The Naperville Nelsons

A family in our local community who is learning what it means to be “driven” in a new direction.


The Invite

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This week, we check in on the Naperville Nelsons, as Nick and his neighbor, Dan, are fixing the Nelson’s home theater. Dan has noticed some changes around the Nelson household … and it has him wondering, “What’s up?”

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The Nelsons Home Visit

It’s the day after Nick and Nancy’s Stewardship Initiative home visit and they have a lot to talk about. Nick is surprised by what he’s seeing at Good Shepherd; Nancy is surprised by what she’s seeing in Nick.

How will they invest their time, talent and treasure into “their” church?

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A Nelsons Christmas

This week we catch up with the Naperville Nelsons, who - just like any “driven” family - are wrapped up in a busy Christmas season. But it sounds like this year, there’s something different going on.

In the midst of decorations and gift buying, the Nelsons get a call from Claire at church, who wants to come over for a visit. That leads to a conversation between Nick and Nancy that gives us some insight into what’s making this Christmas so original.

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The Nelsons Are Back

   
prans.jpg Remember our friends the Naperville Nelsons? They were our “poster family” for the spiritually distracted.  

Last winter, we met these neighbors at a time when life was really stressful. Each family member was distracted, feeling the pressures of work, school, activities, housework, friends. Just when the family desperately needed renewal, friends invited them to a few events at Good Shepherd.

Next week, we’ll catch up with the Nelsons and see how life has been impacted by learning what it means to be “Driven” in a new direction. Meanwhile, watch this video to remember the Nelson’s journey so far.

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March 8/9: The Naperville Nelsons: “Reinvigorate”

   
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Well, the Nelson family finally made it to church.  Natalie had sooo much fun with the youth group and even Dad thought it was OK.  The pastors were regular guys and Mom finally had an opportunity to relax and hear herself think.  Will they come back? 

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March 1/2: The Naperville Nelsons: “Reposition”

   
video-5-screen-grab.jpg This week Nancy makes a connection with a church member who has invited their son, Nate, to a church event for kids. She “repositions” a previous plan and allows Nate to attend. Nancy is given a bulletin from the past week with some information about the church in response to her questions. Is it just a coincidence that she has had a “church contact” three times in the past week? Will the Nelsons decide to reposition their lives to make time for church one weekend, or are they just “too busy?”

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Feb 23/24: The Naperville Nelsons: “Reprioritize”

   
Mom and daughter This week our GPS takes us back into the Nelson’s house with Dad trying to get everyone to prioritize all of the things that keep them busy, from work to dance to hockey.   What happens when all of the commitments are prioritized as “A”?  And what about when Mom suggests adding church to the list?  Are they just too busy for church?     

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Feb 16/17: The Naperville Nelsons: “Reconcile”

Mom and daughter This week our GPS gives us a glimpse of the tensions rising between Nancy and her daughter Natalie.  Natalie is feeling pressure from Mom to be the best in orchestra and as they argue, Mom begins to realize how distant her family has become from each other and asks God, “How did we get here? What shall I do?”Click here to watch the video

Feb 9/10: The Naperville Nelsons: “Renewal”

   
nelsonsphoto-bw.jpg This week, our GPS introduces us to a family in our community known as the Naperville Nelsons. The GPS’s super-charged powers helps us look beyond the nice exterior of the Nelson’s house to see one stressed-out home. Each family member is distracted, feeling the demands and pressures of work, school, activities, housework, friends. This is a family in desperate need for renewal.

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