New Year, New Website.

We have done a complete overhaul of our site for the new year!  Should launch any day now so keep on the lookout for it at www.Northbridge.org

Please let us know what you think.  Anything else you'd like to see added?

Merry Christmas!

Thank you to all of our volunteers and staff who created a great environment for a huge crowd Sunday at our Christmas Eve(ning) service.  I continue to be amazed at the level of excellence, passion and creativity of our NorthBridge community. 

jame

This Sunday Night @ 6.

Your Friends and Family at Northbridge Community Church invite you and your family to a special evening of worship and celebration.   Join us on December 21 at 6:00 PM as we celebrate this Christmas season with beautiful holiday music, a brilliant candle lighting and an inspiring message - you can't afford to miss it!  Childcare will be available for children Kindergarten age and younger.  Be sure to stick around afterward to visit with friends over cookies and hot chocolate.   We look forward to seeing you there.

Join The Conspiracy

This past Sunday Andy taught from 1 Timothy 6 and challenged us to "Bridal Our Discontentment". 

There are many opportunities to focus on the needs of others and thereby fight discontentment in your life. One of the best ways is to find a regular way to be involved in supplying the needs of someone else. You could do this by supporting a missionary, by adopting a child at compassion.com , by looking for opportunities in your local community or by joining the "Advent Conspiracy" highligted below. 

On Sunday Evening, December 21, NorthBridge will be taking a special offering which will be used to drill a well in Cap Haitian, Haiti.  

Doing less this Christmas can = Giving more

How will you build in to your life regularly supporting someone else?

Time To Get Real

This past Sunday, Matt and Kate Tichon along with Rollie and Tammy Brinker shared their financial story--from unwise decision making and upside down living to watching God provide as they followed His financial principles. 

What is your story so far? 

jame

Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy

Warning: mild language

Sometimes we just need a change of perspective.

Where do you struggle with being content?

jame

Thanks

For all of you who joined us last night thanks for taking the time to pray for our church. Everything seemed to work out pretty well so we will plan on going this again in the near future.

Pray With Us Tonight

Tonight we will be trying an online prayer session for our church. To participate follow this link at 8:30pm CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PRAYER SESSION You can watch and pray along you can also type your prayers and comments in the chat section. If you have specific things that you would like us to pray about you can visit the site early and leave your request in the chat log. See you tonight.

Extra, Extra!

Ok people.  Let's just dive in and attempt to answer the following question(s): 

How much do you need? If you were to strip away all the extras, where could you draw the line financially? Then, based on what you need, how much extra do you have?

If you're like me, you've now created a scenario where there is one car, everyone in the family is eating rice and beans, the thermostat turns back to 55 at night and up to a toasty 60 during the day, we all buy our clothes at the thrift store and the cable has been traded for rabbit ears.  Even without taking those "drastic measures" the point has been made. There is extra and it's more than I thought.

So, Do you have extra? If so, how will you give generously out of it?

Comment below,

jame

Value of Money.

Loving the discussion that's been flowing from this LO$T series.  If you're new to the blog, check out last weeks post here.  Yes, you can still comment on previous post and have it count towards this weeks resource drawing.

Speaking of this week... Andy challenged us to start viewing our money the way God does; As a Tool, Test & Trademark.  Please view the video clip below and then comment on the following question: How can you use the money and stuff that God has given you as tools to make an eternal impact in someone else's life?

Live Prayer Session Online

We are going to be trying something new soon -- an online live prayer session. What do you think? Below is a test page of some recorded stuff, but it would look just like this only we would be talking to you live.

How do you do it?

Yesterday Andy left us with a challenge, "record all of you spending for the next six weeks."  Why?  Because it's important for us to know where our money is going! Finances should never be an area where we look at things and say, "well, it seems to me...".

So, do you already do this?  If so, how?  Quicken or some other software?  Notebook paper?  If just starting this week, how are you planing on doing it?

Comment below!

LO$T Blog Giveaways!

How do FREE resources that would help you apply what you’re learning throughout the new LO$T series sound to you?  Great?  Then check out the Blog each week!  

We’ll be making several post throughout the week.  The post will be relevant to the previous Sundays message. Make a comment(s), and you’ll be entered into our weekly resource drawing.  (You'll also be taking part in some sweet discussions!)

Winners will be notified via eMail.

Looking forward to it,

jame

Reaching People...

235,000.  We talk about that number a lot around here.  There are 235,000 unchurched people within a twenty-minute drive of NorthBridge Church.  It’s crazy to think about!  And yet why not?  Why not pray, dream and ask God to use our little church to reach those 235,000?

You’re going to hear a lot more about this in 2009.  In fact, it’s why we’re launching some experiments in the weeks ahead (Northbridge Music Project).  In the meantime, here are three statements I am learning and re-learning when it comes to reaching people for Christ.

1. You must reach people where they are, not where you want them to be.

2. The greatest evangelism tool is not a well-written tract but a well-ordered life.

3.  A dialogue is better than a monologue.  

Evangelism “strategies” often underestimate the incredible importance of simply listening, and understanding where people are coming from (see Point #1.)  If I’m not willing to really listen, I probably don’t really care.

What do you think?

jame

Windows & Gauges

Have you recently walked in the doors of NorthBridge and wondered what’s next? If so, then join us for NEXT, where we will provide a 20-minute overview of our church mission and strategy and help you determine your best next step. NEXT will begin shortly after the 10:30 a.m. service today and is held in the NEXT (Xtreme) room, just down the hall from the resource table.  Childcare available.

Were You There!

KidVenture 12 October 2008

October "INTERSECT" Opportunities.

Rake-N-Run Saturday, Oct. 25th, 10-12pm. 

It's simple. We'll meet here at the school with our rakes, work-gloves & tarps. NorthBridge will supply the yard bags. We'll divide up throughout the local community and rake leaves for those who could use a little help.

Halloween Candy Connection Friday Oct. 31, 5:30-8pm. 

We're asking everyone to donate full size candy bars over the next few weeks. Then, on Halloween, we'll hand it all out from a few select homes in the immediate area
along with glow necklaces, some NorthBridge info., friendly smiles & a silent prayer.

Comment below to if you plan on helping out with either of these projects.

Got your own ideas for a future "Intersect Project"? Let us know about them!

KidVenture is Next Week!!!!

You won’t want to miss this event!
Kids and families will have a chance to hang out and
play together at Fun Fore All on October 12 at 12:00
until 3:00 p.m.

KidVenture is a time for kids and parents to get to
know ther small group leaders better and to also connect
with other parents who are on the same journey with
you – raising your child to love Jesus!

RSVP to Cheryl at cheryl.bentsen@northbridge.org
By October 10 if possible, or just show up!

Just Stop It!

So I'm surfing around the other day and come across one of my favorite clips. Makes me laugh every time. Only this time, after watching it, I was left thinking. What things in my life do I need to "just stop"? What about you?


Imagine with me what would happen this week if, through the power of Christ, we "Just Stopped"...
...bringing our work home.
...making excuses for not inviting that friend to church.
...worrying about the future.
...whatever is getting in the way of our spending regular time with God.
...living beyond our means.
..._______________________

You can listen to Jayson & I discuss this topic further over on the podcast page.
Walk On,
Jame

World Vision Experience In Pittsburgh

A few weeks ago we spent the day working at the WORLD VISION International Distribution Center in Sewickley packing supplies to be shipped around the world. It has just come to our attention the our friends at WV are hosting an amazing experience that we think you should check out called 'Step Into Africa"

This FREE event is touring the USA and stopping for just outside of Pittsburgh in Sewickley. St. Stephen's Church is the host, located at Broad and Frederick Streets, just minutes off of route 65 near the Sewickley Bridge. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk through the exhibit and is a life-changing experience.

The World Vision Experience focuses on children: AIDS is devastating communities around the world, and children are suffering the most.

The experience focuses on Africa, where 12 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS (worldwide total as of 2006 is more than 15 million).

It's an interactive experience: World Vision is providing local residents with an opportunity to see, hear, and experience in a personal way the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time: AIDS.

The Experience allows visitors to walk through an African village and experience the lives of children whose families have been devastated by AIDS. Despite overwhelming tragedy, these children still have hope.

World Vision offers people ways to take action to stop AIDS. "You can take action to put children first."

Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:00pm through Mon Oct 6th at 8pm
Location:	St Stephen's Church
Street:	404 Frederick Avenue
City/Town:	Sewickley, PA

Contact Info: Phone:	4127411790
Email:	eyoung@ststephenschurch.net

You have to watch this!

Buckhead Church is one of the three main North Point campuses that we are in strategic partnership with. Just like us, they pride themselves in giving Jesus their best. With every beat of their heart.

Yet sometimes our best comes in the most unrehearsed of moments. Take this past Sunday at Buckhead for example. Simon was to be baptized. Just like us, they have all baptizeees give their testimony on video before they are baptized. That way they can get across the message of hope Christ has placed in them clearly.

Simon took 2 DAYS to film his 2 minute video.
He was mortified. Nervous is an understatement.
Time came to show the video.
Nothing…
Then it played…
No audio…
Then it played again…
Audio this time, but no video…
The crowd was beginning to mumble…
Then video but no audio…
You get the drift.
Luckily their pastor Jeff Henderson was baptizing him and he was money.
Jeff waded through the uncomfortableness of 3000 pairs of eyes staring at them and moved on with…
“Well Simon, I know your story…”
So in the middle of all the chaos somebody yells from the crowd at about 1:02 in the video…
“TELL US YOUR STORY!!!”
And the rest was history…
Watch below how God shows up when our lame equipment does not…

Comments? Anyone want to get baptized?


New Series Begins This Sunday!

If you've been waiting to invite that friend of yours for some reason, wait no more. Sunday is your day. This series Rocks! So pick up the phone, have the conversation, whatever it takes. What matters most is that you "Just Ask". God will take care of the rest.

Can't wait to see you on Sunday!
Jame

Group Link

 

Check out the video for the upcoming GROUP LINK event this Saturday 

@ Siba Cafe from 5:30-7:00. Click HERE to pre-register before Wednesday 9/24.   

Happy Birthday NorthBridge

NorthBridge Church is turning a year old this weekend and we would like you to join us after the service for a short reception. During our time of celebration we will see a brief slide show recapping our first year of existence and hear a few words from Jame about our exciting future. We will also have a year book available for you to preview and order if you would like one for your family. (Cost $15)

As a way of celebrating please comment below on some of you favorite life-change moments from this past year.

Quick Video Message...

You're making a difference!

What If This Were The Week?

What if this were the week you spent more time in prayer than on the Internet?

What if this were the week you begged God to speak to you through the Scriptures?  And what if He did?

What if this were the week you took a risk and asked your friend to church this Sunday?

What if this were the week you wrote a thank you note to that faithful volunteer that serves so well, so faithfully?

What if this week we all lived more intentionally than the week before?

What if it started now?

Jame

NorthBridge Blog Fun Giveaways.

While getting ready for the fall and cleaning out the office closet, we came across a box of worship CD's.  Thinking that you (faithful blog readers) could use them more than we could, a contest has been devised.

The first 20 people to "comment" below with their first and last names will win a free CD. Winners will be able to pick up their prize at the resource center after services on Sunday the 14th.  (Hint: If there are more than 20 comments that does not necessarily mean they were made by 20 unique individuals.)

Let the games begin!

You Ask, We'll Pray.

Over the past few weeks you've heard me talk about inviting someone to our upcoming series, Letters To The Next President, which starts on Sept. 7. I again want to challenge you to ask and specifically invite a friend to church for this series.  Who is that person for you?  Please let us know. You can respond anonymously. You can put the initials of the person. Anonymous is more than fine. We simply want to pray for you and your friend as you ask them. Let us know. 

Praying with you and for you,

Jame & the Staff

When:  Saturday, September 13, from 9am - high noon

Where:  World Vision in Pittsburgh      Get Directions

What will NorthBridge be doing?  We will be packing and sorting good in World Visions International Distribution center for people around the world.  This is an amazing way to make a difference in someone's life that you will never meet.  

Please join us as we partner with this amazing ministry to help change the world.  

Who is in?      

INVOLVED

 

Many of you have been asking... How do I get involved on  Sunday mornings at NorthBridge?  This Sunday is going answer your questions about serving and point you in the right direction.  So check it out and be sure to get some information during this weeks service at 10:30 on how you can get INVOLVED.

Baby Dedication Sign Up

Baby Dedication will take place during the service on September 23. If you or someone you know is planning on having their child dedicated please make sure that you sign up by going to our website. We believe that what happens at home is more important that what happens at church and want to partner with you to help you raise you child to be in a growing relationship with Jesus and this is an important step in that process.

This event is not limited to babies it is open for all children who have not been dedicated or baptized.

Tips For The Live Webcast Tonight.

People from 21 states and six countries will join us tonight for the Buckhead Night of Worship Live Webcast at 7:30 pm EST.  How cool is that?

We want this to be a great on-line worship experience for you so here are a few tips in preparation for the night:

•    While it might seem different to take communion via the webcast, Buckhead actually did this as a church prior to their move to the new building. People loved it.
•    If you or your small group want to take communion during our time together, here is a guideline that might help: Celebrating Communion
•    You will be able to comment on-line during the webcast.  Please feel free to share your prayer requests and to pray for others as well. That’s part of the webcast experience.
•    Please be sure to refresh the site often so that you stay updated with the latest on-line comments.

GO TO NIGHT OF WORSHIP

That’s it for now.

Praying for a great night!

Jame

Some Questions For You.

I'm asking our incredible staff to write down and reflect over the following three sets of questions. I would like you to do the same.  Carve out time (I know that’s easier said than done) and comment here on how you would answer one or all of these three questions.

1.  Are you praying BIG?  What are you asking God to do in your life, both personally and for your church?  As Andy asked us in January, “What are you praying BIG for?”

2.  What is currently breaking your heart?  Is it also breaking God’s heart?  A match of those two questions might just be God’s will for your life.

3.  What are you doing to stay motivated?  (This is an extremely important questions because the person ultimately responsible for keeping you motivated is…. You.

I’ll let you know my answers to one or all of these questions in a few days....

Jame

Dear Mr. President

In preparation for our big Fall kick-off series, Letters to the Next President, I would like to ask you, oh faithful blog readers, to do two things.

1.  Watch the series promo video below.
2.  Begin to pray for the person you will invite to NorthBridge for this series. It starts September 7.

Thanks!

Jame

"INVOLVED" Sunday, August 24!

Our volunteers rock!  They really do.  As our one year anniversary approaches, we thought it best to take a moment to just say “Thanks!”.  On Sunday the 24th please wear your INVOLVED T-shirt.  We’ll take a moment to honor you during the service and have an opportunity for new folks to sign up and “get involved” afterward. ~Jame

Great Quote.

One comment that has been circulating throughout our staff discussions recently comes from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of Lifechurch.tv:

“To reach people no one else is reaching we must do things no one else is doing.”

Okay, NorthBridge blog community, what do you think we should do to reach people that no one else is reaching? I’ve got my ideas but I’m interested in yours.

Just click on “comment” below.

Jame

Buckhead Church Plans "Night of Worship."

On Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 pm EST, Buckhead Church will be hosting a Night of Worship. This will be broadcast live from the Buckhead blog.

During communion, they are going to ask those in attendance to spend some time praying for our church! The names of all the Strategic & Global X partners will appear on the screen during this time and they will then pray for us.

They are also working on a way where you can comment on-line during the broadcast as well.  This might be a good idea for your small groups or maybe something you check out on your own. Just have some bread and juice ready!

Jame