Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic who was paralyzed in a diving accident as a teenager, talks about her wedding day. She says, “I felt awkward as my girlfriends strained to shift my paralyzed body into a cumbersome wedding gown. No amount of corseting and binding my body gave me a perfect shape. The dress just didn’t fit well. Then, as I was wheeling into the church, I glanced down and noticed that I’d accidentally run over the hem of my dress, leaving a greasy tire mark. My paralyzed hands couldn’t hold the bouquet of daisies that lay off-center on my lap. And my chair, though decorated for the wedding, was still a big, clunky gray machine with belts, gears, and ball bearings. I certainly didn’t feel like the picture-perfect bride in a bridal magazine. I inched my chair closer to the last pew to catch a glimpse of Ken in front. There he was, standing tall and stately in his formal attire. I saw him looking for me, craning his neck to look up the aisle. My face flushed, and I suddenly couldn’t wait to be with him. I had seen my beloved. The love in Ken’s face had washed away all my feelings of unworthiness. I was his pure and perfect bride. How easy it is for us to think that we’re utterly unlovely — especially to someone as lovely as Christ. But he loves us with the bright eyes of a Bridegroom’s love and cannot wait for the day we are united with him forever.”

And we, unattractive, frightened, paralyzed and imperfect, yet wild with hope, come to the wedding feast of the Lamb. We feel inadequate and unworthy, yet our eyes are fixed on Christ. We are overwhelmed with emotion as we know that we are loved and accepted just as we are, and that the wedding will bring about a transformation. The blood and water that flowed from his side has released us from our bondage, healed our brokenness and cleansed us from our sin. We become the Bride of Christ, not just in theory or potentially, but in reality. And there, together with him and all the redeemed, we will taste the new wine of the kingdom. (copied) “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." 6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Rev. 21:2-7)

See you Sunday!

REVIVE Youth Bible Study: Each Wednesday evening we have some fun and spend some time in the Word. Encourage each other to be involved in Revive! Let’s keep priorities straight and be faithful to weekly time around God’s word on Wednesdays! Also, beginning to make plans for a “toy drive” for Christmas. Details coming soon!

Saturday night at Tomball Fire Dept. Haunted House: Revive Student ministry will be meeting in the Kroger parking lot at four corners at 8:00 pm. Bring a couple of dollars for ice cream after!

SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY – We will be taking this Sunday evening off. Take the opportunity to encourage someone!

Men’s Bible Study – We are enjoying a great men’s Bible study, led by Travis, Jay and Ted. The study is by Joe Gibbs, entitled “Game Plan for Life”. As a head football coach in the NFL and a major player in NASCAR, Gibbs is a man’s man. This is a great outreach opportunity, so use it to invite friends and co-workers to join us as we “Game Plan for Life”! Check out our website for a preview. www.crossbridgechurch.us/events Sundays at 8:30

Ladies Bible Study - The ladies of CrossBridge are enjoying a Bible study going through the book of Philippians. Join this great group of ladies this Sunday at 9!

Texans – Monday Night Football: Texas loves football, and what better way to enjoy the Texans on Monday night than with the church family and lots of food!!! Monday evening at the Harris’ house. Check with Laurie Harris this Sunday to help with the food and drink, and invite a friend! 7:30

Movie Night: Sunday evening, Nov. 7 we will have a family movie night at the church. 6:30 pm See you there!

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

October 30 – Revive to Tomball Haunted House 8:00 pm
October 31– Continuing sermon series on the “Fruits of the Spirit”. This Sunday, Being Gentle! Wouldn’t everyone like their lives to marked by things like love, joy, peace, patience? Invite friends, co-workers and neighbors for this very important series! 10:00am service
October 31 – “Game Plan for Life” men’s Bible study
October 24 – Philippians – ladies Bible study
November 1 – Texans watch party – Monday Night Football!!!
November 7 – Family Movie Night – 6:30 pm

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor

Sharing a note written by one of our own…Paul Schroeder.

I took my family out for dinner tonight, at IHOP as per Karl’s request. While we were waiting for our food, an older gentleman came and sat behind us. He was obviously grumpy, and continued to show this with a very particular order, given while inspecting his silverware. Although he was quite specific in its preparation, he was also obviously concerned with the cost. It seemed that he was limited in his capacity.

Our server was also waiting upon this gentleman, and to his credit, Jeff was very patient, and did not take his grumpiness personally-Jeff was a true professional. I decided right away that I would add this man’s ticket to ours, and Jeff was very good at keeping this an anonymous act, even when the gentleman left before we were finished.

Now, I will admit, I enjoy messing with people sometimes, and I was more than satisfied watching the confusion come over this man’s face when he was told there was no charge this evening. The last thing he was expecting was an act of random kindness. But I realized quickly that my joy was not at his confusion, but rather at sharing what might have been his only positive experience all day. Dinner for an anonymous stranger; $4.98. Knowing you touched another human being; priceless!

How many people do we pass in a day’s time? Dozens? Hundreds? Whether it is on the road to work, our coworkers, or people we pass while walking to lunch, each has their own story to life. All too often, it is a similar story; a story of fear or loneliness. They hide it all behind a mask of disinterest or anger, but it is there; and if you know or care to look, it is all too easy to see. I don’t know what this particular man’s story was tonight, but the pain of loneliness was all too clear for me. I hope that, for one small instant, he remembered that we are never truly alone.

I would challenge each of you, my friends, to consider your own abilities. Consider the people you pass on a daily basis. Which of these can you touch with an act of random kindness? Can you build an ARK as well? Imagine what our world would be like if everyone practiced just one act a day?

See you Sunday!

REVIVE Youth Bible Study - Each Wednesday evening we have some fun and spend some time in the Word. Encourage each other to be involved in Revive! Let’s keep priorities straight and be faithful to weekly time around God’s word on Wednesdays! Also, beginning to make plans for a “Toy Drive” for Christmas. Details coming soon!

SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY - Do you feel snowed under and maxed out? In our Take It to the Limit culture, many people spend, acquire, and try to squeeze as much out of life as they can---and end up feeling empty in the process. In this 6-part study by Andy Stanley, Andy pulls you back from the edge and helps you strike a balance by showing you how to do less, not more. Invite someone! Sunday evenings at 6:30.

Men’s Bible Study – We are enjoying a great men’s Bible study, led by Travis, Jay and Ted. The study is by Joe Gibbs, entitled “Game Plan for Life”. As a head football coach in the NFL and a major player in NASCAR, Gibbs is a man’s man. This is a great outreach opportunity, so use it to invite friends and co-workers to join us as we “Game Plan for Life”! Check out our website for a preview. Sundays at 8:30 www.crossbridgechurch.us/events

Ladies Bible Study - The ladies of CrossBridge are enjoying a Bible study going through the book of Philippians. Join this great group of ladies this Sunday at 9!

Star of Hope: Special thanks to everyone who donated, popped popcorn, bagged snacks, helped serve, cleaned tables, swept floors, talked to strangers and gave of your time to reach out and show the love and kindness of Christ this past Saturday evening! You made God smile!

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

October 24 – Continuing sermon series on the “Fruits of the Spirit”. This Sunday, Being Faithful! Wouldn’t everyone like their lives to marked by things like love, joy, peace, patience? Invite friends, co-workers and neighbors for this very important series! 10:00am service
October 24 – “Take it to the Limit” Bible Study 6:30pm
October 24 – “Game Plan for Life” Men’s Bible Study 8:30am
October 24 – Philippians – Ladies Bible Study 9:00am
November 1 – Texans watch party – Monday Night Football!!!

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor

The great preacher and pastor of Chicago’s famous Moody Church, A.C. Dixon declared, "When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on. Nor am I disposed to undervalue any of these things in their proper place, but when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do."

On whom are you relying? Just something to think about. See you Sunday!

REVIVE Youth Bible Study: We are looking forward to being back at Star of Hope this weekend! Each Wednesday evening we have some fun and spend some time in the Word. Encourage each other to be involved in Revive! Let’s keep priorities straight and be faithful to weekly time around God’s word on Wednesdays!

NEW SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY – Do you feel snowed under and maxed out? In our Take It to the Limit culture, many people spend, acquire, and try to squeeze as much out of life as they can---and end up feeling empty in the process. In this 6-part study by Andy Stanley, Andy pulls you back from the edge and helps you strike a balance by showing you how to do less, not more. Invite someone! Sunday evenings at 6:30. Study guides available at cost.

Men’s Bible Study – We are enjoying a great men’s Bible study, led by Travis, Jay and Ted. The study is by Joe Gibbs, entitled “Game Plan for Life”. As a head football coach in the NFL and a major player in NASCAR, Gibbs is a man’s man. This is a great outreach opportunity, so use it to invite friends and co-workers to join us as we “Game Plan for Life”! Check out our website for a video preview. www.crossbridgechurch.us/events Sundays at 8:30AM

Ladies Bible Study - The ladies of CrossBridge are enjoying a Bible study going through the book of Philippians. While there was a great group of ladies last week, there is room for more, so join in this Sunday at 9:00AM!

Star of Hope: Saturday evening, October 16, we will be hosting a “Movie Night” at Star of Hope! We will have an opportunity to interact with the women and children, host a movie and provide some good food and fellowship! Should be a great night. We will be leaving from the Target parking lot at 290 & Spring Cypress at 6:00. We need a few more to go along, and we need your help with the snack. We will be serving approximately 40 Women and Children. Thank you for serving!!!

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

October 17 – Continuing sermon series on the “Fruits of the Spirit”. This Sunday, Be Good! Wouldn’t everyone like their lives to marked by things like love, joy, peace, patience? Invite friends, co-workers and neighbors for this very important series! 10:00am service
October 17 – “Take it to the Limit” Bible study 6:30pm
October 17 – “Game Plan for Life” men’s Bible study 8:30am
October 17 – Philippians – ladies Bible study 9:00am
October 16 – Star of Hope “Movie Night”
November 1 – Texans watch party – Monday Night Football!!!

Music: Do you sing or play an instrument? We want you to serve the Lord with your talent at CrossBridge. Please contact Kyle Mathis so he can incorporate you in the worship services. Thank you! Also, be sure to thank all of the great folks involved in our music ministry for the hours and dedication they give to help our church. How privileged we are to have such wonderful music each Sunday.

Facebook: Are you on Facebook? Join our group page and let’s get the discussion started! www.facebook.com/crossbridgetexas

Website: Be sure to check out our website as we continue to update and add information. www.crossbridgechurch.us Pass that link along to a friend and invite them to give us a try!

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor

A family was sitting around the dinner table one evening waiting for their dad to get in from work. Finally, he came in late because it had been a rough day. When he came in, he sat down at the table and offered thanks for the food. As soon as he finished his prayer, he began to complain and grumble about how awful things were going at work. The boss was a jerk and the workers were lazy. Then his wife brought in the food. Since he had come in so late, the food that was supposed to be cold was warm and the food that was supposed to be hot was cold. The main dish was overcooked and dried out. The bread was hard. And he made sure and pointed out what was wrong with everything. Finally, after hearing all the complaints, his youngest daughter asked him a question. “Daddy, do you think God heard you when you prayed a few minutes ago?” “Well, yes sweetheart. Of course He did.” Then she asked, “Do you think He heard everything you said after that?” “Why, yes sweetheart. God hears everything.” Finally, she asked, “Which one do you think He believed?”

Just something to think about. See you Sunday!

REVIVE Youth Bible Study: We are looking forward to being back at Star of Hope next month! Each Wednesday evening we have some fun and spend some time in the Word. Encourage each other to be involved in Revive! Let’s keep priorities straight and be faithful to weekly time around God’s word on Wednesdays!

NEW SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY – Do you feel snowed under and maxed out? In our Take It to the Limit culture, many people spend, acquire, and try to squeeze as much out of life as they can---and end up feeling empty in the process. In this 6-part study by Andy Stanley, Andy pulls you back from the edge and helps you strike a balance by showing you how to do less, not more. Invite someone! Sunday evenings at 6:30. Study guides available at cost

Men’s Bible Study - A new men’s Bible study began this past Sunday morning, led by Travis, Jay and Ted. The study is by Joe Gibbs, entitled “Game Plan for Life”. As a head football coach in the NFL and a major player in NASCAR, Gibbs is a man’s man. This is a great outreach opportunity, so use it to invite friends and co-workers to join us as we “Game Plan for Life”! Study guides available at cost. Check out our website for a preview. www.crossbridgechurch.us/events

Ladies Bible Study - The ladies of CrossBridge began a new Bible study going through the book of Philippians this past Sunday. While there was a great group of ladies last week, there is room for more, so join in this Sunday at 9!

Star of Hope: Saturday evening, October 16, we will be hosting a “Movie Night” at Star of Hope! We will have an opportunity to interact with the women and children, host a movie and provide some good food and fellowship! Should be a great night. Mark your calendars now to participate in this wonderful event as we show the love of Christ to some precious folks facing very difficult times.

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

October 10 – Continuing sermon series on the “Fruits of the Spirit”. This Sunday, Be Kind! Wouldn’t everyone like their lives to marked by things like love, joy, peace, patience? Invite friends, co-workers and neighbors for this very important series! 10:00am service
October 10 – “Take it to the Limit” Bible study 6:30pm
October 10 – “Game Plan for Life” Men’s Bible study 8:30am
October 10 – Philippians – Ladies Bible study 9:00am
October 16 – Star of Hope “Movie Night” 7:00 pm
November 1 – Texans watch party – Monday Night Football!!!

Music: Do you sing or play an instrument? We want you to serve the Lord with your talent at CrossBridge. Please contact Kyle Mathis so he can incorporate you in the worship services. Thank you! Also, be sure to thank all of the great folks involved in our music ministry for the hours and dedication they give to help our church. How privileged we are to have such wonderful music each Sunday.

Facebook: Are you on Facebook? Join our group page and let’s get the discussion started! www.facebook.com/crossbridgechurch

Website: Be sure to check out our website as we continue to update and add information. www.crossbridgechurch.us Pass that link along to a friend and invite them to give us a try!

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor