Traci's Perspective: What a Week! God is Good!

It has been a very eventful week with lots of activity.  We have worked hard and we have played hard...  All to the glory of God our Father!  Praise Him for a place to worship, a community to serve, abilities and talents to use, and wonderful places to worship Him in creation!
Remember: God is good, all the time.  And all the time, God is good!

Click more to see some pics from the week!

Toolbox Ministries: Building Restructuring Continues This Saturday!

Work Continues at the Building!
Saturday August 1st 8am-4pm
Breakfast & Lunch provided

We will be working this Saturday to get the building ready for Sunday services.  Many hands will be needed for deep cleaning and finishing of projects.  Come on down for the day or for just a couple hours.  Be a part of creating a welcoming environment for all who enter Life Bridge.

Operation Christmas Child

Are you getting ready for kids to go back to school?
Operation Christmas Child is collecting school supplies!  

So as you prepare for the school year, pick up a few extra school supplies and drop them at the OCC bin at the Ministry Counter.  Ask your kids to help pick out the items and encourage them to think about what other kids would like.

Operation Christmas Child has a meeting immediately following 2nd service on Sunday August 2nd.  All are welcome to participate.

Midweek Tuesdays - "Training Will"

What's happening on Tuesday nights now that "Bad Box" is finished?  

We are going to begin "Training Your Will" (the little guy holding the box!). Join us to learn what God has to say about some of the hottest topics in scripture.

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm (ish)
Potluck Dinner begins at 6:30
Study (for Adults, Students, and kids) begins about 7ish.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 
(Romans 12:2 NIV)

Opportunities with Men's Shelter

Two Opportunities to participate in the Men's Shelter!

First, it's time to do laundry for our men who stay here on Thursday nights!  Simply pick up a bag or two of linens from the basement and return them by Thursday evening!  It's that easy!

Second, we need a man to cover the midnight-4am shift this coming Thursday into Friday morning (8/7 12am-4am).  If you are a night person, this may be great for you.  Men Shelter Hosts typically sit in the cafe, working on whatever they bring to do.  Hosts are available to ensure the men's safety and to serve them if needed. Contact Sara Jax at SaraJax@ImagineLifeDifferently.com.

While we do require Shift Hosts to be men, we appreciate women (and men!) helping with laundry!

Fight Club Launch Next FRIDAY NIGHT!

Fight Club
Friday, Aug 7th 10pm
Valparaiso Nazarine Church
2702 Glendatle Blvd.
Valparaiso, IN 46383

An advertisement for an event is good, but what is better is someone's personal story.  So here is the personal story of  Life Bridgian and Fight Club Member, Scott Feeler:

Turkeypalooza 2015

Turkeypalooza 2015 THIS SATURDAY!!

August 8th 2pm-dark

Chesterton at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve 

(2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304)

3rd annual Turkeypalooza for 500 Turkeys in a FREE Entry event for people & pets of all ages.  The purpose is to raise awareness and funds for 500 Turkeys efforts to feed more than 500 families for Thanksgiving this year.  We are purposing to feed 1000 this year.  That's an estimated 4000 people in need that will get a FULL BOX OF FOOD.

There are still opportunities to participate.  You can make a difference with your participation.  Consider helping out for a couple hours and enjoying the rest of the event before or after that.​ To VOLUNTEER please click here >>> Sign up to Volunteer at Turkeypalooza

Kairos Death Row Update

Thanks to all who prayed and made cookies for the Kairos Death-Row Outreach!

Kairos Prison Ministry believes no life is beyond the reach of God's power, and they envision a future in which countless prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families, are redeemed, restored, and reconciled through the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

This is the first time the Indiana Department of Corrections has permitted an event such as Kiaros' outreach to inmates on death row.  Their normal group format was adapted to be presented on an individual basis.  Throughout the weekend the 26 man Kairos team provided ministry, fellowship, meals, songs, and prayers.  All in all, it was well received by the Offenders involved.

Please continue to pray for these men, their hearts and walk with God, and the Kairos team as they continue to serve in this way.

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 meets on Mondays 4-8pm.  Contact Tim Qualkenbush @ (219) 928-8326 with questions.

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study resumes August 4th.

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 followed by studies for children, students, and adults!  Adults will be begin "Training Will."

• 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

• Women's Bible Study Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. .

• Operation Christmas Child is collect School Supplies.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter.

Looking Forward to the Fair

Many of you saw me learning to ride a horse last week.  Now we all get to be around horses (and cows and pigs and lamas) at the Porter County Fair.

I really look forward to this church service each year.  With the number of people at Life Bridge now, we simply cannot have a single service where everyone can worship together.  At the Porter County Fair, though, we can all gather together as one Body.  Not only that, we can invite family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to join us.  It's a great place to gather together and worship our God.

I hope to see you there!

Service at the Porter County Fair This SUNDAY 10AM!

THIS Sunday Service: 

July 26th, 2015 

Porter County Fair

Park Place Pavilion 10am

Join us afterwards and enjoy a variety of
Christian Music until 1pm

This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family!  
Enjoy service and then the fair!
Make sure you are there by 10am!

(Free admission before 10am - No Services at LB)

Join the Fun This Saturday!

Improving heating and air conditioning!

Restructuring the Worship Center has begun!
The change will prepare for the new welcome center, help sound and video technicians, and increase our worship capacity!

Big Work Day This Saturday 8am-4pm
Needed: Willing Hands with all skill levels - cleaning, moving items, painting, pre-carpentry (willing to drive a nail or learn how), carpentry, and more...
Coffee and Donuts are provided as well lunch.

Many hands make light work... or at least fun work!

Celebrating God!

Have you noticed all the beautiful plants growing around the building?

Thanks to those families who have blessed us with their talents and time. 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
(1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV)

As we have been studying the Holy Spirit on weekends and the "Bad Box" Class on Tuesdays, it is clear that God is in the business of growing things!

Feel free to come by and pick some wax beans!

Fight Club Launches August 7th 10PM

Fight Club - Aug 7th 10pm
Valparaiso Nazarine Church
2702 Glendatle Blvd.
Valparaiso, IN 46383

All men are welcome to attend this informational event:  A 12 week challenge designed to make men better husbands, fathers, friends, workers, and men!  Talk to Alan Mayernik or Scott Feeler for more information.

Cleanse. Fill. Pour. Women's Conference. Register Today!

Register NOW for this 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!  Register by August 7th.

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

Turkeypalooza 2015 Coming August 8th!

Turkeypalooza 2015 

August 8th 2pm-dark

Chesterton at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve 

(2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304)

3rd annual Turkeypalooza for 500 Turkeys in a FREE Entry event for people & pets of all ages.  The purpose is to raise awareness and funds for 500 Turkeys efforts to feed more than 500 families for Thanksgiving this year.  We are purposing to feed 1000 this year.  That's an estimated 4000 people in need that will get a FULL BOX OF FOOD.

There are many ways for you to participate.  Consider helping out for a couple hours and enjoying the rest of the event before or after that.​ To VOLUNTEER please click here >>> Sign up to Volunteer at Turkeypalooza

Clothes N Prayers Clothing Ministry

Clothes N Prayers Clothing Ministry

The clothing ministry is doing a special drive that will specifically collect coats and winter gear.

This fall as you prepare for winter keep this in mind.  Share this info with family and friends.

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 is working throughout this next week on the restructuring.  Contact Tim Qualkenbush @ (219) 928-8326 to inquire about helping out at your convenience.

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study cancelled this week because of building work.

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 and fun night!  Students are doing Spongarama this Tuesday!

• 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

• Women's Bible Study Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. Current Study is Mended Heart.

• Operation Christmas Child is collect School Supplies.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter.

Growing Corn

 I don't know much about growing corn.  I've picked up a few things over the years since moving up here, though.  

I've learned how to recognize corn from soybeans, for example, at a relatively early stage.  (Yeah, I know it's not really a big deal to recognize the difference at this point in the season.)  

I learned an old phrase that helped farmers "predict" whether or not they would have a decent crop of corn. "Knee high by the 4th of July" used to tell them if the corn was on target for the year.

This year was a bit confusing for me, though.  Our neighbor's corn was not really knee high by the 4th of July.  I think all the rain was keeping it down.  Today, though, it's at least a head taller than me!  It grew fast!  This growing season reminded me that God is the only one who can accurately predict the harvest.  We "workers" simply need to do our part and let God do His. "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV).

The same is true in the church.  I'm excited to see God clearly at work in various areas around the Body of Christ at Life Bridge.

Pray for Kairos' Deathrow Outreach at Indiana State Prison This Weekend

A SPECIAL INDIANA STATE DEATH ROW (13 MEN) KAIROS OUTREACH IS TAKING PLACE THIS WEEKEND!

Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry.  (Psalms 86:6 NLT)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  (James 5:16 NIV)

Be in prayer throughout this weekend:

• Pray for the condition of the men's hearts
• Pray for their families
• Pray for thespecial arrangements necessary to do such an outreach for inmates with higher security needs.  

Building Changes Begin Next Week! Join the Fun!

Did you know we are planning a new layout for the worship area? 
The change will prepare for the new welcome center, help sound and video technicians, and increase our worship capacity!
You will need to sign up to find out more. ;-)

Dates: July 20th thru August 1st
Needed: Willing Hands with all skill levels - cleaning, moving items, painting, pre-carpentry (willing to drive a nail or learn how), carpentry, and more...

Service at the Porter County Fair 7/26 at 10am!

Sunday Service July 26th, 2015 will take place at:

Porter County Fair

Park Place Pavilion 10am

Join us afterwards and enjoy a variety of
Christian Music until 1pm

This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family!  Enjoy service and then the fair!

(Free admission before 10am - No Services at LB)

Turkeypalooza 2015 August 8th

Turkeypalooza 2015 

August 8th 2pm-dark

Chesterton at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve 

(2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304)

3rd annual Turkeypalooza for 500 Turkeys in a FREE Entry event for people & pets of all ages, beliefs, locations and backgrounds.  The purpose is to raise awareness and funds for 500 Turkeys efforts to feed more than 500 families for Thanksgiving this year.  We are purposing to feed 1000 this year.  That's an estimated 4000 people in need that will get a FULL BOX OF FOOD.

The day begins at 2pm and activities include:

Clothes N Prayers Clothing Ministry

Clothes N Prayers Clothing Ministry

The clothing ministry is doing a special drive that will specifically collect coats and winter gear.

This fall as you prepare for winter keep this in mind.  Share this info with family and friends.

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 each Monday 4-8pm.  Watch for other times.

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30; Study begins about 7pm.  Current Study is "Bad Box."

• 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

• Women's Bible Study Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. Current Study is Mended Heart.

• Operation Christmas Child is collect School Supplies.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter.

Up Hill, Falling

Have you ever noticed that whenever work is hard, we always use "up hill" metaphors to describe it?

• That's an up hill battle.
• It's like pushing a boulder up hill.
• I had to walk to school every morning without shoes, in the snow, up hill, both ways.  (This one's my favorite.)

I find it kind of strange that we also use the term "falling" to describe when things are going well.  (ie. "Things are just falling into place.")  I often use a variation of this picture to describe how God is working in and through His people in the church.  

"It's like an old World War 2 bomber filled with wood, nails, and other building materials.  The airplane flies over an empty field and opens the doors.  The materials fall to the ground and when they hit, it is a perfectly built building."

New at Ministry Mondays

Are you coordinating a ministry or feel as though God is laying one on your heart?  Now is a great time to start attending Ministry Mondays.

In preparation for the fall and to be purposeful being effective for the Kingdom, we are taking some time each week to do the following:

Kairos: Indiana State Prison Death Row Outreach Next Weekend

A SPECIAL INDIANA STATE DEATH ROW (13 MEN) KAIROS OUTREACH IS TAKING PLACE JULY 16-19!

How can you participate?
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP TO PRAY- Much prayer is needed for this event - for the condition of the men's hearts, and the special arrangements necessary to do such an outreach for inmates with higher security needs.  Sign up at the Ministry Counter.  After this weekend's Services the list will no longer be available.

Cookies - We need Jesus cookies to show men God's love in a tangible way.  These need to be handmade with the recipe below to meet the Prison's requirements. BY TUESDAY 7/14.

Toolbox Ministries: Save the Dates July 20-Aug 1

Did you know we are planning a new layout for the worship area?  The change will prepare for the new welcome center, help sound and video technicians, and increase our worship capacity!
You will need to sign up to find out more. ;-)

Dates: July 20th thru August 1st
Needed: Willing Hands with all skill levels - cleaning, moving items, painting, pre-carpentry (willing to drive a nail or learn how), carpentry

Sunday Service at Porter County Fair July 26th

Sunday Service July 26th, 2015 will take place at:

Porter County Fair

Park Place Pavilion 10am

Join us afterwards and enjoy a variety of Christian Music until 1pm

If you would like to sign up to participate in the Sing portion of our time at the Fair, please sign up here to let us know of your interest.  

(Free admission before 10am - No Services at LB)

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is now collecting:

 School Supplies!

Find those deals and drop them in the bin at the Ministry Counter.

Please no liquid items (i.e. liquid glues) or sharp items.  These cannot be shipped.  Remember that items need to fit into a shoe box.

Turkeypalooza 2015!

Have you heard about Turkeypalooza 2015 in August 8th in Chesterton at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve (2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304)?   If not, let me tell you what that's about.  ​

3rd annual Turkeypalooza for 500 Turkeys in a FREE Entry event for people & pets of all ages, beliefs, locations and backgrounds.  The purpose is to raise awareness and funds for 500 Turkeys efforts to feed more than 500 families for Thanksgiving this year.  We are purposing to feed 1000 this year.  That's an estimated 4000 people in need that will get a FULL BOX OF FOOD.

The day begins at 2pm and activities include:

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 each Monday 4-8pm.  Watch for other times.

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30; Study begins about 7pm.  Current Study is "Bad Box."

• 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

• Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30pm. Current Study is Mended Heart.

• Operation Christmas Child is collect School Supplies.  Drop off donations in the bin at the Ministry Counter.

Real Freedom

Tomorrow is 4th of July, otherwise known as independence day.  I've always enjoyed this time of year because summer time meant picnics and family gatherings.  The 4th, however, was never a big holiday for my family...until recently.

Kairos Prison Ministry Reaches Out to Indiana State Death Row

A SPECIAL INDIANA STATE DEATH ROW (13 MEN) KAIROS OUTREACH IS TAKING PLACE JULY 16-19!

How can you participate?
Prayer - Much prayer is needed for this event - for the condition of the men's hearts, and the special arrangements necessary to do such an outreach for inmates with higher security needs.  Sign up at the Ministry Counter.

Cookies - We need Jesus cookies to show men God's love in a tangible way.  These need to be handmade with the recipe below to meet the Prison's requirements.

Sunday Service at Porter County Fair July 26

Sunday Service July 26th, 2015 will take place at:

Porter County Fair

Park Place Pavilion 10am

Join us afterwards and enjoy a variety of Christian Music until 1pm

(Free admission before 10am)

Women's Bible Study

It's not too late to join the Thursday night Ladies' study group is joining Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study which started last 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/

Turkeypalooza 2015

Mark your calendar now to attend 500 Turkeys Turkeypalooza!

Coffee Creek Watershed in Chesterton, IN

Saturday, August 8th, 2015

2pm- Dusk

What can you expect:

• Music on 2 stages! The Main Stage and the Faith Stage which will feature local Christian artists. The featured act of the day will be the Spazmatics at 6:30pm. 
• Kids' Zone with lots of activities 
• Food Vendors 2-6pm 
• Gobble Wobble 5K Run & Walk - Sign up at Gobble Wobble 5K Sign 

Click 500 Turkeys Turkeypalooza 2015 for a complete listing of events and times.

Operation Christmas Child Celebrates Bunco Fundraiser!

On June 27th, Operation Christmas Child help a Bunco event to raise money to help cover the cost of shipping boxes to kids around the world.

With 20 people participating, they were excited to raise over $200 for OCC; but, they were even more excited to meet new people and share the mission of Operation Christmas Child.

Toolbox Ministry - Save the Dates!

Did you know we are planning a new layout for the worship area?  The change will prepare for the new welcome center, help sound and video technicians, and increase our worship capacity!
You will need to sign up to find out more. ;-)

Dates: July 20th thru August 1st
Needed: Willing Hands with all skill levels - cleaning, moving items, painting, pre-carpentry (willing to drive a nail or learn how), carpentry

Many hands make light work... or at least fun work!  Check in at Ministry counter to let Tim know when you are available to help out.  This will help him in planning the work.  This can be a wonderful opportunity for families to serve together!

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 each Monday 4-8pm.  Watch for other times.

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am. All welcome.

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30; Study begins about 7pm.  Current Study is "Bad Box."

• 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