May Announcements

Communion: 5/14 and 5/28

Vespers: Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer, traditionally observed by the church. At The Bridge, Vespers is a time for us to come together for focused prayer and worship in an intimate setting. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on May 10 from 7-8:30 pm for prayer and worship led by Nick Bifano and Anchor Co.

Coffee Talk: Have you ever wished you could develop more meaningful friendships and move past the small talk? This women's group is for you! Inspired by IF:Table Questions, we meet once a month on Saturday mornings to discuss questions centered around a specific theme which grow progressively deeper. Bring your own drink and snack for this casual get together in the Adult Education Room at The Bridge on 5/20. Contact Taylor at jordantaylorbodenbach2017@gmail.com for more information. You can register for this event in the Church Center app or HERE. 

Graduate Sunday: We want to celebrate with our high school and college graduates as they reach this milestone in their lives! We will recognize graduates and present them with a gift on Sunday, June 4. If you are a 2023 graduate, please contact Natalie Runyon by May 15.

May Memory Verse: Every month in Bridge Kids we work with the students to help them memorize scripture. You can help your kids at home by posting the verse and practicing it together. Our May verses are Psalm 118:22-24. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn these verses (and the rest of the Psalm!) HERE.

Family Discipleship: As parents, you have the primary role of discipleship in your home, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, what to do or how to be consistent. To help you, we have a Summer Discipleship Challenge. In late May, you will be able to pick up a packet full of fun ideas to help you and your kids grow in the faith and establish family time in the Word whether you are at home, out and about or on vacation.

Women’s Ministry Summer Tracks: We are excited to provide six different Summer Tracks to help women grow more deeply in their faith and connect with others. Peruse them all and choose the one that is best for you.

-Are you in the midst of parenting and need some Gospel centered encouragement? Check out the Risen Motherhood book study HERE.

-Are you an avid reader who would love to delve more deeply into classic Christian literature? Or are you interested in learning how to better defend your faith? A book club on Mere Christianity might be just what you are looking for! Register HERE.

-Do you struggle with fear, anxiety, or shame? Do you feel weighed down by sorrow or grief? Walk with Much Afraid as she learns to trust the Shepherd. Join the Hind’s Feet on High Places reflective book study HERE.

-Have you wanted a chance to get to know some women at The Bridge a little better? The weekly Coffee Fellowship may be just what you are looking for.

-Do you feel inspired by nature and enjoy discussing the Scripture while outside? Get moving with our Hiking Ministry.

-Maybe you have wanted to study a book of the Bible verse by verse, but the timing hasn’t worked out? Check out this seven-week study of the book of Jude, written by Jackie Hill Perry. Women of all ages as well as high school girls are welcome to attend.

Seeking Truth: In early January, some local students had the vision of gathering across denominations for the glory of God to study His Word and build friendships. Seeking Truth was born! This group of college students and young adults meets every other Friday in The Bridge basement. New friends are welcome to join! Upcoming dates are May 12 and 26. For more information, talk to Bella Runyon.

First Fruits: On Sunday, May 28, the residents of First Fruits will be with us for our morning worship service. Always inspiring, we hope you will come to hear how the Lord is working in their midst, and stay afterwards to share lunch with them. Register for lunch on Church Center or HERE.

Calling All Cooks! Do you have a favorite recipe? Maybe it’s “from scratch” or focuses on healthy ingredients or maybe it’s great when feeding a crowd. It’s that recipe you and your friends and family just “love”.  We want to compile all the fabulous Bridge family recipes into one cookbook and sell them to help make a difference in our community.  All proceeds will go to the following:  The Bridge Benevolent Fund, Oasis Women’s Crisis Center and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Recipes should be submitted by June 1. Add yours to our digital database: https://createmycookbook.com/groups/seagMU9Tg 

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.

May 3: Alton Main Street Gardening Day Get ready to pick, plant, prune, and prime our downtown for sunny days ahead! Novices, experts, and everyone in between, please join Alton Main Street on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. as we care for the native plants and flower beds in downtown Alton. There’s no need to RSVP, but feel free to join the gardening group on Facebook to stay informed and ask questions.

May 5: Artist Collective Meet Up @ Jacoby Arts Center

May 10: Family Story Time @ Haskell Playhouse

May 13: Kick-off of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market 2023 Season  Consider signing up for a shift this year, where you'll work with other great volunteers to set up the info station, greet shoppers, and help process food benefits. Training is provided and partial shifts are welcome! CLICK HERE to sign up.

May 20: Native Plant Sale @ The Nature Institute

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.

Sunday Morning Apologetics- Join the 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 blends 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.

Community Groups- To find a Community Group that’s right for you, or to learn more about leading or hosting a group, see Pastor Jon.