Celebrate...
Ed Elliott & Pastor Jason
Christmas at Stonebridge: Inspiring New Life Christmas at Stonebridge Church kicked off on December 22nd with "Songs & Stories," a concert featuring Matt Hammitt - the lead singer of the Christian rock group Sanctus Real. Matt along with guitarist Pete and keyboardist Chris, performed new songs as well as songs by the group Sanctus Real for a packed house of over 500 people. Matt also shared stories of how God has brought him and his family through the devastating news of their son, Bowen’s, heart condition. He shared from his heart how first hand, they have gained awareness of the practical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of families in similar situations. Matt and his wife Sarah are in the process of starting of Whole Hearts Foundation from which to they can draw resources to assist families who have needs in any number of these areas. For some in our church and community, this concert was one among many Christmas celebrations on their monthly calendar. But for Ed Elliott, it marked a significant turning point in his walk with the Lord. Ed moved to Cedar Rapids in 2009, in an effort to escape the bad influences around him and start a new life. Having a strong desire to restore his relationship with Christ, he began listening to Life 101.9 radio and visiting some area churches. Although he had never been to a Christian music concert before, he heard an advertisement on the radio for the Christmas at Stonebridge concert and felt prompted to attend. “I felt like I needed God back in my life,” said Ed. “I had accepted Christ as a young teenager, but had wandered far from him over the last several years. I was going down a bad road and knew I had to remove myself from the negative influences surrounding me. The move inspired positive changes in me, but I knew I needed to get connected to a church and other Christians to keep growing.” “After attending the Matt Hammitt concert, I decided to visit Stonebridge on a Sunday morning. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. Pastor Randy’s sermons have been so compelling and I have had a growing desire to learn and understand more about the Bible and God’s will for my life,” continued Ed. “In this past year, I have grown so much through the Christianity Explored class, the Band of Brothers Tour of Duty and now the Discipleship Explored class. Recently, I had the blessing of being baptized. Believe me when I say, “I am a whole new man.” Things that seem bad to me now, I never even would have considered bad a few years ago. I know I am being convicted by the Holy Spirit. I am reading the Bible every day, and feel like God’s leading me to take steps of faith along the way. I feel like I have people at the church who will care for me like I’ve never had before.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” confessed Ed. “But, I don’t worry like I used to. I’m learning how to trust and wait on God. The biggest lesson God has taught me is no matter how alone you feel, you’re not alone, He is always there with you. I hold onto the fact that there is a reason for everything we go through in life. Philippians 1:6 gives me great encouragement, and I trust “that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I am so thankful for the ministry of Stonebridge Church and how God has used it to change my life.” From
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Pastor Phil’s Sabbatical: A Wonderful Gift Every 6 years, Pastors are asked to take a sabbatical for rest, refreshment and time away from ministry. Here are a few highlights from Pastor Phil’s time away: “Thanks so much. I used the time to take a couple of quiet weeks on Lake Ponderosa, where I read—3 times—a classic by Jonathan Edwards. I bought a ukulele and learned pop tunes from the 1920’s. I was blessed to spend a week with my son Stefan, a youth pastor in Wyoming, and help him plan his upcoming seminary training.” - Phil Phil and Mitzi also provide full-time care for Phil’s 96-year old uncle and much of that falls on Mitzi’s shoulders, so he was able to give Mitzi some respite from those duties. Phil and Mitzi met in Mt. Hood, Oregon and Phil also grew up there. They traveled to be a part of Mitzi’s parent’s 70th wedding anniversary celebration and a family reunion. “I am grateful to serve at Stonebridge where the elders understand the craziness of ministry. They understand that we don’t just preach and arrange songs; everyday, we deal with life and death—cancer and divorce and conflict and restraining orders and a zillion other things. A break is healthy and smart. Chris Hubbs and Jim Bohy did a terrific job in my absence. It took an entire team to make it all work. From players to singers, to visual projection to sound, lights and video, it’s a labor of love and our team is super.” - Phil