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N o r t h R i d g e C h u r c h & C h r i s t i a n A c a d e m y

H a i n e s C i t y F l o r i d a

Dec 2010

Volume 2, Issue 10

orthRidgeNewsOur News Reaching You; Reaching Out to You

A Message From Pastor DavidThis evening (11.29.10) Karen and I had the privilege of spending a few minutes with Tomand Bobbie White prior to them leaving for California. Bobbies sister passed away onSunday and they are in hopes of spending some time with family as they gather in memorial.As Tom and Bobbie spoke of her sister, they were clear to say that she was ready to go, sheknew the Lord as her Savior.

These memorials or funerals are often sober reminders of our own mortality. They have a

way of quietly bringing us face to face with the fact that one day we too will die. Death is apatient and perpetual enemy that reduces all our arguments about life down to one truth: one

day, we will die. But, for the Christian, this death is simply a step toward the fullness of life that awaits us in the presenceof the Lord; in Whom we have placed all of our hopes and confidence. We know that death is not the end, and so atfunerals, especially those of believers, we have a future hope that we see our loved ones again. We are comforted by thisand the pain of their passing is made more bearable.

What about the unbeliever, the person who has not yet begun his/her relationship with Christ? For them, death will bean awakening. Right now, they are not aware that death's present sleep is allowing them to have a false sense ofsecurity. One day, for them, death will awaken and claim them and when it does, they too will awaken to the harsh realitythat there is a pure and holy God who requires all who are in His presence to be pure, like him - a purity that they do notpossess. For now, the unsaved fight against God by refusing to submit to Him. They are fleeing the truth of God's loveand God's Son. But the sting of death will abruptly awaken them. Then they will see the spiritual reality and realize that

they have lived a false dream without God all the while not worrying about what the future will bring. They will weep onthat day when they no longer sleep.

The sleep, the darknow holds the lost,They walk in dreams of hope and foolish thought.They shun, they ignore, the day of awakening,The day by death, the great eye-opening.They lived a dream of hopeless God.They lived and knew His story.On that day they'll see and then they'll weep,

That day when no longerthey sleep.

Death is not the most pleasant subject. But it is an important one because death is the result of sin in the world and sinand death are all around us. Sin brought death. "The sting of death is sin..." (1 Cor. 15:56).

If you are not a believer in Jesus (God in flesh, John 1:1, 14; risen from the dead, John 2:19-21), then you are yet dead inyour trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). The only way to escape the righteous judgment of God is to receive Jesus as Savior(John 1:12), to call upon His name (Rom. 10:9-10), and to trust in Him alone for the forgiveness of your sins so that youmight be made right before God (Rom. 5:1).If you are a believer, then you already know what it means to be forgiven and to have the hope of the future resurrectionin Christ. We look forward, with hope and joy, to that day when death will free us from our bonds of flesh so that wemight forever dwell with the Lord. We are not asleep. We are alive and well in Christ and when He returns, or ourbodies fail us, we will live with Him forever more. That is the hope that has come through Christmasthe gift of GodsSonour Redeemer and our Hope.

-Pastor David

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From the Desk of Pastor HaroldIt is November 17th. In our Bible reading today I was reminded how Godprotects His holy name despite our short falls and sometimes intentional sinfulactions that cause Him shame.

Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing youback, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which youbrought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my greatname isthe name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal myholiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations willknow that I am the Lord. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spiritin you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. .... You willbe my people, and I will be your God. I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior Then you will remember your pastsins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. But remember, says the Sovereign Lord, I am notdoing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done.

Ezekiel 36:22-32As I was reading I also remembered a phone call I received Monday evening about Gods goodnessand another way He brings glory to Himself and to His holy name. It was a reminder of II Peter3:9 that says, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but islongsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

My sister Trish called me after returning from a visit to a friend whose father had past away. Herfriend Jennifer had struggled with the life her father had lived and was troubled concerning hisrelationship with God. Jennifer had asked us to pray for her dad, Robert Koepkey, when hebecame terminally ill early in the summer. I received this message in an email 8-30-2010, He's in ahospital in South Bend, IN area. Do you have anyone you know in that area that may go to visithim? He's a very mean-spirited person. Not sure if he would be receptive or cuss 'em out,though. Jennifer had been shut down many times trying to share Christ with her father. He justwould not talk about spiritual matters.

God still protects His holy name and is very long suffering toward us. The phone call on Mondayevening was to celebrate Gods goodness and mercy. Derrick, a long time friend of one of Mr.Roberts grandsons had given his life to Christ a while back. Derrick, in his own words, is a bornagain, sober alcoholic. He was also concerned about Roberts relationship with Christ and wantedto share Christ with him. Jennifer said there has been a tremendous change in Derricks life stylesince he gave his life to Christ. This visible change is what God used to get the attention ofJennifers father. Robert agreed to listen to Derrick and he led him to Christ two weeks before hewould have died only to spend eternity in hell. The last two weeks were different for Jennifer andher family as they watched their loved one pass into eternity.

Trish told me Jenifer still struggles some with the decision her father made so late in life. Jennifertold her, You just dont understand how evil my father was and some of the things he did. Ibelieve it is more difficult for us to understand the extended mercy and grace of our Savior wholoves us so much that He is long suffering and uses our messed up life as a testimony to Hisgoodness if we are willing to be used. And through all that happens, He protects and brings gloryto His holy name.

-Pastor Harold

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Sonshiners monthly luncheon:

December 2nd

@ Noon

Pastor Bill will be leading some

students from the Fine artsDepartment of the Academy for ourentertainment.

Bring a covered dish and enjoy goodfood and fellowship.

This is a great opportunity to invitesomeone who needs to get out forsome Christian fellowship and fun.

Bring a neighbor!

Cruisin Seniors

Join us for a 4 night Bahamas cruise on Royal CaribbeansMonarch of the Seas October 17-21, 2010.

Leaving from Port Canaveral.

Cost: Starting @ $313.00 per person for interior stateroom,based on double occupancy

A $25.00 per person deposit will hold your room and is due byDecember 26th.Contact Pastor Harold for more info.

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This is the current group of Home-bound with addresses that are being ministered to at thistime. If you know of others that would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rowena Daleyor

call the church office @ 863.422.4488

Home-bound Ministry

Ms. Irma Swain

Spring Haven Retirement LLC1225 Havendale NW

Winter Haven, Florida 33881

(863)-293-0072

Ms. Ruth Copeland

Ms. Lucille TinerSavannah Court assisted living.301 Peninsular DriveHaines City, FL 33844-5046(863) 422-5204

Ms. Vera Cook

Ms. Emma Zwirbliss

Crossroads Nursing Home.206 West Orange Street

Davenport, FL 33837863) 422-4961

Mr Charles Mayberry

Brandywyne Health Care Center1801 Lake Mariam Drive

Winter Haven, FL 33884

(863) 293-1989

Christmas Caroling

Ms. Ina Foley

Haines City Health Care409 South 10th StreetHaines City, FL 33844-5603(863) 422-8656

.Meet in the fellowship hall December 11th @ 9:00 am forChristmas caroling at the Haines City Nursing Home and

Savannah Court Assisted Living. Plan to come and beblessed as you share the joy of Christmas with those whoGod has placed in our path to celebrate this time of year.

mailto:Godblessed2@tampabay.rr.comhttp://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,27551,27584,27606,27629&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=25&rls=HPNN,HPNN:2007-40,HPNN:en&wrapid=tljp1290008050089055&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=nursing+home+winter+haven+dundee+road&fb=1&gl=us&hq=nursing+home&hnear=Dundee+Rd,+http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&expIds=17259,27551,27584,27606,27629&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=25&rls=HPNN,HPNN:2007-40,HPNN:en&wrapid=tljp1290008050089055&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=nursing+home+winter+haven+dundee+road&fb=1&gl=us&hq=nursing+home&hnear=Dundee+Rd,+mailto:Godblessed2@tampabay.rr.com

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Meeting 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

AWANA December Schedule

December 1st : Silent Night/Mission Exploration

December 8th : Snowman Night

December 15th : AWANA Christmas Caroling Night

December 22nd & 29th : NO AWANA

Kids Korner with Pastor BillProbably the most challenging Christmas message I have ever had the privilegeto teach, although found in Luke 2, has absolutely nothing to do withBethlehem, angels, shepherds, wisemen, mangers, or even a baby. It is found

in verses 41-52. The reason it is so difficult is that it sounds very similar to ourmodern Christmas celebrations. In the passage we see a celebration (v41) thatinvolves family and friends (v44) and a trip (41-43). It even includes going tochurch (v46). We can assume much hustle and bustle as Mary and Josephplanned, prepared, and packed for this exciting holiday event. Continuing inthe passage, we discover that somewhere in the celebration and the festivities,Jesus was forgotten about and left behind! The Passover Celebration, although a reminder of the past, wasin fact a prediction of the future when Jesus would become the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.It was supposed to be about Jesus, and yet He was somehow pushed aside as family and friends celebratedin his absence.

Reading this passage has often convicted me during this busy season. With holiday concerts and parties,shopping, wrapping and packing gifts, and traveling all over to see family, have we too forgotten that it is

supposed to be about Jesus? It is His birthday and our celebration of His gift of life, given freely to all whowill believe. Let me encourage all of us to not just say things likeJesus is the Reason for the Season, and Wise menstill seek Him. Let us instead make Him the guest of honor at every event and share Jesus with the friendsand family we join in each celebration. Lets take time each and every one of our busy days to seek Him.

Merry Christmas!

-Pastor Bill

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NorthRidge Family Fellowship

NorthRidgeChristianAcademy

Presents

The

Sights

and

Sounds

of

Christmas

Its not too late! Youmay still sign up for theChristmas Dinner onSunday, December 5.The turkey and ham willbe provided. All youneed to do is volunteerto bring a side dish ortwo. We will enjoy a

great meal, followed byentertainment providedby Haines CityHarmony and The

Womens Chorus formHaines City HighSchool, under thedirection of our veryown Sabra Hatley.

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Eternal Youth

Happy December, Church Family

While the joy of eating too much turkey and waking up at 2am to fight theravaging hordes of shoppers to get $7 off that $900 television are still fresh ineveryone's heads, I would like to tell you of another joy that I have. Christmastime usually brings out tradition. Most of you have done yourdecorating. Some of you have even finished your Christmas shopping. Youmay have already pulled out your advent candles. Many people have theChristmas story memorized, but do you know where it really all started?

This month, the youth will be learning about where Jesus got his start. For the 3 December weeks ofFusion, we will be examining the Old Testament mentions of Christ, the prophecies that talk about Hiscoming, and, finally, celebrating His arrival. While many people know the story of Christ's birth, not many

realize that He has been around since the beginning.Enjoy the holidays, and pray for me. I usually wait until December 22 to start my Christmas

shopping. Merry Christmas from my family to yours.Stepping Out in Faith,

-Derrick

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Conversation Peace: The Power of Transformed Speech -provides a personal study experience five days a week in this in-depth women's Bible study. Mary Kassian masterfully presentsseven biblical principles to help women revolutionize theirspeech habits and positively avoid sharing gossip, throwingnegative barbs, or snapping sarcastic replies throughout everydaylife. Discover how you can improve your relationships byallowing God's Word to transform your heart. Various MeetingTimes:

Monday Evening (Times TBD based on registrants)Tuesday Morning (Times TBD based on registrants)

Wednesday Evening (6:30-8:00)

Conversation

Peace

Class for

ladies

"Managing Our Finances God's Way" is a 7-week video study

occurring on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00. Workbooks

cost $15 and only one per family is required. Couples are urged

to attend together. Individual course time is one hour.

Class for

Individuals

or Couples

Managing Our Finances Gods Way

The Miracle of Life Change

Class for menClass for Couples

"Pastor Harold & Gina Butler will be leadinga couples class in a study of Ephesians 4,

utilizing a DVD series by Chip Ingramentitled The Miracle of Life Change, HowGod Transforms His Children. This series

will provide you with a hands on, interactive,fresh approach to spiritual

transformation designed to move you fromthe frustration of failure to the freedom you

have in Christ. Cost is $20.00 per couple andincludes a study guide for each person. The

class will take place on Wednesday nightsfrom 6:30-8:00, January 12th-March 16th.

Rick Johnson will be leading a men's classin a study of Ephesians 4,

utilizing a DVD series by Chip Ingramentitled The Miracle of Life Change, HowGod Transforms His Children. This serieswill provide you with a hands on,interactive, fresh approach to spiritualtransformation designed to move you fromthe frustration of

failure to the freedom you have inChrist.Cost is $10.00 per person andincludes a study guide. The class will takeplace on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00,January 12th-March 16th.

Click here to register for any class

http://www.northridgehc.org/cgsu-registrationhttp://www.northridgehc.org/cgsu-registrationhttp://www.northridgehc.org/cgsu-registrationhttp://www.northridgehc.org/cgsu-registration

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UpcomingEventsLottie Moon,Seventy one,UpwardBasketball

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Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and

financial support to communities throughout the United States. Each month, Angel Food provides a unique menu

that consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60, yet only costs $31.

There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, of applications needed in order to participate.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Marty Jenkins is the Host Site Director for NorthRidge Church. Orders are

taken on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15 and every Sunday after service,

except for delivery week.

You may also order online by visitingNorthRidgehc.com

Angel Food Ministries

Operation Christmas ChildWe want to say a very special Thank You! to everyone who helped

make our Operation Christmas Child Relay Center a success this year.Our Relay Center Coordinators, Ted and Carolyn Beasley, did a

fantastic job at making NorthRidge Church a shining light for ourcommunity. We had many volunteers (some who came every day) who

lovingly greeted people and received shoeboxes on their first step in ajourney around the world. We also had many who donated shoeboxesfull of gifts for children around the world. With the help of all of ourvolunteers and donors, we received almost 1,000 SHOEBOXES in

our first year as a Relay Center. These shoeboxes are now on their wayto spread the Message of Hope to boys and girls around the world.

Thanks again for your part in sharing hope.

http://www.northridgehc.com/http://www.northridgehc.com/

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Wednesday

Evening

Worship

Sunday services

5:45-6:45 -Prayer in Sanctuary6:45-7:45 -Coffee and Bible study

in Fellowship Hall

Hours-Monday -Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm. If you need to contactthe 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.

December

Birthdays

Sunday Morning Caf -8:45am

Sunday School -9:20

Worship Service -10:30am

(also Kids' Church K5-3rd)

Church Office

Jerry Brooks 12-01Bailee Couch 12-01

Benji Works 12-01Herold Figareau 12-02Bailee Couch 12-01

Aaron Fowler 12-03Bradly Fowler 12-03Dylan Singleton 12-03Kyle Raemisch 12-05

Jordan McGuire 12-05Renee McGuire 12-06

Tommy Sheek 12-07Michael Chandler 12-07Millie Kimbrel 12-08Donald Norton 12-10

Samantha Swafford 12-12Devon Widener 12-12Kermit Sims 12-13Gloria Wilkinson 12-13Url Utterback 12-14Sadie Rutledge 12-15Sherry Carver 12-16Kalee Thompson 12-19

Virginia Johnson 12-21Rhetta Sutton 12-21Morgan Porter 12-21Patty Brewer 12-21

Isaiah Matthews 12-22Linwood Wiley 12-23Chris Fetes 12-23Leilani Price 12-23

Andy Reed 12-24Robert Schutte 12-27Bethany Brewer 12-28Deborah Ferguson 12-29