Hello E-News Friends,
The whole world is aware at this time of the year of the little baby who was born 2,000 years ago, whose name we know as Jesus. Not enough know that he came full of grace and truth, wrapped in a life love. A powerful, faithful, forgiving love. It is our privilege and honor to share that knowledge with our family, friends, and community.
Christmas gives us a great opportunity to do just that.
This Sunday we celebrate that birth and His love! I hope you are as excited about that as I am. It should be a joy-filled time as we gather together once again to lift high our Savior! Now is a great time to invite someone who is missing out on the best relationship possible. This might be the season they meet the King! You just never know.
I’ve heard we have some special music and a drama to look forward to. I am always amazed how each week God works at Oak Bridge.
It only gets better as this is Christmas cookie Sunday. I’m partial to snicker-doodles and oatmeal cookies and will volunteer to taste-test yours for flavor and freshness. You can trust me; I am a professional in this area! Our leftover cookies will be taken to our friends at the Towers to help ruin their holiday diets as well.
May you have much of our King’s love in your life as you remember His birth this Christmas week!
In His awe-inspiring grace.
A fellow Love Doctor in training,
Tom
PS Our Open House for Volunteer Celebration is at the Oak Bridge Center tomorrow (Saturday) between 9:00-12:00 AM. We want to say thanks to all of you who serve our King so faithfully through the various ministries of Oak Bridge! We have a little surprise set up for you that you will enjoy! (No it’s not just coffee and doughnuts, although we will have those as well.)
One last question, what clothes have you been putting on this week? It does make a difference. Love Wins!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
E-News from Tom: 12/14/09
Hello E-News Friends,
I know this is an early e-mail from what you are used to or depending on how you want to look at it, late since I didn’t get one out last week. But I wanted to urge you to be a thermostat during these next two weeks. Emotions will be running on high for many people. A thermostat sets the temperature. People that apply the love of God are thermostats. They change the feel of a room. They change the attitude of the people in a room. Jesus was a thermostat. His love certainly set the temperature of many rooms.
Thermometers reflect the temperature of the room. They do not set it. Many times we are just thermometers. If the room is full of complaining, gossip, and arrogance, we join right in. We change nothing. There is no win in that.
It will take each of us to “CK (check) our G (growth) H (health) P (plan)”…(Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness, Humility and Patience.) Put each of these on so we can remove our short tempers and learn to forgive others to allow love to win; which over time it always does! While I can’t see you, if you’re following our King, I at least know what you are wearing this week. Love is the best set of clothes possible!
From one Love Doctor in training to many others, you all look really sharp in your new clothes! Your red and white bracelet is stunning as well!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Start inviting those people God has put on your heart for this weekend. We don’t want them to miss a great divine appointment with the King!
I know this is an early e-mail from what you are used to or depending on how you want to look at it, late since I didn’t get one out last week. But I wanted to urge you to be a thermostat during these next two weeks. Emotions will be running on high for many people. A thermostat sets the temperature. People that apply the love of God are thermostats. They change the feel of a room. They change the attitude of the people in a room. Jesus was a thermostat. His love certainly set the temperature of many rooms.
Thermometers reflect the temperature of the room. They do not set it. Many times we are just thermometers. If the room is full of complaining, gossip, and arrogance, we join right in. We change nothing. There is no win in that.
It will take each of us to “CK (check) our G (growth) H (health) P (plan)”…(Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness, Humility and Patience.) Put each of these on so we can remove our short tempers and learn to forgive others to allow love to win; which over time it always does! While I can’t see you, if you’re following our King, I at least know what you are wearing this week. Love is the best set of clothes possible!
From one Love Doctor in training to many others, you all look really sharp in your new clothes! Your red and white bracelet is stunning as well!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Start inviting those people God has put on your heart for this weekend. We don’t want them to miss a great divine appointment with the King!
Monday, November 30, 2009
E-News from Tom: 11/28/09
Hello E-News Friends,
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving getting together with some family and friends. Maybe you had to remember a time or two that love is patient and you applied it. If you did, I am sure that today you can look back and see how that was a “win” in the love column. Applying love the way God designed it always wins even though at the time it often doesn’t feel like the thing to do. Trust in it! It never fails!
Here is a phrase we want to apply to our love lives. I think it holds the key to us loving one another the way God wants us to. Here it is… “Love is more action than affection.” Read it again. Say it to yourself. Say it aloud.
I feel affection for Kathy. That is a good thing. I show her I love her by how I act towards her. That is a better thing. That is a God thing. Love is patient. Apply it! That is how it wins.
This week we continue our LOVE WINS series as we learn more about this love that never fails. You won’t want to miss any of this series. It is just too important to your life and the people you come into contact with. I hope to see you Sunday!
A Fellow Love Doctor in Training,
Tom
PS I have been trying to stay near 2000 calories a day to maintain or possibly lose some poundage. After Thanksgiving (and five pieces if pie), I can’t eat for the next 8 days to make up for it. It was great though! Thanks mom!
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving getting together with some family and friends. Maybe you had to remember a time or two that love is patient and you applied it. If you did, I am sure that today you can look back and see how that was a “win” in the love column. Applying love the way God designed it always wins even though at the time it often doesn’t feel like the thing to do. Trust in it! It never fails!
Here is a phrase we want to apply to our love lives. I think it holds the key to us loving one another the way God wants us to. Here it is… “Love is more action than affection.” Read it again. Say it to yourself. Say it aloud.
I feel affection for Kathy. That is a good thing. I show her I love her by how I act towards her. That is a better thing. That is a God thing. Love is patient. Apply it! That is how it wins.
This week we continue our LOVE WINS series as we learn more about this love that never fails. You won’t want to miss any of this series. It is just too important to your life and the people you come into contact with. I hope to see you Sunday!
A Fellow Love Doctor in Training,
Tom
PS I have been trying to stay near 2000 calories a day to maintain or possibly lose some poundage. After Thanksgiving (and five pieces if pie), I can’t eat for the next 8 days to make up for it. It was great though! Thanks mom!
Friday, November 20, 2009
E-News from Tom: 11/20/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Thanksgiving is a great holiday! Not just because of the turkey and football, although those are good, but just the main idea of expressed gratitude to God. Saying thanks to Him for the many things we take for granted. It is good for your heart, mind and soul! It honors our Heavenly Father—something He fully deserves!
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.“ Psalm 100:4
“Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s Thanksgiving Service! It is packed with gratitude and love! What a combo! This service is sure to stay with you for a long while! How about showing some love to a friend by inviting them to Oak Bridge this weekend. Maybe God has a divine appointment scheduled with them. You just never know!
Kathy tells me she will have some Pumpkin pie available to all that want to get a jump-start on Thanksgiving Day! Oak Bridge and food, they seem to go together!
Let’s bring grateful hearts to our Father and pour them out in song and thought this weekend as we prepare for the coming Thanksgiving holiday. See you then!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS How about bringing a pie this Sunday for our friends from The Towers downtown. Many are disabled and need a little kindness this time of year. Remember our saying “LOVE WINS”. Let’s show them some. It makes a difference!
PSS New OBCC videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/blptv4u
Thanksgiving is a great holiday! Not just because of the turkey and football, although those are good, but just the main idea of expressed gratitude to God. Saying thanks to Him for the many things we take for granted. It is good for your heart, mind and soul! It honors our Heavenly Father—something He fully deserves!
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.“ Psalm 100:4
“Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s Thanksgiving Service! It is packed with gratitude and love! What a combo! This service is sure to stay with you for a long while! How about showing some love to a friend by inviting them to Oak Bridge this weekend. Maybe God has a divine appointment scheduled with them. You just never know!
Kathy tells me she will have some Pumpkin pie available to all that want to get a jump-start on Thanksgiving Day! Oak Bridge and food, they seem to go together!
Let’s bring grateful hearts to our Father and pour them out in song and thought this weekend as we prepare for the coming Thanksgiving holiday. See you then!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS How about bringing a pie this Sunday for our friends from The Towers downtown. Many are disabled and need a little kindness this time of year. Remember our saying “LOVE WINS”. Let’s show them some. It makes a difference!
PSS New OBCC videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/blptv4u
Friday, October 30, 2009
E-News from Tom: 10/30/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Sunday starts a week of big-time celebration for us. Obviously, we have the morning worship (I will talk about the scariest verse in the Bible.) followed by an “always great” Baptism Service at 4:00 at the OBC. Small Groups and the Toolbox make up some mid-week excitement. We’ll have our first ever “Night of Worship” on Saturday, November 7. (Bring a canned good to get in!) The doors will open at 6:45. That night the Oak Bridge Center will offer a variety of beverages and desserts for purchase to help support our young adults. (Kathy will have her amazing carrot cake. It is great and has absolutely zero calories!) Can it get any better than that!
It all concludes with our 6 Year Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, November 8! You don’t want to miss it! It is going to be a great service of stories and celebration!
God loves us! Jesus proved it! God guides us! Jesus is His pathway! God changes lives through His Son. We are carriers of that truth! Thank you God!
Let’s all celebrate these truths together!
In His Amazing Grace,
Tom
PS Don’t forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed Saturday night!
Sunday starts a week of big-time celebration for us. Obviously, we have the morning worship (I will talk about the scariest verse in the Bible.) followed by an “always great” Baptism Service at 4:00 at the OBC. Small Groups and the Toolbox make up some mid-week excitement. We’ll have our first ever “Night of Worship” on Saturday, November 7. (Bring a canned good to get in!) The doors will open at 6:45. That night the Oak Bridge Center will offer a variety of beverages and desserts for purchase to help support our young adults. (Kathy will have her amazing carrot cake. It is great and has absolutely zero calories!) Can it get any better than that!
It all concludes with our 6 Year Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, November 8! You don’t want to miss it! It is going to be a great service of stories and celebration!
God loves us! Jesus proved it! God guides us! Jesus is His pathway! God changes lives through His Son. We are carriers of that truth! Thank you God!
Let’s all celebrate these truths together!
In His Amazing Grace,
Tom
PS Don’t forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed Saturday night!
Friday, October 16, 2009
E-News from Tom: 10/16/09
Hello E-News Friends,
My hat is off to all of you who have taken the your next step towards Christ either through baptism, small groups, Toolbox, more consistent Sunday attendance, or signing up to use your giftedness to serve. I know your relationship with God is on a forward movement direction! You will be amazed by your growth in Christ and what it means to your life! It changes (for the better) so many things!
This Sunday we will look at a big “growth stopper”. It impacts all of us to one degree or another. But the good news is that we can do something about it. The problem is most of us are not even aware of how this “growth stopper” is working. And that is a danger to each of us.
It’s a great Sunday to bring a friend. We’ll supply the fresh fruit, bagels, doughnuts, and coffee. You send out the invite. (Tell’em it’s all you can eat.) That would work for me!
See you on the best day of the week!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS I hear a rap is going down in the E-Service, and Married Life Live is gonna be a “Off the chain”! I can’t wait to see both!
My hat is off to all of you who have taken the your next step towards Christ either through baptism, small groups, Toolbox, more consistent Sunday attendance, or signing up to use your giftedness to serve. I know your relationship with God is on a forward movement direction! You will be amazed by your growth in Christ and what it means to your life! It changes (for the better) so many things!
This Sunday we will look at a big “growth stopper”. It impacts all of us to one degree or another. But the good news is that we can do something about it. The problem is most of us are not even aware of how this “growth stopper” is working. And that is a danger to each of us.
It’s a great Sunday to bring a friend. We’ll supply the fresh fruit, bagels, doughnuts, and coffee. You send out the invite. (Tell’em it’s all you can eat.) That would work for me!
See you on the best day of the week!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS I hear a rap is going down in the E-Service, and Married Life Live is gonna be a “Off the chain”! I can’t wait to see both!
Monday, October 5, 2009
E-News from Tom: 10/05/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Fall is here. The air is cool and crisp. The leaves are falling off the trees. You can smell the occasional outdoor fire. Apple cider is plentiful in all the stores. Football games are on every channel. The Cardinals are still playing and the Cubs are going home.
Sweatshirts are making their appearance. A new season is in full swing.
Spiritually speaking, a new season is in full swing as well. Time to take some fresh new steps towards Christ. I am upping my time I spend in reflection. Asking myself questions like: What am I going to spend time on today? Who can I express love to more clearly? Am I looking for the hand of God in nature? Can I be the hand (or mouth) of God to someone? Am I taking steps towards Christ that make sense? Who can I learn from today? It’s made a difference and feels great.
Are you starting a new season that moves you closer to Christ? You can you know! Try out The Toolbox. Apply a teaching from Sunday’s message. Memorize the key Bible verses. Read a book from the Grow store. Go walking with some great praise music playing in your earphones. Sign up for the next class. Get baptized. Invite someone to go to Church with you. Get involved in serving. Go to a Small Group. Read your Bible. Pray for your love factor to grow. Attend Church with more regularity.
It’s a new season! Go for It! God is waiting!
Take a step towards Christ. You can do it!
This week we will learn about our talents and how God can use them if we choose to allow Him. The message is titled “You Got What It Takes?” I think it’s a topic God wants us all to understand.
Remember it’s a new season. Take some steps towards Christ!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. The Toolbox is Wednesday @ 7:00 at the OBC. (A great next step!)
Fall is here. The air is cool and crisp. The leaves are falling off the trees. You can smell the occasional outdoor fire. Apple cider is plentiful in all the stores. Football games are on every channel. The Cardinals are still playing and the Cubs are going home.
Sweatshirts are making their appearance. A new season is in full swing.
Spiritually speaking, a new season is in full swing as well. Time to take some fresh new steps towards Christ. I am upping my time I spend in reflection. Asking myself questions like: What am I going to spend time on today? Who can I express love to more clearly? Am I looking for the hand of God in nature? Can I be the hand (or mouth) of God to someone? Am I taking steps towards Christ that make sense? Who can I learn from today? It’s made a difference and feels great.
Are you starting a new season that moves you closer to Christ? You can you know! Try out The Toolbox. Apply a teaching from Sunday’s message. Memorize the key Bible verses. Read a book from the Grow store. Go walking with some great praise music playing in your earphones. Sign up for the next class. Get baptized. Invite someone to go to Church with you. Get involved in serving. Go to a Small Group. Read your Bible. Pray for your love factor to grow. Attend Church with more regularity.
It’s a new season! Go for It! God is waiting!
Take a step towards Christ. You can do it!
This week we will learn about our talents and how God can use them if we choose to allow Him. The message is titled “You Got What It Takes?” I think it’s a topic God wants us all to understand.
Remember it’s a new season. Take some steps towards Christ!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. The Toolbox is Wednesday @ 7:00 at the OBC. (A great next step!)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/30/09
A Hard Question
There is a question that scares me. Jesus asked it of some of his closest friends. It echoes in the back of my mind during some of the “hard” times in my life: times when I want to do what I want to do, times when I’m physically tired or emotionally worn out, and times when I don’t have an answer for life’s problems. This question’s answer can change your life in a totally different direction. And it’s not a good direction either.
Jesus was giving a true but difficult teaching to his followers. You can read it in John Chapter 6. It was hard for many of his followers to understand. To others it was offensive. So they left Jesus. They quit following him. They picked up their stuff and went away. He then looked at his closest friends and asked them “the question”, “Do you want to leave too?”
Sometimes it seems easier to leave Jesus rather than stay and follow him. Acknowledge some sin in my life. Leave him. Make a hard decision regarding my pride. Leave him. Give up a comfortable lifestyle. Leave him. Change some of my friendships. Leave him. Stop an addictive behavior. Leave him. Be totally honest with myself. Leave him. Rearrange my work or social schedule. Leave him. Something tragic happens in my life. Leave him. It could go on and on.
I’ve never seen anyone who quits following Jesus improve his life. Most people just regret it silently or live it out bitterly, but they are never better for it. Their family and friends are never better for it.
I have heard it said many times by people who do not follow Jesus that the Christian faith is just for people who are weak and “need a crutch”. I find it to be just the opposite. Sometimes following Jesus takes every ounce of courage and strength you have. I’ve observed it and experienced it enough times to know that it is always the right choice. Not the easy one but the right one.
What is going on in your journey with Jesus? I’m guessing you are running into some pretty hard teachings, some that may even offend you. Don’t be weak! Don’t be a quitter! Push on and keep following him. Persevere. Hang in there!
A follower of Jesus once said perseverance builds character and character builds hope. Stay the course. Hope and character are around the corner.
Eleven of the twelve he asked the question to stayed, one eventually left. His name was Judas. It didn’t work out so well for him. He regretted his answer and decision.
Keep taking steps towards Jesus. Stay with Him and His followers. It is always the right decision!
Together with you in His grace,
Tom
There is a question that scares me. Jesus asked it of some of his closest friends. It echoes in the back of my mind during some of the “hard” times in my life: times when I want to do what I want to do, times when I’m physically tired or emotionally worn out, and times when I don’t have an answer for life’s problems. This question’s answer can change your life in a totally different direction. And it’s not a good direction either.
Jesus was giving a true but difficult teaching to his followers. You can read it in John Chapter 6. It was hard for many of his followers to understand. To others it was offensive. So they left Jesus. They quit following him. They picked up their stuff and went away. He then looked at his closest friends and asked them “the question”, “Do you want to leave too?”
Sometimes it seems easier to leave Jesus rather than stay and follow him. Acknowledge some sin in my life. Leave him. Make a hard decision regarding my pride. Leave him. Give up a comfortable lifestyle. Leave him. Change some of my friendships. Leave him. Stop an addictive behavior. Leave him. Be totally honest with myself. Leave him. Rearrange my work or social schedule. Leave him. Something tragic happens in my life. Leave him. It could go on and on.
I’ve never seen anyone who quits following Jesus improve his life. Most people just regret it silently or live it out bitterly, but they are never better for it. Their family and friends are never better for it.
I have heard it said many times by people who do not follow Jesus that the Christian faith is just for people who are weak and “need a crutch”. I find it to be just the opposite. Sometimes following Jesus takes every ounce of courage and strength you have. I’ve observed it and experienced it enough times to know that it is always the right choice. Not the easy one but the right one.
What is going on in your journey with Jesus? I’m guessing you are running into some pretty hard teachings, some that may even offend you. Don’t be weak! Don’t be a quitter! Push on and keep following him. Persevere. Hang in there!
A follower of Jesus once said perseverance builds character and character builds hope. Stay the course. Hope and character are around the corner.
Eleven of the twelve he asked the question to stayed, one eventually left. His name was Judas. It didn’t work out so well for him. He regretted his answer and decision.
Keep taking steps towards Jesus. Stay with Him and His followers. It is always the right decision!
Together with you in His grace,
Tom
Monday, September 28, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/25/09
Hello E-News Friends,
How do you own something without paying anything for it? The answer to that is simpler than you may think. I was at a Middle School football game this past weekend.
I went to watch a team I had helped coach the past two years, in a program I helped start ten years ago. As the game was played, I became aware of my lack of emotion to what was happening on the field. Bad play, no big deal. Touchdown, so what. Kid didn’t get in the game, tough luck. I never ever felt that way in the time I served as a coach for this program. I realized I had no ownership anymore.
It is a clear ownership principal. Give time to something and you get the emotional benefits of ownership—more passion, higher levels of satisfaction, greater awareness of needs and a stronger sense of belonging.
I lost that ownership feeling for one reason. I quit serving as a coach. I quit giving time to it. I was now just an observer. That’s a big difference.
Many of you need to have ownership in your journey with God. Serving in His Church is what God recommends. Your passion for God and all the other things I mentioned above will never be what you want (or need) without this step.
Over the next few weeks we will look at giving time and getting ownership through serving. It is extremely important as you follow Christ to understand this life principal.
Know anyone who needs some more passion for God? This is a great time to invite or bring them.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. Remember No KidStuf this weekend. Most of the volunteers are on a weekend retreat. Pray for some sunshine for them!
How do you own something without paying anything for it? The answer to that is simpler than you may think. I was at a Middle School football game this past weekend.
I went to watch a team I had helped coach the past two years, in a program I helped start ten years ago. As the game was played, I became aware of my lack of emotion to what was happening on the field. Bad play, no big deal. Touchdown, so what. Kid didn’t get in the game, tough luck. I never ever felt that way in the time I served as a coach for this program. I realized I had no ownership anymore.
It is a clear ownership principal. Give time to something and you get the emotional benefits of ownership—more passion, higher levels of satisfaction, greater awareness of needs and a stronger sense of belonging.
I lost that ownership feeling for one reason. I quit serving as a coach. I quit giving time to it. I was now just an observer. That’s a big difference.
Many of you need to have ownership in your journey with God. Serving in His Church is what God recommends. Your passion for God and all the other things I mentioned above will never be what you want (or need) without this step.
Over the next few weeks we will look at giving time and getting ownership through serving. It is extremely important as you follow Christ to understand this life principal.
Know anyone who needs some more passion for God? This is a great time to invite or bring them.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. Remember No KidStuf this weekend. Most of the volunteers are on a weekend retreat. Pray for some sunshine for them!
Friday, September 18, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/18/09
Celebrate!
It is amazing to see all the people who volunteer at our church! This past week we saw three ministries “hit the ground running”! People of all ages were using their time and talent to bring glory to our God. This is just not normal, but something to certainly celebrate! Only God can cause this selflessness in people’s hearts!
KidStuf came back strong after a well-deserved summer break. 210 people showed up to break our previous attendance high of 180! Wow! Young and old-alike were engaging children to hold high the value of wisdom. Simply incredible what is done weekly by all the KidStuf volunteers!
Small Groups had a roaring start as 200 adults signed up and met up in homes around the area. There is power in “together” and it will be a joy to watch what God does in all those who serve in and get served by this powerful ministry of followers sharing their lives in community…just like Jesus and the apostles!
The Wednesday Toolbox kicked off as well. Over 90 people came to sing, pray and learn about sharing their faith, prayer and the book of Matthew. It was the first of many great Wednesdays together at the Oak Bridge Center!
None of this would happen without all the volunteers who have faithfully offered their time and talents for God to use. You are an amazing group of people helping to build an amazing church! It is a privilege to serve with all of you!
I can confidently tell people I run into who are down on church “One visit to Oak Bridge and it will change how you think about Church”. And that is a great thing to be able to say!
Celebrating you and our great God!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. If you haven’t yet experienced any of these ministries it’s not too late. We still have some Small Groups with room. KidStuf and The Toolbox are always ready for more people. They are all great next-steps!
P.S.S. Invite a friend to Church this week. See what God does with that! You never know.
It is amazing to see all the people who volunteer at our church! This past week we saw three ministries “hit the ground running”! People of all ages were using their time and talent to bring glory to our God. This is just not normal, but something to certainly celebrate! Only God can cause this selflessness in people’s hearts!
KidStuf came back strong after a well-deserved summer break. 210 people showed up to break our previous attendance high of 180! Wow! Young and old-alike were engaging children to hold high the value of wisdom. Simply incredible what is done weekly by all the KidStuf volunteers!
Small Groups had a roaring start as 200 adults signed up and met up in homes around the area. There is power in “together” and it will be a joy to watch what God does in all those who serve in and get served by this powerful ministry of followers sharing their lives in community…just like Jesus and the apostles!
The Wednesday Toolbox kicked off as well. Over 90 people came to sing, pray and learn about sharing their faith, prayer and the book of Matthew. It was the first of many great Wednesdays together at the Oak Bridge Center!
None of this would happen without all the volunteers who have faithfully offered their time and talents for God to use. You are an amazing group of people helping to build an amazing church! It is a privilege to serve with all of you!
I can confidently tell people I run into who are down on church “One visit to Oak Bridge and it will change how you think about Church”. And that is a great thing to be able to say!
Celebrating you and our great God!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. If you haven’t yet experienced any of these ministries it’s not too late. We still have some Small Groups with room. KidStuf and The Toolbox are always ready for more people. They are all great next-steps!
P.S.S. Invite a friend to Church this week. See what God does with that! You never know.
Friday, September 11, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/11/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Some things just go together. Like, you can’t make a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips. Duh…I know you know this. It’s a no-brainer so to speak. But here is a tougher thought for you. (These two go together.) What always accompanies your steps as you move closer to God? It runs throughout the scriptures. You can’t take a step towards God without this. Jesus even wrestled with this right before the cross.
You can’t move forward with God until you choose to be obedient to God. “Not my will but thy will be done.” Taking steps with God and obedience go together just like cookie dough and chocolate chips go together for a chocolate chip cookie.
Every step you take in your journey with God takes obedience somewhere.
God says trust me. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says believe and be baptized. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says forgive as I have forgiven you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says love, as I have loved you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says serve one another. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
All these take obedience. The list could go on and on. It is obedience that always leads to good, to right.
What is the next step you know you should take with God? You know it’s a no-brainer. You have seen it impact other people. You know it’s your next step. Small groups, serving, Bible study, Sunday attendance, giving, time with God, prayer, community with other followers…
There is an old song that sums it up pretty well for each of us. One of the main lyrics says, “Trust and obey. Trust and obey. To be happy in Jesus you must trust and obey.” We can’t move forward with God until we choose to be obedient to God. They go together don’t they? Always have, always will.
Looking forward to my next step of obedience (and yours),
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Kid Stuf starts this Sunday at 9:30! Great time! You will love it! Be there!
Go Rams! Tailgate time this Sunday @ OBC. It should all be fun!
Some things just go together. Like, you can’t make a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips. Duh…I know you know this. It’s a no-brainer so to speak. But here is a tougher thought for you. (These two go together.) What always accompanies your steps as you move closer to God? It runs throughout the scriptures. You can’t take a step towards God without this. Jesus even wrestled with this right before the cross.
You can’t move forward with God until you choose to be obedient to God. “Not my will but thy will be done.” Taking steps with God and obedience go together just like cookie dough and chocolate chips go together for a chocolate chip cookie.
Every step you take in your journey with God takes obedience somewhere.
God says trust me. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says believe and be baptized. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says forgive as I have forgiven you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says love, as I have loved you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says serve one another. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
All these take obedience. The list could go on and on. It is obedience that always leads to good, to right.
What is the next step you know you should take with God? You know it’s a no-brainer. You have seen it impact other people. You know it’s your next step. Small groups, serving, Bible study, Sunday attendance, giving, time with God, prayer, community with other followers…
There is an old song that sums it up pretty well for each of us. One of the main lyrics says, “Trust and obey. Trust and obey. To be happy in Jesus you must trust and obey.” We can’t move forward with God until we choose to be obedient to God. They go together don’t they? Always have, always will.
Looking forward to my next step of obedience (and yours),
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Kid Stuf starts this Sunday at 9:30! Great time! You will love it! Be there!
Go Rams! Tailgate time this Sunday @ OBC. It should all be fun!
Friday, September 4, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/04/09
Hello E-News Fiends,
When I take a look at my calendar it includes sporting events, birthday parties, scattered dentist/doctor appointments, and seasonal holiday gatherings. It used to have a few more school activities when Matt and Katie were younger. I am pretty sure your schedule looks a lot like mine, with the exception of the Muny and Opera people. When I don’t have anything scheduled at night, I’m normally in front of the TV. That is probably the same for many of you. Here is a question you can ask yourself, “Does my schedule help me grow closer to Christ?” Yes? No? Maybe? Haven’t thought about it?
Take a look below at some of the fall activities and see if they could help you grow closer to Christ. (You know what I think.) If yes, take the next step and put them on your schedule. Not only do I believe they would be good for your journey with Christ, but I think they will be great fun as well!
I hope to take some steps with you as we follow Him in His grace and love,
Tom
----------------------
Toolbox Wednesdays
What is the Toolbox? It is an evening full of fun, food, community, teaching, and prayer. There are three categories from which to choose: Bible/Theology, Spiritual Disciplines and Life Application. Some examples of the topics are books of the Bible, parenting, prayer, Bible characters, apologetics (defending your faith), marriage, anger management, wisdom, healthy living, and much more. The doors open at 6:45 with The Toolbox running from 7:00-8:30pm. The fall schedule is set for the Wednesdays of September 16, and 23 (No Toolbox on the 30th), October 7, 14 and 21 (No Toolbox on the 28th) and November 4, 11 and 18 (No Toolbox the 25th). No Toolboxes scheduled in December. It is a great next step to take in your journey with Christ!
Trivia Night—Friday October 9
You won’t want to miss a great night of fun and fellowship as the Oak Bridge Center hosts a trivia night to help fund our young adults (college age and up) ministries. Tables of eight are available for $20 a person. Doors open at 6:45pm with the program starting at 7:00. Space is limited to 25 tables so sign up early to reserve yours. Food, table-decorating contest, raffles, and silent auctions are all part of the evening as well as loads of fun and laughter. This will not be your typical trivia, you can count on that! Trivia night as only Oak Bridge can do it! Sign up at the Information center on Sunday.
What are the basics of our faith?
What does the Bible say about how we are saved, baptism, giving, serving, and spiritual gifts? Sign up for this 2-part class on the “Basics of our Faith” and you will know. Help your journey with Christ grow as you learn what scripture teaches on a variety of essential topics. The classes are on Tuesday, October 13 and October 20 from 7:00-8:30pm at The Oak Bridge Center.
Tailgate at the OBC
Bring your favorite chair, some “football food” and get ready to watch the Rams hammer the Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12:30pm. The parking lot is ready and the big-screen TVs inside the Oak Bridge Center are ready. You can sign up for the chili cook off. (Pastor Tom is entering his “soon to be famous” put hair on your chest chili.) You can compare that with Chef Brian’s from The Market at Busch’s Grove. A great afternoon of fun and fellowship to be had by all. Game starts at 3:15. Go Rams!
Married Life Live
The Oak Bridge Center will host its first Married Life Live on Sunday, October 18 from 5:45–8:30pm. This will be an awesome date night for married, engaged, and dating couples. You won’t want to miss great music, drama, and teaching. The cost is $25/couple. Space is limited so sign up early at the Information Center.
When I take a look at my calendar it includes sporting events, birthday parties, scattered dentist/doctor appointments, and seasonal holiday gatherings. It used to have a few more school activities when Matt and Katie were younger. I am pretty sure your schedule looks a lot like mine, with the exception of the Muny and Opera people. When I don’t have anything scheduled at night, I’m normally in front of the TV. That is probably the same for many of you. Here is a question you can ask yourself, “Does my schedule help me grow closer to Christ?” Yes? No? Maybe? Haven’t thought about it?
Take a look below at some of the fall activities and see if they could help you grow closer to Christ. (You know what I think.) If yes, take the next step and put them on your schedule. Not only do I believe they would be good for your journey with Christ, but I think they will be great fun as well!
I hope to take some steps with you as we follow Him in His grace and love,
Tom
----------------------
Toolbox Wednesdays
What is the Toolbox? It is an evening full of fun, food, community, teaching, and prayer. There are three categories from which to choose: Bible/Theology, Spiritual Disciplines and Life Application. Some examples of the topics are books of the Bible, parenting, prayer, Bible characters, apologetics (defending your faith), marriage, anger management, wisdom, healthy living, and much more. The doors open at 6:45 with The Toolbox running from 7:00-8:30pm. The fall schedule is set for the Wednesdays of September 16, and 23 (No Toolbox on the 30th), October 7, 14 and 21 (No Toolbox on the 28th) and November 4, 11 and 18 (No Toolbox the 25th). No Toolboxes scheduled in December. It is a great next step to take in your journey with Christ!
Trivia Night—Friday October 9
You won’t want to miss a great night of fun and fellowship as the Oak Bridge Center hosts a trivia night to help fund our young adults (college age and up) ministries. Tables of eight are available for $20 a person. Doors open at 6:45pm with the program starting at 7:00. Space is limited to 25 tables so sign up early to reserve yours. Food, table-decorating contest, raffles, and silent auctions are all part of the evening as well as loads of fun and laughter. This will not be your typical trivia, you can count on that! Trivia night as only Oak Bridge can do it! Sign up at the Information center on Sunday.
What are the basics of our faith?
What does the Bible say about how we are saved, baptism, giving, serving, and spiritual gifts? Sign up for this 2-part class on the “Basics of our Faith” and you will know. Help your journey with Christ grow as you learn what scripture teaches on a variety of essential topics. The classes are on Tuesday, October 13 and October 20 from 7:00-8:30pm at The Oak Bridge Center.
Tailgate at the OBC
Bring your favorite chair, some “football food” and get ready to watch the Rams hammer the Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12:30pm. The parking lot is ready and the big-screen TVs inside the Oak Bridge Center are ready. You can sign up for the chili cook off. (Pastor Tom is entering his “soon to be famous” put hair on your chest chili.) You can compare that with Chef Brian’s from The Market at Busch’s Grove. A great afternoon of fun and fellowship to be had by all. Game starts at 3:15. Go Rams!
Married Life Live
The Oak Bridge Center will host its first Married Life Live on Sunday, October 18 from 5:45–8:30pm. This will be an awesome date night for married, engaged, and dating couples. You won’t want to miss great music, drama, and teaching. The cost is $25/couple. Space is limited so sign up early at the Information Center.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
E-News from Tom: 08/13/09
Hello E-News Friends,
We continue our series, “My ID in Christ” this week. If you missed the opener last week you can go to oakbridgecc.com and listen to it. I believe it will be worth your time. Plus it is the base we want to build off this week. Knowing where we stand with Christ is essential if we are to take the next step to move closer towards Him. Do you know what your next step is? Sunday should help.
A quick word about “The Edge” student worship service this past Sunday night, it was awesome!—super in every aspect. It’s one of those “very glad to be a Christ-follower at Oak Bridge” moments. That was backed up by a packed “Understanding the Bible” class which was something I am very proud to be a part of. It is always a privilege to help people (myself included) trust in God’s inspired word more.
A big thanks to all of you who serve at Oak Bridge. You are changing lives of more people than you will ever know. You are a difference maker to so many. As a team we can accomplish so much more for Christ than as individuals. Thanks again! It’s an honor to serve with you.
In His Amazing Grace,
Tom
P.S. - Pray for all of our students as they start back to school. For many it is a scary time. Pray for wise decisions!
We continue our series, “My ID in Christ” this week. If you missed the opener last week you can go to oakbridgecc.com and listen to it. I believe it will be worth your time. Plus it is the base we want to build off this week. Knowing where we stand with Christ is essential if we are to take the next step to move closer towards Him. Do you know what your next step is? Sunday should help.
A quick word about “The Edge” student worship service this past Sunday night, it was awesome!—super in every aspect. It’s one of those “very glad to be a Christ-follower at Oak Bridge” moments. That was backed up by a packed “Understanding the Bible” class which was something I am very proud to be a part of. It is always a privilege to help people (myself included) trust in God’s inspired word more.
A big thanks to all of you who serve at Oak Bridge. You are changing lives of more people than you will ever know. You are a difference maker to so many. As a team we can accomplish so much more for Christ than as individuals. Thanks again! It’s an honor to serve with you.
In His Amazing Grace,
Tom
P.S. - Pray for all of our students as they start back to school. For many it is a scary time. Pray for wise decisions!
Friday, August 7, 2009
E-News from Tom: 08/07/09
Hello E-News Friends,
We start a new series titled “Can I See Your ID?” Hopefully this will give you a great platform to springboard your faith in God. This week’s message will introduce the basic principles defining your “ID in God.” I have a couple questions I want each of you to ask yourselves between now and Sunday. Where do I stand in my faith-walk with God? What should be my next step in growing my faith with God?
I recently asked some college students these two questions. Their responses (or lack of) dictated the importance of this series in my mind. I have personally been wrestling with these questions the past few days. I hope you do as well. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us over the next 4-5 weeks. It should be a great experience for each of us! Hope to see you Sunday. A good series to invite your friends. (Remember to tell them about the free breakfast!)
In His Grace,
Tom
PS - A big Sunday with “The Edge” in the evening! Can’t wait!
“Understanding the Bible” class on Tuesday—still time to sign-up. All at the OBC! What a great place!
We start a new series titled “Can I See Your ID?” Hopefully this will give you a great platform to springboard your faith in God. This week’s message will introduce the basic principles defining your “ID in God.” I have a couple questions I want each of you to ask yourselves between now and Sunday. Where do I stand in my faith-walk with God? What should be my next step in growing my faith with God?
I recently asked some college students these two questions. Their responses (or lack of) dictated the importance of this series in my mind. I have personally been wrestling with these questions the past few days. I hope you do as well. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us over the next 4-5 weeks. It should be a great experience for each of us! Hope to see you Sunday. A good series to invite your friends. (Remember to tell them about the free breakfast!)
In His Grace,
Tom
PS - A big Sunday with “The Edge” in the evening! Can’t wait!
“Understanding the Bible” class on Tuesday—still time to sign-up. All at the OBC! What a great place!
Friday, July 24, 2009
E-News from Tom: 07/23/09
Hello E-News Friends,
My biggest problem is normally myself. Your biggest problem is normally yourself. We are the common denominator in every bad decision we make. Isn’t that right? Think about your last bad decision. Were you there? There is a question we can ask that impacts every decision in a big way. If we learn to consistently answer this question in all areas of our lives, our confidence can grow knowing that God is with us in these decisions.
It is a question Jesus asked some of his closest friends. It impacted their lives in remarkable fashion. The same question, with the same answer, can change our lives as well. This Sunday we will talk about that question and its answer as we finish our “Versus” series. I hope you can bring a friend with you. It can impact their life as well.
You hold the invite on the tip of your tongue.
God loves you…Jesus proved that in a big way!
Hope to see you this weekend.
Tom
PS We leave for Big Stuf Sunday night. I am asking you to bend a knee and ask God to grant us more of His wisdom, grace, and love as we shepherd His treasured students. Throw in an extra prayer for a good night sleep on the bus ride down for me. The ole-gray mare he ain’t what he used to be, he ain’t…(It applies to me!)
My biggest problem is normally myself. Your biggest problem is normally yourself. We are the common denominator in every bad decision we make. Isn’t that right? Think about your last bad decision. Were you there? There is a question we can ask that impacts every decision in a big way. If we learn to consistently answer this question in all areas of our lives, our confidence can grow knowing that God is with us in these decisions.
It is a question Jesus asked some of his closest friends. It impacted their lives in remarkable fashion. The same question, with the same answer, can change our lives as well. This Sunday we will talk about that question and its answer as we finish our “Versus” series. I hope you can bring a friend with you. It can impact their life as well.
You hold the invite on the tip of your tongue.
God loves you…Jesus proved that in a big way!
Hope to see you this weekend.
Tom
PS We leave for Big Stuf Sunday night. I am asking you to bend a knee and ask God to grant us more of His wisdom, grace, and love as we shepherd His treasured students. Throw in an extra prayer for a good night sleep on the bus ride down for me. The ole-gray mare he ain’t what he used to be, he ain’t…(It applies to me!)
Friday, July 10, 2009
E-News from Tom: 07/10/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Can you believe how fast the summer is going by? I hope everyone is enjoying the season—vacations, baseball, camps, barbecue, swimming, and the like. It is also a great time to spend some quality time with God.
Find a tree to sit by and pray. Think and reflect about your life. Are you choosing to trust and follow Him more? Is God occupying a growing amount of your thought time? Have you laid any of your burdens at the feet of Jesus recently? Talk with God.
I went to Bee Tree Park a few days ago and did just that on a bench overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. It was a great hour and a half. I think God (my Father) enjoyed it as well.
This weekend is an another super opportunity to spend some quality time with God. I am speaking on “Religion versus Relationship”. I know we often get the two confused and that leads to some dead ends. Why don’t you come to Oak Bridge this Sunday with a plan to meet with your Father/God? Take about and hour and a half and see if it isn’t some of the best spent time of your summer.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS This is a great weekend to invite your religious and irreligious friends.
It might be just what God wants them to hear. You hold the invite!
Make the call! Take a chance! You never know what God might do!
Can you believe how fast the summer is going by? I hope everyone is enjoying the season—vacations, baseball, camps, barbecue, swimming, and the like. It is also a great time to spend some quality time with God.
Find a tree to sit by and pray. Think and reflect about your life. Are you choosing to trust and follow Him more? Is God occupying a growing amount of your thought time? Have you laid any of your burdens at the feet of Jesus recently? Talk with God.
I went to Bee Tree Park a few days ago and did just that on a bench overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. It was a great hour and a half. I think God (my Father) enjoyed it as well.
This weekend is an another super opportunity to spend some quality time with God. I am speaking on “Religion versus Relationship”. I know we often get the two confused and that leads to some dead ends. Why don’t you come to Oak Bridge this Sunday with a plan to meet with your Father/God? Take about and hour and a half and see if it isn’t some of the best spent time of your summer.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS This is a great weekend to invite your religious and irreligious friends.
It might be just what God wants them to hear. You hold the invite!
Make the call! Take a chance! You never know what God might do!
Friday, June 19, 2009
E-News from Tom: 06/19/09
Hello E-News Friends,
I hate losing. The Cardinals lost last night and that bugs me. I don’t feel good even thinking about it. I just lost in internet backgammon game and that bugs me. (He was unbelievably lucky.) As I write this I am asking myself (and you), do I hate losing in life as much as I hate losing in games? Think about it a second.
What am I doing daily to win (following Jesus)? Am I even bugged much about a loss (not following Jesus)? Who benefits from my wins and who gets hurts by my losses? Think about it another second. A lot is at stake.
We finish the series “Winning and Losing” this Sunday. We will fill in this sentence, “I don’t have to be ______.” Can you guess what goes in the blank? It makes a huge difference in winning and losing in life.
Quick review: Week 1 “I Am Second”. Week 2 “Tools of God” (Word Up, Turn Around, Follow Him). Week 3 “God’s Glue” (Jesus is all about grace and truth).
To all the Dads, I hope you have a great “Father’s Day” this Sunday. Oak Bridge is a great choice to start off your day. (It’s a win!)
Hope to see you!
In His grace,
Tom
PS: I am so ready for the OB Center to officially kick-off with Family Life Live tonight @ 6:00 (Friday). It will be fun! You can still sign-up for Tuesday night’s class “Oak Bridge: Why, What, How?” from 6-9 pm @ OBC.“The Edge” student service is June 28th! Can it get any better? (These are all a win as well!)
I hate losing. The Cardinals lost last night and that bugs me. I don’t feel good even thinking about it. I just lost in internet backgammon game and that bugs me. (He was unbelievably lucky.) As I write this I am asking myself (and you), do I hate losing in life as much as I hate losing in games? Think about it a second.
What am I doing daily to win (following Jesus)? Am I even bugged much about a loss (not following Jesus)? Who benefits from my wins and who gets hurts by my losses? Think about it another second. A lot is at stake.
We finish the series “Winning and Losing” this Sunday. We will fill in this sentence, “I don’t have to be ______.” Can you guess what goes in the blank? It makes a huge difference in winning and losing in life.
Quick review: Week 1 “I Am Second”. Week 2 “Tools of God” (Word Up, Turn Around, Follow Him). Week 3 “God’s Glue” (Jesus is all about grace and truth).
To all the Dads, I hope you have a great “Father’s Day” this Sunday. Oak Bridge is a great choice to start off your day. (It’s a win!)
Hope to see you!
In His grace,
Tom
PS: I am so ready for the OB Center to officially kick-off with Family Life Live tonight @ 6:00 (Friday). It will be fun! You can still sign-up for Tuesday night’s class “Oak Bridge: Why, What, How?” from 6-9 pm @ OBC.“The Edge” student service is June 28th! Can it get any better? (These are all a win as well!)
Friday, June 12, 2009
E-News from Tom: 05/18/09
Hello, E-News Friends:
Here is a quick statistic for you. Last week our attendance was 876. On the same Sunday three years ago it was 229. Up 282%! If we would keep up the same pace for the next three years our attendance in 2012 would be 2,470. Wow!
I am reminded of a verse found in the Book of Acts in the Bible. It describes the first church. We call it the Acts 2 Church because it is described in Acts 2:42-47. The verse is the last one, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
I know God has thought up, built up and driven Oak Bridge. I never forget the fact this local expression of His Body is His idea. I am just thankful God has allowed me to be a part of it, just as He has allowed you to be a part of it. That is why I am so excited about
the OB (Oak Bridge) Center. It will be fun to see how God uses this facility “to add to the number daily those who are being saved.”
God does love our families, our friends, our community, and us. I believe God will use the OB Center to show many His love as we continue to follow His Son in action and faith.
I’m looking forward to meeting 1500 or so new faces over the next few years, and feeling bad because I can’t remember many of their names. But I know God knows their names.
Exciting time to be around OB! As we keep following the King!
In His grace and truth,
Tom
P.S. Lifehouse Everything Drama is posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BLPtv4u
Here is a quick statistic for you. Last week our attendance was 876. On the same Sunday three years ago it was 229. Up 282%! If we would keep up the same pace for the next three years our attendance in 2012 would be 2,470. Wow!
I am reminded of a verse found in the Book of Acts in the Bible. It describes the first church. We call it the Acts 2 Church because it is described in Acts 2:42-47. The verse is the last one, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
I know God has thought up, built up and driven Oak Bridge. I never forget the fact this local expression of His Body is His idea. I am just thankful God has allowed me to be a part of it, just as He has allowed you to be a part of it. That is why I am so excited about
the OB (Oak Bridge) Center. It will be fun to see how God uses this facility “to add to the number daily those who are being saved.”
God does love our families, our friends, our community, and us. I believe God will use the OB Center to show many His love as we continue to follow His Son in action and faith.
I’m looking forward to meeting 1500 or so new faces over the next few years, and feeling bad because I can’t remember many of their names. But I know God knows their names.
Exciting time to be around OB! As we keep following the King!
In His grace and truth,
Tom
P.S. Lifehouse Everything Drama is posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BLPtv4u
E-News from Tom: 05/22/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? Do you remember a great vacation your family went on? Do you remember when your kids were born? Do you remember your first “sloppy wet kiss”? Do you remember how it felt when you knew school was over and summer was starting?
This weekend we are going to do some remembering together. We are going to remember those who gave their lives defending our freedom and we are going to remember the One who gave His life to set us free from sins ultimate payment.
If you are like me as a Christ-Follower, then you amaze yourself by how often you take the sacrifice Jesus made with his life on your behalf for granted. This should be the bold headline that I always have on my mind: JESUS LOVES ME (US). JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME (US). REMEMBER. GOD SENT HIM TO TAKE AWAY OUR PUNISHMENT OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME, AND IT WAS COSTLY. REMEMBER.
This week will help us all to remember. We will share communion together in the E-Service. As our King once said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
See you Sunday!
In His grace,
Tom
PS! Can you believe it? We are going to have an open house Sunday at the Oak Bridge Center (By Home Depot off of Lindbergh) from 12:30-3:30. We are going to have beverages and light snacks. Come on by! You are going to love it! It really is phenomenal!
Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? Do you remember a great vacation your family went on? Do you remember when your kids were born? Do you remember your first “sloppy wet kiss”? Do you remember how it felt when you knew school was over and summer was starting?
This weekend we are going to do some remembering together. We are going to remember those who gave their lives defending our freedom and we are going to remember the One who gave His life to set us free from sins ultimate payment.
If you are like me as a Christ-Follower, then you amaze yourself by how often you take the sacrifice Jesus made with his life on your behalf for granted. This should be the bold headline that I always have on my mind: JESUS LOVES ME (US). JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME (US). REMEMBER. GOD SENT HIM TO TAKE AWAY OUR PUNISHMENT OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME, AND IT WAS COSTLY. REMEMBER.
This week will help us all to remember. We will share communion together in the E-Service. As our King once said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
See you Sunday!
In His grace,
Tom
PS! Can you believe it? We are going to have an open house Sunday at the Oak Bridge Center (By Home Depot off of Lindbergh) from 12:30-3:30. We are going to have beverages and light snacks. Come on by! You are going to love it! It really is phenomenal!
E-News from Tom: 06/12/09
Hello E-News Friends,
I’m looking forward to the first official event at the Oak Bridge Center. (If you haven’t seen the OBC yet, it is awesome!) Family Life Live is going to be a great evening of fun, teaching, and community. Herc has told me we can now open this night up to all people! (Not just ones with kids in grade school.) Singles, couples, old, young, Cards fans, even Cubs fans, so sign-up this Sunday! You will have a super evening! It is Friday, June 19 at the OBC. Dinner starts at 6 pm and the program 7 pm. (Doors open at 5:30pm).
How are you doing at keeping yourself second? Have you been using any of the tools our Father has given us? (Word up, turn around, follow Him). This week we will continue to learn how to win in this life. The message is titled, “The Glue of God”. If you know of any broken people make sure you do your best to get them to Oak Bridge this Sunday. I am confident God has a divine appointment scheduled for them. Maybe your heart and life has some cracks in it. “God’s glue” might be just what you need as well. I know mine does. Hope to see you Sunday!
In His grace (which is amazing),
Tom
PS: If you are a Cubs fan and sign up for Family Life Live you might be charged double. I personally believe that is appropriate. (Not Christ-like, but appropriate.)
I’m looking forward to the first official event at the Oak Bridge Center. (If you haven’t seen the OBC yet, it is awesome!) Family Life Live is going to be a great evening of fun, teaching, and community. Herc has told me we can now open this night up to all people! (Not just ones with kids in grade school.) Singles, couples, old, young, Cards fans, even Cubs fans, so sign-up this Sunday! You will have a super evening! It is Friday, June 19 at the OBC. Dinner starts at 6 pm and the program 7 pm. (Doors open at 5:30pm).
How are you doing at keeping yourself second? Have you been using any of the tools our Father has given us? (Word up, turn around, follow Him). This week we will continue to learn how to win in this life. The message is titled, “The Glue of God”. If you know of any broken people make sure you do your best to get them to Oak Bridge this Sunday. I am confident God has a divine appointment scheduled for them. Maybe your heart and life has some cracks in it. “God’s glue” might be just what you need as well. I know mine does. Hope to see you Sunday!
In His grace (which is amazing),
Tom
PS: If you are a Cubs fan and sign up for Family Life Live you might be charged double. I personally believe that is appropriate. (Not Christ-like, but appropriate.)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
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