Worship Service Schedule

April 27
John #45
What does the Holy Spirit do?
May 11
John #47
Every Mother's nightmare
PURPOSE
The purpose of Northwood church is to help people believe in Jesus
Christ and become more like him.
VALUES
NORTHWOOD
news
John 16:5 - 15 John 18:1 - 14 Northwood Church aspires to be a . . .
May 18 . . . Loving Church where love for God and others influences Helping people believe in Jesus and become more like him
May 4
John #46 John #48 everything we do. April 13, 2008
Questions and confusion When was the last time you denied . . . Learning Church where people follow Jesus Christ and are John #43
Jesus?
John 16:16 - 33 becoming more like him. John 15:1-17
John 18:15 - 18, 25 - 27
. . . Worshipping Church where we bow our heads, hearts and lives
Do you want to make a difference this summer? to God and exalt the name of Jesus Christ. Living a life that matters
Twin Cities Summer Team – July 7-12 . . . Outreaching Church where love for God is demonstrated in
Everyone wants to live a life that matters and counts for something.
love for neighbors and people in need. Inside us is a drive and desire to make a difference to someone or
Please note that the dates for this trip have been changed to July 7-12. something. It's called the search for significance and its God given.
Somali refugees have come here from cities, towns and villages a world
away – leaving entire lifetimes behind. Many have survived terrible con-
NORTHWOOD STAFF You see, God has a vision for every person's life and Jesus explained
Brian Doten it. He said, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit,
ditions and events. Upon arrival here they face the difficulties of having Pastor showing yourselves to by my disciples . . . I chose you and appointed
to learn a new language and accept new customs. Do you want to make brian.doten@northwoodcc.org you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." God wants us to bear fruit
a difference this summer? Join us in welcoming our new neighbors and with our lives and Jesus tells us how to do that. So, be honest, is
helping them begin a new life here. We need a team of 5-8 individuals Mark Collier Julie Pipp your life bearing fruit? Are you pursuing God's vision for your life? If
who are high school age or older. The cost is $170 per person. Space Worship Arts & Outreach Pastor Office Manager not, learn Jesus' secrets to bearing fruit and pursuing God's vision for
is still available! Contact Sarah Miller by April 27: 763-420-9155 or mark.collier@northwoodcc.org julie.pipp@northwoodcc.org your life.
sarah.miller@iteams.org.
Luke Trouten Chris Nardini Worship Service Elements:
Pray in May Youth Pastor Administrative Assistant Music
luke.trouten@northwoodcc.org chris.nardini@northwoodcc.org FaithStory: Sherwin and Nancy Vischer
Message
The WELL is Northwood's quarterly all-church Leslee Sherk Bret Deneson
prayer event. Here at Northwood, prayer is not Children’s Pastor Northwood Intern Prayer Point is available after the service for those who desire to
for a select few. Everyone can pray! The mrssherk@msn.com bret.deneson@northwoodcc.org join in prayer with others. Bring a praise or concern and meet by the
upcoming WELL provides a new opportunity the first weekend in May. Prayer Point Banner.
The whole church will have a chance to commit to a 24 hour pray and
Meeting Each Sunday at:
fast. The 24 hours will begin at 6 am on Saturday, May 3 and conclude
at 6 am on Sunday, May 4. During that 24 hour time period, Maple Grove Community Center Next Week: John #44 - Persecution because of Jesus
Northwooders can pray through the 2008 Northwood Prayer Focus 12951 Weaver Lake Road John 15:18-16:4
items. You will find the prayer focus items at the Northwood website or Maple Grove, MN
Jesus said, "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted
on a bookmark at the Welcome Table. As we break the fast on Sunday
Service Times: me, they will persecute you also." In so doing, Jesus told believers
morning, we will come together in our worship services to celebrate the
9:30 a.m. not to be surprised if they experience persecution for their commit-
God who hears and answers our prayers. In the upcoming weeks, ment to him. Jesus was right. Today, there are between 200 and 250
watch for a "Pray in May" bracelet at the Welcome Table. Join other 10:50 a.m. million believers around the world being persecuted for their loyalty to
Northwooders in wearing this bracelet to remind you to pray during the Jesus. 400 million other people live in countries with limited religious
fast, signify unity in prayer, and as a reminder for several other prayer Northwood Church Office freedom. What can Northwood Church do about persecution of
focus opportunities in May. 3650 Annapolis Lane, Suite 110 believers? The first and best thing we can do is pray - pray for reli-
Plymouth, MN 55447 gious persecution to end so that people may worship God freely and
Tel. 763-557-0144 openly. And, pray for those being persecuted that God will give them
endurance, faith and help in their suffering and struggle. Finally, we
Email: peoplematter@northwoodcc.org can pray for those who persecute believers. Pray they will see the
Web site: www.northwoodcc.org light of Jesus Christ and want to follow him.
 What’s Happening at Northwood?
Sherwin and Nancy Vischer share their FaithStory
Our FaithStory presenters today are Sherwin and Nancy Vischer.
Sherwin is the Ministry Team Leader of Northwood’s Tech Miinisty.
Nancy is involved with the Worship Team. Sherwin and Nancy are
involved with the small group ministry and volunteer in the Children’s
Ministry. They have a four year old son (Ethan) and live in Maple
Grove.
Popular FaithSearch
Seminar tonight
Don’t Miss It!
(Over 100 Northwooder’s and freinds already
registered!)
Former skeptic Don Bierle will be sharing evidence that changed his
mind from doubt to confidence about the Christian faith in his reveal-
ing presentation, FaithSearch, on Sunday, April 13, 6 - 8:30 p.m. at
the Maple Grove Community Center.
Bierle, a Ph.D biologist, said FaithSearch reflects the life - changing
discoveries he had in his own spiritual journey. "Though I attended
church in my youth, God never seemed real or personal. My success
in athletics won me a college scholarship, and I soon became
enthralled with academics - convinced that science held all the
answers to life."
A big turn - around in his life occurred when science colleagues chal-
lenged him to examine the evidence for the historical reliability of the
New Testament writings about Jesus. "I was astounded," said Bierle,
"to learn that the New Testament manuscripts are more numerous
and far more certain to be eyewitness accounts than any other
ancient writings."
Dr. Bierle has presented FaithSearch for over 25 years to thousands
of people throughout the United States and overseas. He comment-
ed, "My hope is that when people understand the intellectual integrity
of the Christian faith, they will be set free to embrace Jesus Christ,
who will transform their lives - just as he did mine!"
FaithSearch is free and childcare is provided for $2 per child.
Register online at www.northwoodcc.org , writing "FaithSearch" on
the back of the information card or by calling the church office.
Today is Compassion Sunday!
Make a difference in the life of a child who is trapped by
poverty. Sponsor a child through Compassion International
today for only $32 per month. Visit the sign-up table and
select a child who needs your help. You can develop a relationship with him or
her through letter writing and provide for the child’s spiritual, economic, social
and physical needs. Best of all, each child will hear the gospel and have the
opportunity to learn of God’s love.
Northwood Office Manager position opening up June 1
Northwood Church is looking to hire an Office Manager beginning June 1 due
to the planned departure of current Office Manager, Julie Pipp. Julie is moving
to Salina, Kansas, with husband, Dan and family, Zach and Hannah, at the
end of school. The Office Manager position is 35 hours a week and candi-
dates should have experience and skills in office management. They should
also be able to manage projects independently while working on a collabora-
tive staff team. Job responsibilities include general office management, mem-
bership services, financial records and reports and assisting pastoral staff. A
job description, application and information packet is available at the Welcome
Table and the church office.
CROSS Food and Clothing Drive
It's time once again for our annual CROSS food and clothing drive. On
Sunday April 27 and May 4 Northwood will be collecting clothing and non-per-
ishable food items for CROSS, (Christians Reaching Out in Social Service) our
local food shelf serving West Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Hassan Township,
Maple Grove, Osseo, and Rogers. Please drop off your donated items at the
Welcome Table. CROSS is in special need of the following: flour, sugar, maca-
roni and cheese, instant potatoes, spaghetti, pasta, sauces, soda crackers and
baby diapers (sizes 3, 4 and 5).
New to Northwood? Come to the April 20
Newcomers Dessert
If you are new to Northwood Church you are invited to a
Newcomers Dessert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 20 at the home of
Dan and Becky Koller. The Newcomers Dessert is a fun, casual way to meet
other Northwooders, the Northwood Staff and ask questions about Northwood.
If interested in attending please write “Newcomers Dessert” on the back of
your Information Card. Directions to the dessert are available at the Welcome
Table.
Northwood Weekly Prayer Prompt
Pray the Lord's Prayer each day this week. Matthew 6:9-13
Minnesota Army National Guard Chaplain speaks at
Men’s Grind (Note: LOCATION CHANGE!!)
Lt. Colonel John Morris, Chaplain for the Minnesota Army National Guard,
is the guest speaker for the next Men’s Grind set for Saturday, April 26 at
MAPLE GROVE COVENANT CHURCH off Hwy 94 and Cty Rd. 30. The
event begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes shortly after 9 a.m. and includes
a hearty breakfast for a $5 donation. Lt. Colonel Morris will share his story
of belief in Jesus Christ and the challenges of military service in Iraq.
Morris has served two deployments to the Middle East and returns in
January 2009 for a third. Write “Men’s Grind” on the back of your
Information Card if you plan on coming.
“Six Secrets to a Lasting Love” Seminar on April 19
Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg will present their nationally acclaimed seminar,
Six Secrets to a Lasting Love at the Maple Grove Junior High on
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Rosberg's are authors of sever-
al books including, The 5 Sex Needs of Men and Women and have pro-
duced The Great Marriage Experience Video Series. The Rosberg’s also
produce a nationally syndicated radio program as “America’s Marriage
Coaches” heard daily in the Twin Cities on KTIS FM, 98.5 at 4 p.m.
The seminar will teach couples how to make a spiritual and heart-to-heart
connection essential to a healthy marriage. Using a fun, engaging and
humorous approach, the Rosberg's will talk about forgiving love, serving
love, guarding love, celebrating love and renewing love. While the semi-
nar is geared for married couples it also is applicable to dating and
engaged couples and singles who want to learn what the Bible teaches
about marriage.
Cost for the seminar is $90 per couple and registrations can be made by
calling 1-800-254-2022. There is no registration deadline, however, seat-
ing for the seminar is limited so early registration is encouraged. The
seminar is sponsored by LifeWay Resources and endorsed by Northwood
Church. Scholarships are available by contacting the church office.
Next Membership Seminar set for
May 3
Want to learn more about Northwood Church?
Make plans to attend the Membership Seminar on Saturday, May 3, at
the Maple Grove Community Center, 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Free childcare is
provided. This seminar will give you an opportunity to learn more about
the purpose, vision, values and ministries of Northwood Church. While
the seminar is a prerequisite to membership at Northwood, it does not
commit you to membership. Please write “Membership Seminar” on the
back of your Information Card or call the church office.