WEEKLY UPDATE

July 3, 2026

NHCC Friends and Family,

Happy 250th USA! We enjoy a mile-long list of things to be grateful for in this country and its rich history. However, this weekly update is from a church, not a federal administration, so let me offer some historical reflection:

Christianity began in 1st century Rome with no army, political party, or national flag—just with a crucified Savior and a handful of ordinary people convinced that their Savior's life and words could change the world—which they did. Unlike Rome, the Church grew while persecuted and culturally powerless. Rome conquered people; the church served them. Rome celebrated status; the church said slaves and rulers alike were brothers and sisters. Rome abandoned the sick and unwanted; the church carried them home. Rome commemorated itself in grand fashion; the church commemorated the broken body of Jesus. Our restoration movement heritage treasures this picture of the early church.

But then something shifted: Christianity gained access to the palace. Emperor Constantine legalized and favored the faith. Within decades, the formerly persecuted church became the official religion of the empire. Soon, Christianity had preferred influence, majority privilege and political power. In some places, Christ followers began to be the ones doing the persecuting. From religious wars and inquisitions to forced conversions, colonial conquests, and defenses of slavery, Christian history contains some embarrassing chapters—not because Jesus failed, but because the church kept trying to trade the way of Jesus for Caesar’s. We took a faith built on carrying a cross and used it to decorate thrones.

And that should make us pause today. Because when Christianity seeks to control government, defeat cultural enemies and enforce conformity, we should recognize the pattern. We've seen this movie before.

Christianity thrives not when it dominates, but when it offers the world an alternative to domination. The church is it truest when it challenges empire--and it corrupts when it tries to become one.

And this Sunday, we’re continuing our Anti-Hero series by looking at some characters who challenged empire—I really hope you’ll join us!

(PS—don’t miss the important info about our meal pack event NEXT Sunday, July 12 below!)

Ethan

In Matthew 13, Jesus shares a parable where He uses a farmer planting seeds as a picture of faith and living life in God’s kingdom… but this story and its application is far richer and far more challenging than a simple children’s Sunday School storybook. Join us this series as we look at life lessons from the Lord of the harvest about things like hard hearts, resistant soil, choked-out growth, thorns, and what health & flourishing can look like.

MEAL PACK | On Sunday, July 12th, during our weekly service time, NHCC will partner with Lifeline Christian Mission to pack meals for our community Food Distribution Program. This event is appropriate for kids 3rd grade and higher to pack with their families; kids programming will be available for children up through 2nd grade. Don’t miss this important event!

FOOD DISTRIBUTION | Each week we provide FREE groceries to families in need. This is a vital  way that we serve our community, and demand is higher than ever. A list of needed items can be found at the Welcome table. Consider donating items to help us keep meeting this need.

SUMMER STUDY | This summer, we’ll take a closer look at those in the Bible who were called  ‘friends of Jesus’, and what we might expect if we are to be called His friends today. This six week study meets on TUESDAYS at 7pm at the home of Debbie Harrington.

STUDENT HANGOUTS & STUDY | Calling all 6th-12th graders! Starting June 17th, join our summer-exclusive Wednesday evening hangouts from 6-8pm and Thursday Bible studies from 1-2:30pm. Grab a students calendar from the Welcome Table to stay in the loop.

PICKLEBALL | Join us select Thursdays from beginning June 11th, from 7-9pm at Devlin Park in McCandless for some friendly pickleball. Open to teens and adults of all ability levels- we’d love to teach you if you don’t know how to play- paddles provided. If interested, email Amanda to get on the mailing list.

SUMMER PILATES CLASSES | Join us Fridays July 24th, & Aug. 28th at 7pm for Pilates classes in the church lobby. Pilates focuses on moving within your body’s limits, not pushing past them. Gentle movement, no pressure, no intimidation. Come as you are! Suggested donation of $10/class, bring it with you when you come. All donations go to the church.

STUDENT NIGHTS | 9th-12th graders are invited to come Sunday nights from 6:30-8pm as we hang out, hear a message, and meet in small groups to build community and talk about Jesus. 6th-8th graders meet Sunday morning during our worship service. Questions? Contact Brandon.

INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP | If you have been impacted by the pain and isolation of infertility and pregnancy-related loss & heartbreak, join in community & conversation with others who know how it feels. Dates & times are coordinated by Debbie Harrington with those interested.