WinterFest! - Please pray for our youth and leaders

This morning 34 youth plus a bunch of adult leaders left in 4 vans for Liberty University's annual New Year's blow out. Not only does WinterFest pack in a ton of fun activities over 3 days, it also packs a powerful spiritual punch as well, as some of the very best youth speakers and bands converge together.

Please be in prayer for their safety (they'll be going ice skating among other things and they could see some "winter weather"), but more importantly for the Holy Spirit to ignite within them a passion for following Christ like never before. They're adolescents - which means they all are dealing with issues, but some more so than others.

And pray for the adults who are there as well!!

If you want to know more about WinterFest, click here.

A Month of Giving

At our Christmas Eve Gathering I said that the spirit of Christmas is giving ourselves to others. And I can't remember a December in the last 19 that I've spent with Nags Head Church when that spirit has been more evident.

That's especially telling because during those 19 years we have seen times of greater prosperity as a nation and here locally.

I wish I knew all of the examples to share with you, but here are some of the ways Nags Head Church gave this December...

• Over 200 pounds of groceries were delivered to the Beach Food Pantry. The food was given as an offering at our annual Thanksgiving Eve Gathering.
• The Advent Conspiracy motivated many in our congregation to take a serious evaluation of their Christmas mentality and make radical changes in their giving. We have a blog post where those who got into AC can continue to share their stories.
• "Unspeakable Joy", our Christmas concert on Dec. 11 took up a love offering for Ocean View Baptist Church in KDH. The Saturday night after Thanksgiving they lost their fellowship building to a fire. At the concert over $1800 was received to get their building fund started.
• The Lottie Moon Christmas offering for Foreign Missions will likely total closer to $2000 than the $1000 goal we had. Besides the almost $700 that came in from Boars Head hams (what a great idea from Brad and Rebecca!) your offerings to missions blew us by our goal.
• Once again winter coats were collected and distributed to those in need. This year over 200 coats came in, added to the almost 400 we gave away last year.
• "Ruthie's Kitchen", a weekly meal for the homeless and hungry on the beach was staffed Tuesday night by NHCers. They prepared and served a meal of spaghetti, toast, salad, mac and cheese and hot dogs. The food was purchased with the offering received on Christmas Eve.
• Several families within our flock recieved financial assistance and Food Lion gift cards. We're able to do this because of the offerings we receive on First Wednesdays.
• Many of our church families took on their own projects, giving back to the community in creative ways.

God the Father is a giver. He gave His only begotten Son. Jesus, the Son is a giver, laying down His life for our salvation. The Holy Spirit is a giver, enabling us to minister to others with supernatural abilities - spiritual gifts. When we become givers we're copying them.

Christ said it this way.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matt. 25:34-40)

Sunday Feedback December 27

Lots of smiles, "Merry Christmases" and "Happy New Years!" today. And filling in many of the seats vacated by our own out of town flock were out of town guests.

"Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near."

Tammy Stump (click on the link to learn more) shared about the mission organization she organized to build orphanages in war-torn and troubled nations.

The news that our Kids Zone should be completed and occupied in January!

What did you see and/or hear today that drew you closer to God in worship?

Christmas Eve Feedback

Worshiping the newborn King. Remembering the Gift of Christmas. Spending time with friends and family.

Tell us about your experience at NHC's Christmas Ever gathering this year. Did you bring a friend?

Two Years Later (almost!)..."Micro Preemie" Baby Enjoys Christmas

In Christmas Day's Pilot.

Advent Conspiracy Stories

This is the place to share your stories of how you're involvement in Advent Conspiracy is changing the world!

If you are participating in the conspiracy, please let others know by leaving a comment here. Come back often to share your stories and read about what God is doing in the lives of others!

Also, visit the Advent Conspiracy Resource Page to download some excellent resources (like the one below) to help you begin this Christmas with worship!

Don't forget this NHC Christmas tradition!

The last several years many of us at NHC have baked Christmas goodies and delivered them with cards "from Nags Head Church" to those who will be working Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

That would include your...
Fire Departments
Police Departments
EMS Stations
Dare County Communications (911)
Dare County Jail personnel
Hospital Staff and Emergency Room
Britthaven staff
7-11
Cab drivers...

Update from Don and Mary DeHart

Dear Rick and Nags Head family,

Thank you for caring for us so well. My stress test went amazing well...the lady who administered said I had the heart of a 30 year old. When she shut down the machine, I was dizzy and my lungs were screaming at me.

Back to the specialist today, and our family doctor later. I did well on the stress test. He wants to go deeper with a dye/scan stress test in mid-January. My lungs do have fluid. Another pulmonary test in 3 to 6 months. Seems the chest pain is muscle/joint related. Inflammation in my chest area. Lung capacity seems to be about 71%...thus weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath and weariness.

I fell 4 times since August apparently from dizziness...down the steps here and at Julie's home and in the back yard down a rain slick grassy hill. Each one was a hard landing. Back on some dizziness medication and just keeping nitro, aspirin and a puffer with me. He told me to resume moderate exercise listening to my body.

I'm encouraged and yet frustrated... just wanting a clear cut "pill" diagnosis. I'm grateful it may not be heart related at all. Glad to be free to exercise again. Dealing with low energy, itching in my chest wall, dry cough and dizziness with short breath...not so encouraging...yet my problems are small compared to so many...makes me ashamed.

I'm encouraged... we have the release window between tests to go meet our new grandson and to resume exercise...and not fret over heart concerns for now with 80% positive testing...keeping in mind the family heart history. Trusting is quest.

Thank y'all for loving us so well. May the deep Christmas joy promised be yours' in these coming days,
don and mary

Congrats to Grandpa Burnie!

...and Granny Roxanny, too!

Jacob Logan Lamont arrived today!

He and his mom are doing great.

Christmas Eve at 6pm!

We wrap up our Christmas In Our Hearts series this Thursday at 6pm! Be sure to invite a friend to hear the message of God's gift to mankind.

Sunday Feedback December 20

The Sunday before Christmas!

If you were at NHC you saw and heard plenty of ministry going on. The creative juices were flowing today all over the place as we turned our minds to missions and ways to see how Christmas movies can be catalysts for outreach and teaching.

Hopefully God used someone or something to remind you of Himself. Tell us about it!

Finding the Message In Christmas Movies

Sunday at 9 and 11.

Don't forget that if you ordered a Boars Head Ham they'll be ready for pick up.

And the Bread of Life cook book will be available for purchase in the lobby.

Christmas Eve we'll be celebrating Communion at 6PM. Invite a friend.

How was the Ladies Ornament Xchange?

Jump in and tell the rest of us about it!

Sunday Feedback December 13

Worship started with The Contagious Band - our youth band leading us in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and We Shine!

December is a great month for reaching out to our community and the world. Coats, Lottie Moon, The Advent Conspiracy.

Today was about our Christmas tradition of carols and music.

Whether it was someone serving or a word or song, what did you come away with from Nags Head Church today?

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Using Carols to Teach Truth

The 12 Days of Christmas refer to the twelve day period that starts with Christmas day and ends on Epiphany (6th January). The song begins, “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...” The 'true love' was meant to represent God, the true love of the world. The 'me' in the carol is the Christian man or woman who receives these presents. The meanings given to the 12 Days are:

· The 'partridge in a pear tree' is Jesus who died on the cross. In ancient times a partridge was often used as mythological symbol of a divine, sacred king.

· The 'two turtle doves' are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible - another gift from God.

· The 'three French hens' are faith, hope and love as found in 1 Corinthians 13.

· The 'four calling birds' are the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible.

· The 'five golden rings' are the first five books of the Bible also called the Pentateuch, the Books of Moses or the Torah.

· The 'six geese a-laying' are the six days of creation.

· The 'seven swans a swimming' are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

· The 'eight maids a milking' are the eight beatitudes, Jesus' teachings on happiness from the sermon on the mount. (See Matthew 5:3-10)

· The 'nine ladies dancing' are nine character traits of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22)

· The 'ten lords a-leaping' are the Ten Commandments in the Bible. (See Exodus 20)

· The 'eleven pipers piping' are the eleven faithful disciples of Jesus.

· The 'twelve drummers drumming' were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

Unspeakable Joy Feedback

An evening of worship with new and old Christmas carols. The auditorium was packed. The Hospitality team served tons of cookies and hot drinks. The First Impressions team welcomed everyone with seasons greetings. The Tech Teams, Worship Choir and MP13 Band led us in worship.

Tell us about your perspective on the evening, about your worship of the baby King.

Here We Come A Caroling

Sunday I'll be talking about the tradition of singing Christmas songs. One of the suggestions I'll be giving is to read through a carol each day as your devotion to focus on the words of the songs we know so well.

Here's a great tool to help. "Come Let Us Adore Him" shares the words, music, Scriptures and stories behind 30 of our best-loved Christmas hymns. You can find it at Amazon.com.

So, if you're a blog reader, here's one way you get a head start on Sunday!

A Look at December

It is the most wonderful time of the year to share the gift God gave us in His Son Jesus. So, there's lots of ministry and mission going on this month at NHC.

Already NHC has been to Britthaven Nursing Home for an afternoon of caroling and giving Christmas cards to the residents there.

Winter coats are being collected through next week to give away to those in need in our community. Bring your gently used and clean coats and jackets to NHC by December 17. We'll be giving them out on the evening of the 18th.

All this month we'll be recievin a special offering which will go to support foreign missions through the Southern Baptist Convention. We're part of a cooperative effort to give a total of $175 million to missions this month.

Brad and Rebecca are giving back $10 from each Boars Head ham ordered to the Lottie Moon offering for Foreign Missions. We had one at Thanksgiving and they are fantastic!

This Friday night is an opportunity for outreach and celebration with "Unspeakable Joy". If you were at church Sunday, you got a taste of the great night we're in for as our band and worship choir lead us in an evening of Christmas music. Bring a friend! And don't forget that we're going to collect an offering for the Ocean View Bapist Church Rebuilding Fund, helping a sister church in need.

Wednesday night December 16 is our 7th annual Ladies Ornament Exchange. It's always a fun night and a great opportunity to invite a non-churched friend to join you. It begins at 6:30.

Are you bothered that maybe the way Christmas has drifted away from Christ can't be turned, visit The Advent Conspiracy. You can be part of changing the world through Christmas.

Looking for ways to teach your children and grandchildren about Christmas? Visit our Jr. Waveriders site. Click on Parents and December 2009 for some great ideas you can use.

Christmas Eve we'll be celebrating communion and worship at 6PM. For 17 years we've invited the community to worship with us on Christmas Eve. It's always one of the most meaningful worship gatherings of the whole year. Nursery is provided.

Tuesday night, Dec. 29 NHC will be providing a meal for the hungry and homeless in our community. We'll need food prepared and servants to serve. If you're interested as a family or a connection group or individual in helping out, please call the office at 441-7548 or email info@nagsheadchurch.org.

Sunday Feeback December 6

The first Sunday of December was all about this whole month being a celebration and opportunity to pass on to our world the joyous news of the birth of the King of Kings.

This morning our Worship Choir joined the band for a couple of the Christmas songs we'll hear Friday night at Unspeakable Joy. Chris Tomlin's "My Soul Magnifies the Lord" blew the roof off the building!

We heard about how our Christmas traditions can be used to pass Christ on to future generations and to point others to Christ. Hundreds of names were brought to an "altar" of gift-wrapped boxes as we asked the Lord to give us opportunities to share the Gospel this Christmas with our friends and families.

You probably saw or heard something that God used to take you up a notch in your worship and relationship with Him. Share it in the comments with us.

Christmas Traditions: Say "Merry Christmas!"

My research says that the phrase "Merry Christmas" gained popularity with Charles Dickens' book "A Christmas Carol"

But we've all noticed how the politically correct culture police have tried in recent years to strip Christmas of Christ and replace Him with symbols of winter and the generic "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings".

Here's a movement that encourages our retailers to use the word "Christmas" and to play Christmas music that refers to Christ's birth.

Caroling and Cards at Britthaven Saturday

WHO: NHC/FAMILIES, SINGLES, COUPLES and/or….
WHAT: CHRISTMAS CAROLING down the halls and into resident rooms, gifting with a card and flower provided by the children’s department—thanks to Tina Hodgson, helpers and providers.
WHERE: OBX BRITTHAVEN NURSING HOME, 430 W. Health Center Dr., Nags Head.
WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009; 2-3 p.m.
WHY: To Acts 1:8 witness of the coming of a Savior for those who would believe, according to the Scriptures—prophecy foretold, fulfilled. (i.e. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-2a )
HOW: Through the “good tidings of great joy” of the gospel message of the music and the words of testimony that witness of our personal belief….

Christmas In Our Hearts

A new Sunday Morning Series begins this Sunday at NHC!

Noon Prayer Every Thursday

Every Thursday at noon we have an hour of prayer in the lobby at NHC. You're welcome and encouraged to come and stay for as much as you are able and pray.

The Contagious Band

In case you haven't heard, The Contagious Band has been leading worship for the youth group for the past few months. Here are a few videos of their music!

No F1RST Wednesday this month!

Just a reminder!!

FW will be back in January!

Advent Conspiracy

Somewhere between the very first Christmas (you know, the one where Jesus was born) and 2010, we have lost the original meaning of Christmas. It's not that gifts and trees and carols are a bad thing, but wasn't Christmas meant to be more?

If we want to know what Christmas is really meant to be, we should ask the question, "How did Jesus celebrate that first Christmas?"

The answer - He gave Himself.

Relationally
Incarnation
Time
Space
Presence

So, if we truly want to celebrate Christmas as God meant it to be celebrated, we'll simply follow Jesus' lead.

Check out the video below, and then visit the Advent Conspiracy website. Consider taking the challenge with Nags Head Church this Christmas season to begin with worship. What would it look like if every partner at Nags Head Church participated in Advent Conspiracy this Christmas? Could we change the world?



And, look for more about Advent Conspiracy at NHC all this month.

Christmas In Our Hearts (Trailer)

A new Sunday Morning Series begins at NHC in December. "Christmas In Our Hearts" examines some of our most treasured Christmas traditions in view of the original Christmas story.

"You Can't Stay Unless You Are Willing to Go"

And, "You can't go unless you are willing to stay".

Adam Hoffman (like Cindy Peterson, an OBX local), who with his wife Melissa, is part of our Global Team at NHC and trains young people for missions wrote a great post on his blog that piggyback's perfectly with our time with John and Cindy Peterson on Sunday.

You can find a link to Adam's blog "Missiological Blogger" on the right of this page or just click here.

Good stuff Adam!

Sunday Feedback November 29

Interview with John and Cindy Peterson.
Baptism!
Lots of ministry taking place at NHC this morning.

What did God use Sunday to leave an impression on your life?

Thanksgiving Worship

Our annual Thanksgiving Worship Gathering is a community event. Feel free to use the poster below to invite your unchurched friends and neighbors. Bring nonperishable food items to donate to the local Beach Food Pantry.

Were you there? If so, post your feedback below.

Prayer Update from Adam and Melissa Hoffman

Insight Updates
Pray for our upcoming field trip this Sunday November 22nd at the Hindu Temple. Pray that students will realize the joy and freedom that comes from serving Christ while at the same time gaining valuable first hand experience with real people who believe some of the things we've been studying.

Continue to pray for the 7 Pasadena students who are learning more about who God is and what he has been doing throughout history. In the time-line of history, we are in the early church, learning about crucial issues in the 1st century.
Pray for these students as they continue to grow in relationship with people who believe things differently then they do. They are asked to go out and build long term friends throughout this year with people across worldviews.

Personal Updates
Continue to pray for patience and preparation for the coming adoption. We are making progress on the to be nursery and finalizing some adoption grants.
We are saying goodbye to good friends here that are leaving to go to the field. Pray for good times with them as we serve Christ in separate continents. At the same time, we are meeting newly arrived young married couples that we want to bring into the larger community.

Urbana & Apostolos
Melissa and I have always dreamed of doing mission conferences for college students. We love seeing this generation's zeal and ambition being poured into the Kingdom of God. We've asked for prayer in the previous weeks about a possible opportunity to attend Urbana '09, well keep praying hard because we are official exhibitors with the USCWM.

The Apostolos conference has occurred over the years with a vision to bind young people planning to go with field experienced mentors and brothers and sisters with similar goals. With crucial members of the founding of this conference going back to the field, we've offered to plan and run this conference. We've just set the date and are beginning recruitment and speakers. Pray for us as we learn and grow in this role. More details to come on Apostolos '10 soon!

Sunday Feedback November 22

What do you know about Satan, who seeks to steal, kill and destroy you, your faith, your family? Andy's message today was about not being ignorant of the devil's strategies.

A new worship song. Opportunities to serve.

What took place today in word or deed that God used to build you up? Share it with us!

Project Turkey (in a box)

We need 3 more turkeys for the youth group's outreach project this Sunday.  If you can bring a turkey please e-mail Andy and let him know, andy@nagsheadchurch.org.  

We have 8 families lined up for delivery of the box this Sunday evening during our normal youth group gathering time.  Please be in prayer for these families and that God will use this act of love to draw them to Him if they don't already know God.

Youth group will be backwards this week.  We will be delivering the boxes first so it is important that students be on time to youth group at 5pm.  After delivery and debriefing we will have our usual Hang Time.

Scott's Story and Baptism

Sunday I took a few minutes to share my brother Scott's story. So far one NHC partner has told me that she related to what I shared. But it might be better if you heard it from Scott.

If you are not sure that you have been reborn, why not make sure?

Sunday Feedback - November 15

It was "Shoebox Dedication Day". And we did an overview of "The Journey", saying goodbye to our series on Moses' life.

Today was a great day! Share with us how Sunday's worship this week impacted you.

If you didn't bring in a shoebox, but want to participate, we'll receive them at NHC until Wednesday afternoon. Or, if it's more convenient, Kitty Hawk Methodist Church is the local collection center. Go here to get the details on packing a box. There are specific instructions about contents, packing and a request for a donation (which you can do online).

And if you want to see the video again we showed this morning, click here.

Series Finale Sunday

"The Journey - Start to Finish: Tracking the Life of Moses" ends this Sunday with a birdseye view of lessons learned along that way that you have shared with me.

I hope you come prepared to be reminded, be blessed and be challenged as the church shares how God has been shaping them as we've peered into the life and heart of a humble man.

And a special thanks to Doug Whitley, who got the series started with a powerful portrayal of Moses telling his own story and to Amber Elwood for her illustrations.

Mark Your Calendars!

Crown Financial Seminar tomorrow

Don't forget that tomorrow's Crown Seminar begins at 8:30. Because tomorrow is a school make-up day that might solve some of your child care needs!

It's not too late to get in the seminar and walk-ins will be welcomed.

Lunch is provided and plenty of coffee will be on tap!

Shoebox Sunday!

This Sunday (November 15) is Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Sunday! Nags Head Church will be sending dozens of shoeboxes filled with gifts to underprivileged children around the world, worshipping God as we give to others! Don't forget to bring your shoeboxes to church this Sunday...we'll be taking time during the worship gatherings to offer our gifts to God to use as a blessing and to pray over those receiving them.

The video below will help you pack your shoeboxes in a way that will best benefit those receiving them.

Turkey in a Box

The students of NHC's youth group will be delivering complete Thanksgiving meals in a box to families who are in need.  This Sunday our students will bring all the food items necessary to put together a meal.  The next Sunday volunteers from our church will be bringing in Turkeys.  On that Sunday, November 22, our students will pack food boxes and then deliver them to 8 families.

Currently we have the name and addresses of four families.  We need 4 more.  If you know of anyone who is in need please e-mail their name, address and the number of people in the family to andy@nagsheadchurch.org.  

We have had 3 turkeys donated so far.  If you or your Connection group would like to donate a turkey please e-mail Andy and let him know.  Turkeys should be brought to the church on Sunday, November 22

The Dreaded "C" Word

Come to think of it, there are several words that begin with "C" that we dread..."commitment" is one. "Committee", now that's a word we don't care for at NHC. No, I'm thinking about "Change".

A few years ago I taught through the book of John. The series was called "More than a little unusual". And the theme that continued through this biography of Jesus was how everywhere He went Jesus affected change in people. That's what life in Christ is all about - going through changes as we move from darkness to light; from self to servanthood; from the old man to the new.

Change is so much a part of Jesus and thus so much a part of our relationship in Him that change should be the most consistent part of our lives as believers.

I don't know if it's because we're baptists or what, but often when changes are introduced at church people panic. They see the glass as half-empty. They become like Israelites between the Red Sea and the Jordan River. And as a result they become negative about the change. Newness becomes a scary thing. And scared people are like the 10 Israelite spies who would rather stay in the wilderness than conquer the land.

Saturday I once again did one of my favorite things. I taught "Discovering NHC" to a dozen new folks. If you've been through that class one of the statements I always make is this, "If you're a person who has a hard time dealing with change then NHC probably isn't for you." Why? Because we are who we are today as a church largely in part due to our ability to realize things can't always stay the same and to have the courage to attempt new and greater ways to fulfill our mission.

Think about it, especially if you've been a part of NHC for more than a couple years.

As we grow (and this year has been a year of growth in significant ways) we have to make changes to keep from allowing the growth to either stop or from breaking our old mold. Usually it means we stop doing "this" to do "that" because "that" will allow us to continue to accomplish our vision and purposes while allowing us to continue to grow, while continuing "this" will only bring us to a halt.

It's true. If you always do what you've always done you'll always get what you've always had." But even more true is this: If you always do what you've always done your church will stagnate and die.

By now you're probably wondering...Rick's setting us up for some changes, isn't he? What do you think? But a better question is this: Am I going to be willing to stretch with changes that come, or be brittle and break because it is it all about me?

So as we press toward the prize and move along in our journey through 2009 into 2010 get yourself, your heart and your mind set on being ready. That's part and parcel to our walk with the Lord.

Ready or not, here it comes. "Lord, find me ready."

Sunday Feedback November 8

Today we saw the end of Moses' journey.
We sang an old hymn made new and heard a song, among others about moving to a new "neighborhood".

Our Hospitality Team manned a coffee station in the parking lot for Marathon spectators and cheered the runners as they came by.

Kidmo was especially fired up today!

What did you see or hear that God used to shape your life as you seek to follow Him?

And I'm looking for your comments on "The Journey - Start to Finish" and how the life of Moses has impacted you as you walk from Egypt to the Promised Land. So, please share!

OBX Marathon Sunday!

Because of the difficult traffic during the OBX Marathon in the early morning, there will only be ONE worship gathering this Sunday (November 8) at 11AM. We're praying for a full house and lots of energy as we bring both gatherings together for this one Sunday every year!

The roads should be mostly clear by 10-10:30am, but if you're serving on Sunday and plan on arriving before that time, please give yourself a few extra minutes.

If you are arriving early, there should be a police officer stationed at the corner of the bypass and Soundside Rd. to help direct traffic. Simply inform him/her that you are with Nags Head Church, and you will be directed into our parking lot.

See you on Sunday!

Mission Trip To Grenoble France!

In June of 2010, the MilePost13 Band will be traveling to Grenoble, France for one week on a short-term mission trip. The band has been invited by Matt Glock to partner with two local Grenoble churches by offering concerts in the city during La Fête de la Musique (The Music Party), an annual, national celebration of music.

18 NHC partners are committed to reaching France to discover life in Christ on this trip. Please, take the time to visit the France Team Blog and find out more about this trip and how you can join the team through your prayer and support!

November F1RST Wednesday Feedback

If you missed F1RST Wednesday, you missed a great time of worship through thanksgiving...check out the video below. If you were there, please, take a few seconds to leave a comment and share a story about the music, the communion, the fellowship, the challenge, the videos, or something else that made an impact in your life.

Thanks!

F1RST Wednesday! 6:30-8PM

Guest Blogger: Roger Blackmore - "Church Hoppers"

(Roger is a friend of mine and leads a church in Long Island, NY.)

Click this link to read his post.

I/we have heard all ten of these at NHC over the years! And the conclusions are dead on target. I would add to #2, "This is a confession that he or she is immature and wants to be spoon fed instead of learning to feed him/herself."

Christmas Concert!

The NHC Worship Choir and the MilePost13 Band will be offering a Christmas Concert in mid-December (date TBD).

The Worship Choir is inviting anyone who loves to worship God with their voices to join us for the next few weeks. The only requirements are that you be a partner at NHC and be able to carry a tune! The Worship Choir learns by memorization, which means you don't have to be able to read music.

If you are interested, please contact Nathan! Rehearsals begin next week!

Sunday Feedback November 1

Ministry should happen whenever the family of God gathers. If you were at either of our gatherings this morning you ministered, were ministered to, or hopefully both.

What did God use Sunday to teach, convict or encourage you in your journey?

Don't forget that next Sunday we'll only have one gathering at 11:00 due to the OBX Marathon.

Trunk or Treat Feedback

Trunk or Treat is a "bridging event" we do at NHC to build relationships with our community. TOT targets children and their families and over 700 family groups crossed this year's bridge.

If you served at Trunk or Treat what are some of your thoughts on the impact it made on our community, our church and on you?

Trunk or Treat Update

Candy! We got it! BUT we need MORE CANDY!!!!!!!!

Also we have the opportunity for several of our fine folks to act as greeters placed in strategic locations. If you aren't on the TOT team yet but would like to serve please give Andy a call at the church or e-mail him youth@nagsheadchurch.org.

If you would like to help set up we will begin on Saturday morning at 9AM. The more the merrier! Many hands make quick work.

Update from Adam and Melissa Hoffman

Friends,

Thanks for praying and being an active part in what the Lord is doing here.
Continue to pray for our students as they are stretched and grow intellectually, academically, spiritually, emotionally, and missiologically. Also remember to pray for their church practicum I talked about last time.

The Buddhist field trip was a great experience as a we were lead through a Thai temple by a man who recently changed his allegence over to Christ. We had a great Thai lunch (Pad Thai for Melissa, Heavenly Noodles [and they were!] for Adam) and then went to the Chinese temple. This was lead by a member of their temple and really gave the students an insider view into their worldview.

Continue to pray for the Urbana process and that He would work it out for us to go, or not.

FYI Program Director's Training has been delayed until February.

The US Center for World Mission Board Meetings are today. Pray that this team is given wisdom from God to discern our performance as a whole this past year as well as goals for the coming year.

Pray for some of the Insight Projects Melissa and I are working on. Here are a few: national promotion, recruiting, new website, new host locations,
Out of those listed above let me highlight that this Sunday is our Fall '09 Meet and Greet recruiting event. Pray that many will come to hear about the Insight program and be convinced that it is right for them.

Pray for Insight Alumni staff & students overseas or preparing to go. Many of our former staff (& students) are overseas now or preparing to go. Pray for many who are serving in India, as well as those in Lebanon, Egypt, SE Asia (and that's just the people off the top of my head!)

With Love For He First Loved Us,
Adam (& Melissa) Hoffman

INSIGHT a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission
www.uscwm.org/insight
http://www.thehoffmans.info
Cell: 919-272-8865
TWITTER: hoffmadam7
BLOGS:
Missional: http://adamhoffman.wordpress.com
Personal: http://hoffmansinCA.blogspot.com

CREST Wednesday night 7PM

CREST is our quarterly gathering for celebrating what God is doing among us at Nags Head Church. Every partner has a place at CREST.

There is positive financial news you need to hear! And you'll hear before the rest of the world what is coming ahead for NHC.

So if you're a partner in this fellowship, make attendance at CREST a priority.

Is the End Near?

The current world political climate coupled with predictions of ancient Mayans and even a currently popular internet video (please don't forward it to me) that claims the Hebrew language indicates President Obama is the Anti-christ and another theory that he and another western leader are the anti-christ and false prophet will cause such wildfire conjectures to only multiply.

That also means some will be asking honest, sincere questions. And the Bible gives answers.

You can pick up a copy of the above pictured booklet published by our friends at Day of Discovery that gives the prophecy of Daniel a clear and sound look. We have copies at the Welcome Center.

Above all, if you're curious, be sure you find answers in the one and only place you are guaranteed truth - the Bible. Even then you have to be discerning and do your homework. Just don't be deceived.

Sunday Feedback October 25

If you attended NHC's worship gathering today something was said or done that God used to grow you in the faith. It could have been as simple as a kind word from someone to watching someone serve others with joy.

Tell the rest of us about it.

Why is this tragic?

"Pastor to Host Halloween Bible-Burning Event"

Click on this link and read the story. Then comment about why this is so very sad. There are numerous reasons.

Trunk Or Treat Needs You!!

Are you part of the biggest outreach event we do?  We have room for you on the Trunk Team, and the Game Team.  Sign up at the TOT table on Sunday.

We also have three new teams:

Prayer team - will meet with folks who would like to have someone pray with them during TOT

Greeting Team - This year traffic flow is one way and we need some greeters posted at strategic points to greet and answer questions.

Set Up Team - this team is great because you can serve on the set up and then serve that night as well on another team.

Saturday the 31st - "All hands on deck!"  We need as many people as can to show up during the day to help get set up for Trunk or Treat.  Set up will begin at 9AM.  Lunch will be served.  If we have a bunch show up set up will not take long.

Those who can stick around after TOT to help clean up your help will be greatly appreciated.

We still need lots of candy!!  I'm glad we have had several "test" their candy on the way to church. :)

Please be praying for the over 1,000 families who will receive the gospel at TOT.

Sunday Feedback October 18

Today was our annual Ministry Fair at NHC on a dreary fall day. Glen Sartain flew in to speak to us about "where we fit in".

What went on today that God used to bring you closer to Him and to His purpose for your life in serving Him by serving others?

Hukilau Stickers!

The Hukilau Team has some sweet new stickers...they'll be giving away 100 of them this Sunday during the Ministry Fair! Don't miss it!

Pathways Yard Sale

Pathways is on of local missions supported by NHC. They minister to the international students, providing practical help (finding lodging, transportation, etc.) and sharing the Gospel.

(Click on the image to enlarge it.)

iServe

If you have an iServe t-shirt from last year's Ministry Fair, please wear it proudly This Sunday! If you don't have a shirt and want to be cool like Nate, they'll be on sale!

Share the Love at NHC, Not the Germs!

With so much hoopla in the media about flu shots, etc., it's a good reminder that we're getting into the cold and flu season.

At church you'll find hand sanitizer dispensers and tissues generously distributed throughout the building. Please use them!

And a reminder to parents: if your little one is running a fever, please keep him/her at home. Our nursery staff and other parents thank you.

2009-2010 NHC Directory

Make sure you pick up your 2009-2010 Nags Head Church Directory this Sunday! This year's directory features a new NHC Business Directory.

Seth & Jeanna's Story

If you missed October's F1RST Wednesday, you missed hearing Seth & Jeanna share a powerful story about finances and family. Check it out, and don't miss the coming "It's A New Day" financial seminar!

Ministry Fair This Sunday

Each Fall at NHC we hold a Ministry Fair. It's a time for everyone to not only see all the varied ministry teams that are ongoing, but to sound the call to find a place to serve.

Ministry, which is defined at NHC as "serving others in the church" (as contrasted to missions which is reaching those outside the church) is one of the five purposes for our being. Along with fellowship, discipleship, mission and worship, we exist to serve one another.

It's our belief that the Bible is very clear that not only should every believer in Christ be connected to and committed to partnership with a church family, but every believer is gifted by God to serve. To not have a ministry is to miss out on God's best for your life.

The reality is that without the corps of volunteers who do ministry each and every week NHC would not look anything like what we look like today.

So this Sunday we'll be challenged to plug in and find a team and get busy serving. Take the time to visit the Team tables. There really is an opportunity for everyone to serve with the gifts and talents God has given you.

Determine Your Ministry Age

This will be interesting for you to do. Go to this safe link at Christianity Today and answer the quiz. There are no right or wrong answers. It's purpose is to help you see how you fit "generationally" in your thoughts about ministry and leadership.

Then, after you answer the questions (it will take between 5 and ten minutes), answer the poll on the right side of this blog and tell us anonymously what "generation" you are in.

If you want to comment on this post, that's OK, too.

And don't forget that this Sunday is our annual Ministry Fair!

BBQ Dinner

Our youth are selling tickets to a BBQ dinner to raise money for Winterfest.  Look for them at the round table in the lobby on Sunday if you would like to buy a ticket and help a teen attend an event that has the potential to have a life changing impact.

Sunday Feedback October 11

Today we experienced worship, fellowship and heard God's Word.

What did you experience today a NHC that moved you toward God's purposes for your life?

New coffee mugs and Elvis, too.

Fraud Alert!!

Just in case you got an email like I did from "Nathan" saying that he's in England, has been robbed and needs you to loan him some money so he can get home....just delete that email.

His email account (actually Tricia's) was hacked and he's safe and sound in Nags Head.

Be alert always to fraud emails trying to scam money. If it sounds suspicious delete it. Don't be a sucker. Be as wise as a serpent.

Get Your Church Travel Mug!

At F1RST Wednesday tomorrow night you can purchase your NHC Travel Mug.

$5 per mug.  Purchase at the Wave Cafe.

You too could look like Andy!

The Six "Ps" of Prayer

Prayer is connecting, conversing and communicating with God. He allows us to come to him in prayer whenever it suits us. We can talk with him about whatever we choose, for as long as we like.

His word encourages us to pray at all times in the spirit (Eph 6:18), to devote ourselves to prayer (Col. 4:2) and to pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17).

We are the only part of creation that has this relationship with God. Jesus is our example. He being God the Son prayed to God the Father. He also gave us the model prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13.

I. PRAISE
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…. (v. 9)
There are two kinds of praise.

•Adoration – Praising God for who he is;
•Thanksgiving – praising God for what he has done.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name”. Psalm 100:4

II.PURPOSE
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (v. 10) I commit myself to God’s purpose and will for my life.

“Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him. This is true worship that you should offer”. Romans 12:2

III. PROVISION
We ask God to provide for our needs.
“Give us this day our daily bread”.

God wants us to bring all our needs before him. (James 4:2) His word says “We have not, because we ask not and that we should not worry, but pray." (Philippians 4:6)

IV. PARDON
We are to ask God to forgive us of our sins.
“Forgive us our debts” (v. 12)

Confess each sin, make restitution when necessary and accept his forgiveness.
“He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us, and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross”. (Col. 2:13b-14)

V. PEOPLE
We are to pray for other people.
“As we have forgiven our debtors”. (v. 12)

Pray for family, friends, spiritual and government leaders.
“Pray much for others, plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all He is going to do for them”. (I Timothy 2:1)

VI. PROTECTION
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”. (v. 13)
We face a spiritual battle everyday. Satan wants to defeat us through temptation and fear. By praying for protection, we will have the confidence to face every situation during the day.
“Greater is He who is in you, then He who is in the world”. (I John 4:4)

When Israel was in exile Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King. One day the King asked him why his face was so sad and what he could do for him. Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven and he said to the King…. (Neh. 2:1-5) This was one of those “Lord, help me” prayers. This is what God wants from us – an attitude of prayer. We are to be ready to pray over the phone, at a public place with a friend in need, for the firemen, EMT’s or police when we hear their sirens.

When we are connected to the God of heaven we are able to connect others with Him also.

Steve Wise

John and Cindy Peterson Update

Cindy and I are part of the national leadership team
working to increase faculty movements in the U.S. and
overseas. Christian professors at the University of
Georgia sponsored [a] newspaper ad to welcome
students on campus less than a year ago.

Professors like this help to give the gospel credibility for
non‐Christian students, and they bring great hope to
Christians on campus. What if every freshmen class in
the 4000+ universities of America was welcomed with
an ad like this?

Yesterday, Cindy and I met with a professor at UNC Chapel
Hill who after seeing this ad some months ago
decided to try the same strategy. He proudly showed us
the full‐page ad from yesterday’s The Daily Tar Heel,
UNC’s student newspaper. Forty‐six professors lent
their names to this project.

The professors' names and departments were listed under this statement in the ad:
"In an ever-changing world we have had a constant in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Talk to one of us."

In addition to the impact on students, an ad like this
helps remove isolation for believing faculty by
identifying colleagues who also stand for Christ. It plays
an important part in helping Christian professors stand
publicly with Jesus in an environment that is hostile to
faith.

Pray God will raise up movements of professors on
every campus. I dream of a day when every freshman
has a professor who during the first week of campus lets
her students know that she is a Christian and that she
would be happy to answer questions about her faith
outside of class.

Thriving Christian faculty movements on every campus
will bring hope and lasting gospel change to students,
professors, our country, and even the world. Thanks for
investing in building a thriving worldwide student/
faculty ministry!

Helping Leaders Reach Leaders,
John and Cindy

114 Lost Tree Lane
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 244-6155
s.john.peterson@ccci.org
cindy.peterson@ccci.org

Sunday Feeback October 4

How did the Lord speak into your life today? And what did He use to do it?

Ministry is supposed to edify (build others up). Share your experience from this morning's Gatherings with us.

Nip it in the bud! We showed an abbreviated version. Here's the whole video.

New Stuff!

Welcome our newest partners to the NHC Family:
Mike Corwin
Linda Gallop
Amber Gallop
Cyndi Downing
Linda Harris
Stephen Frey
and there's more to come!

Kids Zone Update!
The carpet and sound system was installed this week. Take a peek on Sunday!

First and Ten this Sunday!

Take the dare. Try the tithe and see if God doesn't come through with His promise.

Relief efforts in Georgia and the Pacific

(This is from Gaylon Moss, the director of NC Baptist Relief. Our church is a supporting church in this ministry.)

An Assessment Team departed for Douglasville, GA today to help with the recovery effort. We are still anticipating a mudout/tearout response.

An International Search and Rescue medical team departs on Oct. 1 to assist Hungarian Baptist Aid in the Philippines.

We have made an offer to the Hawaii-Pacific Baptist Convention to assist with tsunami damage in American-Samoa.

Please pray for those affected and those who respond. Pray that people will “see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.”(Mt. 5:16).

Gaylon Moss
Disaster Relief Director
NC Baptist Men

A New Opportunity for Prayer

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. - Acts 2:42

The very first church was so amazingly powerful, wasn't it? At the end of the second chapter of Acts it tells us that that power resulted in ...every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

If you read from the beginning of their story in Acts you'll discover that prayer seemed to be the unifying activity prior to the Holy Spirit's coming upon them on the day of Pentecost. All these were continually united in prayer... says Acts 1:14.

Could NHC find more opportunities to unify in prayer; to gather for the sole purpose of calling out to God and expecting Him to answer? It's not that we don't pray. We do. Our Connection Groups all have a time of praying together. Most F1rst Wednesday gatherings include some time for prayer, too. Many of our Ministry Teams pause for prayer on Sunday mornings before they serve. But what if we had more time to pray together?

That's a tough one in such a busy culture. And there isn't any easy way to add times to pray. But that shouldn't stop us from moving forward! So...

Each Thursday from noon to 1PM any and all who can are invited to stop by and join with others in the Lobby at NHC to pray. You don't have to stay the whole hour. You can drop in any time during the hour and stay and pray as long as you are able.

The Bible teaches us that prayer touches God's heart and changes the hearts of men. History tells us that the great revivals experienced by the church began with prayer. So we're going to pray. Please feel free and welcome to join us each Thursday. And let's see how God responds.

It's a New Day Crown Financial Seminar at NHC

Sunday Feedback - September 27

If you were in church today you likely came away with something that either drew you closer to your God or showed you something new or special about His family. It could have been the fellowship, the worship, the teaching, the ministry or a way the Gospel was lived out.

Learn to be content.
Listen to godly influencers.
Lift another's burdens.

How did this Lord's Day make a difference in you?

(Wow! Can it really be October this week?)

Matt and Sylvie Glock in France

Greetings everyone!
We returned from our time in the States a month ago!

The school year has started well on all fronts. Here are some highlights.

Family news
Anastasia is in high school.
Juliet is in middle school.
Pascal gets to be the big brother to Juliet at the middle school.

Here's the inevitable reference to Sylvie and I getting older and wondering where the time has gone. But it is so true! We thank God for the blessing of our three children and pray that they will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thank you for praying for them too.

You may of noticed that the return email address is mattandsylvie@gmail.com. I've created this address to simplify communication between Sylvie and I. So when you respond to this she'll get your responses right away!

The CEP and the ICG growing in maturity
Last year was a year of transition at the CEP as I finished my ministry and passed on my responsibilities to Jean-yves, which means there is not a lot to do this year and that's a good thing. Tomorrow (September 27th) the church will celebrate the installation of Jean-yves Le Guehennec as pastor. This is a big day for the CEP. Thank you all for your prayers through the years and support for seeing this church grow in maturity. While I am no longer a part of the leadership of the CEP, Sylvie and I continue to attend and are involved in a few ministries.

This year is the ICG's fourth year of existence. We are growing in our understand of our vocation as a local body of believers and our commitment to the mission God has given us. I've been asked to devote more time to pastoring this church. I see my role as similar to what I did for the CEP in helping them get to the place where they could call a full-time pastor.

The Grenoble City Team

Over the last few years the International Teams missionaries in Grenoble have been meeting regularly. Last year we chose to call ourselves the Grenoble City Team convinced that what we were doing individually needed to be brought together. We exist to encourage, resource and facilitate the development of transforming communities among churches in Grenoble through the design and implementation of specialized projects. I'm team leader, which means I get to coordinate our meetings and help the other missionaries in their respective ministries in whatever way is needed. God is doing some very exciting things through the various ministries of the team and in future update I'll be highlighting what is going on.

Wrapping this up...

I'm realizing that I needed to write sooner because there is way too much to talk about... As always I'm deeply grateful for your faithful participation in our ministry. Just by making it to the end of this email is a great encouragement to us! I've attached a pdf file that is an interview I did with Logan Long. He and his family were members of the ICG. They've returned to the States and Logan had a school project. The interview is about being a missionary.

With love in Christ,
Matt for the five of us.

Stan and Sandy Anonby in Brazil

Hello all! It’s time to fill you in on some new developments from our end.

We spent the summer at CanIL, Wycliffe’s training centre at Trinity Western University in Canada. At the recommendation of leadership, I took a course in historical comparative linguistics. I was invigorated by the change of pace, but was surprised by how hard I found it. I hadn’t stayed up all night studying for over a decade!

At the end of July, Sandy and the girls traveled to Ottawa, Canada. There they planned a big 80th birthday party for Sandy’s mother. It was special for Sandy to be with her family all together again.

In August, Sandy and I traveled to Belem, a city at the mouth of the Amazon. For a couple of weeks, we helped organize and translate for Bob Buss, who taught an Adapt It workshop. Adapt It is a powerful computer program that helps translate the Bible from one related language to another. Nine Brazilian translators, working on various languages in northern Brazil, participated in the class. By the last week, they were producing translations at a very rapid pace. It was fun to share in their excitement!

There are two Mission schools in our town of Vianópolis. One is a training centre for missionaries, and the other is a school for missionary kids (MK’s). The training centre needed someone to run the daycare while the parents were taking classes. The MK school also needed help, as nine of their teachers had gone back home last year. Jillian, our oldest daughter, decided to come back to Brazil for a year, and is now helping in both these areas. She is running the daycare and teaching in the MK school. We’re overjoyed to have her living close to us again!

Pray this year will be one of growth for all of us. Pray that we will be a blessing. We need Him now more than ever.

We appreciate your faithful support,

Stan, for Sandy, Jillian, and Raquel Anonby
stan-sandy_anonby@sil.org
Phone: 011 55 62 3335-2369

Crown Financial Seminar at NHC Nov. 14!

(Click on image to enlarge if needed.)

Here's the link to online registration. Click here.

Leting go of our nets (Pt. 2)

Imagine with me. Jesus walks up to the dock where Peter and Andrew are working, repairing their nets. It's what they do. Likely, like James and John, who would be next on Jesus' list, being a fisherman was passed on to them from their father. Most likely they were following a generational heritage. And who knows for how many decades or perhaps centuries the men in their families were watermen? But being a fisherman was their trade. It was all they knew. It was their livlihood and their identity.

They've heard of Jesus. That we know. The seed has already been planted in their minds that He is Messiah. It's been a topic of their conversation as they worked their nets. Then suddenly Jesus shows up on the job site and says something very simple but life changing. It's kind of like the intro to Mission Impossible: "here's your mission, should you choose to accept it".

"Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men".

Matthew doesn't record any verbal response from Peter and Andrew at all. All we know is what is recorded. They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (emphasis mine)

Apparently there was no discussion. No, "Can we pray about this?"

Time out for a soap box moment..."Praying" about obeying words that come from the mouth of God is a cop out. Think about it..."Dear God, do you want me to do what you just told me to do?". I have NEVER understood Christians who hear the Word and respond with "I'll pray about doing it". That's just disobedience. Soap box over.

Being a Christ-follower means leaving nets and boat behind if they will deter our discipleship. You can't "fish for men" if you're fishing for fish. For these men it meant a change in the direction of their lives. It meant turning their backs on old ways that had sustained them. It meant completely trusting Jesus.

I can imagine the conversation Peter had later that day with his wife. It must have been somewhat similar to Abram's telling Sarai that they were moving and he didn't have a clue where they were going.

Here's the point. Jesus never said being a disciple would be easy. In fact, He said quite the opposite. There will be times when the choices are excrutiatingly hard emotionally, relationally, even physically. You might have to be willing to be misunderstood or even rejected by family and friends if you choose to follow Jesus. He might uproot you from your career or your home to place you somewhere that He knows you are needed more.

As a pastor I sometimes have to watch as believers, young and old, struggle with their nets. Some of them leave the nets behind and discover that the hard choices of discipleship indeed lead to a most amazing abundant life. Others are like the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus because the demands were too great in his eyes.

So I wonder, too, if our "nets" are the things in our lives that we turn to for security instead of fully trusting Christ? As long as our security is found elsewhere being a disciple is not going to happen.

What are your nets? Where are they? In your hands or laying on the dock as you walk away and follow Jesus?

Adam and Melissa Hoffman Missionary Update

Friends,

I hope things are well on your ends, and I'd love to hear details from you. Send me a quick update!

Things are going well around here. The students are very engaged and interested in the subjects. Here are some things to prompt you to pray as you think over what God is doing here:

Pray for the students who are wrestling with big issues. Some of the issues are contextualization and specifically redemptive analogies, defining saving faith (and the division of specific and general revelation), and issues related to spiritual warfare.

Pray for new developments in process and planning:

Field Trip to Jewish Synagogue for Sukkot (Festival of Booths) next weekend
Possible couple joining staff with us in INSIGHT (will be here Oct. 6-10 learning about Insight and the FMF)
Insight Fall Retreat (Oct. 19-21)
New Insight Location in Boone, NC
Program Director's Training for potential Insight Program Directors Oct. 30-31
The Pasadena team of discussion leaders and bible study leaders as we work hard to hone our skills of getting students to actively engage in depth on tough issues. Pray for me specifically as I lead and serve this team and our students.

On a more personal note pray for 3 things with us:

Adoption Process - that God will continue to give us hope and patience as we wait to be chosen by a birth family
Melissa's trip to NC - Melissa is flying out a week from today to visit with family and some friends as she is home specifically for baby showers for us. Pray this will be restful and encouraging as she goes to feel the support of those close to her.
Support Raising - this economy has drained resources of those who stand with us in backing this ministry financially. We continue to attempt to raise full support and get out of the burden of being under funded. Pray for renewed connections in our home base in NC and the ability to meet people here in CA who share a passion for missions and college students.

Thanks so much! You give us a foundation to move forward in faith knowing we have this team lifting us up to the one who provides.

With Love For He First Loved Us,
Adam (& Melissa) Hoffman

INSIGHT a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission
www.uscwm.org/insight
http://www.thehoffmans.infoCell: 919-272-8865
TWITTER: hoffmadam7
BLOGS:
Missional: http://adamhoffman.wordpress.com
Personal: http://hoffmansinCA.blogspot.com

Are we willing to let go of our nets?

Not every Christian is a disciple. It was probably about 22 years ago or so that I figured that one out.

Becoming a Christian is accomplished by simply doing one thing and one thing only: believing (having faith, trust in) Jesus Christ. The implication in saving faith is that your trust in Him is 100%, meaning you have rejected whatever else you may have trusted in prior to your salvation (good works; baptism; church membership, etc,) and now have only one "savior". After all, 100% leaves room for nothing else.

The move from being a "saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone" Christian to a disciple (a learner) is Christ's goal for every believer. Believing in Jesus secures my eternity and gives me new life and a relationship with God that sin had prevented. A disciple is a believer who has determined to move forward on a path that will mature him/her in that relationship as he/she discovers more and more about this life in Christ.

It's my belief that the path to discipleship begins when a believer submits to the ordinance of believers' baptism. Why? Because it is a commandment Jesus gave, and to be a disciple implies I'm learning obedience to His commands. Baptism (which in the New Testament always followed belief) is an act of submission to Christ and an identification with His people. It's the first step of many that can follow.

So that I don't end up writing a book, I'll continue this post later. But here's where my mind is going: When Jesus called the fishermen (Peter and Andrew, James and John) it seems rather obvious that to follow Him meant they had to give some things up.

Letting go of habits and things that have been a part of our identity can be the hardest thing to do. More soon.

Sunday Feedback September 20

How was today more than just a Sunday for you? Did the Spirit connect with your spirit through a song, an act of service, a prayer, a scripture, the baptism? How did you respond?

This is your opportunity to share your worship experience with the rest of us.

New Opportunities for service and outreach

PACKING AND CLEANING UP
We will be moving to Oklahoma City next weekend for Camas to take a job there (major answer to prayer). We will be hosting a Load-the-UHaul and clean-the-trailer party next Saturday, Sept. 26th. Any NHC family that would love to stop by and help or say goodbye would be great! Anytime all day...

Directions to our humble abode: 1008 W. Dean Street, KDH

From the Bypass, turn at the Walgreens light (Martin St.) west towards the sound.
Left on 9th Ave. Right on Holly. Left on Molly.
At the end of the street, turn the corner to the left (Dean Street-unmarked) and we're the first trailer on your left.

Thanks so much,
Camas & Emily Frey


KIDS ZONE PREPARATION
Any time/day this coming week. Needed are men and women to vacuum the sub-floors to get them ready for carpet. If you have a shop vac please bring it. We have one at the church.

The Coming Swell - September 18

Baptism!
This Sunday after the 11:00 Gathering. Most likely due to surf conditions we'll be baptizing at the Harvey Sound Access in Nags Head at MP16 next to Millers Restaurant.

Bring Candy!
There's a tub in the Lobby for your candy donations for Trunk or Treat. We'll need 1500 pounds this year!!

Divorce Care Starts Tomorrow!
We will launch at 10AM on Saturday, September 19 at NHC. That day 2 sessions will be covered and lunch provided for those in attendance and wrap up at 2PM. We will then meet each Thursday night from 7 - 9 beginning Thursday, September 24 and continuing until Thursday, November 19. We do our last 2 sessions on Saturday, November 21 (10 - 2)

Our Divorce Care facilitators have both program and life experience related to divorce. For more information on becoming part of this ministry contact Nags Head Church at 441-7548 or Sam Knight at 489-8527.

Kids Zone Update
This week the ceiling grids have been installed. Next week the HVAC will be finished and hopefully the electrical and lighting can move ahead. What we need now is for volunteers to vacuum the floors, getting them free of dust for the carpeting that will be installed the following week. A shop vac is at the church. Bring yours if you have one. Any time convenient for you will work.

Crown Financial Seminar - Mark your calendar Nov. 14th.
In conjunction with Crown Ministries and the Southern Baptist Convention Nags Head Church will be hosting a one day fiancial freedom seminar. Click here to register online or call Amy Torcasso at 919-459-5539. $20 Registration Fee with no additional charge for spouses.

Contagious Youth
Sundays 5-7PM @ Bonnett St. Students 6th through 12th grades.Parent Pod same time and location.

Ministry Fair
Sunday, October 18. Find out which Ministry Team fits your gifts and shape and plug in.

Remember Captain Stubing?

Born-Again Christian Gavin Mcleod Stars in New Faith-Based Film.

Lessons from the Desert

Dale Hamilton's blogs from Iraq are worth your time! You can find him linked on this page on the right side. Just click and go.

His blog today is a great devotional read and I hope you'll check it out.

Thanks Dale for your service to our country and your insights into the Christian walk that God is giving you in the desert.

Latest Kids Zone Construction pics!!