The Bridge Goes Caroling
Ask Pastor David about the time our folks went caroling. Here's what he'll say:
"The Smiles! And not just small smiles, but great big ear-to-ear smiles; smiles on the faces of our neighbors who listened to The Bridge family caroling on Christmas Eve. As we walked along and made a joyful noise (enthusiasm being far more important than singing talent) we seemed to share the unspoken notion that sharing the Christmas Story with our neighbors was a wonderfully Christian thing to do. And we smiled.
One place we went that stands out in my mind was an inexpensive motel. As we started singing, curious heads popped out of doors. Many turned and called to their family, "Come here, ya gotta hear this!" They all stood on the balcony and ground floor and smiled. Some even sang along. Afterward, one person asked, 'Would you please come sing for my mother, she is in a wheelchair and con't come out of her room.' Of course we hurried down to her mother's room and gave it our very best.
No doubt about it, among my favorite memories of Christmas 2009 are the smiles and the "Would you please..."
"The Smiles! And not just small smiles, but great big ear-to-ear smiles; smiles on the faces of our neighbors who listened to The Bridge family caroling on Christmas Eve. As we walked along and made a joyful noise (enthusiasm being far more important than singing talent) we seemed to share the unspoken notion that sharing the Christmas Story with our neighbors was a wonderfully Christian thing to do. And we smiled.
One place we went that stands out in my mind was an inexpensive motel. As we started singing, curious heads popped out of doors. Many turned and called to their family, "Come here, ya gotta hear this!" They all stood on the balcony and ground floor and smiled. Some even sang along. Afterward, one person asked, 'Would you please come sing for my mother, she is in a wheelchair and con't come out of her room.' Of course we hurried down to her mother's room and gave it our very best.
No doubt about it, among my favorite memories of Christmas 2009 are the smiles and the "Would you please..."
Core Group Meeting News
At one of the last Core Group meetings, held on the evening of December 15th, Danny Woods opened the meeting in prayer, then Edith gave the financial report. Edith also talked about the possibility of using accrued benevolent funds to help the family that The Bridge is sponsoring for Christmas. The group agreed to spend up to $100 if needed.
Mike Sagaser was in attendance and said that he will not be able to lead the music again this coming weekend, so Jim Price and Bill Garrison will work on some video music like we had last week. Actually, the video music turned out better than than I figured it would--very inspirational--but not the same as Mike's real, live leadership. At any rate, Jim has a great message coming up this Sunday and Bill is planning for a Christmas music theme.
The Core Group discussed ordering new, redesigned business/invitation cards for The Bridge. Pastor David recommended ordering new long-sleeve logo shirts (he will price them and report back) and door hangers when we schedule another neighborhood canvassing.
The Bridge will be caroling on Christmas eve. Participants are asked to meet at East Plaza #77 at 6pm and to to 2 or 3 places to sing. (Hey! Who's suppling the hot chocolate and donuts?--Ed)
The next Core Group meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2010. On the agenda is discussion concerning our first anniversay celebration activities.
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Mike Sagaser was in attendance and said that he will not be able to lead the music again this coming weekend, so Jim Price and Bill Garrison will work on some video music like we had last week. Actually, the video music turned out better than than I figured it would--very inspirational--but not the same as Mike's real, live leadership. At any rate, Jim has a great message coming up this Sunday and Bill is planning for a Christmas music theme.
The Core Group discussed ordering new, redesigned business/invitation cards for The Bridge. Pastor David recommended ordering new long-sleeve logo shirts (he will price them and report back) and door hangers when we schedule another neighborhood canvassing.
The Bridge will be caroling on Christmas eve. Participants are asked to meet at East Plaza #77 at 6pm and to to 2 or 3 places to sing. (Hey! Who's suppling the hot chocolate and donuts?--Ed)
The next Core Group meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2010. On the agenda is discussion concerning our first anniversay celebration activities.
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Sunday Afternoons are great for Worship, Fellowship and Learning.
Sunday afternoons seem to be a convenient time for folks to come to the Bridge location. And it doesn't hurt any to have available a fine display of "finger foods" and a variety of hot and cold drinks, too. Thank you Jeri and Dale Jones!
Last Sunday was the first Sunday without our official teaching pastor, Rob Helton at the helm. Coincidently, Mike Sagaser, our music leader and Dori, were not able to make it either. But I think things went well anyway...Bill Garrison played a few familiar songs via video in which the crowd enjoyed. David Glasgow and Jim Price joined me in presenting a skit that illustrated the lesson of the day, which, by the way, provided an easy way to talk to people about The Bridge or Jesus or just Christianity in general. (Remember F.O.R.M.?)
We also enjoyed the company of a visitor and her daughter. So, it wasn't a bad day. We're looking forward to hearing from Jim Price and David as they trade places for the next few weeks.
Here's a Prayer Request...
As you know our sponsoring church, Cherry Point Baptist Church, is pastorless. Dr. Curt Finch was asked to preach be at the church for the 27th and for as many Sundays in January as possible. Some of the members of CPBC may remember Dr. Finch's "interim pastor" stint from 1989.
The deacons of CPBC are hard at work to make sure the transition goes as smooth as possible. The Chairman of the Deacons, Steve Van Ord, has requested prayer as they go through this time of change and decision making. We at The Bridge are happy to oblige that request!
Last Sunday was the first Sunday without our official teaching pastor, Rob Helton at the helm. Coincidently, Mike Sagaser, our music leader and Dori, were not able to make it either. But I think things went well anyway...Bill Garrison played a few familiar songs via video in which the crowd enjoyed. David Glasgow and Jim Price joined me in presenting a skit that illustrated the lesson of the day, which, by the way, provided an easy way to talk to people about The Bridge or Jesus or just Christianity in general. (Remember F.O.R.M.?)
We also enjoyed the company of a visitor and her daughter. So, it wasn't a bad day. We're looking forward to hearing from Jim Price and David as they trade places for the next few weeks.
Here's a Prayer Request...
As you know our sponsoring church, Cherry Point Baptist Church, is pastorless. Dr. Curt Finch was asked to preach be at the church for the 27th and for as many Sundays in January as possible. Some of the members of CPBC may remember Dr. Finch's "interim pastor" stint from 1989.
The deacons of CPBC are hard at work to make sure the transition goes as smooth as possible. The Chairman of the Deacons, Steve Van Ord, has requested prayer as they go through this time of change and decision making. We at The Bridge are happy to oblige that request!
Frank White and David Phelps Talk About The Bridge
At a recent meeting of heads, Frank White (BSC of NC church plant consultant, David Phelps (Atlantic Baptist Associational Director of Missions), David Glasgow (Campus Pastor for The Bridge) and myself sat down for a monthly meeting. The agenda for the meeting included discussion on the recent events and activities of The Bridge and also discussion on on-going ministries and up-coming promotions.
Frank White was very encouraging to us about what is happening despite my concern for the lack of growth in recent months. In fact, Frank reassured us that he is in favor of continuing finanancial support from the BSC of NC into the year 2011.
Frank White was very encouraging to us about what is happening despite my concern for the lack of growth in recent months. In fact, Frank reassured us that he is in favor of continuing finanancial support from the BSC of NC into the year 2011.
Frigid Breezes Do Not Cancel Baptism
Scott Cobb was baptised Sunday afternoon in the Neuse River off Ferry Road in Cherry Branch. Mike led the 30 or so in attendance in a song, Rob gave a two minute message and then David and Scott ran into the water. After the baptism, the two emerged a bit cold, but victorious (see photo).
Rob said, "I was skeptical at first--I wasn't sure about the cold weather--but it turned out to be a pure experience". Even though the weather was very cold (I'm not sure how cold the water was) the crowd was excited and joyful to be there to witness the event. I don't think Scott and David minded at all...there thoughts were elsewhere. PTL. See more photos in the photo gallery of this website.
Here's a couple of follow-up Photos at The Bridge:
Rob said, "I was skeptical at first--I wasn't sure about the cold weather--but it turned out to be a pure experience". Even though the weather was very cold (I'm not sure how cold the water was) the crowd was excited and joyful to be there to witness the event. I don't think Scott and David minded at all...there thoughts were elsewhere. PTL. See more photos in the photo gallery of this website.
Here's a couple of follow-up Photos at The Bridge:
Pastor Rob leaves us with a Relevant Message...
Rob Helton's last message to The Bridge was a good one! The Scripture he used was from Paul's appeal to the church at Corinth to "Let God grow" the church. Paul pointed out that the church was depending too much on men and not enough on God; that's why they were quarreling and still in the "milk" stage of their Christian growth.
After the songs and message from Rob, Folks enjoyed a "Pot-Luck" dinner in honor of Rob and Cindy Helton. It gave the folks a chance to say goodbye to the Heltons as they finish packing up and move to Shelby, NC where Rob is shceduled to start his new ministry at Zoar Baptist Church on January 11th.
If you would like to keep in touch with Rob, email him at rob@zoarchurch.com
After the songs and message from Rob, Folks enjoyed a "Pot-Luck" dinner in honor of Rob and Cindy Helton. It gave the folks a chance to say goodbye to the Heltons as they finish packing up and move to Shelby, NC where Rob is shceduled to start his new ministry at Zoar Baptist Church on January 11th.
If you would like to keep in touch with Rob, email him at rob@zoarchurch.com
