May Announcements

Communion- May 19

Salvation Army Meals- On the first and third Thursday of each month we have the privilege of providing lunch for the clients who utilize the food pantry at Salvation Army. This is a special time of getting to know people in our community. We’d love for you to experience it yourself! 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.

May 17- https://mealtrain.com/y8rrwk

June 6- https://mealtrain.com/loddrd

Bridge Tees- Have you spotted Pastor Steven wearing our new Bridge tees? We have a limited quantity of both kid’s and adult’s sizes for sale for $10. Contact Natalie if you’d like to purchase one.

Bridge Teens- The Bridge Teens will have our first meet up on Wednesday, May 1. Students can arrive at 6pm for a snack supper. From 6:30-8:00 we will begin our journey focusing on Amazing Grace. This four part series will cover Grace as a Gift, Grace and Works, Grace and Freedom, and Grace and Purpose. Our goal is to have a better understanding of how God intends for us to view grace and how to apply that understanding in our day-to-day life. Students, bring your friends and meet us in the basement youth room! See Eddie for more details.

Baptisms- 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 June 2, see Pastor Steven or Pastor Jon.

Health and Wellness Ministry- Our goal is to assist The Bridge Family by offering simple health screenings, monthly health tips and additional resources previously offered by Parish Nurses. If you are a nurse or healthcare provider who would be interested in serving the church in this way, please register on Church Center and plan to attend our first meeting on Sunday, May 19 in the Adult Education Room. Contact Jean Campbell at (618) 792-1524 for more information. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2298266

Graduation 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 Bible full of notes of encouragement on Sunday, June 9. If you have a student graduating, please contact Natalie.

Women’s Ministry Summer Tracks- We are excited to provide five different Summer Tracks to help women grow more deeply in their faith and connect with others. Peruse them all and choose the one that is best for you.

Have you wanted a chance to get to know some women at The Bridge a little better? Coffee Fellowship may be just what you are looking for. Meets the first and third Saturdays from 9:30-11:00 at the church. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2298551

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: “Gospel humility means we can stop connecting every experience, every conversation with ourselves and can this be free from self-condemnation. A truly gospel-humble person is not a self-hating  person or a self-loving person, but a self-forgetful person.” Karen LaBoube will be leading a reflective study covering this small yet impactful book written by Tim Keller. Meets on Tuesday mornings at the church. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2299276

Peace: Hope and Healing for the Anxious Momma’s Heart: For years, Christian women have been told, "If you just prayed more, had more faith, and trusted Jesus, you'd have more peace." But what does it mean when a Christian momma continues to worry? How does she reconcile her feelings of fear with her faith in God? And how does she raise her children in a home full of peace when she feels anything but peaceful? Join us for this book study beginning Wednesday, June 5 at 10 am. Bring your kiddos! We will meet at Gordon Moore Park. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2298573

Are you interested in learning more about God’s heart for justice and mercy? Check out the “Just Mercy” book club! The biblical themes of mercy, grace, and redemption drive the powerful, true story of Bryan Stevenson, the lawyer who launched the “Equal Justice” Initiative” in Alabama. We will meet on Thursday mornings in June at Kay Helfrich’s home. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2298582

How to Lead and Serve Women: This course by Lifeway Women’s Academy centers on topics such as mentoring, leading women, handling conflict Biblically, caring for our own souls and many others. Offered on Wednesday mornings, beginning July 10. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2298592

Men’s Retreat- Hey Guys! We’ve got a retreat planned for you. When: June 21-23 Where: Camp Potawatomi at Pere Marquette Cost: $55 Activities: 1 Samuel, worship, fellowship, food, fellowship, fun, fellowship. Sign up sheet in foyer! Questions? See Mike Varner.

Summer Challenge- Parents, keep your eyes open for the Summer Challenge full of ideas to keep your kids motivated to continue growing in their faith this summer. Available in the foyer beginning May 19.

May Memory Verse- Every month in Bridge Kids we work with the students to help them memorize scripture. You can help your kids at home by posting the verse and practicing it together. Our June verses are Psalm 145:8-10. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn verse one here: https://youtu.be/GvIhGOhSk7Q?si=RVV3DCwvxDIVuq1_

Check out the Summer Challenge for more ideas to help your family memorize God’s Word.

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. Contact Pastor Steven or Natalie to get plugged in.

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 2: Down by the Riverside - National Day of Prayer @ The Alton Amphitheater

May 11: Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market Opening Day!

May 18:  Christian Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale! Begins at 8am!

May 18: TNI Native Plant Sale

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.