The Charge for Norwood Community Church Members for 2023
Dear NCC Family,
To get to this day in each of our lives, the road has not always been straight. Each of us has experienced twist, turns, potholes, and unexpected detours. And while the road has been bumpy at times, the road has brought us to the present moment. Similarly, as a church, we have not always been able to clearly see the path that has been laid before us. We have experience highs and lows, much and want, clarity and indecision, growth and loss. And while each bend in the road has not always been pleasant, both personally and collectively, the challenges have been necessary. Each challenge had purpose…Some challenges were for education, some were for discipline, some were for a testimony, and some were simply to show you and others the reality of God’s presence and personality on earth.
The church has celebrated 20 years of ministry. A great testimony to the faithfulness of God. Celebrating the years of service was awesome, but that celebration has come to an end. But it is not time to stop celebrating. There should be a continuous celebration of the love Jesus Christ. The love that lead to sacrifice. The sacrifice that was made for you and me. We should celebrate Jesus with all that we are, and not just on Sunday. Everyday should, no, NEEDS to be a celebration of Jesus Christ. At work, at school, in the grocery store, in your neighborhood, in your home… celebration must abound.
But how do we celebrate Jesus? How do we celebrate when we don’t feel well? How do we celebrate
when the world seems to make it hard? How do we celebrate when there doesn’t feel like there is
anything to celebrate? We must be reporters! In May 1945, newspapers across this country celebrated the news that the allies had defeated Nazi Germany. While the reporters writing the story were far from the fighting, they spread the word that the war had been won. We must do the same! While we are solders in this fit against the evil of Satan and his following, we must stand strong and proclaim… THE WAR HAS BEEN WON! We must proclaim the victory of Jesus over Satan, over our issues, over our complications, over our lives. This is how we celebrate. Celebrate the Victory!
To the Pastor and Ministers:
You are charged with studying hard, equipping the saints, consoling the hurting, and guiding
through the Word of God. You are charged to listen to the flock, love when love is not returned,
stand even when alone. Lead the flock as the Lord gives guidance. Push to progress, pull through
problems, praise in pain.
To the Deacons and Deaconesses:
Defend the unity of the church. Be amongst the congregation with a heart leaned toward the
growth and success of all. Quick to hear of needs and at the ready to help and report. Be the
strong post for other to lean on when they are tired. Be the bumper rails to help gently protect
any and all of the congregation from falling off into the gutter of life. Be the extension of love
from the pulpit to each pew.
To the Officers and Leaders:
Lead with integrity. Lead in love. Lead with a heart and spirit of excellence. Lead in a way that
others can learn to become leaders. Lead when it’s time and follow when it’s time. Be strong in
the Lord and march forward.
To the Members:
Love actively, both inside and outside of the church. Love vividly that your light shines brightly.
Commit to participate fully in the NCC ministry. Show up for one another. Be there for one
another. Work with and for one another. Care for each other. Carry out the mission of the
church.
NCC, we must remove the dimmers, and shine. As the sun shines in the sky every day, be a light. Though clouds may hide the sun sometimes, continue to shine.
Through the clouds of addiction – Shine
Through the clouds of despair – Shine
Through the clouds of uncertainty – Shine
Through the clouds of loss – Shine
Through the clouds of pain – Shine
Through the clouds of persecution – Shine
Through the clouds of situations – Shine
Through the clouds of calamity – Shine
Shine brightly, shine boldly, Shine always
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on
earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, [b] baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I
have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”