Behind the Scenes

While 2013 has had several projects that were large and visible, the year has been primarily filled with behind-the-scenes work at Life Bridge.  In 2014, we will begin to see the fruit of this quiet work as more and more pieces of the path are implemented and available to empower you.

Join us this weekend (9:30 or 11:00 a.m.) as we imagine together what God has planned for us in 2014.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. (Colossians 2:7-8 NLT)

See you then!

Worship at the Fair!

It is Fair Time!

Come join us this Sunday at 10am at the Radio One Pavilion on the Porter County Fairgrounds!

We will be having a family-friendly service, so invite family and friends to join you at 10am!  Realize I keep repeating 10am?

There is no charge to enter this early, so come, enjoy worship, and hang around to hear the Life Bridge Worship Band, Fank & Steve, Penny Down, and more for the afternoon performance from noon-1:30pm.

See you at the Fair!

Operation Christmas Child

LIFE BRIDGE IS ASKING FOR SNOW!!!(JUST KIDDING) BUT WE ARE HOSTING CHRISTMAS IN JULY

There are many ways you can help out.............................................

• Collect shoe boxes We need as many as we can get!!!!!!!!!!
• Pray for O.C.C. and Life Bridge. These simple items mean the world to these kids.
• Buy items in bulk..
• Pack a shoebox!!!!!!!
• Donate to pay for shipping. Each box cost $7 to ship............

God is with us when we have cancer.

On May 22nd, a small group of believers met at the Life Bridge Cafe to discuss how our faith and cancer has impacted our lives.  We shared scripture and divided into groups -- those of us who have or have had cancer, and those of us who care for someone who has or has had cancer.   Confidentiality is promised and expected in return.

Cancer is a disease that isolates us from others.  Our friends often silently drift away because they want to fix our problem and feel awkward because they know they can't.  It is easy to feel overwhelmed by our disease and, ironically, we can't share how we feel with those we are closest to because they are overwhelmed, as well.

When cancer patients meet together and when caregivers meet together, they are able to share with each other their common experiences and emotions.  It helps us to feel better when we learn that others have been where we are and were able to deal with the same thing.

Paul said, "Bear one another's burdens and in that way, fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2).  That's what we hope to do in the Cancer Groups.

Our next meeting is June 12th at 7 p.m.  If cancer has impacted your life, we would like you to join us.

Seeing God in Wrong Numbers and Emails! Whoda Thunk?

This collection of posts is about sharing God sightings and helping others see God at work in us and through us.

These are relatively silly sightings, but they served as a great encouragement to me.  They remain in my mind and prayer as I continue looking for God to do it again.

Crazy Changes

The past few months have challenged us as we walked through "Crazy Love."  Chan has challenged us through God's Word to stretch far beyond what we considered "normal" Christian living.  In fact, we've learned to see "normal" as "lukewarm" and learned to see "crazy" as the new normal.  The changes is starting to show.

The 79cent Bible

Finding the Need was the topic for our past Ministry Monday gathering.  MM's is a time to share how God is leading us in Ministry.  Lead by Jeni and Anna, scripture and discussion is shared from 6:30-8pm in the LBCC cafe.  We have activities and coordinate ministries that are happening now and in the near future.  

When discussing Finding the Need on the 29th we were trying to figure out where and who God wants us to serve in ministry.  4 questions were asked& discussed... 
1. Where is your heart?  
    Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
2. Where is the need?  
    Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
3. What gifts/talents has God gifted you?  
    1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
4. What skills/talents have you learned or acquired in your life?
    1 Timothy 4:6-16 - A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

God has a plan for you and your life.  Follow Him and He will lead.  
We are all called to do something different because the answers to the questions above are different.   I want to share a story with you about what my friend Cindy was called to do.  

We're Going Crazy

The past eight weeks Life Bridge has embarked on a journey through Crazy Love, a book by Francis Chan. (We've even been ordering the "slightly imperfect" books because they seem to fit us.)

The journey has been amazing.

I've had the pleasure of watching this part of His Body change over the past couple months.  They're "going crazy."

10,000 Foot View

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go up this mountain in the Abarim Range and see the land I have given the Israelites. (Numbers 27:12 NIV)

Much of Moses' day would be spent listening to individual cases, giving individual direction, and working through the details of teaching people to walk together with God.  Every once in awhile, though, the LORD would take Moses up on a mountain to talk with him or to do something like showing him the promised land.  Moses got to spend some time alone with God at 10,000 feet above sea level to look at the "big picture."

Most of ministry is done in a day-to-day, moment-by-moment way.  To be sure, there are schedules and plans and calendars just like any other calling, but, just like any other calling, life is filled with "surprises" and "interruptions."  I put those words in quotes because God is never surprised and Godcidences are never interruptions.  Every so often, though, I get the opportunity to "back up" and see more of the big picture.  This was one of those weeks.

10th Anniversary

I t never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes by.  This September will be 10 years of LifeBridge Christian Church! This will be a time of celebration and community outreach for all of the church body.

On Saturday April 6 @ 3pm there will be a meeting in the Cafe area to plan the celebration and festivities. This meeting is open to any and all who would like to be involved, just  bring your ideas and creativity this Saturday! 

Contact Frank Guzzo at fguzzo@.com

Spring Forward!

Just a reminder that the clock moves forward one hour Saturday night.

See you bright and early Sunday morning!

MEN'S STUDY--If God Created the Universe

 Perhaps the most profound passage of all of scripture is Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (NLT)   So simple and complete is this statement that in all but two of the ten translations and paraphrased versions that I consulted (prior to posting this blog) the wording is exactly the same.  The KJV, NIV, NASB, ASB, Holman, and several others all word it as above.  Only The Message and Good News Translation (both paraphrase versions) convey this fundamental truth in slightly different language. 

Following that profound statement, we find 55 verses giving an overview of creation from the creation of light, to the the forming of man from the dust of the ground and woman from man's flesh.  The frustration for many scientifically minded people, both present and from previous generations is the lack of specific detail in the creation account.

God's Workers (Part 2)

So after meeting with James Cooper and then enjoying Ministry Monday this week (see previous post), I walked away from the evening with a task on my list: Call Mario Bustos.  I knew that he was coordinating the Homeless Men's Shelter for Valparaiso this year.  We were one of the participating churches last year for the summer session, so I needed to coordinate with him whether or not we are participating this year.  The next day, Tuesday (when the snow storm was ramping up), who should walk through our door but Mario!  It was so good to see him, catch up, and discuss God's Kingdom Work.  The time was a God Sighting for me.

God's Workers (Part 1)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13 NIV)

I went to Ministry Monday's this week to participate in the group.  We had a blast!  One of the participants said, "I haven't laughed that hard in a long time."  I enjoyed seeing God work in and through His people to prepare and encourage us on to serve.

What I wasn't expecting, though, was a meeting right before Ministry Mondays began...

You never know what will happen at Ministry Monday

You Never Know What Will
Happen At Ministry Monday's 

 Last week we asked the questions: "How do we love?",  "Who do we love?" and "Do we love ourselves enough to love others?"  Our plan was to talk about what it was like to serve others in Love.  We had the agenda fine tuned.  Video's, discussion questions, what God says about serving and an activity that was going to be a doozie.  We were going to serve one another by washing each others feet.  The scene was set, the props were displayed, warm water in the pitcher, towels and a comfortable seat.  Jesus washed the disciples feet before the last supper and ultimately giving his life.

New Family Tuesdays!

New Family Tuesdays?  What's that?

I'm glad you asked!  The more I prepare for this the more excited I get!  New Family Tuesdays begin this Tuesday (do you remember Tuesday yet?) March 5 6:30-8:30pm.

We are calling it New Family because that is exactly what we are!  It is not necessarily the nuclear families we live in, but it is God's Family... a family that we all have a choice in being a part of.

Stop Praying

What would you do if I told you to stop praying?  This Sunday, that's exactly what I'm going to tell you to do.  Join us at 9:30am or 11:00am to find out why!


Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe...  (Hebrews 12:28 NIV)

If God Made The Universe...

"If God made the universe???"  What do you mean, "If God made the universe?" 

For over a century and a half battle lines have been drawn between the secular science community and faith communities over the question of how the Universe, and most importantly, the Earth came to be.

Did you know that scientists are divided in their explanations of the beginnings of the Universe?  Even scientists who are believers and understand God's creative design explain some things a little differently. 

Beginning on March 10th the Sunday night Men's Small Group will be studying If God Made the Universe.  The Reasons To Believe study is a fascinating look at God's creative hand through the eyes and explanations of a believer who happens to be an astrophysicist.  We hope it will bring up some out-of-this-world discussions!  (Groan)  Sorry, I just had to say it. 

This study will be hosted by Tim Mann.  The group will meet at Tim's place of business which we affectionately call the "Mann Cave" (actually WICS Agency) located at 420 E 200 N, Valparaiso.    (Click here for a map).  Take highway 2 to 400 E.  Turn South (Right) and go to the "T" at 200 N. Turn East (Left) a few hundred yards--to the blue building on the right. 

Please contact Tim Mann at 219-405-5330 or Scott Morris at 219-405-4087 for more information and to let us know you plan to attend. 

Scott M.

Serving in Love - Ministry Monday Feb 25

How do we LOVE?

Who do we LOVE?

Do we love ourselves enough to LOVE others?

Now replace LOVE with SERVE. 


Ministry Monday will look more into these questions and more.  We will be talking about how to love others through acts of service.  We all have the ability to serve.  You don't have to have wealth or time, power or position.  You only need to see an opportunity and take action.  "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" Acts 20:35 ESV

How about holding open a door for a stranger, giving someone your extra change, sharing an encouraging word or two or giving advise to a younger generation?  It's as easy as a genuine smile to the person you pass in the grocery store isle.  Have you ever been blessed by a gift or a larger than normal tip?  There are many ways to serve and love others every day.  It takes some love of ourselves and humbleness to reach out to others in need.  Sometimes, it's not easy but it's necessary and it's worth it.  Luke 6:38 says "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” ESV

Join us Monday, Feb 25 at 6:30pm to learn more about how to serve and what it means to serve as Christ served.  Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." NIV

Pete Kersker - He took
direction well from his team

Keith, Frank & Teresa directing
Alan in achieving his task.

LAST WEEK...

The Body.  A look into how we are all a part, big or small, in Gods grandiose plans.  We had a fun time with activities, video and scripture to help us see how we fit into the big picture.  We are all and essential part. 





We look forward to seeing you and serving you.
Anna & Jeni

For more information please contact us at 219-531-7777 or
annasheets@imaginelifedifferently.com or jenibolton@imaginelifedifferently.com

God Working in Children

We have made a change in curriculum in Children's Ministry for K-5th grade.  I am simply excited about the changes and what I see God doing downstairs on Sunday mornings.

The change in curriculum is enabling the adults and kids to work from the same base scripture for the weekend.  We call this same-page teaching and it empowers parents to continue the discussion with their kids over lunch and throughout the week.  Teaching has age appropriate points, but uses the same base scripture.

This parent empowerment would be enough reason to make such a change, but God is doing even more!

Over the last three weeks as we have began implementing this curriculum, ...

• Adults and teens are using their giftedness to teach, and lead worship.
• Adults and teens are also empowered to assist a small group of kids with easy scripted lessons.
• Mixed age Bible Crews have older kids helping the younger ones.
• Active learning games and objects lessons keep kids engaged the entire time.
• Bible based songs have kids singing along and doing motions in worship of our God.
• Kids are looking up and reading from their Bibles.
• Kids are actively praying... the room even gets quiet!

I know this sounds like an advertisement, but what I mean it to be is a celebration of what God is doing.  These aren't words to sell anyone on anything... these are the realities of what our kids and Children's Ministry workers are experiencing!  I have seen it!  God is doing awesome thing in the lives of our kids!  

The fun can continue too... beginning this Tuesday at 6:30 as God continues what begins on Sunday and takes it a little deeper in the middle of our week... for Adults, Students, and Children in age appropriate ways.

God Worked Through Our Students to Bless Families!

Game Time - Valentine Heart Relay

Parent Date Night this past Friday, February 15th, was a huge success!

God worked through our students to bless families and were themselves blessed in return!  Read on to hear a little of what God was up to at Life Bridge last Friday!

Crazy Love

Have you ever thought about the extent of God's love for you?  It's crazy, isn't it?

This week we will begin a new series based on Francis Chan's book entitled, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.  
I hope you can make it to services this Sunday, where we will be describing ways you can eXperience the Love of God and be eMpowered to eMpower one more.

See you then!

Rick Garza (2/17/13)

Congratulations Rick!

Ministry Monday begins Feb 18 at LBCC

Ministry Mondays
Beginning, Feb 18
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Life Bridge Christian Church

If you are serving in a ministry or want to know what you can do to be a part of serving Life Bridge and our community, this is the place to be.  You're encouraged to join us each week for Ministry Mondays.  It is a new and exciting way to bring those in ministry together as team. For anyone who is unsure of where or what God has created you for, this is a good opportunity to see what ministries and outreaches are in action at Life Bridge.

Each week we will have activities, scripture, fellowship and information to share and build into Gods kingdom.  We'll learn how to 'Find Our Fit' in ministry and where God is leading us.  No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, there is a place for you to fit right in.  There will be opportunities for everyone be a part of the upcoming outreaches and activities. We will take a look at the many different ministries happening all the time at Life Bridge.  We see them happen each week as we attend services but how does it work and who is behind the scenes?

Please, join us for the kick off of Ministry Monday with The Body.  A look into how we are all a part, big or small, in Gods grandiose plans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo 

John 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Hope to see you there,

Jeni Bolton & Anna Sheets - Coordinators

LTC Celebration & Final Episode - Schindler'sYoungest Survivor Speaks

Friday, February 1 As Lifetree Cafe Valpo prepares to take a break, we are celebrating the last year that we have so much enjoyed sharing with all of you. Everyone is welcome to join us as we enjoy a look back at this year in video & conversation. We will be celebrating after the regularly scheduled episode for this week "Schindler's Youngest Survivor" We would love to have everyone that has attended or helped behind the scenes to join us. And of course, friends are welcome too. We hope you can join us as we say farewell with fond memories and look forward to future opportunities of what to do on Friday nights :)As always, No charge to attend and Refreshments will be served.  Lifetree Cafe @ LBCC 6:30 PM

Schindler'sYoungest Survivor Speaks A story of risk and redemption An exclusive filmed interview with  Leon Leyson WATCH VIDEO PREVIEW Leon Leyson 1930 - 2013

Schindler Survivor Featured at Lifetree Café The program features a Lifetree exclusive: a film of Leon Leyson, who was 13 years old when Schindler put him to work in his enamelware factory near Krakow, Poland. Because of his short stature, Leyson stood on a wooden box so he could reach the handles on the machinery. In the Lifetree film, Leyson describes how the Nazis captured his family members, confined them in the Jewish ghetto area of Krakow, and herded them onto trains bound for concentration camps. "Suddenly, I lost my most basic rights," recalls Leyson. "I was hungry all the time and frightened all the time." Leyson describes how Schindler pulled him out of a line bound for the death camps. Schindler named him "Little Leyson" and showed him favor with extra food rations. After the war, Leyson moved to the United States. He remained quiet about his wartime experience until the release of the Oscar-winning Stephen Spielberg film "Schindler's List." Then Leyson gradually began to tell his story. Lifetree's Thom Schultz, who conducted the exclusive interview, said Leyson revealed portions of his story he had not shared before. "Leyson's story and his colorful characterization of Oskar Schindler provide a riveting peek into a horrific chapter of history," Schultz said. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. WATCH VIDEO PREVIEW

We would love to have you join us! Thanks for everything!   It has been a GREAT year! Jeni Bolton - Director + Anna Sheets - Host Champion Shirley Krull - Communication Champion

Enemy Sightings?

"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:32-33 NIV84)

Every week I have the privileged of praying for the people of Life Bridge here in Valparaiso, IN.  Sometimes  people share requests with me face to face, through email, text, or other electronic media.  Usually, I stop right then and begin to pray for them.  Most of the requests, however, come in through "Connect Cards" that we have available to everyone during the church services.  It's a chance to connect with one another and with God.  I begin praying for those requests each Sunday afternoon.

Pamper Night 2013

They say that God can use what has happened to us in the past to help others in the future.  Who are THEY?  I didn't believe it for a long time.  I couldn't figure out how growing up in an abusive home could possible help someone else.  Watching my mom get beaten up was bad enough but then being abused myself for 10 years was worse.  How could my poor self esteem as an adult benefit someone else?

It doesn't...  but God does.

Feeling pretty & loving our selves as God loves us

I was led in a direction of healing for myself and many others through what Life Bridge calls, Pamper Night.  About 5 years ago we decided to reach out to serve women at the local battered women's shelter.  We provide a full make over for FREE for each of the ladies in one evening.  This includes hair cut & style, manicure, pedicure, massage & facial. We provide Limousin transportation, childcare, food, beverages and gifts.  Throughout the evening there is live entertainment from local talented musicians as well.  This is done by the generous time, donation of supplies and talent from our community all with Gods help and leading.

The evening is a time of healing for the ladies we serve but also the volunteers.  I was personally able to see that others had some of the same experiences I did.  To know that I could love on someone who doesn't always feel love was a gift to them and myself.  I could finally use my life journey to relate and provide some healing and dignity to moms and their kids.  If only for ONE night, ONE moment, ONE kind act or ONE smile I could make a difference in the heart of a hurt soul.

The volunteers have shared stories with me of the effect the evening had on them as well.  Men are welcome because the women need to know that there are good men in the word who they can trust as well as the kids.  One male volunteer grew up with an addicted father and single mother.  He felt he needed to help.  I sometimes find volunteers with tears from being moved by a particular guest.  The stories go on and on but the best things is to see the transformations.  We treat them like queens not charity cases.  The ladies walk in the door shy, reserved and heads low.  They leave laughing, smiling and sharing their new beauty & improved self esteem.  It's an experience you wont forget. (to get involved - read more below)

Overcoming Hardship

Tonight, January 18th @ 6:30

Overcoming Hardship Explored at Lifetree Café 

Practical solutions for overcoming hardship will be discussed at Lifetree Café.   

The program, titled "Overcoming Hardship: A Father and Son Beat the Odds" features an exclusive film of Patrick Henry Hughes and his father. The younger Hughes was born without eyes or the ability to extend his limbs. Though in a wheelchair, Hughes performed in the University of Louisville marching band, his father pushing his wheelchair through every practice and performance.

"I don't think I have anything holding me back," says the younger Hughes. "All I have to do is think about the goal I wish to achieve, look at the resources that might help me achieve that goal, reach out to them, and see what happens."

Sword Swallower Talks Individuality at Lifetree Café

TODAY - January 4                                                                             Lifetree Cafe Valpo at 6:30 PM  (1705 LaPorte Ave - Behind King Gyros & Family Express)

Sword Swallower Talks Individuality at Lifetree Café Dan Meyer, professional sword swallower and multiple Guinness World Record holder, shares “cutting edge” insights about identifying one’s unique calling in life at Lifetree Café on Friday, January 4th at 6:30pm. In an exclusive film, Meyer demonstrates his abilities and shares what led him to take up one of the world’s most dangerous arts. Following the film Dan will perform in person and have a question & answer session. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with such a unique individual. A 20-time World Champion sword swallower with 5 Guinness World Records, Top 50 Finalist on NBC’s hit reality show America’s Got Talent, and featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not cartoons, books and museums around the world, Dan Meyer is known as the world’s top sword swallower for his live comedy performances and high profile stunts, and as the world’s leading expert for his compelling corporate motivational talks, medical lectures, and media appearances around the world. Described as a "Christian David Copperfield” who combines extreme feats with a powerful message instead of just tricks and illusions. Dan eats fire and swallows solid steel swords, sabers, bayonets, razors, saws and other objects up to 30 inches long and up to 15 swords at once!