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Last updated: January 27th, 2021

IMPORTANT UPDATE

For the safety of our staff, serve teams, and church members we will be continuing virtual-only Sunday services for the next three Sundays, 1/31, 2/7, and 2/14. Join us online for these weeks on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube. Our in-person service will resume Sunday, February 21st.

EVENTS

• Family Camp is still happening this weekend! Please reach out to info@northwestorlando.com if you have any questions.
• Small Groups are continuing to meet both in-person and virtually. Click here for our full listing of groups.
• If you are taking a NWU class, you will be contacted directly regarding plans moving forward.

As always, stay safe and we will see you soon!

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Past Updates:

We are adapting all in-person gatherings for this weekend (1/22 - 1/24) to be virtual gatherings.

Some members of our church have tested positive for COVID-19. We want to provide space so that we are not adding to the spread of infections. Therefore out of an abundance of caution, we've made the decision to modify upcoming events this weekend to be virtual.

PRAYER & WORSHIP NIGHT
Prayer & Worship Night will still take place this Friday, January 22nd from 6pm - 6:45pm as a virtual event over Zoom. For more information on the modified event visit https://bit.ly/2Nk14kK.

SUNDAY SERVICE
Our 11AM Sunday worship service on January 24th will be exclusively streaming on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube. Our in person service will resume the following Sunday, January 31st.

NORTHWEST U
Northwest U classes will be cancelled this Sunday, January 24th and will be postponed to the following Sunday, January 31st.

How to Experience Church

• Live Stream: We make every effort for our online experience to be the best. You can continue to watch our live steam at 11am via YouTube, Facebook and our website.

• Host a Watch Party: Gather with a few close friends, family or neighbors and stream the service together. We encourage you to continue to follow CDC guidelines.

• In Person: Starting Sunday, June 14th, we will offering the option to gather at church for a modified service. See more details below.

In Person Services Beginning Sunday, June 14th

We are excited to announce that starting Sunday, June 14th, we’ll be offering the option to gather at church for those who are healthy and wish to gather.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, this experience will be modified. We will be practicing social distancing and taking the necessary precautions for the safety of our team and guests. We will be continuing to make every effort for our online experience to be the best, therefore our layout will be adjusted in the auditorium to accommodate for cameras and live stream set up. Unfortunately at this time, there will be no kids church, nursery or coffee bar available.

If you aren’t quite ready or able to join us, we invite you to continue to watch online via our live stream on Youtube, Facebook or our website. Kids church will continue to stream online at 10:30am and our main service will follow at 11am. We do encourage families with young children and those within the vulnerable population to stay home and take every precaution.

We love you Northwest and are excited to continue meeting with you both in person and online!

- Pastor Peter

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Small Groups

With the current health epidemic, most of our small groups have gone virtual! If you are interested in one of the small groups, please reach out to the small group host to see when and where it is taking place. Check out our small groups here.

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Cares Act Update

On Friday March 23rd 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, also known as the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act. It is the largest amount of money ($2 trillion) ever spent by a government to:

1. Pay companies to quickly hire back their workers, and

2. Triple the amount of unemployment payments to keep everyone's income up until they get rehired.

Northwest will have several of our best financial advisors strategize on how to help us as Northwest Members benefit from this opportunity. We will get more info to you soon. But in the meantime here are the facts so far:

1. A one time check of $1,200 for each adult will be sent to EVERY adult if your income is $75,000 or less for a single person and $150,000 or less for a married couple.

2. Plus you'll receive $500 for each child.

3. If you have not filed your 2018 personal tax return yet, you will need to do so immediately in order to get the $1,200 check as soon as possible.

For those of you who are unemployed:

In Florida, the current state unemployment payment is half of your pay up to a maximum weekly payment of $275. The new law adds $600 to the $275 making the new maximum $875 per week.

Unemployment

Please contact the State of Florida immediately to apply for unemployment benefits at: www.connect.myflorida.com
or call: 1-800-681-8102 (Monday - Friday 7:30AM to 6:30PM, and Saturday and Sunday 8AM to 2PM)

The following is an adaptation of Sylvester Bishop Robinson’s recent guest teaching.

God's love is what calls me to be the way I am. If you would have met me before His love, you probably wouldn't have liked me. I couldn't change myself, as a matter of fact, I didn't want to change. I was enjoying my life, at least I thought I was. I was a drinking cussing sailor at 20 years old, trying to be all that a sailor could be. I'm sure that many of you have been good all your lives, but I have history to mine but God loved me in spite of me and He has caused His love to mature in me and because of that, as He is, so I am.

Perfect love casts out all fear and you need to know that fear involves torment and that means you have to start getting up every day and confessing over your life that you’re full of God's love, and fear you have to leave my house right now because you have an eviction notice to get on up out of here! You have to make up in your mind that you refuse to live a tormented life but allow the love of God to flow freely in your life and that alone will produce peace in your life that will surpass your understanding.

The cross is evidence that God loved us enough to send Jesus and John 3:16 makes all the sense in the world to me, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

If you missed it, you can watch or listen to Bishop Robinson’s teaching.

The following is an adaptation of Nigel "Legin" Anderson’s recent guest teaching.

C.S. Lewis once said that Jesus left us with three options; Liar, Lunatic or Lord. He was either lying, He was a mad man or He was one hundred percent who he said was, but you have a pick, He didn't leave you options for anything else.

The most important question we will ever answer in our life is ‘Do I believe Jesus is who he actually said he is?’ When we read the claims of Christ through Middle Eastern eyes, they knew He was claiming divinity because as soon as He said He was before Abraham, they picked up stones because they were like no, He's claiming to be God, kill him.

But once you regard Christ correctly, once you get Him right, I have no choice then but to regard you, my brother, you my sister, correctly if I see that you're made in the image of the same one that I'm now worshiping, then I can't treat you as anything less than the image-bearer of God. I don't care what you look like, how you act, what you believe in. I have to start there and then our relationship will branch out from that point.

I can't come to you and say oh because you vote this way or oh because you look this way…I'm not allowed to do that. And when I'm tempted to, it's that root of sin trying to creep back in. I have to crush that and say, Jesus, help me to remember and regard you not from a worldly point of view so therefore I don't regard my brother my sister from a worldly point of view.

If you missed it, you can watch or listen to Legin’s teaching here.

2020 has officially begun, which means the return of some exciting Northwest events taking place next month.

The Lovely Project Experience

The Lovely Project Experience was created by young women, for young women who are ready for something more in life. It’s a free event that’s jam-packed with inspiring speakers, live dance performances, interactive workshops and fun that’ll open up your world to new possibilities. The Lovely Project Experience returns on Saturday, February 1st, 9am – 2pm in the Northwest Church Auditorium. Register Here.

Northwest Family Camp

Once again nature is calling, so join us on the third annual Northwest Family Camp! It’s a weekend (Feb 7 - Feb 9) under beautiful Live Oaks near picturesque Lake Yale with old and new Northwest friends and families, lots of fun outdoor games and activities like capture the flag, archery fishing, slacklining, canoeing, and plenty of lounging. We’ll also be organizing a treasure hunt, egg toss, and relay races! On Saturday evening, gather under the stars for a special camp potluck and bonfire worship music. Register Now.

December can be described in two words: joyful and most certainly stressful. Those inevitable last-minute rushes, planning for incoming family guests, not to mention all the shopping and cooking. This time of the year seems to take on a life of its own, and we sometimes get lost in all the chaos leading up to Christmas until we finally feel like all that hard work was worth it when the family gathers together, so here’s what’s happening at Northwest this festive season:

A New Northwest Dance Studio Production - Mary: The Backstory

Witness the birth of Christ like never before through the perspective of His mother, Mary. Journey through the experiences she wrestled with when she revealed she was pregnant with the son of God...Who would believe her? With imminent rejection from her family, friends, and Joseph, she faced being stoned for being pregnant out of wedlock. Yet, through her perseverance and faith, she allowed God to prove his power in her weaknesses and safely delivered the newborn King who was greeted by Joseph, shepherds and magi alike. Join us this December and see this new telling of the Christmas story come to life through projected elements on a giant storybook that jump out onto the stage.

Christmas Eve Service

An evening of two halves, where we’ll be serving up eggnog, Christmas cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate whilst singing along to everyone’s favorite Christmas songs. Arrive in your ugly festive sweaters or PJs as the kids get to meet Santa then settle in for our traditional candlelight service to celebrate Jesus’ birth with performances by our very own Northwest Band, hear the story of our Savior's birth, and sing your heart out in an intimate candlelit atmosphere. As a special treat, the students of the Music School's "Young Voices" children's choir class will be singing a few Christmas songs accompanied by the Northwest Band.

This December, we’re all in for an exciting Christmas treat...Northwest Dance Studio returns with a brand new performance entitled ‘Mary: The Backstory’.

We’ll witness the birth of Christ like never before through the perspective of His mother, Mary. Journey through the experiences she wrestled with when she revealed she was pregnant with the son of God...Who would believe her? With imminent rejection from her family, friends, and Joseph, she faced being stoned for being pregnant out of wedlock. Yet, through her perseverance and faith, she allowed God to prove his power in her weaknesses and safely delivered the newborn King who was greeted by Joseph, shepherds and magi alike. Join us this December and see this new telling of the Christmas story come to life through projected elements on a giant storybook that jump out onto the stage.

Performance Details
When:
Friday, December 13th - 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Sunday, December 15th - 9:30am & 12pm

Where:
Northwest Church Auditorium
5495 Clarcona-Ocoee Rd,
Orlando, FL 32810

Cost:
Free

*Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free childcare (up to age 5) is available during Sunday performances.

Greater Than’s 6th annual business conference returns to Northwest on Saturday, September 14th with this year’s theme being ‘Give Up To Go Up’. Featuring 3 speakers and an interview, this year’s Greater Than Conference will inspire you to learn how to be more successful and significant in the Kingdom of God.

You'll also explore what your next steps are in what God has called you to, and our speakers will address overlooked areas in our lives that hinder us and present strategies for overcoming them.

Here’s who’ll be speaking at this year’s Greater Than:

Giving Too Much, Taking Too Much - Phil Chang, I.T. Director - Mellick Group
Learn how to effectively give your time, talent and treasure as you Go Up to an area of significance.

Impacting the Next Generation - Grace McKenzie, Kids Pastor - Northwest Church
Learn about going from success to significance and giving without knowing what the end results will be.

Asking the Right Questions (Interview) - Neil Radloff, Founder - Mansion Windows & Doors
Discover Neil’s journey from work and family, to the revelation on his ability to help others succeed.

How to Give Up to Go Up - Jim Sellers, Vice President - Renewal By Andersen of Florida
Discover how to change your culture and behavior in order to move into an area of significance.

So if you’re looking to elevate your career and your calling, register for FREE here!

The following is an adaptation of Pastor Mark Evans’ recent teaching “Pastor Mark's Story".

1 Peter 3:15
And if someone asks about the hope and joy in you, always be ready to tell your story.

My parents didn’t know who I was. My mother would brag about what a good baby I was. I would never get spanked and was so obedient that my parents would tell me something and I would do it, but then I would disobey them privately. I got spanked by my conscience, as I knew I was doing wrong and I knew I would be incredibly disappointing to my parents if they knew what I was doing.

Sometime later I ended up out in Colorado looking down the Continental Divide. I had never seen so many stars in the sky, and to this day have yet to. It was that moment I realized there was some Divine presence that created this. It was right then I said, "You know Lord if you did this--and I believe you did--I just don't want to accept Jesus. I want to come under your lordship. I want to move past ‘Hey I'm saved’. You are my Lord, you call the punches and I want to serve your purpose." My goal at that moment wasn't anything other than to come under his lordship and to do what he put in front of me.

Your story is His story. My story is His story. We're examples of his love, and he rebuilds what no one sees any value in. Take the things that have been said against you and realize the Lord says, "Build on that because I see value in you." And always be ready to tell your story...

If you missed it, you can watch or listen to Pastor Mark’s teaching here.

Summer as officially arrived and with the kids out of school, you’re probably looking for some good-for-their-souls activities. With the return of Kids’ Encounter, a brand new Youth Summer event on the horizon and weekly events, kids and youth will have fun, be filled and find themselves refreshed.

Kids’ Encounter (July 19th - July 20th)

An overnight sleepover encounter for kids ages 7-12, where they’ll learn how much God really loves them by encountering the power of the Cross to discover a personal relationship with Christ, with a whole lot of games in between! A sleepover like no other, so register and learn more here.

YouthUNITED (August 3rd)

Making its debut this August, Northwest Youth presents YouthUNITED! The end of summer blowout for middle and high schoolers will feature talks from our favorite Northwest people, not to mention a few crazy activities...perhaps an inflatable gladiator jousting arena and slip-n-slide? This free event will give students the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and receive a festive send-off from our very own Northwest Band. Stay tuned for more details!

If you haven’t heard already, we’ve revamped our small groups to become “semester” groups, where groups with a variety of themes and interests run on a Spring, Summer and Fall schedule. With the success of our first semester at the beginning of the year, we return next month with the Summer semester. Here are some groups that will be happening around town:

Small But Mighty
Geared towards people who watch our weekly sermons online, this co-ed online group gives you the opportunity to feel more connected to the Northwest community. Specific chat times are provided, so you’ll be free to talk about the recent sermon or anything else on your mind in a group setting
For: Co-ed

Breakfast Club
This men’s breakfast group welcomes all men from different walks of life to gather together over coffee and simply talk about life.
For: Men

Family Connected
Cancel the babysitter and bring your little ones out for quality family time while doing fun crafts and building lasting relationships with one another and God.
For: Families

Girls Night Out
If you love to laugh and have fun with your girlfriends, then this is the perfect group for you! This group is a safe place where you can be yourself, be encouraged, and know God more deeply.
For: Women

Weekly Wine Down
If you're a momma in the Gotha/Ocoee area, join the ladies every week for their Weekly Wine Down group. Enjoy coffee, wine, or tea, with some sweet treats mixed in as you come together to relax and connect with other moms.
For: Moms

The summer semester will begin on Monday, June 10th, with more groups being introduced in the coming weeks. So find your people through your passions, interests, or even discovering something new. Stay tuned for more announcements!

This June marks the return of Northwest Dance Studio’s Summer Camp featuring 4 brand new, 1-week themed camps! The first camp starts on Monday, June 3rd and the last camp ends on Friday, June 28th. Princess Charm School Camp is young ladies ages 5 - 7, Musical Theater and Circus Camp is boys and girls ages 6 - 12, and Lights, Camera, Action! Camp is boys and girls ages 6 - 17. Here’s what Northwest Dance Studio has introduced:

Princess Charm School Camp
Monday, June 3rd - Friday, June 7th
Tiaras, Tutus, and a whole lot of Twirling...It’s a Royal Ball for the Princess in YOU! A Modeling, Fashion, and Etiquette camp for young ladies. Get ready to twist, turn, and dance until the clock strikes 12:00. The camp days will be filled with ballet, song & dance and magical fairytale crafts.

Musical Theater Camp
Monday, June 10th - Friday, June 14th
Bring your favorite songs from movie musicals to life as you step into the scene and become your favorite characters! Both classic flicks and more recent blockbusters like The Greatest Showman, Mary Poppins, and more will be part of this super fun camp.

Circus Camp (Acro)
Monday, June 17th - Friday, June 21st
Step right up and run away with the circus this summer! Clown around by learning how to juggle, flying high in the silks, acrobatics, magic tricks, and more! So get ready for a thrilling time as we look forward to seeing you under the big top!

Lights, Camera, Action! Camp
Monday, June 24th - Friday, June 28th
Calling all drama buffs to Northwest Dance Studio's introduction to the imaginative world of theater. Learn how to bring your ideas to life on stage by writing your own story and choreographing your own dances! This camp includes classes in improv, movement, directing, and so much more!

With 4 diverse camps on offer, we’re sure you’ll find the right camp for your kids. Learn more about each camp and register here.
*Please note, registration deadline dates/age group requirements differ.

If you haven’t heard already, we’ve revamped our small groups to become “semester” groups, where groups with a variety of themes and interests run on a Spring, Summer and Fall schedule. The first semester of groups are underway and will be running until April 22nd, so feel free to drop it to check out one--or several. Some groups focus on the most recent sermon or have a discussion on a particular topic, and others toss a disk around or learn to cook a new meal each week. Here are some new groups that are happening all over town:

Beer & Bible
Every Thursday evening we study a chapter of John together. The aim of this group is to grow in our relationship with God as well as strengthening other areas in our lives. Beer may be offered but is not mandatory. The group adheres to a strict 2 beer per person limit.
For: Men
When: Mondays, 7pm

Friends to Family
This diverse co-ed group of young adults from all walks of life desire to know God and apply Biblical Truth to their daily lives. Whether you’re a skeptic, seeking, a new believer or a seasoned Christian, you’ll fit right in.
For: Co-ed
When: Thursdays, 7pm

Melting Pot
Every Wednesday evening, join the Melting Pot guys from different backgrounds, circumstances, and ages as we come together with one purpose; to know God Better.
For: Men
When: Wednesdays, 7pm

Cooking for Beginners
Get your apron on as each week we'll get together in the Northwest Church kitchen to learn a new skill that's useful for everyday cooking. We’ll cook something new--easy enough to make in less than an hour.
For: Co-ed
When: Mondays, 7pm

Soccer Small Group
On Monday evenings, join our competitive (yet fun) co-ed soccer group where all skill levels are welcome, at Northwest Recreation Complex in Apopka.
For: Co-ed
When: Mondays, 6:45pm

Weekly Wine Down
If you’re a mom in the Gotha/Ocoee area, then join the Weekly Wine Down ladies on Tuesday evenings for wine/tea/coffee and dessert to relax and connect.
For: Moms
When: Tuesdays, 7:30 pm

This is just a short sampling of our newest Semester Small Groups! Find your people through your passion or discover something new by visiting one of our Northwest Groups happening around town here.

Once again nature is calling, so join us on the second annual Northwest Family Camp! It’s a weekend under beautiful Live Oaks near picturesque Lake Yale with old and new Northwest friends and families, lots of fun outdoor games and activities like capture the flag, archery fishing, slacklining, canoeing, and plenty of lounging. We’ll also be organizing a treasure hunt, egg toss, and relay races! On Saturday evening, gather under the stars for a special camp potluck and bonfire worship music. Then we’ll top off the weekend with a lakefront Sunday morning worship service.

Important Details
When:
Friday, February 8 @ 1:30pm -- Sunday, February 10, 2019 @ 1pm
Where:
Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center

What to Bring
Check out our Camping Pack List. Not a seasoned camper and need help on what essentials to bring? Contact Nate Moreno with any questions at natemoreno28@gmail.com or 321 251 0987.

Meals
You will need to bring your own food for all meals (Friday dinner - Sunday lunch). Outlets are available to heat up a crockpot for the potluck.

Bathrooms
There are two bathroom units for men and two for women, each with 5 showers and 6 toilets.

Registration Deadline: Friday, January 25th, 2019. Register Here.

This December, Northwest Dance Studio is bringing the back-story of Christmas to young and old with Christmas ReCreated – a unique and inspiring dance production of human shadow forms that come together in a moving illustration of the 7 days of creation and beyond. The live show features original choreography with contemporary dance styles, popular and original music, and a large screen backdrop.

“We’ve added new elements and special effects to ReCreated this year,” says Sarah Swindell, Director of Northwest Dance Studio. “We’ll also be introducing something special, but you’ll have to attend to find out!” The performance will take the audience on a captivating journey back in time to the very beginning of human existence, exploring the very first love story.

The production will showcase Northwest Dance Company and student performers from as young as 3 years of age in a dizzying combination of dance styles including contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, jazz and tap dance--mostly behind 1 large, illuminated screen. Layers of 3-dimensional, interactive elements and illusions create a full-on sensory experience as dancers appear in a colorful display during pivotal encounters. Featuring both popular and original music written and recorded at Northwest's private recording studio, the performance follows Adam and Eve's journey from the beginning of time, through betrayal of trust and broken relationships, to the very first Christmas when a glimmer of hope appears.

This year's show features the return of dance professional Peter Sabasino of So You Think You Can Dance, Season 6 who will be performing a key role in the show. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Peter again,” says Studio Director Sarah Swindell. “He creates a safe and fun environment and makes every dancer in the room feel special and important.”

Christmas ReCreated will be performed at Northwest Church Auditorium, 5495 Clarcona-Ocoee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810. Performances are free to the public at these times:

● Friday, December 14, 7pm (Doors 6:30pm)
● Sunday, December 16, 9:30am & 12pm

FREE ADMISSION
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Free nursery/childcare (up to age 5) is available during Sunday performances.

About Northwest Dance Studio

Northwest Dance Studio is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 with the adjoining Northwest Church donating the space and financial support to get the studio off the ground. Founder and director Sarah Swindell brings her more than 15 years of professional dance experience to give the studio's students, mostly children, and teens, the opportunity to learn multiple forms of dance and perform on a stage – an opportunity many would otherwise miss during childhood.

Beyond teaching technique in the realms of contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and aerial dance, the studio's focus is on instilling confidence, integrity and positive self-image in its students that they can use in everyday life to achieve their dreams. Northwest Dance Studio also strives to create a safe environment for each dancer, whose ages range from 3 – 30+ years, providing dance and performance art in the underserved Pine Hills area of Orlando.

A key component of the studio's mission is to not turn away any student -- even those who are not able to afford the price of classes are put on a scholarship program where they can provide support to the studio through helping tasks in exchange for their classes. Students are never penalized for missing a class and they are able to use every class purchased at any time.

"Over the years, our little unassuming facility has offered hundreds of children and adults the opportunity to dance, grow and express themselves," said Studio Director Sarah Swindell. "We have seen children with ADHD and behavior problems improve, and life-changing growth in our students of all ages. It's not just about dance; it is about helping our students find a positive self-image to help them grow."

Learn more about Northwest Dance Studio at their website.

The following is an adaptation from Dr. Crystal Evans’ recent teaching “Freedom From Rejection".

Everything in our life rises and falls on the ability to have healthy relationships. Having these healthy relationships in your sphere is what makes life worth living, as it's what we've been called to do as Christians. We've been called to live a life that gives and receives love. But something inside us, even as believers, makes that a struggle; it’s rejection wounds in our heart.

Once that hurt has been inflicted by words that were spoken over you, or that person who was important to you has gone, rejection comes in. You then begin to question your value, worth and ability to be loved, and as a result, your heart hardens.

Rejection is so deceiving and deadly because it makes us unable to feel God's love; that unconditional love where God says, “You are my child, and I am not going to leave or abandon you because I have chosen you.”

But in times of rejection, our heart has hardened to the point where we can't feel God's love. He wants us to experience His love and has called us as his children here on earth to live a life that includes people--to cover them in a blanket of love.

The antidote to rejection begins with Him. There's no person on the face of this earth, no matter how much they love you, who can fill all the needs that you have. Only God can fill every single place in your heart, so we must first look to Him. Yes, we will reach out to people, but first, we look to Him until we realize that we’re totally accepted and loved unconditionally. The Bible says that I am accepted in the Beloved.

If you missed it, you can watch Dr. Crystal’s teaching here.

Northwest U’s Fall semester is right around the corner with an impressive line-up of ‘Fast Track’ courses lasting only 4 weeks. Classes start THIS Monday, October 1st at 7pm. Here’s what’s coming to a classroom near you soon:

Turning Water Into Beer

Returning to Northwest U by popular demand, this unique class will teach you how to brew your own beer. You'll also discover the history of beer, the importance of ingredients, and explore the science and process behind brewing. To top it off, you’ll leave the class with a special brew made by you and your fellow classmates!

4 Weeks to Better Parenting

The 4 Weeks to Better Parenting class will provide you with essential tools to raise your children (of all ages) in a positive and loving way. Through real-life examples you’ll learn the role of parenting, the importance of discipline, and healthy communication.

New Courses

Refresh With The Bible Project

The Bible Project is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos that bring the Bible to life. In this course, you’ll be challenged to study the Word in a new and unique way through watching The Bible Project’s short films and experiencing in-depth discussions with fellow believers. The class will focus on the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with a brief history behind them as well as the biggest questions on each.

Kids Leadership Crash Course

The Kids Leadership Crash Course is geared towards kids ages 7-12 who want to grow more in wisdom, character, knowledge of the Bible, and leadership. Class topics include How to Gain Respect, How to Have Confidence, How To Use Your Strengths, and How To Carry Yourself, with a whole lot of fun thrown in along the way!

The Lovely Mentor Training

This is the perfect first step in becoming a Lovely Mentor and part of an organization that is empowering the next generation of young women! During this course, you’ll learn everything you need to become a mentor to girls, including the importance of self-esteem, dealing with rejection, and how to lead and connect with pre-teens and teenagers.

Don’t forget, classes start THIS Monday, October 1st. Class size is limited so register now (and book your sitter)!

The following is an excerpt from Pastor Mark’s recent teaching “Loyal or Fruitful".

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
John 15:1-2

So if you want to be fruitful, God's going to trim some things on you. He didn't say abide in me and now you're the branches. Jesus says come, be a branch and be fruitful. God's going to prune some things off so you'll produce more. God didn’t say he wanted a tree, he wants fruit.

The scriptures of blessed men and women are those who are being used of God because they positioned themselves and asked to be fruitful.

He sent us here in Genesis and He didn't say “just exist” or “just make it to Revelation.” He said to be fruitful in all that you do. My mindset is that I'm going to be fruitful in my work, in my relationships, in my child-rearing--and everything I do should yield fruit. Whatever we do in our faith, it’s not to do it out of loyalty (perhaps in the beginning it was), but it is to be used by God to be fruitful.

Too many people think that being loyal is being faithful. Faithfulness is becoming fruitful because that's what God called us to be and loyalty just goes with it. You’ve got to be loyal before you can be fruitful. Each of us is called to position ourselves by thinking “how can I produce fruit with whatever gift God’s given me or whatever talent He’s given to me?” because in Corinthians it says you can't have the Holy Spirit in you without having a gift of God in you.

The following is an excerpt from Pastor Peter’s recent teaching “God Has More For Us (Pt. 2)".

Jeremiah 31:33
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

God wants to know us and to be known. Fundamentally, everything that exists in your life, the more that he wants for you, is all about knowing him.

I believe that he uses the vehicle of stuff to help us to do that. How do I know that? Just a few verses before (Jeremiah 31:12) he says, “and they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord.” It doesn't say they will rejoice in the bounty alone, it doesn't say they’ll just rejoice in stuff alone and neither does it say that they will rejoice in the Lord. No, he says “and they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord.”

The best way I can probably describe this is when I talk about being a father. As a father, one of the things that I take joy in is giving stuff to my children. Now if I was the type of father that isn't present in their life and all I do is buy stuff on Amazon to send to them, then maybe you could say I’m a good father because I’m buying stuff for my children. But we know that stuff doesn't fill our lives up. Stuff is not something that will bring us joy, it can bring us happiness for a moment but it doesn't fill our lives up with joy. But it's when we experience that stuff with our father, with our parents, that more joy exists in our life.

Being part of a community is one of the key fundamentals here at Northwest. We learn and grow in a community, which is why we encourage everyone to join one of our small groups.

Ultimately, small groups are a way of living out our purpose, both as individuals and as a collective group of believers. We share a common foundation of faith and God has called us to live out the implications of that faith in a relational community, in the context that we call a small group.

In times of need or guidance, small groups are your source of friendship, support, and prayer. They are the ideal place to develop healthy relationships with those who share your interests or are in a similar season of life. Small groups are an opportunity to connect with others while growing in your walk with God.

The following is an excerpt from guest speaker Bishop Robinson's recent teaching “After The Cross".

“And when [the disciples] were gathered together, [Jesus] commanded them: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Not many days hence you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ Acts 1:4-8

In the text, it says that because of your positioning, you need to be ready for promise. The text says it’s getting ready to happen not many days hence, meaning in a few days, meaning in just a little while, meaning it's not going be much longer, meaning that God's going to really bless your neighbor. So if God's going to bless your neighbor, that means he's in the neighborhood.

If you missed it, watch Bishop Robinson’s sermon here.

That time of the year has arrived for the return of Lovely Jr. In its fourth year, this incredible half-day event invites young girls (third through fifth grade) to discover their beauty, brilliance, and bravery through three interactive sessions with speakers and activities, amazing dance performances, topped off with fun carnival themed games.

Speaking of the event, Emilee Westervelt, Educational Team Lead/Administrator at The Lovely Project said, “Lovely Jr. is almost here and I could not be more excited! We're back with our brand new theme: Ourselves, Our Friends and Our World captured in a fun, carnival setting. I'm most looking forward to seeing the Northwest Dance Company wow us during the "Loveliest" show on earth! It's going to be an incredible morning together. We only have 75 spots this year, and they are going fast! I hope to see you there!”

This is an experience you don’t want your daughter, niece or little sister to miss, so register now! (In fact, you’ll want all the besties there too, so they can all benefit from this event together.)

Lovely Jr.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
9am-12pm
Northwest Church Auditorium
Open to all girls 3rd-5th grade
Register now at WeAreLovely.com

About The Lovely Project

The Lovely Project is a Non-Profit Organization, headquartered in Orlando, FL that exists to empower girls and women by infusing them with the knowledge of their Value, Voice, and Valor.

Next month marks the return of Northwest U’s Spring semester with an impressive line-up of classes starting on Monday, April 1st from 7pm. Here’s what’s coming to a classroom near you soon:

Activate Your Purpose
God has more for all of us, but do you find it difficult to find your purpose? Activate Your Purpose is an 8-week class that will open your eyes to ways in which you can use your talents and gifts to help fellow Christians in everyday life.

The Refreshed Marriage
This popular class is open to all married couples, whether you’re newlyweds or in the double-digits! In this 8-week class, you’ll get the skills to guide your marriage in a positive direction. Learn more about communication, how to argue fairly, how to deal with different family dynamics, money/financial issues, defining roles in your marriage and of course, sex!

New Classes:

Healing For Today
Ever wondered about healing? Questions like “What does the Bible say about healing today?” and “How do you keep your healing once God has touched you?” will be answered in this new class, Healing For Today. In this class, you’ll also have the chance to be a part of a team that witnesses miracles every day.

Turning Water Into Beer
Yes, Northwest U has a class on beer-making! In this 4-week class, you’ll learn how to brew your own beer. You'll also discover the history of beer, the importance of ingredients, and explore the science and process behind brewing. To top it off, you’ll leave the class with a special brew made by you!

Don’t forget, classes start on Monday, April 2nd, so register now (and book your sitter)!

Every Wednesday, Northwest youth and their friends get together from 7-8:30pm for Youth Nights. It’s an evening where middle and high schoolers can get away from all the stress and drama that school brings and just have some crazy fun.

Recently, the high school youth have been mixing it up with some new and exciting events. Headed up by Shanna and Andrew Millar, three new high school youth events have been added:

GAME ON: A Northwest Youth Event
Taking place on select Saturdays, Northwest Youth will head to a local park for a day of competitive games where they’ll be put into teams complete with separate colors and even their own squad name.

Northwest Youth Mic Drop Night
On every first Wednesday of the month, a special guest speaker will be invited to share something fresh and compelling with high schoolers. This month we saw the very first Mic Drop Night with special guest speaker, “Papa” Phil Weekly.

Lads & Ladies Night
Simply put, the guys and girls get to break away on this night to do their own thing. Girls enjoy some good old fashion girl-time and the guys just hang out and play video games or get out for some more blood-pumping action like a game of brutal dodgeball.

To learn more about Youth Nights and their upcoming events, contact Shanna or Andrew Millar or check out the Northwest Upcoming Events.