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StoneBridge Community Church

Fresh Starts: How To Start Fresh

Pastor Neal Nybo

Locations & Times

4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA

Saturday 5:30 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:30 AM

Online Connection Card

Thanks for joining us today! Follow this link to our online Connection Card where you can let us know you were here and share any prayer concerns.

http://bit.ly/2z61Wwi

Introduction to Series: Fresh Starts

Milestones are everywhere -- the first semester, the first week of a new job, the first client. Regardless of how old we are, we all have first days, new seasons, fresh starts.

God is ready to be engaged and involved in our fresh starts. The Old Testament is full of examples of God leading his people in new ways through new opportunities - both exciting and challenging.

This three-week series will help us see our fresh starts in light of God's direction, resources, and desire for our best.

Dave Gallagher

Dave is a friend of Pastor Neal's who led the team that repaired the Hubble Telescope.

https://lat.ms/2ZmIgWi

Before And After Hubble Photos

Here are some amazing photos that show how the repairs of the Hubble really made a difference.

https://go.nasa.gov/2zcT3DJ

1. Trust what’s true.

It’s hard to know what’s true and not true today. There are things we have known to be true all our lives that simply aren’t.

Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT

5 Things we believe that aren’t true.

1. We only use 10 percent of our brains.
2. Swimming after eating will give you cramps.
3. Cracking knuckles causes arthritis.
4. The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
5. Sugar makes you hyper.

https://bit.ly/2MwhXa1

Next Step

1. This week, make a shortlist of things you know are true.

Reflection Questions

1. What is something about God you trust in that is important to you?
2. Is there anything about what the church teaches about God that you question?
3. Which of these phrases means the most or seems most important to you:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness.
His mercies begin afresh each morning.

2. Admit what’s awful.

We wish we never felt completely alone or so downcast that we would lie face down in the dust or that anyone is ever struck in the face or insulted by enemies. But, since those things do happen, we can be grateful that the Bible acknowledges them to be real.

Lamentations 3:28-33 NLT

Next Step

What is one thing that challenges you right now? Ask God to show you where his compassion and unfailing love are in that challenge.

Reflection Questions

1. We all have been through difficult times. Sometimes sharing briefly about a current or past challenge can be helpful for you and others, if you are comfortable doing so.

3. Depend on what’s forever.

There is an important difference between knowing something is true and depending on it.

Lamentations 3:25-27 NLT

Next Step

Visualize your challenging situation and ask Jesus to show you where he is in it.

Reflection Questions

1. Which of these is hardest for you, depending on God, waiting for God, or submitting to God?
2. Which is easiest?
3. The next step asks you to visualize your challenging situation. Do you have one in mind? Would you mind sharing it?
4. How can our group pray for you and your challenging situation this week?

The Text In Context

Here is an in depth look at Lamentations 3:22-33. Note, it references the first 20 verses. It would be good to read those as well for the background to verses 22-33.

https://bit.ly/2Nmp8kN

Wait And See

Read Plan

The ALPHA Course New Session begins Thursday, September 12th @ 6:30pm The ALPHA Course is a 10-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It’s a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with opportunities for questions and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly, and non-pressured. Dinner and child care is provided. Call Paul or Katrina Dixon at 805-579-8066 to sign up.

Growth Group lead/host form

Click here to sign up to host and/or lead a Fall Growth Group!

https://stonebridgesimi.com/connect/growth-groups

We are looking for a reliable Handyman to undertake the upkeep and repair tasks at StoneBridge. We’ll rely on you to keep our facilities in perfect condition by doing various odd jobs. Deft hands and technical knowledge are important parts of a handyman’s arsenal. You must be well-organized with strong general repair skills. A keen eye for detail and physical stamina are valued greatly in this job.

Handyman Job Opportunity

Click here for job description and to apply online.

https://stonebridgesimi.com/resources/handyman-position

StoneBridge Christian Recovery is designed to help you on the road to recovery of any hurts, habits, or hang-ups that are keeping you from a joyful and productive life. If you feel like you resonate with this, then please join us on Wednesday nights.

Weekend Worship Playlist

Enjoy this Spotify playlist with the songs played in worship this weekend!

https://spoti.fi/2KQbvbQ

Social Media @ StoneBridge

We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.

https://www.facebook.com/stonebridgesimi/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stonebridgesimi/

Secure online giving

Thanks for partnering with us in our mission to reach people with the good news of God's love, to make disciples, and to send them out. Secure online giving via PayPal.

http://bit.ly/2glYW8E

Subscribe to our podcast

Subscribe to the StoneBridge Community Church podcast on iTunes and you'll never miss a message. Updates automatically.

http://apple.co/1RbdqkK

Watch us on YouTube

While there is no substitute for worshipping God with others, if you happen to miss a message you can always catch us on YouTube. We invite you to subscribe to our channel.

http://bit.ly/22uE939