November Announcements

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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.

November 6- Tacos/Nachos: https://mealtrain.com/78e4y1

November 20- Chik-fil-A: https://mealtrain.com/n9lgn7

Christmas Choir- Christmas Choir rehearsals kicked off Monday, October 20 at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary! This isn’t just a Bridge event — everyone is welcome! Invite your friends and family who love to sing and want to be part of something special this Christmas season. No need to worry if you don’t read music — rehearsal tracks for all voice parts will be provided! Come join us as we prepare to make this year’s Christmas Candlelight Service even more meaningful and beautiful. This year’s theme is “Do Not Be Afraid.” Together, we’ll journey through the angel encounters that announced the coming of Christ — messages of peace, courage, and joy that still speak to us today.

Intro to The Bridge Lunch- Whether you are brand new or have been attending for a while, if you would like to learn more about The Bridge, this meeting is for you. On Sunday, November 2, immediately following worship, 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. Reservations are required, and the meeting is limited to 15 adults, and VERY FEW SPOTS REMAIN. Register on Church Center or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3165210

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 the first and third Tuesdays of every month 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

Old Testament Survey- Ever wondered how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament? Join us for a five-week journey through Scripture as we uncover the rich background, timeless truths, and powerful foreshadowing of God’s redemptive plan. Each week, we’ll trace key moments in the story of God’s people—from creation to exile—and discover how every chapter points to Christ. Register on Church Center or HERE.

Youth Retreat- Our Youth Retreat is almost here! All paperwork and payments are due by October 26, and the retreat will take place November 7–9.

This year’s theme is “The Holy Spirit” — how He empowers us, teaches us, and guides us. We’re excited to welcome back Guest Speaker Raynard Brown, along with a special worship team joining us on Saturday!

If you have a student in 6th–12th grade who would like to attend, please contact Eddie Hitchcock for more details. Don’t miss this inspiring, uplifting, and life-changing weekend!

Youth Led Worship- Join us for a powerful service led entirely by our students! Our youth will guide us in worship through song, skit, Scripture, testimonies, and more. Come cheer them on as they share their gifts and point us to Jesus. This is a great Sunday to invite friends and family—let’s fill the room with encouragement and support for our next generation of leaders. Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 16, and prepare to be blessed!

College Care Packages- Finals are approaching and we want to show a little TLC to our (15!) Bridge college students. We are in need of gift cards in $10 increments to places like Starbucks, Taco Bell, McDonald’s Domino’s, Panera, Chik-Fil-A, etc. Please put gift cards in the basket in the foyer by December 1. If you would like to write a card of encouragement to one of our students, see Natalie Runyon. 

Christmas Cheer Packages- Did you know there are people in our Bridge Family who aren’t able to make it to church because of health issues? We would love to take them some holiday cheer! If you’d like to donate items for gift bags, check out our wish list. All items should be returned to the church by December 1. https://grow.withlome.com/a/c8509376-9252-4dbc-9fde-d61ee10a5acd

Community Christmas Outreach- This year we are partnering with Be a Bridge to support their local Christmas efforts. We have two ways you can help. Either choose some items from the list for gift bags or create an entire gift bag yourself! If creating a gift bag, please purchase all the items on the list and place them in a sturdy holiday gift bag. Gift bags and loose items can be placed under the Christmas tree in the foyer. All items should be brought in by December 14. Thank you for partnering with Be a Bridge as they support students and families in our community!

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.

November 1, 3pm-8pm: Local Makers Market to benefit the Overnight Warming Locations @ Post Commons

November 7, 5pm-8pm: First Fridays Art + Shopping Experience in Downtown Alton

November 21, 6pm-7pm: Community Tree lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square

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. On Thursday, September 11, we kick off a new season and 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.

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.