Christmas Eve at Northgate is one of the most beautiful nights of the year—candles glowing, families gathering, carols filling the room, and Jesus at the center of it all. And this year, we’d love to invite some new faces to jump in and serve with our First Impressions team. Whether you’ve greeted before or this would be your very first time, here are five reasons why volunteering at one of our Christmas Eve services might be exactly the gift you didn’t know you wanted to give. 1. It’s a memory-maker (and yes, kids LOVE it). Serving together as a family becomes one of those “remember when we…” stories that sticks for years. Kids absolutely light up when they’re handing out candles or helping to sweep and clean up—it makes them feel like they’re part of something big and meaningful. It’s basically Christmas magic with name tags. 2. It’s an act of worship—no wrapping paper required. There’s something powerful about giving Jesus your time on the day we celebrate His arrival. It’s a simple way to say, “Lord, this night is Yours.” As Paul puts it, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” (Ephesians 6:7) Bonus: no shepherd costumes required. 3. It actually makes your brain happier. (Yes, really.) Science tells us that serving others triggers those feel-good chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, all the warm fuzzies. You help someone else feel welcome, and your brain throws you a little Christmas party. Win-win. 4. You get the best seat in the house. Door greeters, ushers, coffee-pourers, candle-helpers… you get to see the joy on people’s faces the moment they arrive. You’re part of those sacred little interactions—helping someone find a seat, calming a nervous visitor, handing a kid their first candle ever. You’re in the heart of the moment. 5. Your joyful welcome might be the thing someone remembers. For many guests, Christmas Eve is the one time they step into church all year. Helping to tidy and reset sets the space for a special experience. Your smile, your kindness, your “Hey, we’re so glad you’re here” might be the very thing God uses to open a heart. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…” You never know who God will place in your path that night. If you’re free for one service (or two!), we’d love to have you jump in. It’s meaningful, it’s fun, and it truly helps our church share the hope of Jesus with every person who walks through our doors. Ready to join the fun? Click below to sign up and choose a role that fits you best!

PARTY TIME! As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, many of us are looking for fun, family-friendly ways to enjoy the weekend. Whether you're planning to stay close to home or venture out a bit, we’ve gathered a list of local fireworks displays happening all across the Anoka County and Twin Cities North Metro area. This weekend, as we enjoy the freedom we have as a nation, it's also a great time to pause and give thanks for the deeper freedom we’ve been given in Christ. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” May your celebrations be full of joy, gratitude, and good company. Check out the list below, and enjoy a safe and meaningful 4th of July weekend! 🎆 Thursday, July 3 Anoka – Castle Field (600 Castle Field Blvd/7th Ave.): 27th annual show, fireworks at 10 pm. anokaareachamber.com+12anokaminnesota.com+12anokaminnesota.com+12 Ham Lake – Lions Park (1220 157th Ave NE): Festival culminating with fireworks at 10 pm. familyfuntwincities.com Columbia Heights – Huset Park: Fireworks at dusk (~10 pm). familyfuntwincities.com 🎆 Friday, July 4 Coon Rapids – Ice Center grounds & Anoka‑Ramsey CC: Full celebration (parade, carnival & 10 pm fireworks). anokaminnesota.com+10coonrapidsmn.gov+10kstp.com+10 Blaine – National Sports Center: Free fireworks at 10 pm; rain date July 5. axios.com+2tcgateway.com+2familyfuntwincities.com+2 Elk River – Oak Knoll Athletic Complex area: Show starts at 10 pm. axios.com Forest Lake – Lakeside Memorial Park: 10 pm fireworks. coonrapidsmn.gov+10axios.com+10familyfuntwincities.com+10 Stillwater – Lowell Park near the Lift Bridge: Dusk show. fox9.com+5axios.com+5kstp.com+5 Shakopee – Mystic Lake Casino: Fireworks at 10 pm. axios.com+1familyfuntwincities.com+1 🎆 Saturday, July 5 (Rain‑date fallback) Should Blaine need it, fireworks may occur tonight. tcgateway.com+1familyfuntwincities.com+1 🎆 Sunday, July 6 Delano – Central Park (650 River St N): Fireworks at 10:30 pm. familyfuntwincities.com Hudson, WI (just across the river, still easy to reach) – Lakefront Park: Dusk fireworks. axios.com Don't forget to make Northgate a destination this weekend too! We're exploring an incredible story from scripture, and it's all about the importance of community to your story. Saturday at 5pm and Sunday and 9 + 11am. Catch you between the fireworks and the fellowship!

It’s summer! The days are longer, the grills are fired up, and calendars are sprinkled with road trips, weddings, beach days, and family reunions. After a long winter (and a chaotic spring), we all need a little rest. But here’s a gentle reminder: while you might take a break from your routine, don’t take a break from your faith. Vacations are great for the soul, but so is staying connected to the One who made your soul. Faith isn’t a To-Do List, but it should also never be “Out of Office.” When life slows down, it’s tempting to press pause on spiritual habits: church attendance, devotional time, small groups, even prayer. But God doesn’t need you to perform for Him—He just wants to stay close. Whether you’re watching the sunset at the lake, standing in line at Disney, or sitting on your front porch with a cold lemonade— God is already there. 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Faith in Gear This Summer You don’t have to do anything complicated to stay spiritually grounded while you're on the go. Here are a few simple ideas: 1. Make Worship Part of the Road Trip Create a playlist of worship songs or podcasts and press play between destinations. Turn the car into a moving sanctuary. Northgate Live Streams every service and has a huge archive of music and messages, too! 2. Bring Scripture with You (Digitally or Old-School) Download a Bible app, pack a pocket devotional, or screenshot a verse each week. The goal isn’t to be impressive, it’s to stay connected. 3. Use Nature as a Reminder The lakes, the trees, even your neighbor’s backyard flowers—creation speaks! Let the beauty around you nudge you to say thanks and talk to the creator. God Doesn’t Clock Out. One of the best parts about our relationship with Jesus is that it’s not confined to a location, schedule, or season. He doesn’t need you to be “at home” with your regular routine to be present in your activities. He’s walking with you through every vacation photo, every quiet moment, and every family memory you’re making. So go ahead— rest, relax, recharge. Just don’t forget to bring Jesus with you.

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” As we come to the final line of the Lord’s Prayer on this Palm Sunday , we are reminded that Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem with the might of a warrior, but with the humility of a servant. The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” expecting a political revolution, but Jesus came to establish a far greater kingdom—one that would rule hearts, not just nations. This final phrase of the Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a cap on a beautiful prayer, or simply a sentiment of respect. It’s a declaration of trust: God is sovereign. The kingdom belongs to Him. The power is His. The glory is His—forever. Even now, Jesus reigns. And though we live in the tension of the “already, but not yet,” we can be certain: God is completing what He began. As citizens of His kingdom, we’re called to reflect His rule—marked by peace, justice, grace, and truth. C.S. Lewis said it well: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal… It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit.” We live in light of eternity, under the rule of an eternal King. So as we wave our palm branches and lift our prayers this weekend, let’s do it with full confidence that Jesus is King, and He is worthy of our trust. Reflection Questions: What does Palm Sunday reveal to you about the kind of King Jesus is? How can you reflect His kingdom, His power, and His glory in your own life this week? Amen. Let it be so.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13 Life is full of trials, moments when we feel tested, tempted, and even attacked. Every hardship comes with a choice—will we turn toward God in trust, or will we rely on our own understanding? The truth is, God is not just our protector; He is our Deliverer. He doesn’t just remove us from danger—He brings us to Himself. C.S. Lewis once said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” We may believe in God’s goodness, but when the weight of life presses in, do we truly trust Him? The Reality of Temptation Temptation isn't just about avoiding obvious sins. It’s the subtle pull to rely on ourselves instead of God, to give in to fear, pride, or control rather than faith. James 1 reminds us, “ Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” We are most vulnerable when we think we can handle things on our own. Even Jesus was tempted. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, the devil tried to lure Him away from trusting the Father. But Jesus remained faithful, showing us that temptation is not just something to resist—it’s an opportunity to deepen our dependence on God. More Than Rescue When we pray, “deliver us from the evil one,” we are asking for more than escape. We are inviting God to transform us. He delivers us not only from external dangers but also from the sin within us—the fears, habits, and desires that keep us from fully embracing His love and purpose. God’s deliverance is not passive. He strengthens us, refines us, and shapes us to become more like Jesus. Every test we face reveals our weaknesses but also invites us to grow. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Even in hardship, God is at work. A Question for Reflection Where do you feel most tempted to rely on yourself instead of God? How might today’s challenges be an opportunity to trust Him more deeply? God is faithful! He is our Deliverer—not just pulling us out of trouble, but drawing us closer to Himself. Will you trust Him today?

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you? Maybe they never apologized, never acknowledged the damage they caused, and you’re left holding onto the weight of that wound. It’s easy to believe that time will heal it or that ignoring it will make it go away. But deep down, unforgiveness festers like an untreated wound, leading to bitterness, resentment, and distance from God’s peace. The good news? God offers a different way—a way of grace and freedom. God’s Grace IS More Than We Deserve Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Before we acknowledged our sin, before we even knew we needed forgiveness, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. His grace is not conditional, temporary, or dependent on our actions. It is freely given, unearned, and overflowing. But what about the sins committed against us? Just as we have sinned against God and others, others have sinned against us. And just as we need God’s forgiveness, so do they. Forgiveness IS The Bridge to Healing Nothing destroys relationships faster than unforgiveness. Holding onto offense builds walls, isolates hearts, and prevents healing. C.S. Lewis once said, “ To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” That’s a hard truth. But it’s also a freeing one. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the wrong or pretending it didn’t hurt. It means releasing the debt, just as God has released ours. When we pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12), we are asking God to help us reflect His grace—to let go, to heal, and to trust Him with the justice and restoration we long for. A Permanent Grace The world often sees grace as temporary , something that must be earned back over time. But God’s grace is permanent. He doesn’t keep a record of wrongs or wait for us to prove ourselves worthy. Psalm 103:12 tells us, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If we trust in Jesus, our forgiveness is secure. The same is true for those we struggle to forgive. We forgive not because they deserve it, but because God calls us to. And in doing so, we experience the freedom of living in His grace rather than being bound by pain. Reflection Questions: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What’s holding you back? How has God’s grace personally impacted your life? How can you extend that grace to others? Do you truly trust that God’s way of forgiveness is for your good? Why or why not? God’s grace is good. It is undeserved. It is limitless. And it is meant to flow through us to others. Will you trust Him enough to extend it? Come to church this weekend as we learn how to do this together!

We say it in church. We read it in scripture. But do we really mean it? "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) This is more than a hopeful wish—it’s a declaration of surrender. A Kingdom with a King God is not just a distant deity; He is a King with a kingdom. His rule is just, His ways are good, and His will is perfect. In His kingdom, the broken are restored, the weak are strengthened, and justice prevails. But here’s the challenge: if we want His kingdom to come, we have to let go of our own. The Prayer of Exchange When Jesus teaches us to pray, He invites us to an exchange. The word for “pray” in this passage means to trade our desires for God’s. That means we’re not just asking for good things to happen—we’re surrendering our will for His. C.S. Lewis put it this way: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” The question is, which one are we? What’s Holding Us Back? Sometimes, we resist because we don’t fully trust that God’s way is best. We want Him to fix things from a distance, but He chooses to work through His people—through us. Other times, we misunderstand what “good” really means. We think of good as second-best, the bare minimum to get by. But God’s goodness is not mediocre. It is full, abundant, and exactly what we need! An Invitation to Trust Praying “Your kingdom come, your will be done” is a call to action. It means living in a way that reflects heaven’s reality here on earth. It means trusting that God is working, even when we don’t understand. So, take a moment to reflect: What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to God? Do you truly believe that God’s will for you is better than your own? God is bringing His kingdom to earth. The question is—are we willing to be part of it? Come this weekend for part two of our study! And -- it's not too late to join a small group!

Most of us know The Lord's Prayer by heart. We pray it regularly. Maybe even religiously. But we should ask ourselves: Do we speak these words because we think this is what we’re "supposed" to say? Or are we praying with the purpose of these words becoming our hearts desire? Do we really know what were declaring about God and His kingdom? Do we know what we’re asking God to do in our lives? This week, we begin a brand new sermon series, and churchwide study, for the 40 days leading to Easter. We'll be diving deep into The Lord's Prayer and shaping our hearts around his kingdom and his will, deciding that we truly want life on earth to be as it is in heaven. Here's just a tiny sneak peek at this week... When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He started with "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." Those words set the stage for everything else that follows! They remind us who God is, how close He is, and why He’s worth trusting with our lives. God as Our Father God isn’t some distant, disconnected force. He calls Himself our Father—the one who creates, cares for, and walks with us. He brings us into His family, making us part of something bigger than ourselves. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we belong to Him and to one another. Life can be messy, and relationships can be hard. We hurt each other, we struggle, and sometimes we feel alone. But God designed us for community. He never meant for us to do life on our own. When Jesus says, "Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am there," He’s reminding us that we’re never alone. A Name Set Apart When we say "hallowed be Your name," we’re saying that God is set apart—holy, different from everything else. His name carries His character, authority, and reputation. He’s not like anyone or anything else. He’s above it all, and yet, He invites us to know Him personally. We put our trust in all kinds of things—careers, relationships, causes, even our own abilities. But are they truly worthy of our devotion? Do they hold up when life gets hard? God does. He’s been faithful since the beginning, and He won’t fail us now. What Are You Living For? We all chase after something. Maybe it’s success, security, or a dream we’ve had for years. But at the end of the day, the question is: is it worth it? Will it last? God’s kingdom is the one thing that will never fade. When we put Him first, everything else falls into place. He gives us wisdom to balance our work, relationships, and passions in a way that brings real peace and purpose - because they are centered on him. Life throws challenges our way, but when we trust God as worthy—of our time, our trust, and our whole hearts—we find strength that lasts. Whatever comes next, we can face it knowing He is more than enough. CONSIDER THIS: As you get ready for this week's study, here are some questions connected to the content, that can serve as a primer to the weekend teaching and group discussion. What are some things in your life that you tend to put your trust in over God? Does knowing God as your Father change the way you view yourself and others? What definitions, pictures, thoughts, or feelings pop up when you hear the word "holy"?

Nancy Grams. For over a decade, Nancy has poured her heart and energy into serving on Northgate's Board of Directors, always with a spirit of gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of purpose. As she transitions from this role, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on her invaluable contributions and hear from Nancy herself about her journey with us!