Fire Alarms and 1080p

Today, hopefully, they are finishing up an upgrade to the fire alarm system at the Life Bridge building.  This upgrade is the result of an inspection process that began before we started men's shelter for the summer and as the result of updated fire codes for the state of Indiana.  We are making the building safer than ever before.

Last weekend we tried out a new set of video cabling to the monitor in the front of the worship center, the projector in the cafe, and to the video capture machine.  This upgrade is one of a series of upgrades we are putting in place to increase the quality of the digital aspect of our services at Life Bridge.

What do all these changes tell me?

Grillin N Chillin THIS SATURDAY!

Saturday August 29th, 2015
COME RAIN OR SHINE!

Life Bridge Christian Church
1705 Laporte Ave.
Free. Food. Games. Music.

We are looking forward to enjoying time together with one another, family, friends, and our college students return newly returned college students!

Bring family and friends! There will be something for everyone come rain or shine!

Children's Ministry Taco Party 8/30 11am

Children's Ministry August 30th 11am Service

Taco Party!
Our kids earn dots (fuzz balls) for their participation in class, scripture memorization and more.  On Sunday, August 30th at the 11am service K-5th Grade will have a Taco party and some fun activities to review what we've learned.  Come on down and have fun!  All friends are welcome.

Student Ministry Family Night: Through the Decades! This Sunday!

Student Ministry Family Night 
Through the Decades August 30th 6-8pm

Admission: A teenager!

Student serve weekend bring not only opportunities to use our gifts for God, but also opportunities to have fun together!

This Sunday is a Teen Family Night! The theme on August 30th is Through the Decades.

How you can join in the fun:

• Come dressed in your favorite decade
• Bring munchies/drinks to share
• Join in (or enjoy) some family friendly karaoke from across the decades
• Game(s) that have fun with the decades/generations
• Friends are always welcome!

Laundry Soap For New Creation Men's Shelter

LAST WEEKEND!

New Creation Men's Shelter is collecting laundry soap.  Their goal is 100 bottles.  

This serves our homeless men in helping them to get back on their feet!  Drop off a bottle at the ministry counter to participate in supporting this ministry.

500 Turkeys Upcoming Fundraiser Events

Painting in the Park
Life Bridge Christian Church
September 13 4-6pm

Join us September 13th as we host a Painting in the Park event to benefit 500 Turkeys.

A kid focused event 6yrs and over.  Adults are encouraged to join in the fun with your child.
500 Turkeys Mission: Raise enough food and funds to feed 1000 families for Thanksgiving and positively touch as many lives as possible by showing Christ in action.

Register Online:
Tickets are $22 and include all supplies and a snack.
Online ticket available here. 

Turkeys Bunco
Monday, September 21st, 2015 @ 6pm
Life Bridge Christian Church

Rummage Roundup Time for OCC Rummage "No Sale"

It's happening again! What you ask?  

The Operation Christmas Child Rummage "No Sale" September 19th 8am-1pm

This is a rummage sale for our community, but different.  There will be no prices on anything.  It will all be by donation and all proceeds will benefit Operation Christmas Child.  Part of the fun of this event is that it also educates the community about OCC and their mission to make a difference for Christ in the lives of children around the world.

How can you help?

Financial Peace University Coming This Fall

Financial Peace UniversityLife Bridge Christian ChurchSeptember 27-November 221:30-3:30pm

We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

Now is the time, this is the place and now you'll have the tools. We look forward to sharing the journey with you. 

Class materials available at the church for $100 - 1 kit per family participating. 

Questions? please contact Anna Sheets or Teresa Cervik 219-531-7777 x 16 or annasheets@imaginelifedifferently.com

Winter Coat Drive

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

Mondays

• Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
• IV (Intentional Valparaiso) is a small group for post-High School and young adults from all over Northwest Indiana. They meet at Life Bridge on Mondays from 8:30pm-10ish.
• Toolbox Ministries meets on Mondays 4-8pm. Contact Tim Qualkenbush @ (219) 928-8326 with questions.  NO WORK DAYS 8/31-9/7!

Tuesdays

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am.
• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 followed by studies for children, students, and adults! Current study: "Exercising Will."

Wednesdays

• Faith-Based Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm

Thursdays

• Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm
• Women's Bible Study Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. 
• Men's Shelter Service Opportunity 8pm-7am (Shifts & Breakfast)

Continual

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

School Daze

I just finished helping my youngest child, Joshua, purchase his first set of college school books for the upcoming semester.  (He begins next week.)  My middle child is getting ready to travel back to her school next week as well.  My syllabus has already arrived for my school this year, too.  Our family is in a sort of a daze as we are all adjusting our expectations, our schedules, and our budgets to accommodate the next school year.

Grillin' N' Chillin'

Saturday August 29th, 2015

Life Bridge Christian Church
1705 Laporte Ave.
Free. Food. Games. Music.

We are looking forward to enjoying time together with one another, family, and friends! Our college students return the weekend before and we hope to give them a great welcome!

Plan now to invite family and friends! There will be something for everyone.  Food signup is available at the Ministry Counter.

Why the change from the land?  To be more accessible and welcoming for the college students who are returning!  

Celebrating!

Celebrating a Dry Building!

Thanks to all who worked on the roof.  This week's rains proved the fruit of your labors!

Youth Sunday is Around the Corner! August 30th!

5th Sundays are Youth Sundays!

It is an opportunity for students to show their love for God through their talents and to experience God working through them to draw others closer to Him.  Students will have the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities:

• Greeting
• Communion/Offering
• Coffee Bar
• Camera/Sound/Visuals (Grades 6-12 Practice Thursday at 6:00pm)
• Worship Team (Grades 6-12 Practice Thursday at 6:00pm)

New this year is that we are inviting our pre-teens (Grades 4 & 5) to participate at the Coffee Bar,

Fun for Students and Children Sunday, August 30th

Children's Ministry August 30th 11am Service

Taco Party!
Our kids earn dots (fuzz balls) for their participation in class, scripture memorization and more.  On Sunday, August 30th at the 11am service K-5th Grade will have a Taco party and some fun activities to review what we've learned.  Come on down and have fun!  All friends are welcome.

Student Ministry Family Night
Through the Decades August 30th 6-8pm

As 5th Sundays approach, Students prepare throughout the week to serve on Sunday morning, so we have fun on Sunday night!  The theme on August 30th is Through the Decades. Families are welcome to participate in the fun.  Bring munchies to share and come dressed in your favorite decade!  Friends are always welcome.

Collecting Laundry Soap for New Creation Men's Shelter through 8/31!

New Creation Men's Shelter is collecting laundry soap.  Their goal is 100 large bottles.  Drop off a bottle at the ministry counter to participate in supporting this ministry.

Rummage Round Up is On!

It's happening again! What you ask?  

The Operation Christmas Child Rummage "No Sale" September 19th 8am-1pm

This is a rummage sale for our community, but different.  There will be no prices on anything.  It will all be by donation and all proceeds will benefit Operation Christmas Child.  Part of the fun of this event is that it also educates the community about OCC and their mission to make a difference for Christ in the lives of children around the world.

How can you help?

500 Turkeys Bunco Night

500 Turkeys Bunco
Monday, September 21st, 2015 @ 6pm
Life Bridge Christian Church

Please join us for the 7th Annual Bunco Bash Benefit for 500 Turkeys!

Doors open & Silent Auction starts at 6:00pm
Bunco play begins at 6:30pm.

We are inviting all of our friends, male & female, to join the game. With tradition, we will include another silent auction. All proceeds will be given to the 500 Turkeys campaign. Many generous merchants & friends have donated goodies to the auction. Silent auction bids will only be taken in house during the bunco bash. (Cash, check and charge will be accepted)

All tickets this year will be purchased through the Eventbrite site>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-turkey-bunco-silent-auction-tickets-17815376270

Winter Coat Drive

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

Mondays

• Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
• IV (Intentional Valparaiso) is a small group for post-High School and young adults from all over Northwest Indiana. They meet at Life Bridge on Mondays from 8:30pm-10ish.
• Toolbox Ministries meets on Mondays 4-8pm. Contact Tim Qualkenbush @ (219) 928-8326 with questions.

Tuesdays

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am.
• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 followed by studies for children, students, and adults! Adults will be begin "Exercising Will."

Wednesdays

• Faith-Based Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm

Thursdays

• Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm
• Women's Bible Study Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. 
• Men's Shelter Service Opportunity 8pm-7am (Shifts & Breakfast)

Continual

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

Seeing God at Work

I mentioned last week that I enjoy the "behind the scenes" work as much, if not more, than the big event-type ministries.  I think that's because I've had so many people over the years come in with "bad boxes" over church being a "show."  They think we are trying to put on a performance for others to see, whether it be a worship service, a community involvement fundraiser, or even just a Bible-study with a teacher up front.  I can understand the concern

Celebrating God's Work and Our New Brother and Sister!

Grandmother, Terri Jones with 4 of her
grandchildren, Lili and Luke Maynard (top),
and their 2 cousins.
Picture taken on the occasion of Lili and Luke's
baptisms on Sunday, August 9th, 2015!

On Sunday, I got to share a story of one of our families. Many seem to have been encouraged by the story, so I am including it here hoping to touch others.

I told of a grandmother, Terri, who began bringing her grandchildren to church each week in 2006 and how on her Connect Card, she would ask us to pray for her kids and her grandkids.

We prayed each time and God heard... we loved, and He worked...

In 2008, Terri invited Missi, her daughter and Lili and Luke's mom, to church enticing her with coffee throughout the service.  Missi came.  Missi was an atheist... A strong, intelligent atheist that worked to advance it's cause and to undermine the existence of God.  She returned and jumped in with tech/visuals team, but each week she would remind us by saying, "You know I'm an atheist.  I don't really believe this stuff."

Laundry Soap for the Men's Shelter!

New Creation Men's Shelter is collecting laundry soap.  Their goal is 100 large bottles.  Drop off a bottle at the ministry counter to participate in supporting this ministry.

Grillin N Chillin!!!

Saturday August 29th, 2015

Life Bridge Christian Church
1705 Laporte Ave.
Free. Food. Games. Music.

We are looking forward to enjoying time together with one another, family, and friends! Our college students return the weekend before and we hope to give them a great welcome!

Plan now to invite family and friends! There will be something for everyone.  Food signup is available at the Ministry Counter.  

What's Happening at Midweek?

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

We are going to begin "ExercisingYour 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)

Operation Christmas Child Rummage "No Sale" is Acomin'!

It's happening again! What you ask?  

The Operation Christmas Child Rummage "No Sale" September 19th 8am-1pm

This is a rummage sale for our community, but different.  There will be no prices on anything.  It will all be by donation and all proceeds will benefit Operation Christmas Child.  Part of the fun of this event is that it also educates the community about OCC and their mission to make a difference for Christ in the lives of children around the world.

How can you help?

500 Turkeys Bunco

500 Turkeys Bunco
Monday, September 21st, 2015 @ 6pm
Life Bridge Christian Church

Please join us for the 7th Annual Bunco Bash Benefit for 500 Turkeys!

Doors open & Silent Auction starts at 6:00pm
Bunco play begins at 6:30pm.

We are inviting all of our friends, male & female, to join the game. With tradition, we will include another silent auction. All proceeds will be given to the 500 Turkeys campaign. Many generous merchants & friends have donated goodies to the auction. Silent auction bids will only be taken in house during the bunco bash. (Cash, check and charge will be accepted)

All tickets this year will be purchased through the Eventbrite site>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-turkey-bunco-silent-auction-tickets-17815376270

Ongoing Events

• Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.

• IV (Intentional Valparaiso) is a small group for post-High School and young adults from all over Northwest Indiana.  They meet at Life Bridge on Mondays from 8:30pm-10ish.

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

• Tuesday Morning Bible Study 10am.

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

Behind The Scenes

I enjoy watching people's reactions as they walk into the Worship Center now.  "It looks so much bigger," they are saying.  I just smile, thinking about all the people who put their time, energy, and effort into making room for more people to walk together with God.  I also think about how much of the work is "behind the scenes" and simply not seen.  This week, for example,

Changing More Than the Outside

Changing More Than the Outside 

by Tim Qualkenbush

During the two week period of rearranging the worship area, a lot of amazing things happened.

First, we worked very hard and very well together.  We had a great time laughing, joking and even some serious conversation.  It was a true joy to experience.  During this time of work we had a talented young man here working off his pact time hours.  This young man was offered to work elsewhere and earn time and a half for every hour he worked.  He chose to stay and work here because he felt the need to stay and work with all of us.  We also had two students join us everyday, showing up with great attitudes no matter how sore or how messy the job.  Their response when asked if they can be there again the next day was that they were happy to be there because they knew they were working for God.  It was great to see the young and old working together.

Fight Club Launches Tonight 10PM

Fight Club
Friday, Aug 7th 10pm - TONIGHT!
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 This Saturday!

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 1000 families for Thanksgiving this year.  That's an estimated 4000 people in need that will get a FULL BOX OF FOOD.

Come on out and enjoy the music and fun 

with family and friends!

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

Cleanse. Fill. Pour. Women's Conference Deadline This Weekend.

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.

New Creation - Laundry Soap Collection

New Creation Men's Shelter is collecting laundry soap.  Their goal is 100 large bottles.  Drop off a bottle at the ministry counter to participate in supporting this ministry.

Midweek Tuesdays - "Exercising 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)

Grillin' N' Chillin' 2015

Saturday August 29th, 2015

Life Bridge Land
State Route 2 (2 miles south of US 30)
Free. Food. Games. Music.

Plan now to invite 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 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 "Exercising 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.