Reasons To Be Sad

Yesterday, I noticed that our weather forecast was calling for 50% chance of snow.  Last night, Traci called to me from the kitchen, “You know that 50% chance?  It’s here.”  I had joked with people about dreaming of a white Easter.  It’s not outside the realm of possibility, is it?  I like snow, so that normally doesn’t bring me down – especially considering the mild winter we’ve been having.  I do find myself feeling a bit of an oppression today, though.  I’m pretty sure it wasn’t because I saw snow flurries again this morning as I let the dog out.

Easter

Good Friday Service Friday, March 25th, 2016 7pm

Come join us for what has now become a Life Bridge tradition. Written by our own Frank Guzzo, the first part of the Resurrection Suite will prepare you and your family to celebrate the real meaning of Easter.

Easter Sunday, March 27th, 2016 9am & 11am

Join us with your family to celebrate the greatest event in all of history.  Together we will remember that Jesus really provides for us the Path of Life.

Operation Christmas Child

Special Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday, April 3rd, 2016 Join us to hear from an OCC Shoebox recipient, Azima Ndimbe from Cameroon at either of our weekend services (9 & 11am)
• Saturday, Bunco April 23rd 2-4pm $10 All proceeds will go toward helping with shipping of the shoeboxes to kids around the world.

Get your Bunco ticket online at OCC Shoebox Bunco
Currently Collecting:
Washcloths & Soap

A Little Bit of Everything

The last couple weeks included a mix of ups and downs that really made me back up and survey what has happened.

Celebrations!

Circles of Grace Hilltop Dinner kicks off at Life Bridge!

Over 35 people came to enjoy a taco dinner this past Friday and to enjoy connecting with the community.  These dinners are about making life a little easier for some in our community, but also about building relationships in which our neighbors can see Christ through those who serve. 

These dinners take place the 2nd Friday of each month courtesy of Circles of Grace, based out of Kouts Christian Church.  Join in to help create a welcoming environment at Life Bridge for our neighbors.The next dinner will be on Friday, April 8th.

Pamper Night Honors Women

For the past 10 years we have loved the ladies and children of the local battered women’s shelter with an event called Pamper Night.  With a summer luau theme, March 5 we showered 7 ladies and 3 kids with the love of Christ, giving them ultimate pampering.  Everything was supplied from donations of time, gifts and services by people right here in our church and surrounding community.  They were treated to limo transportation, dinner, childcare, manicures, pedicures, makeup, hair cut & style, live entertainment, dancing and lots of gifts for them to continue feeling beautiful long after this event.  

Thank you to all the volunteers for their time in planning, prepping, caring & loving.  Thanks to all those who donated and helped to provide the gifts and food to make it extra special.  Thanks to Thrivent Financial for the Action Team box of supplies, t-shirts and cash donation.  God is good.  

Leadership and Love

I admitted last week that I am a bit of a political junkie.  I like to watch the politicians, the contests, the debates, the polls, and the results.  Now, I don’t select a candidate, support someone, and preach about it on the weekend.  That’s because I believe what we are doing as God’s Church is much bigger than any individual political contest.  That being said, I’ve found myself saddened by the primary contests I’ve been watching so far.

Don’t Forget to Change Your Clocks!

Easter 2016

Good Friday Service Friday, March 25th, 2016 7pm

Come join us for what has now become a Life Bridge tradition. Written by our own Frank Guzzo, the first part of the Resurrection Suite will prepare you and your family to celebrate the real meaning of Easter.

Easter Sunday, March 27th, 2016 9am & 11am

Join us with your family to celebrate the greatest event in all of history.  Together we will remember that Jesus really provides for us the Path of Life.

Celebrating Our First Grill Out of the Season!

This past Sunday we had our first grill out of the season!  These lunches are being well received by all. 

There was much more than great food going on as we enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, and all the culinary gifts with which God has endowed His body.  As we eat and indulge in one another's company, conversations are taking place, relationships are being strengthened, and the body of Christ is being built up!

Thanks to all who provided food, served in its preparation and cleanup.  Also thanks to all who willingly enter conversations and allow God to use you to be an encouragement to someone. 
It is a beautiful thing to watch how God works!

Operation Christmas Child

Special Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday, April 3rd, 2016  Join us to hear from an OCC Shoebox recipient, Azima Ndimbe from Cameroon at either of our weekend services (9 & 11am)
• Saturday, Bunco April 23rd 2-4pm $10 

Currently Collecting: Washcloths & Soap

InConcert is Coming!!!

Friday, April 15
Doors at 6pm – 8:30-9pm

What is InConcert? InConcert is family-friendly entertainment including (but not limited to!) musical performances, dramatic readings, dance, and more.

If you are interested in performing or providing munchies, Contact Frank Guzzo at Frank@ImagineLifeDifferently.com

The Invisible Church

I had a professor once who talked about the “Invisible Church.”  He was referring to the Body of Christ, working together under the leading of God, glorifying God and building up the Body.  This Church is invisible, because it isn’t really tied to any organizational structure, denominational theological structure, or power base.  It is simply made up of the people who are a part of Christ’s Body, walking with God and building up the Body.

Sit & Savor Cookout THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday March 6th Immediately following 2nd service

We will be having our first cookout of 2016! Sign up at the Ministry Counter to help out.
There are many ways to be a part of creating a welcoming environment and fostering relationships…

• Come and enjoy the meal and the company!
• Sign up to help provide food/dishes
• Serve in setup and clean up
• Donate money toward meat/supplies

Plan now to attend and invite Friends and Family.

OCC Now Collecting Washcloths and Soap

We take simple things like a washcloth and soap for granted, but for a child in a third world country it is an incredible gift!  Be a part of helping kids live healthier lives as we share God’s love with them!

Drop off donations of washcloths and soap at the Ministry Counter.

Kairos Jesus Cookie Time!

Kairos Prison Ministry's Spring Outreaches are coming up! Here are just a couple ways you can support Kairos' efforts:
Sign up online for a time slot in the prayer vigil for Indiana State Prison April 21-24, 2016 and/or Westville Correctional Center May 12-15, 2016.
Ways to Participate:

• Bake Cookies
• Make Hand prints of children
• Purchase a meal ticket for feed an inmate a special meal

Bake cookies and freeze them. (Each weekend service to a prison requires 3500-5000 DOZEN cookies! Special recipe required.)
It's never too soon to begin making cookies!

Ongoing Events

Greenhouse Cafe

M-TH 10am-4pm

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.

Tuesdays

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 followed by studies for children, students, and adults! Current study: "Imagine" Deeper

Wednesdays

• Midweek Movie Matinee Noon – Bring your lunch and enjoy!
• Faith-Based Cancer Support Group (regularly meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Life Bridge 6:30-8pm)
• Questions? Bible Study 7pm

Thursdays

• Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 6:30-9pm

Sundays

• Worship Service Sundays 9am & 11am Current Series: “The Path of Life”
• Encounter Student Worship Sundays 6-8pm Current Series: “Jesus and Your Image”

Ongoing

• OCC is currently collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste