September Announcements
/September Mission Partner:
Mike and Tarah Hoxsie are a local couple in the midst of fundraising to become missionaries in La Paz, Mexico. To learn more about the unique outreach they will be part of, join us on September 18 for worship as Mike and Tarah talk about the Reconciliamar ministry initiative, and how God has called their family to Mexico. We will be matching the first $500 in donations given to The Bridge with Hoxsie Family in the memo. Check out this video with a brief introduction from the Hoxsies.
Communion: 9/11 and 9/25
September Memory Verse:
Drama Team: If you are a middle or high school student who enjoys theater, or a younger student who participated in this summer’s Bridge Drama Club, we have an opportunity for you! This team will be rehearsing on Monday nights from 6-8 PM, from 9/12- 10/24 and will perform a skit as part of the Youth (led) Worship Service on 10/30. Questions about the team can be directed to Nikki Fiedler. Register through the Church Center app.
Bridge Game Night: We have lots of family friendly events, but this one is just for adults. On Friday, September 16 from 6-9 PM we will have a pickle ball tournament, as well as ping pong set up in the Fellowship Hall, corn hole in the back parking lot, and some additional games in the side yard. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and tables will be set up for those who want to socialize. Space is limited for those who want to play pickle ball, so please indicate when you register if you would like to play and who your partner will be. Register on the Church Center app or HERE.
Coffee Talk: This women's group inspired by IF:Table Questions begins on September 17th. Women will take turns asking the questions, and allow everyone enough time to share or respond. Gain new perspectives and insight while connecting with women of faith!
When: Mid-mornings, one Saturday a month
Where: Local coffee shops
Contact Taylor at jordantaylorbodenbach2017@gmail.com for more information!
Intro to The Bridge: Whether you are brand new or have been attending for a while, if you would like to learn more about The Bridge, this meeting on Sunday, September 18 is for you. Immediately following the worship service, Pastor Steven will share more about our mission, vision, and core values as well as ways to connect in community and plug in to serve. Lunch will be provided. Childcare will not be available, but you are welcome to bring your children along. Reservations are required, and the meeting is limited to 15 adults. Sign up on the Church Center app or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1416405
Bridge Family Art Night: Our God is a creative God and since we are created in His image, we can be creative too! On October 14, we will provide a variety of mediums for our Bridge Family- adults and kids alike, to create a piece of artwork that will be displayed at our Imago Dei Art Show in November. If you have art supplies you would like to donate, please contact Natalie Runyon. To attend, please register on Church Center or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1390041
Save the Date:
Bridge Library: Need a good book? The Bridge Library is open for business! Located near the cafe, we have books on a variety of topics from theology to Christian living to current topics of interest. Books can be checked out for two weeks at a time.
Bridge Kids: Check out our updated resource board in the education wing. We want to help connect kids to God’s indelible grace as well as equip parents with tools to disciple their kids at home.
Are you looking for ways to help your kids memorize the September memory verse at home? An easy way of learning by repetition is singing! Listen here
As a church that is for our city, we want to encourage those who call The Bridge their home to check out and support local events and live missionally in our community.
September 10: Alton Citywide Litter Cleanup
September 24: Miles for Meso 5K. The Bridge has been a sponsor of this event since 2013. Want to race with us? Register HERE. Our Bridge Student Ministries will be handing out water in front of the church. If you’d like to help, and cheer on the runners, please talk to Mike or Gwen Solomon.
Nursery: We are looking for those willing to hang out with the Bridge’s most precious and hilarious members (ages 0-2) during Sunday services. Volunteers can sign up to serve on a once monthly, bi-monthly, or substitute basis by contacting Jill Adam at 217.779.9637.
Children’s Ministry Sub: A new school year is beginning and nearly all of our Children’s Ministry teacher and helper roles have been filled! We are so thankful for those who cheerfully teach our Bridge Kids the good news about Jesus. We still need a teacher and a helper to serve as subs for the 2nd/3rd grade class. If the Lord is asking you to step into this position, please contact Natalie Runyon.
God has given each of us gifts to use to build up the church. Whether you are new to The Bridge, or have been around for a bit, we have a place for you! If you’re wondering how you can serve at The Bridge, email us at connect@bridgetograce.org
Men's Bible Study: Tuesday mornings from 7-8, the men of The Bridge meet to study and discuss the upcoming week's sermon text. Coffee and donuts are provided.
Student Ministries: Beginning on Sunday, September 11, middle school youth group will meet from 5-6:30 PM and high school from 6:30-8 PM. Come connect with other students as we grow in our faith together.
Harvest Ministry Fall Rally: Students will love gathering with others from around the region for a day of worship, music, learning, fun and connections! The Fall Rally will be held in Troy, IL on Saturday, October 29 from 9:30 am - 4:45 pm.
This event is for students in 6th - 12th grade and their ministry leaders, youth pastors, pastors or parents. Registration fee of $20 includes meals, activities and a free t-shirt. Friends are welcome! Registration ends on October 10. Questions? Talk to Mike or Gwen Solomon. Register on the Church Center app or HERE.
Sunday Morning Apologetics: Join the new series - “Who Do You Say That I Am?: The Life of Jesus Christ”. Using the arts and movies from the silent film era to the present, as well as the Old Testament’s prophetic Scriptures and the New Testament Gospels, the series will blend into a single narrative the life of Jesus Christ. His birth, ministry, teachings, his miracles, death and resurrection will be discussed and studied. A defending of the faith (apologetics) eye will also be pressed upon this all-encompassing portrait of Christ. The series will go through the remainder of the year and is held in the Adult Education Room every Sunday at 9 AM.
Gospel on the Ground: This study for women meets on Mondays from 9:30-11:00 AM in the Adult Education Room. Through seven sessions, we will learn from biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts. We will see how the kingdom of God is always on the move - always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Childcare will be provided. For more information, contact Martha Pfister or Natalie Runyon.
1 Peter: Our inheritance through Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. In 1 Peter, a man of faith and flaws, and an eyewitness to the life of Christ, challenges us to look beyond our current circumstances to a future inheritance. On Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 PM, join women from The Bridge as they walk through this study of 1 Peter by Jen Wilkin. To join, talk to Brenda Wooff or Julie Paul.
Community Groups: Community Groups resume meeting in September. To find a Community Group that’s right for you, or to learn more about leading or hosting a group, see Pastor Jon.