Getting Ready Before Christmas

"Getting Ready Before Christmas", a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on Sunday 12/6/09.

Sign of the Times

"Sign of the Times" delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on 11/29/09

The Loyalty Dinner

Loyalty is an expression that has fallen out of fashion in the 21st century. Companies and employees are no longer expected to be loyal to each other. As consumers leap to the latest commodities, brand loyalty is a thing of the past. When looking for a church, most people seek ou the one that best meets their needs regardless of the denominational label or lack thereof. Perhaps the final refuge of loyalty is left to our canine companions, unaware that loyalty is no longer in vogue!

What does it mean to be loyal to something or someone at the end of the first decade of the new millennium?

Loyalty means first and foremost: "You can count on me!" That is the affirmation of National City Christian Church's Loyalty Dinner on November 22. It affirms that in an age of transient affiliations, we want to be part of something larger...part of a special work that can make a difference in our communities and the world.

National City Christian Church's special luncheon at the time of Thanksgiving - by any other name: Thanksgiving meal, Commitment Sunday, or Loyalty Dinner - is a special tradition. And long after "loyalty" has become passe in our world, we celebrate our commitments to Christ and his Church. On NOvember 22, plan on worshipping with us - and eating together - as we acknowledge that all of our loyalities are secondary to our love for God in Christ Jesus.

Please make your reservation for the Loyalty Dinner by signing up in the Atrium or by calling the church at 202-232-0323.

Prayer Support

Sermon on "Prayer Support" - National City Christian Church, Sunday 10/25/09

Virtuous Patience

Sermon on Virtuous Patience delivered at National City Christian Church on October 18, 2009

What Is Your Life?

What Is Your Life? - October 11, 2009

Making a Way in Desert Times

God declared to Isaiah: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

By any indicator I can imagine, our world's economy is experiencing "desert times." While there are promising signs, no one is forecasting happier days - just yet. Yet, God promised in Isaiah that a hopeful path is planned for our lives and our ministry. The world's economy and our own economic realities are significant, still God promises a new way in desert times, producing streams of water even in a wasteland.

The challenge of Christian ministry in this postmodern world seems overwhelming at times. The church must continually pursue a "new thing" by constantly analyzing whether or not yesterday's methods still bear fruit. Which means it is time for a....

Congregational Planning Event
October 24 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Howland Center

All members and friends of National City Christian Church are invited to participate as we pursue plans and strategies for our congregational life in these "desert times." in previous years this has been a time for brainstorming, but this year our congregation planners will be asked to think creatively about our development case statement, mission statement, and model for ministry.

Your input and participation is vital! Tough economic times call for tough new strategies in ministry. Your voice is important as we discern God's way in these "desert times."