Here In The Middle (There are no fill-ins this week. Use this area to take notes.) The best way to connect with us is the Connection Card in the bulletin. For the Digital Bulletin, visit myncc.info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Support Our Ministry If you found this message beneficial and you would like to help continue our ministries, we would be grateful for your support. Go to northcoastchurch.com/give ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Life Group Study Questions For the week of November 26, 2023 *Because this is the last meeting of the Fall Quarter, the Life Group Study Questions are shorter than normal. As usual, your final meeting will include looking back on how God has worked this past quarter and taking Communion as a group. If you haven’t already, you will also take some time to fill out an online Feedback Form about your group experience and your plans for the Winter Quarter. If you have not yet filled out the Feedback Form, look for the November 27 reminder email. The Winter Life Group Quarter will begin the week of January 14, 2024. Have a great Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! Merry Christmas!* MY STORY As we prepare for Christmas, here are a few fun questions to help get you in the holiday spirit! When it comes to Christmas… Was Santa real growing up? If so, for how long? When and what’s your favorite meal during Christmas? You typically have a good idea of what at least one present will be. (True or False) What’s a memorable present you received when you were young? What are you looking forward to during this Christmas holiday season? THE HOPE WE HAVE The hope and good news we have during this Christmas Season is that Jesus did not remain a child but came to be our savior, offering us grace, forgiveness, and hope. How does Isaiah 9:6-7 expand our understanding of who Jesus is and His role in our lives? Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. What about this description is similar to and different from how you typically view Jesus? REMEMBERING There is much we can be thankful for. As you look back on this quarter (and year), what is something in your own life and Life Group experience you are thankful for? (It can be a specific way God encouraged you, something new you learned, time spent together in your group, how your group has helped you to continue living your life for Jesus, a service project, spiritual breakthrough, growth, challenge, etc.) As followers of Jesus, we are able to celebrate the Christmas season because of the amazing gift God has given us – the gift of His son Jesus, born that we might have life through His death and resurrection! Communion is about remembering just that. Our time together this week will conclude by taking Communion and remembering this great gift God has given us through His son Jesus. To prepare for Communion, read Luke 2:1-7, Luke 22:19-20 and John 15:12-17. If you’ve been following Jesus for quite some time, chances are you’ve seen these verses many times over the years… and know the story. But remember, it’s an incredible story! As you read, take your time, and don’t miss the value and importance of remembering who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Luke 2:1-7 New International Version (NIV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 22:19-20 New International Version (NIV) 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. John 15:12-17 New International Version (NIV) 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. What are you most thankful for about who God is and what He has done for you in 2023? *If you would like to take Communion individually, feel free to use the video at northcoastchurch.com/communion to help lead you through a time of remembrance and thankfulness for what Jesus has done for you. CHRISTMAS OUTREACH The Christmas Outreach Drive is our annual opportunity to bless those in need. There are three meaningful ways to participate: give a gift, purchase a gift card, or donate to one of our sponsored partner organizations. Find paper ornaments with gift options on campus and drop off gifts by December 10. New this year! To make gift-giving more convenient, you may now use your credit or debit card to purchase gift cards on campus before or after weekend services. You may also donate to any of the partner organizations online at northcoastchurch.com.