4/25/2009
Series: Be The Church 2.0
Message #2 "Welcome to the Family"
Marc Schelske

Last week we looked at the Biblical truth that the church is not buildings or programs or organizations - it's the people. But it's not accurate to leave it there. The church is more. It is the community of people on mission with Jesus. In this message we orient ourselves to what this means by looking at the like of the early church found in Acts 2. What did their community look like and why?

Tags: The Church

4/18/2009
Series: Be The Church 2.0
Message #1 "Tag. You're It!"
Marc Schelske

This week we begin a recap of some our Bridge City's foundational Biblical understanding of what it means to be the church. The word church is widely misunderstood in our culture and even in the church. The church is not a building or an organization or even a program - as good as these things may be. The church is the body of Christ. That means the church is the people. Everything the Bible teaches the church is to be doing is what you and I as followers of Jesus are to be doing.

Tags: The Church

Last week, on Saturday 3/28, we ended our series in Genesis with the movie clip entitled "A Thousand Questions." This video clip - found here - challenged us about our role in God's promise to bless the world. It ended with the words of Isaiah the prophet: "Here am I; send me." The response to this service and video has been very strong. Many of you asked where you could see the video again, and others asked about what steps to take next. Because of the response, we wanted to continue the conversation. So, please take a moment to watch this 6 minute video about what might come next for us. If you didn't get to see the video "A Thousand Questions," we suggest you watch it before watching this response.



So, what is the next step for you? We are going to provide a number of "next step" opportunities and experiences in the upcoming weeks. Watch the weekly email and weekend update for more information.

The first opportunity is to join us as we participate in a Night Strike. This is an activity of Bridge Town Ministries. On Friday, April 10th we'll be taking a group of 15 on this experience. We'll be serving some of Portland's homeless by delivering food and socks, washing feet and giving haircuts, as well as praying for people and listening to their stories. This is not a good event choice for small children; we are recommending 12 and up. Because of the limited space, this activity requires signing up ahead of time. If you want to join us call the office at 503-794-1696 or email wheelhouse@bridgecity.org.

In the coming weeks we'll be announcing other opportunities with different flavors and levels of engagement. Be watching for those, and if you have service ideas, ways that we as a church family can bless & serve, then let us know. It's time for us to expand beyond Circle 1 and Circle 2, and begin making a mark in Circle 3.

I look forward to seeing where this part of the journey takes us!

- Marc