NorthBridge Blog

Friday and Saturday Update

2010-04-11T04:31:00.000-07:00

So sorry to all of you that I didn't get a chance to post an update on Friday or Saturday night. All of you teachers out there know why... by the end of the week I am spent, especially with Jayson out of town. I got off the phone with him, put the kids to sleep, and went to sleep myself. So, apologies all around.

Friday was a great day of course... they split up again to do different things. A group went back to Jean Claude and Monica's house to help them, another went to EBAC to help finish some projects there, and the last went to do help some of the earthquake survivors.

Saturday was a "touristy" day for them. The traveled to the citadel to do some looking around. The drive there took forever - the roads are awful, but it was worth it. The had a good time there and spent most of the day looking around. The drive home took a little longer than they expected because they ran into a funeral - this was an experience. They got back around dinner time, ate and went to bed. Jayson said they were all very tired, but it was a great day.

Hope to see you all at NorthBridge this morning!

Peace - Katy

Thursday in Haiti!

2010-04-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I missed Jayson's call tonight... I just couldn't get to my phone in time, but he did leave a message. As expected, they had a great day - they spent all of it at the new IDADEE orphanage. They filled the day completing the storage closets, painting murals on the walls, and most importantly playing with all the many kids that were around. A good day indeed!

Keep up the praying!

Katy

PS. Jayson did call back later and got to say goodnight to the girls, so all is good and I don't have to cry myself the sleep tonight....

Wednesday Haiti Update

2010-04-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Good Evening NorthBridge Friends,

Talked to Jayson for a short time tonight (and the girls got to say hi to them too!). They had a great day today and he was in great spirits. They worked hard all day and when I talked to him they had just finished dinner and were relaxing before bed.

For their work today they split into three groups. The first group of women went to visit our friends Jean Claude and Monica. They are a young couple that have graciously taken in 12 orphans into their own home as their children. Monica currently has cancer, and our group went to help cook and clean for them. It was nice to be able to help them with whatever they needed.

The second group went to the EBAC orphanage to teach for the day. Jayson didn't elaborate, but I am sure that they had a great time. Those kids are such a joy to be with, it's hard not to smile just thinking about them.

The third group - the one that Jayson was in - went to the new IDADEE orphanage to help build some storage closets. After months of feeling helpless here in the states, I know it felt good to build something to help some other people. It was also nice for them to see all that has been done at the new place since the last visit. How great it is going to be when it opens!

Please continue to pray for their trip, for their health, continued great weather, and most of all for God to be glorified by this trip! Have a great night everyone, I hope to be able to update tomorrow!

Katy

Landing in Haiti

2010-04-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I heard from Jayson tonight while I was meeting with my community group. They have arrived in Haiti safely and are relaxing and planning to go to bed early this evening. It was a long day for them, breakfast at 5am, shuttle to airport at 5:30am, etc... All is good though - they spent some time at EBAC Orphanage and are looking forward to the week ahead. Communication isn't wonderful in Haiti, but I am hoping to hear from Jayson again tomorrow night. Please keep them in your prayers and the kids that they will be spending time with. It's going to be a life-changing trip for them, and sure to be awesome!

Peace, Katy

Sundays Baptism.

2010-03-15T14:51:00.001-07:00

Please take a moment to watch this story from Sunday and perhaps leave a comment encouraging Karen.

New Series Starting March 14

2010-03-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

Stories of Life Change

2010-02-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

At NorthBridge Community Church, our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

One of the ways we measure this is by celebrating stories of life change. This past weekend we heard two great stories at our service. Take a moment to watch these stories from Sunday and perhaps leave a comment encouraging Jennifer and Tonya.

~jame

Perspective...

2010-02-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

It’s in…

A smile vs. a frown

A hello and a touch vs. blowing by a life that God has entrusted in our care

An escort to a desired location vs. just pointing the way

A returned phone call vs. we’re too big to meet your needs

Being inclusive vs. being exclusive

Relationships vs. rules

Celebrating the journey vs. the destination

Serving people joyfully vs. viewing people as a hassle

Value team members vs. taking them for granted

A great overall experience vs. just attending a service

Empowering and partnering with volunteers vs. trying to do it all ourselves

Constantly improving what we do vs. settling for mediocrity

Offering our best vs. offering our second best

Being innovative vs. being safe

Keeping ministry simple vs. making it complex

Helping people belong vs. making them behave

Being a participant vs. being a spectator

Helping people have an encounter with God vs. attending an event

A shared vision vs. a self-driven vision

Being the church vs. being an organization

Offering people the living hope of Jesus vs. leaving them helpless and hopeless

~Taken from a conference room poster, Central Christian Church, Las Vegas.

New Series Begins Next Sunday!

2010-02-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

When Jay and I read a great book we just can't wait to talk about it! Join us next week for the start of our new three week series: "Prodigal God".

(This series is based on the book "Prodigal God", by Timothy Keller.)

~jame

Balanced Part 5 Discussion.

2010-02-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

So church was cancelled due to snow...

How about going to the NB website and listening to Sunday's message? Thats right, the message we were supposed to get at church that day. Just visit the website, click on the media tab, messages, then "launch sermon player".

After listening, post your comments/ thoughts below.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday! (Pray for good weather),

jame

Traditions From Around The World For 100 Year Olds

2010-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Traditions

In the United States, centenarians traditionally receive a letter from the president upon reaching their 100th birthday, congratulating them for their longevity. NBC's The Today Show has also named them on air since 1983.
In the UK and the the Queen sends greetings on the 100th birthday and on every birthday starting with the 105th.
Centenarians born in Irelan receive a €2,540 "Centenarians' Bounty" and a letter from the President of Ireland, even if they are living abroad.
Japanese centenarians receive a silver cup and a certificate from the Prime Minister of Japan upon their 100th birthday, honouring them for their longevity and prosperity in their lives. In Japan, September 15 is "National Respect for the Aged Day"
Among Hindus, people who touch the feet of elders are often blessed with "May you live a hundred years".
In Sweden, the traditional birthday song states, May he/she live for one hundred years.
In Israel, the term May you live to be 120 years old is used for blessing someone.
Chinese emperors were hailed to live ten thousand years.
In Italy, "A hundred of these days!" (cento di questi giorni) is an augury for birthdays, to live to celebrate 100 more birthdays. Some Italians say "Cent'anni!" which means "a hundred years," in that they wish that they could all live happily for a hundred years, centenarians born in Italy receive a letter from the President of Italy.
In Greece, when wishing someone Happy Birthday, they will end the birthday wishes with the expression "na ta ekatostisis" which literally means "hundred them" but can be loosely translated as "may you make it one hundred birthdays".

Hearing From Centenarians

2010-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

A centenarian is a person who has attained the age of 100 years or more. Because current average life expectancies across the world are less than 100, the term is invariably associated with longevity. Much rarer, a supercentenarian is a person who has lived to the age of 110 or more, something only achieved by about one in a thousand centenarians.

This morning I had the opportunity to sit in on the North Point Church staff meeting which was led by Steve Franklin who has interviewed over 100 people who are 100 or older. He asked them questions about life and money and recorded their responses. It was a fascinating exercise that got me thinking about my future and questioning the impact of my current efforts.

While 100 years old seems like a long way off I cannot help but acknowledge that in the grand scheme of history, human life is short. The writer James puts is this way: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14) All of our plans and schemes amount to little more than mist or vapor when held up against the backdrop of eternity. And even if we live to be a supercentenarian we have very little time to leverage for eternity.

After watching the interviews today I find myself asking the question, "What am I doing today that will have an eternal impact?" I don't want to waste time on things that don't matter and will be forgotten soon after I die. In fact, I refuse to live that way. How about you?

Carlos Whittaker #1

2010-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

On January 10th we had our good friend Carlos Whittaker come to NorthBridge and lead worship for us. If you happened to miss it -- well -- you missed it. His energy and passion for Jesus came through his time with us in a way that way contagious and inspiring. We all left church that day feeling like we had witnessed something special.

Our time with Carlos was a blessing way beyond just our Sunday time with him. He was able to hang out with us through Monday and during that time encouraged us and gave us some great advice. He was very excited by what he saw us doing and how were were progressing as a church.

During our Monday meeting with him he got a call from his record label telling him that itunes had selected him to be featured on the front page of their website as a free download. Carlos is in the process of releasing his first album and the EP just came out Tuesday January 26th going to to #1 on the Christian and Gospel charts and #42 overall. We are so excited for him and can't wait to have him back at NorthBridge soon.

If you have not downloaded his song yet you can get it here.

What's Wrong With People?

2010-01-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week a friend of mine tweeted the image on the right along with the following text: "What is wrong with people? Avg. Haitian makes $1/day. Donating cost of 1 meal out could cover them for a week."

Make no mistake, I too was a little taken back upon first viewing it. After all, what kind of person does not want to help in the midst of such great tragedy?

But after further reflection, this thought struck me...what if it's not that they don't want to give but that they can't? Let's face it... many of us, our friends and neighbors, are feeling the current economic squeeze. Could it be that the numbers above highlight our debt? Our fears? Maybe so many are in debt and/or worried about having enough for tomorrow that they feel like, "I just can't give"?

On the other hand maybe people just don't care.

What's been your experience? Have you given? Have your friends? Why / why not?

~jame

Friday From Haiti

2010-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest from the Davis family. Please pray that they will be able to get these containers released.

Friday the 22nd

I guess it's not as easy to keep this going as I had hoped. So much going on and trying to keep things organized is a bit difficult. BUT I am here now, so wanted to send some pictures of the inspection of the container. We need a LOT of prayer right now for this whole thing. Our broker gave us the price for the TWO containers (one which we haven't even seen yet). But some of the fees are way out of line, so am trying to deal with those. The UN has offered to help missions release things, so will probably check into that today, if I have time. Our house has become like a whirlwind, with a revolving door for people to come and check things, ask for things, and try to change things. And a lot of these we have no answer for. But I guess they think we have some sort of connection with people we don't even know. Anyway, here are some of the pictures, so you can see where we are with the first container this year. Keep praying!!!

Okay the first picture is opening the door. Stan does such a fantastic job of packing these things that they are STUFFED right to the door. Every square inch is used. So, you open the door carefully.He included the boxes from the things he "stuffed" with, so we could repack them. Smart man, huh? And we also brought along tons of trash can liners to help with the overflow.
If you look close, you can see things packed between the boxes that needed to be bagged.
What a blessing these buckets are. They are the main part of our "bucket ministry". They serve many purposes for the people...holding the food we send, then for hauling water, and even for storing things once they are not in use otherwise.I'm not sure if you can see the boxes here, but this is the main thing we needed this container for right now...the rice meals to share with those in desperate need, coming from Port au Prince. And the thing you can't see, the hundreds of jars of peanut butter. These are important for protein. It's something simple, yet nutritious. Now we need to start praying that we can get it out here and start getting it to those who need it. They will be going to many, many places where people are housing the refugees and also to orphanages. But even these places are taking in more, and at times more than they can really handle, but the need is so great, they won't refuse to help.

The team from our home church left on Tuesday and our son and grandson left yesterday. What a let down for us. They were a huge help with everything. I had a melt down last night when nothing seemed to be working right and all things seemed to be going wrong. It wasn't one particular thing, just everything adding up and getting to me. I'm much better today and know that the Lord is in charge, and no matter what happens, HE will be triumphant. I'm keeping one hand on HIM while the other one does the work.

Keep praying...the people are flooding in to Cap, and there aren't many places for them to go. Pray for peace and quiet. Pray for wisdom for everyone involved in the relief efforts going out. And pray for the Lord to touch and move people toward Him through this whole maelstrom.

I sent out an email last night, and I'd like to copy it here for those who didn't get it. It was sent to me by a friend and it's so true.

Thank you

LORD, I just want to say THANK YOU,
Because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were.
Because this morning my home was still standing.
Because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be dug out from underneath a pile of concrete.
Because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water.
Because this morning I was able to turn on the light.
Because this morning I was able to take a shower.
Because this morning I was not planning a funeral.
But most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti.

LORD, I cry out to you, the One that makes the impossible, possible, the One that turns darkness into light. I cry out that You give those mothers strength, that You give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that You may open the streets so that help can come, that You may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye. For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, and give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with Your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus!! AMEN

Thursday AM Haiti Update

2010-01-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

For all that are interested we will be having an informational meeting this Saturday 10am at the church offices for our upcoming Haiti trip. We have a few that we could still fill. We will be closing the trip next week so that we can get the tickets purchased.

I am also posting the latest update from Don and Karen Davis, they the our host when we are in Haiti.

(From Dan and Karen)

Thursday AM

Missed a day, sorry for the delay. But it was for a VERY good reason. We went down to the docks to inspect our first container. Talk about weird...there were almost no other containers around, and it's usually stacked three or four high and solid everywhere. But then we found out that the UN told them to clear the area since THEY want to use that particular area. Now we need to pray about the price. They said we would know today and can have the container tomorrow...we'll see. But with the UN pushing, maybe we will get it. Just pray about the price...we need it to be reduced, A LOT.

I'll try to post some pictures tonight of the container checking...it was rather a mess, but it's done anyway.

We have an MFI flight again today...our son and grandson are leaving...BUMMER. We will be getting mail, but no cargo. All efforts are going to Port right now. Many missions are upset since they need supplies here too. I've been trying to buffer things, since MFI is working 16 or more hours a day now. I know the stress level is very high there, as well as here. Pray not only for Haiti and it's people, pray for those supplying the needs here. It's really a job no one wants to be in when stress is so high.

Personally, my mind has gone numb. I can't seem to grasp things, as people keep coming to me with ideas and ways to do this and that, and I have no control over it, or even in some cases, am not involved in it. But they seem to think this is a clearing house for things being done. Pray for me to be able to prioritize and get things that I CAN do, organized and going. The Embassy has backed off, since no one needs immediate help here, which is one burden lifted.

One HUGE praise we have... one of the missionaries has been trying to adopt their kids for many years and kept running into road blocks. Well because of this situation, they have been given their visas for the kids and they are now officially THEIRS...and they are headed stateside today. What a blessing for them and all the other orphans whose adoptions are now being finalized. Go to MFI's web site and see the clip on those orphans MFI flew out to be united with their adoptive families...it's awesome.

Pray for several things...
Pray that MFI will find a way to get supplies to CAP for the missions here,
Pray for those handling all the incoming people from Port to the north, on this end of the island. We are talking already THOUSANDS, and it's just started.
Pray for MFI and their situation there and the stress level there and here.
Pray that the churches will use this terrible ordeal to show the unsaved God's love and provision.
Pray for wisdom and guidance for us as we face all the needs coming our way.
Pray for the containers...for rapid release, and lower prices
Pray for the Christian churches here, that they will have the support and help they need to deal with all of those coming to them for help.

If you have emailed us, and needed an answer and have not heard from us, I have to apologize. Although emails have decreased (only about 75 a day now), I am still having problems finding time to be on here and answering them. Please forgive me, I am not ignoring anyone...just having a hard time coping with the overflow of correspondence.

I'll try to blog again tonight, if possible. Keep everything and everyone in prayer... we all need it.

Monday Haiti Update

2010-01-18T18:25:00.000-08:00

These are pictures from our trip to Haiti last March. We are helping Don and Karen Davis deliver supplies to the countryside. They are the missionaries that we stay with when we are in Haiti.

Here is the latest update that I have from them. We are working on ways to get them resourced ASAP.

Monday AM

I wanted to get a quick note out to everyone to PRAY big time right now. One of our kids has just taken all of our paperwork and gone to the mayor of Cap to try to get the container that is already here released. No one is working at the docks right now, with all that is going on. But we need some intercession here.

Since yesterday afternoon, we have had several pastors call and tell us they have people now living with them from Port. They desperately need help. We can buy things in country yet...at least the basics. But we don't have the finances to do it at this point.

Don asked me to put out a plea on here to see if anyone would be willing to help us with this situation. One pastor alone has 12 people moved in with him in the last 12 hours, and more are coming. This pastor has a very small house and no food at all.

I am going to try to set up a system here of how and who to give things to. We do have to have some discernment on this, for sure. But we want to help all of those we can, whom the Lord directs us to. So we need your prayers for that as well.

We knew this whole thing would become overwhelming once the "migration" started, but it is happening really fast. It's like we are spinning our wheels trying to bring things together. So...here are our immediate prayer needs:

1 ~ that the container we have here now will be released.
2 ~ that the container following it will be released quickly and at no cost...as it is for the people.
3 ~ that the Lord will direct us on who and what to give, once we have the resources in hand.
4 ~ that the Lord will provide the resources we need to help the people.
5~ that the Lord will give us strength and wisdom in all things.
6 ~ that the Lord will cover us with His peace and protection
7 ~ that the Lord will keep His Hands on MFI as they fly...today alone they have 5 (YES FIVE) planes in the air, doing relief work and taking stranded people out of Haiti.
8 ~ And HIGH on the list of priorities... that God will use this whole situation for His glory!!!

Thank you for your prayers and help...without YOU we couldn't do what God has called us to do.

Haiti Update

2010-01-17T14:58:00.001-08:00

I just received this email from two of the missionaries that I know in Haiti. I though that you might like to read it.

Dear praying friends:

We have so many reasons for thanking the Lord that we don’t know where to begin. We returned to Haiti on Jan. 12th as the rain was pouring down and the clouds were low. The airport tower said we couldn’t land because the airport was closed but the MFI pilot said he could see so he was landing anyway. Praise the Lord for a safe landing and a safe trip back to the EBAC compound! The roads are atrocious with craters at least 3 car lengths in diameter and the water in them is deep enough to cover the tires. It took us a long time to get home.

We got home around 2:30p.m. Around 4:30p.m. we felt the house tremble and went outside where everyone else was talking excitedly at the same time. There was a school bus parked in the yard that was dancing back and forth and the mango trees were swaying. We thought it was just a tremor never imagining that an earthquake of 7.5 on the Richter scale had just hit Port-au-Prince plunging hundreds of thousands of people into eternity in just 7 seconds of time. Houses, schools, hospitals, prisons, government buildings (including the National Palace), embassies were either severely damaged or flattened crushing all of the precious people under great weights of concrete and iron. The whole city of Port-au-Prince was destroyed!

When we started to hear reports of the devastation, we knew that with so many of the orphans living there – some were bound to be badly hurt or killed. How we praise the Lord that, as far as we know, everyone is fine!!!

1. Wislyn should have been at the medical facility in class but left early since he thought his teacher wasn’t coming. He and a friend, Bernadin, were on the third story of their building when they felt the quake and saw buildings collapsing all around them. They hurried and climbed down the stairs that were left and slid down the side of the building to reach the ground.
2. Remy and Ginette, his fiance, were looking at a piece of land and were unharmed since no buildings were close to them.
3. Vilbrun left the school building to go to the bathroom and when he turned around to go back inside, the building collapsed in front of him. He ran for his life only receiving some cuts on his leg.
4. Michelus was sitting in his classroom and all the rest of the school collapsed – only his room remained standing.
5. Nesly, Fred and Jovenel were still in Cap-Haitian preparing to return to Port-au-Prince. Sometimes when the Lord doesn’t give you the money to do something it’s a blessing in disguise.
6. We were concerned about Choute, Sito and Silvio but have heard that they are fine.
7. Rosemane was in a house with 7 people – 4 downstairs and 3 upstairs. The 3 upstairs were able to escape but the 4 downstairs were killed. Rosemane walked from 5:00p.m. all night – stopping to sleep on the road – till she got to the bus station and begged the driver to bring her to Cap-Haitian for free. She was in her bare feet so he believed that she had no money and allowed her to sit on the steps beside the driver to come home.
8. Pastor Manicus and daughter weren’t at home when the quake hit but they weren’t hurt. Mrs. Manicus and son, Mano were in the house and the house collapsed trapping them in one part. They were rescued. Their legs were hurt but not seriously.

Dear Lord, we know that you protected these children of yours and we thank You so much. You truly do take care of us and we are so grateful!

9. Pastor Cebien went to Port that morning before we got back to Haiti. He got on the American Airline plane at 4:00p.m. It didn’t leave until after the quake but we learned yesterday afternoon that he got to Canada safely!

10.Pastor Neance was in Petit Goave where the quake registered 5.5 and was hit twice. Yesterday we learned that his house is still standing but the wall around it fell down. Irmana went to Petit Goave to visit her relatives and she, too, is fine. Thank you, dear Father!

When we hear stories pouring in of so many families losing their children that they sent to Port for their education, we can only raise our hearts to God in prayer and thanksgiving for protecting the EBAC family.

People are now leaving Port-au-Prince as fast as they can. Everyone is living outside because they are afraid to trust any building. There are dead people lying everywhere and the smell is starting to be unbearable. Many government officials have been killed and the president has left the country. When the USA came to help, there was no one here to give them any direction. The airport tower is damaged and the port can no longer receive boats because it is damaged. So much help is needed. Please pray that the Lord will show us how to best use what He has given us to help others.

Some of you have so generously sent to Helping Hungry Haitians. One of our supporting churches sent $5,000 to us this month. Today we bought food to begin distributing to people in need because of the great rains that have been falling here in the North and also to people who are beginning to arrive from Port-au-Prince. We will all try to do our part to help these truly homeless people. Please pray that the Lord will give us wisdom as we help and that He will receive all the glory.

You are all such a blessing to us. Thank you for praying for us during this – another crisis in Haitian history. The Lord is working. He is our God and we don’t understand everything that He does but we want to be ready as vessels to be used in any way He wants to use us. We covet your prayers.

Because of Calvary’s love,

Kathy and Alice

Good News

2010-01-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

I just received word that our friend Remy, who is the head of the IDADEE orphanage and the rest of the people staying with him are alive. Some of them have injuries but it looks like they are going to be ok. This is great news and we are praising God tonight. There is still much that needs prayer there, but for now we will rejoice.

Jayson

Short Update

2010-01-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot to update you on today. We are anxiously waiting to hear from our friends in Port Au Prince but things are still silent. I did receive word that the house where they stay had been flattened which is disheartening.

Don and Karen Davis host us when we travel to Haiti and they have been able to update their blog a few times. If you are interested it is a good place to stay up on our friends there. Click here for to link to it.

Haiti

2010-01-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

As I was driving to work today I passed this backhoe parked on the side of the road. Most days I would not think anything of an unused piece of construction machinery, but today this idle hunk of metal brought me to tears. I knew if I was able to transport it to Haiti it could literally be saving the lives of people instead of sitting on the side of the road here in the USA.

As many of you know I have been traveling to Haiti for the last 15 years to help the people there, so the news of the earthquake yesterday hit me particularly hard. I cannot imagine how crazy it is there right now and how many people are suffering. Like me I am sure that many of you are asking "What can I do to help?" or "Can I really make a difference with such a big problem?". The answer to the later question is yes you can make a difference and the answer to the former question is to help us send a container of food to this impoverished hurting nation.

One thing I have learned from my years of experience in Haiti is that the problems of that nation are too big for any one person or organization to solve. At times it seems futile. But God has placed real people there in my life that I can help and that can make all the difference in the world for them. I believe that God has given us, as a church, a very real and tangible way to be His hands and feet in their time of need.

Our plan of action will be to partner with the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation (PKF), who I have worked with for years in Haiti, and send down some food. The PKF will be collecting funds for this endeavor and when we have the money raised we will be working with a man named Stan Curtis to get the food there A.S.A.P.. Stan is a stateside missionary with Missionary Flights International, who helps me coordinate trips to Haiti. When trying to figure out how to help, my first call was to him. I asked him what the best and most tangible way to help would be and he immediately suggested that we help him send down a cargo ship container full of food. He has already lined up the 20,000 pounds of food and we are going to cover the cost of shipping the container - which is approximately $16,000.

If you would like to help you can make a donation by going to the The Pittsburgh Kids Foundation website and click the support tab to give. Please mark Haiti Relief Fund in the purpose section of the Paypal site so it will be designated for this project. If you would like to mail a check to them their address is: Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, 116 Federal Street, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh PA 15212. You can see them on the evening news here .

Please keep praying.

Jayson

Resolving To Not Resolve?

2010-01-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

We are now almost two weeks into the year 2010 and I am wondering how everyone is doing with their New Years Resolutions? I was tempted this year to make a resolution to not make resolutions because I generally fall flat on my face and then feel guilty about not following through. After some thought I decided that I actually enjoyed refocusing and setting goals for the year so I did not resolve to not resolve.

One of the things that I decided to do was to make sure that I was reading at least one book a month (apart from the ones that I generally read for work). Currently I am reading "Strength To Love" by Martin Luther King Jr. so feel free to ask me how I am doing and if I finish it by the end of January.

What are some of the things you resolved to do in the year 2010? Maybe if we let others know what they are we will actually accomplish them. There just might be something to living in community that makes us better people -- some church out there should try and build around that idea someday ;)

Jayson

Guest Worship Leader, Carlos Whittaker, Sunday Jan. 10th.

2010-01-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

We're excited to have Carlos (Artist, pastor, thinker, experience architect, and Web 2.0 junkie) leading us in worship next Sunday. For the past few years he has served as the Director of Service Programming at Buckhead Church which is one of the three North Point Community Church campuses. Recently Carlos signed with Integrity Music to pursue a recording career and to continue to disturb and disrupt the church as a whole.

Check out the vid. below to see him on LA ink:

Mark Willaims

2009-12-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

There have been several of you who requested a copy of the song that Mark Williams preformed at the end of the service on 20 Dec 2009. With his permission to "give it away" we have posted it here for you to enjoy.

Celebrating Life Change

2009-12-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

At NorthBridge Community Church, our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

ps~if vid does not play properly, try moving the slider at the bottom of the image.

Thanks,

Jame

The Advent Conspiracy

2009-11-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Twisted Stories

2009-11-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Have a TWISTED story to share?

You know, a time or season when things got a little mixed up. You found yourself more focused on "the lies" and current cicumstances but now.... you've replaced those lies with TRUTH.

So what's the story?

Please share it with us by clicking on the comments tab below.

Conversation

2009-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Christianity is more conversation than monologue. After all, Jesus was a great question asker. Great questions lead to great conversations.

It’s one of the reasons we created Starting Point, a conversational environment about the most important issues in life. Check out the video for more details.

(By the way, the next Starting Point Orientations at NorthBridge Community Church will be on October 25th & November 1st, immediately after the 10:30 service)

~jame

Soles for Souls

2009-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Today, a good number of people left church with out their shoes.

As part of our 5 Things series, Andy gave a message entitled, "Personal Ministry." The scripture was from Matthew 14: 13-21,

(Feeding of the 5,000). At the end, Andy gave a challenge to "take a step". To do what we can do and trust God to do what only he can do. If you missed it click here.

The leadership team felt led several weeks ago to do something a little crazy at the end of the message. We thought one thing we could do TODAY, to drive the point home, would be to ask everyone to literaly give the shoes off their feet (symbolizing our loaves and fishes) to those in need.

So that was the crazy ask at the end. Honestly I was kinda afraid to ask and wasn't expecting much. But God did what only He can do. The response was amazing!

So tell us by leaving a comment below: Why did you give them up? Did those shoes have a story? What do you envision God doing with them now?

All shoes will be shipped to Soles for Souls on 10/12/09

~jame

Miss last Sundays Opener?

2009-10-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the poor video/audio quality. Cheapo camera. But you get the idea.

Why "Livin on a Prayer"? The mornings topic was Private Disciplines (i.e. prayer/giving) so why not? Missed the message? Download it here.

Thanks for having fun with us!

See you Sunday,

jame

Celebrating Life Change

2009-09-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

At NorthBridge Community Church, our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

One of the ways we measure this is by celebrating stories of life change. This past weekend we got to hear Emily's story at our service. Take a moment to watch it and leave a comment encouraging Emily.

Thanks,

~jame

What is Community?

2009-09-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe you stepped into your very first community group a month or so ago. Or, maybe you’ve been in many groups in the past or have been in your current group for a while now. In any case, it’s likely you’ve wondered WHAT a community group is all about. WHAT do you do? WHAT do you talk about? WHAT is the point?

You may have guessed that there are many answers to those questions. Each group can take on a life that looks different from the next, but we don’t want to leave you hanging. For a little inspiration on WHAT a community group is all about, here are two stories (from one of our partners, Buckhead Church. ) of groups who got creative and in turn had an incredible impact on the lives of their group members and those around them.

WHAT is Community? Community is SERVING.

Community group leader Tonia Hau and the Buckhead Church Ladies’ Daytime Community Groups organized a school supply drive for Woodson Elementary. All the donations were delivered and on display in the school auditorium on the Sunday before school began. Enough donations were collected to fill both sides of the stage with supplies and every donated backpack as well!

On the morning of the first day of school, an assembly took place to welcome the kids, and they were able to see the brand new supplies. After the assembly, children in need were allowed to go on stage and help themselves at the “School Supply Store.”

The principal of Woodson said the donations were such an answered prayer because they had more than one hundred students expected from a closed down housing development who would enter with absolutely nothing in hand. All leftover donations were distributed to the teachers for their classrooms.

—

WHAT is Community? Community is SHARING LIFE.

Community group leaders Courtney and Ron Defeo and their group have 12 adults and together will have 15 kids under the age of seven before the group concludes. In Courtney’s words, they all “desperately want some guidance and parenting advice for now and later stages.”

So, group member Anne Griffith suggested they invite older, wiser couples with grown kids to come speak to the group. During the month of June, the group had 5 different couples talk with them.

“I would suggest every group does this,” says Courtney. “It was great to shake up the ’study a book’ mold and fun to ask questions that were on our hearts.”

To wrap it all up, the group met to go over their key learnings and favorite tips from the couples.

Want to get involved with NorthBridge Groups? Click here!

NorthBridge.org Mobile Version is Here!

2009-08-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

With technology charging full-steam ahead, we want to do whatever we can to partner with you when it comes to reaching your friends and neighbors in the 21st Century.

Beginning today, our website is now viewable via mobile browsers. Let me correct that… Not just viewable, but BEAUTIFULLY viewable by mobile browsers. So whether you are on an iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre, Q, Saga, or any other mobile phone with a browser, you will be able to easily navigate our website, view calendar events, and even listen to messages. If you have an iPhone, people will also be able to watch the videos that we have posted online!

We're excited about the possibilities and pray you are too.

Go check out NorthBridge.org on your mobile device now!

~jame

The Star, Cross & Crescent

2009-07-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Neil's Story.

It's July - And We're...Growing?

2009-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

In Church world, summer can often be a deadzone. Not much happens. Now that's never really been our philosophy at NorthBridge (we have a line up this summer that we are excited about for adults and kids), but sometimes in the summer in ministry it feels like you are fighting gravity to get traction at church.

But last Sunday, as I looked out over the crowd, you couldn't tell it was summer. People are bringing their friends, filling seats and sharing the experience with each other. It's amazing. It's July, and we're growing.

2009 so far has been a strong year, but what we're really encouraged about is who is coming out. One of the trends we've seen is more and more adults in their early 20s and young families (who were previously unchurched or had dropped out of church) coming to NorthBridge.

We would never claim any credit for that kind of thing - all we can do is our best. It's God who changes lives and gives people a desire to know him better.

But we are taking a few minutes to say thank you! Thank you to God, but thank you also to you.

Thank you for serving, giving and working so hard to create the kind of environment our friends and family want to come out to - especially those who never thought they'd go to church.

I'm so thankful that we get to be a part of watching a growing number of people enter into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. People you thought you'd never see in church. Even in July.

Love doing this with you!

~jame

Last weeks Homework...

2009-06-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

"When was the last time a sitting American President prayed out-loud or published a prayer?"

Free Rita's for the first correct answers.

~jame

What did you do after church yesterday?

2009-06-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

We had a surprise reception to mark the conclusion of our iMarriage series.

Awesomeness!

Start a Movement.

2009-06-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

It can be scarry being the only one but just imagine the possibilities.

How can you/we relate to this video?

~jame

Why Worry?

2009-06-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Rich's Story..

Worry.

2009-05-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Do you worry?

What things do you worry about most?

~jame

Illustrations.

2009-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

I get back from the Drive conference only to find out that my daughter now has a favorite YouTube video my Father introduced to her while we were away.

I gotta tell you, the more we watch it (which is quite a lot) the more I view it as an illustration for so many things.

Maybe it's just me but when I watch it I think about:

This is what happened when people came into contact with Jesus.
The early church.
What will happen when we "Invest and Invite".
How God want's to use me.
How God wants to use NorthBridge Church.

Maybe it'll preach someday. Until then, what does it make you think about?

~jame

Can You Imagine?

2009-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I received the email below from Mike Schulz, a regular NorthBridge attendee and volunteer. Mike's a numbers guy, you need to know that right up front. In fact, Mike just finished leading our first ever "Financial Peace University" class two weeks ago. My prayer is that through reading Mike's message you would not only be inspired and challenged, as I was, but that you would also begin to dream BIG dreams and Imagine with us the exciting future God has in store for this church and those who live in the surrounding area.
~jame

I caught myself dreaming the other day after reading the fine print on the back of the Sunday bulletin that shows Northbridge's monthly giving and monthly expenses. Giving was $27,000 in March across the 150 of us (adults only) that come to worship each Sunday. How incredible that a church that didn't even exist a year ago is receiving that much money in contributions! Being a numbers guy, my mind started doing some math. $27,000 is about $180/person or $360/couple. What if everyone gave an extra $20 per month (i.e. $5 per week)? That's $3,000. All of a sudden Northbridge would be covering our full $30,000/month in expenses for the same price as a #1 combo meal at Chick-fil-a. Consider doubling that to an extra $10/person each week and Northbridge would cover it's full expenses and have an extra $3,000 leftover each month. That's $36,000 per year!! That's not chump change. How much good could we do for our community if we had $36,000 to spend? That's a fun question to answer! Dream with me for a minute...

That's enough money to buy all the groceries a family would need for a full year for 10 families.

or enough to give seven $5,000 cars to people who don't have a car so they could drive themselves to a higher paying job in Pittsburgh.

or enough to buy 360 bikes for kids of needy families at Christmas.

or enough to pay 200-300 monthly electric or gas bills for families who don't have enough income to cover their utility bills.

Any of these can be made possible when 150 unrelated people, who choose to worship our incredible God in a local public school, decide to put an extra $10/week into an offering bucket. Crazy. We are Northbridge, you & I, and we've been blessed with that power...the power to change lives here in Cranberry (and Zelie and Wexford and...) that may never step foot inside Haine School on Sunday but who would never forget the loving embrace of our Savior.

Mike

We're a Different Kind of Church.

2009-04-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

What do you love about our church?

~jame

The Well Has Water Flowing

2009-04-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

We just received these pictures from Haiti and we thought that you would like to see them. How cool is this?

Easter

2009-04-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

First off: a huge "Thank You" to all of our volunteers for helping make this Easter Sunday so amazing. You're the best!

For those of you who worshipped with us Sunday, what happened in your heart to bring you closer into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ?

Comment below.

jame

Who did you invite for Easter?

2009-04-04T05:34:00.001-07:00

By our calculations, abut 600 of these invites were picked up last Sunday and hit the mail at some point during the last week.

Who did you invite?

We'd love to join you in praying for them this week so let us know by commenting below.

~jame

Celebrating Life Change

2009-03-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

At NorthBridge Community Church, our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the ways we measure this is by celebrating stories of life change.

Haiti Trip Highlight Video

2009-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

love cranberry / love the world

2009-03-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Way to be Salt & Light NorthBridge!

Back From Haiti

2009-03-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

We have arrived safely back in the USA and wanted to thank everyone from NorthBridge who made this trip possible. God taught us many valuable lessons over the course of the week that we will be sharing with you at church next week.

One of the things that we all learned was that we should not take clean water for granted. As you can see in the pictures above the money we collected from the Advent Conspiracy is being used to dig a water well on the IDADEE property. While we were out at the site drilling was stopped because of the weather but we are confident that fresh water will be flowing from that well soon.

Besides the well being dug at the IDADEE orphanage we were excited to learn that a small part of the main building should be completed soon. With the completion of this part of the project it means that the first children can begin to move into this new haven within the year!!! It is our prayer that during our trip next year we will be able to meet some new friends that have found a home there.

Answering Your "Family Gathering" Questions...

2009-03-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

March 8th Haiti Update

2009-03-08T19:24:00.001-07:00

I just got off the phone with Jayson for the last time in Haiti (at least if everything goes well). They had a fantastic last full day there, and for once the sun came out for the entire day! Sundays are always a long day in Haiti... it reminds me never to complain about how long our church services are here! They went to church this morning and sat through an entire service in Creole, then went back later in the day for another entire service in English. In between the two long services, they took a long ride into the city and had lunch at a hotel there.

The hard part of the day came after all the church services when the group had to say goodbye to the kids at EBAC. After spending an entire week with these kids and building relationships with them, it's hard to say goodbye. I know that after 11 years of visiting them for Jayson, it never gets easier leaving them to come back to the states. Luckily with all the new technology it's getting better being able to keep in touch with them. We've even been lucky enough to have some of them visit us in Pittsburgh!

Tomorrow is going to be another long day for them - lots of traveling. They have to leave the dorm at around 6:30am, and well... I'm not really sure what time they get to Florida. There is a slight chance that they might be able to catch an earlier flight into the states, and if that happens they will try to get on stand-by on a 11am flight out of Ft. Lauderdale. Everyone that has a family member on this trip - keep your cell phones with you to find out the latest!

Thanks for all of your prayers for this trip - God has blessed all of them through this experience!

March 7th Update

2009-03-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

I apologize greatly for not giving a Haiti update last evening... It's been a long week and I apparently went to bed without doing my one chore that Jayson left me to do. Sorry!

The original plan for yesterday was to take the children from the EBAC orphanage to the beach for the day. This has been a big event in the past and something that the kids always look forward to. It's too expensive for them to do on their own, so when they can get it planned when a group comes to visit it's huge. Sadly, because of the weather and the conditions of the roads, they were unable to make it to the beach. They ended up having a great time though, spending the day just playing and making the most of their time together. Our group funded a rather large "feast" for dinner and that was a great way to end the day.

Today the group went to the market and did some shopping. I know from Jayson's past trips that it is really hard for them not to spend a ton of money there because one, most of the items that you can buy are really cheap... and two, the Haitians selling in the market are just so needy it's hard to turn them down. Anyway, be prepared for lots of Haitian items to make there way back to the 'burgh. One great note is that the sun finally came out today, and they were excited to report that most of them got sunburned. Only Pittsburghers would say that... They finished their day spending time with the kids at the EBAC orphanage again, and even though it didn't follow through as planned, they had a great day.

Please be praying for their last full day in Haiti tomorrow and that they would have some energy for the long travel home on Monday!

March 5th Haiti Update

2009-03-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone!

Talked to Jayson again and got the news for the day. Like I said before, the weather has changed their plans... who would have ever thought it would be rainy and chilly in Haiti in April?! Even though the weather didn't cooperate, they still had a wonderful day.

In the morning the team traveled to a school to pass out Christmas gifts to about 200 students. The bags contained a hygiene kit and a small Christmas present for each student as well as many coloring books - the kids obviously loved them. Jayson had the chance to tell the gospel while at the school, he said it went well, but no-one laughed at his jokes... I guess some things never change... hahahaha!

A little later in the afternoon the team traveled to the new orphanage to spend some time with the kids in the community. The original plan was for it to be a special "kids day", but because of the rain they really didn't know what to expect. To their surprise about 350 kids showed up to hang out and play in the pouring down rain. The team had the chance to play lots of games with the kids, pass out candy and prizes, and most importantly build relationships with the kids. They also had the exciting chance to see the rig set up for building the well that we at Northbridge make happen! I'm sure that you all remember the money that we raised through the Advent Conspiracy Project at Christmas time... well it's working! Because of the rain, no one was working today - but it was still exciting to see the work that had been done and what an impact it will make on the neighborhood.

As I said yesterday, the change of plans has been a little nerve racking, but God is so good and faithful! This trip has been such a blessing to both the team and the people that they are spending time with in Haiti. Please continue to pray for safety for the team!

More tomorrow - Katy

March 4th Haiti Update

2009-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

I lucked out again tonight with another phone call from Jayson in Haiti. They had a great day, and spent most of it helping at the EBAC orphanage. The team was able to meet the children, play, help teach, and do a lot of cleaning around the campus. Overall it sounded like a good day.

The weather continues to be a little frustrating for them - still rainy and for the first time ever, even a little chilly. This has made most of the roads around the area pretty impassable, so it's changed their plans a bit. There is still a ton of work and play to be done, so not to fear - they just have to be a bit flexible.

Tomorrow they are hosting a large (and I mean LARGE) event for all of the children in the area, so please be praying for that. As you can imagine, kids in Haiti don't get a ton of "events" just for them, so this is a pretty big deal. I'm sure that everyone will have a blast!

Thanks again for all of your prayers... keep them up!

Katy

March 3rd Update

2009-03-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone!

I was lucky enough to talk to Jayson tonight all the way in Haiti! Things seem to be going smoothly, which is awesome! They left very, very early this morning (around 6:30am) from Ft. Pierce, FL. The plane stopped in the Bahamas to refuel - then off to Haiti.

They were surprised when they arrived that the weather was actually rainy and a little cool for Haiti, and that made the drive from the airport back to the orphanage not so wonderful, but they made it safely none the less.

Please continue to pray for safety and for smooth planning for this next week. The not so normal weather may impact some of their plans, so hopefully things will go well anyway.

Thanks for all of you that helped support this trip and made it happen - I know they are all loving their time there! I hope to hear from Jayson again tomorrow or Thursday, so please keep checking for updates on this blog!

Katy

Haiti 2009

2009-03-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

We depart today for Cap Haitian, Haiti and are asking for your prayers. We will be spending the night in Florida and then leaving for Haiti at 5:30am tomorrow. During the week we will be working with the kids at EBAC orphanage and IDADEE orphanage. I should be able to post a few updates over the course of the week so stay tuned.

120,000

2009-02-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the start of the season of Lent. Traditionally this is time when the Christian church begins a period of reflection and repentance before the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter.

This year NorthBridge will be posting a reading plan for the season of Lent. If you did not make it to church this week please go to www.northbridge.org and download your schedule to follow along.

In part of today's reading the prophet Jonah is instructed to go to the city of Nineveh and proclaim that they repent so the Lord will not destroy the city. He eventually goes and when they do repent Jonah is angry because the people that lived there are his enemies. This short book of the Bible then concludes in a very peculiar way -- with a question. God says to Jonah, "But Neneveh has more the 120,000 people who do not know their right from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned with about that great city?"

Are you concerned with the people in our city who do not know God?

Got Hope?

2009-02-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

Jesus doesn't take lightly the reality of hardship and trouble. Although he doesn't prescribe any steps to erase the pain, he does offer himself as a source of hope. He has overcome the world, and that includes suffering and pain.

So I'm wondering... How does that affect your ability to trust God with the parts of your life that you can?t see or understand?

jame

How do you see it?

2009-02-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Thoughts?

jame

Crosswords

2009-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Many people know that Jesus died on a cross nearly 2000 years ago and that the cross has eternal significance in the future when we die. But what does the cross mean for us today? During this series we will explore some new ways to look at what God may be telling us through the cross and its significance for our every day lives.

Service Times: 9 & 10:30AM

Who Are You Doing Life With?

2009-02-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

In order for us to continue to grow in our relationship with Christ, we need other people who are pursuing this same goal. Let this be the year that you connect or reconnect into community. To get connected into a community group, just click here!

Time, Place & Plan

2009-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Andy gave us this challenge: "This week, spend a couple minutes at a specific time at a specific place with a specific plan to read the Bible."

Ready to do this?

Click here to download a list of reading plans or feel free to do your own thing.

When you get a chance, leave a comment letting us know how it's going.

This is gonna be great,

jame

Special Guest at NorthBridge This Week --POP ROCKS

2009-01-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the Pop Rocks this week at 10:30am. They ROCK!!!

Text Part II Weekly Reading Schedule

2009-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2009-01-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was the beginning of our latest series, TEXT. For the past week, I have been thinking about the various methods used over the years that really helped me stay in the habit of "daily reading God's Word."

Daily devotionals (free one's from church and store bought), accountability group, carrying around a verse in my pocket, set morning ritual, having a small Bible that always goes with me and my latest fave: YouVersion and their one year reading plan.

What's currently working for you?

~jame

Prayer for the President.

2009-01-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Andy prayed for the President today. Looks like he also bought a new suit. In his own words, "I pray for the President. I ask others to pray for the President. I was asked to pray for the President in front of the President."

Pretty cool Andy. Good job.

Who did you pray for today?

~jame

Today.

2009-01-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

No matter what your political view, today is a momentous day in the history of our country.

A black man will lead the free world.

Racism will not be solved.

The economy will not suddenly get better.

Wars will not cease.

It is just a man, a sinful, broken man, who will place his hand on the Word of God and make a bunch of promises.

The biggest moment today will be when you decide whether to complain and debate about policies, decide to place all your hope in just a man, or decide to fall on your knees and pray for the leadership of our country.

What will today mean to you?

~~taken from Ragamuffin Soul, 1.20.09

Our Building Project.

2009-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Who are you "Just Asking" this week?

Stories?

Thoughts?

What makes our church sticky?

2009-01-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

Why do you think people stick around NorthBridge and what do they love about it?

So Worth The Risk...

2009-01-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

Risk. Life is full of it. Managing risk is something we do everyday. We decide how fast to drive on the ice or if we can make it across the street without being hit by a truck. Life is risky. But you must risk if you want to gain.

At NorthBridge, we try to make your step into a community group as risk- free as possible. But it is never risk-free. Nothing worth doing is risk-free. But the benefits are many. Community group is your place to connect, your place to grow and learn, your place to be cared for.

8 week starter groups are forming on January 31. Stay tuned for more…..

Risk it!!!

Rollie

Are you in a group yet???

Go Buckhead!

2009-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Buckhead Church (a North Point video church just like us) posted this on their blog Monday:

Today was one of those days to remember at Buckhead Church.

We had over 7,000 people attend our worship services, an all-time record.

Over 500 children were on UpStreet. Another record.

Over 1,700 small group guides for the Balanced series were purchased.

We celebrated some amazing baptism stories as well.

Incredible! Just Incredible!

Thoughts?

Crazy things can happen when we "JUST ASK".

2009-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Below is a clip from Penn (of Penn and Teller, famous Vegas magic/comedy act) sharing about an encounter after one of their recent shows. FYI, Penn is a pretty outspoken atheist.

Our fear does more damage than the reality of what would happen if we sowed true compassion.

Thoughts?

New Year, New Website.

2008-12-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Warning: mild language

Sometimes we just need a change of perspective.

Where do you struggle with being content?

jame

Thanks

2008-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T12:14:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

2008-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

KidVenture 12 October 2008

October "INTERSECT" Opportunities.

2008-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-10-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

You're making a difference!

What If This Were The Week?

2008-09-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

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