Remembering the Lord’s Deeds at NCC in 2024
Author: Chris Castaldo, PhD
December 26, 2024
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11
God’s word graciously reminds us of our responsibility to remember all that the Lord has done for us. As we near the end of AD 2024, New Covenant Church has so much for which to be thankful—and I am so grateful for serving these last 10 years as your pastor. In a moment, I will highlight a sampling of the many blessings we have received from the gracious hand of God this year.
But first, let me again share my excitement over the fresh vision for NCC that the Lord gave me this summer while I was on sabbatical. It’s our opportunity to recognize and embrace the call to embody an active faith that results in others moving one step closer to Christ.
As I keep saying, you don’t need to be a Billy Graham; you just need an obedient heart that is willing to take a step of faith. And we offered everyone at NCC the opportunity to take that step during Advent with our Christmas Coffees (and Cocoas). See the Christmas Coffee & Cocoa link under the Ministries tab on our home page.
And now, here are some of the great things God did in, through, and among us this year:
Learning – Bible studies and small groups for our women, men, and youth continued strong. Sunday school classes looked at the story of Jesus in the Bible, Exodus, and the Apostles’ Creed. Our sermons looked at the books of Job, 1 Timothy, Titus, and Daniel, plus Psalm 34.
Worship – Consistently beautiful and worshipful weekly services led by Chuck King and our dedicated musicians and choristers—adults and children; special services including our new 5th Sunday service, our Christmas, Christmas Eve, and Lessons and Carols services; our Thanksgiving Eve service; and our Good Friday Tenebrae and Easter services.
Fellowship - Our small groups remain places of friendship and mutual encouragement; we continue to pray for one another during and after services and throughout the week; we continue to welcome new members into NCC; we gather for treats and conversation after the weekly service; our men enjoyed the Spring 2024 Men’s Ministry Event with Dr. Jerry Root; and our youth continued to grow together in Christ.
Ministry – Besides all our Bible studies and groups, we served Wayside Cross; our men helped with yard work this fall; our young people organized a food drive and held a car wash to raise funds for ministry in Italy; we raised money and prayed for our missionaries; we launched our Christmas Coffees; we shared great sacred music with our community through Camerata Chicago; and we have started a book group for the community.
This listing just scratches the surface of all that is happening here. And by God’s continuing grace—and your faithful tithes, offerings, and prayers—we are looking forward to so much more that he will do in the New Year. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel at NCC.
Chris Castaldo, PhD, is Lead Pastor for New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois.
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