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.
Friday, September 18, 2009
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!
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