COMPositions 13

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS

Last week Pastor Dan sent out an email to the Staff asking us to check our schedules for any potential conflicts we might have with the local elections for City Council and Mayor being held at NorthPark this spring. The Primary Election will be April 6th, with April 27th designated as a run-off election if necessary, and the General Election is scheduled for June 8th. After checking my calendar, I responded with the following email: “I see no conflict with those dates. I don’t know the future but there is a reasonable possibility I may not be here in June!! That is a crazy thought but true!”. That was a startling realization for me which provoked mixed emotions! On the one hand I felt genuine sadness because I will miss this amazing church family and my new friends. On the other hand, I felt great joy because I am convinced God has great plans in store for NorthPark! As an Interim Pastor I don’t want to drag my feet nor do I want to rush things, but with the faithful service of the Prayer Team, the Transition Team, and the Search Team; God is definitely directing our steps and orchestrating many providential connections. Your continued prayers and faithful support are needed, requested, and appreciated.

The Transition Team has identified the top five priorities from the Church Assessment Report presented to us by New Church Specialties back in November. They are currently recruiting 5-6 church members who have some interest or experience in one of the following areas to develop a plan of action:
•  Discipleship Pathway:Lead by Justin Keene
•  Holistic Small Groups:Lead by Kay Stewart & Virgil Cole
•  Community Outreach: Lead by Linda Wier
•. Gift-based Ministry: Lead by Nedra Bradley & Kelly Menard
•  Effective Structures: Lead by C.D. Smith & Adam Vance

The Search Team has developed a Pastor Profile from the qualities and expectations identified in the New Church Specialties Assessment Report. In addition, they have developed a valuable 25 step process to move from applicants to candidates to Lead Pastor. They are now contacting various Church of God schools, ministries, and Pastors to solicit referrals and recommendations.

Nominations: The Governance Board is receiving nominations from the church family to serve a three year term on the Board in place of Dwayne Joyner and Marilyn Cole whose terms expire this year. Nominees need to be mailed, emailed, or texted to the church office by Sunday, January 31. According to our bylaws, nominees must have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, worshipped regularly with this us for not less than the preceding six (6) months, be 18 years of age or older, support NorthPark through Christian Service & financial giving, and consider this his or her Church home; supporting the mission, goals and leadership of NorthPark Church. A member of the Governance Board must not be an employee of the Church and cannot be an immediate family member (spouse, sibling, son or daughter, parent or in-law) of another Governance Board member.

Wednesday Nights: There is an energy and excitement in our mid-week family gathering that is palpable and contagious!! As I walked around last night before and after our studies, I witnessed this incredible dynamic among every class and age group!! I sense God is doing some amazing things among us and stirring the hearts of his people. I am grateful for all who serve and participate but to God be the glory!

Here are some significant upcoming activities to put on your calendar:
•  Sunday, February 14th will be our Annual Baby Dedication Sunday @ 10:45 AM
•  Wednesday, February 17th will be our Annual Business Meeting @ 6:30 PM
•  Sunday, February 21st will be our Annual Upward Sunday & Family Sunday @ 10:45 AM
•  Sunday, April 11th will be our next Baptism Sunday with Pastor Justin scheduled to preach.
•  March 5th & 6th our Women’s Ministry will be hosting the IF: Gathering which is a livestream
   simulcast through RightNow Media.
•  March 19th–21st our Student Ministry will be hosting the Mississippi State Youth Convention
   at NorthPark.

Your prayerful consideration and active participation are sincerely wanted, welcome, and appreciated.

For His Glory,  Pastor Greg

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