NBCB Newsletter 1-2-2025

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 3:12-14

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Happy New Year NBC Berkeley!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. It was wonderful seeing so many people at our Christmas Eve Service! As we focus on the New Year, I want to encourage you to memorize and internalize Philippians 3:12-14 and Ephesians 3:20-21. 2025 is a new start. I hope this year you will have the same attitude as the Apostle Paul. I pray you will leave what is in the past, both the good and bad and concentrate on the goal of getting to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ even more intimately. I pray that this year will be a year of unprecedented spiritual growth for you, and it can be if you want it to be. I also want to encourage you to pray that God will do far more abundantly all we ask or think through Northwood Berkeley in the coming year. May God do something so amazing that only He can get the glory for it.

I want to thank James for preaching in my absence last week. I had prepared a sermon and was ready to preach from Acts 2:41-47. Complications from my recent lumbar puncture left me with unbearable pain in my head and neck. I am so thankful in God’s providence James had prepared a sermon from 3 John for preaching lab. Any good preacher should have a sermon ready to preach in a pinch. I’m grateful James was willing and able to share God’s Word. Speaking of Preaching Lab, Josh will be sharing a message from 2 John this Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. for Preaching Lab. Please bring your favorite sports watching food for fellowship afterwards.

On Sunday morning we will be launching a new Young Adult Life Connection Group. If you are a recent high school graduate or a twenty to thirty something, please join us at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Study and fellowship. This Sunday morning, we will also be sharing the Lord’s Supper together. This coming Sunday we will also be to affirm Alex Valdez as our new Youth and Young Adult Minister. Alex and Maddie have met with our Personal Committee and the committee is excited to recommend calling Alex to this important ministry role.

I didn’t get a chance to expound upon this past Sunday, but you may have seen the bulletin insert about the Northwood Berkeley 555 Plan for 2025. Here is the 555 Plan in a nutshell.