Check this out! Have you ever wondered how we keep track of all our children in Journey land? Well here it is, just an example of all the hard work and dedication our volunteer’s and staff give each Sunday morning to our precious little ones.
| 1st service | 2nd service | 3rd service | ||||||||
| kids | vips | kids | vips | kids | vips | repeaters | ||||
| 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| 8 | 4 | 7 | 4 | |||||||
| 9 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| 9 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 12 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | ||||||
| 5 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||
| 3 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 2 | ||||
| 4 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||
| 21 | 11 | 65 | 24 | 39 | 18 | 8 | ||||
| 1st: | 32 | 2nd: | 89 | 3rd: | 57 | total= | 178 | |||
| 1st: | 32 | 2nd: | 89 | 3rd: | 57 | |||
| total= | 178 |
Journey Land/November
It’s hard to believe but November is just around the corner. Only a few days away. This coming week we will start our new series in Journey Land, Thanksgiving.
In big church adults will learn “how to wreck their marriages.” Interesting right? You won’t want to miss any of what’s going on at Truenorth church. Bring a friend, bring your family….bring the kids. Doesn’t matter if your married or not, we all have relationships and this series will relate to all of us.
To follow is a break down of what our kids will learn this week in J-Land. Have a great one….we look forward to loving on some kids this week.
November 1
give thanks to god
Overview
First 5 minutes: Free Play
Next 30 minutes: Small Group curriculum and Craft
Next 10 minutes: Snack, bathroom
Next 15 minutes: Clubhouse
Last 10 minutes: Wrap up, Prayer, Clean up.
Small Group Curriculum
When are times that we give thanks to God? Pause for responses. We can thank God for our food, family and friends. We can also thank Him for presents and blessings. But the Bible tells us to “Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” It also says, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, because He is good. His faithful love continues forever.” Isn’t it good to know that God loves us ALL the time, NO MATTER WHAT? He even loves us when we do the wrong things. He loves us just the same when we are good or bad or happy or sad, and He loves each of us just the same. In fact, He loves us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for each of us and take our punishment for the wrong things we do. He did that because He wants us to live with Him in Heaven one day. Isn’t that a great reason to give thanks to God?
The Bible tells us other reasons to thank God:
- For strength: “I am thankful to Christ Jesus our Lord. He has given me strength. I thank him that he considered me faithful. And I thank him for appointing me to serve him.” 1 Timothy 1:12
- For food: “Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish.” John 6:11
- For wisdom: “God of my people, I thank and praise you. You have given me wisdom and power. You have made known to me what we asked you for. You have shown us the king’s dream.” Daniel 2:23
- For all people: “First, I want all of you to pray for everyone. Ask God to bless them. Give thanks for them.” 1 Timothy 2:1
- For all things: “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything. Give thanks to him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
We’re going to make a craft now and write down things we can thank God for. Assemble craft, found on craft table, and in each square have each kid write something they thank God for.
Wrap Up
This week, remember to thank God for things when they are good or bad, and when you are happy or sad. Always remember that God made you, God loves you, and Jesus wants to be your friend forever…NO MATTER WHAT!
Prayer
Dear God,
I thank you for loving us, and for wanting what is best for us. I pray that You would remind us to always give you thanks for everything. We know it is not always easy when we are sad to thank You, so help us to learn that no matter what, You work all things to our good. Thank You.
Amen
What an awesome day in Journey Land. We celebrated all that God has done during our “WE UNITE” series. Our children have learned to “Lift Up, Love in and Live out.”
We love your kids, thank you for letting us share in your lives just a little bit.
The Hayes Jteam came to Journey Land to bless our tear down crew. They came in and took charge, tearing everything down and getting it on the truck. Our regular crew didn’t know what to do with themselves. It was wonderful to watch our crew receive this blessing, thank you Jteam…
I took advantage of this amazing blessing and invited our set up crew to come in and hang out with us. We all gathered together in fellowship sharing pizza and drinks with each other.
I am so grateful for our wonderful servants of Jesus. There is absolutely no way to express my gratitude to each of you. You are a blessing to me and I thank you all for your amazing hearts. Thank you!
Way to go JOURNEY LAND!
THE TOTAL COLLECTED – $85.75
Loose Change/How much is it?
loose change
How Much?
Loose Change
This week, October 18th will be spent teaching our kids how to “worship God together.” (Worship God with one another” Leviticus 23:3) We will teach all the ways to worship God, including tithing and offerings. We are presenting a hands on event for your child to participate in worship this way.
On Sunday October 4 we presented “Loose Change” in the two-five year old classrooms. We taught this concept and asked kids to bring any “loose change” they may have to offer to God for our newly acquired land! Information was sent home with your child on the 4th, and we will continue to collect “Loose Change” on October 18th and 25th, with a review of all forms of worship on the 18th.
October 25th will be our celebration time. We will gather together and celebrate what we have learned these past 40 days. We will celebrate what God has given us!
We love your children, and it’s been so fun teaching them how to unite with God and one another! It is such a blessing to help guide your children’s first footsteps on the journey to loving God!
Thank you,
Journey Land Team
Good Afternoon Truenorth-Journey Land….
What an amazing series we are involved in, “WE UNITE.” Not sure about you but God has been rocking my world through this series. I love the devotionals, the messages and the small group time we are all sharing. God is AWESOME!
This past week the kids had so much fun in Journey Land. I believe they are enjoying their devotionals as well as taking home their magnets to remember their bible verse for the week. I was listening to our Kindergarteners say their verses and being encouraged to say all our weeks past. They are little sponges…they are doing awesome!!!
This week we will focusing on the following…come join us and see what God can do in and through you.
October 11~ week 5
“Help one another” Galatians 6:2
Overview
First 10 minutes: Free Play, create a nametag for each child that comes in (see
craft table.)
Next 15 minutes: Small Group curriculum
Next 20 minutes: Clubhouse
Next 10 minutes: Snack, bathroom
Last 10 minutes: Hand out magnet, coloring book devotional, wrap up, prayer,
clean up.
Small Group Curriculum
FOCUS: Live Out
Review “LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT” with your kids. Make sure any new kids have it down.
Last week we talked about LIFT UP and LOVE IN. Today we’ll talk about LIVE OUT. Remember that when we LIVE OUT we help others. What are ways we can help other people? Pause for responses. Those are great ways to help others!
God can use grown-ups, like our parents or teachers to help people, but he can use kids, too! In our Bible story today, Jesus and little boy helped thousands of people!
Jesus was about to teach a large crowd of people…there were about 5,000 men and that doesn’t count women and children! Jesus asked his friend Philip, “Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus was testing Philip because He knew what He was going to do. Philip was doubtful. He didn’t think there was any chance of feeding all of the people. Another of Jesus’ friends, Andrew, saw a boy with five small loaves of bread and two fish. He asked Jesus, “But how far will this go?” Andrew was doubtful too. Jesus then asked his disciples to have all the men sit on the grass. The boy gave Jesus his food and Jesus blessed it (which means he prayed for it). They gave thanks and passed the bread and fish to all the men in the crowd. It fed EVERYONE! After they were finished, the disciples gathered the leftovers. Jesus said, “Don’t let anything be wasted.” They filled twelve more baskets with what was left over.
The little boy had no idea what was about to happen. Can you imagine having someone take your small lunch and trying to feed 5,000 hungry men? With the faith of the boy and help of the disciples, Jesus performed a miracle and fed all the people! The boy and the disciples served God by helping to feed the people.
Clubhouse
Songs:
-Wanna Be
-Lord’s Army
-I’m Gonna Walk
-Hands and Feet
Wrap Up
Serving God is a way of showing our obedience to Him. He wants us to care and share with other people. There are so many things we can do for others even though we are kids. We need to find things that we are good at and use those things to serve God. Let’s pray to God for His help
Dear God,
Help me to find things that I am good at and use those things to help others. Show me ways I can help people and share your love. Help me to obey you in all I do. Amen
Don’t forget to hand out coloring devotionals, magnets, and see who knows their memory verse from this week!
KidzPartners’ was originally set up as a shadowing ministry for all of our Children’s area’s. As we have learned over a period of time there are children who just need a special touch. This can stem from many different reason’s, physical challenges, mental challenges or some other type of challenge that will keep them from participating in a typical environment.
Our goal is to partner each child with a kidzpartner volunteer who would be with them through-out the day while parents/guardians attend service. Their primary function would be to build a relationship with the children and their families. Getting to know the family will allow for a better transition into our environments.
It has been a passion of mine to open up our ministry area’s to families with children who have difficulty in a traditional setting. It is so important for parents/guardians of our children to be able to attend a church service and worship our Lord Jesus Christ while their children are in a loving and safe environment.
Although we have not officially put “KidzPartner’s” into practice, we feel the need is there. At this time we are taking each individual case one at a time; looking at the needs of the child and working with the parent to make accommodations.
If you have a child that you feel may need some special attention while you attend service, please contact our Journey Land Director so she can go over the details before you arrive in Journey land. This will make your experience and your child’s a little more enjoyable. It is our goal to make everyone feel right at home.
You may contact the following:
Nina Fiedler – North Augusta Campus
VOLUNTEER’S – If you find that this is an area you are gifted and passionate about, please contact the above so we can get you started as a Kizpartner. Our ministry area is growing and we would love to get you connect as soon as possible.
For a personal story from our director of Journey Land go to her blog.
September 27 ~ Week 3
“DEPEND ON ONE ANOTHER.” ROMANS 12:5
Overview
First 5 minutes: Free play, hand out nametags, make new ones where needed.
Next 15 minutes: Small group curriculum
Next 30 minutes: Large group production, Clubhouse
Next 10 minutes: Snacks and bathroom
Last 10 minutes: Distribute coloring devotionals, wrap up and prayer, memory
verses, clean up.
Small Group Curriculum
Take a few minutes to review the motions for “LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT”.
Does anyone remember our memory verse from last week? Pause for responses. It was “Be wise with one another.” Colossians 4:5. This week our memory verse is “Depend on one another.” Romans 12:5. Let’s say that together and see if we can memorize it! “Depend on one another.” Romans 12:5. Repeat as necessary.
We have already learned about loving one another. We can get to know one another by spending more time with each, and we should be nice to everyone. But God make us to want more than that. He wants us to develop lasting friendships. It’s important to trust our friends, and for our friends to trust us. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:
Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.
Suppose someone falls down. Then his friend can help him up.
But suppose the man who falls down doesn’t have anyone to help him up. Then feel sorry for him!
One person could be overpowered. But two people can defend themselves.
And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.
It’s important to have a group of friends that care about us and are there for us to help us when we need them. And we can help them, too! Do you have friends at church or school who care about you no matter what? Pause for responses.
It’s also important that we have friends who love God, too. We can help each to learn more about Him, and we can do fun things for Him together. Remember that on October 10, we have the chance to serve God with our friends by helping people in our community.
Clubhouse
Today a host will be in Clubhouse today acting out friendship scenarios with the kids.
Songs:
-Hands and Feet
-Lord’s Army
-Get Down
Wrap Up
Today we have been talking about making good friends, and being a good friend. Let’s pray to God for His help:
Dear God,
Help me to find friends that I can trust and friends that will help me grow closer to you. Help me to be a good friend to others and to build lasting friendships. Amen.
How many of you have been coloring in your devotional book every day? Here is this week’s devotional. Don’t forget to talk about all that you are learning with your family!
See what kids can repeat the memory verse and add a bead to their nametag.
Parent’s, our children are doing the same devotional as you. Please take time out each day so children can share with you the message for the day. This is a great opportunity to get our children more interersted in God’s word.
The coloring devotionals are so cute. The following will be what each child will learn this comming week in Journey Land. We have so much planned, it’s going to be an amazing time. You don’t want them to miss it.
September 20 ~ Week 2
“BE WISE WITH ONE ANOTHER” COLOSSIANS 4:5
Overview
First 5 minutes: Free play, hand out nametags, make new ones where needed.
Next 15 minutes: Small group curriculum
Next 15 minutes: Craft (EITHER hands OR feet)
Next 20 minutes: Large group production, Clubhouse
Next 10 minutes: Snacks and bathroom
Last 10 minutes: Distribute coloring devotionals, wrap up and prayer, memory verses, clean up.
Small Group Curriculum
FOCUS: LIVE OUT – God wants us to be kind together.
Take a few minutes to review motions of “LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT”
Last week we learned about “LOVE IN”…does anyone remember our Bible verse from last week? Pause for responses. It was “Love one another” John 13:35, and today we’re going to talk about “LIVE OUT”.
Our Bible verse for today is “Be wise with one another” Colossians 4:5. Let’s say that together several times…”Be wise with one another” Colossians 4:5.” Keep repeating until all children in your class can say it.
A longer version of this verse says, “Act in a wise way toward people who don’t know Jesus.” Did you know that there are some people who don’t go to church? There are some people who don’t know that Jesus loves them or even that there is a God. There are millions of people on the Earth, and so many of them are different from you and me. We can tell people about the Bible, and about the things we learn here in Journey Land, but one of the most important things we can do to teach people about Jesus is to act the way He would.
Where can we learn about the way Jesus would act toward others? Pause for responses. We can learn here at church, but we can also learn from the Bible. Matthew 25 tells us a story about Jesus talking to people. He says,
“I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in. I needed clothes, and you gave them to me. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’
“Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. ‘Lord,’ they will ask, ‘when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
This is how Jesus would love others, and how he wants us to love them, too. In a few weeks, we are going to have a great chance to show this love to people in our community. Here at TrueNorth Church, we like to LIVE OUT in North Augusta every 2nd Saturday. On October 10, we would love to see all of you and your family meet us to go help people in our community. I will send something home with you today to look at with your family. It will have all the information you need to know about 2nd Saturday.
Craft
In today’s craft, kids will choose EITHER a hand poem OR a foot poem. As they are coloring and putting them together, make sure to read the poem to them, and talk about how Jesus wants us to be His hands and feet to other people.
Today we are making either a hand or foot with a poem to remind us how to LIVE like Jesus.
Clubhouse
A host will be in Clubhouse today to talk about how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to people we know.
Songs:
-Hands and Feet
-Lord’s Army
-Big House
-Wanna Be
Wrap Up
We have learned some really great things today! Let’s pray and ask God to help us do the things He wants us to do.
Dear God,
I pray that You will help me reach out to friends and neighbors around me and help them get to know You better. Help me to show others how much you really mean to me and invite them to come to church with me so they can learn about you too. Amen
Don’t forget to over the new week’s coloring devotional with your kids, and take time before parents come to see if anyone remembers this week’s memory verse. Give them a bead for their nametag if they can do it! (3’s-5’s only)
Come back soon to keep up with what’s happening at TrueNorth Church Journey land. Journey land is our preschool ministry, ages 6 weeks thru kindergarten. Here you will find stories, pictures, and the happenings at TNC.
I’m still in the brainstorming mode of this site. I want it to be informational for parents, volunteer’s and those who are doing what we are, teaching kids that “God Made Me”, “God Loves Me” and “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
Under Construction………
Some may look at Journey land as an area they drop their children off each Sunday morning. A place that they feel safe and know that the volunteers are going to love on their children and make sure every need is meant.
Yes, it is all of these things and more. Today was one of those days that it is more apparent to me than ever that we, Journey land, are more than just a preschool ministry, we are a “FAMILY.”
Each Sunday we gather at our Columbia County and North Augusta Campuses to do what we do best, care for children. We have a crew that comes in before any of us and sets up the walls, tables, screens, etc. They set up before you or I ever open an eye lid. Then we have our volunteers who make sure all the rooms are ready for each child to arrive. We also have our tear down crew, they make sure all the items end up back on the truck. Through the heat and cold they get on that truck and pack it with all of the Journey land items.
This is where we are more than a “preschool” ministry. Last week I received a phone call from one of our volunteers and friend, Tina Walton. Tina is a volunteer in our Toddler room and her husband Steve is the leader of our tear down team. Steve has not been feeling well for the past two weeks with pneumonia. Tina shared that Steve had a scan and they found a mass in his chest. They aren’t sure what it is so they scheduled him for another test, a Pet scan.
As we gathered today to tear down Journey land we paused for a time of prayer. We put our arms around Steve and Tina to let them know that we are here for them, we are family. We will stand behind them, side by side as they step over this bump in the road. We pray that as Steve goes for his test this Wednesday that the doctors will not find anything. That God will give Steve favor and allow him to be healed of whatever this mass may be.
TrueNorth is so much bigger than just a Sunday morning service. TrueNorth is about relationships and doing life with people. Life is hard, things happen and we go through struggles all the time. It’s hard enough to deal with these things but wouldn’t it be more difficult if we had to do it alone. We don’t have too, yes, we have our friends at TNC but we also have a heavenly father who loves us and wants to be with us during our struggles. He wants to rap his arms around us and carry us through.
I am continually amazed at the things God teaches me. I am also amazed how much God wants me to be authentic with people and Him. How often have I pushed people away because I have been hurt. I build this wall to keep the pain away. As I build this wall I stand alone behind it, no relationships, lonely, pushing back the pain. But here’s the thing, if I continue to build these walls, to stand behind them so I no longer get hurt, then I will never meet people like Tina and Steve Walton, what a loss that would be.
I open myself up so that I can be used by God to walk with those who are in need. Even though I may be giving of myself what I received in return is so much more. To know that I can take a moment in time and pray, to show our love and concern for people. Isn’t that what TrueNorth Church is all about, yes, it is.
We have many families that are hurting, struggle and feel that they are at a loss. Please take a moment to pause and pray for them. You may not know their names but God does. Prayer is an amazing thing, I have seen the miracles, don’t you want to be a part of the miracle.
This Sunday, September 28, 2008, our North Augusta Campus will have our first practice “drill” in Journey land. Over the past several months, our staff at TrueNorth Church has gone over a plan to get our little ones out in a safe and timely fashion in the event of an emergency.
The next two Sundays will help us do a few things:
1. Prepare leaders and volunteers in the event of an emergency.
2. Allow our children to experience this in real time so that in the event of an evacuation they will be familiar and not caught off guard.
3. Our priority is the safety and health of each child in Journey land. This will help us do it with excellence.
If you are a volunteer and you will be in Journey land, North Augusta, be ready to spend time in your area in preparation. (We will practice this drill Sept. 28th and Oct. 5th)
Reminder: (not in a specific order)
· You will need to remember to bring your classroom logs with you as we leave the building.
· Gather the children in a calm orderly fashion and head to the closest exit marked on your evacuation diagram.
· We have ropes in each classroom; older children will hold onto one of the rings and follow in line. At this time you should do a head count of the children in your room. The classroom rolls should already be filled out and you should have an accurate head count before the “drill.”
· As you move to the outside location be reminded to continually count your children.
· Once you have reached your designated area, gather your children in a circle, do a head count, go over your classroom rolls and make sure every child is accounted for.
· In a real emergency parents would come running for their children, this is understandable, however, all policies and procedures must be followed for check-out. This will allow us to keep all the children safe and accounted for.
· The children will watch you for your reaction, if you remain calm so will the children. Explain to them that we are leaving the building, the noise is really loud and we need to find out why the bells are ringing. (note: we will have a bell that will sound giving the volunteers and children the effect they would experience if the fire alarm had gone off)
· If you are a coordinator, you will make sure your rooms/children/volunteers are out of the building, then you will head to the designated area, you will communicate with your leaders of each room and confirm all children are accounted for. You will also be security for your rooms, if this was a true emergency, as parents come to get their children you will organizes this transition.
· Remember, we are doing this so that we are prepared in case of a real emergency. Please share your comments with us. As leaders of your rooms you see things in a different way than those who are not in there with you.
We will have a safety specialist reviewing what we are doing. He is a TrueNorth member who does this for a living; I am very excited to have him with us. I believe this will allow us to better prepare ourselves in case of a real emergency.
Thank you for your understanding and participation in this drill. It is a very important part of who we are in Journey land.
**Curriculum will be prepared for all classrooms in the event we have time left over after the drill. Clubhouse will also be done on both of the above dates. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com, or Daphneb@truenorthchurch.com.
*note: Columbia County will take part in a “drill” in the near future.*
We would love to hear your comments.
Thank you,
Nina Brophy-Fiedler
TNC-Journey land Director
Over the past several months I have pondered the thought of “What Makes a Good Leader.” Being the Director of our preschool area Journey land
at TrueNorth church has been a great challenge as a leader. The “challenge” keeps me going.
Five years ago we started out with one campus in North Augusta South Carolina. Then, this year, we started our second campus in Columbia County Georgia. Next year we will start our third campus in Decatur Illinois. So as you may see, the challenges continue to grow.
In our first year my position looked like this; I was a co-director of our preschool ministry. I over saw the Classrooms, curriculum and taught the 3’s, 4’s and 5′ year olds. TNC was at one service so it was very rare that I attended a service. For the first six months of our church start I didn’t see one service. OK, maybe one or two, but for sure not in it’s entirety.
Then in our second to third year I became the Director of our preschool ministry. My great friend and co-leader, Laurie Bradford, decided to continue having babies, number 4 to be exact. With the demand of her family, she felt it best to give her full attention to them. Which by the way, I completely agreed with although I now had to go at this by myself.
That’s not completely the truth if I’m going to be honest. Laurie as a co-director replaced herself over the period of time she was in Journey land. She had many people in place so that when she finally walked out the doors of Journey land it would run as smoothly as if she was still the one there doing it.
The next two years are a bit of a blur to me. When I look back at all that has happened in Journey land I say to myself,” there is no way I could have done any of this.” There are a couple of reasons for that statement. Our number of children went from approximately 40 children to now over 100 on a regular basis. Our volunteer’s went from about 20 to now 94, approximately. And our TNC attenders went out of the roof.
My point behind all the numbers is this, “I can’t go it alone.” So here are a few things that I think are extremely important as a leader. I’m not an expert in this field, but through our mistakes and some great wins, I have learned a lot.
The list could go on and on. I am so grateful for all our volunteers and leaders in Journey Land. There are to many to begin mentioning them here. They know who they are, without them, what we do in TNC-Journey Land wouldn’t be possible. I am not “going this alone,” I never have. I have always had Christ walking by my side and passionate leaders and volunteers who have the same goal in mind, the children.
In His Name,
Nina Brophy-Fiedler
TNC-Journey Land Director
In a previous post, “More than a Preschool Ministry,” I spoke of TrueNorth being more than just a Sunday service or Journey land a preschool ministry. We are about building relationships, we are a family.
I shared a story about the Walton family, Steve and Tina. Steve had gone for a Pet Scan and our Journey land family gathered around them to pray. Over the past few weeks we have waited anxiously for the result. Today I got the call from Tina, the test came back “NEGATIVE” for cancer. I can’t tell you how joyful I was.
As I took some time to think about this “Miracle” and praise God, I started looking through scripture finding what God has to teach us about prayer. I was quickly drawn to “Psalms.” What beautiful words are spoken throughout this Book of the Bible. We are reminded that God not only hears our prayers but answers them.
Psalm 66:19
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
Psalm 66:20
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Take time to pray…remember to Praise Him.”
Time seems to fly by. This Sunday a group from TrueNorth Church will head to Decatur Illinois to start preparing for the Launch of our new campus. WOW! It is very exciting. In preparation for the trip we will leave at 6am Sunday morning and stop at several “Theater” churches on the way to Atlanta for our departure.
October 26h is our Facedown service at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. It starts at 5:30 pm. It’s going to be a great night. Invite your friends and family to come, it’s perfect for our fish. Childcare will be provided for ages 6 weeks thur Kindergarten (only) at ”Best Friends” daycare. Pre-registration is required. For more information please contact Nina Fiedler at 803-279-1555 or ninaf@truenorthchurch.com. Sign up stations will be located on Sunday mornings at Guest Services or in Journey Land. (Cafeteria NAHS)
Don’t miss out-Invite those who wouldn’t usually come to church to our “Confessions of a Christian Church” series. North Augusta kicked off last week and Columbia County will kick off this week. The word is out, people are talking. It’s perfect. You can see some of the articles in the Augusta Chronicle, North Augusta Today and Community Belief net.
Tommy Wafford is official as Student Pastor at TrueNorth Church. This was Tommy’s first full week in the office. You can check out my personal blog to see whats going on at Element. Don’t forget, if you have a child 6th grade thru 12th grade they should be hang in with Element. Element meets Sunday evenings for Middle school and Wednesday evenings for High school (6:30). Lot’s going on there, you won’t want to miss it. You can contact Tommy at the church office 803-279-1555 or TommyW@truenorthchurch.com.
Our evacuation drill at the North Augusta campus was off the charts. A big THANK YOU goes out to all those who put so much time into organizing this drill. We will have surprise drills every three months or so. This will keep us on our toes just in case a real emergency ever takes place. Thank you again.
CREATIVE TEAM MEETING: If you are interested in joining our team that puts the “God Made Me”, God Loves Me”, and Jesus want to be my friend forever” into all that we do, we will be meeting November 9th. at 1:30ish. (location TBD) For more information please contact Daphne Brown at daphneb@truenorthchurch.com. This is for North Augusta and Columbia County Campuses.
Thank you for all you do.
Nina Fiedler
This Sunday, October 26th we will have our “Facedown” service at the Riverwalk Amphitheater in downtown Augusta. (communion service) It’s going to be lot’s of fun, you won’t want to miss this. Starts at 5:30 pm. Hot Chocolate will be served.
Child care is provided for children 6 weeks thru Kindergarten (only) at Best Friends day care. Please contact Nina Fiedler at the church office 803-279-1555 or ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.
(TNCBlog) Word has been spreading that some of our Journey Teams from both campuses are planning to tailgate this weekend and it’s not at a football game! They will be tailgating Sunday night at FACEDOWN! Sounds FUN, doesn’t it!? Does your Journey Team want to join them? You can still make plans. FACEDOWN will begin at 5:30 pm at the Amphitheater downtown. There is a large parking lot just pass the Beamie’s parking area near the amphitheater. The forecast is beautiful, 75 degrees and sunny. Bring out all the fixin’s from 4:00 – 4:30 pm with your small group and join in the fun! It’s TAILGATING TNC STYLE!
I hope to see you all there.
Nina Fiedler
TNC Journey Land Director
Good Afternoon Parents:
As you know we are having our Facedown service this Sunday, October 26th at the Amphitheater in downtown Augusta. Child care is being provided by “Best Friends Child Care Center” located at 110 W Clifton Ave North Augusta, SC 29841(803) 279-8260. Drop off begins at 5:00pm with pick up immediately after the service.
This is what you will need to bring:
You will need to sign your child in and out. It is a regulation that must be followed. You will also need to complete a form with the following information.
When you pick up your child/children you will need to provide a photo I.D. and sign the register. Again, this is policy for Best Friends child care.
If you should have any other questions please feel free to contact me at the church office, 803-279-1555. You may email me too, ninaf@truenorthchurch.com. If it is an emergency the best way to get in touch with me is via email as I check that on a regular basis.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Thank you,
Nina Fiedler
TNC-Journey Land Director
TrueNorth Church starts their new series this week “I AM”! So the question is, What are you afraid of? You can text your answer to 803-341-4274. This information will be used in one of the services relating to our new series.
HAVE YOU TEXTED YET?
Your invited to hang out with us this Saturday, November 8th from 8:30am to 12 noon for our “2nd Saturday” event for TrueNorth Church.
What is 2nd Saturday? Well, people from the community, some from TNC, some not, gather together at the 8:30am. (419 W. Martintown Road for our North Augusta campus and the Marshall Y for our Columbia County Campus.) We have coffee and donuts together and prepare to head out to preselected sites in our community.
There are opportunities for all ages. So go ahead and bring the family, there will be kid friendly activities for everyone. We promise to have you back at the church office by 12 noon.
This month one of our stops is Ridgeview Manor.
Ridgeview Manor: Is our Adopt-A-Block. We want to show the love of Christ by building relationships and finding ways to meet the community’s needs. We want them to understand that God has a purpose and a plan for their lives. Finally, we want to teach other people how to fulfill the Great Commission by impacting our city through building relationships with people using two simple ingredients: consistency and servant hood. Some planned projects include cook-outs, oil changes, and employment training.
There are other stops planned so come out and join us for the last 2nd Saturday of 2008! We will be back February of 2009 for more great opportunities to help our community.
For more information please contact the TrueNorth Church office at 803-279-1555.
In the next few days we will be posting our Holiday Schedule. Come back soon and see what’s going on at TrueNorth Church-TNC this Holiday season. I can tell you this, we have lot’s going on and you won’t want to miss out.
COME BACK SOON!
It’s midweek and I wanted to pass along some thoughts from my heart to yours.
I’m still feeling the afterglow of the special weekend that we shared together on both of our TNC campuses this past Sunday! Sometimes we have Sunday services at TNC that I wish I could bottle and this was one of them. Not that every Sunday isn’t special, it just seems like occasionally God and his people are on the same page together in a unique way in spirit, in worship and in truth. That’s what happened Sunday! You could feel God’s presence and see his life in our people. My brother Shane (campus pastor of TNC-Decatur) said that the worship in Columbia County was the best that he had experienced from his various trips to the TNC-CC campus. In North Augusta I could sense it and see it during both of the services. God was there in a special way! What’s even more exciting is that we had our largest attendance of the fall on Sunday, 1,368 folks! I’m praying that we will continue to pray and come EXPECTING GOD as we gather each Sunday as TrueNorth Church.
I believe God has lots more in store during the month of November as we encounter “I AM” in our lives. There is no doubt that many people (young and old) are carrying a great deal of stress, fear and doubt in these uncertain times. Don’t miss the opportunity to invite your friends, co-workers and family to hear God’s hope and answers for them through this series I AM.
I just finished a couple of planning meetings for our upcoming Christmas series! I can’t wait! It’s hard to believe the Holidays are upon us. We are going to have a great time at Christmas at TNC! Keep your eyes and ears open for our upcoming CHRISTMAS PROMO!
Speaking of Christmas, both JOURNEY LAND and KIDZ STUFF have some special plans for Christmas. If you are a parent of a preschooler or elementary student be sure to keep a look out for some special OPPORTUNITIES for you and your child to be a part of during the Holiday Season!
My prayer is that God will continue to SHINE his LIGHT through you in your homes, work places and schools this week. Remember, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light….” Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!
In His LIGHT,
Steve Davis
Lead Pastor
TRUENORTH CHURCH
WE HAVE COFFEE;
Why not give the gift of coffee this Christmas season. TrueNorth will have its very own Guatemalan coffee on sale for $10.00 a bag. Do you have one of those family members who you never know what to get them? This may be the perfect gift for them. If you want more information you can call Mike Fiedler at the church office, 803-279-1555 or email him at mikef@truenorthchurch.com.
JOURNEY LAND VOLUNTEERS;
We are having three services on Christmas Eve, 3:30pm, 5pm and 7pm. (North Augusta Campus only) We are asking those of you who may be in town to help out on this very special night in Journey Land. Make this a night for all to remember, those from 1 to 92. If you are interested in volunteering in Journey Land for this one time event, please contact Nina Fiedler at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com or at the church office at 803-279-1555. High school students are encouraged to participate.
The Big Switch; (8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am North Augusta Campus)
Have you heard? The” BIG SWITCH” is coming. January 4th we officially start our three services in the Auditorium. YES! We are very excited. There are many volunteer opportunities available for all. If you haven’t gotten connected yet this is a great time to start. Volunteer once a month, twice a month or every week. You can help out with Journey Land, in or out of a classroom or any other area in the church from greeters to making cookies. What ever your interest we have a place for you. Contact the church office at 803-279-1555 or email ninaf@truenorthchurch.com for more information.
Columbia County;
Can you say 2nd Saturday? Well, we may have taken a short break from our regular scheduled 2nd Saturday, but Columbia County has taken an extra step to get out into their community this Christmas season. Keep posted for opportunities in your area to give someone the Christmas spirit. If you would like more information you can contact David Bryan at the church office 803-279-1555 or email him at Davidb@truenorthchurch.com
***I will continue to update this site with all activities scheduled for the month of December. Keep an eye out in the lobby each Sunday to see what’s new at TrueNorth Church. As always, if you have any questions please contact me at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com***
This Sunday December 14th, 2008 on the North Augusta and Columbia County Campuses we will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday with our Parents and Children.
COLUMBIA COUNTY CAMPUS: Parent’s are invited to join us from 9:45 to 10:10 for coffee and donuts. Meet the leaders of Journey Land and see what happens on a Sunday morning.
NORTH AUGUSTA CAMPUS: Parent’s are invited to spend the day with their child. Come walk through a day in Journey Land with your child. Learn what they learn and see what happens while you are in Big Church. If you usually attend 9:30 service then stay with us at the 11:11 service. And if you attend the 11:11 service then join us for the 9:30 service. (children can stay for both services)
We will sing songs and have birthday cake. Children will learn about the birth of Jesus in an age appropriate way. We will have activities for all to participate in.
As a reminder, Christmas Eve services are at 6pm for our Columbia County Campus, check in starts at 5:30pm. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their Christmas PJ’s. We will watch movies and make some Reindeer food for Rudolph.
Our North Augusta Campus will have two services, 3:30pm with check in at 3:00 and our 5:00pm service with check in at 4:30pm. Children are also encouraged to come dressed in their Christmas PJ’s. We will watch movies and make some Reindeer food to leave out that evening,
The children are going to have lot’s of fun while learning the meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
We look forward to seeing you over the Christmas season. If you haven’t picked up your tickets for the Christmas Eve services then please do so this Sunday. We will once again be selling coffee for those coffee lovers.
You heard it here first, we are selling TNC long sleeve t-shirts starting this week at both campuses. They are $15.00 each. It’s a great present for anyone on your list.
Journey Land wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nina Fiedler
TNC-Journey Land Director
January is just around the corner and many of you have heard the “BIG” news about the “BIG SWITCH” starting January 4th, 2009. For those of you who have not, TrueNorth Church will be adding a third service, 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am on our North Augusta Campus. We will “Switch” from the Gym of the high school to the Auditorium.
Journey Land, 6 weeks – kindergarten will be providing a safe and fun place for parents to leave their children during all three services. Kidzstuff, our 1st-5th graders will meet in the Gym at the 10:00am & 11:30am services only.
With the “Switch” and adding the third service there will be openings for more volunteers. Over the past several weeks we have spoken to our volunteers to see what service they are able to volunteer in. As always we encourage each of you to invite a friend or family member to join you on Sunday to “come and see” what Journey Land is all about. (background check must be done prior to serving)
Journey Land isn’t just about caring for crying babies. That is a part of it and one that I personally love. Holding those new born babies brings me such joy. But for some that doesn’t make them tick. So, we have other area’s that could bring you the same joy.
First Impressions: Do you like people? Do you like to talk? Do you have a great smile and personality? If so this may be the place that brings you the greatest joy in Journey Land. Our Host team greets first time visitors and their families and introduces them to Journey Land. (see First Impressions page for more information)
Production: Do you have a crazy personality? Do you like computers and behind the scene stuff? This area is wide open, from writing and/or performing puppet skits to singing and dancing to setting up the stage. A lot goes into getting this area ready for the children. (for more information contact Nina Fiedler at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.)
Administrations: So you know that you don’t want to be in a room with children, but you love organization and people. We have so many opportunities for you. Classroom Coordinators, First Impressions Coordinators, Data Entry, Scheduling, Curriculum, Office Elves, Check in and out, Security, Set-up and Tear down. (contact Nina Fiedler at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.
We in Journey Land are a family. We take what we do to heart. Our main goal is to keep every child safe and healthy. Our vision is to teach each child that “God Made Me”, “God Loves Me”, and “Jesus Want to be My Friend Forever.” If you want to become part of our team you can contact the Journey Land Director, Nina Fiedler at 803-279-1555 or ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.
I hope you will take time out and pray about being involved with Journey Land on all of our campuses, North Augusta, Columbia County and Decatur.
Thank you,
Nina Fiedler
TNC-Director
DON’T FORGET! OPERATION CHRISTMAS:
KIDZ ON A MISSION
Will be collecting Canned Goods and Non-Perishable Food items this Sunday as they prepare food baskets for the families they are reaching out to this Christmas.
Collection sites will be in the auditoriums on both North Augusta and Columbia County Campuses. We are also collecting these items to meet some benevolent needs among our own families at TrueNorth Church. I want to challenge everyone to respond to this opportunity this Sunday by blessing others with some food items this Christmas! LET’S BRING IT SUNDAY.
Volunteer Information:
Columbia County Campus:
This Sunday, December 21st will be a regular set up & tear down day.
December 24th we will set up Journey Land as usual. After service we will need to move all items into the Art room which is our 3’s, 4’s & 5 year old room. (the school will be cleaning floors and carpets over the holidays)
December 28th we will move all items from the Art room into the proper rooms for Journey Land set-up. After service all items will be moved outside to be loaded on the truck.
**If you will be on campus the 24th please come and give us a hand**
North Augusta Campus:
December 21st and 28th we will be able to stay set up in the cafeteria. January 4th will be a regular tear down day. January 11th the set up crew and tear down crew will be on full duty.
January 4th starts the beginning of our 3 services, 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am. We are in the process of organizing a crew for tear down to handle all items in the cafeteria. There will be further instructions and information as we meet and discuss the issues.
REMINDER:
December 28th we will meet in the Auditorium on the North Augusta Campus. (9:30am & 11:11am) This Sunday will be our last week in the Gym.
for more information contact the TrueNorth Church office at 803-279-1555.
Merry Christmas
TrueNorth Church wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From all of us in Journey Land, Merry Christmas! May God bring many blessings to you.
Nina
Our Journey Land family wishes you and your family a Happy New Year!
The new year will bring a few changes to Journey Land. As many of you know we have been promoting the “Big Switch” for several weeks now.
Starting January 4th, 2009 TrueNorth Church (North Augusta Campus) and Journey Land (6wks-Kindergarten) will be offering three services. (8:30am, 10am and 11:30am)
TNC has “Switched” from the Gym of the high school to the Auditorium. Journey Land will continue to meet in the cafeteria and Kidzstuff (1st-5th grade) will now meet in the Gym. (Kidzstuff-10am and 11:30am services only)
Those who will volunteer in our first service (8:30am) are asked to arrive in Journey Land by 7:45 at the latest to set up your classrooms. All other services are asked to leave 5-10minutes before service is over and head to Journey Land. This will assure the other volunteers that their replacement is there.
If you volunteer in our 11:30am service we will ask that you remain in Journey Land to help tear-down your rooms. All items in each room must be wiped down with Clorox wipes before each service and before they are stored on the truck. You will be responsible for making sure all toys are packed in a container and items are ready to be moved to the loading area.
As we move through the month of January we will learn many lessons. We will be able to determine how many classrooms we will need each service, what services are being attended more, should we have production all three services and exactly what our tear-down team looks like.
I ask that you please be patient. We encourage you to share your idea’s with us. Going to three services is going to be a team effort, we don’t have all the answers but we are eager to learn side by side with you.
I also wanted to thank each of you for your amazing service in Journey Land. Without you and your dedication to our children, I’m not sure what Journey Land would look like. Thank you from all of us at TrueNorth Church for making Journey Land a place that every parent can bring their child.
May all of you have a blessed 2009. Be Safe!
Nina Fiedler
This Sunday our Columbia County campus celebrates its 1 year old birthday! It was a year ago this Sunday that about 70 folks (kids included) launched TNC’s first multi-site campus at Augusta Prep. The journey as been an exciting one filled with lots of learning for all of us. Under the capable leadership of Jay Knotts and David Bryan, TNC-CC has enjoyed a year of growth and ministry. We can’t say enough about the committed group of people that have taken the vision of TNC across the river. Thanks to each of you who have sacrificed and committed your lives to “transforming spiritual seekers into passionate followers of Christ.” We know we have just begun and there is much more that God wants to do, but this weekend we pause to CELEBRATE what God has done! We celebrate 25 baptisms, an average attendance of 177 folks and five healthy Journey Teams in our first year of ministry!!!! What a year!
If you attend TNC-CC you don’t want to miss this Sunday! You’ll get to enjoy a piece of birthday cake as part of the celebration! We will also have another special surprise so bring a “fish” or “friend” with you to the party at TNC-CC!
We continue our New Year’s series, THE BIG SWITCH ON BOTH CAMPUSES! Start your New Year off by jump starting your relationship with God at TNC and invite someone to come with you!!! It’s going to be a BIG DAY! Don’t forget our TNC North Augusta campus service times for 2009, are 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 11:30 am in the auditorium. Kidz Stuff meets in the gym at 10:00 am and 11:30 am.
I say this often, but I really mean it! I can’t wait for Sunday, can you?!!!!!
Praying Big Prayers to our Big God!
Steve Davis
Lead Pastor
TrueNorth Church-Journey Land (6wks. -Kindergarten) Located in the cafeteria of the North Augusta High school.
We have a committed team of volunteers who would enjoy “loving” on your child. Please join us at one of our services, 8:30am, 10:00am, or 11:30am on our North Augusta Campus and 10:10am at our Columbia County Campus.
Vision (Who we are!)
Our desire is to help parents in “Guiding their child’s first steps in the journey to loving God.”
How do we do that?
We teach less for more-Repeating on key truth (Bottom) all month long.
We engage the five senses-Helping master the concept through creative activites.
We Teach with the end in mind-Helping a child by age five, to believe:
GOD MADE ME, GOD LOVES ME, AND JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
Experiencing Worship-Encourages children to talk to God any time, any place.
Connecting at Home-We provide parents with idea’s for conversation with their child at home.
Each Sunday morning is full of objects for kids to touch, wild and wiggly activities to get them moving, crafts they will love getting into, and real life situations they can relate to.
The idea is to help each child master one concept at a time by creatively repeating the Bottom Line in a way that it will stick.
Each teaching session begins with activities to introduce kids to the day’s topic and help them feel welcome and comfortable in their classrooms. Next, preschoolers take part in a large group (Club House) that includes a Bible story and worship. We believe that our preschoolers are wired to worship! So each week we include a worship segment with suggested music to encourage s to openly express their love for who God is and to praise Him for all He has created.
After large group, (Club House) we then take part in a variety of activities that will help them apply what they’re learning. And finally, during small group time children will begin to understand that they can talk to God at any time and in any place. Kids will be encouraged to openly communicate with God in their own words while developing their ability to know and worship Him.
For more information please contact Nina Fiedler, Journey Land Director at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com or visit our Journey Land blog.
We appreciate your patience with us (and the kids and each other!) as we transition from two services to three. We now have less time with the kids, so we created a new class schedule to help you with the “flow.” Each service is designed to last for 65 minutes, so a typical day in JourneyLand should look like this:
TODDLERS AND TWOS
10 minutes- free play (1 on 1 curriculum activities can be done at this time)
25-30 minutes-Clubhouse
10 minutes-curriculum activities, coloring sheets
15 minutes –snacks and diaper changes
THREES THROUGH FIVES
10 minutes-snack *please note we moved this up to make time for curriculum
35 minutes-Clubhouse and bathroom
20 minutes-curriculum activities and Make It Real (focus on Bible story)
Any remaining time should be spent on packing up kids’ belongings and cleaning the room.
We would also like to stress how important it is that you arrive on time. First service volunteers should arrive by 7:30. Rooms need to be set up and ready for children who arrive at 8. Second service volunteers should arrive by 9:30 so we can have a transition room for children arriving for this service, and also to relieve workers from first service so they can get to church on time. Third service volunteers should arrive by 11 for the same reasons. For our third service volunteers, we ask that you would stay until all of your kids have been picked up, and that you return all sanitized toys/supplies/etc into your big boxes. Tables (and diaper changing pads) should be sanitized as well. Trash should be thrown in the big trash can.
If you attend the service before you serve, we ask that you sit somewhere so you can leave after the prayer and before the announcements/final song(s).
A final suggestion: If things aren’t “flowing” like they should, it’s ok! Keep in mind that the #1 priority in JourneyLand is the health and safety of the children in our care. After that, we want the kids to know that God made them, God loves them and Jesus wants to be their friend forever.
Thank you again for your service and dedication to JourneyLand! We could not do what we do on Sunday mornings if it wasn’t for each of you!
It has taken me a few weeks to actually get up enough courage to post something so personal to me. It’s not just personal to me but it’s a part of “Who” Journey Land is.
You see, I haven’t always been the director of Journey Land. There is a beginning that many don’t know about. If you haven’t been with TrueNorth Church from the start you may have missed part of it’s foundation.
Many know the Bradford family. You know Kevin because he has been our worship leader. You may know Laurie, his wife, from her awesome smile and kind, gentle ways. Of course, if you volunteer in Journey Land/Kidzstuff then you know their children, Austin, Stephen, Zane and Ella.
In order to get the full picture I will have to start from the beginning. My husband Mike and I are part of the original group that started TrueNorth Church. If you know either of us it is definitely apparent that we are from the “North.” So you might say some people had to get to know us.
Not Laurie and Kevin, they were the first ones who welcomed us to North Augusta and the family of TrueNorth Church. Those days bring back such great memories, not just the plant of the church, but the beginning of an awesome friendship.
As we continued to meet at the Hammond Hills Elemetary School, Laurie was led to step up and direct Journey Land. At that time we didn’t have volunteer’s, baby furniture, structure, a system, policies, etc. You name it, it had to be put together.
Once I found that Laurie was going to lead this ministry I immediately stepped up and joined her. I knew by her character that she was a person who 1) I wanted to get to know better and 2) I wanted to learn from.
Over the next two years Laurie and I partnered together to build the foundation of what Journey Land is today. (Yes, along the way we had many people to help with that process. )
Her ability to communicate with people, her love and heart for Jesus moved us forward each week. Her administrative abilities are above most and it allowed us to keep our children in Journey Land safe and healthy. One of our top priorities still to this day.
It wouldn’t be a complete story if I didn’t once again mention her children. Austin and Stephen were the first two to come into Journey Land. Stephen, a beautiful child knew exactly how to push Laurie’s buttons. I would just look at him and laugh. Laurie thought I was absolutely crazy. How could I be sitting there laughing as her child threw a temper tantrum? I just knew what he was doing to her and he knew it too.
Then along came Zane, my little man, another beautiful child. Each time Laurie would come to tell me she was pregnant, once again, I would laugh at her. I just know she continues to think I am the craziest person she knows. But I loved it, each time I was just so excited for her and Kevin. You can’t ask me about having kids cause I’m gonna tell ya, YES!!!!
Then along came Ella, the baby, and a girl! We prayed really hard for a girl. Overwhelmed with three beautiful children, knowing she was blessed, along came their fourth child. I was so happy and excited it was a girl. But again, I just laughed.
By this time Laurie knew that her responsibility was with her husband and children. With sadness for both of us, Laurie stepped out of Journey Land as a leader. I think one of the hardest days for both of us.
Being the great leader she is, Laurie didn’t just leave, she replaced herself with a wonderful person who has stepped right into the administrative roll Laurie once held. Actually it takes two people now to do what Laurie did then.
Now comes another chapter in the lives of the Bradford’s. One that will separate us once again, but with many states in between. I look at the journey they are about to embark on. Am I sad, yes, but I can not help wonder what God has planned.
Kevin and Laurie have been a major part of what and who TrueNorth church is. That will never change, so in reality, a part of them will forever remain here. And again, in reality, a part of us will go with them. When you do this thing called life together, when you take such an important thing such as Christ and you look to build His kingdom, how could it be that we wouldn’t always be together, no matter where our paths may lead us.
I have learned a great deal from the Bradford family. One, that having four children is funny. Two, that loving Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated and three, that I can once again trust in people by relying on Jesus Christ.
Mike and I will miss having Kevin and Laurie around, but honestly, I think it’s possible that we may actually see each other more when they are in Tennessee. At least we will be intentional about setting up times to visit.
I look forward to continuing our friendship and watching their ministry grow.
With great sadness and JOY!
Nina Fiedler
What is the meaning of Journey Land? What makes Journey Land click? Who set’s up and tears down? So what’s my responsibility? What curriculum do we use? Should I take that child to the bathroom and why aren’t men allowed to change diapers?
These are just a few of the questions we hear in Journey Land. Well, now is your chance to get those questions and more answered.
March 14th, 2009 from 9am to 12 noon we will get together at the “Depot” off of Riverwatch parkway (Student Ministry Location).
We will start off the morning with donuts, and of course, our TrueNorth Church “Guatemala” coffee. This gathering will be very informational. If you volunteer in Journey Land this is one of the requirements you will need to meet.
If you don’t volunteer already and are interested but don’t know the details, then come join us. This is an open meeting, invite a friend, if you know of someone at TNC who isn’t volunteering, ask them to join you. It may be just the place God is calling you and them to be.
Although you will receive a lot of information it doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. Fun is on the top of my favorites list. What we do is so important, but it’s also important to have fun while doing it.
For more information or to sign up for the class, please contact Nina Fiedler-Journey Land Director @ninaf@truenorthchurch or 803-279-1555.
I hope to see many of you there.
Nina Fiedler
This past week-end my husband Mike Fiedler and I went up to Decatur Illinois for the first of two practice runs. March 1st will be the actual launch day.
It was a wonderful time. We drove up a 26ft. (?) Budget truck filled with everything but the kitchen sink. We might have taken that to, but I didn’t see anyone standing in line to send it up.
Our first night we stopped in Nashville Tennessee (Happy Valentines Day Honey) with an early morning wake up call. Back on the road again at 6a.m. ish. Making it to Decatur by 2p.m. their time. (Son Christopher in toe.)
Sunday morning 5a.m came very early. We were at the Theater ready to unload the truck. Waiting for us was an awesome crew of guys and gals. Eyes wide open, not really, but ready anyway. Things seemed to role right off the truck into the proper places.
Once inside we had everything up and ready within a few hours. Not even one hick-up as they say. Steve did look a little short and blump on the screen but we will have that fixed by next week.
Jackie Davis is our Journey Land Campus Director. Praise God for this awesome lady. Jackie and her family committed to leading Journey Land just a few short days before we landed in Decatur. It was a lot of fun hanging with them and even talking about some off the wall stuff. I thought I might have scared them away. But anyone who really knows me, knows that I am harmless.
I look forward to seeing what God is going to continue to do in Decatur. What an awesome group of people they have. We were welcomed with open arm’s. I felt like I have known most of them for years.
Keep praying for Decatur, the official launch date is March 1st, like I mentioned before. They will have another practice run this Sunday, February 22nd, 2009. This time without me and Mike. They are going to do a fine job.
I have a few pictures of the campus on my facebook page. Gotta be my friend to see them. I’ll try to post a few up on this site if possible. I haven’t mastered this task as of yet.
Keep posted for more news as it comes available. Way to go God, truenorth is awesome! We love you.
Nina Fiedler-Journey Land Director
Sunday mornings at 6:00 am, setting up Journeyland and Kidz Stuff, someone is there. Sunday mornings at 7:00 am, setting up the parking lot and auditorium lobby, someone is there. Sunday mornings, during each and every service, handing out programs, directing traffic, baking cookies, answering questions, someone is there. Sunday afternoons, tearing down the morning’s transformation from school to church, someone is there. Monday, helping count the offering; Tuesday, making copies of Journeyland curriculum; Wednesday, rehearsing for Kidz Stuff productions; Thursday, calling first time visitors; Friday, assembling programs; Saturday, setting up technical equipment, someone is there.
Not one hour of one day goes by that a volunteer isn’t helping to make TrueNorth happen. We don’t say thank you enough to all of our selfless, amazing volunteers. They are the heart of TNC and they make everything you see, and everything you don’t, possible. So thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our volunteers. I might be a little biased, but we truly have the best volunteers ever!
And if you want to be a part of making TrueNorth happen, email serve@truenorthchurch.com or visit the Volunteer Central table on Sunday morning.
Katie Czapala
Director of Volunteers
FORSYTH – Pastor Steve Davis sat inside the large theater in Hickory Point Cinemas.
He wasn’t there to watch a blockbuster movie on the giant screen. Instead, the pastor from North Augusta, S.C., was making sure everything was in place to launch his new church, TrueNorth, inside the theater.
The first public worship service will begin at 9:33 a.m. Sunday.
“My wife and I recognized the need for the style of church that we created – one that is seeker-friendly, not as many barriers with clothes and stained glass windows, and have an environment for people that was easy to come into,” said Davis, 44, who launched his nondenominational church inside a South Carolina high school in 2004.
He started out with a handful of couples and has since seen the church grow to 600 members. He opened a second TrueNorth church campus in Augusta, Ga.
Instead of the traditional church building and hymns, you’ll hear secular music playing at the beginning of worship, such as “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi or “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles, Davis said.
TrueNorth Church in Forsyth will be Davis’ third launch but the first in a theater.
Renting space at theaters is a growing trend nationwide.
One major chain, National CineMedia, which manages 1,400 theaters nationwide, said it rents space to about 200 churches.
“These are multimillion dollar buildings, and it’s great for the churches because of the low cost,” said Barry Brown, director of worship services for National CineMedia.
Brown observed that most theaters sit empty on Sunday mornings, and he said there’s an increase every year in the number of churches renting them.
Carmike Cinemas, which owns Hickory Point Cinemas in Forsyth and Strand 10 Cinemas in Decatur, also has been in the business of renting space to churches.
Last November, the Rev. B.K. Smith started Harvest Bible Chapel at the Strand 10 Cinemas.
That first Sunday service brought out 150 people to the movie theater, Smith said, and since then, an average of 110 people have come to worship.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but now people know we are there. One lady came up to me and said she felt safe coming to the theater. She told me how she felt uncomfortable going inside a church,” he said.
Smith said it’s not about a building but winning souls and bringing the unchurched to God.
“If you are an unbeliever and never went to a church, it’s like you need to know some secret handshake, but we get rid of all that. Now what used to be unbelievers are coming and inviting their unbeliever friends.”
TrueNorth’s Davis said he found that offering a different church setting tended to draw in more of the unchurched.
Because his church sites are portable, with no debt or mortgage payments, there is flexibility to open up more sites in the near future.
National CineMedia’s Brown called this the multisite movement, with some churches choosing to be in multiple locations across the country.
Davis grew up in Mount Zion, and he finally has the opportunity to open up a church in his home state.
His sermons will be recorded and, through a digital stream, downloaded on the Internet and played on the big screen at the Forsyth theater.
His brother, Shane Davis, will be leading the worship service, which includes a live praise band.
Shane Davis, 38, is the former youth pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
He admitted he is pumped and excited about using the Hickory Point theater to serve God.
“I will be the pastor of this church, doing all the pastoral duties on site. And Steve will teach and bring the message,” he said.
Both brothers agree it’s not about where a person worships but who they worship.
“Jesus said you come to worship me in spirit and truth. And the theater becomes our sanctuary, it becomes a place where God’s people come together, and as we worship him, his spirit presides,” Steve Davis said.
“It’s a beautiful thing.”
Journey Land Easter Outreach:
We invite you to join with us in our first annual Easter outreach project! Our focus will be on a pediatric day treatment center for medically fragile kids (Pediatric Services of America) located in Augusta, Georgia. You can visit www.psahelathcare.com (the national website) for more information.
PSA is an extensive rehabilitation facility. There mission statement is “Caring for kids, it’s who we are and what we do.” Although PSA does receive funding, it is not always enough for books, toys, diapers or any other “extras” to help make each child’s day special. For this reason, we ask you and your children to help us collect the following items for the local PSA facility.
We will collect these items on our North Augusta and Columbia County campuses in our Journey Land areas starting March 8th through Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2009. (New items only please) You may also drop them off at the church office.
*Plastic or plastic backed bibs (sizes infant-large)
*VeggieTales, nursery rhyme, or other child friendly CD’s or DVD’s.
*Playground balls
*Small plastic child sized basketball goals
*Children’s books
*Receiving blankets
*Disposable diapers, especially preemie size
*Small plastic bowls to be used for feedings
*Toys, (balls, puzzles, animal sets, manipulative’s, etc.)
For more information please contact Daphne Brown at daphneb@truenorthchurch.com
What our Journey Land Children will learn from this experience:
During the month of March, our Journey Land children will be learning about some of the kids that spend time at PSA. We encourage you to take time to ask them about what they are learning, and how they would like to help.
In our curriculum for the month of March, we will discuss one of our key concepts in Journey Land, “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.” Through these bible stories your children will learn that “Jesus wants to help everyone,” “Jesus can help the people I care about,” “Jesus can do anything,” and “Jesus wants to help us live with him forever.”
Easter Sunday on our North Augusta and Columbia County Campuses:
On Easter Sunday, April 12th, Journey Land will celebrate in a BIG way. We will party it up with inflatables and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Please dress your children in play clothes as they will be outside for a short period of time and getting lots of exercise on the inflatables!
We are also excepting donations of plastic eggs and candy suitable for children ages 1-6. (please no chocolate in case it is hot outside.)
What else is happening?
“Adopt A Block” project. (There is an increasing need in North Augusta and the CSRA to reach out to those in their time of need. Teams complete minor home repairs, facilitate children’s programs, as well as gather for various community events. All you need is a willingness to help your neighbor.)
TrueNorth Church will have it’s second annual Easter Egg hunt at Ridgeview Manor, our “Adopt A Block” project. It will be held March 28th at 10am until 2pm. There will be games for the children, face painting, inflatables, and of course, our Easter egg hunt. Come join us for a day of great fun. If you would like to help out or get more information please contact Nina Fielder at the church office 803-279-1555 or ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.
More Information:
Journey Land has been very blessed. We are so grateful for all our volunteers. As we have moved to three services on our North Augusta campus, we have seen many people step up and join our AWESOME team in Journey Land. We are thankful for each of you.
We continue to challenge ourselves to make Journey Land on all three of our campuses the best it can be. We evaluate all that we do on a regular basis, and with that evaluation we have learned that our time in Journey Land is very limited. The time we have with the children each week is minimal. So much to teach and so very little time.
With the above mentioned we have tried to make what we do in that short period of time matter. In our observation we had to cut back on time in a place that wasn’t of great impact on the children. So, we have cut back on the time it would take to serve the children snack. We feel that taking this time to focus on teaching the three basis concepts to our children, “God Made Me,” “God Loves Me,” and “Jesus wants to be my Friend Forever,” are of great importance in building a Christ like foundation for our precious little ones.
So what does that all really mean? Well, instead of taking the 15-20 minutes that it takes to serve a snack, we are now serving a fixed amount of cookies and water. We are no longer focusing our time on serving juice and multiple amounts of different food items. Instead, we will focus our attention on the curriculum of the day and the activities that allow us to be one on one with the children in their life lesson.
If you should have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Nina Fiedler, Journey Land Director at the church office or Ninaf@truenorthchurch.com.
Once again, thank you volunteers for your dedication. Thank you parents for allowing us to care for your children in a loving environment. And for giving us the opportunity to partner with you in building a Christ like foundation for your child.
Nina Fiedler-Journey Land Director & Crew…
Mark your calendar, March 28th, 2009 from 10am to 2pm, we will have our second Easter Egg Hunt at Ridgeview Manor.
Bring the kids, bring the family for lot’s of fun. There will be blow-ups, face painting, games, prizes, music, and of course, our annual Easter Egg Hunt for ages toddlers – 10 years old. Age groups will be as follows, 0-2, 3s &4s, 5s-7s, and 8s-10s.
The food will be cook-in, so come and have an awesome day out with the family.
If you are interested in helping out or donating Easter Eggs/stuffed (no chocolate) please contact Nina Fiedler at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com or 803-279-1555.
I hope to see you all there.
Nina Fiedler
TNC/Journey Land Director
Journey Land Easter Outreach:
We invite you to join with us in our first annual Easter outreach project! Our focus will be on a pediatric day treatment center for medically fragile kids (Pediatric Services of America) located in Augusta, Georgia. You can visit www.psahelathcare.com (the national website) for more information.
PSA is an extensive rehabilitation facility. There mission statement is “Caring for kids, it’s who we are and what we do.” Although PSA does receive funding, it is not always enough for books, toys, diapers or any other “extras” to help make each child’s day special. For this reason, we ask you and your children to help us collect the following items for the local PSA facility.
We will collect these items on our North Augusta and Columbia County campuses in our Journey Land areas starting March 8th through Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2009. (New items only please) You may also drop them off at the church office.
*Plastic or plastic backed bibs (sizes infant-large)
*VeggieTales, nursery rhyme, or other child friendly CD’s or DVD’s.
*Playground balls
*Small plastic child sized basketball goals
*Children’s books
*Receiving blankets
*Disposable diapers, especially preemie size
*Small plastic bowls to be used for feedings
*Toys, (balls, puzzles, animal sets, manipulative’s, etc.)
For more information please contact Daphne Brown at daphneb@truenorthchurch.com
As most of you know by now the original date for the Ridgeview Manor Easter Egg Hunt has been changed due to rain. It is now Sunday, (tomorrow) March 29th from 4pm to 8pm.
We are asking all volunteers to meet us at Ridgeview at 2:30pm. We will gather to start setting up our area’s. If you haven’t contacted us about volunteering you are more then welcome to come out and help. We always have room for more volunteer’s.
If you thought you missed out on dropping off eggs you still have time, bring them to church in the morning and drop them off at “guest services” or in “journey land.”
Thank you all for your willingness to help our community have a fun Easter holiday. I look forward to seeing all of you at the Egg Hunt.
If you have other questions you can email me at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com
Thanks Nina
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
–John 1:14 (The Message)
Jesus’ neighborhood was a rural, agricultural society in first century Palestine. Our neighborhood is the CSRA with a laser-like focus on an eighty-eight unit apartment complex in twenty-first century North Augusta, SC.
Jesus came to us and met us where we were. This past Sunday’s Hip-Hop Easter Egg Hunt was another opportunity for the people of TrueNorth to continue to meet the people of Ridgeview Manor right where they are.
If Jesus was here today, I fully believe He would do exactly what He did then–immerse Himself in the culture and hang out with real people in the real world. Adopt-a-Block is just that–an opportunity for us to be insolated, not isolated while showing the love of Christ to people who may be far from Him.
I can’t possibly thank all the TNCers enough for making the Easter Egg Hunt at Ridgeview Manor a tremendous success. You guys are amazingly selfless and dedicated!!!
See the North Augusta Today article here
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More photos in North Augusta Today’s Spotted gallery here.
Mike Fiedler
Missions Pastor
JOURNEY LAND
GOD MADE ME, GOD LOVES ME, AND JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
The Bible tells us about Jesus’ last supper with His friends. In Matthew 26:26-30, it says:
While they were eating, Jesus took bread. He gave thanks and broke it. He handed it to his disciples and said, “Take this and eat it. This is my body.”
Then he took the cup. He gave thanks and handed it to them. He said, “All of you drink from it. This is my blood of the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. Here is what I tell you. From now on, I won’t drink wine with you again until the day I drink it with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
“In Luke 23:44-49, we learn about Jesus’ death:
It was now about noon. The whole land was covered with darkness until three o’clock. The sun had stopped shining. The temple curtain was torn in two. Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my very life.” After he said this, he took his last breath.
The Roman commander saw what had happened. He praised God and said, “Jesus was surely a man who did what was right.”
The people had gathered to watch that sight. When they saw what happened, they beat their chests and went away. But all those who knew Jesus stood not very far away, watching those things. They included the women who had followed him from Galilee.
“Finally, Matthew 28:1-7 tells us the good news, about His resurrection, which was when he rose from the dead:
The Sabbath day was now over. It was dawn on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a powerful earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and sat on it. His body shone like lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would! Come and see the place where he was lying. Go quickly! Tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
As our week comes closer to this Sunday, April 12th, we encourage you to personally read over these scriptures and learn what Jesus did for each of us. We also encourage you to share with your children/family the story of Jesus Christ.
Easter is a time for family visits, egg hunting and traditions. Make it a tradition in your family to find the true meaning of Easter. Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins and who rose again, He is ALIVE!
We in Journey Land wish you and your family a happy Easter.
Upcoming Events”:
April 12th, Journey Land Easter Egg Hunt on North Augusta Campus and Columbia County Campus.
April, 2009, Journey Land Easter “OutReach” project.
May 17th, 2009, Baby dedication
May 2009, SUMMER SERVE- What is it? Look for more info. in the future….
Summers are filled with plans…trips to the lake, vacations, ball games, picnics, pool parties…and the list goes on. Everywhere you look, families are taking advantage of time away from school and the beautiful summer weather. Even though kids don’t have the usual loads of classes or preschool activities, their capacity and desire to learn still grows. In Journey Land and in KidzStuff, our kids will experience a summer filled with life-changing lessons from the Bible- flooded with loads of summer fun.
Summer is also a great time to slow down the routine pace a bit to try something new and exciting…and what can be more exciting than being a part of reaching Kids for Jesus Christ. Here at truenorth church, Summer Serve gives you the opportunity to do just that! As you make summer plans, please consider the unique opportunities available to serve Christ by serving His kids throughout the summer season. The opportunities are many, and the joys of watching our children grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ is priceless.
Looking forward to doing summer with you in Journey Land or KidzStuff!
For more information please contact Nina Fiedler @ ninaf@truenorthchurch.com or daphneb@truenorthchurch.com
803-279-1555
Well, it happened. God was at work this past Easter Sunday at truenorthchurch-Journey Land. It was truly an amazing day.
The morning started at 5:30am for most of us in Journey Land. The blow-ups had to be delivered and set up before our 8:30am service on the North Augusta Campus. I did find out the hard way that the cafeteria ceilings are 14ft tall. Now most wouldn’t think that was a big deal. I’m hear to tell you that it is a HUGE deal when you have blow-ups that are 16ft and taller. Needless to say, we got them moved outside, and set up. Praise God for awesome weather. (A personal thank you to Jeff Cook from Bump-N-Bounce Blow ups-(803) – 279-4400)
What can I say about our volunteer’s? To put it in perspective I would like to quote our Pastor, Steve Davis.
“I love our VOLUNTEERS who make it HAPPEN EVERY SINGLE WEEK RAIN OR SHINE! I love our KIDS MINISTRIES in JOURNEY LAND and KIDZ STUFF – THERE IS NONE BETTER! I love our BANDS and MUSICIANS; they work hard and give their best every week! I love our STAFF. I’ve never been more excited about the LEADERS God has given us to lead TNC and our campuses! Finally, I love our Great God! There is NO ONE LIKE OUR GOD!”
The children, WOW! How amazing they are. As I walked onto our Columbia County Campus and North Augusta Campus, I saw children learning the most awesome story of all, the “Easter Story.” Yes, we had blow-ups and an Easter Egg Hunt and the children had an awesome time, but Easter is about Jesus. I hope you will talk with your children about what they learned.
As I have shared in some of my other posts, numbers aren’t everything. But, they are a way to allow us to plan for the future and celebrate the wins. What are wins? Well, for us at truenorth church, we would say lives changed. This past Sunday we saw a total of 77 people get baptised. That is just so powerful.
As I stood on our North Augusta campus watching the spontaneous baptisms, I couldn’t help but be in awe. The most amazing sight was when a young man was asked what his testimony was. He replied, “I’m ready to die.” Tears came to my eyes, I couldn’t hold it back. The Holy Spirit was in this place, no one can doubt that.
We had a total attendance of over 2100 people on all three campuses. Journey Land North Augusta had 154 children and 66 volunteers. Columbia County had 31 children and 12 volunteers and Decatur had 6 children and 2 volunteers. SO! if you left Journey Land feeling like you put in a full days work, you did! Job well done, thank you.
baby dedication at truenorth church - An opportunity for parents to focus today on what will affect their child’s future.
CONGRATULATIONS – on your decision to raise your child in the ways of the Lord. No one will have more influence on your child than YOU! We believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens at church. It is our hope that we can partner with you from the very beginning. We want to be your biggest fans, your strongest supporters, and your trusted guides as you raise your child to know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Baby dedication is more than an event. It is an opportunity for you to take some time at the beginning of your journey as a parent to really think about what will matter the most in the life of your child; to really talk together and decide what you value and what you can do today that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future.
WHEN:
North Augusta Campus | Sunday, May 17th, 2009 @ 1:00pm (auditorium)
Columbia County Campus | Sunday, May 17th, 2009 prior to the 10:10 service, (auditorium)
Registration deadline is May 13th, 2009
WHO:
Parents who want to publicly declare their intentions to raise child/children with the opportunity to know God and establish a personal relationship with Christ.
WHAT:
Baby dedication will be a special event, you’ll want to invite your friends and family and bring your camera.
Attire? Whatever works for you and your child. Many people dress their children in special clothing, others simply bring their child in a favorite outfit.
HOW: On both the North Augusta and Columbia County Campuses you will find sign – up sheets located at “Guest Services” and “Journey Land.” You must register either of those places. Then, via email, we would like (1) a picture of your child and/or family, whichever you prefer. This should be submitted before May 8th, 2009 for it to be in the presentation on May 17th, 2009.
We look forward to joining with you in “Guiding your child’s first step on the journey to loving God.”
Questions: contact Nina Fiedler at ninaf@truenorthchurch.com or 803-279-1555
Summers are filled with plans…trips to the lake, vacations, ball games, picnics, pool parties…and the list goes on. Everywhere you look, families are taking advantage of time away from school and the beautiful summer weather. Even though kids don’t have the usual loads of classes or preschool activities, their capacity and desire to learn still grows. In Journey Land and in KidzStuff, our kids will experience a summer filled with life-changing lessons from the Bible- flooded with loads of summer fun.
Summer is also a great time to slow down the routine pace a bit to try something new and exciting…and what can be more exciting than being a part of reaching Kids for Jesus Christ. Here at truenorth church, Summer Serve gives you the opportunity to do just that! As you make summer plans, please consider the unique opportunities available to serve Christ by serving His kids throughout the summer season. The opportunities are many, and the joys of watching our children grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ is priceless.
Looking forward to doing summer with you in Journey Land or KidzStuff!
YOU CAN SIGN UP SUNDAY MORNINGS ON OUR NORTH AUGUSTA CAMPUS AT OUR TENT OR ON OUR COLUMBIA COUNTY CAMPUS IN THE AUDITORIUM LOBBY.
Nina Fielder – Journey Land Director-803-279-1555-ninaf@truenorthchurch.com
Sheila Mendell – KidzStuff Director-803-279-1555-sheilam@truenorthchurch.com
TrueNorth Church is promoting it’s “Summer Serve” event with $5.00 T-shirts. You can pick up your t-shirt at the Summer Serve table Sunday mornings in front of the Auditorium doors or in Journey Land (6 weeks-kindergarten) or Kidzstuff (1st grade – 5th).
The shirts are to get people asking questions about “Summer Serve.” What is Summer Serve? Well, it’s an opportunity for those who have not gotten connected in an area to serve on Sunday mornings. It gives them the opportunity to get involved without feeling pressured to commit on a full time basis. (available openings June-August)
Many people want to get involved, they just don’t know how….we have solved that problem. Come to our Summer Serve tent located in from of the auditorium and get information about serving this summer.
For more information please contact Nina Fiedler-Journey Land Director at 803-279-1555 or ninaf@truenorthchurch.com
We look forward to hanging out with you over the summer. There are lot’s of fun things planned in both our children’s area’s. Come ready to have a BLAST!
“UnPacked” is what Journey Land calls it’s most AWESOME meetings. They aren’t just your regular kind of “meetings,” boring! They are fun and energetic, isn’t that how kid’s learn anyway! Big kids that is.
This Saturday, May 30th, 2009 we will meet at the “Depot.” It is located at 3002 Riverwatch Parkway in Augusta. 9am-12noon. Don’t worry, we will feed you. There will be coffee and donut’s to start us off. Gotta have my coffee!
This session will go over our Summer curriculum and some of the in’s and outs of what makes Journey Land tick. I encourage anyone who is volunteering in Journey Land or who would like to volunteer in Journey Land to attend.
If you have signed up for “summer serve” or still don’t know exactly where you would like to volunteer at truenorth church, then this meeting is for you. It will define for you what Journey Land is.
If you have any questions or would like to find our more about Journey Land then please contact me, Nina Fiedler at 803-279-1555.
I look forward to sharing with you how special our little ones are to us.
Nina Fiedler
TrueNorth Church/Preschool Director/Journey Land (6 wks.-kindergaten)
Sunday’s message was an extension to the What Might Jesus Say series as Steve shared where he sees TrueNorth heading. Some of the things discussed were the upcoming One Prayer series that begins this coming Sunday, the search for land for a building and increasing the amount of Journey Teams for people to do life together. All of these things fall under the mission of TrueNorth, which is to transform spiritual seekers into passionate followers of Christ.
The important thing to remember about being in God’s will is that he will be with us. As the staff and leaders are seeking God’s direction, it is reminiscent of the the book of Joshua. Chapter 1 verse 5 says, No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. It’s when we continue to seek God’s vision that He continues to lead us on His path.
It may be difficult to follow God when you can’t see where He’s going, but as Joshua 1 continues, we find out his prescription is to be strong and courageous (v. 6-9). To do this, we need to be careful to obey all His words.
At TrueNorth, our motto is to “lift up, love in and live out.” When we lift up, we are pointing people to Jesus. Loving in is learning to love others by committing to authentic relationships with other Christ followers. To live out is to utilize our vocations, gifts and global impact in the Kingdom. From inviting others to church to joining a J-Team to going on a mission trip, there are places to do these things at TrueNorth Church.
Jesus is going to change the world through us, but we must go and obey (Joshua 1:16-18). This doesn’t equate on us agreeing on everything we do, but that we’re all at a concensus with the mission of the church. That’s what makes impact happen!
Who is God to you? Join us for One Prayer 2009, a global movement where we’re living out what we’re learning about our never-ending God. Beginning this Sunday at TrueNorth Church. See you there!
Hey TNC’ers! Here’s what is coming up…
Volunteer Luau We want to say thank you to all of our volunteers! Sunday, June 7th will be the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. This year, we will have food, fun and a movie at the water park at The Family Y on Wheeler Road in Augusta beginning at 6:00 PM. Information and sign up cards are available at the Volunteer Central table on Sunday or at the church office.
Graduation Recognition This Sunday, June 7th, we encourage all grads to attend the 11:30 service where we will recognize every TNC high school graduate with a gift. We will also have a time of prayer to commission each of our students as they take their next step on their journey as a Christ follower. This will only be done in the 11:30 service. There is no sign up necessary, just be in attendance. We look forward to honoring you on your accomplishments this Sunday.
Cross Training Sports Camp The TNC CROSS TRAINING SPORTS CAMPS for BOYS & GIRLS ages 6-12 is coming June 8-12! Each morning from 8:30 -11:45 am, at Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, your child will receive ”Quality Sports Instruction with a Christian Purpose” in either basketball or soccer. Brochures and registration forms will be available Sunday at Guest Services. Cost is $50.00. This ministry is for the entire community, so be sure and invite your friends. If you would desire to sponsor a child with a scholarship, please contact our offices at 803-279-1555.
2nd Saturday Join us on Saturday, June 13th to impact the CSRA. We meet in North Augusta at the church offices, 419 W. Martintown Road at 8:30 am and transportation to the volunteer locations is provided. June locations are North Augusta Habitat for Humanity, Christ Community Health Services (Widows Home) and Ridgeview Manor where we will be working with the “Ridge Kids” as part of our Adopt-A-Block program. Kids are welcome and no tools or skills are required. We will have you back by noon. For more information, email Mike Fiedler at mikef@truenorthchurch.com.
Blood Drive As part of Junes 2nd Saturday and in conjunction with the North Augusta Family Y we will also be hosting the Shepherd Community Blood Mobile from 8:00am – 12:30pm. Give Some Drops, Get Some Dippin’ Dots. All donors will receive a coupon for a FREE medium cup of Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream
Need more info? Check out www.tncblog.com!
Have a great week!
TrueNorth Church
Hey TNC’ers! Get your calendars ready…
2nd Saturday Join us on Saturday, June 13th to impact the CSRA. We meet in North Augusta at the church offices, 419 W. Martintown Road at 8:30 am and transportation to the volunteer locations is provided. June locations are North Augusta Habitat for Humanity, Christ Community Health Services (Widows Home – this Saturday, lawn tools are needed for this project) and Ridgeview Manor where we will be working with the ”Ridge Kids” as part of our Adopt-A-Block program. Kids are welcome and no tools or skills are required (except as noted). We will have you back by noon. For more information, email Mike Fiedler at mikef@truenorthchurch.com.
Blood Drive As part of June’s 2nd Saturday and in conjunction with the North Augusta Family Y, we will also be hosting the Shepherd Community Blood Mobile from 8:00am – 12:30pm. Give Some Drops, Get Some Dippin’ Dots. All donors will receive a coupon for a FREE medium cup of Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream!
Migrant Camp As part of TrueNorth Local Impact, volunteers make visits to a women’s Hispanic Migrant Workers camp in Edgefield County during the summer. Bi-weekly trips to provide physically as well as spiritually through a small group Bible study start this Wednesday, June 10th. For more information, email Mike Fiedler at mikef@truenorthchurch.com.
Band Auditions A limited number of auditions will be held for musicians and vocalists on Saturday June 27th. For more information, email TJ Barton at tj@truenorthchurch.com.
Guatemalan Missions Team Who knew North Augusta would become a missions destination?! This Sunday, we get our own missions team!! Our sister church, El Camino, in Guatemala City is sending a team to help out with our local missions for a week. They will be involved with Migrant Camp Ministry and other TrueNorth Ministries. Be sure to say “Hola” and welcome them to TrueNorth!
At TNC, we love our little ones! Every week we prepare a special service planned just for them in Journey Land in the cafeteria. Therefore, we ask that all children in kindergarten or younger not attend services in the auditorium. We believe Journey Land at TNC is the best preschool ministry in the CSRA! Our VIPS work hard and love your kids, so please take your children to the age-appropriate service.
Still need more? Check out www.tncblog.com or the TrueNorth Facebook Page!
Have a great week!
TrueNorth Church
Journey Land Summer Curriculum Guide
JUNE BOTTOM LINE: God will teach me
Curriculum is taken from My First Look, as usual. There will be 3-4 activities, games or crafts in each appropriate age group.
Production will differ slightly from “normal” during June.
June 7: Clubhouse as usual.
June 14: Last Clubhouse of the summer, Buddy and Carrie say “goodbye” until September.
June 21: Father’s Day (there will be an additional craft this day for Dad).
June 28: Bible stories are provided in the curriculum for small group leaders to go over with their class (this includes the toddlers and twos).
CD players will be in each room, and each room will receive a CD of summer songs. There will be scheduled time to play music in each classroom.
After June, we will break up July and August into 3 sections: Noah, Jonah, and Friendship.
NOAH’S ARK
July 5: Small Group Leaders will have an age appropriate Bible story to introduce the story of Noah, and we will have a special guest teaching our kids how to act like animals (as if they needed the help!)
July 12: A “Camp Guide” will come to reinforce the story of Noah’s Ark in a big group setting (for toddlers-5K). There will also be an age appropriate Noah’s Ark craft this day.
JULY 19: Water Fun Day! Bring your bathing suit, towel and sunscreen!
JONAH
July 26: Pajama day as we watch “Jonah: a VeggieTales movie
August 2: A “Camp Guide” will come and introduce the Bible story of Jonah in a big group setting (for toddlers-5K). There will also be related activities and coloring sheets.
August 9: Small Group Leaders will have an age appropriate Bible story to reinforce Jonah, and a related craft will be provided.
FRIENDSHIP
August 16: Age appropriate Bible stories to express to our kids that “Jesus wants to be their friend forever. We will focus on salvation on this day. A “Camp Guide” will come into reinforce this concept (for toddlers-5K)
August 23: We will learn how Jesus wants us to treat our friends using some wisdom from the show “Yo Gabba Gabba.” We will also have a special guest on this day to teach us how to dance! 5k classes will be visiting KidzStuff with their SGLs and parents
August 30: Age appropriate Bible story about how to be “fishers of men.” There will also be a craft. A “Camp Guide” will come into reinforce this concept (for toddlers-4s)
5K classes promoted to KidzStuff, will not check into Journey Land.
*We will have other “special guests” from time to time not listed on this guide.
HOW??
How will this work?
You will receive a curriculum packet with all the Bible stories, crafts, activities, and games. We will tell you what to do, what to say, and what you will need (and, as always, we will provide all the necessary materials.)
How will I know what to do and when to do it?
For June, our schedule will stay as is (schedules are posted in each classroom notebook).
Beginning in July, each week a schedule will be handed out with your activities and times. Since each week is different, your schedule will most likely be different every week. We will still make time for snacks and bathroom/diaper changes. Your curriculum packet and schedule will be your guide to running a successful class!
WHY??
Why are we changing things up?
We wanted to change things up and have a “Camp Journey Land” theme. We wanted a way to get out the wiggles (hence the dancing and some kid’s yoga).
WHAT??
What about music? The kids love the music!!
Fear not! We haven’t forgotten about music! Each class will have a CD player and a CD to use all summer long. When and what to play will be included on your schedule each week. In fact, we’ll even be providing a CD to take home for our weekly and bi-monthly volunteers in the toddler-5K rooms so you can listen to and memorize the songs.
What else?
Over the course of the summer, we will be encouraging our older kids to earn beads on necklaces by memorizing Bible verses, good behavior, perfect attendance, bringing friends, learning the books of the Bible, etc (we will give you more information on this later).
We will also run a competition in July to see which classroom can bring the most offering – by WEIGHT – to Journey Land.
Who knows what other fun things may come up over the summer…and if you have great ideas, then please share, after all Journey Land is a team effort!!
So what is a volunteer? Well, Webster defines it as “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service.”
I personally think this definition doesn’t tell the story to good about our volunteers at TrueNorth Church. There is so much more to this definition of a volunteer. Let me share with you what it takes each Sunday morning to get Journey Land (preschool ministry) up and running; then making our area look like it did before we showed up, actually make it look better.
Each Sunday morning our volunteer’s show up at 6:00am. That’s right, 6:00am. While you and I are getting our beauty sleep our AWESOME volunteer’s are putting the final touches on the Cafeteria to make it a safe and fun place for our children to attend.
Now, if you have never been to the cafeteria I welcome you to come and take a look. There are colorful walls to make our area appealing to the children as they walk in. We have a large screen in our production area, tables, chairs, puppet area, check in and out area, strollers, porta-cribs, containers with supplies, high chairs, walkers, rugs, and the list goes on. My point is this, someone has to put all this stuff up and that’s where our set up team comes in.
You see, we don’t really get to see them that much. As I mentioned before, we are usually sleeping nice and comfy in our beds when they are at the high school setting up the cafeteria. Much of what they do isn’t mentioned to most, we kind of take it for granted that our childrens areas will be set up and ready to go when it’s time for service to start. I don’t think anyone intentionally thinks this, we just go on with our everyday lives and it just sort of happens.
So that’s the set-up team. But it doesn’t stop there. Now we have those who come to each of our services to care for all those children that attend Journey Land. On average we run anywhere from 100 to 110 children on a given Sunday. Now that’s awesome…reaching that many children for Jesus. But again, it takes volunteers to make this all happen. So we have volunteers who care for the children. What does that look like, well…some volunteers show up at 7:30am to help with the final touches of Journey Land before any child walks through the doors. Then they stay, teach a class, sing songs, puppet skits, run computers, change diapers, security, and of course, the list goes on. Not all volunteers are in the classroom. That’s what’s so great about Journey Land.
Remember, we have three services. So take the above and multiply that by 3. It takes approximately 42 volunteer per peek to make Journey Land classrooms work. That’s with 2 volunteers in each classroom; that’s not including any production people, security people or check in and out volunteers. We could add an additional 20 volunteers per week possibly more. That would give us a total of approximately 62 volunteer’s each Sunday morning. Let’s not forget the set up and tear down crew not in that figure.
Ok, so now we are to the tear-down crew…its summer, it’s hot…or its winter and it’s cold. We are portable so the elements are part of what we encounter. This crew comes in after everyone else has left and put’s all the items we use each week back on the truck. One by one the pieces are taken down, removed from the cafeteria and gently (most of the time) put away. Everyone else is at lunch visiting with friends and family and our precious volunteers are transforming our area back into the cafeteria of the high school A lot of sweat is put into making this happen.
Now what I have mentioned above is what happens on a “normal day.” It’s a lot, so much heart and love is put into all of this, so much time and sweat is given. Our volunteers love what they do, they care, they want Journey Land to be the best place a parent can bring their children and know they will be safe.
Let’s look at it when something is thrown at us at the last minute. Of course we can’t predict that our Air-conditioning unit in the cafeteria is going to go crazy. So now we through in the unpredictable move from the cafeteria to the lobby of the gymnasium after the cafeteria has been set up for the Sunday services.
WOW! What can I say; to most this would be a great time to vent our unhappiness about things. But NO! Not our volunteers at TrueNorth Church.
I was so encouraged by their willingness to jump in and get the job done. This meant taking most of the items (maybe half) to the lobby of the gymnasium and setting up Journey Land. It also meant that Kidzstuff and Journey Land had to share this area. Everything as we know it had to be changed, our scheduling, our production, our areas, I mean everything. And again, not even a whisper of a complaint.
Now let’s go back to tear-down. As you may remember I mentioned we had set up in the cafeteria, moved half the stuff to the lobby. So what does this mean? We had to tear-down in two different locations, the cafeteria and the lobby. Now try doing that in 90 degree weather without air-conditioning. Again, not one complaint. Our volunteers were encouraging me, I’m the leader right?
As I close with my story from above, I say this. I can’t think of any other place I would rather be than with my volunteer’s at TrueNorth Church. I am inspired by their giving hearts. The willingness to do anything that needs to be done, and more importantly their Love for Jesus Christ which shines through them as they serve.
I want each of you to know, I love you very much, what you do is so important and does not go without notice. I am sure when the time comes, Jesus will say to each of you “Job well done my good and faithful servant.”
May God Bless you!
With my heartfelt thanks,
Nina Brophy-Fiedler
Director-Journey Land
Parent’s! You aren’t going to want your children to miss out on this one. Sunday, July 19th, 2009 we will have a “Splash” of a day in Journey Land. Children ages 3 thru kindergarten will participate in our “Water Day” in J-Land.
All three services, 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am we will have a “BLOW-UP” WATER SLIDE set up outside for our children. (Children 2 years old and younger will participate with inside activities, bounce house and games.)
The following are a few guidelines so you and your child will be prepared when you visit Journey Land.
Activities will include:
I hope that you find this to be a fun event for your child. Please invite your friends this week. Maybe, just maybe they will want to come back the next Sunday.
Reminder: July 26th, 2009 is our Pajama day in Journey Land. We will be showing a kid friendly movie. Dress your child in some comfy pjs! We will also have a special visitor on this day…..Hunter the dog! Please make us aware of allergies so we can make proper arrangements for your child.
This past month we have studied the bible story of “Noah’s Ark.” “Trust the Lord with all your heart.” Proverbs 3:5. It was a wonderful month with the children. I believe everyone involved had a blast. Watching the leaders interact with the children, singing, dancing, and telling the stories was a joy to watch. I hope you have asked your child a little bit about what they are learning in Journey Land.
Our next series will be on “Jonah.” This should we a hoooooot…..”God’s way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30. We have lot’s of crafts to do, new songs to learn and lot’s of activities to keep our children engaged. Who knows what they will walk away with, but three things they will know for sure, “God Made Me,” “God Loves Me,” and “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
We are looking forward to partnering with you on this journey.
With appreciation,
Nina Fiedler, Journey Land Director
Pajama Day in Journey Land!
www.truenorthchurch.com
July 26th, 2009 is our Pajama day in Journey Land. We will show a kid friendly movie. (Jonah movie) Dress your child in some comfy pjs! We will also have a special visitor on this day…..Hunter the dog! Please make us aware of allergies so we can make proper arrangements for your child.
Our next series will be about“Jonah.” This is going to be a WHALE OF A TIME…..”God’s way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30. We have lot’s of crafts to do, new songs to learn and lot’s of activities to keep our children engaged. Who knows what they will walk away with, but three things they will know for sure, “God Made Me,” “God Loves Me,” and “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
We are looking forward to partnering with you on this journey.
With appreciation,
Nina Fiedler, Journey Land Director
Join us this week as we kick off our new series “JONAH.” Each Sunday Journey Land/Truenorth Church is available all three servies. 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:30am. Bring your children ages 6 wks. thru kindergarten for lot’s of fun and excitement. What a better way to learn about Jesus.
I can’t believe it but we officially are back to school tomorrow. It only seems like yesterday that summer started. It really went fast.
This summer in Journey Land we had so much fun with our “Camp Journey Land” theme. We had many visitors who danced with us, played with us and taught us that God made me, God loves me and Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
One highlight was our visit from “Hunter” the dog. The children and adults loved watching him do tricks. He was so gentle with the children, he just laid there and allowed them to pet him.
We talked about “Noah and the ark,” Jonah and the Whale,” and this week we talked about friendship. I was blessed to hang out with the children this week in our Clubhouse time. This is one of the things I love most about Journey Land. As adults, we are always so worried about what others think. In Journey Land you can be a kid and the children just love it.
I have to say, I was just amazed with the children today. We talked about the scripture John 3: 16, “God loves us so much that he gave his one and only son.” I asked the children what this really means, gave his son? We shared that God’s son is Jesus and that Jesus wants to be our friend forever. So how do we have Jesus as our friend forever I asked? Well, to my amazement a 4 year old boy shared that “you pray to God and ask Jesus to be your Savior. He said, “When we have Jesus is in our hearts there is a party in heaven.” WOW!
So now I am thinking, he can’t really understand what he is saying right? I ask him, so we can say that Jesus is our friend, his reply, He is our Savior. This really opened up a time for the children and I to talk about this friend we call Jesus. Our key points:
I loved that once I opened it up to the children they shared with me in only a way a young child could. They are so innocent, their minds are filled with purity and love. It’s wonderful watching them learn new things and explore their feelings. When they get it, it’s like this light in their heads goes off and it shines right through them. Amazing.
One of the funniest things happened while I was teaching the lesson in Clubhouse. As I mentioned earlier, I love what kids have to share. It was no different with another boy who is also 4 years old. Every time I would say something he would comment in this evangelistic voice, “that’s right.” I was waiting for him to start singing, “Preach it girl.” Oh how I laughed today. I believe he just might have a bit of preacher in him. I can’t wait to see what he grows up to be.
Over the next few weeks we have a few things going on in Journey Land/TNC. Here are some dates to remember:
Hoping your day is as wonderful as mine has been.
Nina Fiedler
TNC/Journey Land Director
If you’re a parent of a child between the ages of six weeks and five years at TrueNorth Church, Journey Land is likely a big part of the TNC experience for you. Today’s staff thoughts are from Nina Fiedler, Director of Journey Land. See what she has to say about our fifth birthday and all God is doing in Journey Land.
1. What does TrueNorth Church turning five mean to you?
TrueNorth has made such an impact in our community over the past five years. If we asked, “If TNC didn’t exist tomorrow, would we be missed?,” I believe our community would know we weren’t here anymore.
I reflect back on where we have come and ahead to where we are going, from just a few families meeting in a living room, to Hammond Hill Elementary School, to now, North Augusta High School. How many people along the way have been touched by TNC? How many lives have been changed? How many people have come to know Jesus Christ?
Turning five means we still have a long way to go. It means that we have done so much. It means that we aren’t done yet. It also means that I love my church, and I love Jesus Christ’s Church. I look forward to those who will come to know us and through us Jesus. I thrive each time I hear the stories that come from Journey Teams; the relationships and the love that is poured out to each other. Nowhere have I ever seen this kind of friendship; doing life together in a REAL way.
When I attend a 2nd Saturday event or participate in any of our outreach opportunities, I am in awe of what God is doing through TrueNorth Church. The people: that’s what it’s all about. The volunteer’s, their time and love they give, it’s amazing. Or, when you see a child run up to you and open their arms so wide to give you the biggest hug ever, well, there isn’t anything better. That’s what happens at TrueNorth Church. Lives are changed. 5 years means changed lives, 6 years will mean even more lives changed. Come and See!
2. How has God used Journey Land to make an impact?
Journey Land is just one part of the puzzle at TrueNorth Church. If we didn’t have this piece, parents wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend a service on Sunday mornings. We want to partner with them in guiding their children’s first steps on the journey to knowing God. We teach them that “God made me,” “God loves me,” and “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
Over the years, we have seen such a huge growth in our ministry area. Families are coming, and they are bringing their children. Parents want to know that their children will be cared for. Not just cared for, but loved on, held, cuddled, nurtured and given that special attention that every child deserves. In Journey Land, we have what I consider the best of the best volunteers ever. A lot of time goes into our volunteers, asking the right questions. The reason for this is because we desire that each volunteer truly wants to be in Journey Land. Not because they feel there is a need, but because they want to be there. This makes a huge difference in the lives of our children.
We also believe that every age child is able to learn something about Jesus each time they visit with us. We are not a babysitting serve, and we take that very seriously. Babies are sung to, crawlers are read to, toddlers and two’s have age-appropriate activities and 3’s, 4’s and 5’s participate in small groups.
In my leadership training, I always share a story. In short, it goes like this: “We may only have one opportunity to share Jesus Christ with a child who walks in on Sunday morning.” Let it be our very best!
3. What are some of your favorite things about Journey Land?
I ABSOLUTELY love the children. From the first moment they walk into Journey Land, I can’t wait to see what they are going to do. Their smiling faces bring me such joy. I know the idea is for us to teach the children, but honestly, I think I learn so much more from them. I could tell you story after story about the things they say, I laugh so hard at times. I love when I can get down on their level, being silly, dancing, singing and just having a good time with them. The hugs and kisses are just the icing on the cake for me. There is truly so much more to all of it. Bottom line: I love them and they love me, just for me, silly Mrs. Nina. I couldn’t ask for anything more rewarding.
The volunteers are another thing that blows me away in Journey Land. I can’t say enough about them. Their dedication to the children, their love, commitment, energy, time, patience, and so much more is done with EXCELLENCE. They know what they do truly matters, it’s serious business caring for our precious children; making sure they are safe and healthy is a very important part of Journey Land.
I, again, could tell you story after story that would show you the dedication of our volunteers in Journey Land. If you would like to read more about Journey Land volunteers you can check out our blog at http://journeyland.wordpress.com. Look for “Volunteer’s at a portable church.” Here, I share what it takes to make Journey Land happen each Sunday morning.
A few words from the blog:
It takes approximately 42 volunteer per peek to make Journey Land classrooms work. That’s with 2 volunteers in each classroom; that’s not including any production, security or check in and out volunteers. We could add an additional 20 volunteers per week possibly more. That would give us a total of approximately 62 volunteer’s each Sunday morning. Let’s not forget the set up and tear down crew not in that figure.
4. Where do you see God taking Journey Land in the future?
I see God continuing to grow us, improving us and allowing us to minister to parents and children. This takes time, energy and people. God has always provided for Journey Land. He will continue to be our main focus as we look for creative and fun ways to reach the children.
Mark 10:14-16 – The Little Children and Jesus:
‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus; guiding their first steps on the journey to knowing who their Heavenly father is; showing them that “God made me,” God Loves me” and “Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
Join us for all the 5 Year Anniversary festivites THIS weekend, starting off with DUNK’D at Riverwalk Amphitheater this Saturday at 7:30 PM (tailgaiting starting at 5), and then our 5th birthday celebration Sunday morning, where there will be a FACEDOWN communion service and a BIG announcement! TNC, LET’S PARTY!
As the weekend quickly approaches, we are finalizing all plans and details for our 5 YEAR OLD BIRTHDAY! It’s going to be a special party that you don’t want to miss!
The party begins Saturday night in downtown Augusta at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. From 5:00 – 7:00 pm join us in a HUGE CHURCH-WIDE TAILGATING PARTY! The tailgating will occur in the huge parking lot behind Beamie’s At The River on Reynolds St. (near the front of amphitheater) Keep an eye out for our TNC parking team!!! Please bring your own food, goodies and drinks. If you don’t want to bring food, Gibby’s BBQ will be there, selling BBQ with proceeds benefitting TNC. I will have some extra GOODIES at my spot, but I can’t promise how long it will last! In the tailgating area, we will provide recreation area for volleyball, wiffle ball, football, frisbee, etc. At 7:15 pm, our band will start rocking and roaring in the amphitheater as we prepare to praise our Great God and celebrate with a DUNK’D service! Over 40 people plan to be baptized in the service!!!! We will conclude by 8:30 pm to get prepared for Sunday! PLEASE NOTE: In case of rain on Saturday evening, we will still have the event at the same time at NAHS Auditorium. If you’re uncertain check out tncblog.com after 1:00 pm on Saturday…it will note the change in venue.
On Sunday, we will move to the NAHS CAMPUS to worship and celebrate COMMUNION together in all three of our services at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 am. Be sure to get here on time for the services (we expect the house to be full in every service) and bring a guest with you. We desire to see God UNIFY us for the coming vision that He has given TNC! I will also be sharing a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT early in the service that you don’t want to miss! It’s going to be a special morning and springboard for our upcoming WE UNITE: 40 Days of Community Journey that begins September 13!
TNC, God has done INCREDIBLE THINGS in our midst the past 5 years! After this weekend, we will be just shy of 600 baptisms in our short history as a church!!! (WOW!) To God be the Glory for the many lives and families that He has changed. This weekend is designed to celebrate His greatness and goodness to us! SEE YOU THERE!!!
Happy Birthday TNC!
Steve
P.S….Don’t forget to check out the blog for Staff Thoughts on turning 5 years old!!
Who would have thought 5 years ago that Truenorth Church would be getting ready to purchase 16 acres of land off of Martintown Road in North Augusta, South Carolina? NOT me! I am blown away by all of this.
Who would have thought 5 years into this adventure that almost 600 people would be baptized? NOT me! I am blown away that God is using His church to reach so many.
As we reflect on the places we have been, Hammond Hill Elementary School or North Augusta High School, let us remember, this adventure has always been orchestrated by God and it will continue to be. I pray that our focus will always remain on Him and not man.
There are many personal feelings that I have about this “news.” I am so excited, at times I just can’t sit still. I feel like a little kid with all this emotion and not knowing how to release it all.
This is an amazing time, I know it to. There aren’t many times that you will be able to experience this in a lifetime. Actually, I believe the chances are very slim that you will experience it at all. I’m not taking even a moment for granted. I am so humbled that I have been able to be a part of this journey at Truenorth Church.
May God keep all of us humble, may we keep our GAZE on Jesus!
Journey Land….keep posted for updates for the next few months.
Nina Fiedler
JOURNEY LAND
We are so happy to be taking part in a church-wide series, WE UNITE. For the next 8 weeks, we will be on one page as a church. Each week will build on itself, and the theme throughout will be “LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT” (Sound familiar? We hope so!)
Each child will receive a devotional (coloring book) that will be sent home each week. The idea is to spend time with your child reading the daily scriptures. They will match the adult scripture each day.
Sunday mornings will focus on that days scripture along with the lesson. There will be crafts and activities to reinforce the main theme of the day.
We hope that you will join with your child and make the commitment to attend church for the next 8 weeks. Adults are also asked to join a Journey Team-Small Group for those weeks. For more information you may check out the tncblog or tncunites or contact Jay Knotts @ 803-279-1555.
Let’s join together and make a difference.
SEPTEMBER FOCUS
September 6 ~ Introduction
FOCUS: Lift Up, Love In, Live Out
September 13 ~ week 1
FOCUS: LOVE OUT – God wants us to love one another.
“LOVE ONE ANOTHER” JOHN 13:35
September 20 ~ Week 2
FOCUS: LIVE OUT – God wants us to be kind together.
“BE WISE WITH ONE ANOTHER” COLOSSIANS 4:5
September 27 ~ Week 3
FOCUS: to review the motions for “LIFT UP, LOVE IN, LIVE OUT”.
“DEPEND ON ONE ANOTHER.” ROMANS 12:5
