Northlake hurch - Clover Sites

2614 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview, WA 98632 360.423-.3805 www.northlake-church.org SEPTEMBER 2016 volume 20, issue 7

A NEW SEASON at NORTHLAKE, Mark Schmutz, senior pastor

CONTENTS

A New Season ......................... 1

Living in Community ................ 3

Youth Ministry ......................... 4

Children’s Ministries ............... 5

JOY Group ................................ 6

Worship at Northlake .............. 7

Coming Events ......................... 8

Prophetic Ministry ................... 8

As we enter the fall… we are entering a new season at Northlake.

Significant staff changes have been occurring since the beginning of

the year and we are now turning the page to a new chapter in our life

and ministry together.

With this new season comes new looks for the ways we are communi-

cating. This newsletter, for instance, obviously has a brand new look. I

want to express a huge Thank You to the team that developed the logo

at the top of this page. As Northlake, we are a community of faith in

Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, today and forever.” But how

we express the message of the love of God through Jesus needs to

continue to evolve in ways that are better suited to the culture in which

we live.

As the compass implies, there is a true north by which to navigate this

journey of life. Once you find true north, you can confidently travel any-

where! For us, true north is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Northlake Church helping people know God, love each other and experience freedom

A New Day Dawning

continued inside

FOCUS: Northlake Ministry Teams—Free Market Groups

Jesus, and the message of God’s love

and mercy poured out through His sac-

rifice on the cross never changes! But

how we communicate this message is

going to be taking on different forms,

fresh presentations, revised structures.

During the summer, the elders met to

“put everything on the table” with regard

to how we are carrying out our ministry

as Northlake. It was a time of open

conversation and review of many of the

aspects of our congregational life. We

are still in the process of refining our

conversation which will then be opened

up to the congregation to join us around

tables at this year’s Founder’s Week,

on October 16-19.

We will be opening the conversation in

light of the question: What do we need

to change in order to become a con-

gregation of 700 within the next sev-

en years? Or, to put it another way,

What barriers can we remove to

make it easier for the people we are

trying to reach to come to faith in

Jesus Christ?

In our culture that often means a new

look, “rebranding”, a fresh approach.

We have already started making some

of these changes in small ways, ...and

some not so small ways, that we be-

lieve will lead us into a refreshed sense

of what it means for us to be the church

of Jesus Christ known as Northlake.

We are still conducting the search for

staffing in the key areas of youth and

children’s ministries. We hope to identi-

fy what we believe to be the Lord’s di-

rection for us in the coming weeks. In

the meantime, the elders are supportive

that I will continue to make leading wor-

ship and developing our worship teams

a focus of my responsibilities.

As we have been discussing on Sunday

mornings during the message series,

What Jesus Started, we have also

begun the process of refining our small

group ministry to include Free Market

Groups, following the cultural pattern

noted in the illustration above. We will

continue to affirm and encourage ex-

pressions of house church and Life

Group, but we will also be developing

groups that build community through

shared interest. To that end, we will be

encouraging a new process that will

adapt to these cultural patterns.

Some will want to continue in the Life

Group or house church pattern that has

been so meaningful to them. They may

do this while also taking on additional

opportunities to reach out through Free

Market Groups. Others will desire to

lead a seasonal Life Group for 3 to 9

months and then take the summer to

form a Free Market Group in order to

build relationships with others. Still oth-

ers will find great joy in creating a se-

ries of Free Market Groups, one after

the other!

I have been working with Amy Brudi to

develop a pattern for this revision that

we will be introducing to a group of

leaders at a retreat on September 16-

18, and then sharing with the whole

congregation in the coming months. I

hope you will be willing to try new

things and do new things!

Let me be the first to admit… I like the

ways things have been over the nearly

20 years my wife and I have shared life

and ministry together with our dear fam-

ily at Northlake. I’m finding change to

be a challenge!! But I also hear the call

of God to press forward into this new

season. I believe we are at a time of A

New Day Dawning! Let’s let the love

of God fill our lives and rise… together!

Mark

Memorial Day

Labor Day3 mo.

4/5 mo.

1 mo.

3 mo.

The CULTURAL YEAR

FALL: Gather

Celebration!

SPRING:Grow

SUMMER: Play!

Christmas

LIFEGROUP

HOUSE

CHURCH

FREE MARKET GROUPs

FREE MARKET GROUPs

FREE MARKET GROUPs

2

Sally Johnson loved dogs. She owned several dogs, and years ago she had

become quite skilled in dog training. The Johnson family dogs were all

perfectly behaved. Sally taught them to sit, stay, heel, and lie down; she know

how to make them gentle around children and calm while indoors. One

Sunday at church, Sally heard the pastor say that every person is a leader and

already has a God-given group of friends that he or she can influence in a

positive way. She couldn’t believe it. She knew the Bible and how to apply it,

but she wouldn’t consider herself a Bible teacher. She never considered that

she could be involved in church ministry.

The next month, Sally came to a Free Market Group Leader Orientation class, where she learned that as a

Free Market Group leader, she could lead any type of small group she wanted. She didn’t have to teach

the Bible in front of dozens of people or lead intercessory prayer groups in her

home. She just had to use her interest to attract like-minded people.

Sally created a dog-training small group in one of the city parks on Tuesday

afternoons. She invited a friend or two from church and placed an ad in the

newspaper. On the first day she had seven dogs

in her class. Conveniently, the dogs also brought

their owners.

The lessons began. Toward the end of the first lesson, she began teaching

the owners how to walk with their dogs. “Your dog’s success is dependent

upon your teaching your dog to watch you closely, she explained. In the

second lesson Sally taught each student that dogs needed to be very

familiar with the distinctive qualities of their master’s voice so it would not

be confused by the voices of

others. The third lesson was on training the dogs to understand a

few basic commands with instant obedience. Week after week,

Sally explained the mysteries of the dog/owner relationship.

As Sally’s class progressed, a few the participants would go out

after class or on other days for coffee. As these relationships

developed, Sally started to explain that just as a dog owner is

responsible for his or her pet’s care, protection, and training, so

God wants to care for us, protect us, and teach us how to walk in

His great plan. The lessons turned out to be principles not only for

the dogs, but also for the

owners.

Sally Johnson, a dog trainer in a local church who never thought she

could do much in the way of ministry, was directly responsible for

touching lives and expanding the kingdom of her city.

The dogs had a great time too!

Living in Community, Amy Brudi, associate pastor

3

Northlake Student Life

September 2016September 2016September 2016

Meet Angelina Smith

Angelina Smith is a 10th grade Homeschooled student. She is the oldest

daughter to Richard and Caren Smith, and sis to Richard Jr., Jeremiah and

Julianna.

If you ask Angelina she will tell you, “My whole life reading!!!” She

also loves volleyball, singing, art, and did we mention READING?!

Besides being a super Sunday schoolteacher to Northlake's 3rd through 5th

grade, “God Girls”, Ang has participated in outreaches with Fathers House,

Northlake Youth, and is currently working on an art picture! She also loves

Dragons, Wolves, Horses and Fantasy.

Her short range plans are to work at the Longview Pet Works when she

turns 18 and save money. She also plans to keep babysitting. The long range plans are to complete

the college program in the Masters School of Art in Clackamas.

Angelina’s favorite verse is Psalm 59... The whole chapter. In her words, “It means a lot to

me. Whenever I was going through the a really hard time in my life, I called up my best friend.

We would read this chapter together, and pray.”

The most important thing Angelina would like us to know about her… “I love Jesus, and He

loves me! Even though He and I have hard times... He is always willing to forgive and keep on

loving me, for He never stopped in the first place!” Wise words from a great girl! Thanks for

sharing your heart, passion, and life with us, Angelina. We love you!

COMING SOON! Sunday

Classes for Middle School

grades 6-8 upstairs in the Youth Room at the mid-

morning break!

START DATE

See the

“NORTHLAKE

STUDENT

LIFE”

Page on

FACEBOOK!

SEE YOU AT THE POLE 2016 Wednesday, September 28

WE CRY OUT

A generation seeking Him! —Psalm 24:3–6

Global Week of Student Prayer Sunday, September 25 through Saturday, October 1, 2016

NBC Prayer Room YOUTH focus! We invite any youth, anyone who has a heart for youth, and anyone who just

loves to pray, as we focus specific prayer time on our students

for an hour the fourth Tuesday morning of each month.

Please come join us, or let us know how we can pray for you...

In the Northlake Prayer Room!

4

What’s on the Docket for FaithKids?! Beginning Sunday, Sept. 4th We say WELCOME and THANK YOU to our new Sunday School teachers, Kristine Reto and Rebecca Hasty. We’re so glad to have you loving, encouraging and “fillin heads full of learnin” downstairs on Sundays. It’s the place where great things are happening! Fall classes begin Sunday, September 4th. Our FaithKids are promoted to the next grade level beginning that Sunday. Watch for classroom signs. We are excited to serve our beautiful youngest followers of Jesus! What a great privilege and a high calling!! SUNDAY

MORNINGS

10:00am—11:30am

Infants thru Age 1 Nursery Upstairs

Toddlers 2’s-3’s Room 108

10:30am—11:30am

4’s, 5’s, & Kind. Room 104

1st—2nd Grade Room 107

3rd—5th Grade Room 105

Children’s Ministry

Fall Teaching in FaithKids Grades 1-5 Bible Studies for Life

Teachers– Lisé Taylor (Grades 1-2)

Rebecca Hasty (Grades 3-5) For many Bible Studies For Life: Kids fans, you’ve come to know and love the kids

at Mayflower Elementary School over the past three years. It’s

been a fun cycle, but those kids have grown up and it is time

for them to take Middle School by storm. This Fall, we are

introducing a new line-up of awesome life application

videos called “Gumshoe Lane Agency.” We are thrilled to

introduce you to Juniper and Chuck, the detectives who will go

to great lengths to find out the real answers to life’s questions.

Fall Teaching in FaithKids Pre-K & K Gospel Light Fall– Teacher Kristine Reto

Fresh design, simplified format make lessons easy to prepare and fun to teach! All the materials needed to teach up to 10 pre-k & k — and send home a great resource to families!

Creative activities from easy-to-get supplies

Games and activities for imaginative learning

Fun, age-appropriate ways to engage preschoolers &

kindergartners

FALL OUTREACH

Watch for details to come home soon about how our FaithKids are

planning to get involved in helping those in need in our community

this Fall. As the Lord blesses us with all we need and more, lets

reach out to those who could use a little bit of love from God

through us. BECAUSE FAITHKIDS CAN, THAT’S WHY!!

5

JOY Group

JOY GroupJOY GroupJOY Group———SENIOR ADULT MINISTRYSENIOR ADULT MINISTRYSENIOR ADULT MINISTRY———Ages 50+Ages 50+Ages 50+

J.O.Y. stands for “Just Older Youth” If you are at least 50 years old, we would like you to join us on any of our activities listed below!

We schedule some of our trips on Saturdays for those that are not yet retired. Please join us!

(If one member of a couple is 50+ they are both welcome to come to our events!

Tuesday, September 6th JOY Group Potluck Luncheon at Noon Bring a hot dish,

salad or dessert to feed 10-12 and come enjoy fellowship around the table. The program will be Erin Hart,

the administrator of Three Rivers Christian School. Please call Butch Harford with any questions at 360-

577-0368.

Saturday, September 10th Single Sisters at Noon The ladies will meet at

The Carriage Restaurant, 1334 12th Avenue, Longview for lunch. Freda Fogle and Genieva Weather-

man will be the hostesses. If you have questions, please call Ann Waadevig at 360/425-7884.

Wednesday, September 14th Men’s Breakfast at 8:30am The men will meet at

Omelettes & More Restaurant, 3120 Washington Way, Longview. The men meet for breakfast and fel-

lowship. Three gathered last month! Men invite your age 50+ friends to join you for breakfast. Call Butch

at 360/577-0368 with any questions.

Sunday September 18th Sunday Dinner at Noon Come join us at Sizzler’s Restaurant

for good food and fellowship. We would love to have anyone age 50+ join us so we can get to know one

another better. Please call Butch Harford at 360/577-0368 with questions you have. We meet following

morning worship at Northlake!

6

Sunday Mornings at Northlake

(9:15am-9:50am: FOUNDATIONS—prophetic worship)

OPTIONAL

10:00am-10:50am

WORSHIP—includes a 5 minute break and

release to FaithKids children’s ministries.

10:50am-11:30am

MESSAGE/MINISTRY TIME

message/ministry time may linger past

11:30am, though you are always free to go

when you need to; parents should pickup

kids from FaithKids at 11:30am.

SERVANT WEEK

June 2017

A fresh vision for Servant Week will emerge in 2017! We an-

ticipate a focus on serving one another in the family of North-

lake. Contact Chris Ferguson to discuss the vision.

MEXICO MISSION TEAM

Summer 2017

Eighteen traveled from Northlake and Castle Rock Christian

Church to serve in Tecate this past August. Watch for plans

for our 19th annual mission to Mexico in 2017.

PHILIPPINES MISSION TEAM

November 7-18, 2016

Seven members are preparing for our 13th annual mission to

the Philippines. Funds are still needed for medications.

UGANDA MISSION TEAM

February 6-17, 2017

Ten members from 4 states are preparing for a mission to

Uganda in February 2017. Funds are still needed for the well

project: $1,800 remains toward our goal of $10,000.

APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES reaching the nations!

Financial Snapshot—July 2016

GOAL $ 33,333

REC’D $ 25,856

Mission of the Month: Hard Hats for Christ

$ 1,000 $ 805

Other giving: Emergency Needs Fund ($300); Building

Fund ($530); Scholarship Fund ($25); Three Rivers Chris-

tian School ($550); TRiHOP ($65); Caring Pregnancy Cen-

ter ($70); Love INC ($50); Community House ($20);

Cowlitz Chaplaincy ($35); One Great Hour of Sharing

($100); Ephraim & Jova ($20); Martin & Elizabeth ($498);

Moses ($25); Uganda Refugee Teachers ($100); Uganda

($25); Uganda Well Fund ($150); Retired Ministers/

Missionaries ($100); Cowlitz Chaplaincy ($115); Philip-

pines Mission Team ($130); Israel, Tents of Mercy ($70)

TOTAL GIVING: $37,568

At mid-summer, our General Fund balance was

-$13,538. We are making adjustments in expenses and

anticipate a Fall recovery. We have also had the extra

expenses of the roof project—which is now completed!—

and a new phone system that still needs $8,500 in funding.

If you are able to help with these extra expenses, please

designate your gift to: Building Fund.

If you already give a tithe (a tenth) of all of which the

Lord has blessed you, THANK YOU! If you are not at

that level of giving or are behind, we ask you to prayerfully

consider tithing—honoring Him with the tenth—if you

call Northlake home.

WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING

7

upcoming

EVENTS

The Prophetic Ministry Team will be ministering on Sunday, September 25

4:30pm-5:45pm

Sunday, September 25, the Northlake Prophetic

Ministry Team will be available to pray and

prophesy over interested individuals, couples and

family groups (4 and under), during 10 to 15 mi-

nute sessions in the Administration Building from

4:30pm-5:45pm. We have enough trained team

members to offer up to three teams. If you have

a smart phone or other recording device, please

bring it so that your session can be recorded for

your personal review. If you do not have such a

device, we will be happy to record the session for

you and provide you a CD—we have recording

devices that greatly improve this process!

Sign up for prophetic ministry will be on Sunday

mornings in May at the Welcome Center in the

lobby. After ministry time, join us for FIRST

WATCH: Looking Forward as Northlake! from

6:00pm-7:30pm in the sanctuary. We will be ask-

ing the Lord what He is saying to us as we move

into this new season! Child care will be available

for children through grade 5.

STAY IN TOUCH

COME SEE US 2614 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview. WA 98632

CALL US (360) 423-3805

VISIT US www.northlake-church.org

A Seminar for the Faith Community

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;

ensure justice for those being crushed.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,

and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)