BPC New Years Eve Blessing & New Years Day Service

Merry Christmas again and Happy New Year to you and your family!

Francie & I had a lovely week with our adult kids, Alexandra & Greg Jr., who were able to spend 7 days with us for Christmas! They’re all grown up now so this morning after a delicious breakfast at “Uncle Bob’s” (Bob Evans) they began the trek back to their jobs & friends in Springfield, MO. Although we’ll miss them we know that God has something incredible for them in 2012…as He does for you! So…

Tomorrow evening from 6-7pm at BPC we’re hosting our annual Family Blessing. “What’s up with that?” you’re asking. BPC will be open for 1 hour on New Year’s Eve and during that time we invite you, your family & friends over to the church where Pastor Maribeth, Francie & I would be honored to pray a Prayer of Blessing over you as we launch into 2012. Anyone and everyone is invited for this special time of blessing. You’ll be in and out in no time so you can get to that celebration to ring in the New Year. Afterwards grab a good night’s sleep and then…

Join us on New Year’s Day at 10am for our 1st service of the 2012 where I’ll be starting a new message series entitled; Text Messages; What We Believe About the Bible as We Develop Spiritual Disciplines. We’re also going to have Communion together so you don’t want to miss that! Bring the whole family cuz we have ministry for Nursery, Preschool & Elementary Children as well as “kickin” music and a inspiring talk for the adults!

God has so blessed BPC during 2011 & I’m in awe of all He’s done but…I don’t think He’s finished with us just yet so…fasten your seat belt cuz 2012 is gonna be "Off the Hook!"

BPC Podcasts The Stories of Love & Promise

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2011 at BPC was “Off the Hook!”

Every year on Christmas Eve at BPC we celebrate the birth of Jesus with a Candlelight Service and we sing Christmas Carols. During the Svc I continued our December message series; “Once Upon a Time; God’s Timeless Story of Christmas Blessing” with a talk entitled, “The Story of Love.” Centered around the angels announcement of the birth of Jesus; in this message I also told another Love Story that’s centered around Tim Tebow; the starting QB for the Denver Broncos. This year Christmas Day landed on a Sunday so we continued the celebration hosting a 1 Hour service and this Christmas Day was special for Francie & I because or son, Greg Jr., concluded my December sermon series with a message entitled; “The Story of Promise.” Greg Jr. preached a powerful message on the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Francie & I were so proud and inspired as our son delivered a thought provoking & life changing word.

I know you’ll be blessed and encouraged as you listen to both of these messages.

You know the drill; just click on the title of this blog pose and you’ll be directed to our podcast web page.

God Bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Additional Parking for BPC’s Candlelight Christmas Eve Svc this evening at 6pm

We are so excited to have you join us tonight for our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 6pm in our very own building so, here’s the scoop on parking.

Our friends, George Gatto & Gary Duster, have graciously allowed us to use their parking lots this evening so, if you can’t find a parking space on 9th Ave or Corbet St. you can park your car a very short walk away at Duster’s Funeral Home on East 10th Ave or Gatto’s Motorcycle & Repair Service Center on East 7th Ave.

Follow the link below for direction to BridgePoint Church and our additional parking lots.

http://www.bridgepointchurch.cc/?i=3328&mid=7 or go to www.bridgepointchurch.cc, click "News" and scroll down to "Parking and Directions."

We are looking forward to seeing you, your family & friends as we celebrate the birth of Jesus this evening at 6pm!

BPC's 2011 Holiday Line Up of Services

Christmas is just 5 days away, can you believe it! Like many of you, Francie and I have entered this week not only excited to celebrate the birth of Christ with our BPC family but also excited to be spending Christmas with our children, Alexandra and Greg Jr., who will be traveling home for the holiday. As a matter of fact the Rev Gregory S. Krowitz Jr. will be preaching at BPC on Christmas Day!

As you make your plans for the next few days leading up to Christmas I wanted to make things easier for you by letting you know our Holiday Line Up of Special Services so, here we go…

On Saturday evening December 24 at 6pm, we are having our 4th annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service; all children will be with the adults. This 1 hour service is one of my favorites services of the year. With the sanctuary all decorated for Christmas, we dim the lights and light up the Candelabra’s adding a warm glow to the sanctuary. I just love looking out into the crowd as the BPC family gathers together to celebrate the Birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! I’ll be continuing our series; “Once Upon a Time; God’s Timeless Story of Christmas Blessing” with a message entitled; “The Story of Love.” As a side note; for your convenience we will be taking the offering during the Christmas Eve service and will not be taking an offering on Sunday, Christmas Day.

On Sunday morning December 25 at 10am we are having a Christmas Day Service. We invite you to take a short break from all the Christmas morning fun & excitement at home and join us for this 1 Hour service as we continue celebrating Jesus’ birth. My Son, Greg Jr., will be concluding our series with a message entitled; “The Story of Promise.” Also, Pastor Steve & Miss Shelby will be having something special for the elementary kids.

On Saturday evening December 31 from 6 – 7pm we will be hosting our 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Blessing. The church will be open for 1 hour as the BPC pastoral Staff will be on hand to pray a special prayer of blessing over you, your family and your loved ones as we all launch into 2012! It’s kinda like an “Open House” so you can come and go as you please at your convenience. Francie & I so love this as well because it’s our honor & privilege to stand with you as you believe God for great things in 2012!

On Sunday morning January 1 at 10am we‘ll “Kick Off 2012” with Rockin Praise & Worship, a time of Prayer for the New Year and I’ll be starting a new message series entitled; Text Messages; What We Believe About the Bible as we Develop Spiritual Disciplines for Life. Following the message we’ll be celebrating Communion together which is a great way to begin 2012!

Well, that’s BPC’s 2011 holiday line up of services. Francie & I invite you to join us for any and all of these special services this Christmas and New Years!

God Bless you & Merry Christmas!

The Story of Joy & BPC Holiday Schedule of Services

What’s the difference between Happiness and Joy? I want to pass along to you what my Pastor told me regarding this question. “Happiness is based on our circumstances but Joy is based on having a relationship with Christ.” For many the outward circumstances of a particular something dictate whether they will be happy or sad but for those who know Christ we can have Joy on the inside while things are not so great on the outside. In John 16:33 Jesus said; In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Nowhere is this truth more evident than in the life of the young woman Mary. We also know her as Joseph’s fiancé and Jesus’ Mother. In this latest installment of BPC’s podcast we’ll examine the announcement of Jesus’ birth from Mary’s perspective & very clearly see that Mary chooses to respond with Joy from the inside rather than reacting with fear & doubt while the circumstances of her life were raging on the outside.

Just click on the title of this blog post and you’ll be directed to our podcast web page.

Also; I’ll bet you’re just dying to know our Holiday schedule of services so, here it is;
Saturday December 24 6pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, all children will be with the adults; Sunday December 25 10am 1 hour Christmas Day Service; Saturday December 31 6-7pm New Years Eve Blessing; Sunday January 1 10am Service with Communion. I’ll also be starting a new message series entitled; Text Messages; What We Believe About the Bible as We Develop Spiritual Disciplines for Life.

Update on "Care to Share" and December Luncheon

This past weekend BPC hosted its 3rd annual “Care to Share” FREE Christmas Flea Market. What’s this all about you ask? BPCers invited their families & friends to donate gently used items so that we can offer them FREE to anyone in our community who may be in need this holiday season & I gotta tell ya, everything donated was current, up to date & “over the top” good this year! THANK YOU to everyone who gave!

Clothes & Shoes for the whole family, Housewares, THE Best Toys we’ve ever offered, Books, Paintings & Pictures as well as Electronics plus a whole lot more! Everyone participating received a FREE Luncheon while also having an opportunity to talk with and be prayed for by one of our volunteers.
Many felt “Soo Blessed” this Christmas as they told us their real stories of how their needs for clothes, toys for the kids & the other FREE items offered were met as they expressed their “Thanks” to BPC; “The church that’s always doing something for this community.” I’m told that some even came from the local bus stop missing their bus to get to our event, WOW!

Here’s just some of the scoop;
Over 20 BPCers on Friday evening screening, sorting, tagging & setting up the donations
Over 30 BPCers during the event on Saturday servings as greeters, shopping assistants, providing help with loading cars & serving lunch
Close to 300 people blessed
About 70 boxes of food given to families of 4 for an entire Holiday Meal

Thank you to all you BPCers who volunteered; as your Pastors Francie & I are soo proud of you! You stepped up & did an AMAZING job “Connecting Real People to the Real God” this Christmas! May God richly bless you & your families as you have served Him showing the Love of Christ to others! And…a very BIG “THANK YOU” to BPC’s Awesome Staff; Outreach Pastor, Maribeth for coordinating the entire event, Pastor Steve & our Intern Shelby for assisting. This was THE BEST Christmas Outreach we've ever hosted!

Because you all gave of yourselves this past weekend & as we enter into the busiest week of the year we want you BPCers to spend extended time on Sunday afternoon with your families & friends; especially since the Steelers won’t be playing until Monday night. So… this Sunday we WILL NOT have a Luncheon following the service.

If “Care to Share” is an indicator of what’s God’s up to then I can’t wait to see all He’s gonna do in & through BPC as we launch into 2012!

The Story of Peace

“Wise Men Still Seek Him” is a very common phrase around this times of the year and in this latest podcast listen as I lay out who those men really may have been and how we can follow their example as the followed the Star of Bethlehem in search of the Messiah

Having a Timeless sense of Peace is really about Seeking Jesus & never giving up; Honor Jesus cuz He’s the very best thing that’ll ever happen to us and Protecting and Guarding our relationship with Jesus in the mist of the busyness of life. That’s the Story of Peace for the human soul which continuously flows like a river in and thru our lives.

Just click on the title of theis Blog Post and you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Enjoy the Story of Peace

BPC's Lastest Podcast "The Story of Life"

Once Upon a Time is a very fitting opening line for God’s Timeless Story of Christmas Blessing; the factual account of God’s one & only Son, Jesus Christ, coming to earth as a baby growing up to not only bring freedom & salvation to all people but also Promise to those who put their Faith in God, Love to those whose hearts are open to Christ, Peace from the Holy Spirit that goes beyond anything we can produce on our own, Joy that’s not based on our outward circumstances but is anchored in relationship with Jesus and Life not only for eternity but a full & abundant life lived in the here and now that can be described as amazingly adventurous.

Jesus said in John 10:10b "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full"

"The Story of Life" is the 1st message in our December 2011 Christmas series and the young "Groom to Be", Joseph, is an appropriate person to talk about. When God is about to do something He invites us to join Him but we got to adjust our lives to what He's doing regardless of the temporary difficulties and so, because Joseph had a change of heart and acted on that change he married Mary becoming Jesus' earthly Father responsible for His protection, care & wellbeing ultimately helping to bring about Promise, Love, Peace, Joy and Life to all those who would accept his earthly son.

Just click on the title of this blog post and you’ll be direct to out podcast web page.

Christmas Giving 2011

God loves a cheerful giver and in the Greek cheerful is translated “hilarious” so, as we enter this season of giving before getting all those gifts on your loved one’s wish lists let’s 1st give to God showing Him that we love what He loves, people! This Christmas as we sow our finances into God’s economy let’s believe for a “hilarious” harvest of souls as we launch into the New Year.

Also in this podcast I cast the vision for BPC Foreign Missions Giving and Going opportunities in 2012.

Just click the title of the blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Next Sunday I’m beginning a new message series for Christmas entitled; “Once Upon a Time; God’s Timeless Story of Christmas Blessing.” Please join us for this special series that’ll take us through Christmas Eve and conclude on Christmas Day with Special Guest Speaker Rev. Greg Krowitz Jr.!

SHAPE: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Yesterday during our morning service as a church family we went through our “SHAPE; Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts” class. Here’s what the Bible says about Spiritual Gifts;

Now about spiritual gifts I do not want you to be ignorant." 1 Cor. 12:1
A SPIRITUAL GIFT: Is a special ability, given by the Holy Spirit to every believer at their conversion, to be used to minister to others and therefore build up the Body of Christ

Below is the definition for the SHAPE Acronym and questions we should be asking ourselves through our Spiritual Gifts discovery process:

Spiritual Gifts "... Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." 1 Cor. 7:7b WHAT AM I GIFTED TO DO?
Heart "For it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for his own chosen purpose!" Phil. 2:13 (NEB) WHAT DO I LOVE TO DO?
Abilities "There are different abilities to perform service..." 1 Cor. 12:6
WHAT NATURAL TALENTS AND SKILLS DO I HAVE?
Personality "No one can really know what anyone else is thinking or what he is really like, except that person himself." 1 Cor. 2:11 (LB)
WHERE DOES MY PERSONALITY BEST SUIT ME TO SERVE?
Experiences "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:2,8
HOW WILL MY EXPERIENCES DETERMINE MY DIRECTION IN MINISTRY?

Workbooks along with a CD of this teaching are available near the Welcome/Information table in the lobby of the church.

Just click the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast web page.

Enjoy & be blessed!

BPC Sovereignty Celebration & lastest Podcast

This past Sunday was yet another milestone in the history of BridgePoint Church because we became a Sovereign Assemblies of God church! (Sovereign meaning - we are now a fully functioning local church) We were so privileged and honored to have presiding over the Celebration Jeff Leake, Lead Pastor of Allison Park Church and founder of the MCM Pittsburgh Network of churches. Since 1996 APC has planted 10 churches with BPC being the 7th plant in 2007 beginning as a small group of only 6 people. It was through God’s provision, Pastor Jeff’s leadership & coaching plus the faithful support of APC’s congregation that BPC grew holding its Grand Opening Service on Palm Sunday 2008. Since that time we’ve become Incorporated, acquired our own building which we purchased for the amazing sum of $1.00 (ONE Dollar) and have taken on membership. So needless to say yesterday was a very BIG deal at BPC!
During the prayer time I announced that our Kids Guy, Steve Michalowski, received his License to Preach ministry credential then Jeff lead us in a prayer of blessing over Steve as our Missionary, Pat Summers, and BPC Board of Stewardship all gathered around him.

Jeff then delivered a powerful message entitled; “Stepping Into the Favor of the Lord”. I hesitate to give you the details cuz I’d like for you to listen to the podcast. You will be blessed cuz Jeff is THE BEST preacher in Western PA! (just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast web page)
Following the message Jeff asked me, Jim, Chester & Charlie, AKA BPC’s Board of Stewardship, to stand facing the congregation so that he could pray a prayer of blessing over us & the congregation of BPC! I just can’t put into words the feelings that came over me during that moment…it was so powerful!! Following the service we moved the party to the Lower Level of the church where we continued the celebration with Cake & Ice Cream!

We praise God for all the amazing things He’s done in the life of BPC in these few short years and we really can’t wait to see what He’s going to do in the years to come!

Final podcast in our Holy Spirit WHO?? Series

BPC’s AWESOME Outreach Pastor, Maribeth Heshler, delivered the final message in our Holy Spirit WHO?? series with a talk on the Holy Spirit’s Healing Power and boy…did she deliver the goods!

Francie & I are so excited and honored to have Maribeth as a part of BPC’s staff! As an elementary student Maribeth attended our Jr Church services while we were Children’s Pastoring at APC back in the day. It’s during those years Maribeth felt the call of God for Foreign Missions. After High School Maribeth attended & graduated from Valley Forge Christian College with a Bachelors Degree in Missions. She also holds a License to Preach Credential with the Penn-Del District of the Assemblies of God. Maribeth has served the Lord in Costa Rica & Nicaraugua.

I know you’ll be blessed by Pastor Maribeth’s ministry as you listen to this podcast and…you know the drill. Just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

God Bless!

Those With the Gifts podcast

In every aspect of a Christ follower’s life, the Spirit points us to Jesus & pours out the love of God into our hearts. We are to live in the Spirit & by the Spirit so no aspect of our lives needs to lack His touch. What He did for the 1st century believers as they lived, worked, hoped and worshiped He wants to do for us today as well!

In order to be effective witnesses & servants for Christ we need the power of the Holy Spirit! Consider the disciples; while they were gathered in an upper room the Holy Spirit arrived filling each of them with His power so they could be witnesses proclaiming the gospel beginning in Jerusalem to Judea & Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

The coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost is referred to as “The Gift of the Spirit’ which is different from “The Gifts of the Spirit”. In this latest installment of our “Holy Spirit WHO?? series we focused the Gifts of the Spirit in a message entitled “Those With the Gifts.” In Ephesians the Spiritual Gifts listed are for the establishment of the church as a whole, in 1 Corinthians the Spiritual Gifts listed are for edification & encouragement of the local church & in Romans the Spiritual Gifts listed are for service & outreach. Believers can have a few Spiritual Gift’s & every believer has at least one.

You know the drill; just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

God bless & enjoy this talk on Spiritual Gifts!

You'll Know by the Fruit Podcast

This AM at BPC I began a new message series entitled “Holy Spirit WHO??” Originally for the end of October I was planning on preaching a different series but I felt God directing me to talk about the 3rd Person of the Trinity.

The message was entitled, “You’ll Know by the Fruit” & we examine Galatians 5:22-23. As a local church established by God & recognized as His family we have to understand that for us to go to the next level in God we’ve got to trust in the fact that Jesus promised to grow His church; Matthew 16:18 I will build my church & the gates of hates will not overcome it. And we’ve got to know deep in our gut that God’s kingdom is going to be advanced in our community through the power of the Holy Spirit alive & active in each of our hearts. Zachariah 4:5 Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. Next week I’ll talk about the gifts of the Spirit & the following week Pastor Maribeth Heshler will speak on the Holy Spirit’s healing power. (you O Not want to miss that podcast!!)

All of these messages clearly show us that God didn’t leave us alone & helpless to fend to ourselves. Not only did He send His 1 & only Son Jesus, God has also given us His Spirit to be in the here & now right with us in our time & in our generation. I’m believing God’s life giving power will carry BPC to the next level as we are lead by & are walking in the Spirit.

Just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast web page.

Enjoy!

BPC Team Membership Class

So, you've checked out BPC or have been attending for some time & now you're thinking to yourself; "This church is cool, I can see myself becoming a part of this!" Well think no more because this Sunday October 23 2011 following our 10am service I’ll be teaching BPC's Next Step Membership Class. Back in May 2011 I taught this class during our Sunday morning service so if you were there, signed & turned in the Team Membership Form then you’re “Good To Go!” If not then after the service please make your way down to our newly renovated lower level for lunch. (We invite you to please bring $3.00 - $5.00)

Membership says: "I'm committed to a group of people who worship God, who hear & apply the word of God preached and who commit to the 'one another' through authentic relationships.” During the class you'll learn the history of BPC & what we believe as a church. I’ll also be teaching on what it means to be a member of God's family and how you can be a part of BPC's vision of "Connecting Real People to the Real God" in Tarentum & the Allegheny Valley.

And here’s the cool thing about this; those of you who have gone through this class will have your names appear on BPC’s Charter Membership Roster. If you’re planning on attending please call or email me by Friday October 21st.

FYI; the Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals at 4pm so…you'll be out of there way before the kickoff.

Until Sunday

Molder of Dreams podcast

On Sunday October 16 we held a Teacher Appreciation svc & luncheon at BPC and Molder of Dreams was the title of the message & the latest installment in our BPC podcast.

Maybe you’ve heard of Guy Doud before & maybe you haven’t. In 1986 Guy was voted America’s Teacher of the Year so I felt it appropriate to launch into this talk with a Guy Doud video who tells a story form his Jr High school years. I also conclude the talk with another short Guy Doud video. (He a very moving & entertaining speaker!)

In between those 2 videos our text comes from Acts 22:1-11 where we see Paul at the end of his 3rd missionary journey in Jerusalem under arrest & being lead to the barracks. But…before he’s taken from the out of control crowd he’s given permission to speak.

I soo hope you’ll click the title of this blog post so you can be directed to our podcast web page & listen to the message!

enjoy

Family Service Podcast with Pastor Steve

This past Sunday at BridgePoint we hosted our Family Service. The BPC Fam Svc is a special time when our Floodgate Kids elementary students get to join the adults in the sanctuary for games, prizes and yes…candy! Pastor Steve even got Miss Francie involved in the “Ring Toss” game! (checkout the look on Pastor Maribeth’s face…soo hilarious!!)

As you know Steve Michalowski is BPC’s Children’s Pastor and he preached a great message entitled, “Ungrateful Faith”. Speaking on Matthew 17:20 where Jesus talked about having faith as small as a mustard seed Pastor Steve showed us that our faith grows through life’s challenges when we practice it, persist in it and proclaim it!
I so appreciate Steve & his heart for the kids of Tarentum! And a big SHOUT OUT to BPC’s wonderful Intern Shelby for being a great assistant to Pastor Steve every Sunday morning during our Floodgate kids elementary service! God has so blessed BPC with such a great staff and Francie & I are really blessed to be serving alongside these anointed ministers!!

To listen to the message & be blessed by the worship afterwards just click the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Discover the difference between a need and a want through...grumbling & complaining

For the past 10 days I’ve been off of the Twitter, Facebook & Blogging sphere, radar or whatever you want to call it cuz Francie & I were on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, FL and I’m here to tell you the sun shined everyday day! I’m so blessed to have such an amazing wife & I enjoyed spending every minute with only her! I love you Francie Krowitz!!

At BPC this past Sunday Jim Biernesser filled in preaching a powerful message from Exodus about discovering the difference between a need and a want through…grumbling and complaining. Thanks to not only Jim for speaking but also to our Outreach Director, Maribeth for MCing the service!

Click the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage to listen to the message.

final podcast in BPC's Tough Questions series

What About Those Who’ve Never Heard of God or Jesus, What’s Gonna happen to Them? is the final podcast in our “Tough Questions” message series so rather than giving it all away now I’m hoping you’ll just “click” the title of this blog post then be directed to our podcast webpage and listen to the message for yourself.

Enjoy!

If Christianity is True, Why is the Church SO Full of Hypocrates?

We continue our “Tough Questions” series with a message entitled; “If Christianity is True, Why is the Church SO Full of Hypocrites?”

Has this question ever crossed your mind? Before I knew Christ it crossed my mind many times. I don’t have an answer for that Tough Question except to say that one day we’re all gonna stand before God & give an account of all the things we did or didn’t do, the stuff we said or didn’t say. But here are 3 interesting things about this that I do know…

The Church should be full of hypocrites; Jesus founded His church to bring Real people into a relationship with His father & to help them to be more like God. So, if a church is doing what God wants it to do, it will be attracting people who look & act like they need a Savior. Does this excuse arrogant, immature, hypocritical behavior? No, but maybe it explains it a little.

Not all Christians are hypocrites; Let’s get this straight, we shouldn’t pass judgment on a person or group of people based on a negative experience cuz many Christians aren’t perfect but are authentic.

Jesus was not a hypocrite; The ultimate issue about Christianity is always gonna center around the person of Jesus & if Jesus was a hypocrite then following Him is senseless. Throughout the Gospels we see many tried to undermine Jesus but couldn’t find hypocrisy in Him.

Hope you enjoy this latest message from BPC! Just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Tough Questions message series

Our September message series at BPC is “Tough Questions” and when it comes to the things of God there are so many Tough Questions out there on a lot of people’s minds, wouldn’t you say? The TQ’s we won’t be asking are ones like “What’s Heaven Gonna Be Like?” or “Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?” The TQ’s we’ll tackle this September 2011 are one’s that are a part of our everyday lives, are one’s that most people are thinking about but might be hesitant to ask.

Tough Questions like, “If Christianity is True Then Why is the Church So Full of Hypocrites?” (The topic of our next podcast) “The Bible; Is It True, Who Wrote It & What About the Errors?” as well as “What’s the Point of Problems & How in the Heck Do I get Rid of Them?” are our 2 most recent podcast’s which, if you click the title of this blog post you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Do you have a few Tough Questions rolling about in your head? Well, this September they may be the very same ones we’ll be discussing at BridgePoint Church.

Restoring Your Passion podcast

This is the final podcast in BPC’s “Making a World of Difference in Our World” message series and hopefully all you BPCers have been encouraged by Paul words as we’ve briefly perused the book of Romans during the month of August.

Our theme verse has been Romans 1:16-17a I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes….For in the Gospel righteousness from God is revealed…

In this podcast we’ll examine Romans 12:1-2; two very powerful verses that instruct us on offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices (listen to the podcast for clarity & explanation on this statement), testing, approving and knowing God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives. In reality it’s all about yielding, separating and allowing God to transform our minds so…

The best thing for you to do right now is to click on the title of this blog post and you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage where you can listen to the message.

Be blessed!

BPC’s latest podcast & new addition to our staff

“Living with Integrity” is the latest podcast in BPC’s August 2011 message series “Making a World of Difference in Our World.”

Charles Evens Hughes, Chief Justice of the United States from1930-41 once said; A man has to live with himself and he should always see to it that he has good company. Integrity is paramount as to whether or not we genuinely reach people for Christ. Living a life of integrity determines whether or not we hit our personal goals, hopes & dreams so Integrity is the very thing that catapults us towards our future or drops us like a hot rock! Integrity shows up thru the HS’s power active in you. Also on this podcast, I’m excited to welcome Maribeth Heshler to the BPC staff as our Outreach Director. Maribeth has a passion for the lost & will be instrumental in helping BPC continue to “Connect Real People to the Real God” in Tarentum & the AK Valley. The pic above is how I remember Maribeth as an elementary student coming to Jr Church at APC when I was the Children's pastor.

Just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

BPC's August Message Series

Hey, so sorry that we weren’t able to upload the 1st talk in BPC’s August message series; “Making a World of Difference in our World” but we do have the 2nd message uploaded so here it is

“Making a World of Difference Takes Courage”, it took courage for the Apostle Paul to make a difference & it’s certainly take courage for us. Listen as I explain the process.

Click on the title of this blogpost & you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage.

Final podcast in BPC's July message series; Getting to Know God

This past Sunday we Got to Know God through Desperation. Isn’t it interesting that statics show the majority of people who come to Christ do so during a time of desperation. Fearful or anxious people often begin looking for something greater than themselves to ease the pain in life.
But it’s not enough just to hope to get next to God when you come to Him… YOU gotta want to spiritually touch Him! In desperation a significant touch from God through the power of the Holy Spirit helps us to touch as many people as possible for the kingdom while changing us forever. How many what to see the Holy Spirit flowing freely just like oil in your life touching God & touching others?

Well, it’s not enough to be a part of the crowd…you gotta want to touch Him!

Just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast page!

BPC's very latest podcast

Here's BPC's very latest podcast from this past Sunday; July 17 2011.

July's message series has been; "Getting to Know God" and the title of this talk is..."Through Dependence." Life sometimes seems just like a rollarcoaster ride with it's many twists n turns, ups n downs & would'nt it be so great if we could depend on others to keep us "in our seats" so to speak just like we depend on the lap bar in a rollarcoaster car?

Although a great prophet of God & a man of great strengths & weaknesses, Elijah was on similar coaster rides just like us today. But...during his rides on earth he learned through Dependence on God that by Prayer, Purpose & Passion his Possibilities could turn in Realities & it's through that Dependence he really Got to Know God!

As a side note; thanks so much to all you BPCers for your great comments during our July series! I get soo encouraged when you get encouraged through our messages allowing God to grow you in your relationship with Him through the person & the power of the Holy Spirit!

Just click the title of this podcast & you'll be directed to our podcast page.

Getting to Know God Through...Sacrifice podcast

Sorry this podcast from Sunday July 10th wasn't uploaded sooner but here is is anyway!

On Sunday July 10 2011 BPC celebrated purchaing a church building for...$1.00 cuz this congregation knows what it means to "Get to Know God...Through Sacrifice"! While honoring the former congregations sacrifices from the past, I talked about Jephthah whose mentioned in the "Faith Chapter" of Hebrews 13 and whose story of extreme living and sacrfice for God is found in Judges chapter 11.

Just click the title of this blogpost & you'll be directed to our podcast page. Hope you enjoy the message as we celebrated is great milestone in the life of BPC!

BIG news for BridgePoint Church

Yesterday during our service we made a BIG announcement; the board & congregation of the First Christian Church of Tarentum (the building BPC has been meeting in for almost 2 years) has decided to bless BridgePoint with the church building and their financial assets! If that’s not so great enough the cost of the building was…are you ready??? $1.00!!!!! You read that right, BPC paid ONE DOLLAR for the building!!!!!

Needless to say we are praising the Lord for this HUGE milestone in the life of BPC and we are praising the Lord for FCC who over the last year & a half has been a big part of helping us to “Connect Real People to the Real God” in Tarentum and the Allegheny Valley. On behalf of BPC I want to say thank you to FCC’s board; Charlie Mortimer, Jack Kison & Dan Barr and thank you to their members! We are honored that you have so generously passed this torch onto us and are so blessed to have all of you as a part of the BridgePoint family! Together we’ll continue to Embrace Real People with the Love of God, Engage Real People into a relationship with Jesus & God’s family and…together we’ll continue to help Real People Emerge into their full potential in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit!

I also want to say thanks honoring those members of FCC who have gone before us since the church began in 1901 right up to the construction of the current building which was dedicated in 1924. I’m told at that time about 20 members took out personal notes from their banks raising about $50,000 of the $65,000 cost to construct the church building that we’ve just been blessed with which sits on the corners of East 9th Ave & Corbett Sts in Tarentum.

And…on behalf of Francie & myself as well as BPC’s board & congregation I want to say a BIG thank you to Pastor Jeff, Pastor Nick, the board, staff & congregation of our Mother church Allison Park Church who so graciously planted BPC back in March of 2008! I want all of you to know that because of your love & generosity for the Lord & Kingdom things through the MCM Network we really are "Changing the World One Life at a Time!"

BPC's Latest Podcast

We had a great service this past Sunday celebrating Father’s Day at BPC! Not only did we acknowledge & honor all the Dads in attendance but we also blessed each Dad with a cool gift, a 18 in 1 screw driver which I know will come in handy! I hope all of you BPC Dads had a very happy & relaxing Father’s Day yesterday!

During the service I concluded June’s 2 part series entitled “In Need of a Miracle” with the message “Don’t Abandon the Ship!” Not only did we talk about Titanic, the great ocean liner that sank in the North Atlantic on 4/14/12 but we also discussed Jesus’ parable of the Lost Son closely examining his father’s response to him (the youngest son) upon his return home.

Rather than me giving away all the good stuff, you can listen to this message for yourself. Just click on the title of this blog post and you’ll be directed to our podcast webpage. Hope you’re blessed by this word about forgiveness and generosity!

What Makes a Dad

A few people have asked for a copy of the "What Makes a Dad" poem I read on Sunday so, it's written out below. Enjoy!

"What Makes a Dad" Author Unknown
God took the strengthof a mountain, the majesty of a tree, the warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea, the generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night, the wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle's flight, the joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed, the patience of eterntiy, the depth of a family need, then God combined these qualities, and there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, and so, He called it - Dad.

Again this year a great BPC Outdoor Service & Picnic!

Once agin this years BPC Outdoor Service & Picnic in Riverview Park was a great success! After a very quick sprinkle the clouds broke up & the sun began to shine all afternoon and it stayed rather cool...not too hot! Thanks so much for all of your encouraging comments regarding the music & the message, Francie & I really appreciated your kinds words! And after the service...what a feast!! Thank you soo much to everyone who brought something to share. As always BPC has THE BEST cooks in the AG Valley! And... the kids has soo much fun too. Thanks to Mr Steve and our awesome summer intern Shelby for making all of that happen! And finally thanks to all the guys who transported all of the stuff to & from the park, I so appreciate all that you guys did for the Lord yesterday!

BPC Outdoor Svc & FREE Picnic at Riverview Park

You don’t want to miss this Sunday at BridgePoint Church cuz it’s our 4th annual Outdoor Service & FREE Picnic at Tarentum’s beautiful Riverview Park!

The service starts at 11AM in the “band shell” area of the park so please make sure you’re there & bring someone with you for kickin’ music that will lead us into what I’m believing is a inspiring & challenging message for our church as we jump into summer 2011.

Following the service let the feasting begin! We’re having the most famous, mouth watering chicken you have ever, & I mean EVER, tasted as well as a banquet of the most delicious “blue ribbon” dishes you have ever, & I mean EVER, seen! If you call BPC home you are most definitely invited to bring something to eat & something sweet to share!

Hey kids, don’t forget to bring your friends cuz Mr Steve is having for you guys the World’s longest Slip n Slide as well as cotton candy, games and of course…CANDY!

The weather man says it’ll be a great day so please don’t come to BPC alone, bring someone with you for a great time!

PS: only if it's raining cats & dogs will we meet at the church instead.

Passing on the Dream Podcast

This past Sunday I had the honor of dedicating to the Lord little Riley Borg & Isaac Brown so it was very appropriate we continue in our “Dream Chasers” series with the 3rd message entitled; “Passing on the Dream”.

Just like in Acts 2 God is still pouring out dreams & visions on all people in our time & generation. Not only does God want us to have a dream that comes from Him & reach that dream…He wants us to pass on those dreams and 2 of the ways we can do that is through speaking & praying Blessings and through Mentoring/Coaching or Apprenticing. Now, I’m not gonna give you the details of the message so you’ll just have to listen to the podcast but…I am passing along the example prayer I read on Sunday of speaking a blessing over your children. Also; I forget to credit Mark W. Merrill with the prayer.

To hear this latest podcast just click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast page.

God Bless

Example of Praying/Speaking Blessing over Children:
[Child's name], you are my [daughter, son], whom I love; with you I am well pleased. (for a teenager or young adult -You are no longer a little [girl, boy] You are now a [woman, man]. You are well equipped with everything you need to fulfill your destiny as a [woman, man] of God.) Before the foundation of the earth, God Almighty planned for your life Psalm 139 says that He created your inmost being. He knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. All the days ordained for you were written by God even before you were born. (Here, name all of the wonderful attributes and character traits of your child. For example, for your daughter you might say something like, "God has made you intelligent--you have a strong mind. God has made you beautiful. I've also noticed since the time you were a little girl that our Lord has given you a great ability to understand right and wrong, good and evil. You get along with everyone and are well-respected and well thought of by others. You are a leader and have used your leadership skills to make wise decisions concerning your friends and in many other areas of your life.") I am beyond joyful that God has given you to our family as a gift. You are a wonderful [daughter, son]. I love you and bless you with the promises, of God. You are His and have been set apart from the world for his Holy purposes. I bless you with God's everlasting love, wisdom, peace, and joy. I bless you with sexual purity, marital fidelity, and many children of your own. May God continue to keep His hand of favor on you and prosper you in all that you do, and may you serve our Lord Jesus Christ all the days of your life. Amen.

Reaching Your Dream podcast

On this Mother’s Day 2011 we examined Exodus chapters 1 & 2 where we read of a tale of 2 Moms who were from opposite ends of culture and social class - a slave Jochebed and a Princess the daughter of Pharaoh. Not only did they share a common son but also 2 qualities that describes Mom’s to a “T”; Determination and Ingenuity.

Godly determination and ingenuity when filtered thru the Holy Spirit are imparted by God to help us stay in our “seats’ during life’s Roller Coaster rides so we can not only chase after the dreams He has for us but we can also reach them!

You know the drill; click on the title of this blog post & you’ll be directed to our podcast page.

Happy Mother’s Day, God Bless and enjoy the message!