Weekly Update
Welcome new and familiar. All you need for this week is right here.
Find this page in the app, on the web, or through the QR code at church. Bookmark this page, or better yet, get the app. This page is the most up-to-date form of communication we have.
Let's get you connected with the things you need.
December 13, 2024
Finding Grace in the Messiness of Christmas
I recently had the opportunity to talk to some Middle School students about the season of Christmas. Specifically, we talked about how ‘messy’ Jesus’ birth story is and when you think about it - most of the story really is just… messy.
However, mixed in to all the messiness are people who show deep, unwavering, unquestionable kindness. Joseph stays with Mary, even though they aren’t married; an innkeeper provides what they can to a couple who can offer nothing and who are exhausted by travel and pregnancy; the shepherds in the fields are the first to come and share their joy in Jesus’ birth; the Magi, sent by the reigning king, end up bringing important gifts and then refuse to help in the king’s plans to kill baby Jesus. These individuals (many strangers) show God’s presence and grace to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in small ways that leave a deep impact - and they don’t even know everything that is going on!
I pray that all of us can experience God in that way - seeing God in the form of friends and family that check on us in good and bad times, strangers who share kind moments with others simply because they can, communities of people (like church!) where friends become family and our faces and names are known.
This season, I pray that we can show up and be God’s face to someone who needs it - even if we don’t see all the mess they may be dealing with. And may we all have a beautiful, joy-filled Advent and Christmas season surrounded by the faces of God.
Peace,
Anna Morris-Facey
Youth Ministry Director
Finding Grace in the Messiness of Christmas
I recently had the opportunity to talk to some Middle School students about the season of Christmas. Specifically, we talked about how ‘messy’ Jesus’ birth story is and when you think about it - most of the story really is just… messy.
However, mixed in to all the messiness are people who show deep, unwavering, unquestionable kindness. Joseph stays with Mary, even though they aren’t married; an innkeeper provides what they can to a couple who can offer nothing and who are exhausted by travel and pregnancy; the shepherds in the fields are the first to come and share their joy in Jesus’ birth; the Magi, sent by the reigning king, end up bringing important gifts and then refuse to help in the king’s plans to kill baby Jesus. These individuals (many strangers) show God’s presence and grace to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in small ways that leave a deep impact - and they don’t even know everything that is going on!
I pray that all of us can experience God in that way - seeing God in the form of friends and family that check on us in good and bad times, strangers who share kind moments with others simply because they can, communities of people (like church!) where friends become family and our faces and names are known.
This season, I pray that we can show up and be God’s face to someone who needs it - even if we don’t see all the mess they may be dealing with. And may we all have a beautiful, joy-filled Advent and Christmas season surrounded by the faces of God.
Peace,
Anna Morris-Facey
Youth Ministry Director
WHAT TO EXPECT
Children's Christmas Play
This Sunday during service, our amazing kids will bring the Christmas story to life in a way that’s sure to delight hearts of all ages. Join us for this cherished tradition and experience the joy, wonder, and magic of the holiday season together as a family.
This Sunday during service, our amazing kids will bring the Christmas story to life in a way that’s sure to delight hearts of all ages. Join us for this cherished tradition and experience the joy, wonder, and magic of the holiday season together as a family.
announcements
Please note: This list is updated every Friday.
| Step into the heart of the Christmas story on December 14th at North Point Church! Our sanctuary will be transformed. Experience the wonder, the hope, and the joy of this timeless story in an unforgettable way. After your walk-through journey, stay for festive fun: *Kids’ craft stations *Caroling *Christmas cookies Walk through anytime from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Our live nativity lasts about 15 minutes. Suggested Donation: $5 per family or a non-perishable food item (not required for entry). All proceeds and donations will support Fishline Food Bank. Celebrate the season and rediscover the magic of Christmas with us! Invite your friends on social media using the link here. |
| Volunteers Needed to Assemble Christmas Eve Candles We will need volunteers to pick up a bag of candles and candle holders after service this Sunday, December 15. After assembling, the Christmas Eve candles will need to be returned on Sunday, December 22. Please make sure to put your name and email address on the sign out sheet. The Red Cross Childcare Safety Course We will be hosting a Red Cross Childcare Safety Course for students 14 years and older. This would be a great certification for your teens who would like to find babysitting jobs over the holidays! Date and time are TBD. Please contact Miss Angel at angel@np-church.org with questions and to register for this course. Updated Giving Envelopes We've updated the North Point Giving Envelopes to make tracking donations simpler and more efficient. Some designated funds have been consolidated into the general giving fund for better financial management and reporting. Please use only the categories listed on the envelope. Rest assured, North Point Church will continue to support all its programs as always. NPC Youth Group Meets on Mondays, 5:30pm to 7pm Join friends, enjoy games and have a meal, together with our youth group. We meet at The Next Door Youth Center. on Mondays, from 5:30pm to 7pm. Students 6th to 12th grade are all welcome. Please contact Anna at anna@np-church.org to let her know you are coming or to ask questions! AV Volunteers Needed! Are you tech-savvy or just love pushing buttons and sliding sliders? If so, our AV Ministry Team is calling your name! From making Sunday services look and sound amazing to producing online videos and supporting special events, we’re the behind-the-scenes crew that brings it all together. It's easier than ever to jump in and be part of the action. We’d love for you to join us in the AV booth one Sunday to see what it’s all about—no pressure, just fun! Interested? Contact Neil Schweitzer at nfschweitz@gmail.com to get started. Let’s create something awesome together! Longest Night of the Year, Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church, Silverdale, December 19, 6pm Grieving? Missing someone this holiday? Feeling blue? Away from home and loved ones? On Thursday, December 19th Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church, North Point Church, Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church and Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church will host a worship service for people who find the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas a difficult one. This time period can be hard to navigate because of the loss of a loved one and the grief that sets in at this time of the year, a loss such as a divorce or change in jobs, or simply because of Seasonal challenges. If you or someone you know would find this service meaningful, please mark your calendars. If it is someone you know who is struggling at this time of year, please consider not only inviting them but offering to come with them in support. December Wonder Trackers: Winter Solstice - Shortest Daylight of the Year, Saturday, December 21, 1pm, Kitsap Memorial State Park - 202 NE Park St.Poulsbo Join us for a delightful winter hike as we explore Kitsap Memorial Park and discover the seasonal changes that come with the colder months. Learn about the living things that thrive in winter and spot nature’s hidden gems through the bare branches. - Trail Info: Easy/Moderate with some inclines and declines (alternate flat route available). - Register: Email speganydesign@gmail.com to sign up. We’ll wrap up with hot chocolate, cookies, and the warmth of community as we welcome winter by singing the Doxology*. Don’t miss this special time together! *Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Save the Date: Reception for Mer Ellringer, Sunday, January 5, after Sunday Service Join us on Sunday, January 5 after the service to honor and thank Mer for her many years of dedication to our church. From her role as pianist to recently stepping in as Interim Worship Director, Mer has made a lasting impact. Let’s come together to celebrate her contributions and wish her the best in her next chapter. We hope you can join us! Save the Date: Congregational Meeting, Sunday, January 12 after Sunday Service Our first congregational meeting of 2025 will be held on January 12. We will vote on the annual budget and any open positions during this meeting. Additional agenda items may be included. Everyone is welcome to attend, but only North Point members are eligible to vote. An in-person meeting to review the budget will be held the week before, date and time TBA. Church Directory You can access the Online Church Directory by visiting https://bit.ly/npcdirectory. Enter your email address and choose “First Time Signing In? Create Login.” If you submitted your email address as part of your listing, you should be able to create a login. You can only sign In If you are included In the directory.Once you are logged In, you can submit changes to your listing and updated photos. These submissions will be sent for approval. If you are not listed but would like to be included, please email Info@np-church.org with your information. North Point is Hiring: Piano Accompanist Please visit our website at https://northpointpoulsbo.org/employment-opportunities for these job description and for instructions on how to apply. Email jobs@np-church.org with questions. Important Reminder about Parking The parking lot across the street at the high school is available for overflow parking on Sunday mornings. This frees up parking for our new guests and those with mobility issues. |
LEARN & SERVE
Sunday School Teachers We are looking for Sunday School teachers to join our weekly rotation! If you love kids, are creative, and have a passion for children's ministry (or want to learn!), we need you! All grade levels are available. Contact Angel at angel@np-church.org.
Visitor Team in Need of Volunteers We are in need volunteers for our visitor team. This team Includes greeters, people to pass out bulletins, seating ushers, and offering ushers. Our schedule Is very flexible! Please email alane@np-church.org.
For the complete list of Learn & Serve opportunities at North Point, click HERE.
Visitor Team in Need of Volunteers We are in need volunteers for our visitor team. This team Includes greeters, people to pass out bulletins, seating ushers, and offering ushers. Our schedule Is very flexible! Please email alane@np-church.org.
For the complete list of Learn & Serve opportunities at North Point, click HERE.
news from our ministry and community partners
Bremerton Symphony Christmas Concert
In the spirit of the season, our friends at the Bremerton Westsound Symphony would like to extend an invitation to come to their holiday concert at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center at Bremerton High School on Sunday, December 15 at 3PM. The music will be Nutcracker Suite, choruses from Handel's Messiah, and Poulenc's Gloria. A handful of complimentary tickets are available for our congregation. Please contact Alane if you are interested as spots are limited. (Additional tickets will be available at a discount.)
Additional information can be found as needed on this page: https://www.bremertonwestsoundsymphony.org/holiday-happenings
In the spirit of the season, our friends at the Bremerton Westsound Symphony would like to extend an invitation to come to their holiday concert at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center at Bremerton High School on Sunday, December 15 at 3PM. The music will be Nutcracker Suite, choruses from Handel's Messiah, and Poulenc's Gloria. A handful of complimentary tickets are available for our congregation. Please contact Alane if you are interested as spots are limited. (Additional tickets will be available at a discount.)
Additional information can be found as needed on this page: https://www.bremertonwestsoundsymphony.org/holiday-happenings
Klahowya Boys HS Basketball
Winter Break Kick-Off 2024
Looking for a fun and festive way to kick off the winter break? Please join us in the gymnasium on the campus of Klahowya Secondary School on Saturday, December 21 at 1:00 PM, for a boys basketball game between local rivals, the Olympic Trojans and the Klahowya Eagles (coached by Bryan Thoemke). Then, immediately following the game, come to Klahowya’s Winter Break Kickoff celebration in the KSS Commons. Enjoy delicious treats and warm beverages, while taking in live music by NP’s own singer-songwriter and guitarist, Eleanor Thoemke. Below is the online link or scan the QR code to purchase tickets for the basketball game. No ticket required for the after-game Winter Kickoff celebration.
https://gofan.co/event/1858350
Winter Break Kick-Off 2024
Looking for a fun and festive way to kick off the winter break? Please join us in the gymnasium on the campus of Klahowya Secondary School on Saturday, December 21 at 1:00 PM, for a boys basketball game between local rivals, the Olympic Trojans and the Klahowya Eagles (coached by Bryan Thoemke). Then, immediately following the game, come to Klahowya’s Winter Break Kickoff celebration in the KSS Commons. Enjoy delicious treats and warm beverages, while taking in live music by NP’s own singer-songwriter and guitarist, Eleanor Thoemke. Below is the online link or scan the QR code to purchase tickets for the basketball game. No ticket required for the after-game Winter Kickoff celebration.
https://gofan.co/event/1858350