Faithbridge: News

Weekly Update: Pray with us!

2012-02-23T21:26:21+00:00

Dear Faithbridgers and Friends,

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which marked the start of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and fasting that prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. For centuries, Christians have celebrated the 40 days leading up to Easter as a way of remembering the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. During this season, we focus on the battle Christ fought against sin and Satan in order to win our salvation.

In light of this, and in preparation for Easter, I hope you’ll join us for the 2012 Lenten Season of Prayer at Faithbridge from now through Easter, April 8. Go here to download a copy of the daily prayer points.

It’s not too late to get in on one of these events happening this weekend (click on any link to register or learn more):

Marriage ER– Sat, Feb 25 @ 9:00am This one-day seminar is for any couple who could use some encouragement. Your marriage matters to God and can be better than you ever imagined.
Faithbridge 101 – Sun, Feb 26 @ 12:45pm This is a comprehensive class designed to help you learn the mission, strategy and heart of Faithbridge. Although this class is the first step toward membership, attendance does not commit you to join the church.
Christianity 101– Sun, Feb 26 @ 12:45pm Learn the basic beliefs of the Christian faith and what they mean in clear and simple language.
Grow Group Meet & Greet – Sun, Feb 26@ 5:00pm Come talk with members from various grow groups and choose the group that fits you best.

Also this weekend, I’ll be concluding The Overlooked Gospel series with
Part 5, The Pray-Big Gospel. Parts 1-4 are available at faithbridge.org/sermons.

I’ll see you Sunday!

Blessings,
Ken

Serve Expo Revisited

2012-02-22T14:46:34+00:00

A two-dimensional man made the case for why REAL PEOPLE are the heart of Faithbridge. Link to watch the promo video.

Hundreds of Faithbridgers learned more about serve teams on Sunday, February 19. Connection Coordinator Marianne Reed organized the event and was thrilled with the outcome. She explains that the goal for the Serve Expo was two-fold. First, to provide exposure for all serve teams. Secondly, the Expo gave Faithbridgers an opportunity to look for a new place to serve.

Creativity was the name of the game for several teams. The parking team held a raffle for newly-joining parkers. The Vision Project & Lend-A-Hand table sported large sunglasses and handed out clapping hands. There were hot dogs, candy, and --- at the hospitality table -- coffee and donuts.

Several areas were focused on giving visibility to people who might need their services as well as those interested in serving.

"We have many parents stopping by to get to know the Student Ministry leaders," said a FSM staffer. "This is a great way to connect with people at Faithbridge in a different way." The Student Ministry "living room" provided a great resting point for team representatives.

"I didn't get any new sign ups for my team," says the leader of a prayer team, "but more people know what we're all about now. That's really important, too."

Faithbridge held expo-type events for serve teams several years ago. Long-time Faithbridgers commented about how glad they were to have this outlet again. And, many were surprised to learn something new. "There are groups here that I didn't know existed," reports one leader.

The event was a success for recruiting, as well. Marianne reports that over 300 people signed up to try a new serve team. "We'll definitely do this again."

The natural affinity to meet other people with similar interests was evident throughout the day. Photographers compared cameras with interested photographers. Landscapers hung out by the tractor to talk with the Lawn Team. People who love children signed up for Team Jesus in the Children's Ministry.

And the event peeked interest in many new Faithbridger. After the 5pm service, one man said, "I came the service this morning, then had lunch plans. I came back tonight specifically to talk to you about the ways to get involved."

If your missed the Serve Expo and want to get connected with a Serve Team, contact Marianne Reed or click here to find a group online.

Link to watch the promo video.

Lenten Prayer

2012-02-22T13:51:29+00:00

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and fasting that prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Christians, for centuries, have celebrated these 40 days leading up to Easter as a way of remembering the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness prior to beginning His ministry. During this season, we focus on the battle Christ fought against sin and Satan in order to win our salvation.

View a printable pdf.

2012 Lenten Daily Prayer Points

Wednesday, February 22 – Ash Wednesday

Ask God to pour out more of His Holy Spirit’s power on all Faithbridgers and friends as we begin this season of Lent (Eph. 3:20-21).

Thursday, February 23 – Devotion and Confession

Devote yourself daily to a quiet time of reading the Scriptures and listening for the Lord’ voice (Jn 10:3). Spend some time today confessing your sins to God and receiving His forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9).

Friday, February 24 – Fervent Prayer

Ask God to lift us to new levels of fervent prayer, realizing that apart from God we can do nothing; that we should seek God before deciding ourselves, asking for God’s guidance and depending on His power to accomplish the tasks He sets before us (Jn 15:5).

Saturday, February 25 – Marriage ER

Pray that the couples will come with open hearts and ears to receive tools to restore and renew their marriages

(1 Cor. 13:5).

Sunday, February 26 – Small Groups

Ask God to cause many more people to become connected within our small group network, glorifying God in all we are called to do as we serve Him at Faithbridge and beyond (Col 3:23 -24).

Monday, February 27 – Diversity

Pray that Faithbridge will grow increasingly heaven-like in its racial, socio-economic, and special needs diversity (Gal 3:28).

Tuesday, February 28 – Care

Thank God for using our Care Ministry in incredible ways to bring healing (2 Cor 12:9-10).

Wednesday, February 29 – Student Ministry

Pray that God would reveal Himself to our students so they will be able to reflect His love to others (1 Pet 2:2).

Thursday, March 1 – Faithbridge Church

Pray that we would always be a church that gives our best to honor God and inspire people through wise preparation, committed service, joyful creativity, and diligent perseverance (Col 3:23; Jn 1:32-33).

Friday, March 2 – Generational Relevance

Ask God to continue to guide us in making Him real to people in their everyday lives by being creative and intentional in reaching every child, student, and adult with age-appropriate methods to convey God’s truth (Ps 78:4-6).

Saturday, March 3 – Worship & Communications Team

Pray the staff and volunteers on the team are blessed with supernatural energy and creativity; that they work in unison and all for the glory of the Lord! (Is 48:28-31)

Sunday, March 4 – Prayer

Ask God to raise up people of prayer, who will humble themselves and pray (2 Chron. 7:14), and who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Monday, March 5 – Safety

Pray for all military troops serving around the world, and for those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior to come into the knowledge of His saving grace (Jn 3:16).

Tuesday, March 6 – Evangelism

Pray that all Faithbridgers will develop the passion and boldness to share with friends and family that Jesus Christ is Lord. Pray the Lord will open our eyes to places where we can share the Gospel message and give us boldness to speak the truth in love (Acts 1:8).

Wednesday, March 7 – “Curious” Bible Studies

Pray for God’s direction as our students gather together to learn and study, so that more students who do not know the Lord can be reached and those already involved will grow to know Him more intimately (Mt 5:6).

Thursday, March 8 – Spiritual Warfare

Ask God to help all of us to see with spiritual eyes and to resist the Enemy who seeks to destroy us (Eph 6:10-12).

Friday, March 9 – Financial Blessing

Pray for biblical financial stewardship for all Faithbridgers, giving the full tithe into the storehouse and receiving God’s abundant blessings (Mal 3:10).

Saturday, March 10 – Life-Changing Community

Pray that as we share life together, our small groups would model relationships of honesty, selflessness, and transparency, encouraging one another, and striving to become more like Christ (Acts 2:42-47).

Sunday, March 11 – Global Bridging

Ask the Lord to bless and protect the families on the Honduras mission trip. May God continue to lead Faithbridge outside our walls to honor and serve Him, and to speak His Gospel to the least, the last, and the lost (Mt 28:19-20).

Monday, March 12 – Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Pray for believers to know the joy and assurance of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, to the praise of His glorious grace (Eph 1:3-14); pray that all who come to Faithbridge will enter into the family of God.

Tuesday, March 13 – Praises!

Take some extra time to praise God for all He is in your life, and thank Him for all that He does (Ps 6:1).

Wednesday, March 14 – Pastors

Pray God will give all of our pastors His supernatural strength and protection to preach and to lead effectively during this season (Mt 11:28-30).

Thursday, March 15 – Staff and Elders

Ask the Lord to pour out his wisdom and guidance on our staff and elders in all decision-making and leading as Faithbridge continue to grow (Jas 1:5; Is 30:21).

Friday, March 16 – Healing

Pray that God will do works of spiritual, emotional, marital, and physical healing within our congregation (Jer 30:17).

Saturday, March 17 – Parents

Ask the Lord to raise up godly parents in our community who will train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4)

Sunday, March 18 – Unchurched

Pray for God to stir the hearts of the unchurched to seek Him in our life-giving church today and bless all families worshiping together (Jer 29:12-14).

Monday, March 19 – Area Schools Returning after Spring Break

Ask God to command His angels to guard Faithbridge students, teachers, and friends in all our ways (Ps 91:11).

Tuesday, March 20 – Intentional Loyalty

Ask God to guide us as we work to protect the unity that Christ sought for His followers by valuing one another, protecting reputations, and keeping Faithbridge a gossip-free zone (John 11:20-23).

Wednesday, March 21 – United States of America

Ask the Lord to revive our nation to a reverence and posture of dependency upon God (2 Chron 7:14).

Thursday, March 22 – Kingdom Club (infant-5th grade)

Pray God will use the Kingdom Club as a safe place where kids can search for answers on how to deal with issues in their daily lives (Is 54:13).

Friday, March 23 – Family

Ask the Lord to bless the families of Faithbridge and strengthen our walk with the Lord; may each person in our families come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:15).

Saturday, March 24 – Unemployed

Ask God to strengthen the hearts of those who have been impacted by economic struggle and unemployment (Phil 4:19).

Sunday, March 25 – Forgiveness

Ask the Lord to thaw our hearts into free-flowing rivers of Christ-like forgiveness to those who have harmed us (Mt 6:14).

Monday, March 26 – Mailers to our Community

Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint our mailers, that they might be received on time and in a spirit of love and hope, and that many unchurched people will come and see in the days ahead (John 1:46).

Tuesday, March 27 – Humility

Seek the Lord’s face in prayer and true humility as a child coming to His loving arms (Mark 10: 14-15).

Wednesday, March 28 – Unpaid servants

Thank the Lord for all the many Faithbridge unpaid servants who serve the Lord faithfully each day (Mt 11:28-30).

Thursday, March 29 – Personal relationship

Change my heart, Heavenly Father, fill me with your love for others, and show me how to serve others as Christ would have me do (Phil 2:3-4).

Friday, March 30 – Praise

Spend time today praising God for who He is and thanking Him for the blessings He pours out upon us (Ps 106:1).

Saturday, March 31 – Takin' It To the Streets

Pray that Faithbridgers serve sacrificially and with joy; that they will be bridges of faith as they minister outside our walls (Mark 10:45).

Sunday, April 1 – Thanksgiving

Come to the Lord’s house with thanksgiving in your heart and praise on your lips, for His love endures forever (Ps 100:4).

Monday, April 2 – Christ-centered Joy

Pray for contagious, Christ-rooted joy to fill the hearts of the people as we go through this week of Easter, and as we rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Gal 5:22).

Tuesday, April 3 – Knowing Christ better

Pray that God will give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we will know Him better and desire to be like him (Eph. 1:15-19).

Wednesday, April 4 – Travel Mercies

Ask God to command His angels to guard Faithbridgers who are traveling to be with family and friends for Easter weekend (Ps 91:11).

Thursday, April 5 – Maundy Thursday Service

Pray that worshipers and seekers would meet Jesus in the midst of His sufferings at our Maundy Thursday service (Phil 3:10-11).

Friday, April 6 – Turn Your Eyes to the Cross

Read the Scriptural account of Easter from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem through the resurrection (Mt 21:1-9; Mt 26-28; Mk 11:1-10; Mk 14-16; Lk 19:28-24:53; Jn 13-21:25).

Saturday, April 7 – Children

May God be glorified in the Kingdom Club classrooms this Easter weekend. Pray that many children will hear the story of the resurrection and accept Jesus as a “Forever Friend” (Luke 18:16).

Sunday, April 8 – REJOICE! THE LORD HAS RISEN!

Pray for God to send us hundreds of people this weekend who hear and understand the powerful Easter message of His resurrection for the first time.

Weekly Update: Serve Expo in Courtyard this Sunday!

2012-02-17T14:08:28+00:00

Dear Faithbridgers and Friends,

This Sunday, February 19, we’re having a Serve Expo! It’s a fun event following each service that gives each team a chance to show who they are in a fun way AND it’s a chance for you to learn about the serve teams that fit you!

Then join us on Ash Wednesday, February 22, in the courtyard at 7am or Noon for a meaningful 30-minute service to mark the start of the Lenten season of reflection, repentance, and fasting to prepare us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. We’ll close each service with the traditional imposition of ashes.

Coming up next weekend, we have several opportunities for you (click on any link to register or learn more):

Marriage ER – Sat, Feb 25 @ 9am This one-day seminar is for any couple who could use some encouragement. Your marriage matters to God and can be better than you ever imagined.
Faithbridge 101 – Sun, Feb 26 @ 12:45pm This is a comprehensive class designed to help you learn the mission, strategy and heart of Faithbridge. Although this class is the first step toward membership, attendance does not commit you to join the church.
Christianity 101 – Sun, Feb 26 @ 12:45pm Learn the basic beliefs of the Christian faith and what they mean in clear and simple language.
Grow Group Meet & Greet – Sun, Feb 26 @ 5pm Come talk with members from various grow groups and choose the group that fits you best.

This Sunday, Pastor Dan will continue with part four of our series on The Overlooked Gospel with a message called, The Do-Likewise Gospel.If you need to catch up, watch the first three installments at faithbridge.org/sermons.

It’s a joy serving Christ as your pastor!

Blessings,
Ken

Snapshot

2012-02-14T20:43:10+00:00

A picture is worth a thousand words. The new Small Group Newsletter is just a snapshot of what's been happening in Small Groups community at Faithbridge - of who we are and how we love. We hope you'll enjoy the new format and will come back monthly to see each new edition. View the newsletter now.

We believe that life transformation is sustained as we engage in transparent, biblical community. For that reason, Small Groups are the heartbeat of our church. We come together throughout the week and beyond the walls of our building for encouragement, fellowship and laughter; a family of growing disciples. As we do this, "church" is less the place where we gather on Sunday, and more a band of neighbors meeting the needs of the community in obedience to Jesus.

Send your questions about small groups or updates about your group to Small Group Coordinator Christy Sprague.

More about Small Groups.

Tax Aide

2012-02-14T20:34:14+00:00

Our life experiences, skills and talents can be used to serve outside the walls of the church in so many practical ways. Several retired and semi-retired Faithbridgers have joined a team of tax preparers in our area to help individuals prepare their 2011 returns. These tax-aide counselors offer free AARP-sponsored tax preparation in locations throughout our community until Monday, April 17, 2012.

This is a free service that most of us can take advantage of, however they can not handle very complex tax returns. Learn more.

Locations close to Faithbridge.

View service hours and a list of items to bring with you.

YMCA - (Cypresswood and 249)

19915 State Highway 249

Barbara Bush Library – (Spring)

6817 Cypresswood Drive

Champion Forest Baptist Church – (Spring)

15555 Stuebner Airline Rd

Northwest Assistance Ministries – (FM1960)

15555 Kuykendahl

Northwest Library - (Jones & Grant)

11355 Regency Green Drive

Tomball Community Library – (Tomball)

30555 Tomball Pkwy

Weekly Update: Get plugged into life-changing community!

2012-02-09T17:54:31+00:00

Dear Faithbridgers and Friends,

As we have said since this church was formed (nearly 13 years ago!), Faithbridge is not simply a church with small groups – Faithbridge is a church of small groups. If you have yet to step into the life-changing community of a small group, we have several great opportunities to help you get plugged in:

Grow Group Meet & Greet The next two events are scheduled for this Sunday, February 12, then again on Sunday, February 26, both at 5pm. Come talkwith members from various grow groups and choose the group that fits you best. Click here to tell us which date works best for you.
Serve Expo Join us for this fun event on February 19. Serve Teams will set up booths in the Courtyard after each worship service. The Expo environment gives each team a chance to show who they are in a fun way AND it’s a chance for you to learn about the ones that fit you!

This Sunday our current sermon series continues with a message from Pastor Dan called, The Non-Conformist Gospel. If you missed the first two messages from Pastor Ken, you’ll find them at faithbridge.org/sermons.

I’ll see you Sunday!

With joy serving Christ as your pastor,
Ken

PS: Could your marriage use some encouragement? With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, one great gift you could give to each other is to get registered for the upcoming Marriage ER. Go here to learn more.

Body Image

2012-02-07T21:27:20+00:00

Dear Faithbridge Family,

Body Image. It may be hard to accept the importance of talking to your elementary age kids about their body image, but they see and hear it every day in our popular culture. It is so important for children to hear what God has to say about each of us as his creation. This month’s Parent Link includes ways to talk with your children about self-acceptance, healthy eating and God’s gift of our bodies. Activities are included for both younger and older children.

View February 2012 ParentLink.

We love your children and are so grateful that you entrust them to us in the Kingdom Club. Each of them is “fearfully and wonderfully made” and we want them to love themselves as God’s marvelous creation!

Blessings,

Sharon

Upcoming Events for Children's Ministry

Child Believer Baptism (Second-Fifth graders) May 20

VBS June 11-15

BaseCamp July 23-27

Weekly Update: Prayer & Worship tonight at 7:00!

2012-02-02T16:41:57+00:00

Dear Faithbridgers and Friends,

Tonight at 7pm we’re having a Night of Prayer & Worship. It’s going to be a great evening of extended worship (led by Derek Guynes) and prayer, including a brief, inspiring message from Pastor Terry. Children’s ministry will be available for ages Kindergarten and younger.

As we continue to welcome new people here at Faithbridge, I continue to hear the question asked, "So how can we meet some new friends and feel connected here?" My answer? Step into Life-Changing Community. Come to a Grow Group Meet & Greet to talk with members from various grow groups and to choose the group that fits you best. This one-hour event is offered at 5pm on February 12, and February 26. Click here to tell us which one works best for you.

In addition to Grow Groups, this Tuesday begins a new season of Care Groups, to help those of us who need to focus on recovering from specific life challenges. To learn more, visit faithbridge.org/care or contact Care Coordinator Beth Ellis. Here’s what we’re offering this season on Tuesday nights:

          DivorceCare (gender-specific) • 6:30pm
          DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) • 6:30pm
          GriefShare (co-ed) • 7pm
          Recovering Life (gender-specific) • 7pm

This Sunday we’ll continue with our series on The Long-Haul Gospel. If you missed Part 1, you’ll find it at faithbridge.org/sermons.

Hope to see you tonight!

It’s a joy serving Christ as your pastor,
Ken

MarriageER

2012-01-29T22:51:34+00:00

In the emergency room, doctors go through an A-B-C approach for each patient. We will do the same, with dialogue between husband and wife only.

Marriage ER is a one-day seminar for any couple who could use some encouragement in their marriage. It was developed as “shock treatment” to help couples who were on the verge of divorce, but it will benefit any marriage.

Registration is closed for this event.

Our topics include:

A – Airway

We will check to see if there is any obstruction. In this session we want to make sure that your relationship with God is in tact.

B – Breathing (Covenant)

How God views your marriage. Do you have a contract (I’ll stay as long as I’m happy) or do you understand the covenant of marriage (till death us do part).

C – Circulation (Forgiveness)

Most divorces happen due to hard hearts and selfishness. God is in the miracle business and he can soften hard hearts and give us a fresh start. Many people have misunderstood what forgiveness really is and how unforgiveness keeps us in bondage. Come hear this good news.

D - Disability

How has Satan, the father of lies, deceived us into believing things about ourselves and our spouse that are not true. We have to recognize who the real enemy is.

E – Expose

We look at things that are hindering our sexual intimacy.

Triage

We send you off with some tools to keep you together. We’ll give you a simple guide to get you started praying together, if you are not already. Couples that pray together, stay together.

Several couples give of their time to share how God has healed their marriages from the brink of disaster. What kind of legacy do you want to leave your children? With God all things are possible!

Lunch will be served. If you are registering your children for care during this, please bring them a snack as well as a lunch.