Tuesday, February 26, 2013

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.

Friday, February 22, 2013

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!

Friday, February 15, 2013

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