He's on their lips

Thursday is my fasting & prayer day. I spend the early morning praying in the sanctuary @ APC. It’s dark outside when I arrive but it’s kinda cool to see the sun come up over the next few hours filling the sanctuary with natural light. (even when it’s cloudy) Is this what Jesus may have experienced when He went to pray to His Father in the early morning?

About mid day I drive over to the James 5:16 center & spend a few more hours in prayer. The gym is located on a busy corner @ a traffic light in Tarentum. As I’m praying I look out through the large glass windows @ the front of the building out into the street where cars are traveling in both directions & people are walking by. Tarentum & the Allegheny Valley needs Jesus & we’re so excited to be apart of God’s plan for the area.

I usually end the day by stopping @ Panera in the Pgh Mills for a quick cup of "Joe" & to connect to the Internet checking email as well as other laptop work. (It’s great to see John Bob & Donna’s daughter Erica there. Erica works @ Panera & as she’s leaving for the day we chat for a few minutes) The last thing I do is prayer walk the mall. Today as I was walking, I pasted 2 guys & couldn’t help but hear a small portion of their conversation. (yes, I did slow down a bit, 15 seconds at the most) They were talking about…Jesus, about His arrest; trial & they mentioned the name Judas. During this time of the year, as well as Easter, spiritual conversations tend to be on the lips of people & I’m sure the name of Jesus comes up quite frequently..praise God!

This Thursday was filled with early morning light; busy people traveling in Tarentum & a prayer walk after a good cup of coffee with the name of Jesus on people’s lips…

You got everything

Merry Christmas & Happy New! I waited until the day after Christmas to post my greeting. So many have checked out of the blog sphere for the holidays & I figured after yesterday's festivities some would like to receive a Christmas greeting. We even got 2 more Christmas cards today. I hope you got everything you wanted, even if you didn't...if you got Jesus you got everything!

Sharing faith with your family

Regarding faith, family & the holidays, P. Jeff has 2 great blog entries on How to share faith with your family. Practical ways to let the radiance & aroma of Christ effect those around you. Check out the link below.

http://jeffleake.typepad.com/the_launchpad/2007/12/page/3/

You're now a Royal

The Christmas season brings with it joy, fun, food, presents and family. Have I struck a cord? Maybe your family situation isn't the greatest. Let's be real, because of Christ are you considered the odd man out, off your nut or just weird...Ow, that hurts. Family ties & relationships can be tough. (not all of us grew up in church)

Don't stress over it. God knows you & your family situation. He wants us to be the best reflection of His Son that we can be. So when visiting the folks, siblings & other relatives this Christmas go prayed up & reflecting Christ through the power of His Holy Spirit. You know, kind, considerate, attentive & helpful. (as we should be with everyone) You can't do it in your own strength, believe me I know. When we rely on the Lord to see us through He allows the sweet aroma of Jesus to radiate from our lives to those around us...whoever they may be. You never can tell what God's up to with regard to our families.

Here's some encouraging news to be reminded of...As a believer in Christ, you've received the following:
A clean slate (forgiveness from past sin)
A new nature ( from spiritual death to spiritual life)
and A...
new family line
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Galatians 3:13-14
(teaching from APC's Spiritual Breakthrough)

Because of Jesus...you're now a "Royal". Our family line includes not only our parents & grandparents but..Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and so on. Isn't that a cool thought, Jesus loved us so much that He not only saved us He brought us into His family line. It's also good to know that we'll pass this royal family line down to our kids who'll pass it onto their kids and so on.

Drinking it all in

Isn't it great to be a part of something. Think back to your childhood or teenage years. Were you a part of a team, club, or some sort of group where you totally go into all that was going on, where you felt like you were "drinking it all in?"

This morning I got that sense @ the MCM pastors mtg. What a round table discussion, everything from sermon ideas to latest books read to the how to's of church...& a little comic relief in between. Man, it was great just drinking it all in. I've only been going to these mtgs since Oct 07 & these guys have been mtg for some time so I've been listening in & tring to get myself up to speed. But what a great sense it is to be a part of that mtg!

And what greater cause is there than being a part of spreading the message of Christ. I think the "round table discussions" Jesus had with his disciples were ones that you could drink it all in...full of insight, great information about life and advancing the kingdom. I'd also venture to guess...moments of comic relief (we're talking about the disciples here-read the book).

Not only am I looking forward to all that God has for BridgePoint Church, I'm also looking forward to times of drinking it all in with the MCM pastors & moments of comic relief in between.

BridgePoint's 3rd Monthly Service

This morning we had our 3rd monthly service. When Francie & I left the house the road was wet from the rain not snow...Praise God it wasn't snowing! (I think the Lord held off the snow in the morning so we could have our service. It didn't start snowing until about 12:30pm when we left the James 5:16 Center). As always the launch team was amazing! Everyone arrived by 8:30am and began setting up for the service. After everything was in place, we all gathered for prayer @ 9:30am. I want to give a shout -out to BridgePoint's Children's ministry team...Kim in the Nursery, Miss Donna with the preschoolers & Mr Dave & Miss Betty serving in Jr. Church. Thanks so much for braving the unpredictable weather & sharing Jesus with the kids. I know you all brought a smile to the Lord & smiles to the faces of the parents.

We had a great morning of ministry! 59 people attended including many family members & friends. We also invited a few families from the community. This Christmas, BridgePoint was given some toys to bless children in the area. So, we contacted families who had attended our Block Party in August and invited them to our service to receive their toys. Hollie, a 9 -year -old girl said, "I've never been to a church but I think I'm going to like this." Not only did Hollie receive toys but she also was blessed with a new bike! Thanks to Jim Biernesser, Jim Adams & Ernie Wlodarski for getting the toys and the bike!

The message was entitled:"Unwrapped...the best gift you could receive in life!" The idea: when we unwrap our fears to God, He cares & puts a song in our heart. After being visited by the angel Gabriel, Mary unwrapped her fears to God & He put a song in her heart. (Luke 1:46-56) If the Lord could do that for Mary, He can do that for you. It's up to us to take the first step towards Him ...so let's unwrap!! Visit unwrapped07.com

When the service ended, everyone gathered in the cafe' area for refreshments & good conversation. After mingling & lingering, the launch team pulled together cleaning everything up & packed it all away in the back room(s).

Christmas is a time for giving and the best gift we could give is the one we give to God...our hearts. Praise the Lord that hearts were touched this morning through BridgePoint Church where we Connect Real People to the Real God.

We're Ready!

Just returned from the James 5:16 Center in Tarentum. Dropped off the snow blower, the shovels are ready & so is the salt. Maybe it'll turn out to be more rain than snow. Regardless we're ready. BridgePoint will be having service this Sunday @ 10am!

It will be worth it!

Right now the weather forecast for this Saturday & Sunday calls for a high temp of 31 & a low of 28 with a 60% chance of snow both days. However...BridgePoint Church will be having service this Sunday December 16th @ 10am at the James 5:16 Center in Tarentum regardless of the weather! So button up that coat, put on that hat & those boots & head over to BridgePoint...it will be worth it!

Impressions

It's been about a week & a half since my last post so I figured it's about time, don't you?

Anyway, things have been busy since BridgePoint's last monthly svc on 11/18. We had our comeback event on 12/3 which was well attended. The launch team met together this past Sunday afternoon @ the PGH Mills (the crossroads of the Allegheny Valley) food court. We reviewed the areas of ministry & went over the final details of the service. We also talked about Psalm 68:28-35, good stuff! What a great feeling it is that we can talk about Jesus, read His word & pray in public places without fear of someone rushing up to us, slapping the cuffs on & hauling us all away! We live in a great country.

Also in the last few days I watched on DVD "The Passion of the Christ" & "The Nativity Story".

What else is there to say about "The Passion!" During the crucifixion scene after Jesus is stripped of his clothes & He's on the ground...He crawls about 3 feet over to the cross & lays on it...no solder carries Him, He gets on it Himself. Isn't that what the word says, no man took His life, He gave it willingly, freely, Wow, what a God!

During "The Nativity Story" I saw a fresh perspective of Joseph. We know that after he took Mary as his wife they traveled to Bethlehem to register. During the journey Joseph is in charge. He's protector, provider, adventurer, care giver & lifeguard. In other words...Joseph made it happen, whatever needed to be done he did it. From tossing a snake away from Mary while they were in the river to banging on doors as she was about to deliver. Oh yea, he's also the first person on earth to hold the Son of God in his hands. Remember, he knew who he was holding! I think God the Father picked Joseph because He didn't just want anyone being Jesus' earthly Father. God wanted a man of character, compassion, wisdom & strength!

These are the thoughts on my mind & in my heart as I go into BridgePoint's December service & this Christmas. What has the Lord impressed on you during this season?

A BridgePoint Christmas

Saturday evening @ the James 5:16 Center BridgePoint Church held it's 2nd "Come Back" event... A Bridgepoint Christmas! 55 people came for food, games, prizes & great conversation. As you can see...a fun time was had by all.

A come back event is a fun event we schedule in between our monthly services so everyone connected with BridgePoint Church can get to know each other better.

Church should be the highlight of the week and @ BridgePoint not only do we Connect Real People to the Real God...we have fun doing it! So, check out our next monthly service on Sunday December 16th @ 10am.

What's in a Name?

During our small group meeting this past Sunday night we talked about the Apostle Paul...or was he Saul of Tarsus? We discussed his story, about how he went from a blood thirsty killer of Christians to the greatest missionary. How after "a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground..." (Acts 9:3-5 BTW: there is no mention of a horse) Then someone asked, "When in scripture did God change his name?" The challenge was set, we all decided over the coming week to search the Bible for the answer.

Well, it didn't take Rachel but 2 days to dig it up. See her links below. Way to go, Rachel!

http://journals.aol.com/shirlmcarp/food-for-thought/entries/2007/08/16/a-new-name/1491
http://www.gotquestions.org/name-change.html
http://members.tripod.com/~robertwells/saul.html

After reading through those links I read the book of Acts. Indeed he was referred to as Saul after meeting the Lord, in Damascus & in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:7 - 31). Then Acts 13:9 says, "Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." From then on he is referred to as Paul by Luke (the writer of Acts).

So here's the scoop in a nut shell...
God didn't change his name. His Jewish name was Saul. Being born in a Roman city & claiming Roman citizenship, Paul (Paulos) was his official Roman name. Prior to Acts 13:9 he's referred to as Saul, after Acts 13:9 he referred to as Paul.

There you have it, that's what's in a name.

back at it

As Francie & I get "back at it", here's a look back at our Thanksgiving weekend...

After APC's Saturday evening service, we spent some time with Scott Hanson, a missionary to Tanzania. What a guy, a great heart for God who loves what he's doing & loves working with the people of that country. Scott had a hankering for a good hamburger so Max & Erma's fit the bill.

Alexandra & Gregory left @ 6:30am on Sunday to drive back to Springfield, MO. to finish out the semester. On the way they picked up Brandon just outside of Dayton, OH. After a 13 hour drive and arriving at school, the water pump housing mounted on the underside of the engine had broken off the Grand Am. Thanks to Wades Automotive in Springfield for the quick fix on Monday...Alexandra was back on the road & back to class.

After Sunday AM services @ APC (P. Jeff's message was awesome, as usual), we headed home for a bit & then went to BridgePoint's Sunday night small group meeting @ the James 5:16 center. Walking into the building @ 5pm we meet LeAnn who was standing on the corner. We talked about BridgePoint church for about 10 minutes & I invited LeAnn to come back at 6pm for the study...which she did & we were so glad to have her! (LeAnn lives in West Tarentum) 23 people attended that night for worship, Bible study & of course...food. (what's a church event without food?)

On Monday Francie & I ran a few errands & finished a few administrative things both personally & for BridgePoint. I got the Christmas decorations out from the attic, Francie arranged them around the house & we settled in to watch the "slosh bowl"... I mean the Steeler game.

Today we're "back at it"... empty nesters again.

BTW: Don't miss BridgePoint's Christmas Party this Saturday night @ 7pm at the James 5:16 center. Cost is FREE, bring a snack & some pop to share. It'll be fun!

Thanks to Bill Rossey & the Tarentum PD

On a day we give thanks for so many things I though I would say thanks to Bill Rossey & the Tarentum Police Dept. Here's why...

Last Thursday afternoon I went to the James 5:16 center to pray. Before arriving I was talking on the phone to Jim Biernesser. (Jim, Wes Moore & Jim Adams prepped & painted a 1st coat of paint on the outside of the building on Wednesday) As I parked in the front I saw the work the guys did and it looked GREAT!! I was so excited that I left my car keys in the ignition & closed the door. The keys (only one set) were locked inside. Oh My Gosh!

My first thought was...to check each door (4 door car). Power locks - no chance. My second thought...I can throw a brick through the window. Not good for a pastor to look like he's breaking into a car...not an option. My 3rd thought was...God You've got to get me into this car. (I apologized to Him for not making Him my 1st thought - Ow, that hurts!) Then this idea dropped into my mind, Walk down to the Tarentum Boro building & ask Bill Rossey, the Boro Mgr, if he can help.

When I got to the Boro building Bill was in his office. I explained my dilemma & Bill walked me over to the Police department. (in the same bldg) Bill asked the Chief to call one of his officers to come & pick me up so we could drive back to the James 5:16 center where the officer would get out his slim jim & pop open the power door locks. When we got back to the blg another officer was already working to get the car door open. After about 5 minutes the officers opened the door. (I made sure we got another set made) I thanked the officers as they went back to their patrols.

I then thanked God for His great idea & for Bill & the Tarentum P.D. As I going into the blg, Tim, a pro boxer who lives in the an apartment above the gym said, "Pastor is everything alright. I saw the police cars & thought . Oh no, the pastor was arrested. That's not good. Ha, Ha!" I assured Tim everything was just fine.

My List of Things to Be Thankful For

Good Morning, Happy Thanksgiving. This morning I woke up thanking God for His many blessing in my life. Here are just a few:

I'm thankful for...
God the Father, who loved so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice to save (Wow, isn't that Amazing!)
Jesus Christ, God became man. Died & resurrected so that I could spend eternity in Heaven (What an incredible place that will be!)
The Holy Spirit, where would we be without the Comforter, Councilor ...the POWER of God here on the earth. (Always available for us whenever we call!)
Francie, my wife. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life. (I love you!)
My daughter Alexandra. Smart, funny, talented, beautiful. (I love you!)
My Son Gregory. Smart, always ready to help, great decision maker, giving (I love you!)
BridgePoint Church & our Launch team. We get to "Connect Real People to the Real God" by starting a church from scratch, how exciting is that!! (Francie & I love all of you!)
APC & the MCM Churches. It's so great to be a part of this fabulous movement for God. (Thank you Pastor Jeff, Pastor Nick & the MCM Pastors...you're the best!)
My Country, America. We get to live freely in the greatest country in the world (I can talk about Jesus all I want with out fear, way cool!)

I know, I know. That's only 9 things to be thankful for. You're asking where's number 10? Does it always have to be a list of 10 things? Anyway, there is so much to be thankful for. Let's keep reminding ourselves of that, O.K.?

Interesting Perspective

The picture on the right was taken by my son Gregory late Sunday morning after our 2nd monthly service at the James 5:16 Center. It's shot from the back wall, through the ropes of the boxing ring and through the front windows to the street. The lights were off when it was taken so it's hard to tell who's in the picture. (Francie, Debbie Balbo, P. Nick & me)

After seeing it I thought, Isn't that an interesting perspective? Is this a glimpse of what God the Father might see from heaven. God looks through towards His children who are about His work, prepared to show the world Christ's love. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to the point that it's not us but Gods Spirit working through us.

God may it be that we become less & You become more!

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

Galatians 2:20

BridgePoint Church 2nd Monthly Service...Something to Be Thankful For!

Yesterday we had our 2nd Monthly service @ BridgePoint Church and what an exciting service it was - 73 people attended!! When the clock struck 10am people started coming in, new faces as well as those from last months service.

Before the service @ 9:40am the launch team gathered to pray. Connecting Real People to the Real God is what Bridgepoint is all about so we prayed for the Real People who God would bring. People who needed....a loving touch from the Lord, an answer to a desperate situation or just wanting more of His Spirit in their lives. Not only were we prepared from the refreshments to Jr. Church & every area of ministry in between, we were prayed up as well. (One couple from our church even fasted & prayed the entire week for the service!)

As praise & worship began people entered in. The band was amazing & you could tell God's Spirit was beginning to move, preparing hearts for what they were to receive during the message. The message was interactive with "a flying turkey" and 1st time attenders involved. I preached about putting your hope & trust in God even when it seems like life is eating you alive. As the message progressed, I could sense the Spirit of God drawing people. I concluded by extending a invitation to receive Christ and invited anyone forward who was not satisfied with the condition of their relationship with Jesus but wanted to take it to a higher level. As we waited on the Holy Spirit, people began to come. Some of BridgePoint's men stepped up to pray for those at the front. God loves Real People and is ready to meet their Real needs! Afterwards everyone mingled at our cafe and you could still sense the excitement.

God is moving @ Bridgepoint church and that's something to be thankful for, especially at this time of the year.

FYI: BridgePoint's first annual FREE Christmas party will be on Saturday, December 1st @ 7pm at the James 5:16 center. (please bring a snack & a bottle of pop to share) Everyone is welcome & encouraged to come!

Don't miss our next monthly service! Sunday December 16th @ 10am. the Message..."Unwrapped"...the Best Gift You Could Ever Receive in Life!"

Triple Blessing

Saturday evening P. Nick told us, "Hey I found you a car. It's in Philly & he's asking a few hundred" (When Alexandra graduated from CBC in May I gave her my Jeep Wrangler (sweet ride) We believed God would provide another car for her at some point so...we were willing to wait on Him. Meanwhile, Francie & I have been sharing the Camery (230,000 & still rollin baby!)).

A Pastor friend of Nick's had a car donated to him. On Wednesday I flew out to Philly to meet Pastor Otto & pick up the car (152,000). We couldn't do the title transfer until 3:00pm so Pastor Otto & I spent the day together. What a guy... seasoned in ministry with a great heart for church planting! Everything he said I soaked up like a sponge. He also took me around Philly, I saw the "Rocky" steps (I resisted the urge to jump out of the car & run them), Joe Fraziers boxing gym and a few other famous sites. After I got the title transferred & the plate I thanked Pastor Otto for hosting me while in Philly then I "hit the gas". I'm sure I'll be talking to him again.

I left @ 4pm & got back to the Burgh @ 9pm. While I was driving on the pike I thought...God always takes care of His people when they put their hope & trust in Him. This whole thing turned out to be a triple blessing...Pastor Otto was blessed with a donated car, I was blessed by only paying a few hundred for the car & my daughter will be blessed with her own car when she comes home for Thanksgiving. Maybe I should have titled this post "Don't take it unless you can give it away" Pastor Otto would agree with that!

BTW: Don't miss BridgePoint this Sunday Nov. 18th, 10am @ the James 5:16 center..."Turkey or Eagle? Is life eating you alive or are you souring high above it?" Kickin band & refreshments after the service. It will be great fun!

"I Can't Wait For Sunday!"

Although it was raining, this past Sunday evening's group meeting was our highest attendance - 30...Praise God! Here's how it went...

After Francie & Tony lead worship we prayed for Tarentum & the Allegheny Valley. We also discussed & planned for our 2nd monthly service...this Sunday Nov. 18th @10am. Everyone on the launch team is excited & ready to go!

"Connecting Real People to the Real God" is the vision of BridgePoint Church. We know who the Real God is but, what about Real People, who are they? They're the people who are one decision away from moral, financial or marital ruin. They're the ones who are one decision away from________(you fill in the blank). They're the hurting, hopeless & confused, who think no one loves them & no one cares. They're moms & dads, young adults & seniors. They're our family members, friends & neighbors. They live in Tarentum, the Allegheny Valley, Allison Park, the North Hills of Pittsburgh and right next door to you. These are the Real People I'm talking about. Many are considering options that will effect the rest of their lives. There's alot at stake!

The good news is that the Bible is filled with principles & truths that address these & other needs of Real People. The question I posed is..."How far are we willing to go to "Connect Real People to the Real God?" To help them "Bridge the Gap". Answer, "As far as we can!" (I'm happy to say BridgePoint church is already trying to go as far as we can. Read the previous post "to the highest" Yeah God!)

What's the best way to do this? Follow the example of Jesus - Teamwork! Who was on Jesus' team? Fisherman, a tax collector, and a few ordinary men. And who were they? Real People! BridgePoint's team is made up of real people. Moms & dads, Young Adults, Business Owners, 40+ hour workers…People of all ages…young, middle aged (that's me), seniors…People who’ve lived & struggled with some of the issues I’ve described. So...I can think of no better team:Real people who know the Real God & know what He can do! It’s up to us to help make the connection & help Real People Bridge the Gap!

We then had communion together & prayed for the service on Sunday. It was a powerful evening! Amy, a young college student @ IUP studying Special Ed., told Francie & I afterwards that she felt this incredible sense that she wanted to work with kids. ("I heard their voices in the back room during the meeting") I told her that was God. So...on Sunday evenings Amy is going to prepare a Bible lesson ("I know the word" she said) for our kids and have information for the parents on what she'll be teaching. Praise God!

After the meeting everyone lingered and as usual...the kids played in the boxing ring. I can't wait for Sunday...this is really exciting! "Connecting Real People to the Real God!"

Book of Prayer Requests

This morning when I got to APC I looked in my box finding a book of prayer requests of APCs dated 1/93 to 2/96. During those years the church had a ledger type book available for people who felt lead to write in their prayer requests. Debbie Lynch wanted me to look at the middle of page 93. The prayer request dated 10/13/94 was written by a child requesting of God "That God would let me follow Him through my life." It was signed by...Alexandra Krowitz, our daughter when she was 9 years old! This is the first time I've ever seen this prayer request. After a wave of emotion I called Francie to tell her what I discovered. She cried as well.

Francie & I are so proud of Alexandra! (and our son Gregory - a junior & pastoral studies major @ CBC in Springfield, MO.) Today Alexandra is 22. She loves God, is beautiful, talented & smart! (a real catch) In May 07 she graduated from Central Bible College with a B.A. degree in Counseling. She is now attending AGTS (Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, also in Springfield) studying for her Masters degree in Counseling.

This Saturday our kids will be driving home for Thanksgiving. We haven't spent extended time with them since last Christmas. (a few days during graduation in early May & 2 days in early June when when my Dad passed away). We are so excited to see them! They will also be here to join us for BridgePoint's 2nd monthly service on Sunday Nov. 18th @ 10am.

As I look at her writing I can't help but think that God hears and answers our prayers. So don't stop praying! Whatever it is you're asking God for...don't stop asking. If He could hear and answer the prayers of a 9 year old girl back in 1994 who desired to follow Him all through her life...He hears and can answer your prayers!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Ephesians 6:18

Fabulous Musicians

Wow...All I can say is Wow! This evening we had worship band practice for our Nov. 18th service & it sounded great. Francie on the keyboard & Russ on the bass are just fabulous musicians. They also sing great harmonies! Francie has been playing piano since she was 7 years old & is a graduate of Duquesne's school of Music. Russ has played guitar & bass just as long & has played in many bands over the years including The Rhythm Kings in the 70's. He also manages Musik Innovations on Perry Highway in the North Hills. They have anything a musician could want.

This month Tony (guitar) & Ronnie (drums) will be playing. Tony just moved to Tarentum 2 months ago with his wife Rachel & their 2 boys Trey & Sam. While spending time with them on Sunday afternoon we discovered Tony has been playing the guitar since he was 8 years old. As a matter of fact he has 6 guitars & plays them all very well. Ronnie is a friend of Russ & his brother Dwayne. They grew up together playing in bands through high school and after graduation. As a matter of fact Ronnie was the drummer for Wild Cherry... "Play That Funky Music White Boy" Type that into You Tube & you'll see him on the drums in a video from 1976. Dwayne has also been a great blessing. We're buying our sound equipment from him & he's given us a great deal. Dwayne plays guitar as well & we hope to have him join us for a service.

So...if you want to worship with fabulous musicians, check out BridgePoint Church in Tarentum on Sunday November 18th @ 10am, you'll be blessed!

What do YOU see?

Yesterday I picked up my new glasses & Francie took this picture
late this afternoon. Isn't she really creative? I love her! After viewing it I got to thinking, What do I see? ...the glasses, the mirror, the reflection of the back of my head? (don't focus on that)

What ever we focus on is all we'll tend to see. The eyes are the window to the soul so... our focus has a direct link to our souls (who we are). We must train our focus on all that we're grateful for. If we focus on the negative, irritating & bad, that's all we'll see.

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author & perfecter of our faith..." We must attach (fix) the focus of our physical eyes & our spiritual eyes onto Him. When we make this a regular habit in life our issues become smaller & Jesus becomes larger. Our lives are being perfected into a reflection of Him.

So..where's your focus & what do YOU see?

A couple fav. verses & thoughts

A couple favorite verses;
John14:17 "the Spirit of Truth...you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you."
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

A couple thoughts;
As Christ followers it's a great comfort to know Gods Spirit is not only in us but with us as well. He's right there where ever we go! And as we're together & we stay connected to Him we'll bear (bear...naturally bring forth...not produce...through our own efforts) much fruit. Without Him we're empty...there's nothingness.

Invite the Holy Spirit into every area of life. (How do you get to know someone?...You spend time with them!) He's your adviser, comforter & partner. Our connection with Him enables us to bring forth a life that reflects Christ. When not connected that reflection can seem distorted & empty.

Great weekend of ministry

What a great weekend of ministry:

Thursday: my day of fasting & prayer, spent the afternoon praying @ the James 5:16 center & prayer walking Tarentum...Lord, pour out Your Spirit!!

Friday late afternoon: eye examine, had to get new glasses...getting older??? made up for that by getting some cool frames!!

Friday evening: BridgePoint Church "comeback event", bowling @ Funfest in Harmerville...143 & 145, not bad since I last bowled about 5 years ago!!

Saturday night: promoted BridgePoint during 12 bouts of amateur boxing @ the James 5:16 center, 8th bout fought by APC/BridgePoint's own Paul Pindroh...Great job, Paul!!

Sunday morning: lead worship @ APC traditions service...always a blessing!

Sunday afternoon: spent time with Tony & Rachel, who attended our 1st monthly service. Tony plays a great guitar & they are excited about getting involved w/ BridgePoint...you go Tony & Rachel!!

Monday (tommorrow) morning: Dentist...rinse & spit, please.

Monday (tommorrow) evening: MCM Pastors watching the Steeler game at a local restaurant...way cool, go Stillers!!

God is on the move...can't wait to see what's coming up this week/weekend!!

"...to the Highest"

As we began our small group last night, we had no idea that the Lord had something different in mind. Just as we were about to start, a man named Tony was standing outside on the sidewalk. He came because he remembered us from the summer. During our August block party, we offered him a cold glass of lemonade while he was working next to the James 5:16 center. But this time, the situation was desperate. His girlfriend had thrown him out of their apt.- he was hungry and had nowhere to go. He began telling us the whole story.



She was an alcoholic and very abusive to him. She did not work and he supported her. Earlier this year he spent 6 months in jail because of false accusations she made against him. Afterwards, he got a job with a contractor who didn't pay him the wages he was due - he found out later that the contractor was a crack addict!! Friday night he went to the contractor's house with a knife to "collect" his money. "Lucky" for Tony, the man's wife said he was asleep.



Tony came to us at the end of his rope - no job, no home, no food, no money, nothing. In his darkness, he found BridgePoint Church. We invited him to be part our our group that evening. We encouraged him ,prayed for him and I led him back to the Lord. His grandparents are believers and at an early age Tony had accepted Christ as his Savior. I could see the group was moved by compassion to want to help Tony in some way. I was so proud of all of them!



At the end of the night, Rick Balbo and I were talking with Tony. Rick felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to ask Tony if he wanted to go back to North Carolina, his home where he was raised by his grandparents. Tony said yes so Rick offered to buy him a bus ticket. Wow! Rick didn't even know that Tony had told me out on the sidewalk he tried to get a ticket that day but he couldn't without the money!!



I gave him a bible and my phone number to call when he arrived in North Carolina. Rick and I drove Tony to the bus station and he left at 11:30PM. At 7:00 this evening we got a call from Tony who was at his grandparent's house letting us know he arrived safely. He even wanted me to talk to his grandfather, George Clyde. George said, "Thank you to the Highest for helping Tony". He invited anyone from our group to visit if we were ever in North Carolina!!

I prayed for Tony once more before we hung up.



We don't know what might have happened to Tony if we weren't there that Sunday evening. We don't know what plan the enemy had to destroy his life. But we know that God is all powerful and all knowing- God had plans that night - and He used BridgePoint Church to "connect this real person to the real God!"

Reflections

Last night our daughter Alexandra called from Springfield, MO. to tell us she read my blog post regarding BridgePoint's 1st preview service. She also read P. Jeff's & P. Nick's mentioning the picture of the "sign". She told Francie, "It's really cool that you can see in the glass the reflection of the houses across the street from the James 5:16 center." What a great image of what the church was created for...to announce to people there's hope for their lives found in Jesus Christ who connects them to God. Once that connection is made we're to be the best reflection of Christ that we can be.

Reflections can also be meditative. Moments where we look back with fondness (hopefully) to the past events of our lives. In the movie "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson effectively used reflections or "flashbacks" of the characters to move the story along.

Thursday is my fasting & prayer day. It's the day I spend extended time with God in prayer & reading His word. Today it started @ 6:30am and here are some of my reflections of the past week & preview service:

Jesus never fails to show up when we honor Him....

When people who love God come together to do His will there's nothing they can't do...

Praise & Worship with sincere hearts is inviting to the presence of God...

There's no such thing as "Lone Ranger Christians"....

God knows exactly which people to connect together...

The less we're able to do...the more He's able to do...

I love being a part of God's family...

What attracts people to church should be love...

God put forth His best effort & so should we...

Doing ministry as a team is extremely fun!...

Thank you so much to P. Jeff, P. Nick, the leadership of APC and all the churches in our network for holding us up in prayer for our service. Personally it means a great deal to me knowing that heaven is being stormed with prayers for BridgePoint. Words can't begin to express my feelings of how much that means. So, it's with excitement that I say...fasten your seat belts. This is just the beginning of what God wants to do in Tarentum & the Allegheny Valley region.

WAY TO GO, GOD!!!

The Day After

Yesterday, BridgePoint Church had it's 1st monthly service. 50 people attended...Praise God! The launch team arrived by 8:30am. After refreshments and a time of prayer we started the set up. Things went very smoothly with everyone working together...what an incredible launch team! Kudos to each team member!!


Nursery, Preschool, Jr. Church, Welcome, Hospitality & the Cafe area were ready to go. People began to come in and the service started @ 10:05am with kickin' worship! Each part of the service went well right up through the closing prayer. Afterwards everyone gathered near the cafe area lingering for a long time. There was a lot of talking & laughing... everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves.


We had three adults from the service attend our Sunday evening meeting. They even said they'd like to join the launch team...isn't God good?!!! We had worship, prayer & we talked about the service. There was still an atmosphere of excitement from the morning! Then we ate, drank & the kids played in the boxing ring. It was a good ending to a good day!


Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." Lord, continue to build BridgePoint...Your house!

The Night Before

It's the night before BridgePoint Church's 1st preview service. It seems like it was just yesterday (2/17/06) we had the first small group meeting in Tarentum. To God be all the glory for the things He has done up to this point!


So, we accomplished the following this past week: cleaned the James 5:16 center (it looks great), gathered supplies & prepared the nursery & preschool rooms (AKA the Red corner & Blue corner"locker" rms). Rehearsed with the worship band (they're really "hot" sounding). Picked up the coffee, food & other refreshments for after the service (always a hit). Met with our Jr. Church leaders & picked up their supplies (the kids should have loads of fun). Mailed out 300 letters announcing the monthly services, passed out 400 flyers in West Tarentum and picked up the PA system. Replaced 4 panes of glass & started to repair the front of the building. Replaced all the light bulbs and took down the heavy bags in the Gym. God asks us to do our part & He'll do His.

God we need Your presence & Your power! Draw people to Yourself through BridgePoint Church. Holy Spirit, move on all hearts as we seek to worship Jesus!

400 flyers in West Tarentum

I just got back from passing out about 400 flyers in West Tarentum with P. Nick, PCO's P. Brian, Dalia, Rita & Dex. The six of us had opportunity to talk with a few of the residents. P. Brian told one guy, "Bring the whole family for the service and food...even the dog. We'll even feed your dog." (that's Brian). The point is we made a few connections & that' always good.

People need to know that someone is listening & cares, that their lives are important and that they're valued. Jesus went from town to town preaching the good news of the kingdom...on foot. While He & the disciples walked He taught them by His words & through His examples. As they walked He healed & blessed. The Bible says that Jesus did so many others things that they are too numerous to write down...it would take volumes to record everything that Jesus did.

There's just something about getting out there & listening. And there's just something about the name Jesus. After passing flyers, Dalia was telling me that during a PCO service she was singing "There's Something About That Name" (Dalia can really sing!) and the Spirit of God was so great that everyone was just in awe of His presence. (that's Jesus)

Pray for those residents who'll receive the flyers, that God will quicken their hearts with His presence and that Jesus will be more than just a name.

God's bringing it all together!

As Bridgepoint prepares for it's 1st monthly service this Sunday October 21st @ 10am, Francie & I have begun gathering supplies & needed items. The great thing is we aren't doing it alone! Each person on the launch team has taken ownership of an area of ministry. They've been out working to make a few repairs on the James 5:16 center as well as purchasing & gathering items from home to bring in for the service. When the doors open we'll offer the following areas: welcome/information, nursery, preschool, hospitality/refreshments, worship & others. What a blessing it is to be part of the family of God!

That family also includes the network churches we're a part of. P. Jeff, P. Nick & the staff @ APC has come along side of us supplying our every need from the use of the office machines to resources & everything in between as well as connecting us with Jr. Church leaders. P. Russ of SFWC also helped us to make an important connection regarding our worship band & sound system. This week the pastors of our brother churches will be praying for BridgePoint as we begin the first of 5 monthly services leading up to our grand opening on Palm Sunday, March 2008.

It takes a team, a family and the Holy Spirit to bring it all together! As Napoleon Dynamite says "SWEET!"

Window shopping

Hi! This is Francie. I'll be posting from time to time.I don't feel a need to have my own blog at this point but I saw something the other day that really struck me so here I go.

I was in Shadyside shopping(window, that is) and I saw a little pillow in a store with this on it.."May I be the person my dog thinks I am". Then it popped into my head, "May I be the person God thinks I am". WOW..God already sees the finished product!!Not what I do or fail to do everyday, but that I am like Jesus!!! WOW!! I am a co-heir with Him, my position and value is established thru what Jesus did on the Cross. I keep thinking about that- that I can choose to act and respond and speak and BE like Jesus, because that's how God thinks I am- and I can walk in THAT. So, MAY YOU BE THE PERSON GOD THINKS YOU ARE!!!!!

BPC "tale of the tape" - Tarentum

Last night, Francie & I attended a Tarentum Boro. town mtg. A year ago the community began what's called "Tarentum Revitalization". The leaders are wanting to see economic & residential growth in the next 5 -10 years. They're working with a development co. that's helping to put together a plan for revitalization that will be executed by community leaders, business owners & residents. Last nights mtg objective was to present results from the initial resident survey & allow the people to have a voice in the process. State, County & local elected officials or representatives were present. Bill Rossey, Boro. Mgr., invited us to attend.

Over a year ago while our group was mtg @ Jim Biernessers property in Tarentum, he handed me a letter saying "Here Reverend. Check this out." Every home owner received a letter from the Boro. announcing their plans for revitalization. The next day I emailed Bill telling him about our group, APC's network of churches & the Network of Hope. He invited Jim & I to his house the next week where we talked for about 4 hours regarding Tarentum, it's past, present & future. Bill & his wife were born & raised in Tarentum & have a real passion & vision for the community. Bill wants to make some positive changes that will result in a better life for the residents & business owners. He then invited us to take a walk with him around the town so we could get a better feel for what he was saying. Bill also showed us 2 small church buildings that were vacant & in poor shape. Jim & I thanked Bill for his time & told him we be praying for Him & Tarentum.

In last nights revitalization mtg the initial community survey results were published. Here are the top 3 in each category:

assets & strengths - Police, Fire & EMS and people & neighbors
problems/weaknesses - vacant/deteriorating land & buildings, need for new businesses and parking
specific community needs - attract new businesses with incentives, landlord accountability and programs for children & teens

An area of Tarentum targeted for revitalization is what's called "West Tarentum." Coming off of Rte 28 , before going over the bridge, turn right onto W. 7th Ave. It's a 4 or 5 block Main St. area with a small number of businesses as well as residential streets on both sides. Our first monthly service will be held in West Tarentum at the James 5:16 center on Sunday October 21st @ 10am. I believe God has a plan & His timing is always perfect!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

monthly service mailing & prayer

This evening Francie & I went to a town meeting in Tarentum. (more about that in my next post). When we got home we finished stuffing 300 letters that will go out tommorrow announcing our monthly services beginning Oct. 21st and the Grand Opening service on Palm Sunday 2008. Please join us in praying for the people who will recieve these letters. Especially those who don't have a relationship with Christ!

Father, we pray in Jesus name that Your Holy Spirit would touch the heart of each person who recieves a letter. For those who don't know You, open their hearts & their eyes to the fullness of Your love. For those away from you, bring them back by Your grace & mercy. Whatever situation each person might be going through, reveal Yourself to them in a POWERFUL way and bring them to a place of dependance on You. Jesus, be the bridge that connects each one to the Father. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Thanks for praying! Can't wait to see what God's going to do!

BPC "tale of the tape - the name"

On Sunday evening, September 9th 2007, @ 6pm our group began meeting at The James 5:16 Center in Tarentum. There is more room for us to stretch out for worship, prayer & study. The kids also have a larger space for activities, Bible stories & fun. And then there's the "Boxing Ring", after our meeting all the kids gather in the ring. Jim & Stacey have been incredible inviting us to use the building whenever & for whatever reason we want. Every week we not only pray for BridgePoint Church but also for the ministry of The James 5:16 Center.

Speaking of BridgePoint...how we decided on the name. I had been seeking God for sometime & had written down a few ideas. Nothing really moving or earth shattering hit me or anyone else I had shared my thoughts with. On a Saturday morning in July of 07 while meeting with P. Jeff & Nick Poole, I read to them the names I came up with. Nothing moved of them either. Then I felt strongly to say, "the Tarentum Bridge is a vital part of the community & the Allegheny Valley region. Hundreds of commuters & residents travel that bridge every day. So, the name has to have the word "Bridge" in it." After a few minutes and a few name attempts with the word bridge, P. Jeff said, "How about "BridgePoint?" I said, "That's It!." and threw both of my hands in the air. Nick had a big smile on his face and P. Jeff said, "We got it!"

My last two posts were about team. P. Jeff, Nick, me & the Holy Spirit were a team that morning. BridgePoint is God's name for the new church He's about to plant in Tarentum, reaching out to the entire Allegheny Valley region! The cross is God's bridge so that people can connect to God through a new life in Jesus Christ! BridgePoint is all about "connecting real people to the real God." People who face challenges everyday, people like you & me who need a direct connection to God resulting in a changed life for eternity! That's what BridgePoint is all about!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Teamwork

Concerning teamwork...a picture is worth a thousands words!

For the Good of the Team

"No man is an island...For Whom the Bell Tolls"
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main...Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee..."

A famous passage by John Donne (1573-1631) from Meditation 17, from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, 1624.

"It Takes 10 Hands to Score a Basket"
We want a team made up of five boys at a time, each of whom is a forward, guard and center combined...No chain is stronger than it's weakest link...the team is first..."

A few phrases from legendary UCLA Bruins Coach John Wooden to teach his players how to become the best team they could be.

"apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
John 15:15


The words of Jesus describing how important "we" is. He knew it was going to take a team for His message to spread, one person could not do it alone! Success, accomplishment, etc... is sweeter when it's shared. There's no greater sense of fulfillment when people come together giving their best for the good of the team. Donne knew it & Wooden knew but Jesus said it first. It's all about the team.

It's All About the Stories

Yesterday, while at APC I was talking with P. Gregg Jacobs about country music, he really hadn't listen to much of it. Back in the mid 80's, I used to listen to it alot. One thing about country music is the stories. In fact, when Ray Charles transitioned from R & B to Country, his producers asked why switch? Ray replied...it's the stories, country music is filled with great stories.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Luke9:1-2

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
Luke 9:6

I bet the disciples returned to Jesus with great stories!

Ministry is about the stories, stories about changed lives, stories about redemption, stories about restored relationships, stories about healed bodies, stories about...

When we're connected to God and involved in peoples lives we should continuously have a great story(s) to tell.

BPC 'tale of the tape" recontinued

I sensed we needed to start the small group somewhere in the Allegheny Valley region, specifically between Harmerville & Natrona Heights. I shared this vision with my buddy Jim Biernesser to which he replied, "Hey Reverend, I have a house in Tarentum that I remodeled and am selling. We could have the small group there until it's sold". Jim, his wife Lisa and Francie & I began to put our resources together (extra furniture we had, coffee pot, microwave,etc..) and prepared the house for our first meeting. Remember it was just remodeled so inside it looked brand new! The perfect place to begin our new journey. P. Jeff of APC & P. Russ of SFWC gave us names of people who had visited their churches who were from the Allegheny Valley region so we could let them know about the group we were starting.

On Tuesday 2/7/06 Jim & Lisa, "JohnBob" & his wife Donna DeKleva from APC and Francie I held the first meeting. Up through 8/07, that house was our base of ministry. In June of '06 we had a neighborhood "Block Party" attracting 20 neighbors from the surrounding streets. In July of '06 Pastor Cal came to do 2 nights of Sidewalk Sunday School attracting 25 kids the first night & 35 the following week. 3 families became a part of our group because of those 2 outreaches! We had a small Fall Festival scheduled in Oct. of '06 @ the Riverview park in Tarentum but it was canceled due to bad weather. (I remember hail, rain and even some snow flurries that day.) Our group grew from 6 adults to 25 adults & 10 kids. God was on the move and we were all excited to be in His flow!

But the winds of change were about to blow. In 7/07 we scheduled "potluck" dinners for our group @ different people's houses during August. A week into August Jim said he had an interested buyer for the house but wasn't ready to tell me until he was sure it was a solid offer.
We committed it to the Lord & the deal went through, the house sold! But now where were we going to meet? Not to worry, about six months earlier Jim had, by "chance" met a Tarentum boxing gym owner by the name of...Jim. A devoted brother in Christ who heard about us & offered his building if we ever needed it. The James 5: 16 center is located @ 307 W. 7th Ave. in Tarentum. A christian organization that shares the message of Christ to kids, youth & young adults through physical fitness, weight training and ...boxing.

James 5:16 says..."Therefore confess your sins to each other and prayer for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

A man named John

I just got off the phone with a man named John. He came to our Block party in August but didn't fill out an information card. John called saying, "I got this phone number from your flyer & I need God in my life. I'm not a religious man, I used to go to church but don't anymore. I've had struggles and issues for years & they caught up with me. I need to get to church."

I spent about 15 minutes with John telling him about BridgePoint & our Sunday evening meeting. He said, "Boy, I wish this was Saturday so I could tell you I'll see you tomorrow." I thanked John for the call & told him we'd call on Saturday as a reminder. John said, "Call any time, tomorrow, the next day, Saturday or whenever you want. You call me on Sunday @ 4pm just to make sure." I told him I would call.

In my last post I wrote about our prayer groups in last night's meeting. One of the prayer points was "Salvation for the people of Tarentum." John lives 2 blocks away from the James 5:16 Center in Tarentum! God is always working even when we may not think He is. Our job is to pray, God's job is to draw people by His Holy Spirit! Pray for...a man named John.

"What ever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
Colossians 3:23

BPC "tale of the tape" cont.

This evening during our weekly launch team meeting we had a great time of concentrated prayer. We divided into 5 groups praying for the following: against the attacks of the enemy, for the salvation of family, friends & the people of Tarentum, for the Boro officials, police, fire & EMT, for continued unity & protection for the launch team and for the 1st preview service on Oct. 21st. It's my desire BPC continue to be bathed in prayer!

Speaking of prayer, a little over 2 years ago I seriously began praying about church planting. For me it all started in August of 2000 when P. Jeff asked me to consider "planting." My response to the Lord & to Jeff, "No. Not me." During the next 5 years the "planting" question reoccurred, my response was the same each time it came up, "No." To be honest I didn't have a good reason for saying no, I felt I just didn't want to do it. More importantly during those 5 years the Lord was doing alot of things in me, bringing me to a place of complete surrender...in many ways that only He can.

Back to 2005, Jeff asked me again about "planting", my response..."Francie & I will take it to the Lord in prayer." After a time of fasting & prayer I responded... Yes, we'll follow God's promptings and "plant." Jeff's response...Go for it! Start a small group & we'll see where the Lord takes it.

We had our first meeting on Tuesday February 7th 2006 with 6 people attending. But more about that next time...

"And pray in the Spirit, on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints."
Ephesians 6:18

P.S...
We're looking for people to be part of our prayer team. You may or may not not feel lead to join the launch team but would commit to praying for the church. If you'd like to be a part, please respond by commenting to this posting or email at contactbridgepoint@yahoo.com

Wonderful Relationships

Francie & I just spent the last 2 days with her cousins in Canada. On the way to Toronto we stopped on the Canadian side to see the Horseshoe Falls up close and across the way we could see the American Falls, what an incredible sight! (even though it was overcast and drizzling) All that water just rushing over the side, talk about Gods POWER! I found myself starring in wonderment thinking...the God that made this cares about me...and He cares about you. If He can create the Falls there's nothing He can't do, there's nothing too hard for Him. When we're under His protection, guidance & instruction, He cares for us, loves us & is committed to us.

Francie's cousins, Christina & Anna and their families, are great people. As kids they would come every summer to visit their grandparents as well as share life with my wife's family who lived next door. These relationships have stood the test of time and continue today because of commitment & love.

Jesus had this type of commitment & love with His disciples, they shared life. As the disciples walked from town to town with Jesus they were under His protection, guidance & instruction. They committed their lives to Him & to each other. It's said of the disciples that these were the men who turned the world upside down ...because of their commitment & love for Jesus...because of their wonderful relationship with the Lord. Question...what kind of relationships are we building? Will they stand the test of time, do they reflect love & commitment toward the Lord & each other, are they wonderful?

The OOMPH of Life

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"Jesus answered,"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." In other words...there's no limit to the amount of times we're to forgive regardless of how we feel. It can be a difficult skill to master. Many people take with them learned patterns of behavior from childhood into adulthood. Unforgiveness towards those who've caused us personal pain can be one of them. Getting caught up in the "he said, she said" mentality leads to anger, bitterness, frustration as well as other thoughts & feelings.

There's alot of self helps today. B&N, Borders & Waldons shelves are full of them...read this, apply that, focus your positive energies... although these can help, they lack the oomph needed to demonstrated it. Jesus not only taught about the oomph in forgiveness, He demonstrated it!

John 19:30 Jesus said," It is finished." With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Forgiveness for the entire world happened... oomph!! What an example, forgiveness for you and me but also towards those who were directly in front of Him causing personal pain & death!

Life can be hard at time so we need all of the biblical oomph we can get. The next time you find yourself in your fav little reading nook, browse over to the word for an extra dose of oomph! You never know when it'll come in handy.

BridgePoint Church "tale of the tape"

During the 70's I spent many a Saturday afternoon watching ABC's Wide World of Sports. As a young man, my Dad was really into weightlifting and throughout his life he loved to watch boxing. I remember seeing all of the biggest fights during that time.

One feature of boxing is the "tale of the tape".

This idiom is used when comparing things, especially in sports; it comes from boxing where the fighters would be measured with a tape measure before a fight. Height, weight and arm reach among other things is noted. It's a statistical history, important information we should know about each fighter before they enter the ring

This is the introductory entry to BridgePoint church's "tale of the tape".
During some future postings, I'll be writing about how & when things started, from our first small group meeting to the outreaches we've done right up to now as we prepare for our monthly preview services and Palm Sunday 2008 launch date. Although we've only been meeting weekly for about a year and a half, for me it's been a 7 year journey.

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

"he gets things done."

About 4 years ago I briefly met Nick Poole out near Robinson Towne Ctr. My daughter Alexandra would catch a ride to & from Pgh to CBC in Springfield, MO. with Nick & his sister. A few times he saved Francie & I many long hours of driving. When P. Jeff announced Nick would be joining the APC staff to work APC's network of churches and I told Alexandra she said, "Dad, he gets things done." After meeting with the "Nickster" every week for going on 3 mths and spending time with him, I couldn't agree more. Nick's a great guy & really does get things done & then some! He's a very hard worker, has great ideas and insight, is creative and follows through on everything he does. Best of all, he loves God and wants serve him with all he's got. Nick and each person in our group has been a great blessing as we begin to launch Bridgepoint Church!