Becoming a People of Overflow!

2025-2026

1 Peter 4:7-11, “7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A Deeper Life Together at NVC

At NVC we believe church is more than a Sunday worship – it’s a shared life with one another.  And we’re stepping boldly into a vision where we don’t just attend together on Sunday, we belong together.

Quarter 1:  Overflow at Home (Sept-Dec)

Quarter 2:  Overflow in the Church (Jan-Mar)

Quarter 3:  Overflow in the City (April-June)

Quarter 4:  Overflow in the World (July-Sept)

September 2025 — State of the Church Sunday!

• Overflow starts here!
  • Focus: Humble service begins at home.
  • Challenge: Do one act of unexpected service per week for someone in your household.  On that Sunday everyone gets a card that says, “I will put _________________ first by ___________________.”  (Leave out on Sunday)
  • Make them anonymous.
  • Read a few next Sunday to celebrate.

October 2025 — “Gratitude Turns Outward”

• Focus: Practice thankfulness that spills into action.
• Challenge: Write a note of gratitude each week—to a teacher, coach, friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc.
• Event Idea: Create a “Thanks-for-You” outlet for someone (teachers, nurses, single parents, coach, co-workers)

November-December 2025 — “The Gift of Giving Yourself”

• Focus: Be present, not just generous.
• Challenge: Choose presence over presents—limit gifts & give time to someone.
• Event Idea: Give time to a charity, Adopt-a-Family, donate a gift.

 January 2026 — “Overflow at Church”

• Focus: Everyone has a role in the body.
• Challenge: Try one new area of serving in the church.
• Event Idea: Gather with your ministry team to encourage one another.

February 2026 — “Overflow in Relationships”

• Focus: Others-centered means conflict doesn’t win.  Embrace reconciliation!
• Challenge: Ask for forgiveness or extend it where it’s overdue.
• Event Idea:  Study through Matthew 18 with someone.

March 2026 — “Disciples Who Multiply”

• Focus: Who are you pouring into?
• Challenge: Invite one person to coffee with a spiritual purpose.
• Event Idea: Launch a simple 3-month challenge with someone where you get together to pray together, read Scripture, and ask, “What does the passage teach us about God?  What does the passage teach us about humanity?  How does the passage point us to our hope in Jesus?”

April 2026 — “Love the City”

• Focus: Serve an area of need in our city with joy.
• Challenge: Invite neighbors, friends and co-workers to come with you!
• Event Idea: “Overflow Weekend”— How can your role / contribution go beyond your normal levels of comfort?

May 2026 — “Overflow at Work”

• Focus: Represent Christ through excellence and care at work.
• Challenge: Identify 3 people at work to pray for, 2 people to serve, and 1 person to have a spiritual conversation this month.
• Event Idea: Host a prayer group or spiritual discussion at work over lunch.

June 2026 — “The Other Seat”

• Focus: Who’s missing at your table in your life? (Ethnicity, economic, education, non-Christian)
• Challenge: Invite 2 people into your life you don’t normally engage.
• Event Idea: “Potluck Sunday”—Invite people from different circles to celebrate a potluck with us on a Sunday after worship.

July 2026 — “Overflow to the Margins”

• Focus: Compassion for the poor, elderly, sick, or isolated.
• Challenge: Visit a nursing home, homeless outreach, or prison ministry.
• Event Idea: Serve with local organizations like Mobile Loaves & Fishes or other organizations to help those who are in need.

August 2026 — “Overflow at School”

• Focus: Teachers, students, and families as mission fields.
• Challenge: Write 5 notes of encouragement to teachers or students.
• Event Idea: School supply drive or prayer walk around campuses.

September 2026 — “A Life of Overflow”

• Focus: Make this a lifestyle, not just a challenge.
• Challenge: Share a testimony or story of transformation this year on Sunday morning.
• Event Idea: “Overflow Sunday” + Celebration.

This is the kind of church we envision. This is the community we’re becoming. Let’s not settle for less—let’s “Become a People of Overflow,” together!

Gospel Motivation:  

We don’t take on these challenges to earn anything from God—but because Jesus already gave us everything. His grace frees us from self-righteousness and fuels a desire to love others like He first loved us.