NorthStar News | January 2026
NorthStar News
January 2026
COMING UP at a Glance:
January 4: Vision Sunday
Jan. 22 - Feb. 1: 10 Day Prayer & Fasting
February 1: Church Potluck
COMING UP at a Glance:
January 4: Vision Sunday
Jan. 22 - Feb. 1: 10 Day Prayer & Fasting
February 1: Church Potluck
10 Days of Prayer & Fasting
January 22 - February 1
Mark your calendars for the week of January 22-February 1. We will embark on a 10 day fasting and prayer period together as a church. During this time, we encourage you to participate in a way that draws you closer to God for the most impactful time of fasting. Not everyone will fast in the same way.
Why Fast?
Scripture reveals several reasons to fast. The three most common are:
- To seek God's power and favor (Matthew 6:16–18 & Matthew 17:21)
- To ask for forgiveness and healing (Daniel 9:3)
- To gain wisdom and direction (Acts 14:23 & Judges 20:26)
As with prayer, fasting to seek God's guidance isn't done to change God, but to make us more receptive to his guidance.
How to Start a Fast
Begin with prayer and self-reflection. Before you start fasting, take time to humble yourself before God (see Psalm 35:13) and honestly confess your sins (see 1 Samuel 7:6). This helps prepare your heart and mindset.
Prayer should be your spiritual nourishment throughout the fast, but it’s especially important to start with a sincere and repentant heart. Fasting isn't just about abstaining from food—it's about drawing closer to God with humility and openness.
Church Potluck
Sunday, February 1 - After Service
To celebrate the culmination of our week of fasting and prayer, we invite the entire church to participate in a potluck fellowship on Sunday February 1st after service. Please bring a dish to share as we come together to reflect on the week, give thanks, and enjoy meaningful fellowship.
India Gospel League Update
Dear Pastors & Friends,
May your days be merry and your nights be bright with the joy of the season. Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026!
- Bharuch Regional Pastors
I am so incredibly grateful for each of you and your partnership with our adopted region of Bharuch. At the mid-point of the five-year program, things are progressing right on target! Take a look at a few highlights that took place this year in Bharuch, through your partnership:
- Local pastors continued planting and strengthening churches in villages where there was no Gospel presence just a few years ago. The work is steady, relational, and deeply rooted in kingdom building.
- Families are encountering Jesus for the first time through prayer gatherings and simple Gospel conversations. Many of these relationships began with a request for prayer and grew into ongoing fellowship.
- Children are being discipled week by week through Children’s Gospel Clubs, creating a foundation of faith that reaches entire households, not just the kids!
- Indigenous leaders are being trained and encouraged. They are serving faithfully despite pressure, opposition, and limited resources.
You are invited!
We're beginning to make plans to send the next small team (3-6 people) to Bharuch, India. Currently looking at dates in Fall 2026 or early Winter 2027. The focus of the trip will be participating in leadership training and potentially spending time in Bharuch. If you've ever been curious about visiting and experiencing this ministry firsthand, we'll be hosting an informal meeting on Sunday, January 11th, to share more details, answer questions, and pray together. This is an open invitation to listen, learn, and discern whether this might be something God is stirring in you. Contact Matt for more information or if you plan to attend.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank you for praying and partnering with the Kingdom-building work in Bharuch! You are making an eternal impact!
Prayer Requests
We would love the opportunity to pray for you and with you. If you have a prayer request, praise report, or a need—please let us know so we can personally and faithfully be praying for you.
As we look ahead, we invite each of you to continue walking with us in prayer. Please join us throughout the month in praying for NorthStar’s next steps—for wisdom, unity, and clarity as we seek God’s direction and grow together in faith and mission.
NorthStar Praise Report
As 2025 comes to a close, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all God has done! Take a moment to celebrate this joyful year-in-review and see how God has been moving through NorthStar Church. We may be small, but our God is mighty!
This year, together, we:
🎶 Launched a Youth-Led Worship Day
🌍 Hosted the IF:Gathering
🏗️ Expanded our church space
💧 Celebrated the baptism of 7 people on a beautiful day
🎓 Honored milestones on Promotion Sunday for our 5th graders and graduating seniors
🍲 Feasted at our Outdoor Picnic
👟 Came together for our Annual Prayer Walk
🎤 Welcomed new leadership on the Elder Board
🥫 Served our neighbors through the Hunger Center Food Drive
God is doing incredible things through the people of this church, and you are a vital part of that story. Thank you for your love, faithfulness, and dedication to NorthStar and our community. We can’t wait to see what God has in store next! 🙌
Book of the Month
Every month Pastor Terence will recommend a book of suggested reading for that month.
This month's recommendation is:
Unforced Rhythms of Grace
by Dr. Lynn Hills
