Rock Bridge Rundown

Been awhile since I've done a "Rundown" post so there's a lot to catch up on ... here goes!

Marriage Series
I personally did not want to do this series on marriage but thankfully listened to God speak through our staff who really sensed we needed God to speak to us on this important subject. We are praying that God's Word continues to work in marriages, dating relationships, and singles as we closed out "Wedlocked" this past weekend.

• Much of my research, insights, and principles came from the book, The Meaning of Marriage by Dr. Tim Keller. We have (or will have) these books available in our connection areas if you are interested in further study.


• Don't forget Date Night is NEXT Tuesday at the Trade Center. You can buy tickets online at www.datenightevent.com

Missions
Our church continues to work to being more engaged locally, regionally, and globally in demonstrating and declaring God's love for us. We have a team in Honduras right now digging a well for a community that currently lacks a clean source of drinking water (that will change by Friday!). Teams are leaving for Ethiopia, Haiti, and the Ukraine this summer as well.

• Our new Missions Pastor is onboard! Tom Gerborg (email: tom@rockbridge.cc) started the first of May and is bringing tons of ideas and excitement to our missional efforts. Super excited to welcome him to our team!


• We still have space available for our trip to Ukraine in July. In particular, we have need for a few businessmen to take this trip. Trip details here.


• We are helping support Dynamic Church in Chattanooga. They will be launching in September and begin preview services in July.

Rock Bridge Ringgold/Catoosa
I am super excited about the opportunity that is opening up before us to put another Rock Bridge congregation in Catoosa County. The commitment level among our team is strong and we have some great initial meetings. Rock Bridge, WE are ONE church in multiple locations working to clearly proclaim CHRIST and connect people to HIM in NW Georgia!!

• We are currently working to find a location somewhere near downtown Ringgold/around Exit #348.


• The search for a campus pastor has begun.


• We are hoping, working, and prayer toward a launch of early 2013.


• Follow Rock Bridge Ringgold/Catoosa on Facebook!

Giving/Finances
We have had a great season of stewardship and generosity thus far in 2012 and are very grateful for your faithfulness in this area. If you have not considered giving online, then check it out at MyRockBridge.

• Online giving ensures you give consistently even when you miss church or forget your checkbook!


• Consistent giving helps maintain regular cash flow for the church to continue funding our ministries and investing in Kingdom work all over the world, even when attendance dips during holiday and vacation seasons.


• Online giving creates and maintains the "habit" of giving with minimal effort or hassle.

Children & Student Ministries
Adventure Week, Winshape Camps, and Student Mission trip (to Chicago) are don't miss opportunities for your child or teenager this summer!

• Register for Adventure Week now!!

 

 

Marriage Follow-Up...

This is a guest post by our Discipleship Pastor, Brian Holt.

If you're like me, this series on marriage is hitting you right between the eyes. It seems like nothing impacts my life more than my marriage (other than my relationship with Jesus). Because it's so important, I'm not going to sit around and simply hope it gets better.

We don't just want you to listen to an excellent sermon series. We want you to take active steps to improve your marriage. Here are a few resources to help make this all stick.

Attend Date Night Dalton. This community-wide event is specifically designed to be a applicable and entertaining night for couples. Dr. Gary Chapman will be speaking on the 5 Love Languages. With over 20 churches from Whitfield, Murray and Gordon counties involved, this is going to be a great event. May 29, 7:00pm, Northwest Georgia Convention Center. Tickets are $15 ($20 at the door). You can get more information at www.datenightevent.com

Get into a Small Group. There is really no better way to improve your marriage than by getting into a community that can help you grow. Many Small Groups study the same topic as the weekend message, while others focus on topics specific to their stage in life. We will be launching at least 3 marriage-focused Small Groups to follow-up from this message series and Date Night Dalton.

Read about it. Some of you are readers. With that in mind I wanted to suggest a few books (they should be available for purchase in the lobby areas in the next few weeks):

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerich

Love and War by John and Stacy Eldridge

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

Going All The Way by Craig Groeschel

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Mostly…just do something. You can never expect your marriage to improve if you don't act upon what God is teaching you.