Hello E-News Friends,
What is your favorite four-letter word? Here are two of mine: Pray and love. (You can go ahead and ask God to forgive you now for the four-letter words that first came into your thoughts.) I have those two words on my mind as 240 of us get ready to spend a week together focusing on God. I wish I could bring all of you down to Big Stuf as well! (We are beginning to plan first-time adult retreats for 2011...you heard it here first.)
Anyway, I want you to look at those two words with me in the following way. Pray that all the students and leaders at Big Stuf will grow in their knowledge of and application of God's love, thankfully demonstrated by the life of Jesus His Son. Your prayers are important they really do make a difference!
I'll miss you this Sunday; but I know we have a great service waiting for you! (A couple songs played for the first time that you are going love!) God will touch your heart and mind if you give Him your time! It is true!
Giving you my love and asking for your prayers!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Doors open tonight @ 6:30 for the free "Fallen" concert! They are debuting their first CD. Come to the Oak Bridge Center for a great evening.
I'll be there selling the best desert ever made (Kathy's Carrot Cake). See you then!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
E-News: 06/29/10 to 07/05/10
Big Stuf Olympics
Big Stuf Olympics is Sunday, July 11, at Grant’s Shelter in Jefferson Barrack’s Park after the 10:45 morning service.
Oak Bridge Kids
On Sunday, July 11, students will graduate to their next class. Students going into kindergarten will graduate to UpStreet and students going into second grade will graduate to DownTown. Congratulations to the fourth graders going into fifth grade and graduating to Detour. Detour dates will be announced as events are scheduled.
Wedding Dress Give-A-Way
Oak Bridge has been notified that someone has a brand new, never worn wedding dress that she would like to give away to a bride-to-be that doesn't have the money to go out and buy something extravagant. The dress is from David's Bridal. It's a size 2 petite (short) gown that could probably fit a size 4 or maybe even a size 6. If you are interested in the dress, contact Clarissa at info@oakbridgecc.com or 314-303-3632.
S.O.S.
We are “presoaking” for the Laundry Detergent Giveaway to be held at the Oak Bridge Center. We know who washes away our sins and now we can share that with our community by helping them wash away their stains! Laundry detergent will be collected during the month of August so we can give it away in September. In the meantime, find that great summer suds deal and strive to be our Soapiest donor! Join us on Facebook at S.O.S.
2B1 Marriage Class
2Become1 (2B1) is Oak Bridge’s marital class for those who would like to become engaged, have a wedding planned, and those who would like to strengthen their marriage. 2B1 classes will be held on Wednesday evenings starting September 15 at 7pm. For additional information speak to Jay and Clarissa Karasick (314-922-4764/314-303-3632) or send an e-mail to info@oakbridgecc.com.
Oak Bridge Toolbar
Oak Bridge has a toolbar for searching the web. The search engine powered by Yahoo is the same search information received using Yahoo. The search engine is a source of revenue at NO COST to anyone and with no purchase necessary. You may download the toolbar at the link below. Questions may be directed to Jay Karasick at 314-922-4764/stldugout@yahoo.com. www.benefitbar.com/benefitbar/subscribe/toolbar.php?toolbar Id=3857.
Big Stuf Olympics is Sunday, July 11, at Grant’s Shelter in Jefferson Barrack’s Park after the 10:45 morning service.
Oak Bridge Kids
On Sunday, July 11, students will graduate to their next class. Students going into kindergarten will graduate to UpStreet and students going into second grade will graduate to DownTown. Congratulations to the fourth graders going into fifth grade and graduating to Detour. Detour dates will be announced as events are scheduled.
Wedding Dress Give-A-Way
Oak Bridge has been notified that someone has a brand new, never worn wedding dress that she would like to give away to a bride-to-be that doesn't have the money to go out and buy something extravagant. The dress is from David's Bridal. It's a size 2 petite (short) gown that could probably fit a size 4 or maybe even a size 6. If you are interested in the dress, contact Clarissa at info@oakbridgecc.com or 314-303-3632.
S.O.S.
We are “presoaking” for the Laundry Detergent Giveaway to be held at the Oak Bridge Center. We know who washes away our sins and now we can share that with our community by helping them wash away their stains! Laundry detergent will be collected during the month of August so we can give it away in September. In the meantime, find that great summer suds deal and strive to be our Soapiest donor! Join us on Facebook at S.O.S.
2B1 Marriage Class
2Become1 (2B1) is Oak Bridge’s marital class for those who would like to become engaged, have a wedding planned, and those who would like to strengthen their marriage. 2B1 classes will be held on Wednesday evenings starting September 15 at 7pm. For additional information speak to Jay and Clarissa Karasick (314-922-4764/314-303-3632) or send an e-mail to info@oakbridgecc.com.
Oak Bridge Toolbar
Oak Bridge has a toolbar for searching the web. The search engine powered by Yahoo is the same search information received using Yahoo. The search engine is a source of revenue at NO COST to anyone and with no purchase necessary. You may download the toolbar at the link below. Questions may be directed to Jay Karasick at 314-922-4764/stldugout@yahoo.com. www.benefitbar.com/benefitbar/subscribe/toolbar.php?toolbar Id=3857.
E-News from Tom: 07/02/10
Hello E-News Friends,
We get to thank God for a double dose of freedom this Sunday. To live in a country that is free and to be able to freely follow and trust Jesus each day of our lives. I think we often take both for granted. We shouldn't. This morning I read a few verses in the Bible about our freedom in Christ. I needed the reminder. Maybe you do too. Here they are:
"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts (direction)." Psalm 119:45
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
"In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12
I hope you have a great 4th. I can't think of a better way to start it than coming to Church and praising, thanking, and learning about our God and King! It is good to be back at Oak Bridge, I missed you all last week!
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
We get to thank God for a double dose of freedom this Sunday. To live in a country that is free and to be able to freely follow and trust Jesus each day of our lives. I think we often take both for granted. We shouldn't. This morning I read a few verses in the Bible about our freedom in Christ. I needed the reminder. Maybe you do too. Here they are:
"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts (direction)." Psalm 119:45
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
"In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12
I hope you have a great 4th. I can't think of a better way to start it than coming to Church and praising, thanking, and learning about our God and King! It is good to be back at Oak Bridge, I missed you all last week!
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
Saturday, June 26, 2010
E-News: 05/26/10
Wedding Dress Give-A-Way
Oak Bridge has been notified that someone has a brand new, never worn wedding dress that she would like to give away to a bride-to-be that doesn't have the money to go out and buy something extravagant. The dress is from David's Bridal. It's a size 2 petite (short) gown that could probably fit a size 4 or maybe even a size 6. If you are interested in the dress, contact Clarissa at info@oakbridgecc.com or 314-303-3632.
Big Stuf Olympics
Big Stuf Olympics is Sunday, July 11, at Grant’s Shelter in Jefferson Barrack’s Park after the 10:45 morning service.
Oak Bridge Kids
On Sunday, July 11, students will graduate to their next class. Students going into kindergarten will graduate to UpStreet and students going into second grade will graduate to DownTown. Congratulations to the fourth graders going into fifth grade and graduating to Detour. Detour dates will be announced as events are scheduled.
S.O.S.
We are “presoaking” for the Laundry Detergent Giveaway to be held at the Oak Bridge Center. We know who washes away our sins and now we can share that with our community by helping them wash away their stains! Laundry detergent will be collected during the month of August so we can give it away in September. In the meantime, find that great summer suds deal and strive to be our Soapiest donor! Join us on Facebook at S.O.S.
2B1 Marriage Class
2Become1 (2B1) is Oak Bridge’s marital class for those who would like to become engaged, have a wedding planned, and those who would like to strengthen their marriage. 2B1 classes will be held on Wednesday evenings starting September 15 at 7pm. For additional information speak to Jay and Clarissa Karasick (314-922-4764/314-303-3632) or send an e-mail to info@oakbridgecc.com.
Oak Bridge Toolbar
Oak Bridge has a toolbar for searching the web. The search engine powered by Yahoo is the same search information received using Yahoo. The search engine is a source of revenue at NO COST to anyone and with no purchase necessary. You may download the toolbar at the link below. Questions may be directed to Jay Karasick at 314-922-4764/stldugout@yahoo.com. www.benefitbar.com/benefitbar/subscribe/toolbar.php?toolbar Id=3857.
Oak Bridge has been notified that someone has a brand new, never worn wedding dress that she would like to give away to a bride-to-be that doesn't have the money to go out and buy something extravagant. The dress is from David's Bridal. It's a size 2 petite (short) gown that could probably fit a size 4 or maybe even a size 6. If you are interested in the dress, contact Clarissa at info@oakbridgecc.com or 314-303-3632.
Big Stuf Olympics
Big Stuf Olympics is Sunday, July 11, at Grant’s Shelter in Jefferson Barrack’s Park after the 10:45 morning service.
Oak Bridge Kids
On Sunday, July 11, students will graduate to their next class. Students going into kindergarten will graduate to UpStreet and students going into second grade will graduate to DownTown. Congratulations to the fourth graders going into fifth grade and graduating to Detour. Detour dates will be announced as events are scheduled.
S.O.S.
We are “presoaking” for the Laundry Detergent Giveaway to be held at the Oak Bridge Center. We know who washes away our sins and now we can share that with our community by helping them wash away their stains! Laundry detergent will be collected during the month of August so we can give it away in September. In the meantime, find that great summer suds deal and strive to be our Soapiest donor! Join us on Facebook at S.O.S.
2B1 Marriage Class
2Become1 (2B1) is Oak Bridge’s marital class for those who would like to become engaged, have a wedding planned, and those who would like to strengthen their marriage. 2B1 classes will be held on Wednesday evenings starting September 15 at 7pm. For additional information speak to Jay and Clarissa Karasick (314-922-4764/314-303-3632) or send an e-mail to info@oakbridgecc.com.
Oak Bridge Toolbar
Oak Bridge has a toolbar for searching the web. The search engine powered by Yahoo is the same search information received using Yahoo. The search engine is a source of revenue at NO COST to anyone and with no purchase necessary. You may download the toolbar at the link below. Questions may be directed to Jay Karasick at 314-922-4764/stldugout@yahoo.com. www.benefitbar.com/benefitbar/subscribe/toolbar.php?toolbar Id=3857.
E-News from Tom: 06/26/10
Hello E-News Friends,
I am on the 20th floor in a condominium looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. The sun is shining brightly and the water is crystal clear (no oil). My wife is down on the beach sunbathing, which she loves to do. I find it to be a 21st century form of torture! I am listening to the song "Stronger" and singing along with my IPod hoping I'm not ruining someone's vacation. I love the lyrics to this song.
...You broke my shame and sinfulness. Rose again victorious.
...You are stronger…Sin is broken...You have saved me.
...You gave it all upon the cross.
I know some of you are at a point in your life where the word "struggle" would define your relational world, your financial world, or your health world. I would encourage you to continue to trust in, hold onto, depend on the One who is stronger. He will guide you as you follow Him through His Son Jesus. He loves you and is worthy of your faith. I promise you that.
This Sunday at Oak Bridge you get to sing this song. I hope it encourages your heart as it has mine. I am lifting up many of you in prayer to the One who loves you most.
He is stronger! Thank you Jesus!
In His grace and holding on tight!
Tom
PS It has been great to see Matt as he interns with Big Stuf this summer. All you students and leaders coming down in late July be ready for the best week of the year! I have been to three of the Worship sessions and can only say "Wow!" I gotta go rub some suntan lotion on Kathy...now that is what I like
about sunbathing!
I am on the 20th floor in a condominium looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. The sun is shining brightly and the water is crystal clear (no oil). My wife is down on the beach sunbathing, which she loves to do. I find it to be a 21st century form of torture! I am listening to the song "Stronger" and singing along with my IPod hoping I'm not ruining someone's vacation. I love the lyrics to this song.
...You broke my shame and sinfulness. Rose again victorious.
...You are stronger…Sin is broken...You have saved me.
...You gave it all upon the cross.
I know some of you are at a point in your life where the word "struggle" would define your relational world, your financial world, or your health world. I would encourage you to continue to trust in, hold onto, depend on the One who is stronger. He will guide you as you follow Him through His Son Jesus. He loves you and is worthy of your faith. I promise you that.
This Sunday at Oak Bridge you get to sing this song. I hope it encourages your heart as it has mine. I am lifting up many of you in prayer to the One who loves you most.
He is stronger! Thank you Jesus!
In His grace and holding on tight!
Tom
PS It has been great to see Matt as he interns with Big Stuf this summer. All you students and leaders coming down in late July be ready for the best week of the year! I have been to three of the Worship sessions and can only say "Wow!" I gotta go rub some suntan lotion on Kathy...now that is what I like
about sunbathing!
Friday, June 18, 2010
E-News from Tom: 06/18/10
Hello E-News Friends,
I just watched the World Cup soccer match between the USA and Slovenia (who?). The game was fun but I had to watch it with no sound. Horns that sound like geese honking for two hours would cause me to lose my "sweet" Christian disposition. Some ideas are just bad and sports combined with off-key instruments is one of them.
Here is a good idea. Come to Oak Bridge this weekend and hear wonderfully played instruments in a climate-controlled setting. The sounds will help you keep your "sweet" Christian disposition. I will be talking about two of the main things God has called us to do as parents (especially dads). It will be a great way to start this Father's Day!
I think I hear a goose outside. Nope, just a neighbor listening to a World Cup soccer match!
I hope to see you Sunday.
In His Grace,
Tom
I just watched the World Cup soccer match between the USA and Slovenia (who?). The game was fun but I had to watch it with no sound. Horns that sound like geese honking for two hours would cause me to lose my "sweet" Christian disposition. Some ideas are just bad and sports combined with off-key instruments is one of them.
Here is a good idea. Come to Oak Bridge this weekend and hear wonderfully played instruments in a climate-controlled setting. The sounds will help you keep your "sweet" Christian disposition. I will be talking about two of the main things God has called us to do as parents (especially dads). It will be a great way to start this Father's Day!
I think I hear a goose outside. Nope, just a neighbor listening to a World Cup soccer match!
I hope to see you Sunday.
In His Grace,
Tom
Friday, June 11, 2010
E-News from Tom: 06/11/10
Hello E- News Friends,
I hope your summer is going well. For some of you that could mean no sunburns, no mosquito bites, no dandelions in the lawn, and no air conditioner melt downs. For others that could mean vacations, Cardinal baseball, barbecues, and swimming pools. Can you believe it is the middle of June already!?
I want to challenge you to a little extra summer excitement in the form of internet exploring. If you want to hear some great messages go to northpoint.org (Andy Stanley is the bomb!), willowcreek.org (Bill Hybels is wise beyond belief!), mppc.org (John Ortberg is funny and deep, a rare combo!). I hope you bookmark these sites and make them a regular part of your spiritual growth plan. That is assuming you have a spiritual growth plan. Like regular Sunday attendance, involvement with serving, studying the Bible, prayer, singing worship songs (We sing five great ones this weekend.), and Christian community (Which Herc is addressing Sunday!). Sundays at Oak Bridge are an important part (both fun and informative)of my spiritual growth plan. I hope yours as well.
Looking forward to summer growth with Jesus. A lot of it through the above web sites and Oak Bridge as well! Check those sites out and let me know what you think about them! See you at OB Sunday! Why don't you invite a friend? You never know...
In His Grace,
Tom
I hope your summer is going well. For some of you that could mean no sunburns, no mosquito bites, no dandelions in the lawn, and no air conditioner melt downs. For others that could mean vacations, Cardinal baseball, barbecues, and swimming pools. Can you believe it is the middle of June already!?
I want to challenge you to a little extra summer excitement in the form of internet exploring. If you want to hear some great messages go to northpoint.org (Andy Stanley is the bomb!), willowcreek.org (Bill Hybels is wise beyond belief!), mppc.org (John Ortberg is funny and deep, a rare combo!). I hope you bookmark these sites and make them a regular part of your spiritual growth plan. That is assuming you have a spiritual growth plan. Like regular Sunday attendance, involvement with serving, studying the Bible, prayer, singing worship songs (We sing five great ones this weekend.), and Christian community (Which Herc is addressing Sunday!). Sundays at Oak Bridge are an important part (both fun and informative)of my spiritual growth plan. I hope yours as well.
Looking forward to summer growth with Jesus. A lot of it through the above web sites and Oak Bridge as well! Check those sites out and let me know what you think about them! See you at OB Sunday! Why don't you invite a friend? You never know...
In His Grace,
Tom
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