March Announcements
/Communion- March 3, 17
Salvation Army Lunches- On the first and third Thursday of each month The Bridge will be providing lunch for any clients who utilize the food pantry at Salvation Army. The meals are
served from 1-2:30 pm and we need a rotation of people to set up and serve. You can sign up to provide food or volunteer on the Meal Trains below.
March 7: https://mealtrain.com/m351kl
March 21: https://mealtrain.com/dkq9q6
April 4: https://mealtrain.com/y825dm
There {4} Gathering- For years the women at The Bridge have hosted IF: Gathering. This year, we are excited to participate in There {4} Gathering for High School girls. Similar in style to IF, this weekend is a time of encouragement for our students as they listen to speakers, connect with each other and enjoy all of their favorite things. This overnight event will be held at Julie Paul’s house. For more details, talk to Eva or Natalie Runyon. Register to attend at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2133083
Trivia Night at The Bridge- Gather your friends for an evening of fun and enjoy ten rounds of trivia through the decades emceed by Jeff Maynard. Tickets are $25 a person or reserve a table for 8 people for $200. All proceeds from the evening will help our Bridge Kids attend CentriKids Camp this summer. Do you own a business that would like to sponsor a round or donate items for a raffle? Please talk to Nikki Fiedler. A limited number of tables are available. Reserve yours today at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2111653
The Anchor Co.- We are gathering again as a community for a night of worship, preparing our hearts to celebrate the death and resurrection of our King. March 10, 7:00 pm at The Bridge.
Winter Jam- The Winter Jam tour is coming to the Enterprise Center on Saturday, March 23. Featuring artists Crowder, Lecrae, Katy Nichole, Cain and others. Tickets are $15 at the door. If there is enough interest, we will head over as a group, leaving from The Bridge at 3:45. Register at the link below if you plan to attend and would like to be part of the group. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2197438
Palm Sunday- Our Bridge Kids will be singing on Palm Sunday. Practices will take place the first three Sundays in March. Please have your kids listen to and practice the song in advance.
Maundy Thursday Service- This evening service, led by Nick Bifano, is a time of reflection and expectation as we worship our Servant King, Jesus, and prepare our hearts for Good Friday and Easter.
Secret Church- Secret Church is an opportunity for us to gather and intensely study the Bible and pray like and for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. We will take a 6 hour deep dive into God’s epic tale of redemption in the story of Ruth. It’s a story that reminds us that each of our lives–no matter how ordinary they may sometimes seem and no matter how difficult they may sometimes be–is indeed a part of a plan much larger than ourselves and much more thrilling than we could ever imagine. We will explore the story of the persecuted church in North Korea, and be challenged to live on mission–in our neighborhoods and to the nations. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2198188
Bible Study Basics- Have you ever read the Bible and felt a bit confused? Are you interested in increasing your knowledge of scripture and learning how to confidently study the Bible for yourself? We’ve prepared this class for you! Meet us in the Adult Education classroom on Saturday, April 27 at 9 AM and learn the basics of Bible study with Pastor Steven and Natalie Runyon. This class is limited to 12 participants so register today! Register HERE.
Down by the Riverside - A National Day of Prayer Event- May 2 is a day set aside for our nation to pray. We will be gathering with other believers at the Alton Amphitheater throughout the day to pray for our community and to worship together. Many hands are needed to plan and prepare for this event. If you would like to participate, talk to Stephen Fox.
TGC Women’s Conference- At The Gospel Coalition 2024 Women’s Conference we will look at the seven I AM statements in John’s Gospel to see who Jesus says he is. Join us for a wonderful weekend of teaching, worship and time together in Indianapolis on June 20-22. You can learn more at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcw24/. Interested in a group discount? Talk to Natalie Runyon.
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.
March 18: Grand Opening for Honeybee Vintage - Come visit our newly renovated historic location in downtown Alton! Giveaways, Prize Drawings, Snacks/Sweets/Drinks, Meet-and-Greet & More! Ribbon-Cutting at 10am.
March 23: Alton Spring Fair at Alton Middle School - Come shop vendors and crafters for Easter, Mother's Day, Graduation, and much more. 9am-3pm in the Annex Gym, Cafeteria and hallways.
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve? Check out the needs below.
If photography is your thing, we need your help! We are looking for a few people who can take photos for use on social media. Please talk to Natalie, if you’re interested in serving in this capacity.
Our Children’s Ministry is growing, and we need volunteers to serve in the 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.
The Attributes of God- A.W. Tozer famously said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Who is God? What is He like? How does He relate to His people?The Attributes of God is a 6-week study, beginning March 19, that equips believers to:
Understand the depths and richness of the character of God.
Learn how to reflect God’s communicable attributes in everyday life.
Recognize how God’s attributes reveal His character, our sin, and the gospel.
Bring a lunch or snack and meet in Natalie’s office on Tuesdays at noon. Purchase your study guide at https://thedailygraceco.com/products/the-attributes-of-god-study.
Jesus and Women- Understand Jesus More Deeply by Studying First-Century History and Culture
Imagine walking the dusty roads of Galilee with Jesus of Nazareth—braving jostling crowds just to touch the edge of His cloak and hear Him say, "Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you." Those words, once meant to comfort a hurting woman’s soul thousands of years ago, were also meant for you. Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland on those dusty roads as she transports you back to Jesus' world, stepping into the footsteps of the women who came face to face with the living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him. Study guide can be purchased on Amazon.
Weight of Glory- A journey of faith, the visual arts and culture. For the next two months we will consider the writings of C.S. Lewis alongside scripture. Class is led by Dan Nickel and Ben Meydam on Sunday mornings at 9 AM, beginning on February 4.
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.
Women’s Community Group- Each week we study the upcoming sermon text together with women from The Bridge and the community. We’d love for you to join us! We meet from 6-8 pm at local homes. For details, contact Brenda Wooff or register on Church Center. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2061598
Adult Bible Study- Thursday nights from 7-8, any adults are welcome to meet in this open group for study and discussion of the upcoming week's sermon text in the adult education room. Coffee is provided. Talk to Jon Davis for more details.
Community Groups-There are a variety of Community Groups that meet throughout the year. To find a Community Group that’s right for you, or to learn more about leading or hosting a group, see Pastor Jon.