NorthStar Church Blog

We’ve finished week 4 of 7 decisions in ’07. Last week we learned about the third decision, I Will Take Action. Taking action means following the advice or wisdom we received from our personal board, as well as the wisdom we’ve gained from reading our Bibles. Whether we need to change friends, begin honoring God with our resources, reach out to our spouse, or cut back on the time spent at work, we know what we need to do.

This past Sunday the sermon focused on Decision 4, I Have A Committed Heart. We listened as Pastor Roscoe discussed how once we take action we may face criticism. Nevertheless, in the face of criticism we must always remember what God wants us to do. A committed heart says that God gave me this vision and I’ll move forward with it, regardless of criticism or the need to revise my plan of action. Pastor R also gave us 3 ways to respond to that criticism which includes praying, remembering who gave you the vision, and, if necessary, revising your plan.

Check out NorthStar’s podcast to hear the full sermons!

A reminder that the Ladies’ Winter Tea is this Saturday, January 27, at The Whistling Kettle, 24 Front St. Ballston Spa. Cost is $16 / person. The menu includes tea sandwiches, scones and hot/iced tea. We will hear our pastor’s wife, Maryanna speak on how lovely we, as women, are in God’s sight. As well, it will be a great opportunity to get to know other women at NorthStar. Invite your friends for an evening event they won’t want to miss! For more information contact Tara Hammitt 381-1761.

Just a quick reminder that the snow tubing trip is this Saturday, January 20. The tubing hill is closed at West Mountain. However, the “snow” must go on… (I know, I know)! Instead, we’re heading to the Snowy Owl Hill near Jiminy Peak. We’ll meet at the NorthStar Church Office at 5:00pm! Dress warmly and get ready for some serious FUN!

Please contact Bob Sievers at 373-0199 with any questions! Hope to see you there!

If the ice and cold kept you at home this past Sunday, check out the sermon on NorthStar’s new podcast! Subscribe through iTunes to automatically receive the weekly podcasts or access past sermons through www.northstarchurch.com/podcast

After a brief recap of Decision 1, I am responsible, Pastor Roscoe began his sermon on the second decision, I will seek wisdom. “If we’re responsible for our past, then that means we’re responsible for our future.” We are to seek wisdom so that our future can change. That includes learning from our past and then making necessary changes and better choices which will allow us to grow. So, how do we gain wisdom? The first and most obvious way is through reading the Bible. However, we can also gain wisdom through friendships. We are to surround ourselves with friends who, because they want us to move forward, speak the truth in love and tell us the things we need to hear. However, we must be careful of who we allow to speak into our lives. We are easily influenced by those around us. Therefore it’s vital to surround ourselves with a so-called “personal board of directors”. This “board” should consist of people who hold us accountable and who will guide us down the right path. There should be people in our lives who we’re able to pull up and people who are willing to pull us up! So, when it comes to wisdom, are you a chicken or an eagle? Check out the podcast to see what that means!

As well, Maureen Huff shared through testimony the growth she experienced in a year. Last year she was, “annoyed and expectant with an angry spirit!” However, this past Christmas season, as she acted in obedience and faith to God, He revealed how blessed she truly was. Through tears she described how God has blessed her and her children beyond measure.

Our next session of Growth Groups will begin the week of January 21st. Join us over the next 12 weeks as we grow in faith and in our relationships with others. Sign up by using the Growth Group card in your bulletin. There are 7 groups to choose from, 4 of which offer childcare at no cost to you!

Growth Groups are a great way to get and stay connected! As well, it’s a time to grow in knowledge of scripture and in your relationship with God. For those of you who’ve yet to join a GG, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have! For those who have been involved in a Group, we’d love to hear some of your experiences!

Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. –1 John 3:18

First and foremost, an overwhelming THANK YOU to everyone for making this year’s Come Together Christmas Offering a success!!!! Because everyone went above and beyond their usual offering, we surpassed our $8000 goal!! When the goal was originally set we were a little nervous that it was too high. However, $9300 was received towards the Offering! Thank you all for honoring God with your resources!

We began our new series, 7 Decisions in ’07 today. Decision #1: I am Responsible. Some steps to take following today’s sermon are listed at the bottom of your bulletin. Steps Include accepting responsibility for your past, future, faith, family and finances. As well, accepting responsibility for your spirituality and starting a relationship with Jesus. Your life is not to be an apology, but rather a statement of your faith!

Join us next week for Decision #2

In hopes of keeping you up to date and informed with the happenings at NorthStar, we’ve created this blog!  For those of you who are not familiar with blogs, a blog is simply an online journal or a “Web Log”.  This site will be used to highlight social events and upcoming community service projects, recap Sunday’s sermons, report relevant news and much, much more!  We’re super excited about this new tool and want you to get involved!  Feel free to post comments or questions and get a dialogue going!  We will attempt to update the blog twice per week, however, please be patient if it’s only once! 

Collection has ended for this year’s Come Together Christmas Offering.  We’ll find out this Sunday whether or not we’ve reached our goal of $8000!!  The money collected will allow us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in our community! 

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series, 7 Decisions in ’07!