Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 28, 2012
by Sherron Franklin
Is. 58:10 – “And if you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like midday. And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.”
Deut. 15:7 - If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.
Northview and its members continue to reach out into the community to help serve, especially the urban community.In October 2008, NV started an urban outreach with Immanuel United Church of Christ by participating on Wednesday’s “Dinner With a Friend” service. A small group of volunteers give their time to travel to the downtown Indianapolis church to help serve meals for those in the neighborhood who are less fortunate.
Immanuel United Church of Christ serves food for the body and soul during Dinner With a Friend. The last Wednesday of every month, both churches gather for dinner with family, friends and neighbors. This is a free meal to nourish the body and to help build community in the downtown neighborhood. Friends and neighbors share music and even free haircuts. The church has a prayer service in the chapel to also feed spirits hungry for God’s care.
Northview Church member Matthew Welty says, “This is an extending of an arm and is important because of Northview’s focus is on Urban Ministry, and not only in serving at Dinner with a Friend, but the desired impact is to get people started to attend church on a regular basis.”
David Hessong, another Northview member and volunteer of Dinner With a Friend, said he started serving when his small group decided to volunteer and extend a helping hand to the service.
Northview Church understands the importance of Good Neighboring and sustainability. This is a church that believes serving is essential. At Northview, the church calls the outreach “Good Neighbor” because Northview knows that we are called to be a Good Neighbor at home, in our community, and globally. Northview believes that all Christians should live for Christ and not for themselves, by obeying God’s commands as found in the Bible. By yielding daily to the Spirit of God, every believer should mature and be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 26, 2012
by Elissa Lindsey
Last January 2011, a new club for children with social challenges from anxiety, Asperger’s Disorder or Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD), ADHD and related disabilities had its inception at North Beach, thanks to the efforts of Danielle Thomas and Kurt Brodbeck. The Before & After Club was started, with fifteen families in attendance, to serve as a bridge to the large group settings at North Beach, but has evolved in an unexpected way. The club has grown into an outreach ministry for the kids and their parents.
The goal of the club is to help these kids by using a philosophy and mission similar to the one Northview has – by connecting these kids with each other, with God and with their communities. The club held meetings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month during the school year. During the summer months, the club met for a fun outing at least once monthly to help the kids stay connected.
Most nights began with short “icebreaker” games, meant to encourage the kids to interact and become comfortable with each other and their setting. Afterward, the kids were turned loose to play while parents became acquainted and networked with each other. As time has passed, more parents have taken part in the meetings, led activities and just hung out and resourced with other parents during the kids’ free time. Parents have modeled pro-social behavior with the kids, and the kids have worked on the skills in which they may have been lacking or having a difficult time with. The kids have not only had opportunity to use these skills at North Beach, but out in the community doing fun activities and service projects.
Some of the community activities have included going to a corn maze, having a bonfire marshmallow roast, having “water wars,” playing putt-putt, going bowling and going to the Monon Center. One of their special events was dubbed “Gingerbread House Night.” A project the group tackled together was “Kids Against Hunger” through which they helped bag meals for the poor during Northview’s Good Neighbor Weekend.
The kids, Danielle reports, have become good friends with each other, even outside of the club setting, and as a result, their self-esteem has grown even more. Two of the boys have joined a DIVE group, and three of them have participated in North Beach’s overnight retreat. The kids’ parents have been encouraged and enthusiastic about the growth the kids have experienced. For many of the kids, this has been their first experience in true community.
As word has spread throughout the community, The Before and After Club has grown by approximately one family per month since its inception. While it originally began with families from Northview, about 25 families from Grace, and Bridgeway Churches, as well as the Washington Township area, are now being served by the club.
In keeping with the mission of the group and of Northview, this group will soon have a new name, “North Beach Friends Connected.” In February 2011, a second associated group will be started at the Fishers YMCA teen center, bearing the name “Y Friends Connected.”
More information on this group can be found by logging on to the page, “Building Connections.” at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Building-Connections/268891579826512.
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 22, 2012
by Monica Taylor
Are you ever afraid? Of course you are. I get afraid more often than I care to admit and I must say, it oftentimes seems to be about some the silliest things.. such as that spider on the wall (uckkk!), whether China will take over our economy, whether social security be there for me, or if I am going to be raptured up in end times. See, silly things, right?! But when our concerns are about us, our family or eternity, telling ourselves to quit worrying and to be brave and not walk with fear seems impossible.
And you know, it oftentimes is impossible to put fear out of minds and hearts unless we rely on the Lord to help us. Many, many times in my life, I have to tell myself that God reminds us all in the Bible “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NASV). He also tells us, “”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27, NIV)
So in this new year full of impending times of uncertainty and change, I offer this verse to hopefully provide hope to all of us, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 NIV). I wish you a wonderful year blessed with God’s best gifts, especially hope and courage. God bless!
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 19, 2012
by Erin Boaz
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on a mission trip? K.Paul Maurer, Northview’s outreach pastor, has the responsibility to help lead Northview Church into becoming Good Neighbors right next door and around the world by reaching out as the hands and feet of Christ Jesus.
For 2012, Northview Church is focusing their outreach around the world to align with their campaign re.IMAGINE. The campaign included working closely with partners such as Horizon International and other established partners in Ghana, South Africa Nicaragua, South Dakota and Brazil.
The GO Trip season is in full swing with our first four trips of the year already booked. Applications are now being accepted for our summer season. The remaining four mission trips are:
1. South Dakota (June 17-24): application deadline March 18, 2012
This mission trip’s focus will be ministering to an Indian Reservation. Northview Church will organize a Vacation Bible School for children on the reservation, as well as other opportunities to reach out to their community. Transportation to South Dakota will be via car, so without the price of airfare, trip participants are encouraged to bring their whole families.
2 & 3. Nicaragua Trip 1 (July 21-29) and Nicaragua Trip 2 (July 29-August 5): application deadline April 22, 2012
Both of these mission trips will support the Manna Mission, including an outreach to children, women and orphanages.
4. Brazil (TBD); application deadline TBD
Northview Church has partnered with Pastor Moises Pinto to support needs in the Brazilian community.
This year, K.Paul has the intention of mentoring and raising up the next generation of GO team leaders. K.Paul shares, “Our hope for 2012 is that all of our teammates would grow in their love for world missions and be part of the ongoing vision of GO Trips for years to come!”
Whether this is your first time serving or you are a seasoned missionary, a pre-trip training is required in the weeks leading up to the trip so you’re prepared, you understand the mission and you know what to expect. Each trip includes a series of three to four team-building sessions where you will not only receive training but also have the opportunity to build relationships with your teammates that could last a lifetime.
For opportunities to serve and to submit your application, go to: www.northviewchurch.us/goteams
For more information, contact Raegan LaCava at (317) 846-2884 or raegan.lacava@northviewchurch.us
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 16, 2012
by Jennifer Phebus
Fans from across the nation will soon be turning their attention to Indianapolis as the city hosts Super Bowl XLVI. This will be the first year Indianapolis has been home to the Super Bowl and will be the first Super Bowl host city to launch a service project, which will impact cities nationwide. Baskets of Hope is partnering with Riley Children’s Foundation, the NFL, Indianapolis Colts Coach Jim Caldwell and Tony Dungy, who is the Basket of Hope national spokesperson, to offer Super Baskets of Hope to children and families in city hospitals in all 32 NFL cities.
Each of the 7,000 Super Baskets of Hope will contain items for hospitalized children that offer inspiration, entertainment and hope as these children are faced with medical challenges. The baskets will include a Pillow Pet, five games, a journal and pen, toiletry items, a mini football and basketball, along with several other items for these children. Families also have the option of requesting Hope Totes, which contain a Bible, journal, U Design Jewelry Hope Necklace, inspirational books, uplifting music, scrapbook items and toiletry items all placed in a Vera Bradley tote.
K-LOVE Radio is donating the 7,000 Pillow Pets for the Super Baskets of Hope outreach project. The Riley Children’s Foundation approached Northview Church for assistance with this service project, which has special significance and meaning for the church because of a remarkably compassionate little boy named Jake McConahay.
Jake was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in October of 2010 and made weekly trips to Riley Hospital for infusions. During one of these trips his mother, Tosha, asked what he thought the children at Riley Hospital could use. Jake’s response was, “They all need a Pillow Pet because sometimes doctors have scary things to say.” His dream was to give a Pillow Pet to every child at Riley Hospital. Through the efforts of Jake, the loving support of his family and Northview Church, Jake saw that dream come to fruition. Not only did all the children at Riley Hospital receive a Pillow Pet, but so did children at several regional hospitals as well.
Jake made all his family members promise to continue the Pillow Pet dream after his passing. His dream has continued to grow exponentially as more than 500,000 Pillow Pets have been accumulated – and counting! Tosha is continually contacted by people from around the country who want to donate Pillow Pets in honor of Jake. The majority of donations have been from everyday people who have been inspired by Jake’s story, motivated to action and have collected donations in their communities.
Northview Church will have an opportunity to be involved in the Super Baskets of Hope outreach project. During this past weekend’s worship services, Northview Church’s Carmel campus attendees had the chance to write a handwritten personalized message on the tags that will be attached to each Pillow Pet. Each tag will have a photo of Jake in honor of his Pillow Pet dream. Worship service attendees were able to write a message of encouragement and hope to a hospitalized child.
In addition, on Saturday, Jan. 21, Northview Church’s Carmel campus has scheduled a Good Neighbor Event to support the Super Baskets of Hope outreach efforts. On this day, volunteers will have the opportunity to attach the personalized tags to each of the Pillow Pets with ribbon. Note-writing stations will be available on this day as well. All the spaces for this service event have been filled, as this is a wonderful opportunity for both families and Life Groups to serve.
On Jan. 30, the items for the Super Baskets of Hope will be assembled by a massive volunteer effort in Bankers Life (formerly Conseco) Fieldhouse and then shipped to all 32 NFL city hospitals. NFL players, coaches and regional volunteers will deliver the baskets to hospitalized children.
Monica Polkow, local outreach coordinator at Northview Church’s Carmel campus, stated, “We strive to serve and reach out to our community, nation, and ultimately the world. The Super Bowl is a huge opportunity because, as K.Paul, Northview’s outreach pastor, has said, ‘the world is coming to us!’ Super Baskets of Hope is our avenue in which we can serve with the Super Bowl.”
Tosha is incredibly proud of her son and the “small whisper out of Jake’s mouth that went to God’s ears.” Jake lived such a short time here on earth and left an incredible legacy that has impacted children and their families nationwide. Tosha hopes that families will log on to the K-Love website printed the Pillow Pet tag and read about Jake’s story. She hopes his story fuels people’s energy, and they will be inspired to action.
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 16, 2012
by Nellie Harden
If you have just taken your first steps, are a decorated marathon runner or you are not even sure where you are on your walk with Christ, it is always better when you are surrounded by others who understand, inspire, console and teach you. This is what a Life Group is all about. At Northview Church, the pastors really encourage Life Group membership for everyone. The power, the message and the community are present for us at the Weekend Services, but the intimacy, the listening heart and the personal growth are all found in a Life Group.
Derek Irvin, the small groups pastor at Northview, helps put together the Life Groups and talks about the importance of serving together. “We are the body of Christ, and it is amazing to see how these groups can reach out and help others.”
Life Groups can always find a project to suit their gifts and talents. The Good Neighbor portion of the Northview website is full of ideas on what you can do as a group. There are family-friendly projects, Habitat for Humanity projects and others. Derek himself participated with his Life Group in winterizing a home for someone who couldn’t do it alone. There are so many ways a Life Group can join hands and help others.
Betsy Morse and her family are very new to Northview and were placed into a well-suited Life Group for the re.IMAGINE campaign. The Life Group very much enjoyed their time together and committed to doing service together. Last November, they found out about a family of Northview missionaries in South America who could use some love and supplies from the states. The families in this newly formed Life Group distributed shopping lists and together, with their children, assembled one evening in early December. They presented everything they had purchased and created for this family of six who is spreading the word of Jesus so many miles from home. They wrapped together, enjoyed one another’s company and learned and taught about God’s love. Their children, ages 18 months to 10 years, were educated about what a missionary is, and it was a great reminder to them all that it is always better to give than to receive. Betsy says, “Life groups are a great way to meet new families in the church. It had an even bigger impact on our older children, who were once hesitant but are now comfortable and look forward to time at North Beach.”
Life Groups can be such a huge benefit in your walk of faith. They can be a hand to hold and a forum for questions, burdens and joys. They are also the perfect way to come together and see how you can bless others in the world.
There are usually around 170 to 200 active Life Groups through Northview at any given time. If you would like to become involved there is a Life Group Launch at 3 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Northview Church. You don’t have to know anyone, and the church will match you up with others who have similar interests and lifestyles. For more information, please contact Derek Irvin at derek.irvin@northviewchurch.us.
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 16, 2012
by Nancy Edwards
Fathers of teenage girls: Which do you dread more—a root canal or talking with your daughter about remaining pure until marriage?
If you chose the latter topic, you’re not alone, which is why Northview Church is offering a chance to help create a normally awkward discussion into something that’s actually fun for fathers and daughters alike.
An annual Purity Ball is being held from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Northview for fathers and their preteen and teenage girls. The dinner and dance is a way that dads and daughters can enjoy some quality time together, along with their friends, while feeling that a conversation about purity is not being forced.
“The purity ball appealed to me because it’s a non-threatening environment,” said Brett Hamilton, who went last year with his 13-year-old daughter, Mati. “It’s not a feeling like, ‘Dad’s cramming something down my throat.’”
The girls, who are invited to come to the main church at 3:30 p.m., are treated to an afternoon of primping, including hair, makeup and nails, by Northview volunteers. After their dresses are on and the pampering is finished, the daughters join their fathers for photos, dinner and dancing.
“She got to be the belle of the ball; she loved it,” said Zack Troyer, who attended last year with his daughter, Megan.
Zack, who had been attending annual father/daughter dances with Megan since she was little, learned of the Purity Ball last year and decided to go as his daughter was one year too old to go to the dances she went to as a child. What he encountered was “a rich blessing.”
“I wrote a note to my daughter and talked in the note about what I see in her; the words in the note were anointed by the Lord,” Zack said. “The steps to prepare for this were so worth it.”
Along with the heartfelt notes, fathers give their daughters a purity bracelet as a reminder of their special day together.
“I still wear the purity bracelet today,” Courtney Marks, who went last year with her grandfather, said. “I’ve never had anything else like it.”
As part of the event, daughters give their pledge for purity. Even if they have made mistakes in the past, daughters are still allowed to participate so that they can be pure again.
“That was cool, that that part was nonjudgmental,” Courtney said.
Another cool part of the evening for Courtney included the part where daughters enjoy dances with their dads. Courtney, 15, tried to teach her grandfather today’s dance moves, and she also learned a number she’d never heard of called “The Charleston” from back in her dear old granddad’s days, which she called “cute and funny.”
Both Courtney and Zack said they would go to the Purity Ball again.
“I would definitely encourage dads to go,” Zach said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming event to style hair, apply makeup and paint nails; in addition, help is needed to serve the meal and clean up after the event. For more information, please contact Amanda Degler at amanda.degler@northviewchurch.us.
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 15, 2012
by Patty Perkins
When your tank is empty—and it’s only the middle of the week—it may be time to refuel. All you need is a filling station, right? Look no further. For six straight Wednesdays, Northview University will be offering food and fellowship at Northview Church’s West Lafayette campus.
Nicole Roswarski signed her whole family up—herself, her husband, and all six kids. “Northview University is a really good way to develop relationships with people from church and also a great way to develop your walk.” Before moving to West Lafayette, she attended Northview’s Carmel campus for ten years and was familiar with Northview U.
Dave Choutka, West Lafayette’s campus pastor, looks forward to fellowshipping over a meal and getting to know people. The church will provide a pizza dinner on the first Wednesday, January 18th. Then comes food for the soul.
Choutka is excited about showing the Courageous movie that first night. Both men and women will enjoy it, but he sees men being especially encouraged. “They’ll come away with, ‘This is something I can really aspire to be,’” Choutka says. “It’s good for husbands and wives to watch together.” Teens 7th grade and older will also watch the movie.
The next four weeks, the men will study Courageous Living, a Bible study led by Choutka. The ladies will feed on God’s Word through Priscilla’s Shirer’s SEED Bible study, and teens will look at characteristics of God in IGod. Children will have their own curriculum.
“I’m just really looking forward to diving into God’s Word and going deeper with the people around me,” Roswarski says. “It’s a great way to meet people at church and develop community.”
Life Groups are encouraged to come to Northview University to bond and grow by going through the studies together. However, it’s also an opportunity to get to know people from the church that may not be in the same Life Group.
“I think it’ll be a good thing for us as a church,” Choutka says.
Fellowship will be the mainstay on the last Wednesday night. After dinner, participants will gather to play Family Feud. Children 4th grade and up, along with adults, will enjoy this fun finish to the study.
Roswarski stressed that Northview University is for everyone, and that includes singles and young adults. Courageous Living is about being a godly man, and SEED is about being a godly woman. You don’t have to be married or have children to come; it’s not just for families. And who couldn’t use a fill up in the middle of the week?
Whether you’re looking to refuel your faith, your friendships, or both, Northview University is your mid-week filling station. You’ll find food for your soul (and waistline!)…served at West Lafayette’s Northview.
“…man does not live on bread alone but on every word
that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV
January 18th, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
January 25th – February 22nd, 6 – 8 p.m.
For more information and to register, go to: northviewchurch.us/wlnu
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: January 14, 2012
by Nancy Edwards
When you attend a Northview worship service, does it seems like people around you are speaking a foreign language when they mention W+2?
Easier than remembering “Hola, Amigo!” the phrase W+2 was created as a simple way for people to remember the three ways to get fully connected with the church: worship, small groups and outreach.
W+2 exemplifies a good balance of what it means to be a Christian, Greg Wallace, creative arts pastor for Northview, said.
In a large church, Wallace noted, attending small groups and participating with outreach projects help those who attend worship get out of their comfort zones.
A smaller avenue such as a Life Group can be a great start if you are a new Christian and want to gain insight from others, noted Derek Irvin, small groups pastor.
“[Small groups] encourage people and help them feel connected,” Irvin said. “A Life Group is important because it is a place to belong for people wanting to who want to reach out and grow spiritually.”
Life groups also serve together. About four times a year, Northview offers a “Good Neighbor Weekend” to serve the local community in outreach projects. Those who participate in a Good Neighbor Weekend may find themselves helping with anything from painting houses to cleaning up yards or buying new shoes for disadvantaged children.
“I’m excited about the needs of neighborhoods next door,” Northview’s Outreach Pastor K.Paul Maurer said. “Many people say they wish they could serve more.”
There are many serving needs year-round, from donating to food pantries and delivering Christmas meals to assisting with a senior worship service or traveling on mission trips to Ghana, China or Nicaragua.
You can also allocate your time during worship services. Do people tell you that your smile lights up a room? Consider being a greeter. Enjoy working with sound? Volunteer with the tech team.
“Worship is the very core of W+2; the people are very involved and passionate,” Wallace said.
Maurer encourages everyone who is trying to focus on a cause to check out Northview’s website (www.northviewchurch.us) for additional volunteer opportunities. For more information about connecting with a Life Group, contact Liz Erickson at (317) 846-2884.
“We don’t experience what it means to be a true individual until we give of ourselves and serve,” Wallace said. “Serving helps us to grow and mature as Christians.”
