Getting Ready for Easter

STEP 1: PICK A SERVICE THAT ...

a) An unchurched person, lost person, or your "red dot" is willing to attend with you.
b) Allows you to serve during one or multiple services and worship at another service.
c) Helps us free up seats during the expected "high attendance" times of Sunday 9:30 & 11:00 by attending a non-traditional service time
d) Any combination of a, b, or c.

Here are the options we have in NW GA for Easter:

Calhoun:
Thursday @ 6:30 pm
Sunday @ 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 am

Chatsworth
Sunday @ 10:30 am (extra seats will be out!!)

Dalton
Thursday @ 6:30 pm (Stage 123)
Saturday @ 6:30 pm (Wink Theatre)
Sunday @ 8:00 am (Stage 123)
Sunday @ 9:30 am & 11:00 am (both Stage 123 & Wink Theatre)

Ringgold
Saturday @ 6:30 pm
Sunday @ 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 am

We are kicking off a NEW SERIES on Easter weekend called Overcome--an awesome opportunity to invite a guest to learn how the resurrection matter today in our lives to help us overcome obstacles, adversities, and barriers in order to live the life God created us to live!!

The Rundown (1.13.2013)

Today reminded me of 2 things: 1-why I love Rock Bridge and 2-why I love and am so passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We launched Rock Bridge Ringgold today. We will launch TWO SERVICES next week in Ringgold. What happened? People came--lots of them. But even more our Rock Bridgers did the right things, things God promises to honor in His way, in His time, and for His glory. Rock Bridgers prayed, invited, served, and executed with excellence. This is why I love THIS church. People are committed to the mission God has given us.

But this is what the gospel creates. An army of passionate, sold-out warriors for Christ who believe the gates of Hell will never prevail over God's church. The gospel inspires sacrifice; the gospel creates people who consistently put others ahead of themselves; the gospel creates people free to love; the gospel frees us from bondage to sin; the gospel removes our shame and guilt; the gospel creates people who are committed to God's glory; the gospel creates the church!

Rock Bridgers, throughout this series "MADE IN CHRIST" let's refresh ourselves with the Gospel -- let's worship the God who saved and satisfies us; let's invite hurting, broken, lost, confused, doubting people to a church service in one of the 4 counties we serve; let's pray for a fresh move of the gospel's power; and above all, let's be committed to God's glory more than anything else.

A Rundown summary:

• Don't forget about the "Made In Christ" Bible reading plan.


• Who are you praying comes to have "life in Christ" in 2013?


• Spread the word that Rock Bridge Ringgold is now at TWO services starting next Sunday (1/20)--9:30 & 11:00 am.


• Considering taking a Rock Bridge mission trip? Click here for more information: http://www.rockbridge.cc/trips/


• Never forget that IN CHRIST, your hope is eternally secure and God's love is unending!

 

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!!

 

 

The Rundown (3.13.2012)

Big stuff on the horizon as we head into Easter season --

• Disciple Now: March 23-25
  
  
  
  • 6th-12th graders
  
  
  • More information including registration information here
  
  
  
  


• Easter 5K: 5000 in worship over Easter weekend. How?!?
  
  
  
  • Multiple services: Thursday night, Saturday night, & Sunday morning
  
  
  • Multiple locations: Chatsworth, Calhoun, & Dalton
  
  
  • INVITE! INVITE! INVITE!
  
  
  • PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
  
  
  
  


• NEW SERIES: Delayed -- what is happening when God makes us wait? Why does God allow things to go from bad to worse? How is God working when it feels (and looks) as if He is completely absent and inattentive?
  
  
  
  • Starts this weekend at ALL our campuses!
  
  
  
  

An on a lighter note, the Harlem Globetrotters are in town this coming Monday night at the NW GA Trade Center ... and yours truly is the "guest referee" (I wonder what will happen to me?)!

Weekly Rundown {1.29.2012}

• Great weekend of celebrating baptism and continuing with Joy Switch -- Part 4.


• Loved preaching the incredible truth of the Gospel, justification by faith, and the supremacy of Christ from Philippians 3.


• I was asked today who (what type or group of people) we attempt to target as church. Great question. My answer: anyone who has not heard or not understood the gospel of Jesus Christ.


• We reached our goal of having 125 small groups by 1/25 ... this was such a God-thing: we added over 40 small groups in about 2-3 months!!
  
  
  
  • Thanks to our campus pastors, groups staff, and all the group leaders & hosts who stepped up and stepped out!
  
  
  
  


• We have started interviewing candidates for our Missions Pastor position. So excited about this position and the person God will use through it.


• Beth started back to work this week in Rock Bridge Student Ministry on a part-time basis :)
  
  
  
  • Please pray for her as she eases back into work and more normal routines -- it is still flu season.
  
  
  • So grateful and humbled that she is doing so well. Thank you for your prayers!
  
  
  
  


• First Wednesday is THIS week: Chatsworth/Dalton in the Wink Theatre and Calhoun at Gordon Mills Shopping Center.


• We finish Joy Switch this coming weekend at all campuses ... and we'll preview our next series -- very excited about our new series that starts February 9/12.
  
  
  
  • Start praying about who you can invite to church with you!
  
  
  
  

Weekly Rundown (1.16.2012)

• Great to be at our Chatsworth Campus yesterday! Great environment, great volunteers, and great worship together!


• My wife went to church yesterday for the first time since in about 14 months!! So awesome to worship with her ... she loves praise & worship!!


• We are having LOTS of guests at our services --  Please be alert, be helpful (give directions, give up your "preferred" seat, answer questions, etc.).
  
  
  
  • Spread the word about ways to connect: small groups, serving, 1st Wednesday, 2nd Wednesday Membership and Servolution (Dalton campus), etc.
  
  
  
  


• Our Missions Pastor search is narrowing down to under seven candidates. So excited about God's person for this role and the potential our church has to meet needs and share Christ locally and globally!!


• 2012 Mission trip dates are coming out. Check the web site frequently for more information.


• JOY SWITCH -- Part 3 is THIS week!!
  
  
  
  • Who are you inviting?
  
  
  • How is the daily Bible reading plan going?
  
  
  • Don't forget: Rock Bridge PM (Thursday @ 6:30 pm) is in Stage 123.
  
  
  • Please pray persistently for all our services and all God wants to do in & through Rock Bridge!
  
  
  
  


• JOY SWITCH -- Part 2 recap:
  
  
  
  • What God is doing in and through me is greater than what is happening to and around me. This truth of the Gospel (Philippians 1:6) sustains my joy by giving me a "category" for my situations, setbacks, and successes. What God is doing is ultimate; what is happening in this world will not take my joy.
  
  
  
  

Weekly Rundown (9.26.2011)

• Pray for our team in Honduras this week as they dig a water well for a local village and share Jesus with villagers.


• We are starting the process of elder selection for 2012.  We have 4 elders rotating who are rotating off at the end of this year. This New Testament position within the local church is very important and serves a critical role in helping our church stay on mission with wisdom and integrity.  Any church member may submit a nomination.


• First Wednesday in October is a little over a week away. I'll be sharing some things on my heart for Rock Bridge and I'm asking all group leaders (adult, student, and children), all ministry team leaders and captains, all members, etc to make a special effort to attend this special edition of our First Wednesday time of worship, prayer, & the Lord's Supper.
  
  
  
  • If you attend our Chatsworth campus, please attend in Dalton (Wink Theatre at 6 pm).
  
  
  • Dalton campus will meet in the Wink Theatre at 6 pm (dinner before in Stage 123 after 5 pm).
  
  
  • Calhoun campus will meet in the new building (at the Gordon Hills Shopping Center) and we are planning to 'live stream' parts of the service from Dalton SO all our campuses will be connected together for this one night ... one church in multiple locations with one mission and one vision from one AWESOME God!!
  
  
  
  


• Remember: next week in Chatsworth starts one service at 10:30 am in Bagley Middle School.


• Please consider being part of our $10-$50 Plan to help us meet and exceed our 2011 budget goals!!


• An update on Beth:
  
  
  
  • She is supposed to come home this week for about 8 days.
  
  
  • We are awaiting a couple of important test results that could "map out" what the next few weeks/months look like ... so please pray we are still on track!
  
  
  • She feels stronger and overall better everyday.  Truly amazing to see how much better she looks and feels. Check out her 'Foto Friday' blog from this past week!
  
  
  
  


• Have a great week and remember: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." {Psm. 118:24 NIV}

Weekly Rundown (9.19.2011)

• Amazing baptisms yesterday! I really believe baptism not only blesses the one being baptized, but those watching and welcoming the new Christ-follower.  Baptism is a public and bold reminder of what God works inside the heart of man. My faith grew larger yesterday, and I was reminded that God is indeed mighty to save.


• We are continuing to see people saved in regular frequency in our worship services.  We praise God for this and ask for more! The greatest thing in the world is to be saved and satisfied by Jesus Christ!!


• Our new series "LIFE APPS" continues this week.
  
  
  
  • Is there someone you are positioned to invite?!? Praying you do!!
  
  
  
  


• To all our amazing volunteers: THANK YOU!! You live out our core value of active participation.
  
  
  
  • I'm excited to be able to hang out this week with our Tech/Production ministry team.  They are true unsung heroes because 99% of people never know they are there unless something goes wrong. And >>>99% everything is right because of their hard work, service, and commitment to excellence!!
  
  
  
  


• Missions update:
  
  
  
  • We have a team going to Honduras later this month to dig a well and present the Gospel.
  
  
  • After one year of radically increasing our missions giving and going, our elders believe we will need to hire a missions/outreach pastor in 2012.  I believe our church has unbelievable potential to impact our local communities and penetrate lostness & relieve poverty around the globe.  Ask anyone who has taken a trip this year and you will discover how God enlarged their heart to match more closely His heart.  This is what is happening to our church's collective heart as well. Psalm 67!!
  
  
  
  


• Beth has a scan this week to hopefully/prayerfully discover that all the EBV 'nodes' are gone from her body.  Please join us in prayer.  Once this hurdle is cleared, we should be able to talk more about moving her back home "full time"!!

Weekly Rundown (9.13.2011)

• Excited to kick-off a new series called "Life Apps".  If you have a smartphone, you love the "apps" or applications it has to tell you the weather, find a location, check your bank balances, etc. etc. ... in this series, we'll learn that God has some "apps" to help us navigate life.


• Baptism is this weekend!!!! Life change, going public for Christ, obedience, the wonderful illustration of salvation ... not to mention the BBQ and fellowship ... can't wait!!


• At our Dalton campus this weekend, we are experimenting with a new environment called, Meet the Pastor.  We'll meet in the Gathering after every service (Thursday 6:30 pm, Sunday 9:30 & 11:00 am) on announced weekends.
  
  
  
  • This will be an informal and easy way for me to meet guests and newcomers as well as for those looking to connect more with our church family.
  
  
  • We'll have other staff members and ministry leaders there as well, plus refreshments!
  
  
  • If you know someone who is new to our church, then please invite them to this!!
  
  
  
  


• Beth has been home for the past week!! She's done great and it is awesome to see her energy returning and her start to feel so much better!!
  
  
  
  • She'll head back to NYC later this week. The next big check is a repeat PET/CT Scan to check for Epstein-Barr "nodes". She had a few left (reduced in size) last time and the doctors.
  
  
  • Last conversation with her doctors gave us some indication that she could be home permanently by early to mid-Fall!!
  
  
  • Your grace and prayers to us continue to be tremendous blessings!
  
  
  
  

Weekly Rundown (7.31.2011)

• Closed out the 4-part series, Epic Fail, on the stumbles of first church leader, Peter.  I really felt God move in me and our church during this series.  And we saw numerous people make decisions for Christ, indicating salvation!


• I know of so many of us who are going through tough times and adversity.  Everything from illneses to the economy to struggles with sin.  Please ask for prayer and seek to participate in prayer with others through a small group or our monthly, First Wednesday service which is this week.


• A few staff members met me in Brooklyn, NY last week to attend the Brooklyn Tabernacle's Tuesday night prayer service. God's providence and power were so evident.  3000-4000 people fully focused on prayer with obvious passion for Christ was absolutely beautiful ... a taste of heaven!


• Ukraine mission trip reported over 450 individual presentations of the Gospel with over 100 indications of first-time salvation!! WOW!!


• Some of our staff department heads and pastors are going on a strategic work retreat in a few weeks and we'd appreciate your prayers.  We are committing the time to lots of prayer and discussions about everything (yes, everything!) in our church.  We are going to a place with no internet and no cell coverage ... unplugged from technology to plug into God!


• Got to marry two of the first students who participated in Rock Bridge Student Ministry this weekend ... yes, I cried :)


• Beth is doing okay. The mucus issue in her throat, sinuses, and nasal passages is still unresolved, causing some nausea and making 'normal' eating problematic. We are asking for 3 very specific prayer requests:
  
  
  
  • For the mucus issue to be resolved -- healing, removal of excess mucus, & restoration of normal eating.
  
  
  • For protection from infection and for EB virus to be completely gone (it's in retreat but not fully gone yet).
  
  
  • For 200 "T-cells".
    
    
    
    • 200 is the "magic number" because it means her immune system is strong/mature enough to offer adequate/better protection.  This is the number that triggers steps toward her returning home, being able to be around more people, etc.  As of last week, she is about 70% there.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

The Rundown (7.25.2011)

I'm back in NYC for a few days with Beth after spending 2+ weeks at home. Beth & I continue to be humbled and blessed by your prayers and concern. We do feel like the big picture is much brighter as all the major problems and obstacles are resolving (leukemia in remission, EBV in full retreat); there are some lingering throat-mucus problems that cause eating-drinking issues and resulted in the G-tube.  Overall, cautiously optimistic yet prayerfully vigilant!

• The Rock Bridge staff team is simply amazing.  Almost every encounter I had over the past 2 weeks including praise for our staff:  work ethic, passion, leadership, growth, etc.


• Had lots of great conversations about the direction and health of our church.  We are all excited about what we see God doing in us and through us.
  
  
  
  • Biggest area we are working to upgrade is how we connect new people into the church.  Everything from first-time guests and salvation to group involvement and membership.
  
  
  
  


• I was able to connect with a few of our mission partners and I'm so excited about the "to the ends of the earth" work we get to be part of in our NW GA communities and across the oceans.
  
  
  
  • Our work with Compassion International will continue to grow. 4 Rock Bridgers went to Ethiopia to meet our partner church in Awassa and were blown away by Compassion and by the opportunity we have to do something significant for Christ!
  
  
  • The Living Water trip to Honduras to dig a water well was fantastic and another group goes in September. We anticipate 2-3 more trips in 2012.
  
  
  • Our Ukraine trip just returned and the initial reports are exciting!!
  
  
  • I'm very excited about our work with church planting through Launch Network. With 5 church planting "hubs" (and more to come) across the U.S. we are able to invest resources into planting healthy churches.
    
    
    
    • On a more local level, we can welcome and begin to pray for Wesley Odum and Dynamic Church which will be launching in Chattanooga in 2012.
    
    
    • Pray for Terrence Lester as God has called him to plant in Atlanta.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Above all, I think many of us are being drawn by God to pray passionately, consistently, and specifically for Him to move. We are more aware than ever of our need for Him (apart from Him = nothing!!) and yet His desire to work through His people and churches.

Weekly Rundown (5.22.11)

• Finished Modern Family today.  Can honestly say this was a great and needed series for us.  Already hearing stories of people freed, marriages moving from divorce to restoration, and salvations!  Soli deo gloria!


• Baptism ... what can I say?! God gave us this command to remind us of His salvation and His power.  I believe public, bold baptisms are also a great encouragement to those who have already been saved.  Baptism reminds us that God is still mighty to save and our work to evangelize and connected the disconnected is not in vain!


• Sign-up for E-GIVE!
  
  
  
  • During the summer months our church attendance is less consistent which translates into lower offerings to the church.  However, our mission continues and God's work does not let up ... even in the summer.  So E-Give not only helps you give automatically and consistently even when you can't physically put something in the offering during a worship service; it also keeps our church's ministries and missions going strong year round.
  
  
  • To sign-up go to www.rockbridge.cc and click on "Give".  You'll need your checking account number and your bank's "routing number" (found on a personal check).  It's simple and easy.
  
  
  
  


• Our Calhoun campus' new building is ready: NEXT Sunday at either 9:30 or 11:00 am (going to 2 services too!).
  
  
  
  • I toured the building on Friday and WOW!! It is amazing.  It is at the old Piggly Wiggly location right off Highway 41.
  
  
  • Praying God uses the building to further His mission, advance His kingdom, and increase RBCC's impact for Him in Gordon County!!
  
  
  
  


• Update on Beth: Thanks so much for asking and staying faithful to pray for her and our family.
  
  
  
  • She is still in the hospital and may get released by mid-week. Her throat area is still healing and now shedding the scabs so eating and drinking has been difficult.
  
  
  • We expect to have another PET scan this week to determine how well all this treatment has worked against the Epstein-Barr virus.  This "EBV" continues to be our biggest concern and obstacle so we are praying it is all gone!!
  
  
  • Prayer requests:
    
    
    
    • The complete and final defeat of the Epstein-Barr virus in Beth's body.
    
    
    • Healing for her throat area and the ability to eat and drink normally again.
    
    
    • T-cell production to ramp up (several of the medicines she had to take lately suppress this part of the immune system)!!
    
    
    • For the family of our dear friend, Edwin who passed away last week from a post-transplant infection.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Monday "Randomness" and An Update on Beth

• Always love hearing follow-up stories from Easter weekend.  Praise God for life change, for people returning to Him, for passion rekindled, for Good News proclaimed and received!!


• Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this weekend happen.
  
  
  
  • I also want to thank our amazing staff team ... your passion, work ethic, love for Christ and His church is a testimony to the worth of our great God. I love serving Him with each of you!!
  
  
  
  


• Got to baptize my niece Saturday ... very special.


• Praying for God to use our next series, Modern Family. It starts THIS weekend. Who will you bring with you?!?

An Update on Beth:
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is still present and problematic. Beth will continue to receive treatment this week in hopes that real progress is made by Friday.  This virus is obviously a very real obstacle and complication in Beth's recovery.  We would very much appreciate specific prayers against EBV, for full recovery, and just for rest.
Because EBV continues to linger and complicate things, we we have postponed the boys' trip to NYC (rats!).

HE IS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE!

 

 

Weekly Rundown (4.16.2011)

• Update on Beth:  The "EB Virus" is back.  Mid-week revealed positive tests for EB with symptoms showing in Beth's throat area. Further scans showed the virus had spread to some areas in her abdomen so the doctors quickly began treatment.  We initially thought her tonsils were going to be removed but since the virus had spread to other areas, surgery would not have eliminated the virus ... so no surgery, just treatment with some high-powered medicine.
  
  
  
  • I fly my first "red eye" flight to get back to NYC by Friday morning since (at the time) we thought the tonsil surgery could have been Friday ... no surgery (good news), I got "upgraded" to First Class (good news), and EB levels in Beth's blood work have already started decreasing (great news).
  
  
  
  


• Preaching this series on the Cross has completely rocked me personally.  Understanding the Cross is foundational to who we are as Christ-followers and to Who God is.  I'm praying God's Spirit is moving inside all of us to anchor us in the glorious truths of the Cross!
  
  
  
  • This weekend we looked at 4 words to describe what happened on the Cross and what results can happen because of the Cross: substitue, ransom, justify, & adopted.
  
  
  
  


• It's EASTER WEEK!!!
  
  
  
  • Good Friday service: 6:30 pm in the Wink Theatre (Dalton), child care is provided.
  
  
  • The Dalton Campus has added an 8:00 am service on Easter Sunday in Stage 123.
  
  
  • Pray for God's Spirit to move; pray for God to draw people to Him!!
  
  
  
  


• Oasis Event for students (6th-12th grades) runs this week (Sunday-Tuesday), starting at 6:30 in the Wink Theatre.


• Have a great week as we celebrate the GREATEST FACT with the MOST AMAZING implications: the resurrection of Jesus Christ!!

Weekly Rundown (4.10.11)

• Started new series this weekend focused on the Cross -- there's a reason we sing "O the wonderful Cross".
  
  
  
  • No Christianity, no Christians, no heaven, and no way we can know God without the Cross.
  
  
  
  


• Be sure to pray for our team in Haiti this week.


• Praying for our church to become more ethnically diverse like our community is and like heaven will be (see Revelation 7:9). Several signs of movement in this area: exciting conversations, number of first-time guests, etc.
  
  
  
  • God is glorified with how His worth creates unity from diversity.
  
  
  
  


• I love hearing the story of the "this guy will never change ... [from being a hell-bound, selfish, sinner]" become the "This guy was radically saved by God!" Heard 2 such stories this week!
  
  
  
  • "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes ..." [Romans 1:16a]
  
  
  
  


• I love reading Andrew Murray.


• Beth is doing well (thanks so much for always asking and continually praying).  She is fighting and winning, still fighting but winning.
  
  
  
  • EB Virus is "detectable" in her system but below the point of her testing "positive" for it. Please pray her own immune system fights this off successfully.
  
  
  • Praying for T-Cells to increase.
  
  
  • Pray for our friend Edwin who is still hospitalized but doing better.
  
  
  • Pray for the family and friends of John Hanna who passed away recently after battling Fanconi-related head and neck cancer.
  
  
  
  


• John 6:29

Weekly Rundown (4.3.2011)

• Big summer opportunity coming up for area children: Camp Winshape!! Sign-up now!!


• Lots of Christ-exalting stuff happening through Rock Bridge missions:
  
  
  
  • Haiti trip this month
  
  
  • Honduras trip in May
  
  
  • Ethiopia trip in June
  
  
  • Also, the part of the money our church gave this past December will fund the training of church planters in Iraq THIS month!!
  
  
  
  


• Starting new series next week focusing on the Cross ... cannot wait for God to honor His Word, glorify His Son, and bless His people!!


• The new building for our Calhoun Campus is going to be incredible and give us incredible opportunities to proclaim Christ, build community, and be more effective in our mission.  Praising God for His favor and the privilege of stewarding His Gospel.


• Our local area still has unemployment around 12-13% which is much higher than the national average.
  
  
  
  • If you are out-of-work, and need help PLEASE let your church family know so we BE the church!!
  
  
  • Let's pray for people to find jobs and for our economy to grow stronger.
  
  
  
  


• The doctors gave us permission to bring the boys up to see Beth!! Tickets already booked for early May. Ethiopia invasion of the Big Apple!  It will have been 5 months since Beth has seen Eyasu & Abreham ... Mommy can't wait :)

Weekly Rundown (3.27.2010)

• We wrapped up our "What if ... ?" series today by asking, "What if we lived by the Holy Spirit?"  We covered 4 phrases that mark this life:  surrender, tension, inexplicable conquest, &  deep rooted satisfaction.
  
  
  
  • Possessing and living by the Holy Spirit IS the New Testament sign and assurance of that you are a Christian; not praying the "Sinner's Prayer", not walking an aisle, not Confirmation class, not church attendance, not baptism ... but having the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:9).
  
  
  • The Holy Spirit is God's great gift of Himself to us.
  
  
  
  


• We have 2 mission trips going out in the next 2 months.  Please commit to pray for our teams:
  
  
  
  • April: Haiti trip (construction, food distribution, relationship building/evangelism)
  
  
  • May: Honduras trip (digging a well, relationship building, proclaiming Christ)
  
  
  
  


• Easter is about a month away! Great time to invite guests to church AND to tell others what Jesus has done for you!
  
  
  
  • We'll be announcing our Easter service times soon.
  
  
  
  


• Conversations taking place right now at Rock Bridge:
  
  
  
  • How we can live out our core value of "Reaching People" in the Hispanic community?
  
  
  • How can we be more effective at creating new campuses and/or planting new churches?
  
  
  • How can we improve how we connect people to "life" at Rock Bridge?
  
  
  • How can we expand First Wednesday services to better fulfill the biblical church purposes of prayer, worship, fellowship, and taking the Lord's Supper?
  
  
  • Are we doing anything that is not fruitful and effective? If so, why and should we overhaul it or stop doing it?
  
  
  
  


• Have a great week!!

Weekly Rundown (3.13.2011)

• Love reminding (and challenging) ourselves with God's vision for our church.  Hard to believe this was our 9th vision weekend.  The 5 prayers we are praying based on Acts 2:42-47 --
  
  
  
  • We pray for God to send us "they's" (Acts 2:42) -- imperfect, far from God, don't have it all together people.
  
  
  • We pray for our lives are centered on the Cross where religion dies, mercy is displayed, love is displayed, and grace flows.
  
  
  • We pray for biblical community that meets each others' needs, shares life, gets uncomfortable, and shares God's love to others.
  
  
  • We pray to be an "every day, every where" church where our faith does not stop when the church service ends. We pray the weight of God's glory drives all we do and that God gives us more favor in spreading His name and love.
  
  
  • We pray people get saved and never get over it.  God's salvation is so much more than a decision or avoiding hell, it is life -- full and abundant.  We pray we display the joy of the Lord and how great He is. We pray more people are saved and experience the treasure that is Christ Jesus.
  
  
  
  


• Our volunteers rock!!


• Continuing to pray for "each one [of us] to reach one" ... that God uses each of us to point someone to Jesus Christ.


• Update on Beth:
  
  
  
  • She is now negative for the EB virus (praise!).
  
  
  • However, she has broken out in a very uncomfortable skin rash.  The doctors do not yet know what is causing the rash and are awaiting test results.  It could be something simple (and easily fixed) or it could be a symptom of something more serious.
  
  
  • So our battle continues ... we continue to thank you for your prayers and ask you to continue standing in the gap with us for Beth's healing, recovery, & comfort and for God's glory.
  
  
  
  

Weekly Rundown (3.6.2011)

• Today's message summary:  Each one reach one. What if ... each one of us prayerfully, intentionally, and boldly sought to point one person to Christ ... ?
  
  
  
  • God wants to use us to point people to Jesus.
  
  
  • Praying for the people God puts in our lives and praying for our church to boldly declare with our words, actions, and invitations who Jesus is!!
  
  
  
  


• Next week: Vision Weekend.
  
  
  
  • We'll be reminding ourselves who we are as a church and how God is leading us.
  
  
  • Great time to bring a guest to church with you.
  
  
  • Please pray for God to reveal Himself to us and to our guests!!
  
  
  
  


• Our summer children's camp is taking shape. Excited to be partnering with other churches in our area!!


• Making great progress at our new building in Calhoun.
  
  
  
  • Check out the pictures here!
  
  
  
  


• Budget update:  We made a big step of faith in our 2011 budget by substantially increasing our missions giving.  In February, our church met our monthly budget needs!!  This is a huge praise.
  
  
  
  • To put this in perspective, we rarely make budget in January due to the Christmas holiday effect and we projected "growing" into this new budget over the course of the year.
  
  
  • Making budget in February is a welcome surprise and demonstrates that God often responds AFTER we step out in faith.
  
  
  • Thanks so much for faithfully giving and letting God's grace grow you to be even more generous.  Our budget is discipling our church, providing medical care and food for expecting mothers in Bolivia, supporting 20 different missionaries in India, helping the hungry and homeless in our own community, and providing the logistical support we need to be one church in multiple locations.
  
  
  
  


• Update on Beth: Still fighting the "EB virus" but hoping to turn the corner this week as the medicines take effect. Praying for her immune system to get stronger and more mature; praying for no more infections.


• Have a great week!!

Weekly Rundown (2.27.2011)

• At the last minute, I decided to stay in NYC this week with Beth (who is fighting some infections) and not "commute" to Georgia to teach.  I just want to thank our incredibly flexible and capable staff!! This them to do a lot of "hoop jumping" and I just appreciate them so much!!
  
  
  
  • The positive for me was I am a little more ahead with sermon preparation and study ... and I have not felt this close to my Savior in a long, long time; so I'm thankful for the hidden graces that God keeps letting me find even in the middle of the long battle we are fighting.
  
  
  
  


• Our group leaders from Dalton & Chatsworth had some great training on Saturday.  The more I study Scripture and the "Trinity" of God, the more convinced I am of the power of community -- doing life together!
  
  
  
  • Life together is the epicenter of being the church.
  
  
  
  


• Got to visit a really amazing church today called, Apostles Church.  Often times I am guilty of going to other churches to "evaluate" them but today I connected to God in worship and through the teaching of His Word ... very refreshing! {I'll blog more later on this.}


• As part of our missions investment this week, we will giving money to help with the tragic earthquake in New Zealand.
  
  
  
  • Generosity reflects the heart of God.
  
  
  • Giving in Jesus' Name is never an expense but always an investment.
  
  
  
  


• Remember Vision Weekend is coming up (March 10/13).  Who are you bringing?!?


• Had coffee with one of my college roommates this weekend.  Felt like we picked up right where we left off ... great friend and sailor.


• An update on Beth: her body has been fighting the EB virus and late last week the lab results showed she was negative for it (Yea!). Then she developed some head congestion and a sore throat.  They tested her on Friday for the flu (and some other things but we don't know final results yet). We'll see the doctors again on Monday.  Please pray for her comfort and for her immune system to beat back these infections.


• God bless and have a great week!!