Loy Wiesert celebrates 10 years of service with Northview Church’s Carmel campus
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 23, 2012
BY ELISSA LINDSEY
Congratulations to Loy Wiesert, who celebrates 10 years of employment with Northview Church’s Carmel campus this year.
Loy began as a volunteer while answering phones in the office Monday mornings shortly after Steve Poe was hired as lead pastor. You may have seen her smiling face during the weekend services, where she now works part time and periodically subs for the full-time receptionist, JoEllen Hallmark, when JoEllen is on vacation. Loy always has a warm welcome for anyone who comes to the office for help.
Loy and her husband of nearly 37 years, Ken, have attended Northview since February 1982. Loy and Ken are the parents of two grown children and have six grandchildren. One of Loy’s great joys, she said, is being able to spend time with her grandchildren. She is eagerly awaiting another grandchild, due in August.
Among the many hobbies Loy enjoys is knitting, especially when making baby blankets for friends, as well as counted cross stitch. In addition, she looks forward to the spring, when she makes maple syrup. Loy grew up in northern Indiana, where there were sugar camps with many maple trees. She explained how she taps the trees for sap and continues the entire process until the sap becomes syrup. Loy said it takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. (No wonder syrup costs so much!) In addition, she has demonstrated the syrup-making process to grade school children for the past 25 years.
Early on, Loy said she found that she has a heart for others, especially through educating and volunteering; she volunteers her time with Discipleship Walks. When she works with others, Loy said she tries to be open to God’s calling, whatever it may be. She said her heart’s desire is to be available to do what he needs, such as serving as an ambassador for Christ and reflecting his love to others. Loy said she believes that he gives her the strength and equipment needed to do his work.
“I propose to live my life that way,” Loy said.
Loy seems to have been created for a life of service to others. She worked as a nurse and trained other nurses until 1996. In 2001, she became a health care representative and advocate for a friend who developed severe health issues and had no living family.
Loy said that working in the church office can be challenging with continuous changes. As she prepares for each workday, she recalls words to a song that she used to sing in church. Loy said these words have resonated with her, which is why she has made them into a prayer. She said she feels that this song can help anyone to be a more humble servant. Her prayer is this: “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”
Good Neighbor event supports Kids Against Hunger
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 19, 2012
BY ERIN BOAZ
Northview Church feels that serving is essential. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Northview Church knows that they are called to be a Good Neighbor–at home, in our community, in our nation or across the globe.
The next local Good Neighbor event is supporting Kids Against Hunger, one of our re.IMAGINE campaign partners. The event takes place Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to noon and will be held at Northview Church’s Carmel campus in the Atrium and lobby. This event is kid-friendly and limited to 300 people. The goal for this event is to make 90,000 meals.
There are a number of individuals, couples and families committed to serving God. If you’re new to Northview or the local community, Good Neighbor is an easy way to start serving.
“Good Neighbor is a personal journey to work alongside with God,” Monica Polkow, Northview local outreach coordinator, said. “When experiencing serving your community and world, it opens up unimaginable opportunities.”
Ken and Jen Alexander have served all Good Neighbor Saturdays and two Good Neighbor weekends. Their two children (ages 8 and 5) serve along with them.
“God has used Good Neighbor to change our family’s philosophy,” Jen said. “Good Neighbor isn’t a project that happens one weekend a year; it is a way of life. Good Neighbor has prompted us to think outside of ourselves on a consistent basis. Allowing God to lead us through Good Neighbor has blessed not only the people and organizations we have served, but it has blessed our family beyond measure.”
Jen empathizes with daily routine and busy schedules that families face, however, she said that serving is a priority for her family.
“Everyone is so busy and our family is no different,” she said. “Ken and I both work full-time outside of the home and then chase our children to school and sporting events multiple days a week. While there is very little time for anything else, we make serving as a Good Neighbor a priority.”
Registration will start around the beginning of March, so stay tuned as the spots fill up fast. If you have any questions, you can contact Monica Polkow at 317.846.2884 or monica.polkow@northviewchurch.us. Good Neighbor events can be found on the Good Neighbor site at www.northviewchurch.us/goodneighbor
Northview attendee finds comfort and friendship within church walls
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 19, 2012
BY ASHLEY RHUDE
The third time was a charm for Gwen Fajardo as it took exactly three visits to Northview Church’s Carmel campus before she knew she had found her home and began to get involved.
Gwen lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 30 years until she moved back to Indiana in June 2010.
“After being gone for many years, I knew that I needed to have a church home,” Gwen said. “My sister’s friend, Mary Whiteman, invited me to Northview and I’ve attended ever since.”
Gwen wanted to experience church in a deeper way than just hearing the sermons each weekend. Though she expresses great appreciation for the messages that Lead Pastor Steve Poe delivers and the lessons she learns, she knew that finding ways to serve and meeting other people was beneficial for her life.
“I can hardly wait for church each week,” Gwen said. “I love the praise and worship, the messages and connecting with other Christians. I wanted to grow spiritually, develop relationships and be a part of this community.”
Gwen now attends the Alpha course, belongs to a Life Group and enjoys volunteering through the many service opportunities that Northview offers to attendees.
Doug Starkey, assimilation pastor, pointed out that there are over 50 service opportunities within the walls of Northview such as building and maintenance, the children’s ministry, graphic design, office volunteers and technical support. In addition to those options, there are opportunities in the surrounding area through the Good Neighbor page on Northview’s website.
“Serving helps us grow and mature in our spiritual journey,” Doug said. “God has given each one of us gifts, abilities and passions to use to build His Kingdom. We need to be good stewards of the investment He made in us. Serving is a catalyst to our faith.”
Being involved for Gwen has benefited more than just the people she has served; it also had a very special impact in her personal life. Her son, Andrew, recently came back from Afghanistan in December. When she brought him to church after his return, her friends at Northview hugged Andrew and told him how they had been faithfully praying for him. Gwen said that the year Andrew spent in Afghanistan before he came back was extremely difficult for her and the support she received from Northview was overwhelming.
“As I would introduce myself to people, I would add that my son, Andrew, is in Afghanistan,” she said. ‘The people at Northview really did pray for him, which means so much to Andrew and I. The groups that I am in would spend time supporting me in prayer.”
Northview is such a comforting place for Gwen in a time where her life is still waiting on many pieces to fall into place. Before moving back to Indiana, she sold her home and quit her job. She felt stressed, depressed, withdrawn and hopeless. She still needs a job, health insurance and a home of her own. However, in the midst of all that, she still has the most positive message to share with people.
“My life is not perfect today,” Gwen said. “But when I look back on the past year, I am just so thankful for having a Heavenly Father that loves me and is there for me when no one else can be. Today, I have hope for my future. I feel so fortunate to come to groups, classes, concerts, serve and attend services at Northview.”
In addition to her excitement about attending Northview and being involved, Gwen appreciates the services where Pastor Steve invites people to come to the alter afterwards and pray for a miracle.
“I’m still praying for my miracle,” Gwen said. “Meanwhile, I have rededicated my life to God. I want to live my life in His service and will.”
If you are looking for a good starting point on how to get connected at Northview, check out the service opportunities on Northview’s website or speak with someone at the information carts during weekend services.
“Don’t wait,” Doug said of the opportunities to get involved. “Go ahead and jump in somewhere and serve. Feel free to experiment with different opportunities until you find the one that brings you great joy.”
David Crowder performs at Northview Church
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 18, 2012
BY LINDSEY HOLLAND
While most of America was gearing up for the big football game, Northview Church’s Carmel campus was preparing for a different kind of “bowl”: Souper Bowl of Caring, which is a joint venture of musician David Crowder, K-LOVE radio, and partner churches, including Northview.
Crowder performed Friday, Feb. 3; attendees brought in a bag of food in exchange for two tickets. In true Northview fashion, many people brought more than one bag. It’s estimated that this one show brought in 12 to 13 thousand pounds of food for three different food banks. During David Crowder’s four-day tour, over 50 thousand pounds of food were collected.
“We were approached by K-LOVE radio to host this event – we have partnered many times with them in the past, and they thought that our auditorium and outreach focus were perfect matches,” Creative Arts Pastor Greg Wallace said. “We loved the idea that the food would actually go to organizations that we already support – it really seemed like a major win for the community and everyone involved.”
In addition to hosting the concert, there was also a two-hour Q & A session for about 75 worship leaders around Indianapolis.
To read more about the concert, please visit this link: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/102107/david-crowder-teams-up-with-k-love-for-sold-out-sh
Meet Joe McAlpine, new children’s pastor
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 15, 2012
BY JONATHAN DEGLER
Before I met Joe McAlpine, the new children’s pastor at Northview Church’s Carmel campus, I heard that he was exactly like the former children’s pastor, Joe McGinnis.
Both men are bald, have young children and even share the same first name. After meeting McAlpine, though, I’m certain that he is a man of his own and that he and his family are going to be a profound blessing to the Northview community.
McAlpine and his wife, Christy, are an exciting addition to Northview Church not only through their ministry, but also through their adventurous nature. They both love meeting new people and trying new things, such as Indian lunch buffets.
However, new foods didn’t bring the McAlpine family to Carmel. What really brought them to central Indiana was the opportunity to minister to and grow God’s kingdom in Hamilton County.
The journey that led the McAlpine family to Northview Church began in Chicago, where both Joe and Christy grew up. From there the Lord took them to serve in Oklahoma City and Beaumont, Texas. With their four children, they have finally made their way to us.
Though it may seem quick on paper, their journey has been a long one. Without any formal ministry education, McAlpine began working for a church as a third shift custodian because he felt God’s tug on his life to transition into ministry.
During these long and lonely hours, McAlpine received what he calls his “third-shift Bible school” education, where he would listen to any Christian audio book he could get his hands on. This, combined with his hard work and faithfulness, led to more responsibility that continued to grow as he became a children’s minister in Oklahoma City.
“My wife and I feel a commission from God to minister to children and their families,” McAlpine said. “We both hold a great passion for family.”
Although he said he has no desire to move on or “climb the ladder,” so to speak, McAlpine said God has been preparing him and Christy their entire lives to become ministers to children, so they have no intention of moving from their desire.
“Ministry is giving yourself to others,” he said.
With this in mind, McAlpine and his family plan on giving themselves to the young ones of Northview Church and teaching them about the love of Jesus Christ. This is a great burden to carry, so as a community of believers, let’s come behind this family with our prayers, thoughts and friendship.
“It’s freezing,” McAlpine said as the family woke up to two inches of snow. “It’s a blizzard!”
With this in mind, I’m sure he and Christy, in addition to their children: Elijah, Salah, David and Elisabeth, would appreciate a very warm welcome.
West Lafayette’s Alpha course changes lives
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 15, 2012
BY NANCY EDWARDS
As new Christians or Christianity explorers, people often have many faith-based questions that they may feel ignorant asking of those who have been Christians for many years. They may also feel intimidated, as though they are alone with their questions.
The Alpha course, offered in a few weeks at Northview Church’s West Lafayette campus, is a way that those questions can be answered in a non-threatening environment.
“I think Alpha is a course staple,” Dave Choutka, campus pastor at Northview Church’s West Lafayette campus, said. “It’s an opportunity for faith, a relaxed environment and where you can learn more about how He wants us to live.”
Those attending Alpha begin each meeting with a meal while sitting at small tables and getting to know others before diving into classroom material, such as videos and discussion.
Jennifer Edwards, who attended Alpha with her husband, Chad, said she saw many changes in people from beginning to the end, adding that an individual was baptized as a result of going through the Alpha course.
“One person learned how to pray throughout the day,” she said. “Others, during the first two sessions, were referencing their Bibles. It was an eye-opener for them.
“I think this class is good for new faith in all walks of life,” Edwards added. “You get to spend time with other people and have a dialogue with them.”
Choutka added that those who have attended Alpha in the past have been so impacted by the course that they are excited to help volunteer for the next event. This includes Edwards and her husband.
Additional attendees from past Alpha events will be giving their testimony on stage. This month’s Alpha course will be held on Sundays, beginning February 26 and through April 22, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost will be $45 per person, including lunch and materials. Casual fast food will be served.
Volunteers are needed for serving food, cleaning up afterwards, and possibly childcare.
For more information on attending Alpha or to volunteer, please contact Edwards at: Jennifer@lafayettecross.org.
Carmel fire station hangs Maltese Cross
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 15, 2012
Submitted photo
BY SHERRON FRANKLIN
The Maltese Cross is used throughout the fire service in the United States as a symbol of honor, courage and dedication. Its usage started around 1113 A.D. when a special group of knights were founded in Jerusalem by a Benedictine monk, according to several websites. These 11th-century knights, who were serving in a Jerusalem hospital, became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St. John.
The Knights of St. John charitable organization shared the compassion of today’s firefighters by caring for the ill. Later, they assisted the Knights of Crusaders in their effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of St. John and Knights of Crusaders defended the city walls, their fierce opponents, the Saracens, staged an aggressive attack and hurled fire bombs containing highly flammable liquids. As the knights banded together, they were forced to fight the flames of their attackers. It was during this intense firefight that the courage of our firefighting ancestors was demonstrated. The knights banded together, risked life and limb for their brothers, fought the flames, and saved many fellow knights.
Today, firefighters continue to display the same qualities as those brave knights so many years ago. The history of the Maltese Cross directly related with the fire service is a true symbol of sacrifice and courage, which are the same qualities of a firefighter. Firefighters are proud to wear the Maltese Cross.
Because Northview Church’s Carmel campus understands the importance of what the Maltese Cross represents, for the 9/11 memorial service, a Maltese Cross was on display in the church’s Atrium for members to sign.
Because of the devastation and the mass casualties of their fellow brothers in New York, on 9/11 the Maltese Cross became a painful reminder of sacrifice and courage. But, daily, firemen remember what the Maltese Cross represents and bravely respond to each call for help.
“When I saw the Maltese Cross in the lobby during the 9/11 ceremony rehearsal, I asked who made it and what they were going to do with it after the services,” Jason Reecer, Carmel firefighter, said.
“I had the idea of hanging it in one of our stations,” he continued. “It’s a great symbol; it’s a great reminder of 9/11. And when you look at what people wrote on it, you see the care and respect that people have for the guys that come to work everyday and do the job we do.”
Jake’s Pillow Pets legacy continues
Posted by: thenorthviewblog on: February 12, 2012
BY LA TONYA JORDAN
Jake started his Pillow Pets legacy in January 2011. He was being treated for Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and fatal cancer. While being treated, he told his mother he wanted every sick child to receive a Pillow Pet because the hospitals, doctors, and nurses can be scary. So the mission began. He and his mother started a goal of 1,000. To date, 500,000, including the 7,000 just used for Super Baskets of Hope, have been delivered to sick children around the country.
More than 200 Northview volunteers gathered on Saturday, Feb. 4, to prepare Pillow Pets for Super Baskets of Hope, which is an initiative to give hope to sick kids in all 32 NFL cities. Then Tuesday, Feb. 7, Jake’s mother, Tosha McConahany, along with a few other Northview volunteers, were at Riley Hospital for Children to hand-deliver the Pillow Pets and baskets designated for Riley’s patients. According to Tosha, “It just made my mind up that we have to keep doing this. This simple pillow brings hope and encouragement to the kids,” she said. It reminds the children they are not forgotten.
Jake is in heaven doing the happy dance every time a child gets a Pillow Pet. It is a God thing this has happened; it is a God thing that a 7-year-old boy who died five months ago has his legacy go on. He is still working in heaven. Jake was an awesome kid. He is dearly missed. God is using us, his community and the church. Tosha says she “can’t wait to get to heaven and do the happy dance with him.”
Christy McAlpine, a volunteer, had an amazing time helping prepare the Pillow Pets at Northview last Saturday. She didn’t expect the large turnout of people, which numbered about 262. The energy and excitement of the event was really astounding, she said.
“There were so many people on one task, but I was impressed with how well things flowed,” Christy said. “It was organized chaos. People jumped in where needed.”
Christy was helping to stuff boxes. She was really surprised at the unexpected workout, as she used every muscle in her body to stuff those Pillow Pets in boxes and wait until someone came and taped the box close. “Hands down, it was the most intense workout I’ve had since I was in marathon training,” she said. But it was so worth it.
“The reward on the way home was listening to my children talk about how excited they were to do something so nice for other kids,” Christy said. “They were praying blessings over the Pillow Pets and the children they would be shipped to, as they were working right along with us. I was exhausted, but my heart was so full. This will be a great family memory that we will cherish for years to come. Thank you, Northview, for allowing us to be a part of it.”
K-LOVE donated all the Pillow Pets and approached Northview about helping out. It was a great way for us to honor Jake and to also serve our community and the nation through the Super Bowl.
To read more about Jake and his Pillow Pets dream, please view these previous Northview Blog stories:
http://thenorthviewblog.us/2011/02/05/jake-shows-compassion-through-pilllow-pets/
http://thenorthviewblog.us/2011/03/15/jakes-pillow-pet-dream-expands/
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- thenorthviewblog: Great suggestion, Rick! We posted it on Facebook, but now it is here as well. Thanks for the suggestion!
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