NorthRidge Church & Christian Academy

January 2011
Haines City Florida
Volume 3, Issue 1

orthRidgeNe ws
Our News Reaching You; Reaching Out to You

A Message From Pastor David

A verse that was ingrained into my spiritual upbringing many years ago is a statement
Jesus stated as he was defining discipleship.
Here it is:
“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking
back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62 NAS; italics added for emphasis)
Our theme for 2011 (get a load of that, 2011) is Fit for the Kingdom and has its roots in this verse. I
have discovered that the word “fit” is an adjective that is describing a condition that a person needs to be in order
to be in the Kingdom, or as other translations report “for service in the Kingdom of God.” I think the latter is
what Christ had in mind. It was not coming to Christ that required fitness, but it was for service in the Kingdom.
The word actually means of a suitable quality, standard, or type; having the requisite qualities or skills to do
something competently. It makes sense that if we are to function in the Kingdom, we need to demonstrate
competence for the task.
Let me explain it this way. This week I have been overwhelmed with the flu since Tuesday (December 28, 2010)
and I have been unable to perform basic menial tasks. You know what it is like when the crud has got you down
and you don’t have the energy to even enjoy a TV program. This serves as a good summary of my condition over
the last few days. I have not been “fit for anything.” We sometimes make statements like this; “I am with you in
Spirit even when I am not with you in person.” That statement would have been an tremendous overstatement
for me this week. Why? Because, my physical condition has hindered my ability to even demonstrate good
concern for the needs of others around us. I know many will say that it’s okay because you had the flu. It is a
temporary condition that limits us for a short period of time. Yet, if I never got over the flu, or if I chose to
never demonstrate concern again, the understanding of those while in my temporary flu condition would soon
wane away and there would be a clearer focus of my real character. We may play the role for a while, but in the
long haul the real you will come to surface.
If this is true with the common flu, could it be true in other areas of my life? Over the next few months we will
dig in and discover what it means to be Fit for the Kingdom in a lot of different realms. We will discover
the common colds and flues that many never get over. We will investigate how it affects our ability to serve and
ultimately how it affects our ability to please God with our life.
I imagine it will be a revealing year. You will not want to miss it.

Blessings!
Pastor David
 Expressions of Worship: 
Instead my normal commentary/editorial this month, I thought I would take the
chance to tell you about some opportunities coming up that you might want to be a
part of.
First, coming January 11th, a new group from Liberty University is coming to visit and
lead worship. This Tuesday night service will be a chance for you to come and
worship while also seeing how God is using Liberty University to impact students’
lives and the lives of countless people around the world for the cause of Christ. The
group’s name is Seventy One. This will be their first visit to NorthRidge and I hope
you will join us and invite a friend or two. This is a great opportunity for
you to expose people to Liberty and to the possibilities of a Christian
college education as well as hear testimony to God’s faithfulness. The
following morning of January 12th, these students will also lead in chapel
for our Academy. I would like for you begin praying now for those
students that will lead us on the 11th and 12th as well as for those who will
be touched by their ministry. I hope that you will join us for Seventy One
on Tuesday, January 11th, at 6:30.
Second, we are beginning recruitment for a seasonal choir. Many of you have been asking for an opportunity to get
more involved in the music aspect of our worship ministry; this Easter, we are looking for a group to help us lead.
This past month, I have been looking at music, listening to tons of songs, and praying about how to move forward
in this. I am pleased to say that I think that I have found a couple of songs that will be perfect for our Easter
celebration on April 24th. I still have a lot of logistics to work out, but I want you to know to begin praying about
your involvement. Remember, this is a seasonal event and we are only planning on this for Easter Sunday. I hope
that it will be an unforgettable experience for you to participate in this unique group. Please visit our website to
register.
-Terrill

What I’m Listening To:

UNDISGUISED WE CRY OUT AND IF GOD IS FOR US

Anthony Evans Jeremy Camp Chris Tomlin

Released January 26, 2010 Released: August 24, 2010 Released: November 16, 2010
From the Desk of Pastor Harold
I am writing this article on Sunday, December 19th. This morning Pastor David
stressed being prepared and remaining faithful as related to being ready to meet
our Lord when we die or when He returns. As we begin a new year with the
theme Fit for the Kingdom, I want to offer a helpful suggestion that will help
us be fit and can be a great asset to our families should God call us home. I
want to encourage you to create an Information Directory.

This directory should list everything about your personal business from your bank account and credit
cards to your insurance policies and burial plots. The directory should be updated once or twice a year
to be sure it is current. Using a pencil to record the data will allow you to change bits of information
without starting over again. It should be kept in a safe place.
Your spouse, children, or executor of your Will should be informed of this Information Directory and
where to find it. At the time of your death, it will be extremely valuable.

Here are some tips for using an Information Directory

 Make a copy of the form for your spouse, unless one copy is sufficient.
 Complete the information as soon as possible.
 Review the information annually (pick a date as New Year’s, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc to be
sure everything is current).
 Put the Information Directory in a safe place; tell your children or the designated executor of your
estate where to find it.
 Consider placing the information in a safety deposit box at the bank because it contains confidential
information (e.g. credit card, bank account numbers).
Suggest to your children to create an Information Directory for their family as well.

Your can view a sample directory created by Nelda Ammons at the following website.
http://sam.ag.org/images/infodirectory.pdf
It is in a PDF file format and you will need a reader program to open it, such as Adobe's FREE Acrobat
program. http://get.adobe.com/reader/

-Pastor Harold
Sonshiner’s monthly luncheon:
January 6th
@ Noon
We have a special guest speaker this month. Our very
own Wendi Wooddell, an English and journalism
teacher at Winter Haven High School, the 2010
Teacher of The Year for Polk County schools will be
speaking at our luncheon. Mrs. Wooddell was also
named by the state as The Polk County Teacher of the
Year.
Bring a covered dish and enjoy good food and
fellowship.
This is a great opportunity to invite someone who
needs to get out for some Christian fellowship and fun.
Bring a neighbor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home-bound Ministry
This is the current group of Home-bound with addresses that are being ministered to at this
time. If you know of others that would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rowena Daley or
call the church office @ 863.422.4488

Ms. Ruth Copeland

Ms. Lucille Tiner Mr Charles Mayberry
Savannah Court assisted living. Brandywyne Health Care Center
301 Peninsular Drive 1801 Lake Mariam Drive
Haines City, FL 33844-5046 Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 422-5204 (863) 293-1989

Ms. Vera Cook

Ms. Irma Swain Emma Zwirbliss Ms. Ina Foley
Spring Haven Retirement LLC Crossroads Nursing Home. Haines City Health Care
1225 Havendale NW 206 West Orange Street 409 South 10th Street
Winter Haven, Florida 33881 Davenport, FL 33837 Haines City, FL 33844-5603
(863)-293-0072 863) 422-4961 (863) 422-8656
Christmas Caroling Was Great

On December 11th we had the privilege of Christmas caroling at the Haines City Nursing Home and
Savannah Court. It was a great time of singing and ministering to the residents. Those who participated
were blessed as well. We plan to do this again next Christmas so mark your calendar early.
 Kid’s Korner with Pastor Bill
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A conversation overhead in the office recently...
"It seems really weird to throw away a whole year calendar."
"I know. Can you believe another year is gone already?"
A whole year is gone already. Goodbye 2010. That brief conversation caused me to
begin some serious soul searching and evaluation of my year. Through the process
God has revealed to me that 2010 brought some really positive developments. But He
also reminded me that 2010 also held regrets and things I wish I could do over. During one of these moments of
reflection God brought to mind an old Mark Lowery video where Mark quoted his favorite Bible verse as being,
"And it came to pass..." Have things been going great? It came to pass. Are things dark and dreary right now? It came
to pass.
This humorous reminder cuased me to consider that all of my successes of 2010 are history. I must, with God's
help, begin to work towards new successes in 2011. And all of my failures in the past 12 months are likewise in
the past. In giving me a new year, God has given me the chance to overcome and learn from the mistakes made
in 2010. He has reminded me, once again, that He transcends time and that His plans are eternal. Only what I do
that impacts eterninty will matter. So 2011 begins with a new calendar, a blank page, a fresh start. As it begins I
hope to live by the truth found in James 4:14-15. Since I do not know what tomorrow will bring, since my life is
only a vapor, If it is the Lord's will, then I will do this or that. I pray that you have a very Happy New Year.
-Pastor Bill

Meeting Wednesday Nights

6:30-8:00 PM
Cubbies are ages 3-4 Years
Sparks are in K5-2nd Grade
T&T Adventurers are in 3rd-4th Grades
T&T Challengers are in 5th Grade

AWANA December Schedule

January 5th : Eat Around the World Night
January 12th : AWANA Store
January 19th : Half Way Night/Pie Night
January 26th : Super Section Night

AWANA Grand Prix Workshop - Saturday, February 5, 9:00-10:30

AM
We need volunteers and tools to help many of our AWANA children
begin working on their derby cars. Our goal is to help them cut out
and add weight to their cars. We especially need bandsaws and
jigsaws. If you can help, please contact Pastor Bill or Karen Myers.
 Eternal Youth
Happy New Year!
I am very excited for what God has in store for our teens this year. We have
our golf tournament at the end of this month. We also have our summer camp
in North Carolina to look forward to.
This time of year, it seems that we all make New Years resolutions. The
problem is that most of us have broken them by the time you read this
newsletter. For the month of January, we will be talking about a new twist on
this idea. Fusion will be talking about a New Years REVOLUTION! When we
become new creations in Christ, we are supposed to change on the inside and
out, and yet, we still fail to make the connections we need to with those who
don't know Christ. This month the youth will be challenged to take a stand, no
matter the cost, to help people come into a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ. Please join me in prayer for our upcoming events as well as our students
as they learn how to take a stand for what they believe in.
Stepping out in Faith,
-Derrick Whiteman

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday, January 29, 2011
7:00 Check-in
8:00 Shotgun Start
$60 a person
(Breakfast and lunch are provided at Cypresswood)
Chance to win a 2011 Ford Explorer!
Great Prizes and silent auction
Cypresswood Golf & Country Club
Contact: smyers@northridgehc.com or
(863)422-4488 EXT:2102
(Proceeds go to benefit students attending
Student Leadership University)
Angel Food Ministries

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief
and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Each month, Angel Food provides a
unique menu that consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60,
yet only costs $31. There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, of applications needed in
order to participate. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Marty Jenkins is the Host Site Director for
NorthRidge Church. Orders are taken on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15 and every Sunday after service,
except for delivery week.
You may also order online by visiting NorthRidgehc.com
January Sunday services
Birthdays
Holly Buchanan 3
Snyder Wright 3 Sunday Morning Café -8:45am
Jeff Toole 4 Sunday School -9:20
Todd Dunnahoe 6 Worship Service -10:30am
Hunter Harrold 6
Robert Francisco 7 (also Kids' Church K5-3rd)
Paula Hinkle 7
Brittany Watson 7
LeAnn Pierce 8
Wendi Wooddell 8
Nicole
Sandy
Buker
Hann
10
10
Wednesday
5:45-6:45 -Prayer in Sanctuary
Amy
Pryce
Fowler
Newberg
11
11 Evening 6:45-7:45 -Coffee and Bible study
Jacqueline Kukielka 12 in Fellowship Hall
Laura Balko 13 Worship
Melvin Collins 13
Lavon Norton 13
Bridget Moxley 14
Marilyn Reeves 14
Charles Shorter 14
Dennis Graffious 15
Kelly Mixon 15
Wilma Shorter 16
Michael Pierce 17
Mark Thompson 18
Steve Justus 19
John Kliewer 19
Deborah Anderson 20
Emilia Gonzalez 21
Grace Myers 23
Breana Porter 23
Derrick Whiteman 23 Church Office
Robert Pierce 24
Robert Wiley 25
Gillian Francisco 26 Hours-Monday -Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm. If you need to contact
Elizabeth Porter 27 the Pastor On Call you can at any time by calling the Church
Berniece Johnson 28 Office 863-422-4488 and leaving a message in the “On Call”
Mario Del Mazo 30 mailbox (ext. 2104) The Pastor that is on call for the week will
Nelson Hudson 30
return your call ASAP.
Jimmy Pulis 30
Join us on Tuesday, January 11th at 6:30 for a time of worship and testimony. This
will be a great opportunity to hear how God is using Liberty University around the
world for the cause of Christ. The event is free; a love offering will be taken.

Tuesday, January 11th, 6:30pm

NorthRidge Church, Haines City, FL