February Greetings everyone! It's the month of Love....Valentine's Day and the beginning of Lent, when Jesus began preparations for His ultimate gift of Love to us, His death and resurrection to save us from our sins. In our Red Print Bible Study we recently read chapter 24 of Matthew in which Jesus is speaking to the signs of the end times - much of which sounds a lot like where we are today on many levels. In a couple of recent conversations on the subject, though certainly acknowledging the downsides of the past year, the positives were also discussed - that there is a significant hunger to explore more deeply one's relationship with Christ and a need for "REAL" as never before on the part of those in particular whose "capital" (relational, intellectual, financial, etc) has no coverage for the instability and uncertainty of this age. To that end, we will be taking a break from our Red Print study and zoom sessions after we finish the book of Matthew next week. Depending on the status of Covid, we hope to start IN PERSON Red Print gatherings later this spring so that we can minister to one another in prayer in person and take our study deeper than we've been able to within the "Covid limitations" and obvious restrictions that accompany zoom. Study is TBD - watch for details. In the meantime, may you make time to draw closer to Jesus in the this Lenten season - the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Read the Gospel accounts of his last weeks and moments on earth and read the prayers in John 17 He prayed for us, his followers. Perhaps study Isaiah for references to the suffering messiah or pick a favorite devotional like "My Utmost for His Highest" to knit your heart to that of our Savior as we walk through these days of Lent with Him. Blessings -- Acton
The Barnabas Valentine tour
Who was Barnabas? He accompanied Paul on many of his missionary journeys. His real name was Joseph, but Barnabas means "Son of Encouragement" so that is who he became known as in his travels with the apostle Paul. Acts 11:23-24 describes his arrival, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” It is in the spirit of Barnabas that NBISC baked Valentine cookies and packed and delivered gift bags that included devotional books, words of encouragement and hand beaded cross bracelets to leaders and staff at New Directions, Sea Haven Crisis Center, Project Lighthouse and Friendship Place. We also delivered 13 Princess "parties-in-a-box" for the women who completed boot camp at Friendship Place. In speaking to the leaders at these various organizations we have pledged to partner with, we heard the need for them and their staffs to be encouraged and prayed for as they have labored on the front lines with the poor and homeless against Covid-19, job loss, depression and overwhelming obstacles during 2020. In addition, we felt called to purchase 50 backpacks for the homeless and runaway youth that come through Sea Haven and Project Lighthouse. The packs included a flashlight, warm socks, a New Testament, home baked cookies and candy, deodorant, and a woven bracelet with a cross on it among other things. We want these young people to know that God's love has no boundaries. "We love because He first loved us. " 1 John 4:19
Deep Water Women's Retreat
November 5-7, 2021
We are already making plans for our annual Deep Water Women's Retreat, November 5-7 at Oak Island Conference Center in Oak Island NC. We are so excited to announce that AJ Sherrill, the rector of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Mt. Pleasant and author of several books including The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation has agreed to be our speaker. AJ Sherrill is globally recognized as an expert in the Enneagram and the use of it as a powerful tool for discipleship.
John Mark Comer, senior pastor at Bridgetown Church in Portland OR, and author himself of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, says of AJ's work, "Hands down the best resource I know of for the Enneagram and spiritual formation. If the Enneagram is a map for the spiritual journey for different personality types, AJ is a wise, joyful guide for the road." It should be a great, fun, informative and deeply meaningful weekend to launch us out of lockdown isolation! Mark your calendars and invite your friends! Watch for more details to come. The link below takes you to our calendar. Scroll to November to see details.
Save the Date!
Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale Fundraiser and Prayer tent ministry
May 7-8, 2021
10 am-4pm each day
*we will open our online store again for advance plant purchases
Coming next month...the launch of The No Boundaries Food truck and prayer ministry.