FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Dear Church,

Disciples are not born. Disciples are made.

Our culture makes good consumers and spirited fans and proud club members. But God’s Church is in the industry of spiritual formation. According to Jesus, we are be a factory for producing big hearted, deep minded followers of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ final words to his followers:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

Did you notice the process for how people are integrated into God’s family. The Church “goes” (prevenient grace) beyond its walls, the Church helps people belong (justifying grace) through “baptism” and the Church instructs believers through “teaching” their minds and modeling “obeying” in their heart (sanctifying grace).

One of the most intentional ways we make disciples each year is through our confirmation ministry.

Led by CARB member, Annie Reynolds and guest teacher Kristofer Labenske, our 11 & 12 year-old students participate together in a series of 9 informative and fun classes about basic Christian beliefs and behavior. At the end they will be given an opportunity to "confirm" the faith into which they were previously baptized, or to be baptized as a brand new Christian through profession of faith.

This year's Confirmation ministry will begin on March 13 and is open to any 5th & 6th grace student (please click the image above to register). We will celebrate their confirmations on Sunday, May 19th - Pentecost Sunday.

I am grateful to be a part of a church that helps children, students & adults to grow as disciples.

Oh, and the final phrase Jesus' words are perhaps the most important of them all: He promised to be with us in our disciples making work.

With the help of God's Spirit, may we grow in mind and heart to love God and our neighbors, just as Jesus has loved us.

With hope,

Pastor Nathan

In Case You Missed it...Our 2023 Annual Report!

2023 Giving Statements

2023 was a record-breaking year in giving for our church! Thank you for trusting the Lord and going BEYOND in your giving this year. We will be sending 2023 Giving Statements in the mail in mid-January. This mailing will also include a BEYOND update. As usual, we will also be sending an email with a link to Church Community Builder where you can pull your own statement if you would like to do that. Please let the administration office know if your mailing address or email address has changed recently.

$5 Mission Challenges Feb. 4th - 24th

Welcome New Members!

We welcome the Shea family to the Church at Ross Bridge family! John is retired from the Steel industry, and Terry Co-Founded Wrapsody. They are originally from West Tennessee, and have one daughter who lives in Indiana and is a designer for Vera Bradley. John & Terry look forward to serving in the areas of: Usher , Holy Communion, Hospitality Team, and Annual Event Team. We are SO thrilled y’all are #ALLIN here at CARB!

We welcome Lane Langley to the Church at Ross Bridge family! Lane is retired from a career in Financial Services, and moved here from Oklahoma to be near his youngest of three sons and three of his five grandchildren. Lane survived his first Hampton’s Halloween, and is enjoying hauling his grandchildren around Ross Bridge in a six-passenger golf cart. Lane has already been active in the IGNITE men’s fellowship, and he looks forward to being involved with the BGs and serving in a variety of areas. We are so glad you are #ALLIN here at CARB!