Continuing the Celebration

Published on January 20, 2012 by Doug Swagerty

Dear Church Family,

We had a wonderful worship service last Sunday, which included a conversation I had with Jesse Jackson, a long-time member of NCPC.  Jesse spoke of his experience growing up in the rural south, his time in the Army, and his master’s thesis on the Buffalo Soldiers.  The point of our conversation was to share an example of how to “speak up for those who can’t.”  We saw from Isaiah 1 that taking care of those who are vulnerable and disenfranchised is very important to God.  And Jesse’s story moved all of us who were there.  If you weren’t able to make it, I encourage you to listen online at http://www.ncpcfamily.org/services/sunday/sermons/3375-seeking-justice.  My conversation with Jesse begins approximately 15 minutes into the sermon.

As it turns out, we’re going to continue that theme this Sunday as well.  For several years now we have been partnering with the Kid’s Kingdom orphanage in Ensenada, as well as more recently with Greater Victory Church in Logan Heights.  So on Sunday, we’re going to celebrate what God has been doing through our partnership with these two ministries, especially over the past few months.  Pastor Williams from Greater Victory Church will be with us, and we’ll have an exciting report on recent developments at the Orphanage, along with pictures from our trip there during the Christmas season.  I’m anticipating another very meaningful service.

And then you won’t want to miss the following Sunday either!  On January 29^th, we’re going to have a Family Celebration Service, and we’ll highlight the ways in which our children’s ministry has been reaching out to serve others all over the world.  We’ll also have the opportunity to hear some of our students share what God taught them during their Winter Retreat last weekend in Big Bear.  Exciting stuff!

I thank all of you for the ways you have opened your hearts to allow the love of God to flow through NCPC to our community and world.  And I’m looking forward to the even greater ways God will work through NCPC in the year ahead!

Blessings,
Doug