NorthRidge Church & Christian Academy

Dec 2010
Haines City Florida
Volume 2, Issue 10

orthRidgeNe ws
Our News Reaching You; Reaching Out to You

A Message From Pastor David

This evening (11.29.10) Karen and I had the privilege of spending a few minutes with Tom
and Bobbie White prior to them leaving for California. Bobbie‟s sister passed away on
Sunday and they are in hopes of spending some time with family as they gather in memorial.
As Tom and Bobbie spoke of her sister, they were clear to say that “she was ready to go, she
knew the Lord as her Savior.”
These memorials or funerals are often sober reminders of our own mortality. They have a
way of quietly bringing us face to face with the fact that one day we too will die. Death is a
patient and perpetual enemy that reduces all our arguments about life down to one truth: one
day, we will die. But, for the Christian, this death is simply a step toward the fullness of life that awaits us in the presence
of the Lord; in Whom we have placed all of our hopes and confidence. We know that death is not the end, and so at
funerals, especially those of believers, we have a future hope that we see our loved ones again. We are comforted by this
and the pain of their passing is made more bearable.
What about the unbeliever, the person who has not yet begun his/her relationship with Christ? For them, death will be
an awakening. Right now, they are not aware that death's present sleep is allowing them to have a false sense of
security. One day, for them, death will awaken and claim them and when it does, they too will awaken to the harsh reality
that there is a pure and holy God who requires all who are in His presence to be pure, like him - a purity that they do not
possess. For now, the unsaved fight against God by refusing to submit to Him. They are fleeing the truth of God's love
and God's Son. But the sting of death will abruptly awaken them. Then they will see the spiritual reality and realize that
they have lived a false dream without God all the while not worrying about what the future will bring. They will weep on
that day when they no longer sleep.
The sleep, the dark – now holds the lost,
They walk in dreams of hope and foolish thought.
They shun, they ignore, the day of awakening,
The day by death, the great eye-opening.
They lived a dream of hope – less God.
They lived and knew His story.
On that day they'll see and then they'll weep,
That day when no longer – they sleep.
Death is not the most pleasant subject. But it is an important one because death is the result of sin in the world and sin
and death are all around us. Sin brought death. "The sting of death is sin..." (1 Cor. 15:56).
If you are not a believer in Jesus (God in flesh, John 1:1, 14; risen from the dead, John 2:19-21), then you are yet dead in
your trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). The only way to escape the righteous judgment of God is to receive Jesus as Savior
(John 1:12), to call upon His name (Rom. 10:9-10), and to trust in Him alone for the forgiveness of your sins so that you
might be made right before God (Rom. 5:1).
If you are a believer, then you already know what it means to be forgiven and to have the hope of the future resurrection
in Christ. We look forward, with hope and joy, to that day when death will free us from our bonds of flesh so that we
might forever dwell with the Lord. We are not asleep. We are alive and well in Christ and when He returns, or our
bodies fail us, we will live with Him forever more. That is the hope that has come through Christmas – the gift of God‟s
Son – our Redeemer and our Hope.
-Pastor David
Expressions of Worship:
Christmastime is here. Of course, along with Christmas come many well-loved Christmas
Carols and seasonal songs on the radio and at church. I was reminded of this as I was
working in my garage this past weekend. I found myself singing along and whistling to
almost every one of them that came through the airwaves. It amazes me how many of
those songs that I know from heart and how much time that I personally spend
reminiscing about past experiences.
The other night, Ruth and I were driving home and heard Johnny Mathis‟ Winter
Wonderland being played. However, Johnny Mathis‟ song did not make me think about the
rare, wet December snowfalls in North Carolina, nor did it give me a great desire to build
a snowman in a meadow. It did, however, remind me of an aging couple that I spent
some time with back in college; but not for any obvious reasons. It seems that anytime I
hear Johnny Mathis, I remember the words of this husband of over fifty years. Concerning Mathis, he said, “I don‟t
see how anyone can fall in love without the voice of Johnny Mathis.” It seems that this couple had found a bond in
the sweet voice of this love-song-standard‟s songster.
That seemed especially comical to me as a twenty-one year old student, but I still chuckle in sweet remembrance of
that couple today. You see, they reflected love in a unique way toward one another. Their life was wrapped up in their
love for God and one another in a way that I have rarely seen. As I think about the upcoming days and weeks before
Christmas, I am sure that there will be days of stress with regards to visiting family and friends…but I hope to
portray a love that is rooted in an unending love that God has for me.
While I recognize that there will undoubtedly be times of stress, I also know that there will be times of joy and
relaxation. The point I want to make is that these times of joy must be where I choose to reflect in future times. Just
as I remember this loving couple every time I hear Johnny Mathis (and am reminded of how I should love my wife), I
must also find positive things to reminisce about when I think back. In his final chapter to the Philippians, the
Apostle Paul reminded his brothers of the importance of this very thing (dwelling on the positive).

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if
there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil. 4:8, ESV
When you listen to Christmas songs this year or bake something that sends you on a mental journey to previous
years, listen for something greater than before. Listen for God‟s reminder of His goodness and love. Listen for things
that are pure and honorable. As difficult as this can be amid hectic schedules and family functions, I believe that the
rewards for settling your mind on such things will demonstrate God‟s overwhelming gifts to you. Merry Christmas!
~Pastor Terrill

What I’m Listening To:

Merry Christmas North Point Christmas Move

Johnny Mathis Various Artists Third Day

Released 1958 Released September 28, 2010 Released October 18, 2010
From the Desk of Pastor Harold
It is November 17th. In our Bible reading today I was reminded how God
protects His holy name despite our short falls and sometimes intentional sinful
actions that cause Him shame.
“Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you
back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you
brought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great
name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my
holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will
know that I am the Lord. … And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit
in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. .... You will
be my people, and I will be your God. I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior… Then you will remember your past
sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did. But remember, says the Sovereign Lord, I am not
doing this because you deserve it. O my people of Israel, you should be utterly ashamed of all you have done.
Ezekiel 36:22-32
As I was reading I also remembered a phone call I received Monday evening about God‟s goodness
and another way He brings glory to Himself and to His holy name. It was a reminder of II Peter
3:9 that says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is
longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
My sister Trish called me after returning from a visit to a friend whose father had past away. Her
friend Jennifer had struggled with the life her father had lived and was troubled concerning his
relationship with God. Jennifer had asked us to pray for her dad, Robert Koepkey, when he
became terminally ill early in the summer. I received this message in an email 8-30-2010, “He's in a
hospital in South Bend, IN area. Do you have anyone you know in that area that may go to visit
him? He's a very mean-spirited person. Not sure if he would be receptive or cuss 'em out,
though.” Jennifer had been shut down many times trying to share Christ with her father. He just
would not talk about spiritual matters.
God still protects His holy name and is very long suffering toward us. The phone call on Monday
evening was to celebrate God‟s goodness and mercy. Derrick, a long time friend of one of Mr.
Robert‟s grandsons had given his life to Christ a while back. Derrick, in his own words, is a born
again, sober alcoholic. He was also concerned about Robert‟s relationship with Christ and wanted
to share Christ with him. Jennifer said there has been a tremendous change in Derrick‟s life style
since he gave his life to Christ. This visible change is what God used to get the attention of
Jennifer‟s father. Robert agreed to listen to Derrick and he led him to Christ two weeks before he
would have died only to spend eternity in hell. The last two weeks were different for Jennifer and
her family as they watched their loved one pass into eternity.
Trish told me Jenifer still struggles some with the decision her father made so late in life. Jennifer
told her, “You just don‟t understand how evil my father was and some of the things he did.” I
believe it is more difficult for us to understand the extended mercy and grace of our Savior who
loves us so much that He is long suffering and uses our messed up life as a testimony to His
goodness if we are willing to be used. And through all that happens, He protects and brings glory
to His holy name.
-Pastor Harold
Cruisin’ Seniors
Join us for a 4 night Bahamas cruise on Royal Caribbean‟s
Monarch of the Seas October 17-21, 2010.
Leaving from Port Canaveral.
Cost: Starting @ $313.00 per person for interior stateroom,
based on double occupancy
A $25.00 per person deposit will hold your room and is due by
December 26th.
Contact Pastor Harold for more info.

Sonshiner’s monthly luncheon:

December 2nd
@ Noon
Pastor Bill will be leading some
students from the Fine arts
Department of the Academy for our
entertainment.
Bring a covered dish and enjoy good
food and fellowship.
This is a great opportunity to invite
someone who needs to get out for
some Christian fellowship and fun.
Bring a neighbor!
 Christmas Caroling
.
Meet in the fellowship hall December 11th @ 9:00 am for
Christmas caroling at the Haines City Nursing Home and
Savannah Court Assisted Living. Plan to come and be
blessed as you share the joy of Christmas with those who
God has placed in our path to celebrate this time of year.

Home-bound Ministry
This is the current group of Home-bound with addresses that are being ministered to at this
time. If you know of others that would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rowena Daley or
call the church office @ 863.422.4488

Ms. Ina Foley Mr Charles Mayberry

Haines City Health Care
409 South 10th Street
Haines City, FL 33844-5603
(863) 422-8656
Ms. Vera Cook Brandywyne Health Care Center
Ms. Emma Zwirbliss 1801 Lake Mariam Drive
Crossroads Nursing Home. Winter Haven, FL 33884
206 West Orange Street (863) 293-1989
Davenport, FL 33837
863) 422-4961

Ms. Irma Swain Ms. Ruth Copeland

Spring Haven Retirement LLC Ms. Lucille Tiner
1225 Havendale NW Savannah Court assisted living.
Winter Haven, Florida 33881 301 Peninsular Drive
(863)-293-0072 Haines City, FL 33844-5046
(863) 422-5204
Kid’s Korner with Pastor Bill
Probably the most challenging Christmas message I have ever had the privilege
to teach, although found in Luke 2, has absolutely nothing to do with
Bethlehem, angels, shepherds, wisemen, mangers, or even a baby. It is found
in verses 41-52. The reason it is so difficult is that it sounds very similar to our
modern Christmas celebrations. In the passage we see a celebration (v41) that
involves family and friends (v44) and a trip (41-43). It even includes going to
church (v46). We can assume much hustle and bustle as Mary and Joseph
planned, prepared, and packed for this exciting holiday event. Continuing in
the passage, we discover that somewhere in the celebration and the festivities,
Jesus was forgotten about and left behind! The Passover Celebration, although a reminder of the past, was
in fact a prediction of the future when Jesus would become the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
It was supposed to be about Jesus, and yet He was somehow pushed aside as family and friends celebrated
in his absence.
Reading this passage has often convicted me during this busy season. With holiday concerts and parties,
shopping, wrapping and packing gifts, and traveling all over to see family, have we too forgotten that it is
supposed to be about Jesus? It is His birthday and our celebration of His gift of life, given freely to all who
will believe. Let me encourage all of us to not just say things like Jesus is the Reason for the Season, and Wise men
still seek Him. Let us instead make Him the guest of honor at every event and share Jesus with the friends
and family we join in each celebration. Let‟s take time each and every one of our busy days to seek Him.
Merry Christmas!
-Pastor Bill

Meeting Wednesday Nights

6:30-8:00 PM
Cubbies are ages 3-4 Years
Sparks are in K5-2nd Grade
T&T Adventurers are in 3rd-4th Grades
T&T Challengers are in 5th Grade

AWANA December Schedule

December 1st : Silent Night/Mission Exploration
December 8th : Snowman Night
December 15th : AWANA Christmas Caroling Night

December 22nd & 29th : NO AWANA

 NorthRidge
Christian
Academy
Presents
The
Sights
and
Sounds
of
Christmas

NorthRidge Family Fellowship

It‟s not too late! You
may still sign up for the
Christmas Dinner on
Sunday, December 5.
The turkey and ham will
be provided. All you
need to do is volunteer
to bring a side dish or
two. We will enjoy a
great meal, followed by
entertainment provided
by Haines City
Harmony and The
Women‟s Chorus form
Haines City High
School, under the
direction of our very
own Sabra Hatley.
Eternal Youth

Happy December, Church Family

While the joy of eating too much turkey and waking up at 2am to fight the
ravaging hordes of shoppers to get $7 off that $900 television are still fresh in
everyone's heads, I would like to tell you of another joy that I have. Christmas
time usually brings out tradition. Most of you have done your
decorating. Some of you have even finished your Christmas shopping. You
may have already pulled out your advent candles. Many people have the
Christmas story memorized, but do you know where it really all started?
This month, the youth will be learning about where Jesus got his start. For the 3 December weeks of
Fusion, we will be examining the Old Testament mentions of Christ, the prophecies that talk about His
coming, and, finally, celebrating His arrival. While many people know the story of Christ's birth, not many
realize that He has been around since the beginning.
Enjoy the holidays, and pray for me. I usually wait until December 22 to start my Christmas
shopping. Merry Christmas from my family to yours.
Stepping Out in Faith,
-Derrick
 Click here to register for any class
Conversation Conversation Peace: The Power of Transformed Speech -
provides a personal study experience five days a week in this in-
Peace depth women's Bible study. Mary Kassian masterfully presents
seven biblical principles to help women revolutionize their
Class for speech habits and positively avoid sharing gossip, throwing
negative barbs, or snapping sarcastic replies throughout everyday
ladies life. Discover how you can improve your relationships by
allowing God's Word to transform your heart. Various Meeting
Times:
Monday Evening (Times TBD based on registrants)
Tuesday Morning (Times TBD based on registrants)
Wednesday Evening (6:30-8:00)

Managing Our Finances God’s Way

"Managing Our Finances God's Way" is a 7-week video study Class for
occurring on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00. Workbooks
cost $15 and only one per family is required. Couples are urged Individuals
to attend together. Individual course time is one hour.
or Couples

The Miracle of Life Change

Class for Couples
"Pastor Harold & Gina Butler will be leading
a couple‟s class in a study of Ephesians 4,
utilizing a DVD series by Chip Ingram
entitled “The Miracle of Life Change, How
God Transforms His Children.” This series
will provide you with a hands on, interactive,
fresh approach to spiritual
transformation designed to move you from
the frustration of failure to the freedom you
have in Christ. Cost is $20.00 per couple and
includes a study guide for each person. The
class will take place on Wednesday nights
from 6:30-8:00, January 12th-March 16th.
Class for men
Rick Johnson will be leading a men's class
in a study of Ephesians 4,
utilizing a DVD series by Chip Ingram
entitled “The Miracle of Life Change, How
God Transforms His Children.” This series
will provide you with a hands on,
interactive, fresh approach to spiritual
transformation designed to move you from
the frustration of
failure to the freedom you have in
Christ.Cost is $10.00 per person and
includes a study guide. The class will take
place on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00,
January 12th-March 16th.
Upcoming
Events
Lottie Moon,
Seventy one,
Upward
Basketball
Angel Food Ministries

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and
financial support to communities throughout the United States. Each month, Angel Food provides a unique menu
that consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60, yet only costs $31.
There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, of applications needed in order to participate.
Everyone is encouraged to participate. Marty Jenkins is the Host Site Director for NorthRidge Church. Orders are
taken on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15 and every Sunday after service,
except for delivery week.
You may also order online by visiting NorthRidgehc.com

Operation Christmas Child

We want to say a very special „Thank You!‟ to everyone who helped
make our Operation Christmas Child Relay Center a success this year.
Our Relay Center Coordinators, Ted and Carolyn Beasley, did a
fantastic job at making NorthRidge Church a shining light for our
community. We had many volunteers (some who came every day) who
lovingly greeted people and received shoeboxes on their first step in a
journey around the world. We also had many who donated shoeboxes
full of gifts for children around the world. With the help of all of our
volunteers and donors, we received almost 1,000 SHOEBOXES in
our first year as a Relay Center. These shoeboxes are now on their way
to spread the Message of Hope to boys and girls around the world.
Thanks again for your part in sharing hope.
December
Birthdays
Jerry Brooks 12-01
Bailee Couch 12-01
Benji Works 12-01
Sunday services
Herold Figareau 12-02
Bailee Couch 12-01
Aaron Fowler 12-03
Bradly Fowler 12-03
Dylan Singleton 12-03 Sunday Morning Café -8:45am
Kyle Raemisch 12-05 Sunday School -9:20
Jordan McGuire 12-05 Worship Service -10:30am
Renee McGuire 12-06
(also Kids' Church K5-3rd)
Tommy Sheek 12-07
Michael Chandler 12-07
Millie Kimbrel 12-08
Donald Norton 12-10
Samantha Swafford 12-12
Devon Widener 12-12 Wednesday
Kermit Sims 12-13 5:45-6:45 -Prayer in Sanctuary
Gloria Wilkinson 12-13
Url Utterback 12-14
Evening 6:45-7:45 -Coffee and Bible study
in Fellowship Hall
Sadie Rutledge 12-15
Sherry Carver 12-16
Worship
Kalee Thompson 12-19
Virginia Johnson 12-21
Rhetta Sutton 12-21
Morgan Porter 12-21
Patty Brewer 12-21
Isaiah Matthews 12-22
Linwood Wiley 12-23
Chris Fetes 12-23
Leilani Price 12-23
Andy Reed 12-24
Robert Schutte 12-27
Bethany Brewer 12-28
Deborah Ferguson 12-29

Church Office
Hours-Monday -Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm. If you need to contact
the Pastor On Call you can at any time by calling the Church
Office 863-422-4488 and leaving a message in the “On Call”
mailbox (ext. 2104) The Pastor that is on call for the week will
return your call ASAP.