I know a precious little girl whose attitude toward God was very stiff-necked just last summer, but who is now, by God’s grace, sweetly tender-hearted toward her Savior. This story is especially delightful to me, because it’s about my 4-year-old granddaughter. Her name is Evelyn. And I particularly want to share this with you, my church family, because Evelyn is one of “my two”

I'm not sure where he's at spiritually, but Baxter has a Bible now. Just in case he gets curious about the God that blessed him with that miracle.

There was a time we threw $5-10 into the plate and watched it travel down the pew wondering why we just gave up our hard-earned cash. We gave somewhat begrudgingly and without much joy.

For the past six weeks on Sunday mornings, we've been diving into "The Gospel at Work," exploring how the truths we celebrate together on Sunday apply to the daily grind of our workweek. We've tackled topics like "True Success", "Balance" and "Witnessing in the Workplace". Each week we have been reminded that the gospel of Jesus changes everything which means that we are called to be obedient to our calling as Christians in our words and actions - even when it means stepping out in boldness and taking risks. 

I have to admit that I am frequently tempted towards discouragement when ministering the gospel to others given my desire to see change happen (a good thing) on my timeline (a not so good thing) and also with my specific strategies at play (a good and bad thing). There are counseling situations that are so complex and require the “long haul” perspective, that is, setting aside a desired or forced timeline to finish the counseling season to trust increasingly in the Spirit to work at some undefined time in the future. So how do we navigate these types of situations with faithfulness?

A Growth Group is 2 to 4 women meeting regularly with openness and vulnerability, to encourage one another to grow in becoming more like Jesus. They are designed for women to talk with one another about how what they are learning is directly impacting, challenging, and encouraging them in their walk with Jesus. It is so encouraging to hear how women’s lives are being transformed by these intimate groups filled with sisters in Christ spurring each other on.

As you reflect back on this past week, or month, it doesn’t take too long before you’re reminded that many people in your spheres of influence are facing trials. Many times these are situations that are over their head and the circumstances surrounding them are often complex. Life is hard and at the same time our God is always good and faithful though it all. When life gets hard, “counseling” is often mentioned as a default. How do we guide people to the next best step when life gets hard?

One of 'my two" came to know the Lord! What a prize for heaven.

In December 2023 when the Widows and Widowers group met, Angie Happel introduced the group to the book Seasons of Sorrow. She read chapter 9 “My Manifesto.” In this chapter Tim confirms that he will not be defined by his son’s untimely death. Nick Challies, Tim's oldest child and only son, died on November 3, 2020, while participating in a sporting event.

This past summer, Corina Blue and her daughter Ava first came through the doors of Stonebridge. Being new to Iowa, moving from the West Coast, everything about their visit was new to them, including relationships.

When I first considered joining my men’s groups, I wasn’t sure I could fit them into my schedule. But after being part of a couple, I’d highly recommend anyone of faith who isn’t currently in a group or Bible study to reach out and join one. Now, instead of wondering if I have time for them, I make time.

Growing up going to Stonebridge, I always got to see the many different ways people served around me and how they were faithful to their calling from God. Having the privilege to serve alongside them throughout high school was a real blessing. It was these experiences that I had growing up that helped me to transition to help minister to others once I got to college in Ames. 

Sometimes you just don't know who God will put in your path or for what reason, but when He does, trust Him!

Aging is mandatory and as hard as we try no one can avoid it. However, aging faithfully is optional. Getting older is one of life’s journeys all of us take and aging faithfully doesn’t happen by chance; it requires intentional work involving our heart; our head; and our hands.

When we first started coming to Stonebridge 10 years ago, I was a mom to a 3-year-old, 2-year-old, and newborn and my husband was only able to make it home a couple of days a month. As you can imagine, those days were long and challenging. One of the things that kept me going, was looking forward to church on Sunday. The hour of somebody else pouring love into my kids was much needed for them and me...

Earlier this year we welcomed our second child and just shy of two weeks later my dad unexpectedly died. We were in shock and were in the stage of sleeplessness newborn baby life. I was overwhelmed, in shock, and really needed some support. Thankfully the Care Team came alongside us....

Taking risks is intimidating, but we can confidently move forward knowing that while we may be taking the risk, God ultimately opens doors and pursues hearts.

Creating opportunities and equipping young people to own different parts of ministry doesn’t come easy. Further, there is the temptation to overrun them while they are getting started in doing the work of the ministry. In general, every parent-guardian has a similar temptation with responsibilities they turn over to their young person at home. What might we do as young people are growing and learning through their initial experiences to encourage them in the journey rather than overrun their efforts?