Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Matthew 10:7
Today we’re taking about some “family business.”
Scriptures
- Exodus 3:7-8, 10
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- Matthew 9:35—10:7
- Psalm 1 (responsory)
Author: Scott Heitshusen (Page 1 of 112)
NOTE
IN-PERSON ONLY CLASS, Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Pastor Leland will cover ROMANS 7-8: “Human problem. Divine Solution.”
We will be back to EZEKIEL the following week, September 20, and will stream that class, as usual.
Men, we’re starting a new study for our time together, starting on OCTOBER 13 — “Can I Trust the Bible” by with Wes Huff and Andy Steiger through rightnow media.
Description
The Bible is the most important book of the last two millennia. From sitting at the formation of governments, cultures, and law, this collection of ancient documents has shaped the modern world in ways you may have never realized. However, while the Bible’s influence has remained, central attitudes towards it have radically shifted. Once referred to as “the Good Book,” there has been a growing skepticism and downright distaste for the Bible.
Are there good reasons to take the Bible seriously? Can we have confidence that it hasn’t been altered, adapted, influenced, and edited since its last book was penned nearly two thousand years ago?
There will be a Drive-Thru Lunch to help raise medical funds for Carlos Macias, who recently had open-heart surgery.
Here are the details:
| Date | Sunday, October 4, 2026 |
| Time: | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Location: | LifeBridge Community Church parking lot. |
| Requested Donation: | $10/plate |
| Menu: | Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes |
| Contact: | Becky Jungklaus @ (713) 852-7114 or Angie Wolfe @ (979) 627-5817 |
My generation will know these words (though maybe not without the music or graphic, but let’s see):
As your body grows bigger,
Your mind must flower.
It’s great to learn,
‘Cause knowledge is power!
If you need a little more help, here’s the rest:
It’s Schoolhouse Rocky
That chip off the block
Of your favorite schoolhouse
Schoolhouse Rock!
That opening and closing to the shorts of Schoolhouse Rock! Was a Saturday morning staple for us – and I suspect most of us still know most of those shorts by heart!
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
These shorts we easy and fun ways to teach kids some of the basics of grammar, math, science, government and more.
There have been similar efforts to teach the Bible over the years, like “Davy and Goliath” and Veggietales.
What an awesome, noble, and biblical goal: teaching Scripture!
We are all called to learn Scripture; learn more about God and the Faith; learn about sin, forgiveness, and holy living! This is what every Christian is tasked and blessed to do – and it’s far easier to do now than ever before. So many good (and many bad, of course) resources to help us along the way.
That is absolutely fantastic!
But sometimes I wonder if we forget the very basic fundamental of Faith in our efforts. The “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Knowing that we won’t and can’t know everything about the Bible and God – and that’s ok, because we know God!
Knowledge may be power, but faith in Jesus is salvation!
Of course we must strive for more understanding of God and His Word, but not at the cost of loving and trusting God and His Word.
God want’s our devotion more than our deliberation; our faith more than our facts; our hearts more than our heads.
Here’s the truth – we will never fully understand God and His Word, and that’s ok. But through the Spirit we can have saving, trusting, loving Faith in Jesus, and that’s what’s needed!
Grow in knowledge, but never lack childlike faith in Jesus!
“Dear Lord, help us to have faith like a child – fully fearing, loving, and trusting You above all things. Grant us knowledge and wisdom for our heads but let us never loose a heart turned to You. Let our heart never doubt, even if our head does. In all things, hold us in Your Son, our Savior, Jesus! In His name do we pray; amen!”
Scripture
- Psalm 32:1-7 (Confession)
- Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
We are at Ezekiel 43ff.
Let’s go!
Having standards is good. You know what’s expected. You can make a plan for action and then strategically follow through.
But what if the standards are too high to hit? Too far beyond your abilities. What if the standards are simply impossible?
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
Then we don’t see them as good; we see them as depressing. We no longer find any hope of being able to reach that which has been set before us. Instead, we despair. We lose all sense of capability.
Our text today is from Romans 12, and St. Paul lays out a lot for us to consider — a lot of standards, a lot of to-dos, a lot of things every Christian needs to not only consider but to follow through with.
They’re all good things. I don’t think any of them are ones that we would disagree with or have a problem with.
But when we really look at the magnitude of them in number and scope, it is more than unsettling. It is frightening. It is daunting. It is, truly, at its core, impossible.
If this is what God requires of us, then God help us, for we cannot do it. Taking to heart just the list in our text produces a guttural “Uh-oh” moment as we grasp the true height of God’s perfection and the depth of our depravity.
Just the last verse in our text, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), seems so simple and innocuous. But how are we supposed to do that? How are we supposed to overcome evil with good when we’re not good ourselves — when we so often fail to even recognize what good is, when we so easily drift or even run to evil ourselves? The evil within us. The evil around us. The evil that defines us.
God help us indeed!
And that’s where we have to land. That’s the only place we can land: in the merciful, forgiving, loving hands of God, who not only helps us in keeping his commands but went even further — and through Jesus kept all of them for us. Fully. Willingly. Lovingly.
All that God commands us now is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the lens of Christ’s satisfaction for all of these standards, now completed on a cross and through an empty tomb. “Uh-oh” becomes “A-ha!” All that God requires, he has fulfilled. All that he desires is completed through his gracious invitation, because of our faith in his Son, our Savior, Jesus.
Now all the things laid out for us are gracious invitations: to follow in His footsteps, invitations to love as He loved, invitations to live as He lived.
We no longer need to read God’s commands with an “Uh-oh,” but rather with the excitement of knowing that even when we fail to follow through perfectly, when our heart is joined to His, our imperfection is no longer an obstacle but a covered detour through faith in Christ.
Thank You, Lord!
“Gracious Father, You have laid out so many acts of love and service for us to follow in our discipleship to You and service to others. We confess we have failed to keep Your standards but rejoice that Jesus has done so for us. Grant us Your Spirit to now see Your loving Law, not as daunting but as exciting opportunities of doing; and when we inevitably fail in our execution, set us back up in You and move forward to try again. In the precious and perfect name of Jesus do we pray. Amen!”
Scripture
- Romans 12:9-21
- Psalm 26 (responsory)
We are at Ezekiel 40ff.
Let’s go!
The Knights of Columbus Council 3313 will host a Drive-Through Grilled Pork Steak Dinner on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., or until sold out!
Each $15 meal includes a grilled pork steak, potatoes, green beans, and a roll. Desserts will also be available.
Meals may be picked up at the Sealy Columbus Club (KC Hall), located at 1310 Highway 90 West. Most major credit cards will be accepted.
Proceeds will benefit the Sealy Ministerial Alliance and the Good Samaritan Shop.
Get some good food and make a difference in our community!
The Sealy Ministerial Alliance exists to assist Sealy residents in areas such as rent and utilities. The Good Samaritan Shop is a resale shop operated by the Sealy Ministerial Alliance where every purchase and donation helps us provide support to local individuals and families in challenging times.
This mission trip we will serve the homeless, work with kids at a community Kids Club, kids in parks, painting and handyman projects. All done in the name of Jesus. And of course serve as credentialed volunteers with the Iditarod Race.
On Saturday, you will help set up the Iditarod Start fencing in Willow, Alaska. On Sunday, you’ll serve as credentialed volunteers putting on the Race Start. Afterwards, tearing down the fencing and loading it all back into the Iditarod truck. During the day, we encourage informal spiritual conversations with others.
Please note: The Iditarod volunteer experience is physically demanding and requires a moderate level of activity.
| DATES | March 4-10, 2027 |
| COST | $850 per person plus airfare ($500-$850) |
| CONTACT | Mallory @ (979) 472-0416 |
This will be much different than our summer trips to Alaska.
Trinity Ablaze in Kenya (TAIK) will return to Kenya this November!
Apply today!
Mission work will be focused on vision clinics and Christian outreach.
Important to notes:
- You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6-months after the departure date to Kenya
- Recommended immunizations include Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Polio
| DATES | November 5-15, 2026 |
| COST | $400 Deposit due with application by September 14, 2026 |
| CONTACT | Angie @ (979) 627-5817 |
On Sunday, October 25, 2026, following worship (around 11:15/11:30am), LifeBridge will hold its annual Congregational Voters’ Meeting.
Information and agenda items will appear below as they become available (so check back often).
AGENDA
Call to Order
Opening Prayer
Approval of Minutes
Congregational Voters’ Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2025
Call to Order
President Jesus Sanchez called the meeting to order.
Opening Prayer
Pastor Scott Heitshusen opened the meeting with prayer.
Approval of Minutes
Angie Wolfe made a motion to approve the October 20, 2024 Congregational Voters’ Meeting minutes. Second by Frank Johnston. Motion passed.
Nominating Task Force Presentation and Elections
- Current Election Information
Stephen Deutsch presented the current nominees. - Current Nominees
- President: Nominee: Jesus “Zeus” Sanchez – Incumbent
- Vice-President: Nominee: Dave Penner – 1-year term
- Secretary: Nominee: Sherri Santoro – Incumbent
- Elder Position 1: Wayne Heitshusen – Incumbent
- Elder Position 3: Giles Montgomery – Incumbent
- Elder Position 5: Brad Biss – Incumbent
- Elder Position 7: Dale Leland – Incumbent
- Nominations From the Floor
Jesus Sanchez asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none. Frank Johnston made a motion to close the election ballot and accept all nominations as presented and approve by acclimation. Second by Alfred Tomasek. Motion passed.
Staff and Ministry Reports:
Staff Reports
Submitted via Video.
Giles Montgomery acknowledged the SURGE volunteers and thanked them for their efforts.
Outreach: Angie Wolfe (Outgoing) – We participated in the Boo Bash reaching over 2000+ people and participated in the Scarecrow contest. A float was entered in the Fantasy of Lights Parade. Two blood drives were held at LifeBridge this year. LifeBridge was a sponsor for the Third Annual Party in the Park on August 9. We also collaborated with other area churches to hold the Fields of Faith on October 1. Wylie Montgomery gave her testimonial. Sealy’s event was larger than Katy’s – a great success.
Missions: Angie Wolfe – Angie thanked LifeBridge for their support of missions during 2025. Angela Johnston, Emma Kopczynski, and Angie will be going to Kenya in November. Eight people in total are going from Trinity Ablaze. A team will be going back to Alaska on July 12-18, 2026.
Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center Update
Jen Heitshusen gave an overview of 2025. They served 65 clients a week. They are open Monday through Thursday. 97% of the pregnancy tests were positive. 71% were abortion vulnerable. 25 babies were born. 30 ultrasounds were done. 1,833 packages of diapers were handed out. The Annual Christmas Party will be held on December 13. 40 volunteers are needed and around 120 children will be attending. The Angel Tree will be in the LifeBridge sanctuary. They are working on the prayer garden.
Outreach
Sue announced that Stacy Wills and Sue will now be leading Outreach. They will continue to build and foster new activities. The focus will be on service – help people in need in the community (clothing drives, rides to doctors, mentorships, etc.). Please contact Stacy or Sue if you want to volunteer.
Fellowship
Fellowship will be more intentional moving forward. We will be eating and greeting with a purpose such as meet and greets with your elders and new visitors. Breakfasts on 5th Sunday’s are another idea.
Sealy Christian Pantry Update
Patsy Tomasek gave an overview of 2025. The Pantry left LifeBridge in February 2025. The pantry is thriving in their new location. It is open on Wednesday’s from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Patsy thanked LifeBridge for their continued support. The Pantry is serving 250 families a week. They have many volunteers including many from LifeBridge and 4 translators. Patsy is Co-Director of Administration and Sue Kristynik is Co-Director of the Warehouse. They fill pantries at each of the schools in Sealy. A summer lunch program provides 5 breakfasts and lunches each week to help feed the kids while away from school meals.
Board Reports
Head Elder: David Walker
The Elders are continuing to work to better serve the congregation and to pray with people.
Treasurer: Margie Ashorn
Margie presented the proposed budget. The budget has increased mainly due to three main items:
- There is a large increase in utilities. LifeBridge’s electricity provided notified them in mid-August that they would be closing. We had 1 week to find a new provider. A broker assisted us in finding a new provider; however, the cost doubled.
- Staff salaries
- Repairs – we still have an air conditioner unit that is out
Giles Montgomery made a motion to accept that 2026 budget as presented. Second by Vic Grisbee. Motion passed.
President: Zeus Sanchez
We will be working on the following in 2026:
- Readdressing the strategic framework
- Getting new people to LifeBridge
- Inviting everyone to be active and involved
- Asking all to reach out if you need anything
- Being more intentional about bringing or inviting someone to LifeBridge
- Growing the Children’s Ministry
Open Discussion
David Walker suggested that we bring all the ministries together one Saturday to talk about how we can support one another. He suggested we could become a movie theater, showing films and raising money with concessions. He suggested the Faith Content Network for films.
Motion to Adjourn
The meeting was closed with the doxology.
Vic Grisbee made a motion to adjourn. Second by Margie Ashorn. Motion passed.
Nominating Task Force Presentation & Elections
Current Election Information
Current Nominees (* = Incumbent)
- Vice-President: NOMINEE: Dave Penner*
- Treasurer: NOMINEE: Margie Ashorn*)
- Elder: NOMINEE, Position 2: Paul White*
- Elder: NOMINEE, Position 4: OPEN
- Elder: NOMINEE, Position 6: David Walker*
- Elder: NOMINEE, Position 8: Jason Wolfe*
Nominations from the Floor
Board Reports
President: Zeus Sánchez
Head Elder: David Walker
Treasurer: Margie Ashorn
15%
One of LifeBridge’s Foundational Principles is “to give 15% or more of the Church’s income for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.”
The following is a summary of what LifeBridge has given away for this effort since 2015!
We praise God for the honor and privileged of helping and serving others!
The Lord provides, but He give us the opportunity to join Him. Join in the blessings!
