Canoe Trip April 21

Hey Northwest,

I once saw a bumper sticker that read "The family that canoes together stays together" and I've been looking for one for our car ever since. I pretty sure the same truth applies to the church too. In order to promote some healthy community (and mainly because I look for any reason to float the Buffalo River), here are the details on the much anticipated canoe trip on the Buffalo River.

The date is set for Saturday, April 21. We've got some different options set up so that as many people as possible can come along. Stop by the Connection Center on Sunday to get the details.

Keep in mind that I am not going to be anyone's mother. You are responsible for making your own reservations. However I will be happy to assist you in that process and answer any questions you may have. Depending on rainfall, this section of the Buffalo River is the most scenic and enjoyable section to float. It is truly one of the prettiest places in the entire country. If you have never canoed before we will have several experienced paddlers to help guide you down the river. This is designed as a beginner friendly trip. About 1/2 way during the float we will take a side hike to the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies.

Here's a basic schedule for Saturday April 21:

• Check in at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, AR at 8:00 am
• Put canoes in the water at Steel Creek at 10:00am
• Float down to Kyle's Landing by 4:00pm (8 mile float)

If you are not bringing your own canoe, you need to reserve a canoe by calling the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, AR at 1-800-221-5514 no later than March 31 and tell them you are with Northwest Community Church. During the spring months the BOC canoe rentals will completely sell out every Saturday. The earlier you call the better. The cost per canoe (2 people per boat) is $60.23. We may need to work out a shuttle system and/or pay the BOC to shuttle a few vehicles for us but we will worry about that later. Camping at Steel Creek is first come first served (no reservations) and is $10 per site. The BOC also has lots of cabins ranging in different sizes if you want to reserve a cabin.

At the Connection Center on Sunday mornings we will have a sign up sheet or you can send me an email so we have an idea of who plans to go. As always, if you've got any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We will send out future emails to cover all the logistics and explain what types of gear or clothing you need to wear. I can almost guarantee that a day on the river together will produce some funny stories.

See you Sunday.

Will

One Of The Many Reasons I Like Greg Luka

Below is a recent email Greg Luka sent our volunteers for this Sunday. It takes about 15-20 servant-minded people working behind the scenes for Northwest to host our worship service and children's ministry at Cooper Elementary each week. As our Groups Pastor, Greg effectively organizes and leads both our community groups and the various ministry teams at Northwest. I am privileged to serve alongside Greg. He's got the kind of Christian character and humility that others want to follow. Be encouraged by this simple and yet truth filled email. If you are currently attending Northwest but you have not gotten involved in serving, talk to Greg about opportunities and give serving a shot. Serving is one of the best ways to establish new friendships and I can guarantee it will spark new levels of growth in your life. -Will

Hey Teams,
Well our two-year anniversary is quickly approaching. Yep the big 2, dos, twa, dua, ok I'm out of ways to say two, you get the point.

I have been praising God this last month as we approach this mile marker of two years old. It is nothing short of a miracle that God has brought this team of people together from all walks of life for one purpose, to lead others to experience the new life in Christ. Life change is occurring my friends, growth is taking place, the community of Bella Vista is being served and it is all being done with excellence. Great job and thank you Jesus!

As we celebrate our 104th Sunday together at NCC, I am both humbled and extremely excited for what God holds in this next year for NCC. Ephesians 3 has been a chapter that I have been reminded of time and time again this year. If we keep our focus on Christ and our lives rooted deep in Him that he will do not just more, but immeasurably more then we ever hoped or imagined. That’s my hope and prayer.

For set up team and worship team please be at Cooper at 8:30, if you can not make it or have arranged for someone else to serve in your place please let me know via planning center response.

Your brother in Christ,
Greg

Northwest Celebrates 2 Years

On Sunday Northwest Community Church will celebrate two years of God's faithfulness since our launch in February of 2010. A lot has happened in the span of the last 24 months and yet our vision remains the same...to lead people to experience a new life in Christ. I am humbled by God's goodness, mercy, and patience with us as we continue to follow Him and allow His plan to unfold. At the same time, I get the sense that we are only scratching the surface for what God wants to do in and through Northwest Community Church.

In order to celebrate Northwest's birthday we've got a special worship service planned that will reflect back on what God has done and look forward to what God could do with our lives when we step up our obedience level and choose to radically follow Him. We will see two key principles from the life of Elisha in 2 Kings that show us how to give our all and yet continue to trust God to do what only He can do. After the worship service we are going to have a big family style lunch in the auditorium/cafeteria of Cooper Elementary. Remember the worship service starts at 10am. DON'T MISS OUT!

The Gospels in 30 Days

Yesterday Northwest started a new journey together. We committed to reading the 4 Gospels of the New Testament together over the next 30 days. Currently we are learning in our Grow series that one of the things God uses to grow big faith in our life is a consistent diet of practical, biblical teaching combined personal readings of the Bible. In an effort to make 2012 a year of growth, we want to get in the habit of daily reading the Bible with a HEAR & DO attitude...HEARING from God through the teaching and reading of the Bible and then DOING what it says. Pretty simple, right?

There are 2 easy ways to follow along and get involved.

1. Download the You Version Bible App and begin The Gospels reading plan.
2. Pick up a copy of the reading plan at the Connection Center on Sundays or download one from our website.

Do not miss out on this opportunity for growth. In addition, don't forget to subscribe to the blog in order to hear stories of what others at Northwest are learning during this 30 day journey.