We want to tell a story about what God has been doing in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, how he worked in the members to surrender their preferences, their fears, their plans, their will to his, trusting that he is present, that he is at work, and that he can be trusted. Let this be an encouragement to you where and among whom he has placed you.
This is how Randy Jaspers, regional minister for the Northern Plains Region, opens up the video telling the story of Turtle Lake Baptist Church in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, and how they allowed God to use them, and in the process went from a dying church to one that is vibrant and serves as a witness to the Living God.
Many of your neighbors may have no idea what Advent is, but most of them likely get into the festive spirit and are eager to give, gather, and share some holiday cheer! All of this makes it a wonderful opportunity for followers of Jesus to discover and unite with the Spirit on God’s mission in their neighborhoods during this season.
Join us on Monday, December 4, 4:00–5:30 p.m. (Pacific) when we will reflect on the God who became one of us, the shift from “come TO” and “do FOR” initiatives to doing and being WITH postures and practices. You’ll also hear a lot of creative ideas and tips for engaging our neighbors, including how to bear witness to the One Whose Advent is near – even at holiday socials!
This webinar will be led by Dr. Karen Wilk, the Neighbourhood Life Lead on the Missional Initiatives Team and long-time practitioner.
Each year, Christian believers the world over celebrate the God who walked among us by taking part in the season of Advent. This is a time of looking backward at the steps God took to set in motion his plan to redeem all of creation – most notably by sending his Son, Jesus, in the flesh as Immanuel, “God with us” – but it is also a time of anticipation: of how God is still at work in our world and of his eventual return and the restoration of all that is broken.
Every year, the NAB takes part in this celebration, remembering, and anticipation throughout a series of devotionals specific to this season. This year, we wanted to look at the idea of what it means to be with, whether it is God with us, us with our neighbors, or the community of believers with one another.
To guide the way, we have a collection of collaborators from across the NAB who will bless us with their insights, perspectives, and wisdom. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up, and invite those within your church body to sign up as well. The daily devotionals begin this Sunday, December 3.
The November 2023 Missional Initiatives Newsletter is here, and it is full of ideas for how to spread peace this Advent season.
Karen Wilk, the Neighborhood Life lead for the Missional Initiatives Team, shares a Christmas reflection on passage not typically associated with Christmas, and she gives a baker’s dozen worth of ideas on how to share peace and join God in our neighborhood during this upcoming Advent season.