NCC Unplugged

Join us in our December series, 'Unwrapping Peace,' as we explore the biblical concept of peace, or 'shalom,' which signifies wholeness and tranquility. Discover how peace is depicted in the Bible, from the Old Testament's 'shalom' to the New Testament's fruit of the Spirit. Learn about the angels' proclamation of peace to the shepherds, the contrasting response of King Herod, and the faithful acceptance of peace by Mary and Joseph. Understand how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, fulfilled the promise of peace through His life, death, and resurrection, offering us both relational and eternal peace. Reflect on how you can embrace this peace in your life and become a peacemaker in your relationships.

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the staff of Norwin Christian Church shares their experiences, mistakes, and humorous moments in ministry. They discuss their plans for the upcoming holiday season, including Christmas and Thanksgiving, and reflect on the importance of community engagement and growth within the church. The conversation also highlights the various ministries, including youth and children's programs, and the significance of small groups and outreach initiatives. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about favorite Thanksgiving foods.      

Norwin Christian Church offers a rich array of women's ministries designed to foster connection, growth, and service. With over seven weekly small groups, women can find a supportive community to delve into God's Word and build lasting friendships. The Fountain, a quarterly event, provides a space for worship, teaching, and fellowship, perfect for those seeking spiritual growth without the commitment of a retreat. The annual women's retreat is a highlight, offering deep reflection and connection in a serene setting. These ministries have a profound impact on participants' lives. Carol Hartman shared how her small group became a lifeline during challenging times, while Erin Persall emphasized the comfort and support of a prayer network. Intergenerational mentorship, as highlighted by Alison Murray, enriches the community, aligning with the teachings of Titus 2:3-5. Upcoming events include The Fountain on December 7th and the annual retreat from May 15-17. Embrace these opportunities to grow in faith and community.

Do Christians need to follow the Old Testament? This question often arises, especially regarding the Ten Commandments. The Old Testament is foundational, containing God's laws and prophecies pointing to Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws, introducing a new covenant based on internal transformation. While ceremonial and civil laws were specific to the Israelites, the moral laws, including the Ten Commandments, continue to guide Christian ethics. Understanding the Old Testament through the New Testament lens helps us appreciate God's continuous plan and live out His will more fully.

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the Jeff and Joshua discuss the introduction and impact of the Thursday night service at Norwin Christian Church. They reflect on the community's engagement, the importance of accessibility in worship, and how the service has provided a welcoming environment for those who may find Sunday mornings challenging. The conversation also touches on scriptural insights regarding worship and the church's mission to reach out to the community. Overall, the episode highlights the positive reception of the Thursday night service and its role in expanding the church's outreach. https://www.norwinchristianchurch.com/ https://www.norwinchristianchurch.com/nccthursday Our Thursday night service is more than just an additional worship time; it's a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our community and following biblical principles. We invite you to join us and experience the unique benefits of this midweek service. Thank you for being a part of our journey at Norwin Christian Church.

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, host Matt Mastroianni discusses the men's ministry known as The Forge with guests Rich Seman and Nate Stonecypher. They explore the origins of The Forge, its significance in the church community, and the upcoming Better Man Conference. The conversation highlights the importance of men's ministry in fostering community, addressing cultural perceptions of manhood, and encouraging participation among men of all ages. The episode emphasizes the need for a supportive environment where men can grow in their faith and leadership roles.   The Forge at NCC Website: https://www.norwinchristianchurch.com/forge The Forge Better Man Conference Sign Up: https://norwinchristian.flocknote.com/signup/170024 ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Forge Men's Ministry 02:55 Origins and Development of The Forge 06:08 The Importance of Men's Ministry 08:51 Statistics on Men's Participation in Church 12:00 Cultural Perceptions of Manhood 14:55 The Better Man Conference Overview 18:14 Encouragement for Participation 20:53 Building Community Among Men 24:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

Exploring the unique challenges and strengths of today's youth, this discussion sheds light on the impact of COVID-19, the pressures of gender identity, sexuality, racial sensitivity, and abortion, and the rise of anxiety and depression. It emphasizes the importance of finding identity in Christ and offers practical steps for the church community to support young members through open conversations, healthy relationships, and balanced technology use.

Jeff and Joshua discuss the launch of a new Thursday evening service at NCC. This service is designed to meet the spiritual needs of community members with weekend commitments. The service will mirror the structure of Sunday worship, including sermons and communion meditation, but with an acoustic worship style to suit the evening ambiance. Children's programs will be fully operational, ensuring a nurturing environment for young attendees. The church emphasizes the biblical foundation for non-Sunday services, citing examples from the New Testament of believers gathering on various days. The church community is encouraged to embrace this new opportunity to grow spiritually and extend a hand to those who might benefit from a midweek service. Takeaways Norwin Christian Church is launching a new Thursday evening service to reach out to the community and provide a refuge for those seeking God. The church's vision is to grow spiritually and make disciples, with a focus on reaching the community within a five to ten-mile radius of their building. The Thursday service is designed to be accessible for those who can't attend on Sundays, such as healthcare workers or families with scheduling conflicts. Volunteers have shown great support for the new service, and the church is excited about the opportunities it will bring. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 The Vision Behind the Thursday Evening Service 04:00 Creating a Refuge for the Community 07:46 Accessibility and Flexibility: Choosing Thursday 10:14 Details of the Thursday Service 15:56 Preaching the Sermon: Thursday vs. Sunday 17:20 Thursday Night Service vs. Wednesday Night Service 22:29 Biblical Basis for a Service Outside of Sunday 31:01 Inviting Others to the Thursday Service 32:50 Conclusion and Invitation ----more----

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra, the preaching minister at Norwin Christian Church, interviews church members Jerry and Cindy Burke. They share their journey of faith, their experiences with different denominations, and how they found a deeper relationship with Jesus at NCC. Cindy discusses her battle with cancer and the peace she found through her faith, while Jerry talks about his career in security and their involvement in church activities. The episode highlights the importance of community, support, and the transformative power of faith. ----more---- Takeaways Finding a church community that welcomes and supports you can have a profound impact on your spiritual journey. A deeper relationship with Jesus can bring peace and strength during difficult times. Getting involved in church ministries allows you to use your skills and passions to serve others. Acts of kindness, such as listening and showing genuine care, can make a lasting impact on someone's life. Being part of a church family provides a sense of safety, belonging, and support. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:04 Finding NCC and a Welcoming Community 03:03 Seeking a Deeper Relationship with Jesus 08:14 Finding Peace and Strength in Faith 10:41 Letting Go of Control and Trusting God 13:33 Supporting Each Other Through Health Challenges 18:23 Professional Journeys and Retirement 30:58 Enjoying the Stage of Being Grandparents 33:07 Getting Involved in Missions and Ministry 36:01 Acts of Kindness and the Church Family 41:35 Encouragement to Be Kind and Open 45:03 Conclusion and Invitation

CIY Move is a transformative week-long event for high school students, focusing on spiritual growth through worship, teaching, and community. Students break chains of bad habits, surrender to God, and learn the importance of staying connected to Him, akin to branches on a tree. The event combines fun activities with serious spiritual challenges, like Kingdom Worker cards, encouraging students to live out their faith in practical ways. The experience culminates in personal growth, lasting friendships, and a commitment to apply the lessons learned in daily life. ----more---- Takeaways C.I.Y. conferences provide impactful experiences and lessons for students, such as breaking bad habits and surrendering to God. Building relationships and growing spiritually are important aspects of youth retreats. Attending retreats can help students overcome fears and apprehensions and have a positive impact on their lives. Favorite games at C.I.Y. include Zap, Ultimate Fruit, and Killball, while Signs is often considered the least favorite. The students are excited about future C.I.Y. conferences and the opportunity to impact others. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Breaking Bad Habits and Surrendering to God 08:31 Overcoming Fears and Apprehensions 10:26 Taking Intentional Time to Focus on God 14:02 Kingdom Worker Cards and Personal Growth 17:30 Favorite and Least Favorite Games at C.I.Y. 22:07 Encouraging Others to Attend Retreats 25:18 Looking Forward to Future C.I.Y. Conferences