Encouraging Me

I mentioned to one of our teams yesterday that this series has been speaking directly to me quite a bit.  Our “40 Days of Courage” has been encouraging me to walk together with God and help others do the same. Watching Joshua and the Israelites choose, over and over again, to trust God has been inspiring to me.  Even when they fail, it is not the end for them.  They get right back up, turn back to God, and go back into battle knowing that God is with them wherever they go.

We’re in our 14th year at Life Bridge Christian Church, now.  We’ve seen a lot over the past 13+ years since our opening day.  We’ve fought a lot of battles against the enemy.  We’ve won some.  We’ve lost some.  Sometimes we struggle with being discouraged and even frightened.  But, like Joshua’s generation, we have remained faithful to God’s call in Valparaiso, Porter County, Chicagoland, and beyond.  God has planted us here to empower one more to walk together with God, and that is exactly what we are doing.

Over the next couple weeks, we will be reminding ourselves of God’s design and plan for our lives.  We will be celebrating where we have been living out this plan.  We will also be challenged to look forward to our next steps in our walk together with God.  I look forward to seeing you there.

International Day of Prayer THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday, November 6th 4pm – Love Costs Everything; 6pm – Prayer Service

We have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who face persecution daily.  Not the kind of persecution that makes us feel uncomfortable or fearful of mentioning our faith at work or school, but persecution that threatens personal safety, their jobs, and so much more.  Christ says that persecution should be expected… the prophets before Christ, Christ himself, the disciples, and followers since have been persecuted… and it continues around the world today.

We will gather to pray for the Church and those facing persecution.  We will be inspired by those who find themselves facing persecution today and count it a blessing to stand among the faithful throughout history. We will be spurred on in our faith… May God be glorified in their lives and in ours.

Events:

• 4pm  - Love Costs Everything (Christ In Youth Documentary) communicates a message of faith and hope amid persecution. Runtime: 105 minutes  (No Child care provided.  Movie does have graphic images.)
• 6pm – Prayer Service
  • A time of worship
  • Video testimony
  • Live interview with Sara Little on Christianity in China
  • Prayer stations
  • Children’s programming available

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing this Wednesday!

The items have been collected.  The shoeboxes are here.  Now its time to pack! 

Our goal is to pack 100 shoeboxes to share God’s love and blessings with kids around the world.  This is a fun event for all ages!
The Packing Party takes place Wednesday, November 9th from 6:30-8pm and includes:
         * An brief video about the mission of OCC
         * Packing of 100 boxes
                                                        * A time of celebration with some munchies!

This is a fun, family-friendly event that allows all of us to make a kingdom impact around the world.  Thanks to all who have helped us to get to this point.  Our God is a mighty God!

Fall Work Day THIS SATURDAY!

Toolbox Ministries Fall Work Day!
Saturday, October 29th 8am-1pm

Join in to freshen up our building and grounds!  Many Hands make light work, not to mention laughter and fun!

Life Bridge In Concert THIS SATURDAY

Life Bridge In Concert

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 

Doors Open at 6:00pm

In Concert is a collection of artistic talent ranging from music and drama to dance and comedy ...

As the weather gets colder, it’s time to come indoors and enjoy the musical and performing gifts of others!  Invite friends and family to enjoy an evening of entertainment, light snacks, and great company.  Plan now to make this a part of your weekend!

Ongoing Events

Check out what is Happening at Life Bridge this week!

Mondays

• Ministry Mondays 6:30-8pm meets to be purposeful in developing our serving skills and to coordinate ministry efforts. All are welcome.
• dIVe (Intentional Valparaiso) is a small group for post-High School and young adults from all over Northwest Indiana. They meet at Life Bridge Cafe on Mondays from 8:00pm-10ish.

Tuesdays

• Tuesday Midweek Bible Study Potluck Dinner at 6:30 followed by studies for children, students, and adults! Current study: "On the Move: 40 Days of Courage”

Thursdays

• Worship Arts Bible Study and Band Practice Thursdays 7-8pm Study followed by band practice 

Sundays

• Worship Service @ Life Bridge 9am & 11am! Current Series: On the Move: 40 Days of Courage
• Encounter Student Worship  Fall Harvest Party at Kersker’s 4-8pm

Ongoing

• Check out the OCC Board at the Ministry Counter for last minute items!
• Want to share what God is doing around you?  For this Series post on your favorite Social Media Site with #MovewithGod… Share with Life Bridge by adding @Empower1More

The Glosses Section

I’ve been struggling this week with Hebrew class because, with all the time I’ve been spending on it, it didn’t seem like I was keeping up.  I had missing puzzle pieces.  We are doing midterm projects and, for Hebrew, this includes translating passages of Scripture.  Parts of the passages, though, were just not making sense.  It was all Greek to me!