Exciting Events Coming to CrossBridge!

July 10 – A day of testimony with Pastor Maulsby’s brother and sister-in-law
In 2005, my sister-in-law, Debbie Maulsby, was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which she contracted from a blood transfusion years before. Since that time, she has been through treatment twice for the disease, once unsuccessfully in 2006 and again beginning last year. Please join us on Sunday morning, July 10, as Debbie and her husband, Ken, describe the trials, lessons and blessings they've experienced and how their dependence upon God has brought them closer to Him. You will be amazed by her strength, brutal honesty and faith, and there is no question Debbie's story will encourage you in whatever trials you face today. To find out more about Debbie and her story, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/debbiemaulsby. We look forward to seeing you there.

September 30 – October 1 – Courageous Father’s Weekend

October 7-9 - Women of Joy Conference in San Antonio


God Bless America!

This week’s note was written Thursday evening. Longer than usual, but I hope you’ll give it a read. Today I heard the most beautiful rendition of "God Bless America". To be sure, I've heard the song many times performed beautifully by choirs, friends and professionals. But this time was different.

Today we were not gathered in a plush, large arena, or a beautiful, stained glass cathedral. The voices were not trained, strongly supported or completely controlled. The notes were not timed correctly or perfectly tuned. If it had been recorded, iTunes wouldn't bother making it available, and it sure wouldn't land an opportunity on "American Idol".

No, today's renditions didn't make the news -- locally or nationally. Crowds didn't camp out the night before to insure a front row seat. No one demanded an encore.

So, "what was so special" you ask? Why was today the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard?

Today the song was sung in the cathedral of a small, open air seating area at the Houston National Cemetery. The gray clouds hid the brightness and the heat of the sun. The trees served as a lush background. The multitude of flags fluttering in the breeze brought an added dimension of color and beauty.

The voices were rough, often weak and wobbled uncontrollably. These were the voices of men; men who have walked the jungle terrain of Vietnam, and fought the enemy in Korea, eaten the dust of Iraq and felt the searing heat of a summer in Afghanistan. Most bore the weight of brothers lost in war and lost as POW's.

We were gathered to honor the life of two homeless Veterans. Please, take a moment and reflect on those two words: homeless veterans. Anything about that cause you acid reflux? Keeps me up at night. But that is a story for a different day. These two veterans, aged 79 and 60, wore the uniform of our country, fought for our liberty, and died homeless and alone. One was a veteran of Vietnam, the other of Korea. Both were someone's son. Both died homeless. Did I mention that these two brave warriors died homeless? One drove a truck, one was an ac repairman, and they both died homeless.

So here we were, the "Rolling Thunder", some representatives of our regional VA center, and a few others of us from across the city, all joined together for the purpose of giving a proper burial to two brave, homeless veterans.

And together we sang, "God Bless America." Many couldn't make it through the song. At first, eyes watered, then when the words could no longer flow, the tears did. "God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her..." That was about as far as some of us got.

The next time you hear that song, it could be that strikingly powerful rendition by Celine Dion or the nostalgic recording of Kate Smith. Maybe it will be a large, well-trained choir that will put Goosebumps on your Goosebumps. Enjoy it. Embrace it. But remember the men and women who paid the price, willingly making the sacrifice that you could experience "From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam!" And today, particularly, I plead with you: remember those who once bravely fought for our freedom, but today live -- and die -- alone.

God bless America, my home, sweet home.

See you Sunday!


REVIVE Student Bible Study - Each week we have some fun and spend some time in the Word. Last night we met at church, tossed the football around a bit, had some pretty good cookies, and talked about – purgatory?! And this Sunday we will have a Bible study just for our students at 9:00 am!

Men’s Bible Study – Sunday Mornings @ 9AM. Men, join as go through this discipleship program on Sundays! It’s a great study, so come on guys, take the lead and get your week started right in the Word!

Ladies Bible Study - Beth Moore "Believing God" continues this Sunday at 9am
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Beth explores what it means not only "to believe in God" but "to believe Him." The bride of Jesus Christ in our generation is nearly paralyzed by unbelief. God is calling His bride to a fresh and lavish anointing of faith. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others as examples of persons who believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him.

Pray for our Church Family in the Military:
Ben McMillen, U.S. Air Force, California
Gordon Schultz, U.S. Navy, Norfolk, VA on the USS George H.W. Bush
Sean Weda, U.S. Marines, Afghanistan
Brian Tiner (brother of Trena Dowell), U.S. Air Force, Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX

Adopted Family Update: Recently our church adopted a family from Tennessee that is here in the Houston area, likeley for up to a year, awaiting a double lung transplant for their one-year old daughter. Follow the link for an update on the situation. Please join is in prayer and support for this wonderful young family. www.crossbridgechurch.us/adopted_family

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 in Prayer:
John Brooks, Tomball Hospital
Cat’s son
Calvin & Tina Jamerson, health issues
Brenda Capps’ mother
CrossBridge students

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