The Story Chapter 13 / Don’t Forget to Wish For the Best

A Minister tells the following story:

Over a recent Thanksgiving holiday I did my version of Black Friday shopping.  I slept in, had breakfast, took a shower, and then met up with my wife and son who had left the house before 6:30 a.m.  I was rested, fresh, and full of energy.  After facing the frantic shoppers all morning they . . . well, they didn’t look so good. 

At one point of the mall madness I was leaving Sears and saw it.  Right there in front of me.  A Sears Wish Book.  I hadn’t seen one in years and it brought back some memories. 

The first Sears Wish Book was printed in 1933.  (I don’t remember that. I looked it up.)  Over time it has diminished in size and was even discontinued at one point.  It was revived in 2007, but the one I saw was nothing in size compared to the books I remember from my youth.  Children today don’t really need one.  They have the Internet and their high tech toys to cruise the information highway to identify their holiday “wants.”  But “back in the day” the Sears Wish Book helped us answer the seasonal question: “If you could have anything for Christmas, what would you ask for?” 

Every year my brother and I would look through the catalogue and either dog-ear a page or circle our choices in pen.  We didn’t want Santa to miss our requests. 

You may not need the Sears Wish Book today, but you have some wishes too, don’t you?  Next Christmas how would you answer the question, “If you could have one thing in the world, what would it be?” 

Solomon had to answer that one.  He asked for wisdom.  And God gave it to him.  But by the end of his life he had accumulated more and more: more gold, more horses, more wives.  He had it all and wanted more.  In the midst of all these gifts he lost sight of the Giver.  He turned away from God and lost it all. 

Another King gave us another path to follow.  He had it all and gave it all . . . for us.  In the Christmas season, or any season for that matter, you can guard yourself from the tyranny of too much stuff by giving.  Simply give so that others can simply live.   That’s what the King born as a baby in the manger did. 

And my wish?  That you visit the manger and find Him.

NBCC IS AN UPWARD SPORTS CHURCH

WE ARE ALL IN!

NBCC IS AN UPWARD SPORTS CHURCH

Upward Sports, the world's largest Christian sports league for kids, has become the place to play fun sports for over half a million families in the United States and Canada. Last year, nearly 550,000 K5 through sixth-graders had a great kids basketball, kids soccer, kids flag football or kids cheerleading experience through one of over 5,000 leagues and camps.

By providing a fun sports experience based on healthy competition, Upward Sports Leagues help kids develop skills for the sports arena and values for life. Upward Sports uses the universal language of sports to connect with kids at a critical age and help them discover and build athletic skills, values, self-confidence and a life-long love of the game. That’s why our youth sports leagues and kids sports camps provide them with the best sports experience possible!

At Upward Sports, families matter. Our leagues give families all the benefits of participating in team sports while protecting them from hectic travel schedules and the win-at-all costs mentality that burns out young athletes. With just a one-hour practice and one-hour game each week, our leagues conveniently fit into busy family schedules.

Upward Sports partners with around 2600 local churches to provide first-class, organized and welcoming kids basketball, kids soccer, kids flag football and kids cheerleading leagues and camps.  New Beginnings Christian Church is one of those partners!

 

At NBCC, we focus on Upward Soccer.

You can get involved with Upward in many ways:

Sign up your kids and grandkids to PLAY Upward Soccer

“On the Ground” Advertising Volunteer

“On the Web” Advertising Volunteer

Coach

Referee

Greeter and Information (Game Day)

Concession Worker (Game Day)

Set-Up and Clean-Up (Game Day)

Half-Time Coordinator (Game Day)

Referee Coordinator

Coach Coordinator

For more information, email Troy Borst

VISITORS INFO: FOR THE KIDDOS

What can you expect for children?

Children’s programs are a considerable part of the life of NBCC and so we thought we would highlight a few items to help you if you are visiting:

*  The nursery is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the nursery.  The nursery begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The PreK & K class is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the PreK & K.  The PreK & K class begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The 10:30am service has an activity which dismisses right before the sermon for 1^st-5^th graders called UpGrade.  It is held in the Family Life Center until the conclusion of the service.  You can pick up your kids there at the conclusion of the service or we can keep them and sell them on E-Bay.  Either one. J  We are proud that the UpGrade Service is led by our teenagers with adult supervision who do a wonderful job of relating Biblical stories and fun during the sermon time.

Where do you go for all these things?

We have a map available for you as soon as you enter the main entrance, but more importantly than that, we have greeters and other volunteers who will show you where you need to go.  In addition, if you choose to keep your kids with you… that is just fine! 

There also happens to be a “crying room” very near to the sanctuary that has full audio and visual displays of the service.  So if you need to step out, you don’t have to miss anything!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISITORS INFO: COMMUNION

What can you expect at communion during worship services?

Communion is a quiet time to remember Christ and His sacrifice for us on the cross.  Most churches do communion, but each church tends to do it a little bit different and that can be confusing!  We celebrate this time of communion each week as we meet together for worship services. This time is open to all who have begun a relationship with Christ; you do not have to be a member of NBCC to participate in communion.

If you are at our Drive-In Worship, you will be provided with the bread and juice when you arrive and pull into the drive-in lot.  You will be instructed when to participate during the service (it’s after the music and right before the sermon).  

For those at our Inside Worship services, the bread and juice will be passed to you at the appropriate time by servers. Please take the bread and cup and then partake when you are ready. When finished, you may place the empty cup in the seat back in front of you.

May we suggest that during this time you do the following…

… pray about the past week and think about your behavior and attitudes

… grab a Bible from the pew in front of you and read a passage or two from Jesus’ life

… reflect on the importance of Jesus Christ

At NBCC, there is no liturgy (church fancy word for “certain words we say at certain times”) during communion.  No one will talk to you and you need not confess your deepest darkest secrets or speak to anyone else.  It is a quiet time of reflection, prayer, and focus on Jesus Christ.  The communion time last about 5-10 minutes usually depending on the length of the communion meditation that is offered. 

If you are not a Christian, please feel free to watch and observe and reflect during this quiet time.  You do not have to participate… it is something that Christians do to remember Jesus’ death on the cross.

VISITORS INFO: 10:30 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 10:30am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 10:30am service is the last and largest of our worship services.

Before you ever get in the front door, you will be greeted by our Outside Greeters whose sole job is to help you get where you are going.  They also happen to have breath mints so blow into your hand and check them out if you need to! 

When you walk in the foyer (main entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

The library is to the left of the sanctuary which is where you can meet the ministers after the service if you wish.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  This is our largest service so we recommend getting to the church at around 10:20am (if you did not hit Sunday School first).  The service will begin with live music, move to communion and offering, and then conclude with a sermon. There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 10:30am and is finished around 11:40-11:45am.  It finishes around 11:45am so you can beat the other church folks to the restaurant!

During the service, kids 1^st-5^th grades are excused to their activity which takes place in the Family Life Center (gym) right next to the sanctuary.  Kids in the nursery-Kindergarten have classes that begin at the start of the service.  A greeter can show you the way to the nursery and the PreK & K class.

You will find:

Blended (old and new) music for worship with words projected on screens

Bible-based preaching and teaching

Folks from all walks of life

People dressed from shorts to suits (wear what you like)

Friendly faces that are glad you are worshipping with us

If you are a first time visitor, the ministers would love to meet you right after the service in the library (there will be an announcement and signs). 

Troy Borst 

Christian Education Minister  

VISITORS INFO: 8:00 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 8:00am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 8:00am service is the early morning option for worship that is low key and the smallest of all our services.

The 8:00am service is right for you if…

… you want a low-key relaxed service

… you don’t like crowds

… you are an early bird and want to get the say started off right

… you get off work Sunday morning and want to go to church before heading home

… you want to dress casual (actually, all our services are casual)

When you walk in the foyer (entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  The service will begin with live music, move to the sermon, and conclude with communion and offering.  There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 8:00am and is finished around 9:15am.  It finishes around 9:15 so folks can head to Sunday School if they choose which begins at 9:30am.

After the service, you can head to the Family Life Center (its also a gym) which is down the same hallway as the bathrooms.  You want to go there… free coffee, juice, donuts, and fruit await.  From the FLC, you can exit to your car or you can stay for Sunday School.  There are two classes which meet in the FLC at 9:30am which are both designed for visitors and beginners.  Check them out!

Anyway, the 8:00am service is our earliest service, the smallest, and the most low-key of all our services.  If you want, come check us out.  We hope you will meet God in the service and we know He will change your life and lead you to a new beginning.

P.S. There is a not a nursery or children’s program at the 8:00am service.  Those programs start at 9:30am and runs during the 10:30am service.

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISTORS INFO: DRIVE-IN SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s Drive-In Service?

We hope you would arrive at around 8:15am for the 8:30am service… but arriving late is ok too!  We just want you to come and worship and we want to get to know you.  Arriving at 8:15am lets you get a great parking spot and grab a free donut.  It just wouldn’t be church without coffee and donuts… would it?

You will be warmly greeted at the white gazebo where you will receive a bulletin and communion for everyone in your car.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  The communion is a small cup with the wafer with it (I guess you have to see it to understand).  Once you get past the greeters and pull up to a spot in the field (any ol’ place you like)… you have almost made it.

Turn your radio dial to 103.9FM and you will hear light music, an occasional announcement, and the service when it begins.

But wait, there’s more!  Up towards the boat (that’s what we call the building that looks like a boat) on the right, are the bathrooms (cleaned and ready for use) as well as free coffee and donuts.  You will also find an assorted group of folks talking, sharing, and willing to say hello.  You can stay and chat or take your goodies back to your car.

The service will include songs, singing (words provided in the bulletin), communion and offering, and a sermon.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by.  After the sermon, feel free to drive towards the boat to exit and you can speak with the minister as you leave.  We always like to say hello!

The service starts at 8:30am and is always done before 9:30am because that is when Sunday School starts inside.

By the way, during December of 2012, NBCC celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our Drive-In service, the only Drive-In service in Tampa.  In 1972, at the suggestion of senior minister, Rev. Dean Burton, the church bought the land and used it to create a drive-in ministry.  A neighbor donated a salvaged boat for use as the pulpit. Burton preached the first sermon from "Noah's Ark" December 3, 1972.  At that time, a pole and sound system, like those at drive-in movies, was used so that attendees in their cars could hear the service.  In 1988, worshipers began tuning into a radio frequency for the church service when a new underground broadcasting system was installed and the ark replaced with the current building designed to look like a boat.  This building was named the “DiscipleShip,” which is in use today.

And that’s what you can expect at the Drive-In Service!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

The Story Chapter 8 / When Your Mistakes Land You Before a Judge

A minister once told a story:

“It was my ninth grade year at Robert E. Lee Jr. High in San Angelo, Texas.  My student council job was to broadcast the morning announcements.  It was the first step in my dream of becoming an on-air personality.  My team and I added a little spice to the traditionally droll morning litany of announcements.
For awhile things went fine.  Then one day Amy Cassles had an idea.  Instead of just reading off the list of birthdays, Amy wanted to sing the birthday song.  It was my show and I gave her the go-ahead.  We imagined our imaginary ratings soaring.  But then, halfway through the song, Amy busted out laughing uncontrollably.
            At the end of our program there was dead silence.  Until our principal, Mr. Snodgrass, asked to see us.  A look of terror struck the eyes of my team.  I know because their eyes were staring right at me.  In a moment of extreme bravery on my part, I led the way into Mr. Snodgrass’ office.  Mr. Snodgrass was a retired military commander and we felt like we were going before the judge in a court martial.”

Judges elicit a sense of fear, don’t they?  They never call you in for something you have done right.  We think of them as someone who harshly tells us what we did wrong.  And they seem to be everywhere these days on television.  There’s Judge Judy and Hatchett.  Mathis and Christina and Judge Brown. 

Then there are some judges you may not know.  They even have a book in the Bible with their name on it.  Judges.  These judges appeared on the scene to help sort out right and wrong.  They also helped people get out of trouble.

God’s people kept putting themselves into a never ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance.  Judges like Deborah and Gideon and Samson helped them find their way back to God. 

What did the people do that was so bad they needed judges?  Two things.  First, they failed to put God first in their lives (Judges 1:28).  And secondly, they did not teach their children to know God (Judges 2:10).  These two “sins” led to their downfall and ruin.

Are you making the same mistakes they made?  If so, you have a judge that can help you––Jesus.

The good news is that when he “calls” you into his office after you've messed up, you will look up to see your judge’s face and see your savior there.

The Story Chapter 6 / Decisions You Make Affect Those Traveling With You

Every parent has been there.  The trip ahead is long.  The travel schedule is tight.  You hit the road with a full tank, confident the plan you have crafted beats anything AAA could muster.  But twenty minutes down the highway you hear a small, squeaky voice from the backseat.  The artillery begins to bombard you.  The questions.

Some you expected.  Are we there yet? How much longer? Can we get something to eat?

The next barrage is unexpected. Who was the first person to decide to squeeze those things on a cow and drink whatever came out? Why does our dog get mad at us when we blow in his face but when we take him on a car ride he sticks his head out the window?

Every parent has been there.  Questions from the backseat.  You come to expect them.  Every journey to a destination includes them.  The same is true for the journey of faith.  Just like kids on a trip we get tired of the journey.  We want to know when we can stop. 

We get tired of serving. 

We get tired of waiting. 

We get tired of the people we’re traveling with. 

And we grumble.  The Israelites did.  They complained about the food, about the place they were traveling, and about their ‘driver’ Moses. Grumbling does not set well with God.  In fact, our grumbling can lead to our wandering.  When offered the chance to leave Kadesh and enter the Promised Land, the Israelites listened to the fear-filled report from ten spies instead of the faith-full report of Joshua and Caleb. 

Kadesh means “Spring of Decision” and it was time for one.  They were in the right place to make the right decision.  But the majority made the wrong one.  The people wished they had died in the desert.  So God told them they would get their wish.  They would wander until the unbelieving generation died out.

And they did.  They wandered in the Wilderness for forty years.  And their children were impacted by their decisions.

The decisions you make affect those around you, just like the decisions the Israelites made at Kadesh.  You can decide to grumble or be thankful.  You can decide to turn away from God or turn toward God.  You can decide to wander without purpose through life or follow God’s vision for your life.

Just don’t forget that those in the backseat will be affected by your decisions.

The Story Chapter 4 / When You Are Walled In, Look for the Way Out

There’s a wall in front of you.  Behind you is a past you are running from.  Beyond the wall awaits the promise of a new life.  But you’re not moving because there is this “wall.”  You feel trapped.  No way out.  This is just the sort of situation in which God does some of his finest work. 

You need only ask the Israelites.  Behind them was a life of back-breaking work and slavery.  Ahead of them was a life in the land of Promise.  Behind them was the fierce army of a fanatical Pharaoh coming towards them.  Ahead of them was a wall.  Their obstruction was made of water.

Your “wall” may be a fear of failure.  Or maybe it’s a lack of confidence that has grinded your progress to a halt.  Or it could merely be too many problems that have piled up in front of you at the same time.

And you have no clue which one to tackle first. 

So you stopped. 

And you aren't sure if there is a way over, around, or under this imposing impediment. 

At this point many people panic.  Anxiety courses its way through the body, atrophies the movement muscles, and rigor mortise overtakes their resolve.  Eyes which once had clear focus now only focus on the wall just inches away.  But some look elsewhere.  The Israelites looked to Moses.  They began belting him with blame.  Have you done the same?    Blame the boss.  Blame a co-worker.  Blame your dog.  Blame God.  Maybe even blame yourself?   Blame all you want but the wall remains.  While the Israelites were body punching Moses, he opted to look elsewhere.  His options?  He could have looked at the enemy’s army.  He could have looked at the ungrateful people he led.  He could have looked at the wall of water spread out before him, sat down, and given up. 

Instead he looked to God.  And God opened an unlikely route through the wall of water.  Safely on the other side, the very wall that had halted their steps closed in on and covered the sources of their fears. 

The very name of the book where we find this story serves as a reminder when we face our “walls.”  “Exodus” is a compound Greek word meaning “the way out.”  And in case you might have missed it, the way out was not a better job, a different spouse, or a victim mentality.  No, the way out is God.  Next time you find yourself up against a wall try looking to Him.  

The Story Chapter 3 / Trading in Your Dreams for Another’s

People nearing mid-life often crash into some startling and unexpected observations. For instance, we all dreamed big dreams when we were younger.  But as we move at a break-neck pace through our twenties, thirties, and forties, we eventually slam head on into the realization that some of our dreams will never be realized…which is a big fat sports car inducing tantrum which many fall victim to.

That observation throws some people into a mid-life crisis.  Some don’t make it that far with their aspirations, having already given them up somewhere along the way.  Some run into conflict that makes them weary and they settle for less.  Still others make bold decisions to trade one dream in for another… sometimes helpful and sometimes hurtful.

That’s what Joseph did.  Talk about dreams!  He had some big ones.  At seventeen he dreamed his ten older brothers would bow down to him.  It’s enough he dreamed that dream.  What makes it worse is that he told his brothers about it.  The older brothers already had issues with the younger son.  Their father favored Joseph.  He had even given him a valuable, multi-colored coat.  That’s the modern-day equivalent of a parent of four teenagers giving one an iPhone and the other three a stack of quarters each for a pay phone (assuming they could find one on their travels).  The brothers banded together and tossed the dreamer in a ditch, eventually selling him into slavery at the first opportunity.   The next thing Joseph knew he was waking up in Egypt.

From there his life was a roller-coaster thrill ride. 

One minute a slave. 

The next in charge of an Egyptian official’s house. 

The next in prison. 

The next in charge of the prison. 

Then he found himself in front of Pharaoh, called upon to interpret the leader’s dreams. 

With God’s help he was able to warn Pharaoh he would have seven years of abundant crops that he should be put in storehouses in anticipation of seven years of famine.  Recognizing his wisdom, Pharaoh put Joseph second in command of all of Egypt.

And because of God’s personal involvement in his life, he was able to save his family that God would one day build into a nation.  Joseph was in position to bring his family to Egypt and give them the most fertile land to work.  And it was definitely fertile.  In the time they were there they were “fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7).  Joseph could have lost his life getting caught up in the details of his life, chasing his dreams and desires.  Instead, he chose a better story.  God’s story. 

You can do the same.  If your life’s dream has stalled, look to God. If your dream now realized is not all you thought it would be, look to God. He can give you another dream.  A better one, not according to the world’s standard but God’s criterion.  Just like Joseph’s.  Then you’ll have a story to tell.

The Story Chapter 1 / God’s Great Passion is to Be With You

Some movies start at warp speed.  Case in point: Star Trek.  From the opening scene to the end it barely lets you breathe… I like movies like that.  If you slip out for popcorn you were sure to miss something important.  And yet, people did.  This disturbs me greatly since I am a movie snob.  I think the way to maximize the movie-going experience is to be in your seat at least 20 minutes early.  Never done that?  Then next time you go to a movie look around and spot the person that is in the prime seat—dead middle, eye level with the center of the screen.  That’s what 20 minutes early gets you.   Popcorn and drink in hand, nothing will move this person from their secured spot for the duration of the movie.

That’s where you need to be for God’s story.  Its opening scene also starts with a relentless pace that doesn't let up.  The first line reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  Right off the bat we find the main character in the story is not you or me… it’s the Almighty God in all His Creative Glory.  And the rest of The Story will unfold out of the nature and person of this character.  Just ten words in and there is enough action to leave you breathless. 

It doesn't take long to find out what God’s great passion is.  Birds?  Nope.  Animals?  Not quite. Sun, moon or stars?  No, in Genesis 1:31 we find that God made human beings and the Scriptures say, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”  Notice the “VERY.”  That word is added from all the other days.  Also in Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.”  Sounds nice if you are in a hot, humid climate, doesn't it?  And yet the “cool of the day” is not the focus.  God is, and He is near.  He is right with Adam and Eve.  And He is right here with us.  His simple vision for his creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them.  God’s supreme passion is to be with us. 

Some of you have lived your life with the idea that God is some angry cosmic kill-joy who sits in the heavens and watches you, waiting for you to make a mistake so He can zap you.  Or, you feel He is distant and doesn't care or has simply forgotten you.  But from the beginning He has shown us this is not the case.  He wants to be with you.  He has not forgotten you.   In fact, this might be the perfect time for you to go for a walk with Him.  God created you and He thought it was “very good” and He wants to walk personally with you through this life.

IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE READING

Bible reading should be an important part of our daily lives. Pastor Rick Warren wrote, “The Bible teaches that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ if we do not have a regular intake of the Word of God.”

John Charles (or J.C.) Ryle (1816–1900) was born at Macclesfield and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford. He was a fine athlete who rowed and played Cricket for Oxford, where he took a first class degree in Greats and was offered a college fellowship (teaching position) that he declined. The son of a wealthy banker, he was destined for a career in politics before answering a call to ordained ministry. He became the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool and was a prolific writer and speaker.

In an article titled “Bible Reading,” he wrote:

Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is ‘able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!

If what J.C. Ryle wrote is true, then why do so many people find it hard to consistently read the Bible? Some say the language is too hard, some can’t find connection in reading random and short snippets. Some try hard, but can’t get past the lines of genealogies, lists of rules and duplicate stories and events.

            The Story provides a solution to all those objections. It is developed so any person can read the Bible as one seamless story from beginning to end. The Story is condensed into thirty-one accessible chapters and it sweeps the reader into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events. It’s arranged chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. It uses clear, accurate and easy-to-understand language to communicate the Truth and revelation of God’s story.

The Story is excellent for personal reading, but it’s also available for church-wide use. The Story Church Campaign has all the resources necessary for everyone (from young children to seniors) to participate in a unifying and personally gratifying experience.

            The Story is coming to NBCC in 2013!

MAKE THE WALLS COME DOWN

The Story Church Campaign offers a number of ways for churches to make the walls fall down when it comes to their people’s understanding and knowledge of the Bible.

Mark Coughlin, Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church in Lake Forest, MN shared an example of this recently with us:

“Our Children’s ministry researched the dimensions and size of the wall of Jericho. They had the kids cut paper in one foot squares and taped them together. After worship service, our folks saw our children’s leader bring in a 30 foot extension ladder. The kids filed in carrying a train of paper “bricks.” With the ladder against the wall, our leader put the papers up. It was a stunning visual of the actual wall height (27 feet) in Jericho. It brought The Story (and God’s story) to life because little things like this stick in people’s minds.

Pastor Coughlin adds, “People are hungry to learn what the Bible is all about.”

The Story Church Campaign is a fully-resourced program that will help your people connect with the Bible and God’s story of redemption. Because of its flexible, yet all-encompassing program, you can be creative, like Immanuel church and others, in the way you help you people connect and experience God’s story.

The Story is coming to NBCC and will make the walls fall down!

“THE STORY”… COMING TO NBCC IN 2013

What Pastors and Church Leaders Say

"I have loved The Story series. It has been a great journey for me, for my preaching, and for our members. We have had visitors throughout the entire series and have given over 100 books away... Getting God's word into people hands is always a good thing!"
Tim Halstead, Senior Pastor

New Life Community Church

Odessa, TX

"Quite often I have been asked what The Story is. What I tell questioners is that The Story is a condensed chronological account of the Bible telling the story of creation, what went wrong, and how all will be made right again. Who God is, who we are, and the meaning and purpose of life."
Jim Barker, Adult Sunday School Teacher

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

SPARKING CONVERSATION

"We’re excited about The Story. It has our church talking about the Bible more than anything else. It offers an opportunity for the congregation to gel. It really becomes the watercolor conversation!"
Mark Whitlock, Pastor
Christ Our Redeemer, A.M.E. Church
Irvine, California

LOVING SCRIPTURE

“So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. Our groups also loved it as we followed the preaching track – giving them a year of growth together.”
Eric Camfield
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Oak Brook, IL

CONNECTING FAMILIES

“We have enjoyed walking through the Bible in a chronological manner. In addition, we have LOVED being on the same page as our parents.”
Julie Chors, Director of Children’s Ministry
Hosanna Church
Lakeville, MN

UNITING CONGREGATIONS

“The campaign resources have been an incredible plus. This has really given our church a united focus and we are becoming more united because of it.”
Derek Stemen, Senior Pastor
Ohio City United Methodist Church
Ohio City, OH

DRAWING SEEKERS

“People began literally parking illegally in the access roads to participate in the experience.”
Max Lucado, Minister of Preaching
Oak Hills Church
San Antonio, TX

OUTREACH

"We were told that Debbie’s parents (one of our members) visited our church on Week 1 of The Story, and were so thrilled with what they were seeing and hearing that morning that they went out and bought copies of The Story for their whole church."

Davida Lambert
Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"As a whole, The Story increased our church's biblical literacy. So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. It also brought awareness of the value of regularly reading Scripture as a spiritual discipline."

Eric Camfield
Christ Church

Oakbrook, IL

GROWTH

"We are already seeing almost a 20% increase in attendance. Not only are our members excited, we are seeing a lot of new faces all of a sudden. We are bracing for the fact that we have underestimated crowds. We're currently packing out our 1200 seat facility and we only have one service going now."
Travis Eades, Worship Pastor

Southwest Church of Christ

Jonesboro, AR

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

"We have LOVED being on the same page as our parents. That is a connection that cannot be beat."
Julie Cohrs, Director of Children's Ministry

Hosanna Church

Lakeville, MN

"The Story has had an amazing impact on the level of comprehension our students have of the Bible. They can now see the big picture so much easier in the Old Testament than they did before. They feel they have a better grasp on the Bible itself, and can now see ONE connected story."
Crysty Kimberlin, Youth Leader

Preston Rd. Church of Christ

Dallas, TX

"Many of our teens are reading the Bible for the first time. They are engaged in the learning process and are asking good questions. Several of them have started discussion groups outside the church (in their homes) for their school friends."
Youth Ministry Leader

Bay Harbour United Methodist Church

League City, TX

SMALL GROUPS

"Everything we've been using has been OUTSTANDING! The discussion questions for small groups are stimulating. We can spend an entire hour on three of the ten questions. Several of our members plan to use them for personal study. The Story may be one of the most important movements in the city and beyond."
Alana Ownby, Small Group Leader

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"The Story provided an amazing synergy and common focus like nothing we have ever done here at Oak Hills. Someone in our small group mentioned that they now have a clear understanding of the terms Upper and Lower Story, and that has made a difference in how they understand the circumstances in their daily lives."
Pat Hile, Small Groups Pastor

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

Through my eyes...

Being Christian….

A new school year has brought many new challenges. 6^th grade is a whole new ball game. Switching classes, 5 different teachers, new curriculum….its all different! But luckily, I have all the classes with my friends and that’s all I could ask for.

One obstacle I had to get past was that I had to make new friends. At school, I am a very open person. I try to be open about my religion also, talking about God in certain classes if I can. That lets people know that I am a Christian. I sometimes get made fun of for being so open about it. Those guys, yes, are my friends, but they just don’t get it. Many of you have seen on Facebook that my friend, Summer, is Greek. She is very, very proud of that. But, she doesn’t believe in God. She told me her mom was a Christian, but stopped believing when her mom got married to her dad, who is from the island of Crete in Greece. My goal this school year is to show her how much I care about her by showing her the love of Jesus. Starting with Facebook. I want her to choose to love God. And I am going to help, in any way I can.

Through my eyes……….People should love God no matter what country they are from!

Abby

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: The Final Installment

            How truly blessed I am, God has blessed me so much through this internship at NBCC and in my walk with him.  I want to first thank all of the staff. You all were wonderful and dealt with me lovingly. I know there is a special place in heaven for you now. I learned so much from each of you and will take what I have learned and use it to further God’s kingdom. Do not worry your words did not fall on unwilling ears. Your thoughts, ideas, and actions will be used in my life and I am extremely grateful for each lesson I was taught.

            Second, I want to thank the church members for all the love and support. I am still astonished by the welcoming I received from each of you. Not once did I feel unwelcomed or out of place. Everyone was generous to me and received me with warm hearts. I owe you each a sensory thank you. I pray that God will keep you and bless you and may his face shine upon you.

            Third and most importantly, I want to thank my Lord and savoir Jesus Christ for all that he has done for me this summer. I praise him and continually thank him for such a loving and teachable internship. May he be glorified for all that was done in the church and in me.

            I am sad that this is my last blog. This blog was therapeutic in many ways. I was able to vent and express my feelings in ways I never have before. I enjoyed your feedback and was glad to write to an audience who would read my thoughts. Rather than a journal which is so one sided. It was a pleasure to be able to communicate my feelings and ideas with people. People who new me and truly cared about what I had to say. I thank you for reading and taking the time out to hear what I have to say. I hope that you have been blessed by me as I have been so blessed by each of you.

I know that God has a plan for my life and my prayer is that I will fully engage in his kingdom whole hardly without selfish means, so that his gospel is spread to all nations and disciples are made. 

Krisitan Beasley

Former Ministry Intern

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosperyou and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Through My Eyes...hanging with the Jetts!

Summer is already almost over! (Well, for me anyway.) This past week was a little thing I like to call VBS. I have been going to VBS since I was really little. I even have a certificate from when I was only a few months old saying I went to VBS! My summer has been great, starting with BigStuf and I’m ending it with a week of Lake Aurora with my best friend, Miya. 

A few days ago, Bethany Jett invited me over to her house for wings. I said yes. (Of course, I couldn’t pass on wings…) It was basically my first time going over to Bethany’s house as a “Youth Groupie.” I went over there, and I thought it was going to be a lot of people. I walked in and Jedidiah and Josiah were eating while watching Jeremy play Lego Batman on this gigantic screen TV. The Jett boys are all boy...all I can say. They are probably the cutest, squirmiest kids on the planet. So, since Sean, Kagan, and Justin were playing video games, I took the opportunity to play with them. Jedidiah and I played for a while, then Jeremy came in, and little Josey walked in, too. I walked out when Bethany put the kids to bed. Justin, Sean, and Kagan went to get the wings when Janine walked in. Bethany, Natalie, and I were playing a game of Hand and Foot. We squeezed Janine in and played for about another 15 minutes. When the wings came, they were in a big tin basket, almost the length of an oven. They were pretty good wings! We watched a show called Psych. It’s about this dude who pretends to be psychic to solve crimes for the local police. I stayed till about 11 p.m. I had a lot of fun, so I hope I can go over again.

Through my eyes…..I loved going over to the Jett’s house.

                                                                      Abby J

The Golden Years

It all began at a very early age, I think somewhere between 9 and 11. That was when I took my first job selling newspaper subscriptions, then in the fifth grade I bought produce from my neighbor who had a farm, taking the produce in my wagon around the neighborhood and reselling the vegetables and fruit.  In May of 2007 it began to come to fruition.  That is when I turned 59 ½ and the government let me do with my 401k investments as I wanted without penalty.  Then in November of 2009 I hit the magic number of 62 and became SSE (social security eligible).  I put in my paperwork to retire on June 30^th 2010, choosing this date since the company I worked for was changing, reducing and just messing with our retirement money on July 1^st 2010.  Had I known that I was/am this good at doing nothing, I would have planned my retirement much, much sooner.  I say that in jest, as it now seems that I need to return to work just to take a break.  I never had this much going on when I was working and now do not know how I find the time to keep it all going.  God has blessed Kate and I with enough of what we need that we can do many of the things we want to do and because He has blessed Kate with a good paying job that we Pray she can keep till she can retire in April of 2013.  I would urge anyone who reads this (regardless of your age) to attend one of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University courses, I promise you that it will make a great positive difference in your financial situation and the way you handle your finances.  Just as when I worked Monday through Friday and took Saturday off and used Sunday to worship our Lord, I still do the same thing in retirement with a few exceptions.  I now cut some of my neighbors yards during the grass growing season to pick up some extra spending cash, my grand kids spend much of the summer with us and I take them to the water park Monday through Friday (adventure island has a summer pass that is $50.00 and the kids can go every Monday through Friday), we still go to the airport and park on the top level (first hour is free) and watch the planes takeoff and land, riding the long term trolley as a small train going nowhere and then go to the third floor and have breakfast and visit some of the shops.  One of the most special things I get to do now (again, I would urge any and all of you who can, to do this as often as you can) is work for the Church on Tuesday afternoon.  While the Church staff is in their weekly meeting, I get to update some of the reports, prepare drive-in service bulletins, answer the phones and anything else Shirley will let me do.  My Prayer every Tuesday morning is that my work at and for the Church will make my Lord smile (Having done some stupid things before that is not a far reach if He is watching me).  I think sometimes when it sounds like thunder outside, it is really the Lord laughing at me or something I did or said.  I am also able to devote more time to our Missions Program at NBCC and to more easily go when we have trips planned.  One of the more personal things I am able to do in my retirement is read those books I was not able to during my working years.  One last story for you about my retirement.  We do not always have a weekly income  and for decades I have been accustomed to tithing on a weekly basis, not too long back I had no income for the week and could not bear the thought of not writing a tithe check, so I wrote one (my concern was for breaking my habit, since we had plenty of money in the bank to cover the check) and put it in my envelope and went to Church as usual to do my 8:00 AM greeting and pass out bulletins.  In walked two of my favorite people and he handed me a CASH for three times the amount of my tithe to help me pay for the missions trip I was going on.  AIN’T GOD GREAT?!!!!! 

John Hartley

elder