Exit 83 Jr. High Ministry Encourages Relationships With Jesus, Others
By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Jr. High Ministries
Exit 83 Jr. High Ministry is looking forward to another summer with students because we love student ministry and want to share Christ’s love with them. This summer we have numerous events and ways for students to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that if you are the parent of a jr. high student or know a student within your sphere of influence, you will invite them to be a part of the Exit 83 Jr. High Ministry.
One event that we are super excited about is this year’s summer camp! This year we are going to San Elijo State Beach and the theme is “Stand Up,” which will focus on students owning their faith in their everyday lives. We are going to enjoy the surf, sand, and God’s scripture from July 13-19. This is a great way for students to break away from everyday life and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. We will be sending out lots of info in the near future, but we want you to put the dates in your family calendar.
Another event and way for students to enjoy the summer here at Exit 83 is our youth beach trips. In the coming months we will be taking some day trips to local beaches. These kinds of events are great ways for the staff to connect with students and speak truth into their lives. We hope that your student will be able to go!
Last, but certainly not least…we have our consistent Tuesday night gatherings where we focus on fun, friendships, and faith. It is a great way for your students to get connected with peers and staff, where we teach jr. high students in a relevant way that connects with their lives. I hope that we will have the opportunity to share Christ with your student this summer!
Exit 83 Jr. High Ministry is looking forward to another summer with students because we love student ministry and want to share Christ’s love with them. This summer we have numerous events and ways for students to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that if you are the parent of a jr. high student or know a student within your sphere of influence, you will invite them to be a part of the Exit 83 Jr. High Ministry.
One event that we are super excited about is this year’s summer camp! This year we are going to San Elijo State Beach and the theme is “Stand Up,” which will focus on students owning their faith in their everyday lives. We are going to enjoy the surf, sand, and God’s scripture from July 13-19. This is a great way for students to break away from everyday life and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. We will be sending out lots of info in the near future, but we want you to put the dates in your family calendar.
Another event and way for students to enjoy the summer here at Exit 83 is our youth beach trips. In the coming months we will be taking some day trips to local beaches. These kinds of events are great ways for the staff to connect with students and speak truth into their lives. We hope that your student will be able to go!
Last, but certainly not least…we have our consistent Tuesday night gatherings where we focus on fun, friendships, and faith. It is a great way for your students to get connected with peers and staff, where we teach jr. high students in a relevant way that connects with their lives. I hope that we will have the opportunity to share Christ with your student this summer!
God Rocks! Tour Coming to LBF
By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children's Ministries
Friday, May 23, 7 p.m. – The God Rocks! Cry Out and Living Stones live events are professionally produced family concerts for kids of all ages. Utilizing large screen animation, state-of-the-art digital playback for audio and video, and a professional ministry performance team, the tour has been experienced by over 200,000 children across North America since its inception in 2003.
Spreading the Good News through song, the live version of the God Rocks! band includes Splinter, Chip, Gem, and Carb. And now they are coming to Life Bible Fellowship Church! Families won’t want to miss this concert! This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, and relatives to church! There is no charge for this concert. God Rocks! will have CDs, DVDs, and other items on sale the night of the concert.
Here’s what some churches who have had God Rocks! concerts have to say:
“God Rocks! is so culturally relevant to kids today – connecting with both churched and non-churched children – and their Gospel
message is crystal clear!” Mindy Hall, Atlantic Shores Baptist Church
“The God Rocks show was exciting and fun to watch...They presented an excellent message that our kids really responded to.” Sondra Saunders, Prestonwood Baptist Church
Friday, May 23, 7 p.m. – The God Rocks! Cry Out and Living Stones live events are professionally produced family concerts for kids of all ages. Utilizing large screen animation, state-of-the-art digital playback for audio and video, and a professional ministry performance team, the tour has been experienced by over 200,000 children across North America since its inception in 2003.
Spreading the Good News through song, the live version of the God Rocks! band includes Splinter, Chip, Gem, and Carb. And now they are coming to Life Bible Fellowship Church! Families won’t want to miss this concert! This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, and relatives to church! There is no charge for this concert. God Rocks! will have CDs, DVDs, and other items on sale the night of the concert.
Here’s what some churches who have had God Rocks! concerts have to say:
“God Rocks! is so culturally relevant to kids today – connecting with both churched and non-churched children – and their Gospel
message is crystal clear!” Mindy Hall, Atlantic Shores Baptist Church
“The God Rocks show was exciting and fun to watch...They presented an excellent message that our kids really responded to.” Sondra Saunders, Prestonwood Baptist Church
Parents' Night Out is Off and Running!
By Edna Myers, Pastor of Family Life Ministries
You could describe the first month of our new ministry, Parents’ Night Out, as “successful” or “a big hit!” Couples came with their children; some parents stayed and enjoyed playing with the kids while others had an evening out.
This weekly ministry provides complimentary childcare for babies to children 12 years old. The adults who benefit from this ministry provide the childcare, therefore this is for families who call LBF their church home or are part of Mom-to-Mom. (All adults will go through our fingerprinting procedures in order to be with the children.)
Parent’s Night Out is every Saturday, from 4-8 p.m., in rooms 108, 109, and 110. If you have any questions, please contact Trilby Bias @ 975-1130.
You could describe the first month of our new ministry, Parents’ Night Out, as “successful” or “a big hit!” Couples came with their children; some parents stayed and enjoyed playing with the kids while others had an evening out.
This weekly ministry provides complimentary childcare for babies to children 12 years old. The adults who benefit from this ministry provide the childcare, therefore this is for families who call LBF their church home or are part of Mom-to-Mom. (All adults will go through our fingerprinting procedures in order to be with the children.)
Parent’s Night Out is every Saturday, from 4-8 p.m., in rooms 108, 109, and 110. If you have any questions, please contact Trilby Bias @ 975-1130.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
By Melissa Hunt, LBF Sound Technician
“Turn up the electric guitar!”
“I can’t hear the bass.”
“Do you know how loud it is?”
“I think I’m getting ear damage!”
“Turn it up!”
These are some of the comments we receive about the music at LBF. Working behind the soundboard is quite the job! My name is Melissa Hunt and I am the sound tech at LBF. I was hired a few years ago after I went to school to get my certificate in Sound Engineering. I am here to say that we are not ignoring your comments and we are working hard to make LBF’s music sound the best it can. So I thought it would be helpful to give you the inside scoop on the sound situation at LBF.
Let me start with the equipment. The building we are in was set up for sound over ten years ago and like any technology that is more than a decade old, the system shows its age. Besides the quality of sound, one of the big things we struggle with is the coverage of sound. For instance, if you were to walk around the room during worship you would hear how the sound dramatically changes depending where you are standing. For example, in some areas of the room the drums are very loud, but in other places you can barely hear them. All of us who do sound are very aware of this, so during rehearsal we walk the room and try to make adjustments to make the sound as even as possible. We do our best, but the laws of physics only allow us to work so many miracles.
Another issue that we receive comments about is that the music is too loud and that we are causing ear damage. I have been doing some research on OSHA standards and where some other churches keep their sound levels. I have found that many churches keep their sound between 92-95dB (decibel is the unit in which we measure sound pressure level). I have been keeping a log of our Sunday morning services and we average about 80-90dB and we peak between 91-96dB (when we peak it’s for a very short time). OSHA’s standards say that the human ear would have to listen to a constant 95dB for four hours to experience any ear damage. Our worship sets typically last about 25 minutes and never come close to staying at a constant 90dB level. Now I know that was a lot of technical jargon, but the bottom line is that your ears are not being damaged and our sound level is consistent with other churches.
If during a service the level is low, say 82dB, and it still seems too loud, the problem sometimes lies with the EQ rather than the actual loudness of the overall mix. EQ, or equalizing, is the process of boosting or cutting individual frequencies. Our ears hear frequencies from 20hertz-20,000hertz. On our soundboard we have the ability to manipulate these frequencies for every instrument and voice. When a mix is piercing and it’s not very loud, there is probably an EQ issue. As sound engineers, we try to narrow down which frequency is making everyone cringe and which instrument or vocal it’s coming from and cut it out of the mix. It takes a lot of ear training, understanding, and practice to fully grasp EQ’ing. Each of the sound techs at LBF attended a church sound workshop to learn more on the art of EQ’ing and other areas of mixing.
There are many variables that determine how a person hears music. Did you know that ears respond differently on any given day with regards to health, tension, humidity, temperature, caffeine, and sugar consumption? Even mental preparedness can affect the muscles in the ear and make you more or less prepared for exposure to sound. These are all things that we as sound techs cannot control, but what we can control we do our best to accomplish.
Currently there are four people who run the soundboard at LBF: Erik Jacobsen, Seth Shafer, Pete Stamatis, and myself. All of us have had training and are talented sound techs. We are not here to push the limits and see just how loud we can get it! Rather, we are working very hard to make the musical aspect of worship sound the best it can. Our sound techs are continually learning and improving their mixing techniques. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have. After all, we want worship to sound great just as much as you do, but sometimes it’s not simply a matter of turning it up or down!
“Turn up the electric guitar!”
“I can’t hear the bass.”
“Do you know how loud it is?”
“I think I’m getting ear damage!”
“Turn it up!”
These are some of the comments we receive about the music at LBF. Working behind the soundboard is quite the job! My name is Melissa Hunt and I am the sound tech at LBF. I was hired a few years ago after I went to school to get my certificate in Sound Engineering. I am here to say that we are not ignoring your comments and we are working hard to make LBF’s music sound the best it can. So I thought it would be helpful to give you the inside scoop on the sound situation at LBF.
Let me start with the equipment. The building we are in was set up for sound over ten years ago and like any technology that is more than a decade old, the system shows its age. Besides the quality of sound, one of the big things we struggle with is the coverage of sound. For instance, if you were to walk around the room during worship you would hear how the sound dramatically changes depending where you are standing. For example, in some areas of the room the drums are very loud, but in other places you can barely hear them. All of us who do sound are very aware of this, so during rehearsal we walk the room and try to make adjustments to make the sound as even as possible. We do our best, but the laws of physics only allow us to work so many miracles.
Another issue that we receive comments about is that the music is too loud and that we are causing ear damage. I have been doing some research on OSHA standards and where some other churches keep their sound levels. I have found that many churches keep their sound between 92-95dB (decibel is the unit in which we measure sound pressure level). I have been keeping a log of our Sunday morning services and we average about 80-90dB and we peak between 91-96dB (when we peak it’s for a very short time). OSHA’s standards say that the human ear would have to listen to a constant 95dB for four hours to experience any ear damage. Our worship sets typically last about 25 minutes and never come close to staying at a constant 90dB level. Now I know that was a lot of technical jargon, but the bottom line is that your ears are not being damaged and our sound level is consistent with other churches.
If during a service the level is low, say 82dB, and it still seems too loud, the problem sometimes lies with the EQ rather than the actual loudness of the overall mix. EQ, or equalizing, is the process of boosting or cutting individual frequencies. Our ears hear frequencies from 20hertz-20,000hertz. On our soundboard we have the ability to manipulate these frequencies for every instrument and voice. When a mix is piercing and it’s not very loud, there is probably an EQ issue. As sound engineers, we try to narrow down which frequency is making everyone cringe and which instrument or vocal it’s coming from and cut it out of the mix. It takes a lot of ear training, understanding, and practice to fully grasp EQ’ing. Each of the sound techs at LBF attended a church sound workshop to learn more on the art of EQ’ing and other areas of mixing.
There are many variables that determine how a person hears music. Did you know that ears respond differently on any given day with regards to health, tension, humidity, temperature, caffeine, and sugar consumption? Even mental preparedness can affect the muscles in the ear and make you more or less prepared for exposure to sound. These are all things that we as sound techs cannot control, but what we can control we do our best to accomplish.
Currently there are four people who run the soundboard at LBF: Erik Jacobsen, Seth Shafer, Pete Stamatis, and myself. All of us have had training and are talented sound techs. We are not here to push the limits and see just how loud we can get it! Rather, we are working very hard to make the musical aspect of worship sound the best it can. Our sound techs are continually learning and improving their mixing techniques. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have. After all, we want worship to sound great just as much as you do, but sometimes it’s not simply a matter of turning it up or down!
Reaching Out: The Value of a Visit
By Carol Hawkins, Ministry Support
My story has to do with reaching out – across the Pacific Ocean and across cultural lines to northern Thailand. In October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Pete and Mary Quesenberry and their son, Wynn, in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Pete and Mary have been serving overseas for about 28 years and LBF is one of their sending churches. Even though I’ve known them and prayed for them throughout the years, I’ve never spent extended time with them, only short visits when they’ve been home. Because I was already in Thailand for a conference, it seemed like a perfect time to travel a little further north to see them.
Pete and Mary work with an organization called the Mekong Minority Foundation (MFF) that works directly with several groups of hill tribe people who live in northern Thailand. Pete and Mary were very gracious hosts in taking us throughout the area, introducing us to some of the people they work with, showing us the new building for their ministry that LBF helped finance (pictured left), taking us to a church service that the Mong Tribe was hosting in thanksgiving to God for their rice harvest, and much more. They took us elephant-riding; drove us up to the “Golden Triangle” where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet (pictured right); showed us the ropes when shopping in the “night market” and buying food from street vendors (even bugs); helped us learn some Thai words; and the list goes on. They were such wonderful hosts.
Even though I brought gifts from home for the Quesenberry family, I realized that the biggest gift of all was the visit. I hadn’t given a lot of thought to it before, but when you’re living in a foreign country and so far away from home, a visit from home is such a huge gift. I was able to encourage them by just being there with them and experiencing life with them. It was good for me to see their surroundings, their home, meet their friends, see where they work and with whom they work, see the landscape of their country, eat the food they eat, and get a taste of their life. It was such a fun experience and such a blessing. When I think of Pete, Mary, and Wynn now, I can visualize their home and their community.
There is eternal value in a visit – something that isn’t too difficult to accomplish, but it says so much. I would encourage others to consider visiting a missionary during a vacation. It will change your life – and theirs too!
My story has to do with reaching out – across the Pacific Ocean and across cultural lines to northern Thailand. In October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Pete and Mary Quesenberry and their son, Wynn, in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Pete and Mary have been serving overseas for about 28 years and LBF is one of their sending churches. Even though I’ve known them and prayed for them throughout the years, I’ve never spent extended time with them, only short visits when they’ve been home. Because I was already in Thailand for a conference, it seemed like a perfect time to travel a little further north to see them.
Pete and Mary work with an organization called the Mekong Minority Foundation (MFF) that works directly with several groups of hill tribe people who live in northern Thailand. Pete and Mary were very gracious hosts in taking us throughout the area, introducing us to some of the people they work with, showing us the new building for their ministry that LBF helped finance (pictured left), taking us to a church service that the Mong Tribe was hosting in thanksgiving to God for their rice harvest, and much more. They took us elephant-riding; drove us up to the “Golden Triangle” where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet (pictured right); showed us the ropes when shopping in the “night market” and buying food from street vendors (even bugs); helped us learn some Thai words; and the list goes on. They were such wonderful hosts.
Even though I brought gifts from home for the Quesenberry family, I realized that the biggest gift of all was the visit. I hadn’t given a lot of thought to it before, but when you’re living in a foreign country and so far away from home, a visit from home is such a huge gift. I was able to encourage them by just being there with them and experiencing life with them. It was good for me to see their surroundings, their home, meet their friends, see where they work and with whom they work, see the landscape of their country, eat the food they eat, and get a taste of their life. It was such a fun experience and such a blessing. When I think of Pete, Mary, and Wynn now, I can visualize their home and their community.
There is eternal value in a visit – something that isn’t too difficult to accomplish, but it says so much. I would encourage others to consider visiting a missionary during a vacation. It will change your life – and theirs too!
Reflecting on 37 Years of Blessings
By Edna Myers, Pastor of Family Life Ministries
Many of you have been a part of LBF for years and have experienced and seen God’s blessings on this church. We are going to have a night of celebration and give God glory for what He has done as we reflect on our history of 37 years.
We will enjoy an evening dessert as we remember through stories, songs, and pictures what happened through the years. Can you imagine singing some of the songs we sang while at Houtz Egg Ranch in the egg sorting shed? We won’t be able to recreate the smells we had at Sweeten Hall, but maybe we don’t want too! We can tell stories of what we experienced there. We will hear the story of the Mont Vista Miracle (the purchase of this property). Do you remember the wagon wheel lights hanging from the ceiling and the knotty pine walls in what we now call The Garage? How about the picnics and luaus? This is just a taste of what we will reminisce about that night.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear about the history of LBF and what God has done in our midst, then plan to attend this “Glory to God” event. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 18, 6-8 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children under nine years old; children 10 and older are welcome to attend. Watch for more information about ticket sales coming soon.
Many of you have been a part of LBF for years and have experienced and seen God’s blessings on this church. We are going to have a night of celebration and give God glory for what He has done as we reflect on our history of 37 years.
We will enjoy an evening dessert as we remember through stories, songs, and pictures what happened through the years. Can you imagine singing some of the songs we sang while at Houtz Egg Ranch in the egg sorting shed? We won’t be able to recreate the smells we had at Sweeten Hall, but maybe we don’t want too! We can tell stories of what we experienced there. We will hear the story of the Mont Vista Miracle (the purchase of this property). Do you remember the wagon wheel lights hanging from the ceiling and the knotty pine walls in what we now call The Garage? How about the picnics and luaus? This is just a taste of what we will reminisce about that night.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear about the history of LBF and what God has done in our midst, then plan to attend this “Glory to God” event. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 18, 6-8 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children under nine years old; children 10 and older are welcome to attend. Watch for more information about ticket sales coming soon.
Exit 83 Goes Hungry
By Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
Well it’s official, teenagers do actually care about other people! It was exciting to see almost 70 jr. high and high school students file into The Garage on Friday night, February 22, having not eaten since 10 a.m., as participants in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine.
The night began with each student being given a “disease or infirmity” common around the world. Everything from polio, which was represented by putting on a leg splint, to gangrene and having one arm tied behind their back simulating amputation. From 6-10:30 p.m. students got to experience not only hunger, but what it would be like to have a sickness or an injury without any opportunity to receive medication or treatment.
As the night progressed, we had some fun times playing third-world dodgeball, which taught the students a great lesson about the disadvantages that developing nations are up against. We also had some great times of worship through music and personal reflection on what God was doing in the hearts of the students through this event.
Wake up call came at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, February 23, and the students were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! Okay, two of the students were bright-eyed, the rest took some warming up. We had a full day ahead of us that began by doing some much-needed work around the church, including clearing out storage closets, painting rooms, and spreading mulch in the planters all over the campus. The students worked really hard and the day had just begun.
Once we finished up around the church, we headed out to do some service projects for local ministries. One of the projects was with Mercy House, a ministry to homeless people.
Some of the facilities were in need of maintenance and it was our pleasure to come in and make lighter work with our many hands. For another project we went to an orange grove in Alta Loma where the owners were gracious enough to give us free access to their oranges. The group picked and picked and picked and was able to gather enough oranges to fill hundreds of bags, which were then offered at the weekend services for a donation. LBF members were a huge support and donated $2,642! Thank you so much. That money will be added to the rest of the funds raised to donate to World Vision. The rest of the oranges were taken down to Tent City in Ontario. Our third work project was at Pacific Lifeline, which ministers to homeless women and their children. We were glad to help with projects around the facilities like cleaning out a storage garage, planting flowers, weeding, and painting bedrooms.
It was exciting to see students who hate to clean their own room or do chores around their house be so willing to work really hard all day to help others in need. This event has taught many lessons to both students and staff about the need around the world and the importance of stepping out into our community and meeting the needs that are so close to us.
I am so blessed to say that we can all take a lesson from what was seen this weekend with the youth of our church – a willingness to serve and give of themselves without any thought as to what they would receive from it. They saw a need and they met it. The famine concluded at 4 p.m. Saturday with communion and then we broke the fast with rice and chicken broth. Thank you all for your support through this event.
Well it’s official, teenagers do actually care about other people! It was exciting to see almost 70 jr. high and high school students file into The Garage on Friday night, February 22, having not eaten since 10 a.m., as participants in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine.
The night began with each student being given a “disease or infirmity” common around the world. Everything from polio, which was represented by putting on a leg splint, to gangrene and having one arm tied behind their back simulating amputation. From 6-10:30 p.m. students got to experience not only hunger, but what it would be like to have a sickness or an injury without any opportunity to receive medication or treatment.
As the night progressed, we had some fun times playing third-world dodgeball, which taught the students a great lesson about the disadvantages that developing nations are up against. We also had some great times of worship through music and personal reflection on what God was doing in the hearts of the students through this event.
Wake up call came at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, February 23, and the students were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! Okay, two of the students were bright-eyed, the rest took some warming up. We had a full day ahead of us that began by doing some much-needed work around the church, including clearing out storage closets, painting rooms, and spreading mulch in the planters all over the campus. The students worked really hard and the day had just begun.
Once we finished up around the church, we headed out to do some service projects for local ministries. One of the projects was with Mercy House, a ministry to homeless people.
Some of the facilities were in need of maintenance and it was our pleasure to come in and make lighter work with our many hands. For another project we went to an orange grove in Alta Loma where the owners were gracious enough to give us free access to their oranges. The group picked and picked and picked and was able to gather enough oranges to fill hundreds of bags, which were then offered at the weekend services for a donation. LBF members were a huge support and donated $2,642! Thank you so much. That money will be added to the rest of the funds raised to donate to World Vision. The rest of the oranges were taken down to Tent City in Ontario. Our third work project was at Pacific Lifeline, which ministers to homeless women and their children. We were glad to help with projects around the facilities like cleaning out a storage garage, planting flowers, weeding, and painting bedrooms.
It was exciting to see students who hate to clean their own room or do chores around their house be so willing to work really hard all day to help others in need. This event has taught many lessons to both students and staff about the need around the world and the importance of stepping out into our community and meeting the needs that are so close to us.
I am so blessed to say that we can all take a lesson from what was seen this weekend with the youth of our church – a willingness to serve and give of themselves without any thought as to what they would receive from it. They saw a need and they met it. The famine concluded at 4 p.m. Saturday with communion and then we broke the fast with rice and chicken broth. Thank you all for your support through this event.
Hey! I Can't Find a Parking Space!
By Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
For nearly a month now I have had people come and tell me there is no parking available during the 9:30 service on Sundays. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s good because it tells us that people are coming to church. It’s bad because for those who are new, once they can’t find a place to park they most likely won’t come back. Ouch!
When this was a problem in the past, we got permission from Albertson’s management for the staff and worship team to park across the street. Currently that is not an option, so we need to do something else in the meantime. Would you consider implementing any of the following ideas?
These are only short-term solutions. I hope that once a new tenant moves in across the street we will once again be able to use that parking lot for overflow, but until then we’ll do the best we can. Thanks for considering and acting on the above ideas.
For nearly a month now I have had people come and tell me there is no parking available during the 9:30 service on Sundays. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s good because it tells us that people are coming to church. It’s bad because for those who are new, once they can’t find a place to park they most likely won’t come back. Ouch!
When this was a problem in the past, we got permission from Albertson’s management for the staff and worship team to park across the street. Currently that is not an option, so we need to do something else in the meantime. Would you consider implementing any of the following ideas?
- Families can carpool to church – I know of families who come in as many as three different cars.
- Try attending a different service – There is plenty of room at the 8 and 11 a.m. services.
- Leave the spaces in the front lot marked for first-time guests open – I have noticed long-time members using those marked spots.
These are only short-term solutions. I hope that once a new tenant moves in across the street we will once again be able to use that parking lot for overflow, but until then we’ll do the best we can. Thanks for considering and acting on the above ideas.
Parents' Night Out
By Trilby Bias
Parents’ Night Out is a new ministry starting Saturday, March 8, from 4-8 p.m. This weekly ministry provides complimentary childcare for children birth through age 12, giving parents an opportunity for a night out. The adults who benefit from this ministry will provide the childcare, operating on a ticket system. Each family starts out with a ticket good for one evening out. After that, parents earn another ticket by providing childcare for an evening. Both couples and single parents can benefit from this ministry.
This ministry is for families who call LBF their church home or are part of Mom-to-Mom. All volunteers will go through our fingerprinting procedures in order to be with the children.
If you have questions or would like to be involved in Parents’ Night Out, please contact Trilby Bias @ 975-1130.
Parents’ Night Out is a new ministry starting Saturday, March 8, from 4-8 p.m. This weekly ministry provides complimentary childcare for children birth through age 12, giving parents an opportunity for a night out. The adults who benefit from this ministry will provide the childcare, operating on a ticket system. Each family starts out with a ticket good for one evening out. After that, parents earn another ticket by providing childcare for an evening. Both couples and single parents can benefit from this ministry.
This ministry is for families who call LBF their church home or are part of Mom-to-Mom. All volunteers will go through our fingerprinting procedures in order to be with the children.
If you have questions or would like to be involved in Parents’ Night Out, please contact Trilby Bias @ 975-1130.
Higher Grounds Coffee House Makeover
By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development
Some of you might have noticed some changes made to our Higher Grounds Coffee House recently. The coffee house received a new paint job (thanks to our college group) and a new seating arrangement. The goal was to create a more simple, open, and friendly environment.
We are now proudly serving Pura Vida Coffee, which was started by a couple of Christian businessmen to help empower the poor in coffee-growing regions.
“We believe in a different approach to business. One driven by good rather than need. One that sees capitalism as an agent for compassion. Operated for charitable benefit, Pura Vida helps farmers, families, and at-risk children in coffee-growing communities around the world to build more hopeful futures. The work of Pura Vida is rooted in a desire to empower the poor in coffee-growing regions of the world. We welcome all people to serve with us in partnership.” www.puravidacoffee.com
So now when you sip coffee from the Higher Grounds Coffee House, you are giving back to help others. Pretty cool, eh?
What goes with coffee? Why donuts of course. I must admit, I love donuts. For as long as I can remember, I have partaken in the Sunday morning treat. If you’re like me, and there are a lot of you (we order 23 dozen donuts per weekend), you can relax because we will continue our donut service. But if you are one of those more health conscious types, you should know we are now selling bagels. So come on down and enjoy a toasted bagel, cup of Pura Vida, and a conversation in the Higher Grounds Coffee House.
If you would like to volunteer in the Coffee House, we’d love to have you! Please contact Julie Irvin.
Some of you might have noticed some changes made to our Higher Grounds Coffee House recently. The coffee house received a new paint job (thanks to our college group) and a new seating arrangement. The goal was to create a more simple, open, and friendly environment.
We are now proudly serving Pura Vida Coffee, which was started by a couple of Christian businessmen to help empower the poor in coffee-growing regions.
“We believe in a different approach to business. One driven by good rather than need. One that sees capitalism as an agent for compassion. Operated for charitable benefit, Pura Vida helps farmers, families, and at-risk children in coffee-growing communities around the world to build more hopeful futures. The work of Pura Vida is rooted in a desire to empower the poor in coffee-growing regions of the world. We welcome all people to serve with us in partnership.” www.puravidacoffee.com
So now when you sip coffee from the Higher Grounds Coffee House, you are giving back to help others. Pretty cool, eh?
What goes with coffee? Why donuts of course. I must admit, I love donuts. For as long as I can remember, I have partaken in the Sunday morning treat. If you’re like me, and there are a lot of you (we order 23 dozen donuts per weekend), you can relax because we will continue our donut service. But if you are one of those more health conscious types, you should know we are now selling bagels. So come on down and enjoy a toasted bagel, cup of Pura Vida, and a conversation in the Higher Grounds Coffee House.
If you would like to volunteer in the Coffee House, we’d love to have you! Please contact Julie Irvin.
Can I Be Holy?
By Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
Currently we are in a teaching series going through the book of 1 Peter. Just a couple of weeks ago I covered the last section of chapter one. There are two verses in this chapter that have always intrigued me. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written; ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
So for some time now I have been asking myself, “What does it take to be holy?” Is it something I do? Is it something I am? What is this about?
In the early 1880s, William D. Longstaff wrote a poem that later became a hymn called, “Take Time to Be Holy.” In my days growing up in the Baptist church, we would sometimes sing this song. I never much appreciated it then, but today, given our study in 1 Peter, it is taking on new meaning. There’s substance here. Here is verse one:
Take time to be holy,
Speak oft with thy Lord,
Abide in him always,
And feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children;
Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
There are three more verses to Longstaff’s hymn, but the second verse is also worth quoting:
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone;
By looking to Jesus
Like him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
Each line of that second verse prompts an objection from somewhere within and helps me to understand why holy people tend to be scarce.
“Take time…” But I don’t have time.
“The world rushes on…” And I am busy rushing with it.
“Spend much time in secret…” Secret? I like to let people know about what I do with and for Jesus.
“With Jesus alone…” Huh? And turn off my iPod and text messaging?
“Like [Jesus] thou shalt be…” I’d rather imitate Bill, Rick, or Andy (pastors I respect).
“Thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see...” Whoa! That’s a lot to live up to! I wonder what my friends think about that one.
Despite its Victorian English, Longstaff’s hymn does a pretty good job describing what it takes to become holy.
Becoming a holy person is intentional; you have to work at it. When God says to Israel, “consecrate yourselves,” he is putting the ball in our court. In other words, pursue whatever it takes to be a holy man, a holy woman, a holy nation.
I’ve not really seen myself as a holy man, although I have longed to be one. There have been times when, despite my intention to be holy, I have felt that I failed God so miserably that I was tempted to settle for being a servant, not a son, in his household.
Peter uses this word to challenge a Christian generation to a unique lifestyle that will set it apart from the godless culture of the time. Those who received the challenge would know instantly that they were being called to something extraordinary.
Holy starts out as the descriptive character of God (1 Peter 1:15). Christians are urged to arrange their lives in accordance with what they know about the nature of God. Holy is also connected with being like Christ (Galatians 5:22-26).
I raise the subject because I wonder if the idea of being holy is losing ground today. Are we losing interest in being holy (in the best sense of the word)? Are holy people an endangered species? I hope not! As 2008 begins as a church family let’s be intentional about being holy. Are you a little different? I hope so!
Let me know what you think. Send me an email at gary@lbfchurch.com and we can talk more about this. God bless!
Currently we are in a teaching series going through the book of 1 Peter. Just a couple of weeks ago I covered the last section of chapter one. There are two verses in this chapter that have always intrigued me. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written; ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
So for some time now I have been asking myself, “What does it take to be holy?” Is it something I do? Is it something I am? What is this about?
In the early 1880s, William D. Longstaff wrote a poem that later became a hymn called, “Take Time to Be Holy.” In my days growing up in the Baptist church, we would sometimes sing this song. I never much appreciated it then, but today, given our study in 1 Peter, it is taking on new meaning. There’s substance here. Here is verse one:
Take time to be holy,
Speak oft with thy Lord,
Abide in him always,
And feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children;
Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
There are three more verses to Longstaff’s hymn, but the second verse is also worth quoting:
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone;
By looking to Jesus
Like him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
Each line of that second verse prompts an objection from somewhere within and helps me to understand why holy people tend to be scarce.
“Take time…” But I don’t have time.
“The world rushes on…” And I am busy rushing with it.
“Spend much time in secret…” Secret? I like to let people know about what I do with and for Jesus.
“With Jesus alone…” Huh? And turn off my iPod and text messaging?
“Like [Jesus] thou shalt be…” I’d rather imitate Bill, Rick, or Andy (pastors I respect).
“Thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see...” Whoa! That’s a lot to live up to! I wonder what my friends think about that one.
Despite its Victorian English, Longstaff’s hymn does a pretty good job describing what it takes to become holy.
Becoming a holy person is intentional; you have to work at it. When God says to Israel, “consecrate yourselves,” he is putting the ball in our court. In other words, pursue whatever it takes to be a holy man, a holy woman, a holy nation.
I’ve not really seen myself as a holy man, although I have longed to be one. There have been times when, despite my intention to be holy, I have felt that I failed God so miserably that I was tempted to settle for being a servant, not a son, in his household.
Peter uses this word to challenge a Christian generation to a unique lifestyle that will set it apart from the godless culture of the time. Those who received the challenge would know instantly that they were being called to something extraordinary.
Holy starts out as the descriptive character of God (1 Peter 1:15). Christians are urged to arrange their lives in accordance with what they know about the nature of God. Holy is also connected with being like Christ (Galatians 5:22-26).
I raise the subject because I wonder if the idea of being holy is losing ground today. Are we losing interest in being holy (in the best sense of the word)? Are holy people an endangered species? I hope not! As 2008 begins as a church family let’s be intentional about being holy. Are you a little different? I hope so!
Let me know what you think. Send me an email at gary@lbfchurch.com and we can talk more about this. God bless!
Blessings All Around at Camp Hope
By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Jr. High Ministries
On behalf of the Exit 83 youth ministry, the jr. high and high school staff would like to say thank you to all those who donated blankets and jackets for us to distribute to those in need. In December we took more than 30 staff and students to a place called Camp Hope. If you haven’t heard any of the local news, Camp Hope, located in Ontario, is a place where some of our community’s less fortunate are calling their home. In numerous conversations I have heard that there are up to 300 people living in tents there, as they seek to survive day-to-day. It is something that words truly fail to describe. The Exit 83 staff thought that the youth ministry needed to take the compassion of Christ to these people and because of your generosity we were able to do that.
We had an amazing time just walking around, offering people lunch and something to help keep them warm through the night. As we meandered, many of us heard Camp Hope residents share their story about what has brought them there. While many were thankful for the food and blankets, some expressed how much they appreciated us just talking with them and taking the time to understand who they are. It was an eye-opening experience for many of the people that went, one that we have walked away from wanting to do more.
As we had conversations we asked people what they really needed. Many people expressed that what they need the most are common household supplies such as toilet paper, batteries, plastic coverings, and many more things that you and I could find in our homes. The Exit 83 staff is brainstorming about what we can do to help this group of people and we will be sure to let you know how you can help.
This experience has reminded us that God is able if we are willing to be used. As we were preparing we did not know how we would get food and supplies, but because of our gracious God and your generosity it happened. Specifically, the week before we went to Camp Hope, we had no idea how we would pay for the food we were going to serve. Yet during that time, someone anonymously donated cash for our cause. Because people gave and sacrificed, everything came to together. Thank you for the opportunity!
On behalf of the Exit 83 youth ministry, the jr. high and high school staff would like to say thank you to all those who donated blankets and jackets for us to distribute to those in need. In December we took more than 30 staff and students to a place called Camp Hope. If you haven’t heard any of the local news, Camp Hope, located in Ontario, is a place where some of our community’s less fortunate are calling their home. In numerous conversations I have heard that there are up to 300 people living in tents there, as they seek to survive day-to-day. It is something that words truly fail to describe. The Exit 83 staff thought that the youth ministry needed to take the compassion of Christ to these people and because of your generosity we were able to do that.
We had an amazing time just walking around, offering people lunch and something to help keep them warm through the night. As we meandered, many of us heard Camp Hope residents share their story about what has brought them there. While many were thankful for the food and blankets, some expressed how much they appreciated us just talking with them and taking the time to understand who they are. It was an eye-opening experience for many of the people that went, one that we have walked away from wanting to do more.
As we had conversations we asked people what they really needed. Many people expressed that what they need the most are common household supplies such as toilet paper, batteries, plastic coverings, and many more things that you and I could find in our homes. The Exit 83 staff is brainstorming about what we can do to help this group of people and we will be sure to let you know how you can help.
This experience has reminded us that God is able if we are willing to be used. As we were preparing we did not know how we would get food and supplies, but because of our gracious God and your generosity it happened. Specifically, the week before we went to Camp Hope, we had no idea how we would pay for the food we were going to serve. Yet during that time, someone anonymously donated cash for our cause. Because people gave and sacrificed, everything came to together. Thank you for the opportunity!
Get Plugged Into a Home Group This Year
By George and Claudia Parker, Home Group Leaders
The new year is upon us and there’s no better way to start the new year than to join in a small group. Why? First of all, this is how Christ modeled his ministry and the early church. Jesus knew that only in the context of small groups can meaningful, honest, and transparent relationships develop. We are all wired to be relational beings and small groups help fill our relationship needs. Small groups provide intimate fellowship, a support system to uphold one another in prayer, and community with others in the church body. It is a safe place to share our fears, struggles, joys, and praises of God’s blessings in our daily lives. We even have the opportunity to reach out to our local community, showing God’s love in practical ways through acts of service. As you can see, there are so many benefits to getting involved and joining a small group.
Why not start out the new year with a commitment to follow Christ’s example? Isn’t it time to develop a meaningful relationship and friendship with others at LBF? Home groups will be forming the latter part of January. Keep an eye out for sign-ups that will soon be available after each of the weekend services.
The new year is upon us and there’s no better way to start the new year than to join in a small group. Why? First of all, this is how Christ modeled his ministry and the early church. Jesus knew that only in the context of small groups can meaningful, honest, and transparent relationships develop. We are all wired to be relational beings and small groups help fill our relationship needs. Small groups provide intimate fellowship, a support system to uphold one another in prayer, and community with others in the church body. It is a safe place to share our fears, struggles, joys, and praises of God’s blessings in our daily lives. We even have the opportunity to reach out to our local community, showing God’s love in practical ways through acts of service. As you can see, there are so many benefits to getting involved and joining a small group.
Why not start out the new year with a commitment to follow Christ’s example? Isn’t it time to develop a meaningful relationship and friendship with others at LBF? Home groups will be forming the latter part of January. Keep an eye out for sign-ups that will soon be available after each of the weekend services.
How To Love Our Missionaries
By Anthony Guynes, Pastor of Assimilation & Spiritual Growth
Last month we commissioned and “sent out” Michelle Kerns as an LBF missionary to Kenya. So now what? Now that Michelle is “out there” with the rest of our missionaries, what can we do to love and support her? For that matter, how can we show love and support to each of our missionaries? Let me share three ways taken from Beth and my own experience as missionaries in India and Pakistan:
Stay in touch. For some reason, it’s hard to stay in touch with people who live far away from us. Why is that? Is it really any harder to email someone in Kenya than in Rancho Cucamonga? Even placing a call to Kenya only requires punching six extra numbers on your phone. And if you download a program like Skype you can talk for free. If you want to get really fancy you can buy a webcam like Michelle’s mom and dad did and video chat. However you stay in touch, missionaries appreciate knowing that they haven’t been forgotten.
Support them financially. Many people don’t realize that missionaries have to raise their own salaries. Most missions agencies don’t have professionals who solicit donations for missionaries on the field. Each missionary has a team of supporters, including their sending church and many families and individuals. But the last thing any missionary feels like doing is asking their friends and family members for money. So if you can spare $50 or $100 a month, consider being a part of Michelle’s or one of our other missionary’s monthly support team.
Don’t put them on a pedestal. I’ve heard so many people say to missionaries, “Oh, I could never do what you do.” The truth is, almost all of us could. But we are doing what we are doing, and that’s okay. Missionaries are no more spiritual than you or I. They have simply chosen to live out their faith in a different location, perhaps where there is a greater spiritual or humanitarian need. One day they will probably move back here or somewhere else – and that won’t make them any less spiritual. Missionaries are normal people and they appreciate being seen and understood that way.
God has different roles for each of us. Some of us are senders and some of us are goers. None of us are sitters. So as we send out missionaries to represent us and Christ in other parts of the world, let’s remember that it is our job to love and support them in tangible ways.
Last month we commissioned and “sent out” Michelle Kerns as an LBF missionary to Kenya. So now what? Now that Michelle is “out there” with the rest of our missionaries, what can we do to love and support her? For that matter, how can we show love and support to each of our missionaries? Let me share three ways taken from Beth and my own experience as missionaries in India and Pakistan:
Stay in touch. For some reason, it’s hard to stay in touch with people who live far away from us. Why is that? Is it really any harder to email someone in Kenya than in Rancho Cucamonga? Even placing a call to Kenya only requires punching six extra numbers on your phone. And if you download a program like Skype you can talk for free. If you want to get really fancy you can buy a webcam like Michelle’s mom and dad did and video chat. However you stay in touch, missionaries appreciate knowing that they haven’t been forgotten.
Support them financially. Many people don’t realize that missionaries have to raise their own salaries. Most missions agencies don’t have professionals who solicit donations for missionaries on the field. Each missionary has a team of supporters, including their sending church and many families and individuals. But the last thing any missionary feels like doing is asking their friends and family members for money. So if you can spare $50 or $100 a month, consider being a part of Michelle’s or one of our other missionary’s monthly support team.
Don’t put them on a pedestal. I’ve heard so many people say to missionaries, “Oh, I could never do what you do.” The truth is, almost all of us could. But we are doing what we are doing, and that’s okay. Missionaries are no more spiritual than you or I. They have simply chosen to live out their faith in a different location, perhaps where there is a greater spiritual or humanitarian need. One day they will probably move back here or somewhere else – and that won’t make them any less spiritual. Missionaries are normal people and they appreciate being seen and understood that way.
God has different roles for each of us. Some of us are senders and some of us are goers. None of us are sitters. So as we send out missionaries to represent us and Christ in other parts of the world, let’s remember that it is our job to love and support them in tangible ways.
Gearing Up for an Exciting New Year
By Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
This has been a year of learning the story of God by looking at the Old Testament. To read the whole Bible starting with the Old Testament is to discern a single basic plot line of God’s story of redemption. The story of God runs through every stage of history and every part of the Bible, culminating in Jesus Christ. We have learned that God is in the process of bringing about His eternal good purposes to redeem a people for Himself and restore His fallen creation. We have learned that it may be called the “Old” Testament but it is still relevant for the Christian living in the twenty-first century.
But now you may be asking, “What’s next?”
Pastor Jeff and I have been meeting weekly to pray, discern, and plan for what’s next in the pulpit. We both thought it would be good to share with you what is planned for the next few months.
Beginning the first weekend in December we will start a new series titled, “Cleaning Up Christmas.” Using the themes of advent for four weeks, we will look at how to allow the meaning of Christmas to remain with us long after the holidays are over. In the midst of a culture that focuses on things like office parties and getting just the right gift you wanted, we want to come together and understand how to keep the meaning of Christmas alive.
Then starting the first weekend in January we will begin an eight-week series through the book of 1 Peter. The series is titled, “Are You a Little Different?” Making a difference requires doing things differently. Christians are called to live differently, which starts with our thinking and works its way into our actions. In this study we will see that Peter shows us how to begin to think differently, which will affect our behavior. We all make split-second decisions in any given moment to do right or wrong. To choose right we must learn to be different in our thinking, which will lead us to be different in our relationships with others. Are you a little different? Let’s learn how!
Then on the last weekend of February we will begin a four-week series leading us to Easter weekend. This series is called “The Beginning of the End…of the Beginning.” Using the Gospel of John we will look at the life of Jesus leading up to His death and resurrection. Jesus knew who He was, what He was doing, and what was coming. Yes, He knew. What does all of this mean to us – to people who are seeking to know Christ or to people who are seeking to know how to live as Christ-followers? Let’s learn together!
In an effort to reach out to seekers who may have visited on Easter, we will follow Easter with a series on spirituality. It seems that in our culture, spiritual interest is at an all-time high. Alternative spiritualities are also on the rise. What does it mean to be spiritual? How do we search for God and for meaningful spiritual experience? Aren’t there many paths to God? How can any one religion think that their way is the way to God? How can we search for truth and reality and at the same time honor people who believe differently? These are some of the questions we will explore in this series.
We hope that this update has gotten you excited about where we will be going with the teachings each week and helps you to better reach out to friends and neighbors who need to hear these truths of God. Through weekly teachings, it is our vision that LBF be a church that not only gives support to the individual Christian in their personal walk with God, but one that also shapes us into a different community God can use to bring about His purposes for our world.
This has been a year of learning the story of God by looking at the Old Testament. To read the whole Bible starting with the Old Testament is to discern a single basic plot line of God’s story of redemption. The story of God runs through every stage of history and every part of the Bible, culminating in Jesus Christ. We have learned that God is in the process of bringing about His eternal good purposes to redeem a people for Himself and restore His fallen creation. We have learned that it may be called the “Old” Testament but it is still relevant for the Christian living in the twenty-first century.
But now you may be asking, “What’s next?”
Pastor Jeff and I have been meeting weekly to pray, discern, and plan for what’s next in the pulpit. We both thought it would be good to share with you what is planned for the next few months.
Beginning the first weekend in December we will start a new series titled, “Cleaning Up Christmas.” Using the themes of advent for four weeks, we will look at how to allow the meaning of Christmas to remain with us long after the holidays are over. In the midst of a culture that focuses on things like office parties and getting just the right gift you wanted, we want to come together and understand how to keep the meaning of Christmas alive.
Then starting the first weekend in January we will begin an eight-week series through the book of 1 Peter. The series is titled, “Are You a Little Different?” Making a difference requires doing things differently. Christians are called to live differently, which starts with our thinking and works its way into our actions. In this study we will see that Peter shows us how to begin to think differently, which will affect our behavior. We all make split-second decisions in any given moment to do right or wrong. To choose right we must learn to be different in our thinking, which will lead us to be different in our relationships with others. Are you a little different? Let’s learn how!
Then on the last weekend of February we will begin a four-week series leading us to Easter weekend. This series is called “The Beginning of the End…of the Beginning.” Using the Gospel of John we will look at the life of Jesus leading up to His death and resurrection. Jesus knew who He was, what He was doing, and what was coming. Yes, He knew. What does all of this mean to us – to people who are seeking to know Christ or to people who are seeking to know how to live as Christ-followers? Let’s learn together!
In an effort to reach out to seekers who may have visited on Easter, we will follow Easter with a series on spirituality. It seems that in our culture, spiritual interest is at an all-time high. Alternative spiritualities are also on the rise. What does it mean to be spiritual? How do we search for God and for meaningful spiritual experience? Aren’t there many paths to God? How can any one religion think that their way is the way to God? How can we search for truth and reality and at the same time honor people who believe differently? These are some of the questions we will explore in this series.
We hope that this update has gotten you excited about where we will be going with the teachings each week and helps you to better reach out to friends and neighbors who need to hear these truths of God. Through weekly teachings, it is our vision that LBF be a church that not only gives support to the individual Christian in their personal walk with God, but one that also shapes us into a different community God can use to bring about His purposes for our world.
Do You Ever Feel Lonely?
By Edna Myers, Pastor of Family Life Ministries
We have a group of friendly, caring, and loving people who will cure your loneliness. We are the Seasoned Singles group. If you are single and over 50 years old, then this group is for you. Join us sometime and you will be received as a long time friend. There is a real sense of community because we understand the joys and trials of this stage of life.
Once a month we go out and do something together. This past month we went out to dinner and then to a show. As you may know, these are very difficult things to do by yourself. As you get acquainted, you may find a friend with whom you can go out to dinner or to a show.
The men and women in this group meet Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Belleview House (across the gravel parking lot). If you are single and over 50, join us some Sunday for an opportunity to make new friends.
By Edna Myers, Pastor of Family Life Ministries
We have a group of friendly, caring, and loving people who will cure your loneliness. We are the Seasoned Singles group. If you are single and over 50 years old, then this group is for you. Join us sometime and you will be received as a long time friend. There is a real sense of community because we understand the joys and trials of this stage of life.
Once a month we go out and do something together. This past month we went out to dinner and then to a show. As you may know, these are very difficult things to do by yourself. As you get acquainted, you may find a friend with whom you can go out to dinner or to a show.
The men and women in this group meet Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Belleview House (across the gravel parking lot). If you are single and over 50, join us some Sunday for an opportunity to make new friends.
Is Your Family Ready to ROCK?
By Cliff Saunders
We realize families come in different arrangements: the nuclear family, single-parent families, grandparents raising kids, and so forth. We are all children of God and we want to be one family in Christ, growing closer to God and to each other through Bible study, worship, service, fellowship, and striving to be led by the Holy Spirit.
We meet at 9:30 a.m. in Mont Vista 3 & 4. We usually start with one or two worship songs, then we have a short time of sharing. People can share an experience from their week in which God touched them, taught them, encouraged them, awed them, or otherwise made His Presence known in their lives. After a time of sharing, we discuss a chapter from the Bible that we are currently studying. Everyone is encouraged to read ahead and bring their insights to the discussion. We end the class with a time of prayer.
Once a month we have our children attend our Sunday meeting with us. We want to be an example to our children and worship with them, pray with them, study with them, and fellowship with them as one big family in Christ. On those Sundays, we have some kind of informal get-together (we love eating lunch together). We want to really get to know each other, to get closer to each other and to God.
But it’s not all fun and games (though there will be a lot of that!), we also involve ourselves in service projects. This can come in different forms. Sometimes it’s providing meals. Sometimes it could be a “fix it” project. The latest project was collecting shorts for boys in the Webuye Orphanage in Africa for the Sewing Seeds ministry. We collected 37 articles of clothing to send along with their missionaries!
So if you’re ready to start “being” the church rather than just “doing” church -- you’re invited to The ROCK!
By Cliff Saunders
We realize families come in different arrangements: the nuclear family, single-parent families, grandparents raising kids, and so forth. We are all children of God and we want to be one family in Christ, growing closer to God and to each other through Bible study, worship, service, fellowship, and striving to be led by the Holy Spirit.
We meet at 9:30 a.m. in Mont Vista 3 & 4. We usually start with one or two worship songs, then we have a short time of sharing. People can share an experience from their week in which God touched them, taught them, encouraged them, awed them, or otherwise made His Presence known in their lives. After a time of sharing, we discuss a chapter from the Bible that we are currently studying. Everyone is encouraged to read ahead and bring their insights to the discussion. We end the class with a time of prayer.
Once a month we have our children attend our Sunday meeting with us. We want to be an example to our children and worship with them, pray with them, study with them, and fellowship with them as one big family in Christ. On those Sundays, we have some kind of informal get-together (we love eating lunch together). We want to really get to know each other, to get closer to each other and to God.
But it’s not all fun and games (though there will be a lot of that!), we also involve ourselves in service projects. This can come in different forms. Sometimes it’s providing meals. Sometimes it could be a “fix it” project. The latest project was collecting shorts for boys in the Webuye Orphanage in Africa for the Sewing Seeds ministry. We collected 37 articles of clothing to send along with their missionaries!
So if you’re ready to start “being” the church rather than just “doing” church -- you’re invited to The ROCK!
Special Needs Class
By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children's Ministries
Did you know that Jesus is interested in all children, even those that society seems to want to disregard? Did you know that we have a Special Needs small group that meets on Sundays at the 9:30 a.m. service in Room 106? It is led by Chiquita Stonecipher, who has a heart for these little ones that belong to Jesus. It is fun to watch them blossom in their understanding of who Jesus is. The group is really small right now, but Chiquita said she would love to have more kids join the group.
If you know of a family that has a special needs kid, please share this opportunity that we have here at Life Bible Fellowship Church with them. We are here to serve and reach all of His Kids! Contact Dale Palmer at (909) 981-4848, ext. 242 for more information.
By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children's Ministries
“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.”
Did you know that Jesus is interested in all children, even those that society seems to want to disregard? Did you know that we have a Special Needs small group that meets on Sundays at the 9:30 a.m. service in Room 106? It is led by Chiquita Stonecipher, who has a heart for these little ones that belong to Jesus. It is fun to watch them blossom in their understanding of who Jesus is. The group is really small right now, but Chiquita said she would love to have more kids join the group.
If you know of a family that has a special needs kid, please share this opportunity that we have here at Life Bible Fellowship Church with them. We are here to serve and reach all of His Kids! Contact Dale Palmer at (909) 981-4848, ext. 242 for more information.
Why Do Stepcouples Need a Support Group?
By Bob Myers, Pastor of Counseling
Stepcouples are challenged with issues that are completely foreign to first-time marriages. There are over 50 differences between a first-time marriage and a remarriage! Yet, while most churches have some type of ministry to “married couples,” these ministries typically address issues commonly found among first-time marriages. Sadly, stepcouples are left alone to find solutions to the multitude of challenges they face. At some churches, remarrieds stay “incognito” in order to escape judgment of being classified as being less spiritual.
According to the Stepfamily Association of America, 95 percent of all divorced and widowed people eventually remarry. Seventy-six percent of second marriages; 87 percent of third marriages, and a whopping 93 percent of fourth marriages end in divorce within five years! Dr. Marvis E. Hetherington, principle researcher of the Virginia Longitudinal Study of Divorce and Remarriage, and author of the book, For Better or For Worse, is a bit more optimistic. She claims that her study reveals an overall divorce rate for stepcouples of being 65-70 percent. Peter Gerlach, MSW, stepfamily researcher, educator, consultant, and therapist since 1979, asserts that one of the five hazards to the success of remarriages is the lack of resources and support for stepcouples in both our society and in the news media. Consequently, people are both misinformed and uninformed when it comes to stepcouple/stepfamily life. Indeed, the statistics suggest that ignorance comes with a heavy price!
So, why do stepcouples need a support group? Consider the following:
Stepcouples Fellowship has four goals: fellowship, awareness and skill building, open and honest sharing, and group prayer for their marriages. The group meets the second Sunday of each month at the Overholt House from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call Matt and Gina Grelling @ (909) 445-0463.
By Bob Myers, Pastor of Counseling
Stepcouples are challenged with issues that are completely foreign to first-time marriages. There are over 50 differences between a first-time marriage and a remarriage! Yet, while most churches have some type of ministry to “married couples,” these ministries typically address issues commonly found among first-time marriages. Sadly, stepcouples are left alone to find solutions to the multitude of challenges they face. At some churches, remarrieds stay “incognito” in order to escape judgment of being classified as being less spiritual.
According to the Stepfamily Association of America, 95 percent of all divorced and widowed people eventually remarry. Seventy-six percent of second marriages; 87 percent of third marriages, and a whopping 93 percent of fourth marriages end in divorce within five years! Dr. Marvis E. Hetherington, principle researcher of the Virginia Longitudinal Study of Divorce and Remarriage, and author of the book, For Better or For Worse, is a bit more optimistic. She claims that her study reveals an overall divorce rate for stepcouples of being 65-70 percent. Peter Gerlach, MSW, stepfamily researcher, educator, consultant, and therapist since 1979, asserts that one of the five hazards to the success of remarriages is the lack of resources and support for stepcouples in both our society and in the news media. Consequently, people are both misinformed and uninformed when it comes to stepcouple/stepfamily life. Indeed, the statistics suggest that ignorance comes with a heavy price!
So, why do stepcouples need a support group? Consider the following:
- The first three years in a remarriage are by far the toughest and most discouraging. When a remarriage occurs, particularly if there are children or adolescents involved, trying to survive frequent challenges and rejection feels like trying to survive an avalanche. The couple, which has not yet had ample time to build a strong family structure, is simultaneously hit from every possible direction with new challenges of which they seldom, if ever, encountered previously. It’s no wonder that the majority of divorces among stepcouples occur during the first three years of marriage.
- Stepcouples are faced with a multitude of challenges and issues that first-time marriages do not face. There are 30 structural differences and 30 adjustment tasks with which first-time marriages do not contend.
- “Building a family” from the ashes of the past demands commitment, endurance, patience, encouragement, and hope. Building a stepfamily into one cohesive unit is much like trying to row upstream through the rapids. Most of all, it takes years!
- The making of two halves into one whole is both complex and energy-draining, often leaving stepcouples little, if any, time or energy to focus on their relationship.
- Stepcouples have fewer community resources for understanding and assistance than do first-time marriages.
- Stepcouples frequently feel isolated and all alone in facing the challenges with which they must contend.
Stepcouples Fellowship has four goals: fellowship, awareness and skill building, open and honest sharing, and group prayer for their marriages. The group meets the second Sunday of each month at the Overholt House from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call Matt and Gina Grelling @ (909) 445-0463.