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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. 

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?

I’d love to hear your feedback on this. It is because of feedback that I’m making changes to better serve those who get my emails. I want to ensure I’m being most efficient with the info shared, that I cover any gaps, and that I make meaningful changes per feedback received. We can assume we are doing stellar at communicating info but that is only confirmed through your input!

Remember, here's what's amazing: our God chose to enter in and experience affliction, suffering, pain, poverty, rejection, and death. And the good news is that he has been where we are, he has been through where we are going, he conquered death, so that he's alive to help. Then as we learn and grow, we can be a help to others.

The Athens Missions Team safely returned from Greece in mid-July. The team was able to see many sights and enjoyed connecting with Stonebridge Global Partners, Larry and Jill Couch. Most importantly, they were able to experience God working in them, and in the people they connected with and ministered to. 

Over the last year as we have been discussing intentional discipleship churchwide there has also been pause and consideration what specifically does this mean for student ministry. The “what” we do and “why” are important given the limited time each week we have with students.

This past week I've had a front row seat to another student stepping out in faith to lead his fellow peers during our Sunday night high school Bible study. I have been continually encouraged by the willingness of high school students to learn and grow in leading their peers. What is behind this and how do we get behind them?

For last week’s equipping spotlight I shared about our experience at Morgan Creek park as “doers of the word” in some practical prayer, care, and share ways. I also noted that what we learned from that experience, including suggested changes from the students, would then be applied again this past week. This second time at Morgan Creek park included some new and welcomed experiences and even more learning in our journey to engage others in spiritual conversations.

If you are a Christian, there will be times in your life that are hard. People will make fun of you, think less of you, or even verbally and physically assault you, just because you are a Christian. Your children might give you a lot of trouble after you sacrificed a lot to raise them. We can all fill in the blank, “I am afflicted because...” As a Christian, you will expect to experience some level of affliction in your life. We are not greater than Jesus and should expect the same hatred he faced as we live our lives for him.

I didn't fully know what to expect for Challenge 2024. Being a "newbie" attender to the conference, all I had to go off of was the testimony of those leaders/students who attended in the past, including my own kids. The feedback historically has always been positive. However, as first-timers to the conference, Jill Louzek and I, the 2 adults that accompanied 21 students, can confidently say that we'll promote the Challenge conference in the future.