...Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News, and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT) 

CNN predicts the 2008 U.S. presidential election to be forever remembered as "the social networking” election.  President-elect Barack Obama successfully used Facebook to rally over 3.2 million supporters, while John McCain peaked with less than 1 million supporters. We know how this election turned out, so can we use the internet as effectively, to find common ground?

Oak Bluff Bible Church believes yes, we can use the internet to meet with people in a meaningful way. In September we re-launched www.oakbluffbiblechurch.com. Our site statistics show 1305 hits to the site in October.  In November the hits increased to 1375 – and it's happening by only word of mouth advertising!

This email newsletter is another way for us to stay connected with our community and each other.  I subscribe to nearly two dozen email newsletters ranging from Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, The Pastor's Coach, and Leadership Wired, to Knowledge at Wharton, The New York Times, and Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. Each one connects me with the wisdom of great pastors, business leaders, and institutions.  We hope our newsletter will link people to the OBBC family, with the simple click of a button.  

The purpose of our newsletter is:  

1. To connect – A newsletter is a safe, fun, and easy way to introduce people to our church, and to let them see what we're all about.  It will highlight upcoming events, and provide links back to details on our website.  Let your friends and family know about OBBC by forwarding them a copy.  

2. To inform – Your life is busy, but that doesn't mean you have to lose touch. A regular newsletter will keep you up to date with OBBC news, and provide you with quick links to resources such as messages available for audio download, and the online calendar of events.

3. To equip – Each newsletter will include a short article, written to inspire, encourage, and challenge you. Also watch for links to websites that will help you in your journey of faith.

Paul was willing to do anything and everything to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are launching this this newsletter an experiment with the same heart.  If Barack Obama can use technology to win an election, we can use technology to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

This is the premier issue, and we realize that technology isn't always perfect.  If you spot something that just looks funny in your email viewer, or you find a link that doesn't work, please communicate your discovery to contactus@oakbluffbiblechurch.com.  

Let's pray that God will use this newsletter to bring some Good News to email inboxes everywhere!

 Until next time...

Troy

Life groups (aka. Bible Study groups, aka. small groups) are running full steam ahead.  We have two groups - one is reading The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg, and the other is being challenged by The Truth Project from Focus on the Family. 

If you would like to be a part of a life group, make some close friends, and learn more about God's plans for your life in a relaxed setting, contact Ed, Reg, Jeff, or Troy.  See the calendar of events for group dates and locations.

Prayer Partners is a great way for you to express your creativity, and support a friend in prayer.  Decorate a shoe box, and fill it with items from your life - pictures of your family, trinkets from your hobby, a business card from your work.  Bring your box to church, and exchange it with someone.  The box you receive will be your prayer partner for 2008-2009.  Speak with Barb Batulla if you have any questions.

2008 Christmas Program will soon be here!  "The One Who Came to Save" will be held on December 23, 2008, 7:30pm, at the Oak Bluff Hall.  Practice schedules will be announced and posted.  Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join together to celebrate the love of Jesus this Christmas.

Toms Shoes - This is an entrepreneur with vision!  For every pair of Toms shoes you purchase, one pair will be donated to a child in need.  They don't ship to Canada - yet - but that has never stopped all you industrious cross-border shoppers before. 

Christian Women Today - Their logo reads, "Where Women live".  Read encouraging articles of life stories, parenting, marriage, and spiritual growth.  Try a new recipe, and pick up a few fashion tips.  It's all here, with a positive Christian perspective.      

Ignite 107 - Winnipeg's newest radio station.  For those of you who like your Christian music a little harder, and a little louder, tune in to Ignite 107.1FM or listen online. 

Our Sunday morning talks are always available on our website, for listening online or downloading.  You can even subscribe to our iTunes podcast.

 Open Doors is one of our most recent message series.  Ever wonder why there are so many choices in life for you to make?  How can you know if you're making the right choices?  Listen to this 2-part series, as we talk about the doors we shouldn't enter, and what it takes to choose the right doors.

 Check the website for regular updates to the photo gallery!