Friday, June 26, 2015

Provoke... Encourage... Spur...

This has been a good week for me so far.  Sunday was father's day, brought with it pretty good attendance at services.  (Preachers always like good attendance, right?)  Ministry Monday brought a good team meeting as we took our next steps in seeking God's direction for our ministries.  Tuesday evening at the "bad box" class was busting at the seams, with 45 adults and students and another 9 children in attendance that night.  Lots of excitement kicked of the week for us before we left on Wednesday to come down to Cincinnati for a few days.

We traveled down on Wednesday afternoon, stayed for Thursday and Friday morning and, as I write this, we are preparing for the trek back to Valpo tonight.  Why would we take the time out of a week like this to drive down to Cincinnati and back?  Simple.  We wanted to live out Hebrews 10:24.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Bunco This Saturday!

Saturday, June 27th at 5:30

Join with the Operation Christmas Child team fill their upcoming Bunco fundraiser. All proceeds are to cover postage for Shoebox gifts to children around the world. Ticket available from any of the team members for $10. Men & Ladies are both welcome! Can't make it? Please share the event & pass the word - we're going to have lots of fun for a great cause!

Click here to view the Facebook Event!

Toolbox Ministries

Toolbox Ministries Work Day
Saturday, June 27,2015
8am-12pm

Join us this Saturday to continue working on creating a more welcoming environment around the building.

Not available on weekends?  Come on down on Mondays between 4pm and 8pm.

If you have any questions, contact Tim Qualkenbush at (219) 928-8326

"Bad Box" Class: Live and Online!

The "Bad Box" Class continues on Tuesday evenings.   Come on down and join us or check it out online!

This study is open to Students (Grades 6-12) and Adults.  Children's programming is available.

Plan now to attend Tuesday nights:
Dinner 6:30pm
Study 7:00-8:30pm

Did you miss a week and want to catch up?  Life Bridge "Bad Box" Class Previous Weeks Playlist

Celebrating MOVE!

CIY MOVE!

Each year, High School students have the opportunity to attend MOVE.  It is an event on a college campus that challenges to make a difference for God in their schools, in their families, work places, and relationships.  As they look toward their futures and college, they are also challenged to consider how God would want them to use their giftedness to make a kingdom impact.

Celebrating Men of Courage on Father's Day!

As the Children's Ministry focused this month on being kids of courage through a Super Hero themed video series, we chose to honor the men in our lives that show the courage to step up and make a difference in the next generation!

In honor of these men, our Coffee Bar team (those who serve and those who provided) stepped things up and hosted a Father's Day brunch throughout the morning!  It was enjoyed by all.

God was glorified not only by our celebration of men making a difference for Him, but also as so many invited their dads, grandfathers, and other significant men to honor their contributions in their lives.




Thursday, June 25, 2015

Mended Heart Women's Bible Study Begins Today!

Our Thursday night Ladies' study group is joining Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study starting this week (6/25/2015). Study on your own with the e-mail lessons (or come to join us at Life Bridge for the optional live cast on Thursday evenings 6:30-8 if you are available). Sign up and get your book at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/

Ongoing Activities

  • Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
  • Toolbox Ministries continues to work around the building. A work day is planned for June 27 8-12 with several special projects.
  • Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.
  • Faith-Based Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm
  • Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm
  • Operation Christmas Child continues to collect small toys.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter
  • Kairos ministry having opportunity to visit Michigan City death row inmates July 16-19. Opportunities to serve in prayer support and baking special Kairos cookies for this remarkable event.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Programming and Prayer

I know I've been a bit "behind the scenes" this week, but I've been writing some computer programs.  It may seem strange to have a pastor and leader working on a computer program, but it is my love for people and care for them that drives me to the keyboard...

Super Hero Father's Day Brunch!

Honoring Men of Courage
Sunday, June 21st 9am-12:30pm

All "dads" are invited to our Super Hero Father's Day Brunch!

Throughout Sunday morning on Father's Day we will be hosting a Father's Day Brunch.  We desire to honor the courage of men who step up to fill the role of "dad" in a child's life.

So, invite your dad or someone who has been a "dad" when you most needed it to service (9 & 11 am) or in between (10:15-11am) and enjoy a great breakfast!

It takes courage to be a dad who steps up, but it also takes courage for each of us to recognize their efforts and express our appreciation.

Be of great courage and invite away!

"Bad Box" Class Continues

This past Tuesday we revealed the picture of "The Mind" at the "Bad Box" Class.   If you haven't participated in this class, this is something that you will want to jump in on.  On Sundays you may learn the vocabulary and the highlights, but in this class you will dig into the scriptures and learn how to apply it to your everyday life,  to experience the fruit of God's Spirit more and more, and ultimately gain the freedom to experience the life God has planned for you.



It's not to late to jump in.  This study is open to Students (Grades 6-12) and Adults.  Children's
programming is available.

Plan now to attend Tuesday nights:
Dinner 6:30pm
Study 7:00-8:30pm

Did you miss a week and want to catch up?
Life Bridge "Bad Box" Class Previous Weeks Playlist

Shoe Box Bunco

Saturday, June 27th at 5:30
Help Teresa, Cathy, Laurie, Deanna & the rest of the Operation Christmas Child team fill their upcoming Bunco fundraiser. All proceeds are to cover postage for Shoebox gifts to children around the world. Ticket available from any of the team members for $10. Men & Ladies are both welcome! Can't make it? Please share the event & pass the word - we're going to have lots of fun for a great cause! https://www.facebook.com/events/1022798177730338/

Women's Bible Study

Our Thursday night Ladie's study group is joining Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study starting next week. Study on your own with the e-mail lessons (or come to join us at Life Bridge for the optional live cast on Thursday evenings 6:30-8 if you are available). Sign up and get your book at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/

Ongoing Events

  • Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
  • Toolbox Ministries continues to work around the building. A work day is planned for June 27 8-12 with several special projects.
  • Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.
  • Faith-Based Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm
  • Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm
  • Operation Christmas Child continues to collect small toys.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter
  • Kairos ministry having opportunity to visit Michigan City death row inmates July 16-19. Opportunities to serve in prayer support and baking special Kairos cookies for this remarkable event.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Business, Budgets, and Bad Boxes

When I first entered the business environment with my Computer Science degree in hand, I was ready to take on the world.  I had learned well from my technology instructors.  I had performed well in my co-op jobs while working my way through school.  I had received several job offers and had my pick of the best.  I was ready to take on the world.

When I first entered full time ministry, it was different.  I wasn't nearly as confident in myself as our family moved to Valparaiso, IN to start a new church.  I had learned well from my professors.  I had been living out different ministries in my local church in Cincinnati.  I even had more than one possibility to choose from and our family prayerfully accepted the call God had for us.

I wasn't ready to take on the world, though, and I knew it.


Celebrating Feed the Need!

 God is awesome!!

Feed the Need remains the NWI Food Bank's largest single day food drive.  It shows what God can do when His body joins together and reaches into the community.

Here are the results for 2015:

  • 5443 pounds of food
  • $900 cash donations
  • Approximately 10,000 meals
  • 4 churches participating
  • Approximately 150 positions were filled by volunteers
  • 15 Volunteers worked at NWI Food Bank to sort, box, and store the donations for future distribution
Thanks to all who let God work through them through this event.  You were God's hands and feet as you served side by side, reached out into the community, and showed God's love by meeting a need!

Cleanse. Fill. Pour. Women's Conference

Save the Date: Friday August 21st 6-9 and Saturday August 22nd 9-4
Location: Best Western LaPorte, Indiana

For the Joy set before Him....and us  
Annual Cleanse. Fill. Pour. Women's retreat! . Cost $59. Details to come!

Contact Anna Sheets at Anna@ImagineLifeDifferently.com to communicate interest.

Friday, June 5, 2015

NWI Food Bank Sunday, June 7 2-5pm

Did you ever wonder what happens to all the food that is collected at Feed the Need?

It goes to the Northwest Indiana Food Bank, where it is sorted, boxed, and stored for future distribution.  However, it takes many hands to accomplish this.

On Sunday, June 7th, volunteers will meet at Life Bridge by 1:30pm (a Taco Lunch will be provided following 2nd service for volunteers) and we will wagon train to the NWI Food Bank to sort and box food from 2-5pm.  To participate, you must be 10 years old or older.  Please wear gym shoes - no flip flops.

Please direct questions to Traci Kersker (219) 707-0070.

Feed the Need this Saturday!

Sign up online today to participate in Feed the Need!

Feed the Need is a great chance to connect with our community and help those in need!

Something that I love is that everyone is blessed through this event.  God encourages His body as we watch people respond to the invitation to help those in need.  He encourages those who supply donations by helping them to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  Finally, He lets those in need know that they are not alone.

Celebrating the Launch of Bad Box Class

This past Tuesday saw the launch of the "Bad Box" Class.   If you haven't participated in this class, this is something that you will want to jump in on.  On Sundays you may learn the vocabulary and the highlights, but in this class you will dig into the scriptures and learn how to apply it to your everyday life,  to experience the fruit of God's Spirit more and more, and ultimately gain the freedom to experience the life God has planned for you.



It's not to late to jump in.  This study is open to Students (Grades 6-12) and Adults.  Children's programming is available.

Plan now to attend Tuesday nights:
Dinner 6:30pm
Study 7:00-8:30pm


Fill. Cleanse. Pour. Women's Conference

Save the Date: Friday August 21st 6-9 and Saturday August 22nd 9-4
Location: Best Western LaPorte, Indiana

For the Joy set before Him....and us  
Annual Cleanse. Fill. Pour. Women's retreat! . Cost $59. Details to come!

Ongoing Activities


  • Operation Christmas Child continues to collect small toys.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter
  • Operation Christmas Child is sponsoring a fundraiser on June 27th 5:30pm - Shoe Box Bunco.  Tickets are a suggested donation of $10 and available at the Welcome Center.
  • Toolbox Ministries continues to work around the building on Mondays from 4-8pm.  Saturday work days are TBA.
  • Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
  • Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.
  • Faith-Based Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm
  • Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm