Sunday, December 18, 2011

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas!!!

On behalf of the Women's Ministry Leadership Team   
 We wish you a very Merry Christmas, one that is filled with thanksgiving, love, goodness, and peace.  

Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!! 


Enjoy this incredible Christmas Medley



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Godly Character

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  —Romans 5:3–5 NKJV

God wants to restore all of our character to godliness. Habit is actually character. Habits are formed by discipline or the lack of discipline. Our character is basically what we do over and over. It is what other people have come to expect of us, such as being on time or how we respond in a certain circumstance. Over time, habits become part of our character.

We should not get legalistic about our character issues, but we do need to make an effort to develop character in those areas where we know we have problems. Changes in character come about by developing new habits. We need to commit ourselves to changing these faulty habits every time we confront them.

Godly character has much to do with discipline and the habits we form. Just as you can develop the habit of being on time, you can develop the habit of listening or giving to other people. You can choose to be kind and gentle, to watch your words, to pray and give thanks. It’s about all of your life being shaped into the image of Christ.

Lord, You see my character flaws and weaknesses, and yet You still love me. Help me to discipline myself in those areas that still need changing. Amen.

From the book The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2011 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

 

Monday, December 12, 2011

NorthStar News...........


Announcements for Week of December 11, 2011

Holiday Schedule
  • Children’s Christmas Musical Dec. 21st, 7pm, Sherrill (kids welcome to come in pajamas)
  • Christmas Eve Services, Dec. 24th, 4:30pm and 6pm, Sherrill
  • No Christmas Day Services
  • 9am and 11am services on Jan. 1st only...no 6pm service
  • No Wednesday night services Dec. 28th or Jan. 4th
Other News
  • Volunteers needed to help for the Water Angels Christmas Program Dec. 18th. Volunteers are needed to help prepare for event on Sat. Dec. 17th. Sing up at Connection Point or call Vicki at 591-2890 or 591-8716.
  • 2011 Giving Statements will be printed by YOU using the profile you create on NorthStar’s website. Members and non-members alike need to create a pro-file...directions are on the back or your worship guide.
  • NorthStar on iTunes - If you have to miss a Sunday, want to listen again, or share the service with a friend you may access the sermon from the website or get it as a podcast from iTunes.

Have a great week!!!  

Sunday, December 4, 2011

NorthStar News!!

 

NorthStar News For the Week of December 4 - 11, 2011

  • Currently serving or interested in serving in the Preschool ministry? There will be a meeting immediately following the 11am service on Dec. 11th. Lunch will be provided. Please, sign up at Connection Point or call church office. 
  • Church at the Joe, tomorrow, 6:30pm. We need your help to get the word out. Go the their page on Facebook, “Like” the page, and forward the event “Church at the Joe—December 5th Service” to your friends from your friends list.
  • Volunteers needed to help for the Water Angels Christmas Program Dec. 18th
    • Help prepare for it on Sat. Dec. 17th
    • Person with truck needed to help on Fri. Dec. 16th
    • Sign up at Connection Point or call Vicki at 591-2890 or 591-8716
  • 2011 Giving Statements will be printed by YOU using the profile you create on NorthStar’s website. Members and non-members alike need to create a profile ...directions are on the back of your worship guide.
  • Ladies: Group rate ticket signups now through Thurs. Dec. 8th to see Beth Moore LIVE in Knoxville Aug. 10th-11th at Thompson Boling Arena. This is the only way to get reserved seats together. $60. Sign up at Connection Point.

Have a blessed week, and we hope you enjoy this week's Christmas Devotional.  Topic - Trusting the Lord in all times!  


Friday, December 2, 2011

Holiday Blues

“I don’t like the holidays,” I whispered.

I used to love holidays, before I was married. Before I felt the pull to be everywhere at the same time. Before any decisions that I made left someone upset or angry or feeling left out.

I struggled with a desire to be home, to start my own traditions with my young children and husband. We were the first to be married in both families, and thus the first to break “how it’s always been.”
Thanksgiving was a time to be thankful. All I felt was stretched thin. Christmas was a time to be joyous but I usually felt frustrated.

As we had children, I tried to mask my frustration with enthusiasm. We had fun setting out pumpkins. We decorated the house. But inside I wrestled because I knew the stress that was coming trying to be all things to all the people in my life.

Looking back, I wonder why I didn’t say anything. Instead, I simply let it fester. I didn’t take into account that if I kept silent things would never change. I just simmered in anger.

Thirty years later, I treasure the holidays. It took time, but I finally learned to share my needs. I found the courage to tell my extended family that trying to be everywhere in such a short time was exhausting.

We all made an effort to see each other’s point of view. We didn’t approach in anger, but with a willingness to work through the conflict with honesty and grace. Some were open. Others were not, especially in the beginning. If they were flexible, we rejoiced. If not, we didn’t take it personally. We knew change takes time.

Perhaps the greatest gift that we received came later. When our children married, suddenly there were several families in the mix. We told our children that it’s not the date on the calendar that makes holidays special. It’s the heart behind the holidays. It’s spending time with people you love.

So, sometimes we get together on Thanksgiving, or maybe the week after. Maybe it’s Christmas only, while Thanksgiving is spent with other family members. If they aren’t with us on a specific day, my husband and I fill that time with a new tradition — just the two of us.

What we discovered is that by letting go, our kids come more often because there’s no pressure. They let us in on their traditions. Regardless of the date, when we do get together we have fun! It’s a gift we give our family and ourselves.

Dear Lord, thank You for my family. I’m grateful for so many things, and one of those is family who loves me enough to want to be with me. Help me to share my needs with my loved ones, and to do it with grace and gentleness. Help me not to take it personal as they struggle with change. If I am the one that is inflexible, help me to bend and grow. Help me to be thankful every day for all that I have been given. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

T. Suzanne Eller for Proverbs 31 Women 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Don't Stay Angry

Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself—it tends only to evildoing.
—Psalm 37:8

The Word tells us another way to resist temptation: When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him] (Ephesians 4:26–27). 

Paul said that we should forgive people to keep Satan from gaining an advantage over us (see 2 Corinthians 2:10–11). If someone offends you, get over it quickly so you won't leave open a door for the devil. 

It is a sin to hold anger and bitterness, so never go to sleep mad. If you forgive everyone before you fall asleep, freedom from wrong attitudes in your heart will help you start your day right the next morning.

From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by Warner Faith. All rights reserved.