Keeping up with the "Ripple" Series

Wanna get even more in depth with the “Ripple” series? Not sure what it is?

  • Check out nlcf.net/justice
  • Check out the talks online under “recent posts” or multimedia
  • Check out the series description below
  • Check out the video below as well!!!

  • Series Description:
    Big things start with small things. Oaks come from acorns. Skyscrapers start with those first golden shovels turning over dirt. Shaq was small at some point (allegedly). Even massive waves start as ripples. We get it.

    Every major movement for good on this planet has started with someone saying, “why not”? No guarantees—just the shot at some amazing possibilities. Every movement of God has started the same way. Someone hears from God, sees an opportunity for great good—or finally gets bothered enough to do something about the evil that we are immersed in. They say, “okay” to God and away we go.

    If all the church is is a group of people trying to follow and serve an awesome God—if that isn’t just something we sing and then forget about—then we should all have ripples around us. And when enough ripples come together, they stop being ripples. And they become a wave. And it’s time for [nlcf] to make some waves.

    Regional Justice Organizations

    Directory of regional justice organizations [nlcf]ers have been involved with:

    Habitat for Humanity strives to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. To date, Habitat has provided over 225,000 homes for more than 1 million people worldwide. These homes are built solely through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials. We set up several build dates each semester for volunteers to build homes in the New River Valley. Volunteers are needed to build along with donations of materials such as lumber, sheet rock, or monetary donations.

    Prison Fellowship partners with local churches across the country to minister to a group that society often scorns and neglects: prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. God, unlike the world, has always chosen to identify closest with those who are isolated and broken. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me . . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).

    Joni and Friends ministers to the disabled community by communicating the gospel and equipping churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities (the scope of those affected by disability goes far beyond the person with the disability; it includes their family, friends, co-workers, etc.). We sponsor programs such as family retreats, Wheels for the World, church and community education, media ministries and more.

    Appalachian Service Project strives to engage students, faculty, community members, and Hokies worldwide in service by taking weekend trips to serve in impoverished Appalachian regions (areas that surround Virginia Tech such as West Virginia, southwest Virginia, etc). During these trips, we make emergency home repairs to homes in the area such as giving families running water for the first time, repairing roofs, repairing foundations, etc. We also strive to draw closer to God’s will and create lasting relationships with homeowners and between team members.  No construction experience necessary.

    Downtown Ladies! Brunch Saturday!

    Attention all ladies who consider themselves part of the downtown congregation: Reach is hosting a Happy New Year’s Brunch this coming Saturday (Jan. 24th) from 9:30-11:00am.

    Feel free to come and go as you please — the time is meant to be informal — just a chance to hang out, catch up, meet new people, and celebrate the new year.

    Location is houseofchinn (aka Wendy Chinn’s house at 502 Owens St., Blacksburg, VA).

    Email Wendy ([email protected]) if you have any questions or if you’d like to RSVP so she can guess better at how much food to prepare. RSVP’s aren’t necessary but can be helpful. 🙂

    Hope to see you DT ladies out on Saturday!

    Sunday Gatherings during VT break

    Kudos to all who made it through the slippery weather this morning. We are still having the 707 at Squires tonight if you missed it!

    An NLCF missionary in France

    Hope you enjoy this video from Dominic Rivera, an nlcf graduate who lives as a missionary in France with his wife Hillary. As a student, he was instrumental (no pun intended) in our worship teams and has organized this annual event attended by many non-Christians. He writes:

    How could I forget the annual Christmas Carol Concert?! Over 1,000 people from the city join in celebrating Christmas in the big cathedral. It’s always wonderful to see people from our different connections points. Six people from my French class (including my French teacher) came. That was fun! I led the usher team, and Hilary did a great job leading the gospel, carol, and children’s choirs. Hilary’s mother and aunt were in town for the event, along with a surprise visit from her dad. We had a great week!

    OCC Shoebox Project – 274 Shoeboxes Collected!

    THANK YOU to all who participated in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project this year!! [nlcf] collected 274 shoeboxes (67 more than last year!!)!! The drop-off center was thrilled to see our truck load come! Please continue to pray for these shoeboxes … that they will end up in the just the right hands! Also, feel free to post pictures or stories of putting a shoebox together. For more information on this ministry check out: www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

    As we continue to head into the Christmas Season [nlcf] will also be participating in Angel Tree (a ministry through Prison Fellowship). Angel Tree names will be passed out during the services on December 7th. [nlcf] will also be conducting a Food Drive for United Inner-City Christian Ministries (in Roanoke, VA). More info to come in future weeks. THANKS AGAIN & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

    No 7:07 Tonight (11/30)

    Sorry bout that. The mp3 of the morning service should be online soon. Check back Monday by noon, that’s the weekly goal anyway.

    Both 9:30a and 11a Gatherings Are Go (11/30)

    I have been out on the roads and everything seems fine—no slick spots that I noticed at all. So we are on as planned! Obviously if your area is in bad shape use your own wisdom as you feel best. But we hope to see you all soon.

    Your road condition assessor in a 94 Protege,
    Jim Pace