A message from our Senior Pastor

Dear Church Family,  

This past year has been unlike any year we have ever experienced.  COVID-19 changed everything.  As a church, we were deeply affected.  Never before have we suspended meeting together; however, last year the church doors closed for three months.  Ministry the way we have always done it was no longer possible.  Yet, in the face of uncertainty and great limitation, our great God once again proved that he is UNSTOPPABLE.   

The great and enduring mission of the church is the mission Jesus gave us… go and make disciples.  We are called to help people find and follow Jesus.  What that meant in a pandemic is innovation.  This past year has been an incredible journey of God-inspired innovation to continue to move the mission forward.  God used a pandemic to bring about a brand-new digital ministry, new ways of caring for each other, and greater opportunities to show his love in our community.  I am so grateful for each of you that have invested your time, finances, and prayer in those endeavors. 

This past year God has led us to begin a strategic planning process as we pursue making more and better disciples of Jesus.  Our hope this coming year is to begin implementing a new strategy that will lead us to double our impact in this valley in the next five years.  

 As we begin to emerge from this pandemic, it is so important that we reconnect with each other encouraging and inspiring one another in our relationship with Christ and in the mission he has given to us.  To that end, beginning Sunday morning, September 5th, we are launching a Fall Focus called MADE FOR MORE.  We will be growing together through Sunday morning sermons and complimentary connect group material for 12 weeks. Click here for more information.  I am excited about what God is going to do this fall. 

As you read the report below, I encourage you to celebrate just how unstoppable our God has been this past year, and to look to the future with great anticipation, because our God isn’t done! 

God Bless,  

God’s message is unstoppable!

*Click on a series and relisten anytime!

The past year brought many challenges when it came to serving, but nothing could stop the message that God was still in control!

In-person dining at the Friendship Kitchen became curbside meals. Personal hugs became phone calls. First Impressions volunteers were found at the doors and on Facebook. Wednesday evening programming temporarily moved from in-person to home Discipleship Boxes for both adults and kids/students. Encouragement came through the daily First 15 videos, Wednesday’s One-at-One songs, and Corona playlists.

Ensuring everyone’s safety brought about new ministries and new ways of doing things allowing us to interact, care, and learn differently. As we look back, we see God’s many blessings and faithfulness during a time of uncertainty.

19

take the next step of baptism

After  COVID hit, baptisms were temporarily put on hold. As restrictions lifted, a new plan was made to ensure everyone’s safety. Private baptisms allowed individuals to profess their decision to follow Jesus in a more intimate setting. Families gathered on stage to watch their loved ones take the next step in their faith journey. Later, the church congregation watched special video segments created to celebrate the life-changing decisions.

 Hands & Feet
of Jesus to the MOV

Although volunteering opportunities were limited during the pandemic, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ continued and God blessed us with new ways to reach the Valley. Our new partnership with World Vision provided volunteers opportunities to bless the community and share with over 20 local churches and ministries.

“

Serving at church helps me show God’s love to others. I know God didn’t leave me, and I want others to know they are not alone. I pray they don’t see me, but God’s love shine through my eyes.

—Patty Buck
First impressions volunteer

Adult CONNECT groups provide irresistible environments where everyone is encouraged to take their next steps toward life change. Groups had to be temporarily put on hold during the shutdown but they soon resumed via Zoom and later in person. Open registration brought new groups for men, women, and young adults.

When COVID forced us to close our doors, we had to find ways to continue providing programming for our kids and students. Facebook and YouTube provided unique ways to get the message out. Kids and students had Bible lessons, online contests, small groups, and even VBS via the internet. As restrictions lifted, we begin transitioning back to in-person programming in March. North Kids meets on Sunday mornings and Student Ministry meets on Sunday evenings.

Events

Pals & Pumpkins

Family fun, pumpkins, and friends! Kids and their families gathered in the parking for a special time of pumpkin decorating, games, music, and prizes on October 31! This was the first time kids had been together since the shutdown began.

70 students attend “Snow 2 Go”

Since we couldn’t send students to Snow Camp, Circle C Ranch came to us for a weekend. Snow Camp is a 25-year tradition for North that brings the Gospel to students in a fun and exciting environment filled with activities, Bible study, and “tootsie rolls”.

Finally…We’re Back!!

Palm Sunday we opened our doors for the first time in a year. North Kids opened first with North Kids Junior opening a few weeks later. Due to safety, programming was adapted to one service at 10:30am. Additional content was also added each week to the ministry’s Facebook page.

Student Ministry returned with outdoor small groups in the spring. Over 50 students met at McDonough Park for a time of fellowship and Bible study. In April student ministry began meeting in-person at church on Sunday evenings.

Learn more about North Kids and Student ministries and how you can volunteer to make a difference in the life of a child, click on the links below!

What started as a necessity to share the Gospel message, quickly became a weekly staple. New equipment allowed us to broadcast live from the in-person service, providing a way for us to do church together wherever we were. We soon realized God was using digital experiences to not only reach people in the MOV, but also people in other areas of the world.

“

My brother invited me to worship with NPBC when online services began during the pandemic. My entire experience with North has been online. I don’t believe that I have missed a Sunday since first accepting the invitation. God’s love is the center of North Parkersburg Baptist Church. The church (the people) is very active in the community in so many ways helping to feed and clothe those in need both, physically and spiritually. I am so happy that God has led me here.

— SANDY ROBERTS RENTSCHLER

TV Apps,
broadcast equipment

To reach our congregation more effectively throughout the pandemic and beyond, we launched new TV apps on both Roku and AppleTV. We also were able to improve our Livestream capabilities with new broadcast cameras and programming.

“

I learned of North through my friend Nikki. I love the sermons and the people of North. I got my grandchildren virtual VBS kits and I got the monthly Discipleship Boxes for my mom and myself. I love hearing about the missions, free meals, and especially the maternity house. I watch remotely and am now looking for ways to volunteer at the Friendship Kitchen and North Place Maternity House. I am thankful you have reached out to me.

–Laura Shelton

“

I loved all of the services online. They were all presented in such a wonderful and informative way. I got dressed out of my PJ’s and actually went to church in my heart and mind. I missed my brothers and sisters in Christ but it actually felt like a holy time set apart each week.

—Susie Paugh

 Partnering

with World Vision helped the community

Over the last eight months, we have been working in partnership with World Vision to bring food, coats, and needed supplies into the Mid-Ohio Valley for those in need.  The blessing of this partnership has reached far and wide in our community. 

Not only were we able to distribute food, but we were also able to supply goods to more than 20 other area ministries and service organizations, including The Essentials Closets at both PHS and PSHS, nursing homes, women’s shelters, and both Amity and Genesis drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers.

“

It’s just a blessing to be involved with helping people, especially with food and during the time we are in. People are just so grateful. I love to see the people and I love to talk to the other volunteers. Just to be the hands and feet of Jesus is the best thing, the best blessing ever and it’s what we’re supposed to do.

—Kristen graham

Curbside

Friendship Kitchen finds new way to serve

God is continuing to use the Friendship Kitchen to make a difference in people's lives. In March of 2020, the ministry had to switch from indoor dining to curbside meals, and they saw the need for meals increase every week during the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure everyone’s safety, curbside meals continue to be the best option.

Watch: WTAP story on the Friendship Kitchen’s Christmas Party

“

COVID had put a deterrent on a lot of things, but we are so appreciative that we can still come here to get a really good noon meal. I pick up 8-10 meals, Tuesday-Thursday. I take them to widows, one hospice patient, disabled people, or people that don’t have transportation. And if it weren’t for that I don’t know what these folks would do. It’s a great help to them because they really are homebound. We appreciate the Friendship Kitchen, thank you.

— Ruth Dickson

 If you would like to contribute to this outreach ministry, they always need 3-section styrofoam food containers and monetary contributions to replenish supplies.

Go to “Give Now”, click on the drop-down arrow & select Friendship Kitchen.

75 families

blessed through the Clothing Closet

The pandemic didn’t stop the community's need for clothes, diapers, formula, car seats, and pack ‘n plays. Although the shoppers couldn’t physically shop themselves (yet), we continued to serve the needs of 75 families.
A new, beautiful boutique-like space is near completion and should be fully functional by August 2021 providing a “store” where families can shop. The new space will be more convenient and in a safer location in the main office.

“

I made an appointment and found much more than clothing for my kiddos. I found love, acceptance, friendship, and most of all I saw God through this ministry. Raising this many children cannot be done all alone, so with the help of the Clothing Closet, we have been able to not stress out over the small things. I have been able to donate right back when the kids grow out of their clothes and such. This is a blessing to be able to do knowing fully that God had a plan to bless my family through the Clothing Closet.

—Katrina Smarr

750 Boxes

Growing As Disciples

“Discipleship is simply living the Christian life as it was meant to be lived.”—Pastor Greg Laurie

To know God and enjoy him forever is the aim of every Christian. One way we grew our faith during the pandemic was through church-wide Discipleship Boxes. For three months during the shutdown, boxes provided adults, kids, and students with tools, resources, and encouragement to grow as disciples.

If you’d like to revisit the studies included in the boxes, click here for details.

To see how the December box brought back the Christmas spirit to one participant, read Debbie’s story below!

“

I ordered my box with all intentions of stopping by the church to pick it up, but I found myself in a bit of a slump and couldn't muster the energy to get out of the house for anything. On a snowy Tuesday I heard my doorbell ring. Low and behold, Santa (in the form of Ron Richards) had left the package on my porch. But I didn't open it. I got a text from a friend asking me about something in the box. But still, I didn't open it.

I'm not sure why, but I decided to open it. In doing so, I realized all at once that I had been going through the motions of Christmas traditions like putting up our tree and nativity collection, ordering and wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, but those were just a way to keep busy and distracted because in my heart I had canceled Christmas this year.
Continue reading Debbie’s story →

The First 15

“

The First 15 gave us a nice fresh start to the day. It focused our minds and hearts upward and understanding that regardless of the stress in our current situation, God is in control and will take care of us and those we love.

It gave us a better attitude to start the day, which impacted the remainder of the day and the attitude of the household.

In particular, I loved the week leading up to Easter. As Pastor Mike led through each day, it made me feel more connected to the journey Jesus lived leading up to his death, burial, and resurrection. It provided that connection, strengthening the significance of Easter Sunday morning.

—Sherri Jones

A message from Pastor John

What a year it has been! Although 2020 came with incredible challenges due to the pandemic, God also moved in some incredible ways this past year. Thanks to the generosity of our North family, we were able to continue to meet those challenges and adapt to our ever-changing circumstances. As you will see below, we have much to celebrate. 

  Our volunteers and staff did an amazing job of transitioning from in-person ministry to online. It’s difficult to compare our fiscal year to the 2020 budget, due to the pandemic, as so much was different from what we had planned.  However, I would like to share with you that our church finances remained strong over the past year. The total income received in 2020 was $1.31 million, which was only down by 6.5% from the budget. Total expenses incurred in 2020 were $1.2 million, which was 13.2% less than budget. This was due in part to the social distancing mandate and being unable to hold in-person gatherings for ministry. As a result, we ended our fiscal year with a net surplus of $106,762 which will be applied toward some capital improvement projects, such as replacing 100-year-old roofing on the original building, replacing two aging AC systems for floors 1 and 3, and upgrading our security system.   

I’m also excited to share with you that our campus saw some significant improvements. Due to giving above and beyond normal tithes by our church members, we were able to demolish two vacant homes that had fallen into disrepair and make several upgrades to our existing buildings. The Friendship Kitchen, North Place Maternity House, and Church parsonage all received brand new roofing and gutters. In addition, we provided North Place Maternity House with a brand-new HVAC system that will supply more efficient heating and cooling for our residents. Your incredible generosity is making a difference here at North. 

Once again, thank you all for your faithful giving to our church.  

In Christ, 

 John Wright, Executive Pastor