - Men's Bible Study - Dining Room
6:30 p.m. - GriefShare Support Group - Room 114/115
6:30 p.m. - Healing Room Ministry - Library
Do you have pictures from past church events to help tell our story? Please share them with the planning committee! Pictures or other memorabilia may be loaned to Judy Brown or the church office as soon as possible. Thank you!
connect through giving
Offerings Received last week (8/31): ....... $12,070
Total Income this year: …...............………… $377,331
Total Expenses this year: ……....………….. $375,809
Net income this year: ….…..........................….. $1,522
Praise the Lord for His provision, and for your faithful giving!
Total Income this year: …...............………… $377,331
Total Expenses this year: ……....………….. $375,809
Net income this year: ….…..........................….. $1,522
Praise the Lord for His provision, and for your faithful giving!
connect to God through prayer
- Pray for Anissa Almaguer and Neida Roa, as they recover from the births of their daughters.
- Also remember: Marilyn Chappell and other residents in Palm Village Healthcare, Harold Kruger and others in Sierra View, and Mary Salazar.
- Pray for those who have lost loved ones and those attending the GriefShare support group.
- Pray for church leaders who are prayerfully reviewing financial reports, setting priorities, and working on the budget for the new fiscal year (Sept.-Aug.). The next Members' Meeting will be held on October 19, and the proposed budget will be publicized on Oct. 5.
- Pray for those who are seeking employment.
- Pray for Joshua Aquino as he is away for training these next two weeks—may he be safe and strengthened.
- Pray for the undocumented in our community as they navigate life under this administration.
- Pray for our missionaries: Pablo & Maricela Chavez in Peru, Cecil & Tracy Ramos in Thailand, Jonathan & Joanna Gutierrez in Portugal, and Johnny & Denise Esposito who are home on furlough.
- Pray for peace as violence and war affect so many families and children in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, in the Middle East, and in parts of Africa.
Connect to Gratitude
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The arrival of Pumpkin spice lattes have me yearning for fall and cooler weather (especially at the end of these 100+ degree summer days!). Fall brings not only cooler weather but also a spirit of gratitude. One practice I’ve started with my kids is to end the day by asking them to share something they are thankful for. Last night one of my girls said, “I am thankful that Evie (our dog) is still alive.” After Evie needed stitches from being harmed by another dog, she has become a frequent topic of prayer in our household.
That simple statement reminded me: gratitude isn’t about ignoring pain, but about choosing to see God’s goodness right in the middle of it. Gratitude shifts our focus—away from fear and worry and back to God’s faithfulness. When we practice gratitude in difficult times, we declare that God is still with us and anchor ourselves in His hope.
What’s your “Evie” right now—something fragile, yet still worth thanking God for? Just like the seasons change, hard times will not last forever. Gratitude is the spiritual rhythm that carries us through, reminding us of God’s presence in every season.
Lord, thank You for the gift of gratitude that lifts our eyes to You. Help us see Your blessings even in our trials. Give us hearts that trust Your goodness and lips that speak thanksgiving in every season. Amen.
The arrival of Pumpkin spice lattes have me yearning for fall and cooler weather (especially at the end of these 100+ degree summer days!). Fall brings not only cooler weather but also a spirit of gratitude. One practice I’ve started with my kids is to end the day by asking them to share something they are thankful for. Last night one of my girls said, “I am thankful that Evie (our dog) is still alive.” After Evie needed stitches from being harmed by another dog, she has become a frequent topic of prayer in our household.
That simple statement reminded me: gratitude isn’t about ignoring pain, but about choosing to see God’s goodness right in the middle of it. Gratitude shifts our focus—away from fear and worry and back to God’s faithfulness. When we practice gratitude in difficult times, we declare that God is still with us and anchor ourselves in His hope.
What’s your “Evie” right now—something fragile, yet still worth thanking God for? Just like the seasons change, hard times will not last forever. Gratitude is the spiritual rhythm that carries us through, reminding us of God’s presence in every season.
- Share one thing you’re grateful for each day, even if it feels small.
- Use gratitude to reframe struggles, remembering God is near.
- Invite your family into the practice—you may be surprised by their perspective.
Lord, thank You for the gift of gratitude that lifts our eyes to You. Help us see Your blessings even in our trials. Give us hearts that trust Your goodness and lips that speak thanksgiving in every season. Amen.
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