A significant barrier to becoming a US citizen is cost. According to Open Door Immigration Services, a nonprofit in Salem providing affordable legal services, citizenship applications cost $725. “We host approx 15 students in our citizenship classes each semester, but cost is by far the biggest barrier to them submitting an application. I currently have…
This post is a reflection by Olivia Wood on the recent Christian Formation class ‘Gospel Hospitality’ Me? Evangelism? “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) Growing up as an evangelical Christian, I was taught from this verse that I could not separate my faith from the act of evangelism. Just as the…
We’ve all heard about the devastation as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Our denomination, Converge, has been in contact with churches in Texas and Louisiana, to discover their situations and learn about needed assistance. Converge Southwest has initiated the Hurricane Harvey Flood Relief account to receive funds. Monies received will be used to assist our pastors/planters, their congregations…
The very day after the Dependence Day Cookout at NSCBC, I was in downtown Beverly crossing Cabot Street headed for the Dollar Store to purchase a bin to hold this recent event’s odds and ends. As I crossed the street, I heard a very gravelly voice holler in my direction from a store stoop. I…
Last month Outreach Ministries Fund covered the cost to send two volunteers through a 40-hour Basic Immigration Law Course put on by World Relief at Gordon College, including NSCBC’s very own Russ Bjork. This was an important part of helping Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS) open its doors in Salem. Established by Highrock Church members,…
People have been telling the gospel story for millennia. It’s a source of great inspiration: artists, authors, and builders in every generation retell this simple yet deeply complex message of unending love and self-sacrifice in fresh ways to new ears. Since the start of 2017, the Outreach Ministries Fund of NSCBC has supported some exciting…
Are you sorry you missed our recent foster event? Here’s what we learned: On Tuesday, May 30, about a dozen gathered at the home of Bob & Nancy Stallard to meet two foster families who attend First Presbyterian Church Northshore and a recruiter from the Department of Children and Families. We had the opportunity to…
From the very earliest times, there have been Christians who responded to the good news of God’s grace by caring for children in need. Many still respond in this way, including Lynnette Lovasco, a former member who graciously shares her story with us below. Read to the bottom to find out how to join us…
