Student All-Night New Years Party

New Year's Party

Students (Grade 6th-12th) are welcome.  We will be hanging at the Kersker's.  Students are asked to bring munchies and 2-liters to share.  Friends are welcome.

Video Games, Board games, and movies are welcome but subject to Traci.

Any questions message Traci@ImagineLifeDifferently.com

Celebrating Our Lord and King!

Celebrating Christmas in Many Ways!

Merry Christmas!  Praying that Christ is at the center of you holiday celebrations!  Thanks for celebrating with us in these ways:

New Creation Men's Gift Bags

Thanks for all the contributions of items to our homeless men.  Twenty-five bags have been package with hats, gloves, personal care items, munchies, and more.  These were dropped off at New Creation early this week.  Continue to pray that the men will know God's love through these packages as well as the care they receive from the body of Christ in the many churches that make up the shelter.

Family Christmas Program 2014

We do a Family Christmas program because it is an opportunity to use the talents that God has given to give back and to share His love with friends and family.  Over 50 people participated in using their gifts this season - some on stage and others behind the scenes.  Little children all the way through adults use this opportunity not only to put a smile on God's face and as a result offers something for all ages.

If you missed the opportunity to attend, you can view it online here.

Christmas Eve Service

Together we welcomed in Christmas Day as we remember God coming to earth in human form in song and Word.  As many spend time with family, we joined together as God's family to remember the birth of our Lord and King.

Pete and the worship team led us back over 2000 years to a different time and place; A time under the rule of a powerful, self-proclaimed son of god (Augustus Cesar son of Julius Cesar) where in contrast the real Son of God is born in a stable and laid in a manger, the Creator of all that was and is.  Together we worshiped our Creator God come to earth in human form.

Love and joy was shared as people lingered after the service enjoying having Christ in common.

Looking for a Ministry Opportunity in 2015? Check Out Toolbox Ministries!

Toolbox Ministries
Saturday, January 3rd 9am

We have good boxes, bad boxes, shoe boxes, and turkey boxes.  Now we have Toolboxes as well!  Toolbox Ministries is a new building remodeling and maintenance team.  With a recommitment to being a good steward of the facilities that God has blessed us with, we will care for them and create welcoming environments for our guests.

Free Pizza with $5 Donation to St. Jude's This Saturday Only!

LB Faith Based Cancer Support Group invites you to support St. Jude and children with cancer.

In an effort to continue to raise money for children fighting cancer, Dominoes is offering a free pizza with a $5 donation to St. Jude Research Hospital on December 20th.  Simply stop by any of their stores throughout the day and make your donation to receive your pizza!.

Participating Dominoes Stores:  Crown Point, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City, Valparaiso

Why support St. Jude?

Christmas Happenings at Life Bridge!

What is happening at Life Bridge this Christmas Season?

Join us for one or all of these events.  Family and friends are always welcome.  It's a wonderful time
of year to invite those you love!

• Saturday 12/20 - Family Christmas 2014 6pm - TOMORROW!
• Wednesday 12/24 - Christmas Eve Service 11pm 

Family Christmas Program This Saturday!

Artwork by Caden Muir age 10

Family Christmas Program
Saturday December 20th 6pm

Performers, stage, and tech people are needed at 5:30

Dress Rehearsal Friday, December 19th (TODAY!)

• Preschool 5:30pm (30 Minutes)
• Elementary 6:00pm (1 hour)
• Adults  - as scheduled with Frank
• Tech People are appreciated throughout these practices.

Mark your calendars!  Invite family & friends!  

Join us for an evening of laughter, music, and fun!  This is a variety-style program that offers something for all ages.  

New! Toolbox Ministries!

Toolbox Ministries
Saturday, January 3rd 9am

We have good boxes, bad boxes, shoe boxes, and turkey boxes.  Now we have Toolboxes as well!  Toolbox Ministries is a new building remodeling and maintenance team.  With a recommitment to being a good steward of the facilities that God has blessed us with, we will care for them and create welcoming environments for our guests.

Tim Qualkenbusch

As school and work vie for our time, God is at work meeting the need for leadership in this area.  Meet Tim Qualkenbusch. Tim is experienced at maintenance and working with people.  More than anything, though, Tim has a heart for God and a desire to use his gifts and experience to make a difference for each person that walks through Life Bridge's doors.  His desire is to remove distractions, so that people can see God and connect to His heart.  We join him in that desire.

You are invited to be a part of Toolbox Ministries!  Join us on Saturday, January 3rd 9am at Life Bridge to hear how you can be a part of this ministry in 2015!  There is something for everyone!

Christmas Blessing Bags for the Homeless

New Creation Christmas Blessing Bags

Remember to bring in your items for the care packages for our homeless men this Sunday!  If you want to participate and not sure how protein bars and individually wrapped snack foods are great.  Another idea could be writing notes/cards to be included.  All items donated will go to the men.

The goal is to have all items returned by December 21st.  Then we will package them up, wrap them up, and take to New Creation by Christmas! 

God is showing His love through these packages.  Thanks for participating.

What a Luncheon!

Celebrating our Christmas Luncheon

What better way to enjoy the season than to share a meal together!  And the meal was absolutely awesome!

First of all, thanks to all who contributed to the meal.  The variety of  made seconds and thirds a must because it all simply would fit on your plate!

How about those ladies who are doing an awesome job of having everything prepared as soon as service ends?  I'm sure to mess things up if I try to name them, but it is a work of art how they pull it all together.

Last, but not least, is all who participated. The cafe and tables throughout the worship area were occupied by family and friends as we came together in celebration.  Introductions were made of guests, support and encouragement offered to college students on upcoming finals and for others a congratulations of finals completed.

All of this took place as we simultaneously prepared for our last children's Christmas practice.

God is at work in this place... building community, building relationships with others and with Him, and using all of us to make eternal impacts on family and friends throughout NWI.  Enjoy celebrating Christ, our Savior this season!

Christmas Schedule

What is happening at Life Bridge this Christmas Season?

Join us for one or all of these events.  Family and friends are always welcome.  It's a wonderful time

of year to invite those you love!

• Sunday 12/14 - Christmas Luncheon following 2nd Service -THIS SUNDAY!
• Saturday 12/20 - Family Christmas 2014 6pm
• Wednesday 12/24 - Christmas Eve Service 11pm 

Christmas Luncheon This Sunday!

Christmas Luncheon
Sunday, December 14th following 2nd Service

What better way to enjoy the season than to share a meal together!  As you run off to do shopping or other activities, take time to join us for lunch immediately following second service this Sunday as we enjoy one another's company and Life Bridge friends - invited friends, family, students and New Creation men.

Someone shared this week that she did what Pete suggested and invited someone she has been getting to know the last few weeks.  She almost didn't know what to say when her invitation was accepted for both church and lunch!  Who can you invite?

Life Bridge is providing ham for the occasion.  If you would like to participate in the meal, then sign up for the Christmas Luncheon with this link: (http://vols.pt/V1afRW ) on VolunteerSpot today or simply bring something along!

Christmas Blessing Bags are Off to a Great Start!

New Creation Christmas Blessing Bags

We want to show the men that we serve 6 months out of the year that they are still in our hearts... and in God's.  As I looked at the sign up sheet Monday night, I was in total awe of your generous response!

We have asked to collect 25 of each of the following items.  Only a few things remain after only one week!

Family Christmas 2014 is Coming!!

Family Christmas Program
Saturday December 20th 6pm

Performers, stage, and tech people are needed at 5:30

Dress Rehearsal Friday, December 19th

• Preschool 5:30pm (30 Minutes)
• Elementary 6:00pm (1 hour)
• Adults  - as scheduled with Frank
• Tech People are appreciated throughout these practices.

Mark your calendars!  Invite family & friends!  

Join us for an evening of laughter, music, and fun!  This is a variety-style program that offers something for all ages.  

Children and Student practices continue this week - Sunday and Tuesday!  

Like Pizza? Support St. Jude on December 20th!

LB Faith Based Cancer Support Group invites you to support St. Jude and children with cancer.

In an effort to continue to raise money for children fighting cancer, Dominoes is offering a free pizza with a $5 donation to St. Jude Research Hospital on December 20th.  Simply stop by any of their stores throughout the day and make your donation to receive your pizza!.

Participating Dominoes Stores:  Crown Point, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City, Valparaiso

Why support St. Jude?

Celebrating Our Savior in Decoration!

Decorating draws us closer to Christ and one another.

Did you notice the lights and greens when you came in on Sunday?  A special thanks goes out to all who helped make this possible.  It was a great time to simply get together, listen to Christmas music, and make the building look awesome!

Of course, our decorations don't begin to compare to the star lit sky over Bethlehem the night Christ was born.  He was welcomed by the sounds of the animals he created so long ago; worshiped by shepherds and wisemen, and heralded by angels...

May your decorations and traditions, draw you closer to Christ this Christmas!

Jordan Morris Prepares to Serve in Honduras

Meet Jordan Morris, son of Life Bridgians, Geno and Rhoda Morris.  

Jordan is currently in Dental School in Kentucky and preparing to go on a 2 week mission trip to Honduras in early March with Global Health Outreach.

The destination is a border town near El Salvador and just NW of Choluteca.  It is a very rural and arid part of southwestern Honduras.

Christmas 2014: What's Up?

What is happening at Life Bridge this Christmas Season?

Join us for one or all of these events.  Family and friends are always welcome.  It's a wonderful time of year to invite those you love!

Saturday 12/6 - Hanging of the Greens 6pm
Sunday 12/14 - Christmas Luncheon following 2nd Service
Saturday 12/20 - Family Christmas 2014 6pm
Wednesday 12/24 - Christmas Eve Service 11pm 

New Creation Christmas Gifts - Blessing Bags

New Creation Christmas Blessing Bags

We want to show the men that we serve 6 months out of the year that they are still in our hearts... and in God's.

To do this, we will be collecting 25 of each of these items:

• Knit hats
• Men's gloves
• Pair of warm socks
• Small soaps
• Wash cloth
• Disposable razor
• Travel size deodorant
• Tooth brush & tooth paste
• Pack of gum
• Assorted candy or cookies

The goal is to package them up, wrap them up, and take to New Creation by Christmas! 

Check out the Ministry Counter to participate so we don't have 72 razors and 1 hat! :)

Let's make it a Merry Christmas for our men at New Creation!

Celebrations!

 Student Sunday!

A special thanks to all the parents and students who gave of their time and talents over Thanksgiving week.

Students could be found on stage, behind the coffee bar, collecting offering and serving communion.  If you looked in some less obvious places you'd also find students at sound boards and the camera!  

Helping students discover their gifts and experience being a part of making a service come together is a part of teaching them to walk with God.  We first model it as adults and then empower our kids as they get older.

In spite of illnesses and a holiday weekend, we came together and honored our Lord as we all worshiped together!

A special thanks to Frank Guzzo, Tom and Rebecca Burn, for empowering students. Another thanks to Scott Feeler for filling in on the visual computer last minute.  You were a blessing to us all!

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Benefit: Domino's Kid's Day!

Be a Chef For One Day!

Saturday, December 6th 10:30am

Your kids can make a FREE small 1-topping pizza!

In an effort to continue to raise money for the St Jude Children's Research Hospital, we will be offering a pizza making class for the kids.  For $5 donation to St. Jude, you child will get to take a tour of our store and make their very own 10" pizza!  The class will begin at 10:30am on Saturday, December 6th and RSVP is appreciated by Thursday, December 4th.  

How to Participate:

• Call your local store from the list below,
• Speak with a manager who will reserve your place(s)
• Show up and make an awesome pizza!

Any additional donations made to St. Jude will be appreciated too!  Thank you.

Merrillville

5374 Broadway

219-884-0114

Michigan City

2316 Franklin Street

219-879-8330

Valparaiso

1707 Laporte Ave.

219-465-5500

Crown Point

805 N. Main Street

219-662-0313

Hammond

7444 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-2555

It's Not Too Late to Participate: Family Christmas 2014

Family Christmas Program
Saturday December 20th 6pm

Mark your calendars!  Invite family & friends!  

Join us for an evening of laughter, music, and fun!  This is a variety-style program that offers something for all ages.  

Children and Student practices have begun!  It's not too late to participate!

Christmas Luncheon Sunday 12/14!

Christmas Luncheon
Sunday, December 14th following 2nd Service

What better way to enjoy the season than to share a meal together!  As you run off to do shopping or other activities, take time to join us for lunch immediately following second service as we enjoy one another's company and Life Bridge friends - students and New Creation men. Feel free to invite family and friends!

Life Bridge is providing ham for the occasion.  If you would like to participate in the meal, then sign up for the Christmas Luncheon with this link: (http://vols.pt/V1afRW ) on VolunteerSpot today or stop by the Ministry Counter this Sunday!

Hanging of the Greens This Saturday Evening!

Hanging of the Greens Next Saturday!

Saturday December 6th 6pm

This Saturday, we will be gathering at Life Bridge to decorate for the season!  If you enjoy decorating or are good with taking direction, come on down as we create a welcoming environment this season!

Students This Weekend!

SOMPLACE IN TIME!

It is Student Serve weekend!  That means that students will be participating in various aspects of our service.  They will be performing on the worship team, serving at coffee bar, and running tech.

Because we serve this weekend in the morning, Sunday night is a fun night!  The theme is "Someplace in Time."  Students are welcome to dress from their favorite time or favorite person/character.

They are asked to bring a munchie/drink to share.   Friends are always welcome!  Contact Traci at Traci@ImagineLifeDifferently.com with questions.

Children's Practice for Christmas Begins this Sunday!

Family Christmas Program
Saturday December 20th 6pm

It's Time to Prepare!

Once again Life Bridge will host a family Christmas event. Children of all ages, (yes, that includes you if you like!) will perform a variety of acts.

There are many ways for your family to participate:

Holiday Spruce Up and Hanging of the Greens Begins this Weekend!

Spruce Up Tomorrow!

Saturday November 29th 9am-1pm

Join us in helping to get the building ready for Christmas!  We will begin by doing some clean up, followed by some planning.  Lunch is included.  If you are interested in helping to plan the Christmas decor, then please plan on meeting with Tricia Guzzo over lunch.

Hanging of the Greens Next Saturday!

Saturday December 6th

Mark your calendar to join in the decorating festivities!  Watch for details.  The evening promises fun, music, and creativity!

Happy Thanksgiving! A Time of Giving Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.  (Psalms 78:4 NIV)

Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful and celebrating all that God has done.  Here are just some things we are thankful for at Life Bridge:

A Man with a Legacy

Bob Sloniger

CDEA/Ignite Church Planting Honors the Legacy and Contributions of Bob Sloniger

Amid the many speakers giving tribute to the impact of Bob Sloniger's ministry, some he knew and others he didn't, was the consistent message of legacy.  Over the last 60+ years Bob has gone where God has called, ultimately bringing him to Chicagoland and the Chicagoland District Evangelistic Association (CDEA).  Among those who have been in church planting for many years, Bob is known for his innovation and intuition.

As Pete and I were beginning to work with Bob, he kept saying that we plant new churches to reach new people.  It is hard to imagine for us that planting a church wasn't always about evangelizing the lost, but this was a purposeful distinction with Bob and the CDEA.  It has resulted in creative venues, such as Life Bridge's coffee-house style, Adventure Christian (Bradley/Bourbonnais, IL) meeting in a movie theater, and Impact Christian (Merrillville, IN) preaching from a wrestling ring.

Lunch with College Students and 500 Turkeys Volunteers!

Lunch This Sunday!

Hot Dogs and Turkeys?  Huh?

Yes, this Sunday will be a flurry of activity as we simultaneously serve lunch to both students and volunteers and for one last time this year convert Life Bridge for 500 Turkey Distribution.  The planned menu is simple fare:

• Hot dogs, 
• Soup
• Chips or side items, 
• deserts, 
• and drinks.  

Your contribution, not only in food and paper products, but also in helping to connect and welcome both students and volunteers is a blessing to all!

Hang out for lunch, and stay a while for Distribution!  See you Sunday!

High School Student Make a Difference at SICOM!

Waiting for session to start

SICOM (Student International Conference on Missions)!

This past weekend Christian Burns, Lily York, and Jasmine Gasaway, Kent Hillman, and myself took off for Columbus, OH where we were challenged by:wonderful teaching and worship,

• talking and praying with missionaries in the field in Poland, 
• putting our faith into action as we packaged food for Lifeline Christian Mission & IDES and built walls for CrossRoads Mission for Cookson Hills
• and seeing the world through someone else's eyes through a film about a young south Asian women trapped in sex trafficking, her escape, her recovery and healing through a Rapha House facility.

Holiday Spruce Up and Hanging of the Greens!

Spruce Up

Saturday November 29th 9am-1pm

Join us in helping to get the building ready for Christmas!  We will begin by doing some clean up, followed by some planning.  Lunch is included.  If you are interested in helping to plan the Christmas decor, then please plan on meeting with Tricia Guzzo over lunch.

Hanging of the Greens 

Saturday December 6th

Mark your calendar to join in the decorating festivities!  Watch for details.  The evening promises fun, music, and creativity!

Preparation for the Christmas Program Begins 11/30!

Family Christmas
Saturday December 20th 6pm

Once again Life Bridge will host a family Christmas event. Children of all ages, (yes, that includes you if you like!) will perform a variety of acts.

There are many ways for your family to participate:

Family Celebrating 500 Turkeys Family Boxing Nights! The Best is Yet to Come- DISTRUBUTION!

Monday Set Up!

I can't tell you how exciting this week has been!  It began Monday evening as people gathered to transform Life Bridge in preparation for our Family Boxing Nights.  Thanks for all the hands that made setup go so quickly and laid the foundation for successful Family Nights on Tuesday and Wednesday!

Tuesday & Wednesday Family Boxing Nights

Boxing Meals

Assembling Gifts

Playing Together!
Kids love that the adults play too!

These are always a lot of fun as volunteers participate by manning stations or by being in a group that goes through 4 different stations throughout the evening.  At the stations families get to create decorations for Distribution Days over snacks, have fun bonding over the game, "Do You Love Your Neighbor?", assemble gifts for the families at crafts, and finally box meals!  Thanks to everyone who participated!

Check out 500 Turkeys Facebook for more pics!

Clothing Set Up is Happening Today through 8PM! Come On Down!

Clothes N Prayers Clothing Setup
Thursday November 20th
Noon-8pm

As you may be able to imagine from this picture, the clothing setup is a massive undertaking that requires the assembly of racks, setting up of tables, further organizing of clothing and continued hanging of items.  The basement will literally be transformed!

Many hands make light work, not to mention great fellowship!  If you have time today, stop by Life Bridge and join in on getting the clothing ready!  All hands are welcome!

500 Turkey's Prayer Vigil Begins Friday at 2pm! Sign Up Here!

Sign up Online for a Prayer Vigil time slot!

November 21st 2pm through

November 22nd 2pm

This weekend we will have members of 900 families come through Life Bridge.  They will receive meals, including Domino's gift certificates for free pizza, $5 gift cards for perishables, a gift to create long lasting family memories, and an opportunity to pick up needed clothes.

God has gone before us as He worked through our churches and our community to provide food, money, clothing, and volunteers.  Now begins the real work...  Our goal isn't to simply feed families for a day, it is to touch them with God's love and make a difference for eternity.  This work is done through prayer and love.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God's service;  (1 Corinthians 3:7-9a NIV)

We will serve side by side this weekend, creating a welcoming environment for our guests and meeting their needs.  In prayer, we will ask God to continue going before us and prepare their hearts to see His love through our actions.  We will pray that this meal and experience will be seeds that will continue to grow.

So please take a few minutes and sign up for a half hour time slot to pray. Materials will be provided to help guide your time and prayers.  The time can be spent anywhere that it is convenient for you to pray.

Signup online with Volunteer Spot with this link!

500 Turkeys Prayer Vigil

Sign up at the Ministry Counter for a time slot!

November 21st-November 22nd

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have in any ministry.  As we buy yams, we pray.  As we make cookies, we pray over them.  As we pack shoe boxes, we pray.  

Now as we prepare to bless 800 families and seemingly countless individuals with meals this Thanksgiving and clothing as we go into cold weather, we need to pray.  Our goal isn't to simply feed families for a day, it is to touch them with God's love and make a difference for eternity.  

So please take a few minutes and sign up for a half hour time slot to pray. Materials will be provided to help guide your time and prayers.  The time can be spent anywhere that it is convenient for you to pray.

Signup online with Volunteer Spot with the following link!