ENEWS

NHCC Friends & Family—

We spent some time last Sunday in our “Free Indeed” series setting up the idea of growing up in our faith and not living like little kids who still need guardians and caretakers—and wouldn’t you know, I got to watch the full-blown meltdown of a 4 year old in the halloween candy aisle at Target this week. He was forcing violent tears, stomping, throwing things, hitting his poor mom, all while screaming “get me what I want!!”—and I’ll admit, there are times where I imagine we look like that to our heavenly Father! We’ll get into that—along with what it can really look like to live free in Jesus—as we continue in that message series this Sunday.

But speaking of Sundays, it’s been pretty full in our sanctuary, and I’ve stood in the back and watched visitors and late-comers walk around looking for seats, while some regulars along the aisles with plenty of seats in the middle of their pews don’t seem interested in scooting in to allow others to find a seat. And honestly, it’s maybe something we don’t even notice or think about—we’re just minding our business and coming to church.

My challenge to all of us during this season is to purposely pay attention to those who are looking for seats, and if there’s room in your pew, move in and invite them to join you. After all, every single one of us once walked into a church for the first time—and we want everyone to experience the care and hospitality of Jesus when they chose to join us on any given Sunday. You never know if you’re giving a glimpse of hope and warmth to someone who’s had none, who’s maybe giving faith one last chance—let’s all make them glad they came, OK? It’s one of the things I love about this church, and I hope we can keep being that way—even when our sanctuary is getting snug!

Excited to worship with all of you this Sunday—keep scrolling for all the ways we Connect, Grow and Serve here at NHCC!!

Ethan