December 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.

December 4- Breakfast: https://mealtrain.com/14e41q

December 18- Chik-fil-A: https://mealtrain.com/d0k07v

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

Men’s Breakfast- Come for a time of food, fellowship, testimonies, worship and the word of God. December 6 in the Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 8:00, breakfast is served at 8:30. Sign up on the sheet in the foyer, or text Mike Varner for more info. 

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 of 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! https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0B49A8AA2AA1FD0-60783665-beabridge

Prepare Him Room- It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the holidays and miss the Savior. Women, here is an invitation to intentionally make space to seek Jesus amid the season. Bring a friend and join us for dinner, worship and a live simulcast with teacher Kelly Minter on Thursday, December 11, at 6:00. Let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior and embrace the true meaning of Christmas. There is a suggested donation of $10/person for this event, but all are welcome so don’t let cost be a barrier to attending. Register on Church Center. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3242191

Youth Group Christmas Party- Wear your favorite ugly Christmas attire, bring a dessert to share, and bring a wrapped gift to exchange. Gifts can be gently used, regifted items, or new items of no more than $10 value). Friends are welcome! See you on December 14, 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. 

Young Adults — coffee after church? ☕️✨On 12/14, we’ll be hanging out right after service with coffee and pastries! Just a chance to meet new people and hear what’s coming up for Young Adults at The Bridge!  Come say hi and grab a treat!

Blue Christmas- Christmas is a joyous time of year, however, it's also a time of grieving and pain for many. Some are mourning the death of a loved one. Some are far from home. Some suffer from illness, addiction, or estrangement. Some are lonely, struggling financially, or in conflict with another. Some hurt because of the great pain, need, and violence in our nation and world.

At a Blue Christmas we will gather, even while suffering, to remember that God is good, God is strong, God is near, and that we are not alone. We have every reason to hold on to hope.

Christmas Candlelight Service- Join us for at The Bridge for our Christmas Candlelight Service as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Experience the story of the angels brought to life on stage, powerful choral music with orchestra and soloists, and the beauty of worship through familiar carols. Come and be part of this sacred night of hope and celebration. 

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! Many people begin a Bible reading plan with the New Year and we want you to feel prepared. Meet us in the Adult Education classroom on Monday, December 29, at 6:00 PM and learn the basics of Bible study with Natalie Runyon. This class is limited to 12 participants so register today! Follow the link to register: https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3243231

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.

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

December 6, 5:30pm-8pm: 4th Annual Christmas by the River at the Alton Amphitheater

December 7, 6:30pm: Alton Muny Band Concert at First Presbyterian Church of Alton

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.