September Announcements

KOZ- KOZ is designed for boys between the ages of 8-18 years old. It provides an opportunity for them to learn outdoor skills while developing relationships with other like-minded boys and the men who are mentoring them. The next KOZ meeting is Saturday, August 1, where we will learn about Water Safety. We will meet at Calvary Baptist Church at 8:30AM and leave for 13 Logan Rd. Alton IL at 9AM where we are going to swim and play yard games. Then we will be back at Calvary for Lunch and pickup at 1PM. If you have questions, talk to Jacob Clendenen. 

Young Adult Bible Study (Ages 18–30)-Tuesday nights just got better 🙌 Join us from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Garden Lounge at The Bridge as we dive deeper into God’s Word, connect with friends, and wrestle with the same Scriptures we’re hearing on Sundays. Come as you are, bring your questions, and be part of the conversation.

Want in or need details? Carmen, Kate, Dre, or Jenna can get you plugged in! The Young Adult group resumes on Tuesday, September 8. 

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.

September 3- BBQ: https://mealtrain.com/l30nv6

September 17- Tacos: https://mealtrain.com/ge3yzo

October 1- Breakfast: https://mealtrain.com/l30nrd

Online Giving- As part of an update to our church accounting software, our online giving platform has recently changed. While this wasn't a transition we specifically sought, it is now the platform that integrates with our financial system.

You may notice some differences in the giving experience, including an increase in credit card processing fees and language that doesn't always reflect the heart and culture of our church. We're continuing to share feedback with the provider and hope to see improvements over time.

If you'd prefer to avoid online processing fees, you're always welcome to give by placing your offering in the collection baskets during our Sunday services, by mailing a check to the church office, or by setting up your bank's online bill pay service to have a check mailed to the church automatically. Every gift, regardless of how it's given, is deeply appreciated and helps support the ministry and mission of our church.

Thank you for your continued generosity and faithfulness.

Youth Group- Youth Group is back! 🎉 Middle and high school students, come hang out, have some fun, build friendships, and grow in your faith! Join us Sunday nights from 6:00–7:30 PM. Bring a friend—we’d love to see you there! We will NOT be meeting on Sunday, September 6 due to the holiday weekend. 

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. NOW OFFERED IN THE EVENING, the Grief Support Group meets the first and third Mondays of every month from 6:00-7:30 pm, in the Adult Education Room. For more information, talk to Eileen Cheatham.

Kid’s Christmas Choir: We are so excited to announce this year's Kids Christmas Choir at The Bridge Church! We would love for your child to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through music, worship, and the Christmas story. This year's musical is Kids Sing Christmas! featuring familiar Christmas songs, praise and worship music, and narrations celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our choir is open to 1st–5th grade students. 

On the first and third Sundays of the month children report to the Fellowship Hall before the 10:00 a.m. worship service and rehearse during the beginning of the service. At the start of Children's Church, teachers will escort students to class. 

Thank you for allowing your child to participate. We look forward to a wonderful Christmas season! For more information, talk to Eddie Hitchcock. 

Christmas Cantata- We are so excited to begin another wonderful season of music, fellowship, and worship together and we need your voice! Our goal is not simply to prepare a great musical performance. As a choir, we have the opportunity to use our voices to lead others in worship and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every rehearsal will bring us one step closer to presenting a Christmas Cantata that is joyful, meaningful, worshipful, and excellent. Our first rehearsal will be Monday, October 5, 2026, from 7:00-8:15 PM. Regular rehearsals will continue on Monday evenings.

We are looking forward to an incredible Christmas season together! Let's make this a beautiful and powerful celebration of Christmas!

September Mission Partner: Mosaic- Mosaic PHC transforms lives by providing free, life-affirming pregnancy & sexual health services, education and Christ-centered support. During the month of September, The Bridge will match your donations designated to Mosaic up to $500. The Bridge will also be participating in 40 Days for Life in October. For more details, see Chris Peuterbaugh. 

Wellness Retreat- On Saturday, October 10, from 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM, the Health and Wellness Ministry will be holding a mini-retreat for women. This is the perfect opportunity to refocus and prepare for the stress that can come with the holidays. Breakfast will be provided and there will be an opportunity for fellowship as well as time to recharge through breathing and stretching exercises, journaling, mediation, and prayer. For more information, talk to Jean Campbell. You can register to attend on Church Center. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3860640

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.

September 4, 11, 25 6pm-9pm: Free September Sunset Music Series at the Alton Amphitheater 

September 23, 9am-4pm: Ameren Illinois is hosting a Community Development Workshop at St John Missionary Baptist Church Celebration Center (405 E 4th St. Alton) to provide energy efficiency tips and tools, clean energy education, and attendees of the event may qualify to receive a direct energy bill credit of $200 based on income eligibility. This workshop is designed to connect residents with helpful resources and ensure this information reaches those who may benefit most. For more information: www.ameren.com/altonsupport. 

Ministry Opportunities- God has equipped every member of the church to serve, using your unique passions, talents and gifts. If you’ve been part of the Bridge Family for a while and are looking for a place to serve, we want to help you. Currently, we have opportunities to serve once a month in child check-in and Children’s Ministry. Contact Pastor Steven or Natalie to get plugged in. 

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.

The Names of God: From the opening chapters of Genesis through the final verses of Revelation, God is known by many names—names that reveal who He is, what He does, and how He relates to His children. Women, you are invited to join us for our fall Bible study as we explore the names of God and discover the impact each of His names has on your relationship with Him. Each name will inspire us to worship God for who He is and challenge us to consider how our lives can be transformed in light of His character. This study will meet on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 am, beginning September 14. Childcare is provided, and your registration is appreciated. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3781135

Women’s Community Group- Each week we study the upcoming sermon text together with women from The Bridge and the community. On Thursday, September 17, 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.  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.