COMPosition 28

SUMMER INTERN: Jonathan Hall
As you know, Jonathan has been an active part of the NorthPark family for some time. He has served as our Summer Intern in 2019 under Ryan Bell in the area of updating & cataloging the choir suite, in 2020 under Justin in the area of Student Ministry, and this summer he will be serving under Jordan in the area of Worship Ministry. Jonathan’s 9 week Internship started on Monday, May 10th and will conclude on Sunday, July 18th with the week of June 25th through July 1st off to attend the Church of God General Assembly in Denver, CO with his father, Keith. Following the completion of this internship, Jonathan will be staring his teaching career at Northwest Rankin Elementary in Flowood, MS in August. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

TRANSITION TEAM: This group of 9 individuals was recruited in November, 2020 and commissioned on January 3rd to formulated some strategic initiatives based on the all church assessment conducted by New Church Specialties back in September, 2020. The assessment identified several minimum factors needing attention in order for NorthPark to remain healthy and effective in making disciples. Over the last six months, multiple teams have been meeting to formulate specific action plans to address each of those factors: First Impressions, Assimilation, Life Groups, & Community Outreach. The Transition Team is finalizing a Master Action Plan to present to the Governance Board for their review and endorsement before unveiling it to the church family and implementing the specific initiatives. The current sermon series, MESSY, was selected to coincide with this process laying a solid foundation for the effective use of spiritual gifts and efficient functioning of body life. (1 Corinthians 12 – 14) Your continued prayers and active participation are requested and appreciated.

NORTHEAST SCHOOLS: We continue to serve and partner with our local schools in several practical ways. The Backpack Ministry provides food for at risk students identified by the School Counselors over the weekend throughout the school year. Each Wednesday during the school year volunteers serve at NE Elementary cutting, folding, stuffing, organizing, or assembling various materials for the teachers to use in their classrooms. After the severe storm in March, the Men’s Brotherhood cleared and cleaned up all the downed branches around the elementary school. And this spring we are hosting several Award Nights for the high school and the 4th grade graduation for the elementary school. All these activities have been a mutual blessing for the church and schools as we seek to build healthy partnerships in our community.

LEAD PASTOR CANDIDATE WEEKEND: May 14th – May 16th
As announced Sunday, the Search Team has planned several social gatherings throughout this coming weekend to allow people to meet the candidate and his family. For more information click on this link www.northpark.church/candidate-weekend.  Jim will be preaching this Sunday morning and there will be no Kids Connection during that service to allow our faithful volunteers to be in the sanctuary and part of this experience. Nursery and preschool will be available. Next Sunday, May 23rd, at 10:00 AM we will be conducting a Special Called Business Meeting as required by our Bylaws, to approve and ratify the calling of Jim to be our next Lead Pastor. Our Sunday Morning Life Groups will be meeting from 9:30 to 10:00 AM and then dismiss to the sanctuary for this important business meeting. If you are not currently attending a Life Group, please plan to join us in the sanctuary at 10:00 AM. For those who may be out of town or unable to attend, absentee ballots will be available by mail or through the Church Office on May 18th and must be returned prior to the meeting on May 23rd.
 
MISCELLANEOUS:
Last week during the severe weather warning the top section of our road sign was blown out by the wind. The good news is the electronic sign was not impacted and works fine. Pastor Dan is getting an initial replacement estimate for insurance purposes. Volunteers are needed to help with the May Day activities at Northeast Elementary on Monday, May 24th. They are requesting help with concessions, inflatables, relays & field games, and just an extra set of eyes to help supervise. There are two shifts 8:30 am – 11:00 am and/or 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. If you are available, please contact Linda Weir.

Thank you for your continued generosity and service as we seek to advance the kingdom of God here in Meridian and Lauderdale County.

For His Glory,  Pastor Greg

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