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“That lady* who’s recently joined our group…She’s just a gift! Isn’t she full of life? She’s blessed us all already!” 

That was the tail end of a conversation I had with a Northsider earlier this week.

It’s an example of everything we’ll talk about this Sunday (and have been preparing for this month) as our Connect Groups launch for 2018.

On the one hand, you’ll never know who will bless you if you are open to inviting new relationships into your life.

On the other, you’ll never know who you’ll bless by intentionally committing to a group this year.

We’ll chat more on Sunday but, whether you’re with us or not for our gathering, can I ask all of us to prayerfully consider whether or not you will purposely invest in relationships this year in the context of a Connect Group?

See you Sunday!

Sam

*name withheld so we don’t embarrass anyone 🙂

Hi Northside family,

27 Group Leaders across 3 Networks

That was the turnout for our Connect Leaders Launch Tuesday night.

It was one of the largest gathering of group leaders that I’ve seen in my time here at Northside.

It was evidence of the sense of momentum and vision from our group leaders and even more importantly, it was wonderful to see a room full of leaders praying together for this vision and praying that our groups would be the best possible reflection of Jesus for a whole range of people we haven’t even met yet.

If you’re already a part of our connect groups, you carry a very special and significant mantle
as representatives of Northside for anyone that joins our community this year.

If you’re yet to join a group, know that a room full of leaders were praying for you, and our hope and prayer is that many more will experience the blessing of doing life together this year. To sign up for a Connect Group, click here.

Many of you may well be enjoying your Australia Day long weekend away (like the Haddon family will be up North) so in that regard, you won’t see us this Sunday but I know Emily has a great message lined up for you!

If you’re travelling, travel safe and look forward to catching you on Sunday February 4.

Blessings,

Sam

Hi Northside family.

Every now and then we have a Sunday where God seems to speak to us “more than usual”. Last Sunday was one of those special days.

We learnt from Hebrews 6:19a…
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”

If you missed it or want to remind yourself, here are 3 ways you can anchor yourself to God in 2018.

You Pull on the Rope
99% of the time you can’t see an anchor under the water. So how do you know you’re anchored? Pull on the rope.
This means: particularly when you don’t feel like God is present, actively do the things that will eventually help you to feel the presence of God.
– Reading the Bible
– Regularly worshipping
– Prayer
– Committing to gathered community

They seem basic – but pull on the rope like that and most times (in my life at least) you’ll begin to encounter God in new and fresh ways.

Even if you feel you are drifting, it doesn’t mean God has cut you loose.
If you have seen boats on moorings, they drift constantly with the wind, but have not been blown away.

The best question we can ask ourselves if we have drifted from what WE believe God’s promise/plan for us is:
“ Lord how could you be turning this out for my good, even though it doesn’t feel like it?

Most of the Christian life is working out whether what we thought God promised us, is actually what he promised us.

Anchors are there to save us IN the storm, not FROM the storm
Storms are vitally important. They show you:
A) Whether you are even anchored to something; and
B) Whether that anchor will really hold.

What is your expectation for “what’s next”? Storm free? Or if storms arise, are you confident you won’t be blown away?

See you Sunday if you are around…

Sam

Hi Northside family,

What a start to the New Year last Sunday!

We had 26 first-time guests across both of our services, and a wonderful atmosphere after the service.

May we keep reminding ourselves that it’s the “quality of our community that will be the secret to our mission…”

The way you extend a hello to a guest, or an invitation to sit with you in the service, may well be the primary reason someone continues their spiritual journey with us at Northside.

Looking forward to continuing our sermon series “Ready To Go”.

Have you finished your year before it’s begun?

See you on Sunday…

Sam

Hi Northside family,

Well it’s the new year…

That means (well psychologically at least) it’s the passing of an old season and the beginning of a new one.

These periods of transition can bring for some, great excitement, for others it can be quite a stressful time as we look ahead.

In this new sermon series, I’m looking forward to exploring with you how we can best prepare for what’s ahead.

Hope to see you Sunday, but if you’re like many of our church family who will still be on holidays for a few more weeks, then you can join us on the podcast!

Sam

Hey there Northside,

If you’re reading this email then it could mean a range of things. Either …

A. You are straight back to work and our deepest sympathies are extended to you. Or,
B. Alternatively, you’re checking your work email during the holidays … so shut it off!

But before you do, letting you know what’s happening this weekend.

Our New Year’s Eve services provide a great opportunity to reflect on the year gone plus prepare for the year ahead.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stop and pause for a little bit in this holiday season.

We have our very own Youth and Young Adults Pastor, Adrian Smith, bringing us a message. Many are eagerly awaiting his first sermon here at Northside .

Happy New Year!

Sam

Hi Northside Family,

I haven’t found out what mark she got yet …

Following my introduction to the message last week, multiple people have been frantically asking me to find out how the young lady went with her HSC results. I’ve been back to the cafe twice this week and she hasn’t been there!

I guess we will have to keep waiting …

Again it illustrates the power of anticipation that comes when a story remains unresolved.

Thankfully this Christmas the ultimate story hasn’t been left unresolved.

If you are in town, will you join us for one feature packed churchwide service at 9:30AM this Sunday and our Christmas Day Service starts at 9.00AM on Monday.

For many of the Northsiders I have spoken to who are already away with friends or family, wishing you a Merry Christmas and looking forward to travelling with you in the New Year!

Blessings,

Sam

Hi Northside Family,

Who could you be inviting to our Christmas Eve service this year?

With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, there is a great opportunity for all of the Northside family to gather together for one service at 9:30AM (No 6pm service).

Having already caught a glimpse of the creative plans for the service, I can assure you it will be a:

– family friendly
– fun
– joyous occasion

… where we can gather to hear the Christmas story and sing some carols!

Alternatively, if you are like many Northsiders who have already begun travelling overseas or interstate to visit family, know we are praying for a safe and restful Christmas season for you!

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday as I finish off our final week of our Advent series!

Blessings,

Sam

PS – Don’t forget to get your ticket to Christmas Dinner THIS SUNDAY.

Hi Northside family,

Well we’re gearing up for a wonderful and big few weeks in church life with Christmas and a number of end of year celebrations.

Find out below all that’s happening this Sunday and for the rest of the month, and don’t forget to download below or pick up your copy of the December Northside News at the 9.30am or 6pm services this Sunday.

Sam and Kristyn will be back with us from the USA this Sunday as I continue our advent series asking why Christmas is so much more than just another holiday.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Emily

Hi Northside family,

Is it just me or is the Christmas season very much starting to be upon us?

In the midst of the busyness and stress that seem to be inevitable at this time of year, let’s choose to fix our eyes on the God who reminds us at Christmas that He has not forgotten us, and is always present with us.

Keep Sam & Kristyn in your prayers as they attend a leadership course in Chicago this week and enjoy some time away together.

I’m looking forward to kicking off our advent series this Sunday, “Just another holiday?”, and hope you can join us. Why not bring a friend who may be asking questions about life or Jesus?

Bless you!

Emily