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Pastor Adam admitted that when he read the gospel of John when he was sixteen (which was probably easy to do since Adam's father had boxes of the gospel printed to hand out) ... and, Adam admits, he was offended by Jesus. Jesus does say "I am the only way you can get to God... and if you love me, you must obey me." What adolescent wants to agree to obey anyone, let alone Jesus? 

Years later, as a youth pastor, Adam re-read the book of John and also found a passage in Matthew that says, "blessed is the person who is not offended by me." 

God wants us to fully collapse into the trust that his plan is what's right for us, yet we resist. John the Baptist was the messenger that God promised us. John's message is simple: all you need to do is repent and be baptized.

Baptized? Check. (Thanks mom and dad!) Repent? Oh, sigh. Do I have to? The word "repent" makes me think of hair shirts and walking around, head down, self-reproachful about prior sins. I've also been confused about the terms of repenting: am I tail-between-legs for one hour or one day? And does that then cover all sins, big ones and little ones for forever? Or just the prior 11 business days? 

Adam simplifies it. He makes the case that maybe, just maybe, repentance as simple as turning it over to God. We all have things in our lives that we don't like and we've done everything in our control to change that ucky underbelly. Perhaps the one thing left to do is to see it, own it, and agree  "yes, I need to change my life." And then you put the issue down and rest. 


Matthew 11:28 says: come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 



Upcoming Events
September 30: Women's Morning Bible Study
If you are headed out on a long, long road trip, you put together a playlist, right? Beth Moore makes the case that the Psalms of Ascent were just that - a playlist of songs sung as worshipers made the long trek to Jerusalem. We'll work through author Moore's  Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. Join us as we study God's word together in a fun, encouraging environment. If evenings don't work for you, give our Thursday morning group a try. Books available for purchase, $15. Check or cash. 6.30pm - 8.15pm in the sanctuary.  To find out about Beth Moore - and what her mother does when she attends one of Beth's bible study class - click here.

October 2: Radio Host @ Moms & Kids
Radio personality Sarah Taylor will be joining NCC's Moms & Kids on October 2nd. Sarah hosts "Lifting Your Spirit" weekdays 7pm - 10pm on 105.3FM. She's a fun and funny mom of two young children and started at the station as a college intern. Once the internship ended, she admits, she simply "refused to leave." Childcare is provided for kids 5 and under for a suggested donation of $2 per child. 9.30am - 11.30am in the youth room.
October 2: Women's Evening Bible Study
Join in as we study God's word together in a fun, encouraging environment. We'll be working with Beth Moore's Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. See above for more details. 9.30am - 11.15am in the library.

October 3: Time for Twos
Co-Op Preschool Class for the toddling set. Learn together through large and small motor play, snacks and story time. Download the co-op application here.

October 4: India Pastor @ Women's Breakfast
We'll kick off the fall with guest speaker Pastor Paul Devakumar, founder of Indian for Christ Ministries. Pastor Paul founded IFCM in 1988 with the goal to reach millions in India with the gospel of Jesus. It's a mighty, heady task - census reports estimates that there are at least
one million villages in India. Paul will talk about the women of his church and how we can partner with them in ministry. 8.30am - 10.00am in fellowship hall.  
October 5: New Member Class
Interested in learning more about membership at Newport Covenant? Maybe you've just stopped in once or twice and are curious or maybe you've been coming for years. Maybe you've left church thinking "That Adam guy is amazing and that sermon was too short." Either way, come to this three-night member class and learn more about what we believe and value. Great snacks, super company. Childcare available upon request. 6.00pm - 8.00pm in the library. 


Help Wanted

NCC Preschool is currently looking to hire. Nancy has two paid positions that would work in the Lunch Bunch program. Lead position would work 11.45 - 1.15 Wednesdays and Fridays. Aide position would work Wednesdays and Thursdays. Looking for someone who loves the Lord and children.  Email Nancy Rohr for more information.

When's the last time you had babe in arms? If you want all the fun of a child without all the sticky commitment, why not stop by and give Moms & Kids a hand? The group is looking for childwatching volunteer substitutes. Even popping in once is a big blessing. Thursday mornings, 9.30 - 11.30.  Drop Leslie a note to sign up.