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.May 2011

Find It Inside:

...on page 2Reach Out: Summer Missions

...on page 3Stand Above With His Kids

Jr. Highers in Transit

...on page 4Youth Summer Camps

Leaving a Legacy

...on page 5Worship Team Member Spotlight

...on page 6Tea Time!

...on page 7Kids Are Movin’ On Up!

The Game of LifeBy Gary Keith, Lead Pastor

One of the favorite board games I used to play with my kids when they were growing up was “The Game of Life.” Maybe you’ve played it as well. This game has been around for decades and the makers of “Life” continue to update the game to reflect the changes to our culture. Some of the things that never change though are the very basics of the game – like getting an education, deciding on a vocation, obtaining an annual salary, getting married, having kids, and trying to win by being the first to reach your mansion with the most money. It kind of sounds like real life, doesn’t it?

I remember the time in my life when I began asking how I should be pursuing these kinds of things as a Christian. How should I play the game of life? What kind of vocation should I go after? How many kids should we have? How much money do I need to live on? Where will I live and what kind of house will I have? I’m sure I’m not alone in asking these kinds of questions and I can’t help but believe that as a Christian, I would answer them differently than if I weren’t a Christian.

How should “The Game of Life” be played? That’s a good and important question. Starting May 1, we are going to look at the writings of a man who looked back on his life and reflected about what was meaningful and what was meaningless.

We are going to study the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and most people believe this book was written by Solomon, the son of David, King over Jerusalem. You will notice in verse one it says, “These are the words of the Teacher…” The Hebrew word there for Teacher is qoheleth. It’s the word for a man who addresses an assembly. The corresponding word in Greek is the word ekklesiatic, and that’s where the book of Ecclesiastes gets its name.

Some people think that Ecclesiastes is about the meaninglessness of human life, but this perspective is not quite right. Ecclesiastes is really about the meaninglessness of life without God. And because the writer never gives up his belief in God, his ultimate purpose is to show us how meaningful life can be when we see things from God’s perspective. His message is not that nothing matters, but that everything matters, and the more we study Ecclesiastes, the better we will understand why.

So as we start this journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, we will learn from the wisest and richest man who ever lived. I look forward to learning with you about God’s perspective on “The Game of Life.”

Life Bible Fellowship Church

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Reaching Out: LBF GlobalShort Term Mission Trips EditionBy Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

This month I’d like to highlight our short-term summer missions trips. God has been working in the hearts of many who will be heading out from LBF and sharing His message in other parts of the world this summer.

Hannah Barnhold: Hannah is going to Japan May 25-June 15 with a team from Cal Baptist University. Since the earthquake, many in Japan have been asking questions about God and what happens when people die. Hannah and her team will be working with unversity students in giving free English lessons, with the opportunity to share God’s Word. They will be a safe distance from any radiation harm.

Megan Robinson: Megan will spend two months (August-September) in Kenya as an intern with Empowering Lives International. Megan will be sharing her love for children by helping in the orphanage in Kipkaren. She will also be available to help our own missionaries, William & Michelle Kiprop.

Becky Skilbred: Becky will be spending six weeks (June 11-July 23) in the Dominican Republic with a team from Azusa Pacific University. While there, the team will be running mobile clinics in three different cities, as well as serving in an orphanage.

Kenya Team: We also have a team of nine who will be going to Kenya the last two weeks in August with Empowering Lives International. The team is made up of Noel & Debbie Norton (team leaders), Ray Davis, Ryan Yount, Steve Mylar, Shawn Gilberton, Adam Main, Laurie Taylor, and Jan Draper. The purpose of the team is to work on a building project,

completing a duplex that currently is half-finished. When completed, the duplex will be home to two nurses who work in the clinic in Kipkaren. The team will also be helping in the orphanage, as well as assisting Michelle Kiprop with some needs she may have in the clinic.

The Kenya team is in the process of raising $6,000 to cover the costs for the building materials and supplies they will need to complete the project. LBF will be hosting a blood drive on June 12 to help with some of those costs. Blood for Missions is an organization that helps raise funds through blood donations. They will come to our campus with mobile units and licensed professionals to draw the blood. ELI will receive $20 for each unit of blood, which will go directly toward those building costs in Kenya. We hope you will consider giving a unit of your blood to help with this project!

Each of the individuals going this summer is taking a big step of faith. They are saying “yes” to God’s direction in their life. Each one needs to raise their own support to cover all of their costs. Please pray for each of them and for all that’s involved in their missionary experience. These aren’t

vacations, but opportunities for each one to be in different cultures, serving others, and sharing Christ in various ways. If you are interested in helping with some financial support, we accept funds that are marked “summer missions” and will take whatever money comes in to share among

the participants. Your prayer support is also vital and means so much. You’ll have an opportunity to meet our summer missionaries on Sunday, May 29 as we introduce them in the Sunday services.

Thank you for caring and reaching out through our missions ministry!

Giving Update Fiscal Year July 10-June 11 Total Budget: $1,439,486

BudgetGoal GivingRec’d Feb. $89,968 $98,620 Mar. $130,525 $103,887 YTD $1,084,761 $1,105,928

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

*Offering boxes are mounted on walls by exit doors.

May 2011

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Stand Above This SummerBy Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children’s Ministries

Summer’s coming! Won’t it be great to finally have warm sunshine and blue skies every day? Just think of all the fun that summer brings. Here at Life Bible Fellowship Church, summer will bring fun for His Kids as well as a chance to learn more about Jesus. It’s an enjoyable time to be with the kids.

This summer the His Kids Children’s Ministries theme is: Standing Above the Rest – We Can Be Different! Imagine being able to make a difference in kids’ lives by teaching them the Word of God! God calls us to be ambassadors for Him and to be different. In fact, you will rise above the crowd by being a Children’s Minister this summer.

Every year we give our ministers who serve during the school year (39 Sundays of continuous service) the summer off for a well-deserved rest. Will you please prayerfully consider helping this summer? We need people who will serve His Kids during each of the service times on Sunday at 8, 9:30, or 11:11 a.m.

The summer session begins Sunday, June 5, and the last session will be Sunday, August 28, which is only a 13-Sunday commitment. If you have vacation planned or have to be absent during this time period, we will work around your schedule by having one of our Super Subs take your group. The Service Directors and I strive to provide assistance with lessons and help in any problem that might happen during the summer session. We are here to bless you in your service to the Lord.

We also will need people willing to serve as substitutes when a regular minister leaves for vacation. Maybe you have a gift for organizing and playing games or organizing and doing crafts. If you are that person, we would love to have you as part of our team to make ministry to His Kids fun and exciting as everyone learns more about our gracious God and “standing above the rest.” It would be wonderful to have someone in charge of crafts and/or games each service.

Opportunities to sign up and to have your questions answered will be available on the patio as you enter the Worship Center starting May 1 in between services. Come to the His Kids Children’s Ministries table – we’d love to see you and share with you how the program will work this summer!

In TransitBy Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

Several years ago I took a flight from LAX to Costa Rica. It was a trip I will never forget, mostly because of the flight there. If you have ever flown internationally, you know that you can have several transfers and layovers, and at some point you wonder if you might ever reach your destination.

For many students, this is the same feeling they have as they enter jr. high. It can be a confusing and exciting time. Jr. high is the epitome of transition and there is sometimes of feeling of being stuck in transit. We at Exit 83 want your student to know that they are not alone. Our goal is to create an environment tailored to help them sort it all out. With a dynamic worship experience, complete with a live band, relevant messages, heartfelt small group discussions, and fun games, students can explore their relationship with Jesus and how that can influence every decision they make.

We hope to be a support to your family and influence your student’s life for Christ. Keep an eye out in coming weeks for ways that your student can get involved.

Join us for good food, fun, and baptism!

Sunday, May 22, following the third service.

More details to come!

Life Bible Fellowship Church

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Exit 83 Has The Opportunity to Go “All In”By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

Summer is quickly approaching and Exit 83 youth ministry is preparing for summer camp. We say it all the time, but if you have a jr. high or high school student, this is an opportunity not to miss.

This year students will explore the lives of Saul and David, examining what it takes to be a person “after God’s own heart,” regardless of the circumstances.Too often our human nature selfishly seeks approval, wisdom, and victory without first seeking the will of God. This year’s theme will explore how David managed to be called a “man after God’s own heart” despite his human failings, and how Saul submitted to his pride, jealousy, and fear. Our hope is that students will learn to cultivate a passion to seek God and strive to be men and women after God’s own heart.

For more info, please visit lbfchurch.com/youthsummercamps. Camp dates are as follows:

Jr. High – June 19-24

High School – July 3-8

We hope that you will consider sending your student.

Thank you for your support!This past April, Exit 83 student ministry held a car wash to help raise funds for summer camp. To all of you who donated, we want to say thank you! We felt so blessed by your financial support. We look forward to sharing the stories from this year’s camp with you!

Hymns & Pie to Kick Off New Senior GroupBy Sandie Zellmer

There is a new ministry starting at LBF for adults over 55. It is called Legacy.

Our mission is to: embrace our lives as seniors, ensure God’s Word lives on by being spiritual role models and mentors, enhance the lives of seniors through sharing our gifts with one another and our community, and provide fellowship through social activities.

One of the first things we want to do is have an old fashioned hymn sing with pie afterwards. We are still working on a date for this, but we are looking at June and would like input from the senior members of our congregation. You can make a note on a weekend K.I.T. card or contact Dennis Mann at mannclan98@verizon.net, Sandie Zellmer at 986-0473, or Mike Cloud at 981-4848, ext. 246 or mikecloud@lbfchurch.com if you are interested in joining us! We look forward to your input!

Worship Team Member SpotlightBy Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

I would like to introduce to you Mr. Scott Van Tine. Scott is one of the original worship team members from way back, and he is still a huge blessing to us, both with his talent and heart for God. Introduce yourself to Scott when he leads us in worship with the bass!

Name: Scott Van Tine

Role you play in the worship ministry: Any stringed instrument, but mostly bass; occasional drama roles.

Family info: My best friend/wife, Cyndie (married 31 years); favorite daughters, Sarah (Jones) and Rachel, including best son-in-Law, Brian and best boyfriend, Matt; favorite live-in cat, Roberta the mouse- and bird-killer; and I guess Rachel’s two ferrets, Rodolfo and Christalina count too.

How long have you been on the worship team at LBF? Longer than dirt (25 years and counting).

Why are you part of the worship ministry? I love to serve God and bless others at the same time.

What are some of your favorites…? Food: Steak and baked potato,

chocolate-malted crunch and mint-chip ice cream. Books: The Bible (of course); any novel from T. Clancy, J. Clavell, R. Bradbury, J. Thurber, S. Clemens, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, F. Schaef-fer, Walter Martin; any tech book; all Far Side, Calvin & Hobbes, and Don Martin books. Movies: Any movie with Charleton Heston or Ray Harryhausen animation, or any father/son chick-flick that makes me cry. Song: Too many to list. Worship Song: Whiter Than Snow, Be Thou My Vision, How Great Thou Art, any early Jesus Freak Maranatha song (’70s).

Band/Genre: The Silverados, all music from classical to heavy metal (except rap), Chicago, Creedence, Seawind, Beatles, Beach Boys, all British groups. Hobby: Watching movies, comput-ers, reading, guitar, tech.

Whatanimalwouldyousayyou’repersonality is best described as? I always identified with otters. They love life, are always happy, and take any place or situation and turn it into a fun game.

What is your earliest childhood memory? At about two years old, in an Illinois winter, I ran full-speed to the house in snow gear to get to the bathroom and didn’t make it (I was scarred for life).

What is something that everyone should know about you? I am not what I appear to be – quiet and introverted, but occasional outbursts of extroversion. It scares people.

Whatisoneofyourdefiningcharacteristics? Faithful servant and worker. A behind the scenes guy.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Being married to the first girl I kissed and still being madly in love 31 years later. Raising my two daughters to love and be women of God and making me proud of their choices in life.

When you are in front of large groups of people, a common thing for you to think is… Is my zipper up? True story. I did a whole Silverados concert once in that condition and no one told me until later. Seriously though, I am blessed when I see others blessed.

What is something you still hope to accomplish in your life? Retiring before my body does, but it feels like I am losing.

What is a talent you do not possess that you wish you did? Ability to sight-read any classical manuscript and just sit down and play Debussey or Rachmaninoff on the keys.

What is the best way for someone to encourage you? Just acknowledge my presence and verbalize that I did well and I will be a happy camper.

What is a favorite quote or Bible verse that has impacted your life? “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

In my early walk I realized that for me to meet this criteria, it was imperative that I be in the Word and studying constantly to be able to test all things to discern truth from error. To know God is to know His Word. I am heavy into knowing and understanding because it’s too easy to let emotions and feelings and circumstances decide what truth is. In this day and age, any doctrine can feel good and sound good to the ears, but be totally off-base when tested against God’s Word. Only through Biblical absolutes can one base one’s actions and beliefs. It is through His Word and His promises that we can get through this life.

May 2011

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Life Bible Fellowship Church

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You Can Still Join Us for Tea Time!By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children’s Ministries

If you have not had a chance to pick up your tickets to attend the Mommy, Teddy & Me Tea being held Saturday, May 7 in The Garage, from 12-1:30 p.m., come and join in! This special event is appropriate for our preschoolers, two years old through Kindergarten. This is a chance to share some special time with Mom and a special stuffed friend!

Special tea sandwiches and goodies, tea for mom, and juice will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Dressed Teddy, Funniest Teddy, Sweetest Teddy, Most Loved Teddy, and Cutest Teddy. Moms and children are encouraged to dress up for tea and ladies/girls should wear a proper hat. Wear a hat, get a surprise! If boys wear a cool tie, they get a surprise!

Tickets are $5 for a family and will be available at the door on Saturday – just come a little early. Questions regarding this event? Call Dale Palmer @ 909-981-4848, ext. 242.

May Your Summer Be an Adventure...Following GodBy Heidi Rogers, Graphic Designer

It’s May and summer is lapping at our toes. Soon enough we’ll be swimming in heat waves and diving into all of the activities that come with this time of year.

Summer seems to elicit a spirit of adventure – from pioneering lemonade stands and constructing forts, to campouts in God’s great outdoors and jetting off to new places. This desire to break free from routine and do something exciting and worthwhile, I think, is part of the reason people go on short-term mission trips (see pg. 2) and students go to summer camp (see pg. 4). Getting away from daily responsibilities, focusing on God and wholly serving others in an unusual environment can be very beneficial to our own relationships with God. It can also jumpstart our sense of purpose and responsibility to others that will motivate us to continue looking beyond ourselves throughout the rest of the year.

A lot of us may not have those same opportunities, but just because we don’t have plans to head overseas or spend a week at the beach with our Bible, doesn’t mean we can’t draw on that longing for adventure by thinking about outside-of-the-box ways that we can reach out and serve, being intentional about sharing the hope that we have in Jesus. I guarantee that stepping out in faith and following the Spirit’s lead with those around you is sure to be an exciting way to spend your summer and motivate you all year long.

Of course, you can decide to be intentional anytime, but the pleasant weather often means that you and your neighbors are outside more – walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or getting house projects checked off your list. Have you ever stopped to chat with them? That’s something that my husband and I started doing with the last couple of neighborhoods

we’ve lived in. You’d be surprised how many people would just like someone to talk to (or lend their tools to!). Being available to stop for a few minutes and listen is the first step in building trusting relationships.

Or how about that barbecue on your patio that gets so much use on these warm nights? Why not invite your coworkers over to enjoy some of that grub?

Maybe you’re a student and stuck in (I mean, you have the privilege of being enrolled in) summer school. Summer school always has a different vibe, so maybe this is your chance to be bold and reach out to students you may not share classes with during the school year.

Whatever your plans are for the summer, it’s the perfect time to be creative and step out of your comfort zone to reach out to those God has placed in your adventurous summer path.

May 2011

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J-Force to the Rescue is coming soon! Mark your calendars now for Sunday, June 12 @ 3 p.m. in the Worship Center. Bring your friends, neighbors, and invite people who don’t yet know Jesus.

Summer Means Moving On Up for Some of Our Kids!By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children’s Ministries

Here we are at the end of the school year again! I am sure kids are looking forward to summer fun, sleeping in, relaxation, and NO SCHOOL just around the corner!

Parents, just so you know, the elementary-aged kids will move up as follows:

6th grade will promote on Sunday, May 22 to Exit 83 jr. high ministry.

Exit 83 jr. high (7th & 8th grades) meets on Tuesdays in The Garage, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Sunday jr. high & high school service is at 9:30 a.m. in The Garage

To help 6th grade kids with promotion to another age group, a special event is being planned for Friday, May 27, from 6-10 p.m.: Food, fun, friends, and a send-off from His Kids for 6th graders only. Sign-ups will be taken in your 6th grader’s classroom. You can also watch for something in your mail, announcements running before the services, bulletin announcements, flyers, etc. to keep yourself informed so that your new junior higher doesn’t miss out.

Kindergarteners being promoted to the 1st grade will be walked from their present room to see their new assigned room (Room 101 for 9:30 a.m. and Room 102 for 8 and 11:11 a.m.) on the elementary side of the building. We’ll do this two Sundays in a row: May 22 and May 29. This is simply a tour and they will be returned to Room 111 for pick-up as usual.

All other grades – Kindergarten-5th – will promote on Sunday, June 5, for the beginning of our Summer Quarter, when we will be giving our present, excellent ministers time off for the summer. Be sure to thank them for their service to your kids before May 29 as this will be their last day of serving His Kids for the 2010-2011 school year.

May Anniversaries 1 Thomas & Sharon Hall, 6 years 2 Dan & Sharon Sparks, 30 years 2 Dan & Julie Fachner, 30 year 2 Michael & Janine Paredes, 7 years 3 Steven & Cecilia Louderback, 19 years 4 John & Lori Dominick, 26 years 6 Steven & Daphne Robinson, 34 years 7 Georgy & Kathleen Fairley, 43 years 8 Dusty & Jennifer Robertson, 12 years 11 Tony & Connie Iavarone, 48 years 12 Wayne & Elizabeth Morin, 21 years 13 John & Jill Kendrick, 22 years 14 Daryl & Patty Jones, 34 years 14 Mark & Jeannette Weaver, 23 years 14 William & Susan Mulligan, 29 years 16 Artemio & Christine Galvez, 24 years 17 Tom & Julie Rowe, 31 years 18 John & Norma Doyle, 26 years 18 Wayne & Judith Ferris, 26 years 19 Gary & Valerie Mirabella, 32 years 19 Mike & Olivia McEachron, 32 years 19 Steven & Kate Patton, 21 years 19 David & Penny Lee, 21 years 20 Daniel & Kelly DeYoung, 22 years 23 Jeffrey & Eileen Vrieze, 24 years 23 Donald & Angie Autrey, 29 years 24 Manny & Wendy Correa, 3 years 25 Sergio & Emilia Vargas, 26 years 26 Jim & Susie Keen, 22 years 29 Darren & Andrea Muso, 18 years 30 Jeff & Nadine Dice, 12 years

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

Birth AnnouncementTeagan Levi Luster March 7, 2011 – 7 lbs., 2 oz. Born to Levi & Ashley Luster Robert & Julie DeLoach, grandparents

The 2011 Men’s Retreat in April brought 70+ men together in fellowship and in deeper relationship with God.

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2426 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA 91784

Reaching Up. Reaching Out.

2426 N. Euclid Ave. Upland, CA 91784

VBS: Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Friends & family can join us at 8 each evening for the Rowdy Wrap-Up!Kids ages five (at the start of VBS)-6th grade will learn that God is wild about them! Filled with incredible Bible learning experiences that your kids will see, hear, touch, and even taste, VBS will show them biblical truths that can change them forever.