NorthRidge Church & Christian Academy

October 2011 Volume 3, Issue 9

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Our News Reaching You; Reaching Out to You In This Issue

A Message From Pastor David

Page 2 (or click here)

Expressions of Worship
Page 3(or click here)

From The Desk of Pastor Harold

Page 5 (or click here)

Youth Happenings
Page 8 (or click here)

NorthRidge Christian Academy News

Page 9(or click here)

NorthRidge Christian Preschool News

Page 11(or click here)

A Message From Pastor David

November always calls to mind a reminder to count your blessings. While we function all year with many of the same blessings that we do during this month of Thanksgiving, I often find myself not as conscious of the benefit of these blessings as I do in November. I am reminded of a statement from Henry Ward Beecher that speaks to my lack of thankfulness. He states, The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! I am so blessed. Can I take a moment of your time to rehearse just a sampling of a recent exercise? Things I am thankful for . . . The faithfulness of God that never gave up on me when I had given up on myself. An all-sufficient Savior that has offered eternal life to one who could never have measured up, and has provided life abundant (overflowing with His good things) as I make my journey home. A home (that is promised) that is far greater in comparison to my greatest dream. A beautiful wife who loves God more than me and that loves me when I really dont deserve it. Four wonderful children who have committed their lives to Christ and who continue to make Him a central part of their life. A wonderful daughter-in-law who brings joy and completeness to our son. Parents who led me to know Christ and who modeled what faith in Him was really like. A church family like no other (NorthRidge); where love for each other is not only talked about but exemplified in all facets of life and ministry. A church and ministry staff (the best there is) that I am so blessed to serve alongside of and that I love dearly. Henry (our cat of many years) our present cat (Jack Jack) brings a renewed appreciation for Henry. Good health, eye sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell. Provision in life for everything I need and way so much more. There is much more that I listed; these are only a sampling. A sampling I share with you to encourage you to do the same. We are so blessed. I too often take for granted the blessings of our Heavenly Father. The crises of life tend to remind us of that which we do not have or what we have lost. I came across an interesting fact in my recent journey. The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these. Yet it was these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. May I take personal privilege to say Thank You to the most amazing church family I have ever been a part of! Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Your recent recognition of our pastoral team is greatly appreciated. May you be blessed greatly for the many ways you bless us. Until He Comes Again. Pastor David

Expressions of Worship:
I am so thankful to serve in a church where members demonstrate appreciation and support for their pastors. Since coming to NorthRidge a little over five years ago, Ruth and I have continued to feel a sense of belonging and love demonstrated by many people. Neither of us being from Florida, we werent sure what we could expect here. However, not in our wildest imaginations could we have ever dreamed just how much this church and community has come to feel like home. I am so thankful for the Pastors Appreciation Luncheon that was put on by the Womens Ministry. Thank you, not only for expressing your thanks to me, but to my wife, who is undoubtedly my greatest supporter. She truly is my helpmate and the balance in my life that allows me to do the things that I do. Thank you for considering her great role in my life and the life of this church. I am also appreciative for the numerous cards and words of gratitude I have received over the past few weeks and am overwhelmed by the kindness and love expressed therein, both in word and through many generous gifts. Many of you have offered passing words of thanks as well, and I am so thankful for you sharing. I will continue to do my very best to endeavor to demonstrate the heart of willing servant as we continue to grow together, connecting our hearts with God and one another on a greater level. Thank you again for your part in making Pastors Appreciation Month so special.

Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Terrill Operation Christmas Child Volunteers Needed! This year, NorthRidge Church will again serve as
a Relay Center. Our site coordinators, Ted & Carolyn Beasley, are looking for volunteers to help in this years OCC efforts. Last year, with your help, we collected close to 1,000 boxes. We are hoping and praying for even more this year. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at 863.422.4488 . Dates and Times November 14th-18th (M-F) 2pm6pm November 19th(Saturday) 10am2pm November 20th(Sunday) 12noon2pm November 21st(Monday) 8am10am

Operation Christmas Child wonders are you interested in going to

Atlanta to help process shoeboxes? We are going to Atlanta the week of

December 5-10.
If you have been before, you know the great ministry opportunity that lies ahead. For those that have never been, wont you consider joining us for a time of fellowship and ministry? If you are interested in going, we would like to explore

We are currently looking for interested young singers to fill the Childrens Christmas Choir (Kindergarten5th graders) and the Youth Ensemble (6th8th graders) for Searching for the King, this years Dramatic Christmas musical. Practices are Sundays from 4:005:30 . Any and all are welcome. For more information see Bill and/or Sabra Hatley.

From the Desk of Pastor Harold

Thanks to everyone who made the

Pastor Appreciation Lunch a

special day for our family. It was a joy hearing you share, as well as reading your words of appreciation in cards and letters. Your encouragement means more than you will ever know to Gina, Kayleigh and me, and I want you to know that I consider it a high honor to serve here at NorthRidge as your associate pastor. -Pastor Harold

The Senior Adult Cruise was a blast.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship koinonia and fun. Thanks to all who made the trip a success. Look for details soon for our next trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. Lets not forget to be thankful for those who have helped us in our journey of faith. Take time this month and say thank you to one of these faithful servants you may not get to see or speak to often. This is the current group of Homebound with addresses that are being ministered to at this time. If you know of others that would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rowena Daley or call the church office @ 863.422.4488 Ms. Irma Swain Spring Haven Retirement LLC 1225 Havendale NW Winter Haven, Florida 33881 (863)-293-0072 Ms. Lucille Tiner Savannah Court assisted living. 301 Peninsular Drive Haines City, FL 33844-5046 (863) 422-5204 Ms. Ina Foley Haines City Health Care 409 South 10th Street Haines City, FL 33844-5603 (863) 422-8656 Ms. Vera Cook Mr Charles Mayberry Brandywyne Health Care Center 1801 Lake Mariam Drive Winter Haven, FL 33884 (863) 293-1989 We also have several seniors who are not homebound, but are limited in some capacity. Brighten someones day with your smile and a word of encouragement. Ms Ruth Copeland Savannah Court 301 Peninsular Drive Haines City, FL 33844-5046 (863) 422-5204 Mr Russ Vincent @ home Ms. Dorothy Burgess @ home Bernard and Joyce Dillon Spring Haven Retirement LLC 1225 Havendale NW Apt. 154 Winter Haven, Fl. 33881 Home phone: 875-7070 Joyce Cell 419-6794

The Sonshiners Monthly Luncheon will be held November 3rd at Noon. Have you been on the phone, emailed, snail mailed, or yelled across the fence and told someone about our monthly luncheon? Find someone you have not seen in a while and bring them with you for some great food and Christian fellowship. All men all invited and encouraged to attend the Ministry to Men Breakfast EVERY Saturday morning at 7:00 Our devotional comes from Men of Integrity. If you would like a devotional booklet, please see Rick Johnson or Pastor Harold. Themes for each week: November 5th Why Put Jesus in Charge? November 12th Dont Give Up November 19th Making Wise Entertainment Choices November 26th Ambition That Leads to Contentment

Senior Adult Game Day takes place every

third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM. This months event will be November 13th. So bring your favorite game, cards, dominoes, board games etc. Dont forget to bring your own snacks. And most importantly bring a friend. PARK IN THE NORTH PARKING LOT TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH SCHOOL DISMISSAL. For additional info see Cherrie Jordan.

Youth Happenings
The United Rally, an event unifying local area youth groups will be taking place on November 5th, 2011. The cost will be five dollars. The time of the event is TBA. NorthRidge Youth will be attending Winter Jam 2012 on January 14th at St.Pete Times Forum. Interested youth should sign up and get all needed information at Wednesdays night youth group.

Girls Bible Studies

will be popping up in the very near future. The book is pictured below and will cost about $15. See Derrick or Sue for details.

Dont forget its never too early to sign up for FUGE

summer Camp.

There will be a sign-up sheet at all youth gatherings. Sign up . You dont want to miss out on this!

NorthRidge Christian Academy News

NCA Happinengs for November
Early dismissal on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 1 pm w/ parent-teacher conferences until 4 pm Veterans Day tribute on Friday, November 11th NO SCHOOL during week of Thanksgiving, Nov 21-25, with teachers attending the ACSI Convention on the 21st and 22nd. Girls cheerleading has started for any interested 5th through 8th grade girls! Boys Basketball is also getting underway, for guys in grades 6-8!

The academy is always looking for Classroom Volunteers. Whether its reading to a class, mentoring a group of students or helping a teacher decorate there's always a place for you to plug in. There are plenty of skills and talents that you have that can be shared with our academy. If you are interested, please contact the academy at (863) 422-3473.

Tutoring is available for students at NorthRidge Christian

Academy afterschool hours for an additional charge. For more information contact the Academy office at (863) 422-3473.

We have wrapped up the first 9 weeks of school and NorthRidge Christian Academy has started a new tradition this year, by learning verses as a school family. Weekly our students learn as a full campus averse during morning assembly together. We are delighted to share our endeavors and achievements with you. Week 1: Apply your heart to instruction... Proverbs 23:12 Week 2: Be Joyful Always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Week 3: Carry each others burdens... Galatians 6:2 Week 4: Do unto others... Luke 6:31 Week 5: Every day I will praise you... Psalm 145:2 Week 6: For God so loved the world that ... John 3:16 Week 7: God is love. 1 John 4:8 Week 8: happy? sing songs of praise. James 5:13 Week 9: I am the way and the truth and the life. John 14:6 Week 10: Jesus is Life! (saying)

Dear Church Family, Pastor Appreciation Sunday was such a blessing for me and my family. Knowing that God has led me into a new area of ministry in the public schools is a bittersweet reality. So often changes in ministry mean leaving loved ones behind, but Sabra, our children and are I so very thankful that He has chosen to allow us to stay here at NorthRidge with our family! Your outpouring of love and support has never been more greatly appreciated than in recent days. The cards and gifts that we received were a testimony of how much NorthRidge loves and support the pastoral staff. I am thankful to be in such a loving and caring place. Thank you to everyone who made Pastor Appreciation Sunday so special for us.

God Bless you all. Bill

NorthRidge Christian Preschool News

The preschool teachers went to Jacksonville October 7th and 8th for a CDEA National Conference. It was a great experience; this was the first conference we have gone to that was completely preschooler oriented. We learned new things, refreshed our minds about things we already knew, we spent time in fellowship, and most importantly recharged spiritually. There are times when your spirit is running low and its been a trying day and you just need to be reminded that youve been called to the job at hand. This weekend was a wonderfully fulfilling time to reflect on Gods calling for each of us. We all missed our families and were physically tired when we returned, but filled with a purpose to do the work God has called us. Now we step out in prayerful service to God, asking continued wisdom, and guidance that we my serve Him as we work with the children and families He has placed in our care. -In Christ,

Holly Buchanan Preschool Director

Preschool Teacher Spotlight

Leva Shafer - Two year old Teacher Leva has been married to her husband, Mark for 19 years and they have two boys. Caleb who is 14 years old and attends Lake Wales High school, Seth is 11 years old and attends Bok Academy. Leva is new to the NorthRidge staff, she has only been here for 7 months now but she has been in Early Childhood for 8 years. The thing she loves best about teaching children is the laughter and joy they bring to her, it is never a dull day in the 2s. Her favorite classroom moment happened one day as she was leaving for lunch and a child asked for hugs and kisses. The next thing she knew the whole class asked for hugs and kisses, she thought how wonderful it felt to know they would miss her while she was gone for only an hour, a sweet moment of love. Leva attends Abiding Savior Lutheran Church where she is involved in Sunday school. Her favorite bible verse is Love one another. 1 John 3:23. During her time off she loves to go to the beach with her family, swimming and gardening.

November Birthdays
1 2 Patricia Lewis Wilda Robinson 3 4 Daniel Delgado 5 Mary Mayberry Mark Miner Genesis Smith Kathleen Waltz

7 James Enos Donna Hinkle Zach Hinkle

10

11 Howard Erickson

12 Cory Meadows

13 Adam Schumacher

14 Morgan Meadows Crystal Pike Sarah Solis

15

16

17 Barbara Burnell Phillip Hinkle Laura Mattheus Devin Whiteman

18 Deborah Deese Samantha Ryan

19

20

21

22

23 24 Pat Hudson Kristi Cox Harry Wooddell Kevin Mixon 30 Glenda Taylor

25

26

27 Sarah Cowart Diana Gould

28

29 Savannah Mixon

Sunday services
Sunday Morning Caf 8:45am Sunday School -9:20 Worship Service -10:30am (also Kids' Church K5-3rd)

Wednesday services

AWANA meets Wednesday Nights

6:30-8:00 PM Cubbies are ages 3-4 Years Sparks are in K5-2nd Grade T&T Adventurers are in 3rd-4th Grades T&T Challengers are in 5th Grade

5:45-6:45 -Prayer in Sanctuary 6:45-7:45 -Coffee and Bible study in Fellowship Hall

Church Office
Hours-Monday -Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm. If you need to contact the Pastor On Call you can at any time by calling the Church Office 863-422-4488 and leaving a message in the On Call mailbox (ext. 2104) The Pastor that is on call for the week will return your call ASAP.