May Announcements

Salvation Army Lunches-  We’re serving lunch at the Salvation Army food pantry every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 1:00–2:15 PM—and you can help! This is a great way to connect with our community and show God’s love in action. Sign up to bring food or volunteer through the Meal Trains below.

May 1: Soup and Sandwiches

https://mealtrain.com/330ddy

May 15: Breakfast

https://mealtrain.com/zz3we6

June 5: Hot Dogs

https://mealtrain.com/lvy2m6

Legacy Five Concert- Come join Dove-Award winning Artists, Legacy Five for a night of inspirational gospel music at The Bridge. This free concert is at 5PM on Saturday, May 3. Check out the video below for a taste of their music. https://youtu.be/0Q7V9MHLGIg?si=dY_xyXHEjwChzgmh

The Bates Family in Italy- Have some Italian food and learn what the Bates family will be up to in Italy! Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall, immediately following worship on May 4. Please RSVP at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2886667

Health and Wellness Ministries- Our Health & Wellness Ministries invite you to stop by the café on the first Sunday of each month from 9:00–10:00 AM—and that includes this Sunday, May 4! We’ll be offering free blood pressure checks, and healthy snacks like fruit and cheese. If you’re in need of spiritual care, Mike Solomon will be available for prayer and conversation. Coming soon: a brand-new Resource Center with helpful info on local services and support.

Grief Support Group- If you are experiencing grief from a loss, we invite you to join our grief support group- a bridge of hope, for those who are suffering. The group meets every other Tuesday from 9:30-11:00 am in the Adult Education Room. To enroll, talk to Eileen Cheatham or sign up at the link below. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2856480

Baptism- Buried with Christ in his death and raised to new life in Him. We love to celebrate baptisms at The Bridge! If you'd like to take this step in your faith journey on May 18, see Pastor Steven or Pastor Jon. 

United to Revive Tent Revival- Join us May 20–23, 2025, at Alton’s Riverfront Park for a powerful four-night tent revival featuring worship, testimonies, prayer, outreach, and community meals. Help bring hope and healing to our city! We need volunteers to serve meals, assist with setup, and show love to the community. Sign up to volunteer at www.unitedtorevive.org/servealton.

You’re invited to gather with us in prayer as we prepare for United to Revive.

  • Monday Prayer Gatherings – 2424 Maxey Street: Coffee and fellowship at 5:30 PM, followed by prayer at 6:00 PM

  • Wednesday Prayer Walks – Meet at Panera Bread (Homer Adams Parkway) at 5:30 PM as we walk and pray for the city of Alton

Disappointment With God- Have you ever felt disappointed with God? You’re not alone. This summer, join us for a thoughtful and honest book study of Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey—an exploration of the hard questions we often keep to ourselves: Is God unfair? Is He silent? Is He hidden? Together, we’ll confront these doubts and discover deeper truths about God’s character and presence in the midst of life’s struggles. All are welcome. Come as you are—bring your questions and your faith, even if it’s hanging by a thread. Register for this book study at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2916637 

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 8. If you are a 2025 graduate, please contact Natalie Runyon by May 15.

Women’s Summer Tracks- This summer, step into deeper faith and community with one of our five unique Summer Tracks—designed just for women. These groups go beyond traditional Bible studies, creating space for connection, growth, and shared experience across different interests and stages of life. Find the one that fits your season and join us!

Untangle Your Emotions

Feelings aren’t something to fix—they’re something to feel. In this study based on Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen, we’ll learn how to name and navigate our emotions in a way that draws us closer to the God who created us—soul, mind, and heart. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2912817

Cooking with a Plan

Meal planning doesn’t just reduce stress—it can also save you money! In this practical, three-session course, learn time-saving strategies and smart kitchen habits to help you steward your resources well. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2912903

Gentle and Lowly

Many of us know what Jesus did for us—but how does He feel about us in our weakness? This book club explores Christ’s heart for sinners and sufferers through the lens of Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2913020

The Small and the Mighty

Be inspired by stories of ordinary Americans whose courage and convictions helped shape a better world. Using Sharon McMahon’s The Small and the Mighty as our guide, this book club will explore how we, too, can live out our faith with courage, hope, and a commitment to justice in today’s world. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2913354

Lunchtime Yoga

Take a midweek pause for a gentle, beginner-friendly yoga class that weaves movement and scripture into a Christ-centered time of refreshment. No experience needed—just come as you are and breathe deeply. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2913092

Bridge Kids Summer Challenge- Get ready for a summer full of faith and fun! This year’s Summer Challenge is designed to keep your kids excited about growing in their faith while exploring the great outdoors. From the tiniest insect to the tallest tree, your family will discover how all of creation reflects the creative heart of God. Keep your eyes open—details and activity guides are coming soon!

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 1, 5am-8pm: Riverbend Revival: Alton National Day of Prayer

May 10, 17, 24, 31, 8am-12pm: The Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market

May 17, 10am-3pm: Rec Fest at National Great Rivers Museum

Serve with Bridge Kids!

We’re looking for passionate, caring volunteers to join our Children’s Ministry team! Bridge Kids serves children from Pre-K through 5th Grade, and we need teachers and helpers to serve just once a month on a rotating team.

This is more than childcare—it’s an opportunity to help shape young hearts and grow in your own faith as you prepare to teach. Volunteers commit to one year at a time, making it a manageable and meaningful way to invest in the next generation.

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our kids, all volunteers must complete The Bridge’s “Five Safety Steps” before serving.

Ready to make a difference? Talk to Natalie Runyon. 

Truth & Beauty- Join us each Sunday from 9:00–9:50 AM for a class that weaves together faith, apologetics, the arts, and the Word of God. Whether you’re curious about how culture and creativity intersect with Scripture, or you’re looking to deepen your understanding of why we believe what we believe—this class is for you. Come be inspired, challenged, and rooted in truth before the service begins.

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 at bwooff18@gmail.com or register on Church Center. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2061598

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.