NORTHWEST CONNECTIONS Winter  2015  

In  October  a  group

 of    

NWCC  members  pa

cked  up  

and  headed  to  Okla

homa  to  

help  with  rebuild  e

fforts  

sponsored  by  Sam

aritan’s  

Purse.  Read  all  abo

ut  the  

trip  on  page  7!  

Joyful  Noise  Community  Choir    

Rehearse  ever  1st  and  3rd  Saturday  January  thru  May  &  August  thru  December.    

2pm-­‐4pm.  

Practice  Dates  

o February  7  o February  21  o March  7  o March  21  o April  4  o April  18  o May  16    

 no  practice  on  May  2,  

because  of  the  women's  retreat  

 

 

 

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1. Looking for Insight Rather Than Personal Application The Bible is a fascinating book, there’s no question about it. Even if you’re coming at it from a completely atheistic perspective, there’s enough historical and cultural significance, as well as action-packed sequences, to keep you occupied for days. However, for believers, simply reading the Bible for information is not enough if we want it to have an impact on our lives. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24). Just about every verse you read contains some kind of direction from God on how we can change our lives for the better and open up to His transformation in our lives. The Bible is applicable to situations we go through on a day to day basis (Hebrews 4:12), from dealing with stress to loving those around us. It’s a huge temptation to only read the Bible with the purpose of gaining more knowledge. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, you’re missing the whole point of the Scriptures if you never once sit down and read it with the intent to let it guide you to change something in your life. 2. Failing to Research Context The Bible is one continual story, from cover to cover, about God creating us and doing whatever He could to build a relationship with

whatever He could to build a relationship with us. While many verses work fine when read in a vacuum (most notably Proverbs and Psalms), most Scripture is meant to be understood in context. You can learn a lot more about the verse you’re reading by examining the details surrounding it, including: Author - who wrote the book, and why were they writing it? What else do we know about this person? Date - when the book was written can tell you a lot about the verses in the book you’re reading. For example, knowing that the book of Ruth took place in 1300 BC tells us that they lived during the time of judges, when Israel was at one of its most darkest points in history. This makes the story of Ruth and Boaz that much more inspiring and powerful. Recipient - who the book was intended for can give you more insight on how the Scriptures were meant to be processed. This is especially true of the letters in the New Testament, most of which were written to different churches who were in various spiritual states.

3. Sticking to the Same Translation If the only version of the Bible you’ve ever read is the one sitting on your shelf that you’ve had since you were a kid, there’s a chance you’re reading a translation that may not be right for you. A lot of people make the mistake of sticking to the same Bible translation, either refusing to change because of tradition or because they’re unaware of the other reading options

5  Mistakes  People  Make  When  Reading  the  Bible  by  Mike  Query  

 

 

 

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 Since each translation is slightly different, reading a different version can give you more insight into the Scriptures, and can make an otherwise confusing Scripture more accessible. The Bible is one continual story, from cover to cover, about God creating us and doing whatever He could to build a relationship with us. Order another version (such as the New Living Translation or The Message) and see if it helps you understand a new perspective on the Scriptures, or clear up any confusion you may have previously had. 4. Reading in a Distracting Environment This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people I talk to who read their Bibles with the TV on, while playing iPhone games, or while friends or family are nearby asking for help. While those scenarios may work for homework or paying the bills, they make it close to impossible to really read the Scriptures and hear what God is trying to tell you. As I mentioned in the first point, reading your Bible can (and should!) be a very personal affair. Eliminating distractions could mean the difference between reading a cool verse and finding the passage that changes how you view your life. 5. Thinking the Only Way to Read the Bible is By Looking at Words on a Page In today’s modern age, there are countless ways to digest information. This is no less true for the Bible. Many people get stuck in a box and feel intimidated by the sheer volume

of Scriptures, and end up never giving the Bible a shot. And while the fear is understandable, it’s completely avoidable.

If you’re feeling bored of reading, or perhaps have a disability or learning challenge, try listening to the Bible (via a full audio Bible, or a read along feature like the one found in the Tecarta Bible app) or watching the Bible (The Story is a great example of a visual presentation of the Bible).

Mike Query is a Youth Minister and Web Strategist at the Bay Area Christian Church. He spends most of his time reading blogs and playing music, or doing whatever will keep him in a creative mood. Reach him at Google+, Twitter or Facebook.

 

 

 

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• For Salvation for ALL. o That all may come to know Him, love Him, and serve

Him. • For The process of translation.

o Wisdom & insight in drafting God’s truth in the Nagi language.

o Preservation of His truth through the process. • For the evangelistic teaching and beyond. • For the Literacy Program.

o Continued improvement for the 11 graduates and their desire to read their bible on their own.

• For the 3 teachers. • For the 7 new students.

o Finish entire course & have wives join them in next class.

o Learn skills that will assist them in becoming church leaders excellent disciples to others.

• For Medical Needs. • Spiritual, Physical and Mental Health for Nagi Team.

o May we remember the promises & instructions of our Lord & Savior each day!

• For Our Community. o Our Pilots, Town Team, and Neighbors.

• For Upcoming Events in 2015.

Prayer  Points  for  the  Nagi  Ministry  2015    

MISSIONS    

 

 

 

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Thanks to your generous donation, we raised over $10,000.

MMA Champion Dominick Cruz has agreed to match up to $10,000 for the month of December! And thanks to YOU, we were able to raise past $10,000 for the month of December!

We look forward to continuing working with you this new year! Remember this month we begin to help students who have dropped out through our collective impact work with Youth on the Rise Re-engagement Center! As more things are happening at Higher Ground, like our Facebook page and also keep up to date through our website at www.higherground.me.

We  did  it!  

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COMMUNITY  IMPACT    

 

 

 

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Introducing our new Children's Director-

Michelle Watkins!

Michelle, and her husband Garland, have been an active part of Northwest Community Church for several years now. Garland is a part of our worship team, singing and playing the keyboard, and Michelle has recently been active in our Children's Ministry.

Michelle brings a lot of experience to the position, having served as the Children's Director at her previous church. She is also a certified teacher, and currently runs the after school program at J. Robert Hendricks Elementary School. Most importantly, she loves Jesus and children!

Tell us about your family. Garland and I have been married for almost 3 and half years. We feel God is leading us to expand our family through fostering and possibly adoption. We hope to be licensed in the next few weeks and can’t wait to open our hearts and homes to the kiddos needing whatever God wants us to provide.

How long have you lived in Tucson? I was born and raised in Tucson!

What do you like to do for fun? I love to read. I read about 2 or 3 books a week. I also like to draw and paint and break out with the crafts.

What do you enjoy most about working at Northwest? I love the church family atmosphere. The way the congregation talks to you like they have known you forever. I also like that it is their mission to serve, not just each other, but to go out into the community and really get their hands dirty!

How long have you been attending Northwest? We will have been there for 4 years in Feb.

What is your favorite superhero? Is it the same as your husbands? Hmmm. This could get ugly since he is the one to introduce me to the life of superheroes. BUT, Garlands would be Silver Surfer and mine is the Hulk.

5  Questions  for  Michelle  

CHILDREN’S  MINISTRY    

 

 

 

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Ok, it's really not day 0 but it was the day before we began serving. On Monday we visited the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. The bombing happened in 1995 and was one the worst domestic terrorist acts in U.S. History. The bomb killed 168 people including 19 children, and injured 680 others. Access to the memorial is open to anyone and we took time to walk the grounds, looking at the 168 chairs, with names of the victims written on each one, on the grounds where the Alfred P. Murrah federal building once stood.

Two things stood out: One, Our country is really good at memorializing tragedy. It's unfortunate, but true. Each of the 168 chairs are arranged in rows representing the floor each victim was on when the bomb went off. There are two sizes of chairs-the larger ones representing the adults who died and smaller representing the children who died. The chairs are also arranged to represent to the shape of the building after the blast. This is all contained between two enormous entrances at either end of the memorial in which the time 9:01 is on one entrance and 9:03 on the other. The bomb went off at 9:02 am. So, literally one minute there was an intact building and the next it was gone.

Secondly, there is such a cry and even a demand for justice when something like this happens. And understandably so! We want those responsible punished and those injured or killed to be healed or remembered.

It was an incredibly powerful memorial, and it served as a reminder that God will one day make things right. He will bring justice, but not just any kind of justice-restorative justice. Justice that sets things right, justice that heals, justice that restores, justice that reconciles. We all look forward to that day. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. -Psalm 9:8

 

Day  0  

 

2014  OKLAHOMA  REBUILD  TRIP    

 

 

 

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After serving on two disaster relief trips in the past year and a half, our team is now on its first rebuild. Where disaster relief involved a cleanup, a rebuild is a build-up. Today, our team worked on a house that sustained extensive damage from the widest tornado ever recorded in the U.S.- 2.5 miles. This house is located right next to the freeway and when the tornado hit, a car was blown into the second story of their home which came into the back and went out the front of the house. Although this family had insurance, the people they hired took their money and split. Add unemployment, and the death of a close relative. This family found themselves in dire straits. Samaritan's Purse has been working on this house for the past 3 months and now the project is almost complete. To help complete it, our team did landscaping which included leveling the ground, laying sod, and cleaning up the backyard. Our team worked hard and served with an amazing attitude. As we concluded our day, we circled up to pray. Among all the things Randall thanked God for, perhaps the one that stood out the most is being thankful for sore muscles. Sore muscles! Muscles we don't usually use doing things we don't usually do. Interesting thing to be thankful for, but in many ways underlies an important truth about serving- it can and it does hurt. It costs us something- time, money, even our muscles. Jesus put it this way, " Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me." Jesus said this near the end of His life, A life spent serving God and others. And there were many times it was tough- really tough for Jesus. In fact, there were many times that serving involved suffering. The same is true for us. Serving isn't always easy or convenient, but it's a part of being a follower of Jesus. Thank you all for your prayers, financial help, and your encouragement to allow this team to serve Jesus and others in this way. Ok, now for some Advil!

Day  1    

2014  OKLAHOMA  REBUILD  TRIP  CONTINUED…    

 

 

 

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Today, the team continued working very hard getting ready for the home dedication tomorrow. As we were working, we met the homeowner, who explained the extent of the damage that occurred in the neighborhood. All told, 22 people died in this neighborhood from the tornado, as well as a hospital destroyed. It has not been rebuilt. He was incredibly grateful for the work that we as well as others have done on his home. He could not believe where people have traveled, often times taking vacation to work and serve.

This evening the team traveled to Shawnee where we did disaster relief work a year and a half ago. You can still see tree damage from the road. We visited the trailer park that perhaps sustained the most damage. Where at one time there was chaos, destruction, weeping, loss, there was, for the most part, now a largely peaceful neighborhood. The debris is mostly gone. Homes, once again being lived in. The pieces picked up. People choosing to live… Life going on. At times it’s hard to grasp. It doesn’t even make sense. After all, how could life go on in the face of such devastation, and yet it does? How can people live after experiencing such loss, and yet they do? This is life. Imperfect, fallen, and messy, but nonetheless life. Maybe this is another reality in serving. We help people to start or at least keep on living. We aren't just moving debris, cleaning up a yard, painting window shutters, or even installing ceiling fans, we are helping them to live. We know this isn't possible without Jesus who is all about life. He taught it, shared it, and even died so we could have it. 1 Corinthians 15:55b-58 declares:

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Day  2    

2014  OKLAHOMA  REBUILD  TRIP  CONTINUED…    

 

 

 

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"A house is built by wisdom, and becomes strong through good sense." -Proverbs 24:3

Today was a house dedication day! After working feverishly for most of the day tying up loose ends, the house was finally ready to be turned over to the family. They are now able to spend tonight in their home for the first time in a year and a half. The total cost to repair this home minus the volunteer hours was $72,316. All of it donated resulting in no cost to the family!

It was a great day. This cannot be said enough. It was really great to be able to see something like this come to fruition. We may never know exactly the kind of impact we have in serving others. We are simply a link in a chain, and we may be at the beginning of it, somewhere in the middle, or at the end. There were approximately 600 people who worked on this house, most of whom were not able to be at the dedication, and yet they were just as important to making this day happen. We are grateful to be to be the final link in this process, but more importantly we are grateful just to have a part in the chain, to be a link in serving God and others.

Oh, and Louise Waller joined us this evening as she is making her way home from North Carolina. It was great to see her. Thanks for stopping by Weezie!

Day  3    

2014  OKLAHOMA  REBUILD  TRIP  CONTINUED…    

 

 

 

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Today was our final work day. We finished the week working on two projects. One was at a new home build where the foundation had been recently poured, and our team readied it for framing walls which will begin next week. The work went well and perhaps the most challenging part was trying not to become too distracted from the owner's two bulldogs who wanted our constant attention, and who thought our gloves were toys, and our faces and laps places to lick and sit.

The other project was teaming up with the other Samaritan's Purse team here this week, a group of 8 men from Chicago, to pour concrete for a safe room. We had a bucket brigade in which we moved and poured about 2 yards of concrete weighing about 6000 lbs. in about a half an hour. That's a good amount of concrete!

It's amazing what can be accomplished working as a team with a common purpose. Perhaps our one regret from the week is that we weren't able to work more with this team. But nonetheless as a team this week with each other as well as working with the other team we were reminded once again the impact we can have for the Kingdom of God when we are unified. What a great week of serving together!

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. -Philippians 2:1-2

Day  4    

 

2014  OKLAHOMA  REBUILD  TRIP  CONTINUED…    

 

 

 

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Integer  ante  odio,  fringilla  quis,  rhoncus  quis,  iaculis  eget,  ligula.  Curabitur  non  lacus  ut  ante  sagittis  euismod.  Vivamus  nisl  leo,  gravida  consectetuer,  mollis  at,  commodo  et,  arcu.  

MEN’S  MINISTRY    

The annual Men’s retreat with First Brethren Church and Oasis Church will be at Tonto Rim Christian Camp March 6-8, 2015. Read on for details on this year’s retreat!

Retreat  Details  

When: March 6-8th Where: Tonto Rim Christian Camp in Payson, Arizona Who: Guys High School age and older Cost: $99 (includes lodging and food). Make checks payable to NWCC, memo line: 2015 Men's Retreat Activities: Visit www.tontorimcc.com/activities for a list of the activities that are offered. Some are at an additional cost. Registration: Sign up in the Welcome Center or register online by visiting our website www.northwest.cc.

Our  Speakers  

The presenters will be the pastors from the churches sponsoring this retreat. The Pastors include:

• Jim Miller: Oasis Community Church • Roger Stogsdill: First Brethren Church • Dave Collins: Living Hope Community

Church • Dan Acker: Northwest Community

Church

 

 

 

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WOMEN’S  MINISTRY    

May 1-3rd

May 1-3, 2015 at the Triangle YMCA Ranch in Oracle. Arrive any time after 3 pm on Friday. We leave Sunday before noon to head back. Cost: $140. Financial assistance available.  

 

The women's retreat is full of fun, learning and sharing. We have teaching time, small group time, free time, board games, puzzles, crafty-things, walking, outdoor time, indoor time, late night laughing. We eat together, play together, share together, worship together, and laugh a lot.

The women's retreat will be held at the YMCA Triangle Ranch. We have had the women's retreat here for many years. We sleep in nice dorms with real mattresses and running water. There are bunk beds, but only a few choose to sleep on the top bunks. Bathrooms are private, but shared. Each dorm room has it's own bathroom, with a shower. Usually 3-4 women share a room. You choose who you are with in the rooms. It is first come, first

serve. If you would like help finding roommates, just let us know and we will make sure you have friends with you.

The schedule of the retreat is planned, but flexible. We strive for no pressure, fun and learning. If you need more sleep or less sleep, it's yours. If you want to share and talk a lot you can. If you don't, you don't need to. This is a time for women to get away, get to know each other, hear God maybe a little more, and learn from each other.

To register, sign your name on the Retreat List in the Welcome Center and turn in a $50 deposit to Laurie Acker or Debbie Oberin. Any questions or financial requests, email Lacker@northwest.cc or Doberin@northwest.cc.

 

 

 

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What we look forward to at the Women’s Retreat…

WOMEN’S  MINISTRY    

28  “SOMETHINGS”  to  bring  this  year!  

We started this tradition last year and it was so much fun, the women asked to do it again! Bring 28-Somethings that will be handed out (anonymously) during the retreat. You can either hand them out yourself in a sneaky way to everyone, or turn them in to the leadership team to anonymously deliver! The 28 things are 28 of the SAME things... might be 28 sticks of gum, 28 homemade cookies or crafty-things, 28 coffee cups, 28 pens, 28 encouraging notes or scripture verses, 28 sets of earplugs... anything really.... maybe something for use at the retreat or something for at home. (There is no pressure here. No one will know who brought what, spent what, made what, or forgot what! This is just for fun!)

Things to Bring o Bedding o Pillow o Towels o Snacks to share o Flashlight o Good walking shoes o Jacket o Earplugs o Journal o Bible o Pen o Cards & Games o Camera o Toiletries o Coffee Mug o 28 “SOMETHINGS”

• Laughing. “I rarely laugh as much as I do at the women's retreat...or as loud!” • Getting Away. “Life is so crazy sometimes. It's so nice to just be somewhere and

not have to take care of anyone but myself.” • The Food. (now that we do all our own food... it's great! Breakfast Burritos to

order!) • Saturday night worship time. “I love the worship time on Saturday night, just laying

around in the lounge furniture with candle light. It's my favorite thing about the retreat.”

• Sunday morning communion. • Spiritual renewal. “The retreat is kind of a re-set for me, spiritually. It gets me out

the daily routine and brings me back to center.” • Getting to know the other women. “The retreat is the Number One reason I know

the women at our church. It is where I have made the friends I have.” • Late night lounge time. “Laughing and talking. It always takes on a life of its own.”

 

 

 

JOYFUL NOISE COMMUNITY CHOIR!

A call to singers and not-yet-singers, to the trained and the not-yet-trained! If you enjoy music and wish you could sing (or wish you could sing more)… please read on!

Why Join a Choir…

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We are kicking off a new thing at Northwest Community Church. We have started a community choir.

As the worship director at NWCC, I am constantly looking for new ways to involve people in connecting through music. I talk to people often who WISH they could sing or WISH they could play. Well, the reality is, we are all musical. We just don't always know it!

When I started bouncing the idea of a community choir around, I was met with some different reactions. A few friends were immediately excited and onboard. My kids looked at me with a weird questioning look (and still do!). Someone else asked quizzically, “So you are going to be one of those people standing in front of a choir waving your arms?” Haha... I guess so!

Community choirs have existed for a long time. They are super trendy in Europe. There are about a dozen right here in Tucson. They all have a different focus and take on very different shapes. Some choirs are very technical and are about mastery. Some are women's choruses who sing mostly at churches. Some help to raise money for certain causes through special events and concerts. Some are barbershop type groups, some are gospel choirs, and some are specific to age groups and demographics. What they all seem to have in common though is simply bringing people together in community, forming new friendships, learning and enjoying music together.

So what about me? Am I qualified to lead a choir? If this were a choir bent on mastery, I would have to say no. I do not have a music degree. (Although I vaguely remember taking a class once in

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conducting.) I have studied voice and at one point (LONG AGO) was trained as a classical coloratura soprano. I dabble with the piano and am a self-taught hack on the guitar. I am definitely not a master at music theory. But (and Pastor Dan says the word “but” erases everything that came before, right?)... I do love music, I love developing people, I am encouraging, I love bringing out the best in others and myself, I am a learner and will do the research, and I am a team builder. So, yep, I think I can do this thing... PLUS I am counting on a community. A community of learners- learning and sharing together. I do believe that iron sharpens iron.

My vision for this choir is to be a fun, encouraging, inter-generational group of people who simply enjoy learning, singing, and being together. I am committed to fostering a positive, encouraging, and fun environment. Our group is going to focus on learning, community, and service. I hope to help the not-yet-singers to learn to sing and enjoy it. I hope to help the already-singers have a place to use their gifts and enjoy them to the fullest. I hope to take our joy in music and share it with those who would be inspired and encouraged by it. We are thinking of sharing occasionally in nursing homes or care centers, in our worship services, and annual Christmas caroling in the community.

Feel free to drop in. There is no commitment, other than to be ready to learn whenever you come! This choir is not just for the people of Northwest Community Church. Feel free to invite friends or neighbors. All are welcome.

I'm excited about the possibilities and am looking forward to singing with you! ~ Laurie

o For the fun of it

o Great exercise for your heart and lungs

o Improves communication skills

o Make new friends

o Amazing for your brain- multi-tasking, memory, focus

o Great stress-buster

o It’s an excellent feeling

o Grow in teamwork skills

o Great way to relax

o Science says it increases happiness

o Improve listening skills

o Build confidence

o Learn to sing better

 

 

 

Northwest Community Church 505 W Hardy Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704

520-742-5122 Email: info@northwest.cc

Website: www.northwest.cc

Our Church Staff Pastor Dan Acker

Laurie Acker: Director of Worship Randall Hartman: Director of Student Ministry

Michelle Watkins: Director of Children’s Ministry Debbie Oberin: Director of Community Impact

Tara Kelly: Communication Coordinator