• First Words
• 2022 Giving Tree
• Thursday Night Bible Study Opportunity
• RSVP for First Wednesday Fellowship Night on December 7th 
• Praying at Thanksgiving
• Advent Begins This Sunday
• Upcoming Concert to Support Novastar Animal Rescue
• Thanksgiving Food Drive is a Success
• Thank You From The Midwest Food Bank
• Thank You From Debbie Kelone

What Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus:

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-23)

What Bob writes to the church at Northminster:

Ditto what Paul said!

And in my own words … I thank God for you and for your continued openness to the good news of Jesus Christ and the love you know and the love you show. Grateful for you—the covenant partners, the longtime attenders, the guests, the youth, the children, the staff, the elders, the deacons, the ministry leaders, the ministry teams, and all who consider Northminster their spiritual home—and thankful to God too for the opportunity to serve Christ together with you.

On December 1 we’ll begin a new short Advent series called “A Witness to the Light” about John the Baptist. John is an enigmatic figure in the New Testament; though many know of him, we often don’t focus much on him.  But his story appears in all four gospels and his ministry shapes the way we understand the ministry of Jesus.  Maybe most importantly, John’s story is closely tied to our understanding of the significance of the incarnation and frequently it accompanies our telling of the Christmas story.  John is the ultimate Advent figure, waiting, anticipating and announcing the coming of the Light of the World.  In learning more about John’s role, message and legacy, we’ll be challenged to think through OUR role in pointing to the Messiah, celebrating His first Advent and anticipating His second.

All are welcome to join – Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 – 7pm, Room 118

Zoom option available.  Contact Jos (joss@northminster.us) for more info.

• Meatloaf
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
• Green Beans
• Rolls
• Cookies

Maybe this year, you’ll be the one around the table who gets the nod and is asked to lead those gathered in prayer. By all means feel free to pray as you feel led. If you are someone who prefers having a few starting points to go on, you might consider one of the following approaches.

The Trinitarian Approach … give thanks for what God the Father has given (creation, covenant, sovereign rule, etc.), for what God the Son has provided (his life, our justification, salvation, forgiveness, the way, etc.), and for what the Holy Spirit continues to give (fellowship, empowerment, guidance, perseverance, love, joy, peace, etc.).

Salvation History Approach … give thanks for how God has saved throughout creation (Adam and Eve even after they rejected God, Noah through the flood, Abraham in establishing the covenant of blessing, Joseph when sold into slavery, Israelites by sending Moses as their deliverer, David when chased by Saul, Jesus who died for all of us, etc.)

Open Mic Approach … you provide the structure and invite others to add the content. Sometimes it can be helpful to give others a heads up. You can invite them before you start praying to think of one thing they are thankful for and then to share it aloud or silently as you then lead them in prayer.

Character and Manifestation Approach … give thanks to God for one of his character traits followed by how God has manifested that character trait in the world. For example, “God, we thank you today for your goodness as you displayed it in all of creation at the beginning of time.” Other character traits include: loving kindness, holiness, power, wisdom, etc.

Long ago, church leaders established the four Sundays leading up to Christmas as the season of Advent. The word itself means coming or arrival so the Advent season is when we anticipate the first arrival of Jesus as if we were present before he was even born. We also anticipate his second coming, even though we know not the date of his return. The theme for this year’s Advent sermon series is The Ultimate Christmas Playlist. We will be retelling the Christmas story through five different songs found in the Bible. You can look them up for yourself: Isaiah’s Song of Prophecy (Isaiah 9:2-7); Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-55); Zechariah’s Song of Pardon (Luke 1:67-80); Simeon’s Song of Promise (Luke 2:29-32); Angel’s Song of Peace (Luke 2:14).

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!”  Psalm 107:1

NPC family, you are blessed to be a blessing!!  Thank you so much for your generosity during the Thanksgiving food collection.  We collected enough food to complete 67 boxes, plus a little extra.  The bulk of the boxes were delivered on Nov 16 & 17 to Wilder Waite Grade School, Banner Elementary School, Dunlap Grade School and the Chillicothe Needs Agency.  We’ve found these organizations have their pulse on the needs of their families and are able to distribute the boxes in a discreet manner.  Additional boxes are distributed to families whose names are provided to us, as well as a few to those who call into the church looking for assistance.  In addition to the box of food, each recipient is provided a Kroger gift card (purchased through the Missions Ministry) to help with the purchase of fresh food or gas.  We have received feedback from each of these organizations that they are extremely grateful for the additional help during this rough economy.  Thank you to everyone who donated food, moved boxes, sorted food & delivered boxes, as well as Home Depot for their generous donation of the actual boxes. 

“…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  Matt 25:40