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2426 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA 91784 Ph: 909.981.4848 Fax: 909.931.0498 Email: lbfchurch@lbfchurch.com Web: lbfchurch.com

Reaching Up. Reaching Out.February 2012

Find It Inside:

...on page 2Reaching Out: LBF Global

...on page 3Men’s Retreat

New Home Group Curriculum

CIA is Starting Up

...on page 4Worship Team Member Spotlight

...on page 5Neighbor Clean-Up Day

Legacy-Sponsored Events

...on page 6Do You Remember Your First Love?

...on page 7Exit 83 Youth Calendar

Rhythm or Rut?

The X FactorBy Dan Franklin, Pastor of Teaching

X Factor: A variable in a situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome.

For the majority of their history as a professional basketball team, the New Jersey Nets were bottom dwellers, constantly residing in last place. In the 2000-2001 season, their record was 26-56. Their players would hardly have been recognized by anyone other than hardcore Nets fans (of which there weren’t many). Amazingly, in the 2001-2002 season they experienced a historic turnaround. Their record was 52-30 and they reached the NBA Finals. At the time, it was the greatest single-season improvement in the history of the NBA.

The question is obvious: What could possibly have caused such a dramatic change? The answer was also obvious: Jason Kidd. Before the 2001-2002 season began, the Nets acquired Jason Kidd as their new point guard. When he joined the team, he turned no-names into all stars. He improved the players around him and also infused them with new confidence. It turned out that all the Nets needed was for one variable to enter into their equation. Jason Kidd was the x factor.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to a situation much more broken than the New Jersey Nets. He came to a world filled with pain and death. He entered into a human race marred by war and murder and divorce and abandonment. It would have seemed like a hopeless situation to anyone from the outside.

When Jesus came, it wasn’t simply so that he could give some good advice that would marginally improve the world. He came to change everything forever. He came to be the one whose life would mark the most important event in the history of the human race. Forever after, people would look back and say, “That is when everything changed for the better.” Jesus was the x factor.

In all of his New Testament letters, the Apostle Paul proclaims that Jesus is this x factor, the one who forever changed the fortunes of humanity for the better. Paul’s letter to the Colossians especially emphasizes this truth. In it Paul makes

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bold and sweeping claims about the uniqueness of Jesus. He calls him “the firstborn over all creation” (1:15). He says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (1:17). He claims that Christ is the one “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3). He tells us that “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (2:9). And he says that “Christ is all, and is in all” (3:11).

These are amazing claims about Jesus. They are either true or they are not; there’s no middle ground on the subject. If they are true, then Jesus has changed everything. We don’t need a whole bunch of wise teachers to tell us how to live life; Jesus is completely wise. We don’t need to find security in our bank account or our military; Jesus is completely powerful. We don’t need to perform some heroic act in order to be good enough for God; Jesus has completely redeemed us through his death and resurrection.

Paul sums up these implications when he says, “in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” In other words, “In Christ you have been made complete.”

For nine weeks leading up to Easter we will study the first two chapters of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. As we walk through this letter you will be confronted with the sweeping truths of uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He is truly the x factor – there is no one like him. You also will be encouraged with the ways that Jesus came as a servant to bring hope and life to broken human beings like you and me. Join us for this series, which will be filled with genuinely good news.

Reaching Out: LBF GlobalMinistry Along the AmazonBy Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

For a number of years, LBF has partnered with Vine House Church in supporting a ministry along the Amazon River. The gospel message is being declared and God’s truth is received and embraced by many in that region of the world. Lives are being changed! Recently Bob Erickson, pastor of Vine House Church, made a trip to visit this ministry. Here is an update on what is happening down there with the ministry.

The ministry along the Amazon has expanded into two new villages – one in Brazil and another in Peru – and two new churches have been established. In both villages, the ministry workers received the blessing of the chief, and he invited the team back. This is exciting in reaching many of those lives for Christ in this new area.

Another new part of this ministry has involved meeting with an Indian from one of the tribes located in the interior of the Amazon Rain Forest. This member of the Merecu Tribe comes out to stay with one of the pastors where he receives instruction in the Lord. It is illegal to proselytize the Indians. However, if they come out to attend meetings or learn from a pastor, that is acceptable. It is exciting to see how God is now using this ministry to reach into the interior region along the Amazon River and is touching people groups that have previously not heard his good news.

LBF helps to support one of the pastors, Carlos, and his family, who live in Novo Olinda. He is ministering in two different locations along the Amazon, sharing God’s word. Pastor Carlos is encouraged by the partnership with LBF and the lives that are being changed as a result.

Much of the work done along the Amazon River happens because of boats. The pastors go from village to village in boats as the jungle is extremely dense and impossible to walk through. LBF provided a boat that is being used for God’s glory to share his story.

May you be blessed as you realize that your prayers and financial support are reaching lives along the Amazon River and in the interior region.

And let’s remember to hold all of our missionaries, their families, and their ministries up in prayer. God uses your faithful prayers on their behalf in ways that we don’t understand, but it gives them vital support. Thanks for your partnership. You’re blessing and helping to change lives for eternity.

Giving Update Fiscal Year July 11-June 12 Total Budget: $1,600,000

BudgetGoal GivingRec’d Nov. $120,848 $116,691 Dec. $224,581 $244,085 YTD $868,207 $844,784

*Online giving is available at lbfchurch.com/give.

*Offering boxes are mounted on walls by exit doors.

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CIA,It’sTimeto Reach Up & Out With Our VoicesBy Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children’s Ministries

Calling all Kinder through 8th graders! You’re really going to love this Brentwood musical, “God of This City,” arranged by David Ebensberger, Luke Gambill, and Susie Williams. Imagine you are given a challenge to find a way to make a difference in your city. What would you do? What difference could you make? After all, you’re only kids! Can you make a difference?

Through this musical, we will be challenged, inspired, and encouraged by the decisions made by the characters Meg, Tim, Lily, Matt, and Zach, as they make waves to save a homeless shelter slated to be shut down by the city. With God’s help and through their desperate quest to keep the shelter open, these children realize they can make a difference right where they live. After all, Jesus is God of this city!

Come to an information meeting on February 12, after third service (12:45-2:30 p.m.) in rooms 102 & 103. We will start practicing that first day and lunch/snack goodies will be provided during the meeting. Be sure to bring a parent so you can register and receive the inside info on what, when, and where we will be performing. Rehearsals will be on Sundays, February 12-April 15, from 12:45-2:30 p.m. The actual show date has yet to be determined, but it will be in April. There will be a $20 materials charge per child for the listening CD and choir book, which are yours to keep.

We will also perform one or two songs on Palm Sunday at all three services, representing the elementary side of His Kids Children’s Ministries. If you have questions, call Dale Palmer @ 981-4848, ext. 242, or Debbie Norton @ 949-9701.

Men’sRetreatisAroundtheCornerBy Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration

Join us at Forest Home for Men’s Retreat @ Forest Home, April 13-15, 2012. Life is tough as you face challenges at work, home, and the overwhelming demands of life. You’re not alone. It may not feel like it, but God has hardwired you to need brotherhood. You need other men who will journey alongside you – challenging, encouraging, praying, supporting...men who will be a brother. And other men need you too. And that’s what Men’s Retreat is about. It’s also about: great speakers, all you can eat man-food, outdoor activities, beautiful mountains, a break from life down in the valley. Men’s Retreat: Be a brother.

Accommodations(pricesincludeallfoodandroomMen’sMinistry: Economy: $176 - you provide linens/towels & shared bathroom

Standard: $223 - you provide linens/towels Deluxe: $251 - linens/towels provided

Register at lbfchurch.com/mensretreat

New Home Groups Curriculum is Rolling OutBy Phil Shahbaz, Pastor of Community Life

With our new message series, X Factor, there is now curriculum available for Home Groups to go through along with the Sunday messages. Pastor Dan has been hard at work the past few weeks developing our own curriculum that LBF home groups can use to go deeper in Colossians. Pick up a copy of the curriculum between services on the patio. We also encourage you to get connected in a Home Group if you aren’t already!

Home Groups are small groups of people at LBF who get together every week or two to eat, pray, encourage each other spiritually, and have fun. Some groups do a Bible study connected with the weekend messages, some study a book of the Bible, and some read through a book together. Groups meet on different days and times and new people are always welcome. We are also launching new groups all the time as people show interest. To sign up, visit lbfchurch.com/homegroups.

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Worship Team Member SpotlightBy Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Worship

This month our worship team member spotlight shines on one of the original members of the LBF worship ministry. Carol has blessed this church with her voice and heart for worship for many years, and we are all so glad that we get to minister alongside her.

Name: Carol Hawkins

Role you play in the worship ministry: Vocal – soprano or alto

Family Info: I am blessed with many special nieces and nephews, and now great-nieces and nephews. I love spending time with them!

How long have you been on the worship team at LBF? Since it began.

Why are you part of the worship ministry? I love to praise God with my voice and share that experience with others on the team and the congregation.

What are some of your favorites…? Food: Mango Sticky Rice from the Whole Earth restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Yummy! Book: I enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia Movie: Hard to pick... Song: “The Revelation Song” Worship Song: “Mighty to Save” is one of many favorites. Band/Musician: Fernando Ortega Hobby: Working in my yard

What animal would you say your personality is best described as? Maybe a songbird!

What is your earliest childhood memory? Living on 11th Street in Upland when I was about three and playing “Rose Parade Queen” with my sister on New Year’s Day.

What is something that everyone should know about you? My great grandparents settled in the Ontario/Upland area in the late 1890s. I’m the fourth generation that grew up in the house that they built.

Whatisoneofyourdefiningcharacteristics? I guess my voice would be it.

What is the thing in your life you would say is your greatest accomplishment? Completing my bachelor’s degree when I was in my early 50s.

February Anniversaries 1 Anthony & Sylvia Latona, 37 years 4 David & Tiffany Lawrence, 16 years 6 James & Michelle Burden, 5 years 6 Jerry & Rita Dixon, 13 years 11 Charles & Melanie Bowyer, 29 years 11 Larry & Sandra Sidders, 28 years 11 Rick & Pam Stocking, 35 years 11 Joshua & Darlene Smith, 12 years 14 Jim & Janelle Hansen, 59 years 14 Bob & Cynthia Wirth, 26 years 14 Michael & Lori Peltier, 31 years 14 George & Lupe Fillinger, 11 years 18 Jeff & Jordan McGivern, 6 years 21 Mike & Karen Alexander, 19 years 23 Keith & Kathleen Sharpe, 26 years 24 Dick & Carol Volbeda, 23 years 25 Jamie & Karen Gruner, 10 years 26 Robert & Deborah Nakatani, 7 years 28 Will & Celia Steiner, 11 years

If any anniversary information is not correct, please contact the church office.

When you are in front of large groups of people, a common thing for you to think is… Don’t be distracted by people who seem to not be paying attention.

What is a talent you do not possess that you wish you did? I’d love to play the piano well, not just the little I am able to now.

What is the best way for someone to encourage you? A note in the mail makes me smile.

What is a favorite quote or Bible verse that has impacted your life? Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord – plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” That verse meant so much to me when I was going through some very deep waters. And also many Psalms.

“”

I love to praise God with my voice and share that experience with others on the team and the congregation.

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Neighbor Clean-up DayBy Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration

Haveyoueverreturnedhomeafteravacationortimeawaytofindsome-one has surprisingly blessed you by mowing your lawn? It feels pretty gooddoesn’tit? What a simple task that reflects love in action. Here is your chance to be on the giving end of that blessing. We will bless our (literal) neigh-bor (old Albertson lot) by getting our hands dirty and cleaning up the property.

Neighbor Clean Up Day: Sunday, February 12 @ 11 a.m.

This will include mowing, cutting, weed-whacking, sweeping, etc. Make it a great day! Come to church at 8 or 9:30 a.m. and then serve our neighbor. Visit lbfchurch.com/cleanup to register!

Legacy Sponsors All-church EventsBy Mike Cloud, Pastor of Care & Visitation

There is a new ministry in town, called Legacy, for adults age 55 and over. We have events that are only for older adults, but we also sponsor events for the whole church. We have two upcoming events that are for

the whole church:

On February 17, at

6:30 p.m., we are sponsoring a Maranatha music sing for the whole church in the Worship Center. Come and worship with us! There will be pie and coffee afterwards too. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Legacy table on Sundays if you are able to contribute a pie.

On March 16, we will host the first annual LBF Amateur Follies night. If you can sing, dance, play a

musical instrument, or tell jokes, sign up! Tickets will go on sale February 19 for $5. Tickets will be $6 at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Pacific Lifeline.

The property across the street from LBF used to be home to an Albertson’s.

LBF has graciously been allowed to use the parking lot for events such as Harvest Party.

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Exit 83 Youth CalendarEvery Week• SundayMorningYouthService

A service especially geared towards youth, grades 7th-12th.

• TuesdayNightJr.HighService Jr. high students can come for a fun night of games, worship, and a message.

• WednesdayNightHighSchool Grades 9-12 can come for a fun youth service with games, worship, and a message.

• HighSchoolGirls’BibleStudy Bible study for high school girls that meets at Donna Gay’s house every Sunday. You can reach Donna @ (909) 561-8861. Directions are on the information table in the back of The Garage.

Every Month• 1st Tuesday

On the first Tuesday of every month, Exit 83’s jr. high group has a night of free food, games, worship, and a short message.

• 1st Wednesday On the first Wednesday of every month, Exit 83’s high school group has a night of free food, games, worship, and a short message.

Upcoming Events• HighSchoolWinterCamp

February 10-12 at Forest Home. Cost is $180. Packets are available at the back of The Garage. Visit lbfchurch.com/wintercamp for info.

• Jr.HighWinterCamp February 17-20 at Thousand Pines. Cost is $190. Packets are available at the back of The Garage. Visit lbfchurch.com/wintercamp for info.

Rhythm or Rut?By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

I love consistency! In many areas of life it is something that I strive for and want to experience. Whether it is eating healthy, exercising, spiritual growth, time with family, or napping, consistency in many places of life is something that is valuable. As I have had the opportunity to serve in student ministry, I have come to realize that it is also really important for students to develop healthy patterns in their life. What caring adult wouldn’t want to see a student who is experiencing consistency in healthy relationships, academics, and relationship with God?

I like to think of consistency as rhythm. These are times in life that you feel like things are really working together. It does not matter what is happening, you feel like things are going the right direction. The problem is that rhythm can quickly become rut. When we feel like we are in a rut, we feel discouraged, unmotivated, bored, and that everything is the same.

Over the years, I have seen students really struggle with this idea of rhythm and rut. The hardest is when their relationship with God begins to feel like a rut. When this happens it unfolds in numerous ways, but the outcome is usually the same. Eventually, many students lose interest in church, reading the Bible, praying, and much more.

So what’s happening here? Probably lots of things, but the one that stands out to me is a loss of joy that comes from daily living for Christ. One particular verse that I have always remembered is Romans 4:7-8, which says, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” This joy is what we experience in times and seasons of rhythm. The absence of this joy is what we experience in the periods of spiritual rut.

We want to encourage you as a parent to think about your teenager and where they might be right now. One simple thing to do when we experience a rut is do something new or something we haven’t done in awhile. This could be getting connected in a church community, reading a different translation of the Bible, or getting away for a weekend retreat. If your student is in a rut, our student ministry can help them with any one of these and brainstorm other ways to rekindle the joy of rhythm.

“”

I like to think of consistency as rhythm. These are times in life that you feel like things are really working together. It does not matter what is happening, you feel like things are going the right direction. The problem is that rhythm can quickly become rut.

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Let me share a story of a couple who met after high school, fell in love, and got married. They lived on the family farm back in Minnesota and had a simple, no-frills life. They worked hard for everything in life.

This couple had eight children, but three died due to war or illness. They faced their share of problems in life that came during the Great Depression, WW1, WW2, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Then there were the normal money issues, which were common with the Midwest farmers, along with various health issues.

But this couple just kept going and they never gave up on life or on each other. They enjoyed simple dinners with family and friends around their table with laughter, stories, and home-cooked meals. The coffee pot was always going and there was always time to lend a listening ear to someone who needed to talk or pray. You could see the couple’s heart of love for their family, neighbors, and church. This couple remained faithful and in love through the good and bad times of life until they passed away after 72 years of marriage and at the good old age of 94, three months apart. Their love remained strong till the end.

Most of us have fond memories of the first real love in our life. Remember when you could not leave or miss talking to the love of your life? Do you recall those feelings of love, excitement, joy, and happiness for the person of your dreams?

We see these same emotions in people after they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Sadly, for most of us, feelings and emotions change over time. And sadly, for some, they fall

away from their first love.

In Revelation 2:1-7 (NLT), the Lord delivers a message to the church of Ephesus. Jesus says in verse 2, “I know all the things you do.” Christ is commending the church for their service, sacrifices, patience and endurance in hard times, perseverance, and their keeping out false teachers. The church in Ephesus was hard-working and active. Then Christ continues on in verse 4 and says, “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!”

What Christ is saying to the church in Ephesus is they were serving, caring, and working out of duty rather than out of love for Christ and love for others. Jesus knows every one of our thoughts and motives. Next time you do anything in life, ask yourself the question, “Why am I doing this?” If your answer is not love for Jesus, then something is wrong. The church in Ephesus had not lost their first love, but rather left their first love through neglect. Picture a warm blazing fire in the fireplace that was not maintained and allowed to just die out. The Christians in the Ephesus church had allowed the love in their hearts to go cold.

Christ goes on in verse 5 and tells the church of Ephesus to remember – remember the excitement and peace, the joy and the love you had in your

heart as a new believer. Next is to repent and turn back to putting Christ first in your life. Where is your love, passion, and desire for Christ? Finally, return – return back to the loving relationship you had with Jesus. Allow the fire, excitement, and love to grow in your heart.

This is the really exciting part! When you and I received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts. The thought that the Spirit of God lives inside of us is absolutely mind-blowing! God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. The power of the Holy Spirit will also help each one of us grow, mature, and nurture our relationship and love with God and others. We just need to pray in the Spirit at all times.

So how does our relationship with Jesus relate to my story? The story is about my grandparents who were an example to me of love and respect. Their faith in God was strong and even during the good or bad times they had the love, joy, and peace that Jesus gives us. Their love for God, their love for each other, and their love for others showed by the way they lived their life. This was because their first love was Jesus. The question is, who is your first love?

Do You Remember Your First Love?By Russ Anderson, Elder

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Upland, CA 91786 Permit No. 167

2426 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA 91784

Reaching Up. Reaching Out.

2426 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA 91784

sixth Annual LBF Chili Cook-off

Come one, come all and taste the best that LBFers have to offer when it

comes to chili! There’s the fiery-hot, the sweet’n’tangy, and the kind you don’t even know what went into it! Then vote for your

favorite and see how they stack up.

Sunday, February 19 @ 5 p.m.