Harvest Party Pictures

The 1st Harvest party for the Bridge was sucessful!
We had a few first time families join us for service
and then we a had a family come just for the lunch
and the party! They had picked up a postcard from
the community center inviting them to a
FREE Harvest celebration!



We decided we did not care if they came to church
or just to party we wanted the community to
know we were there!









Bobbing for apples was a HUGE hit!
There was ring toss and a ball drop,
face painting and more.....







A parade of costumes which led them right outside for our
first annual Trunk or Treat! The weather was absolutly perfect for the Last Sunday in October.

The Logo

Thought you might like to see.......

The business cards are done; and we have a lot.

We are looking into shirts and letterhead.......

the signs have been done for several weeks now

and as of today have been sent to channel 6 in

Romeo so all will begin to see and know

He who is the way......

Thanks for praying for The Bridge

Native American masks

The 5th grade class with Mrs. Bely at
Amanda Moore made native American masks
last week




















they use old milk cartons, cut them to
fit their faces, then used masking tape
to cover them and make it look like
Hodge podge almost, next they took
shoe polish and turned them brown or
black and finished by decorating them
with many different types of materials.
Pip cleaners, feathers, dried grass,
corn husks etc.....




















This was Noahs finished product.

An end to 9th grade soccer

Well it is not looking like a great haircut right now
but a few of the boys did mohawks for the last game,
however he is NOT allowed to wear it like this to school.

















Way to go Romeo Freshman soccer.
19 games, 2 losses, 1 tie ,16 wins.
54 goals for Romeo, 14 goals every one else.
Zach scored 4! Look out next year when
they are JV!

Party Weekend!

Hey, all friends of The Bridge!

This is a special weekend in the life of our new church. We will be having an open house for all, beginning with our service at The Romeo Community Center at 10:10 on Sunday. Directly following we will be serving lunch for everyone, then going directly into our Harvest Party for kids ages newborn-5th grade. There will be face painting, games and prizes, trunk or treat in the parking lot, along with lots of other special events for our kids and their families.

Later that evening, from 5 to 8 PM we will host a Masquerade Party for teens (6th-12th grade) at our house at 76976 Mary Grace. If you take Van Dyke north turn right on Elise (across from 36 mile, Bruce Meadows sub) and follow it to the end, our house is the one you'll be looking at when you get to the end of Elise. Join us for a bonfire and smores, Dance Dance Revolution, video game, ping pong, foosball competitions (prizes are gift cards to Game Crazy/Hollywood Video), and lots of food and fun.

If you know a family that does not go to church anywhere, let them know about this weekend. It's family friendly, and it's so we can make contact with as many unchurched as possible. Don't let this opportunity get away.

As a sidelight, Matt injured his knee recently (playing basketball, what else) and has had an MRI. He is going to the doctor Thursday afternoon to discover what the damage is. Please pray for good news and quick recovery.

As the year goes on, we would also like to challenge friends of The Bridge to consider supporting us in this ministry. As the Lord blesses you, would you like to help us in our ministry? God has supplied every need we have had so far, and He will continue to be faithful. If you are already a part of a local church, support in whatever ways you can. If you would like to support a mission-oriented work in Romeo, consider The Bridge! Hope to see you this weekend. Matt, Joelle, the boys, and The Bridge

Masquerade party!

Join us for a Masquerade party!
The Mabeys 76976 Mary Grace, Romeo
Food, games, bonfire,music, including a live band!!!!!
Sunday October 29th 5 o’clock pm
Prizes for best costume, least expensive costume, Dance, Dance revolution contest, ping-pong, bobbing for Apples, Karaoke and more….
Call for more details or to RSVP 586-337-0782 or 586-337-0783

Harvest party @ the Bridge

Newborn through 5th grade
Join us for a Harvest Party - Sunday October 29th – 12:00 noon
At the Romeo Community Center, 361 Morton Street (families welcomed)
Lunch, Games, Face painting, Hay ride, Trunk or treat, bobbing for apples,
and much more.
Admission: 1 Bag of candy.
Sponsored by the Bridge: A new church in Romeo
Currently meeting at the Romeo Community Center 10:10 am Sunday mornings
Call Pastor Matt 586-337-0782 for more info or to RSVP

We all influence people.....

We all influence people, whether we recognize it or not.

Whether you help lead your family, your church ministry, a bible study, or in the workplace — you find ways to follow Jesus’ example of how to influence people in ways that will make a lasting difference.

Become more intentional about how we influence and lead others, not because we have to, but because we want to, not because it is our Christian obligation, but because it brings great meaning and joy to our lives. Not because of duty, but because of love.

Let’s be women of conviction and passion. Let’s intentionally influence others because it is a high calling and a part of our predesigned purpose.

"Care for the flock that God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example." — 1 Peter 5:2-3

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Aaron is officially a teenager.......
can you believe it? We now have
two teenagers living in our house.

At 4:20 this afternoon, we officially
allowed him to call himself a teen.
I wanted him to be 12 for as
long as I could swing it. He did however
have a party on Friday with several
of his friends, with a bon fire, pizza,
Smores and a sleep over!

When he was born he weighed in at
7 pounds 6ounces 19 inches long.
Today he is 5 foot 7 maybe taller,
and 165 pounds. How it happened?
I have no idea!

He is loving playing football and yes!
still sleeps with that football in his arms.
who knows someday he may be playing
in the NFL. He was thrilled earlier this
summer when he got to go to Steeler
training camp with my uncles Keith and
Kevin, so who knows maybe someday he
will be a super bowl champion.
Today he is my champion! He is a great kid,
who loves life, Jesus, his family and his friends.
He makes sure to show it and tell you every day!

I tell him every day several times a day
how much I love him and very proud I am
to be his mom, but wanted to tell others on
this his special day!

AARON YOUR THE BEST!

love,
mom

Believe it or not......

Zach gets a haircut


































Okay, so here is how it happened.....

Zach gets home from school Wednesday and says.
"mom will you take me to get a haircut? "

Here is the dilemma, It is Wednesday, Shelley only does hair
Tuesday and Thursday, and generally not with out an appointment

two: Matt is not home he is picking Aaron up
from football practice and Noah and Micah are home
and can't be left by themselves.

I quick call Matt "hurry and get home Zach wants to get haircut"
He gets home as quick as possible and Zach and I are off....

You have to understand the last few times I have asked him to
get his haircut it has resulted in a battle and usually a few tears
even though it has only been an inch or two.

I still have not said anything a few inches is better than none.

I take him to grondins where his stylist is busy and can not take him but
he opts for the other girls whom we have never had before.
She cuts his hair, and I do mean cuts it.....

Now I think he is extremely handsome with long hair or short
but these are the only photos I could get before he started say saying,
Mom.... I am going to delete your pictures if you do not stop!
So you will have to wait until a later posts to see the finished product.

Crazy Weather

only in Michigan,
last week this beautiful rainbow
right over our house.

this week, with Aaron's birthday on Sunday .....SNOW!
......... never in 12 years has it snowed around his birthday,















yes! That is snow!
at about 9:30 Thursday morning it began to snow,
by 11:30 we had an inch!

Only in Michigan.........

Back seat, Front seat, Bumper

There he was, dangling from the bumper of a Chevy Truck. Not a care in the world, and a perpetual smile on his face. Who, might you ask, am I talking about? Well, driving to work the other day I pulled in behind this guy in his truck, and noticed that someone had tied Cookie Monster to the back bumper of his truck. There he was swinging away, and for a moment I was wishing I could switch places with him. Let me explain.

When I was young, I remember a night after my parents had picked me up from somewhere and, tired as I was, I laid down in the backseat of the car (before the days of seatbelt laws) to rest. I didn't fall asleep, but I remember having this feeling overtake me of complete safety and security. I was in the back, enjoying the ride, my father in the front, taking the responsibility of the wheel, and the family, and the home, and on and on. There comes a time in all of our lives when we move from the back seat to the front seat. For most of us, the thrill of getting our driver's license doesn't necessarily put us in the front seat automatically. The front seat comes with marriage, and kids, and jobs. With each we are ushered into adulthood, and the seat switching takes place. For many of us, there are times in our lives that we struggle in the front seat, wanting in some way to cast off the responsibility of all that comes with being an adult in our culture. Life has gotten so complicated, that the front seat seems much more like an airplance cockpit with all its levers and dials we know nothing about. In some cases, we meet people who have tried the cockpit, only to break under its pressure, and "check-out" of their responsibilities, only to leave behind broken relationships in family and friendships. Regardless of our frustration with those we see who check-out, all of us at times struggle with being in the front seat.

Jesus says to all of us in the front seat, "Come to me, all you who have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." I like the bumper sticker that states, "If God is your co-pilot, you need to switch seats". These are reminders to us that no matter how many responsibilities we may have today, the strength to meet these ultimately does not come from the sweat of our brow or the size of our bank account, but rather from a God who brings rest to the weary, and strength to those who feel they may faint. It is only by His strength that we can sit in the front seat at all, so we must rely on Him by greater and greater degrees as the front seat turns into a cockpit.

But back to Cookie Monster. Neither in the front or back seat, Cookie has chosen the ride of his life. Exhilarating, exciting, a bit scary. But he can't take the smile off of his face. A few times in my life I have taken a ride like that. The first time I flew, I couldn't take the stupid looking grin off of my face the whole time. The first time I jumped off a cliff into the Atlantic Ocean, I came up out of the water with a big, cheesy, seaweed smile. So, since our children are in the back seat, and God is our driver, maybe its time for us to spend a little more time on the bumper. What do I mean?

"(By faith they)...Conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword... These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what was promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

Maybe were trying to get to the wrong spot in the church today. It seems that more and more Christians want to find their way to the backseat, in order to be safe rather than faithful. God seems to reward bumper riders. I have found that being on the bumper, while just a bit scary, is actually the times I have felt the greatest joy as a follower of Christ. But what do I know, I'm...Just Thinking.

matt

Prayer time

A good friend and Mentor prayed for me Sunday..... Dee and Dick Sochaki of http://www.barnabas-ministries.com/were with us this past Sunday as an encouragement for the Bridge, acting like a district superintendent would, they prayed for the Church and the leadership team. Dee had these words for me.....

My daughter.. Do not call to mind former things or ponder the things of the past... Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth... Will you not be aware of it?.... I have called you by my name.. .....So do not fear... You are mine... You are precious in my sight.... I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.... Your walls are continually before me.... As you stand along side your husband, the spirit of the Lord will rest on you... He will grace you with wisdom and understanding, consel, strength, and knowledge....

I am the lord that heals you, I am aware of all that is in your heart... Come to me..... I fill you overflowing with my love, joy and peace.

The Lord is for you......Joelle. He is Good!

2 Corinthians 4:18

A young woman named Minda Cox, was born in India eighteen years ago without arms or legs. After learning about her, her soon-to-be mom began to secure her adoption. It took longer than they hoped because Minda could not provide a fingerprint for her legal papers or passport.

Minda is a budding artist. She cradles a brush between her chin and shoulder-she paints with such talent that her art is worthy of her own show. Though her artistry is impressive, what really inspired me was the list her mom found in her backpack when she was in the fourth grade. It contained 127 things she would do if she had arms or legs. Things like: set her own alarm clock, make the sign of the cross, walk where there aren't sidewalks, jump with joy and clap her hands...be tall.

Minda’s purpose in life..... Minda said her purpose is to show that God is good all the time, even when it doesn't look like it. Minda is guided by the unseen. She truly, even in a wheel chair, walks by faith and not by sight.

Faith is a journey, a bumpy road at times where we embrace what we can't understand- believe what we can’t see. In George MacDonald's tale, The Princess and the Goblin, faith is portrayed by “following an invisible thread.” After Princess Irene rescued Curdie from the goblins cave by following her grandmother's thread, she pled with her companion to see what guided them; "There! - don't you see it shining on before us?' she added. 'I don't see anything,' persisted Curdie. 'Then you must believe without seeing,' said the princess; 'for you can't deny it has brought us out of the mountain."

Just like the skeptical character in MacDonald's fairy tale, most of the time we don’t see either. God's ways seem obscure to us. Yet we follow and trust and recognize that He has “brought us out of the mountain” of our hopelessness, darkness and despair. To follow and trust even when we can't trace His path is to believe without seeing. It is the difference between being governed by revelation rather than mere reason alone.

As George Macdonald put it, “Seeing is not believing - it is only seeing. “the real triumph of this life is to understand that “Believing is seeing!” Like precious Minda, when we trust God to act with goodness, we see His goodness. When we believe God to be faithful, we see His faithfulness. When we are convinced that God is love, then we see His love everywhere.

The walk of faith requires following even when we can't see or understand. Zora Neal Hurston said: "Faith ain’t got no eyes, but she’s long legged!” It's true. One step at a time, we trust God more than we trust our feelings. One step at a time, we receive what we can't reckon. One step at a time, we accept what we cant avoid.

As I believe Him to provide and guide, I see his leadership and provision. As I trust Him to comfort and teach me, I feel His Hand and hear His voice. I think that Minda has followed the same thread and she has been led out of a mountain of sorrow and gloom.

Thomas heard the voice of Jesus while he touched Christ’s nail scarred hands, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." I want that blessing. To see because I believe, don’t you?

Trust him more today than you did yesterday. If you can't understand, just keep following. Though it may be dark right now, you will see that eventually He has led you out of the mountain! "Let us step into the darkness and reach out for the hand of God. The path of faith and darkness is so much safer than the one we would choose by sight." George MacDonald

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

joelle

Do you ever question God?

Do you ever question God? Then get this answer?

I tell you honestly (for I am God who cannot lie) that I am with you!

I know what you have gone through and what you are currently facing.

Refuse to be overwhelmed with the things that you must consider at this time, but rather be My brave-heart, and yield totally to the moving of My Spirit. For, certainly, I will move you to a place closer to Me where you will abide in peace.

Trust Me completely and you will come through this time with ease, says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 13:11

Yesterday was a tough day........But I will continue to trust in MY GOD.......
pray for my extended family in the days following and be sure to tell your
loved ones about the love of Jesus before you run out of time.

Way to go Noah!

It was a great week for the Mabey boys!

Noah scored his first goal of this season!

recap .....Tuesday Aaron scores his first touchdaown ever!

Tuesday afternoon Zach scores his 2nd goal of freshman

soccer this season, on a breakaway playing defense,

Tuesday evening Micah scores his first goal of the season,

and last night, Friday, Noah scores his first goal of the season!

He is God!

He is the First and Last, The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...

unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The
people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,

The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,

the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the
overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
and that means all is well with my soul.

Football Firsts.....

First run from the locker room















first time on the field















first kick off, that is Aaron kicking the ball















first tackle















second tackle (okay that is a bit much I guess)
there should also be a first touchdown for Aaron!
Yes he scored a touchdown.....:) we were all thrilled!
But Aaron the most......

Final score Romeo Middle scool 20- Lanse Cruese South 12

Welcome to The Bridge!

Setting up before service involved getting all
the wires up on the ceiling before someone gets hurt.
So there is zach..... At one point he is hangin on
to the rafter while someones moves the ladder
underneath him....... no stress for his mother:)















We had plenty of coffee, donuts and fruit to
go around......




















Welcome to the Bridge, we are so glad
you chose to worship with us!

Here at the Bridge we do things a little different,
but hang on and you may find you enjoy the ride.....















We worship every Sunday at the Romeo Community
Center on Morton street at 10:10 AM.















Come on in and join us......
































You will find a little something for every one















find out more about The Bridge at
http://lifeoverthebridge.com

Leather works

Matt was invited to "Leather Works", a motorcylce shop in downtown Washington, a few weeks ago by an accaquiantance of old. They were having an event this past Saturday, Sept 23rd as a fundrasier and asked Matt to come and pray before the ride. He was out of his comfort zone to say the least, Angelo went with Matt and they prayed for those that came to ride before they headed out and maybe more seeds were sown..... Theresa and Gus Chrouch (it was Theresa brother we were raising money for) showed up at "The Bridge" Sunday for our launch service and said they would be back!!!!!!!

From the Imperfect

When I admit to the core of my being that my performance will never measure up to God's standard, then I can quit trying to make myself good enough and concentrate instead on having a relationship with him. Everything- absolutely everything- from my tendency to try be "perfect" to why the bees won't leave my NEW HOUSE alone- is acceptable to talk to him about. And everything - absolutley everything - is reason to give him thanks and praise!

A relationship based on love for who I am and grace in spite of what I do causes me to melt in gratitude, humility, and tenderness. When I know that God looks beyond my performance to the woman he loves, I can't help but to sink into his embrace, recognizing yet again that it is this for which I thirst.

Joelle

Football photos.....

Aaron has his first football scrimmage
this coming Monday, but according
to him, he had to bring the uniform home
on Friday to wash it, and really I should
have taken a before wash picture and
an after 3 washes picture, and yes! Bleach
all three times.....Nasty is what it was, but
those darn pants are white now, until
Monday that is. So..... until the official game
day which is not until Sept. 24 here is what
the little darling looks like in part of his
uniform. A far cry from diapers and cute
little bib overalls!

Mustangs Win 3-1!

Micahs team for AYSO is called the " yellow mustangs"
Today was there first game! Micah played his little
heart out, and was very pleased with the out come.
Looks good doesn't he? Maybe he will be playing for
the high school someday.......okay I really don't want
to think about that yet......

Laughter is Loving

Our God loves to hear his children loving him. When we are seeking after the joy of his heart-then we laugh. We laugh in the right place, at the right time. God's perfect timing! God's grace is that incredible element in our lives that allows us somehow to pass through devastation, poverty, embarrassment, heartache or grief and somehow- in his time- stand on the other side grinning, because his "grace is sufficient"

I've seen joy return again and again. I've watched the tears, I've shed the tears- but I've also heard the laughter, I've laughed.... The laugh of those who have suffered the loss of home, the pain of abuse, the anguish of divorce, the loneliness of rejection,of moving away, the loss of friends, and even the loss of a child..... They are testaments that his grace is indeed sufficient, and they have found joy and laughter once again_ sometimes after believing it was gone forever.

Laughter is the indication that life will go on - the darkness will pass. God's sweet hands of mercy and grace brush away fears and rejoicing comes in the morning. (psalms 30:5)

joelle

The Lord Of Change

Not all change is by choice. A marriage dissolves. Cherished friendships change in character or another person's choice cuts directly across our own, bringing us where we never wanted to be. A career change, voluntary or involuntary, may disrupt our lives. Financial losses sweep away our props. Even geograpy changes can be disorienting....

For the Christian then, the question is VITAL: Is our God the Lord of change? Will he be with us in change? Especially when it strains our trust to its limit? Ironically, while we trust Him with our eternal fate, we may find it difficult to trust him for the next month's car payment, new relationship or an unexpected turn in our lives.

in the kaleidoscope whirl of our life patterns, it can be enormously reassuring to remind ourselves that God is unchanging: "I the lORD do not change" Malachi 3:6

joelle

Hello from The Bridge

This past week we met for the first time in the Romeo Community Center at 361 Morton Street. If you need directions for future Sundays, take 32 Mile Road west off of M-53, go through town, and make a right on Morton Street about 1/4 mile past Main Street. We had a great service together as we continue to get to know each other and acquaint ourselves with the building. We will meet one more time this Sunday to settle in before our grand opening on September 24th. We are looking forward to a great Sunday. Please let someone who doesn't have a church home know about us. Our web-site address is http://www.lifeoverthebridge.com/. They can also email me at
matt@lifeoverthebridge.com. I hope you are reading my weekly devotional either through email or on the web-site. If you know of anyone who would like to receive information on The Bridge, feel free to send us their address, so we can add them to our mailing list.
We are still searching for items to assist us with our initial needs. We need everything from coffee and snack prep items to nursery toys and furniture. Let us know if you can help us with this.
A great step we have recently taken is the donation and purchase of a projection system and a computer program that will allow us to project our songs, announcements, and sermon outline for The Bridge. Jason Garvan and Angelo Trevato are hard at work learning the program and hardware. They are doing an awesome job and will be ready for the 24th.
Please continue to pray for the development of the ministries of The Bridge. We are searching for the right ministry opportunities to make an impact on children, youth, young adults, and hurting people. We want to reach out to these groups in our area. We have met so many over our time here, and know that a church that seeks to reach them will flourish.
Thanks for praying for The Bridge.

Hope to see you on the 24th.

Matt and Joelle

"The Groan Heard Round the World!"

Maybe your day is going great. Maybe you've just gotten some good news, and you're on cloud nine. Count yourself doubly blessed, because today there are many who will not have a good 24 hours. In fact, if you hear it as a sound, this day may hold a collective groan for our nation, due to the fact that today is the 5th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Today many try to make it through their days without breaking down, for today is the memory of a lost loved one, lost while the world looked on and mourned for so many who would not make it out of the tower, whose plane would never reach its destination. Today pilots climb into their cockpit seats, feeling just a bit differently about their day to day jobs. Firemen and policemen recall their fallen comrades. Today flags fly at half mast, media outlets memorialize, reminding us to remember that which we wish we could forget. Today is a day of groans, many audibly, but most so deep that they never reach our lips, but rather they exist in a much more difficult place, the recesses of our hearts.

There was another groan, deeper than deep, lonelier that loneliness itself, on a hill 2,000 years ago This groan came from a heart that was about to burst, for it held within it every groan of mine, every groan of yours, every groan of everyone. It was the groan of sin...our sin...my sin...your sin. And it was for a brief but terrible span held within the heart of the God-man. Jesus, the one whose groan was heard round the world. A prophet named Isaiah said hundred of years before Jesus death that he would "bear our sorrows". The groan on the cross was a groan for all the brokenness humanity has ever felt and ever will feel. If we think September 11 is hard for us, multiply the groan of this day by every day that ever was. Collect all the groans of starving children, lonely widows, battered spouses. Collect all the groans of nightmares, fears,tears, hurts, and broken dreams. Collect them all, pile them together, and hang them upon a tree. Then take God and hang Him up amidst all of these groans. Mix a righteous man with all the unrighteousness of the world. Is it any wonder the sky darkened and the ground shook.

But He groaned for you. He groaned for me. What then is today a day for? Yes, it is for mourning, but it can be for so much more. A groan can give way to a cry. The groan of Jesus turned into a shout of victory, for this man, cut down by whip, nail, and thorn, cut down by death itself, could not be held down by this death. So our groan turns to a cry. A cry for help. A cry for deliverance from our groaning. Third Day, in their song, "Cry Out to Jesus" reminds us that mourning can indeed turn to dancing, a groan of despair can turn to joy, because God was willing to groan, deep within His heart of love, that His love would conquer all of our groaning.

To everyone who's lost someone they loveLong before it was their timeYou feel like the days you had were not enoughwhen you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and painsKeeping you back from your lifeYou believe that there's nothing and there is no oneWho can make it right
There is hope for the helplessRest for the wearyLove for the broken heartThere is grace and forgivenessMercy and healingHe'll meet you wherever you areCry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang onThey lost all of their faith in loveThey've done all they can to make it right againStill it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chainsYou try to give up but you come back againJust remember that you're not alone in your shameAnd your suffering
When your lonely And it feels like the whole world is falling on youYou just reach out, you just cry out to JesusCry to Jesus
To the widow who struggles with being aloneWiping the tears from her eyesFor the children around the world without a homeSay a prayer tonight

(c) 2005 Consuming Fire Music / ASCAP. All rights administered by EMICMG Publishing. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The groan heard round the world. Yeah...today is hard. But take heart...and cry out to Jesus.

Romeo wins 3-1

The Romeo freshman had their first home game
at Barnabo Field today! Zach scored the first
goal of the game! He also had an assist in the
second half. They won today 3-1. It was their
first win of the season (1-2).
They played Malow jr high Tuesday (l3-4)
and Jeannete on Thursday (l2-3) but today
things looked better.....Romeo is the red and
white team. Zach is the one in the middle
of all the action. Thanks to Randy Hall for
the photos cause the mom did not bring her
camera today....... it was raining.....I know, no excuse.
I'd say we are off to a great start. As a treat, Zach
got to go have breakfast with Randy and Jude
after the game......Thanks for your friendship you two!
We are looking forward to many more years.....

Freshman Soccer

Zach is a 9th grader, and has been
playing soccer since he was about
six or seven.....he is now a freshman
at Romeo High school and playing
soccer for them. The Bulldogs had
their first game last night and it was
great. They lost to Malow
5-4 but Malow had played once
already and won 5-3, we figure 5-4
is pretty admirable. The next game is
Thursday, come on out and cheer
them on we would love to have you.
Gooooo BULLDOGS!!!!!!!

Finally! Football!

First day of football forAaron, the 7th grader.
He has been waiting for this day since second grade!















He is number 87 but I was trying to get this
photo with out him being to mad at me.
If you live in our area and want to come see a game,
call or e-mail us and we will be happy to share the
scheduale with you.

Who is the church?

"What is the church?"
No.
"Who is the church?"

"And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn,
from among the dead, so that in everything he might have supremacy." Colossians 1:18

"After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the
church - for we are members of his body." Ephesians 5:29-30

Bread comes in a bag, but the bread is not the bag. A present comes wrapped and bowed, but the present is not the wrapper and bow. These two simple illustrations help to remind that the church is not a "what" (bag, wrapper, or building), but rather a "who" (Christ and His people). The apostle Paul, who wrote the words typed above, knew that while the physical body of Christ had suffered and died on a cross, and was risen from the grave; there was a spiritual body of Christ which includes any who have asked for forgiveness of sin and have committed to follow Christ. While this seems so concise and simple, many have forgotten that because of this, the church is taken with you 24/7, not left behind when a building is closed up for the week. The church, then, happens everyday over the water cooler and in the break room, at the bus stop and in the classroom, at bathtime and bedtime, in the boardroom and, believe it or not, in the restroom.
Jesus command is for us to "Go!" His church was to permeate all of society, making a difference in social cause, medicine, education, government, marketplace, home, etc. The body was not for congregating, but for infiltrating. The body is not a impenatrable building, but a vulnerable people. There will always be reason for us to come together, but we are not "church" because we come together. We are "church" because we are Christ's body. This means that Christ is still very much visible to the world. Christ is visible every time we do something in His name and for His kingdom. He is present in and through each one of us.
So, who do people see when they look at you? Do they see Christ? Do they see that the body of Christ, the church, is available to them other than on Sunday morning? Let's make this even more real. The last time you came into contact with an ignoramus, did they see Christ in you? Did that guy who cut you off on the highway see Christ in you? Did the village idiot see Christ in you? Will the next person you see after you've read this see Christ in you?
We have eternity to congregate; we've only a season to infiltrate. Just thinking, Matt

First Day of School!

It is the first day of school today!
The boys are being so good about
a new school. Noah ad Micah are
at Amanda Moore Elementary along
with many kids from the sub division.















Their day will start a lot earlier this year,
school begins at 8:20 and the bus comes at 7:30.
A big difference from the bus coming last year at
8:40 and school starting at 9 am.




















After a good breakfast of cereal and
eggs it was outside for a small game
of hoops in the driveway while they
wait for the bus. It is only a half day
today but I miss them already.
Lucky for me they boys are excited for
school. I on the other hand do not like the
first day of school. For me it means the
end of summer, the end of spending
my days with my kids, everything changes.
I know change is good but today when I
sent my kids off to their prospective schools
I had a 9th grade high schooler, a 7th grade
middle schooler 5th grader who is in his
last year of elementary school and a 2nd
grader....... where do the years go??????
Home schooling is looking better every year:)

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, lift off.........

We are launching! After a time of planning and praying, we are ready to go.

We would like to invite any who do not have a church home to join us for our opening service on Sunday, September 24th at 10:10 am. Our services will be located at the Community Center in Romeo. The address is 361 Morton Street. The Community Center is a prime location based on our commitment to be a bridge in Romeo and the surrounding communities. The Community Center houses Romeo Parks and Rec. and the Retirement Center. It is next door to the local access tv station for Romeo/Washington/Bruce, and is just off of the sports fields for Romeo High School. The leadership there has been extremely open and helpful to us, being used to having a church in its location, as two successful plants have utilized this building ever since it opened over ten years ago.

Besides inviting you to attend, we also need the help of many who are out there. Be praying for us, as we hope to reach the unreached families, young adults, teens, and children of our community by being biblical, incarnational, and relevant.

We also are looking for a variety of items that every church plant needs. If you would like to donate financially to help us with these purchases, we would certainly appreciate it. If you have any of the following items and are willing to donate them, please call us at (586-337-0782), and we can pick them up:

Coffee filters, Coffee cups, Coffee, Suga,r Napkins, Stirrers,
Laptop Computer, Portable crib, Changing table,Changing pads,
Wipes, Toys (age newborn to 5) Hand Sanitizer, Baby blankets,
Disinfectant, CD player, Newborn/children CD's, Diapers, Pull-ups,
Baby bouncers, Baby walkers, Christian dvd's for children, Christian Ed. curriculum (children)
Printing paper, Paper cutter, Pens and Pencils

Tell someone about The Bridge! Our web-site is up and running. You can find us at http://lifeoverthebridge.com

We hope to see you all soon...at The Bridge.

Matt and Joelle