August Announcements
/August Mission Partner:
Be a Bridge was created in 2021 and is working to build relationships and foster a peer community amongst adolescent youth, giving them a foundational support system that embodies the love of Christ. Through a combination of support groups, mentorship, community service projects, workforce development programs and fine arts programs that teach healthy self expression, our youth are learning to see themselves as image bearers of God. As they see their value, they are able to positively shape their interactions with each other and with society. In the month of August we will be collecting laundry detergent pods and quarters for Be a Bridge’s laundry day, as well as partnering with them for a Back to School Bash serving the students at Oakwood Estates and Alton Acres. Marqueta Goins, Director of Be A Bridge, will join us for worship on 8/14 to share more about their ministry. Quarters and laundry pods will be collected on the table in the church foyer.
Communion: 8/14 and 8/28
August Memory Verse:
Fliers with the monthly memory verse are now available at child check-in. Each week our Bridge Kids will work on the verse in class, but memorizing scripture isn't just for kids! The best way to commit the verse to memory is practicing throughout the month. You can find a song to help in The Bridge Kids Amazon and Spotify playlists or on YouTube.
School Supply Packing Breakfast: Join us for breakfast, community, and service as we pack school supplies for our Back to School Bash. All ages welcome! Register HERE!
Back to School Bash at Oakwood Estates: In conjunction with Be A Bridge, our August mission partner, we will be holding a school supply giveaway for the students who live in Oakwood Estates and Alton Acres. We will be grilling and serving hot dogs, chips and sno cones and distributing school supplies at the Oakwood Estates recreation center. If you are able to help with this event, please contact Natalie Runyon. Register HERE!
Bridge Family Pool Party: Meet us at the pavilion at Roxana Park for dinner at 5:00 PM. We’ve rented the pool from 6-8 for our Bridge Family to enjoy. All ages welcome! Please RSVP so we can be sure we have enough food and lifeguards. Click the link to register: https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1330838
Promotion Sunday: Also known as Sundae Sunday, this is the Sunday where our Bridge Kids level up to their next grade/class. At the end of class, all kids will have the opportunity to make an ice cream sundae in the Fellowship Hall.
Women’s Ministry Fall Kick Off: Are you interested in joining a Bible study or growing in community with other women at The Bridge? Whether you are brand new to The Bridge or have been here for a while and are ready to dig deeper, all women of The Bridge are invited to come to this event. This is an informal time to connect with one another, meet the leaders of our women's Community Groups, and check out the new fall studies we will be offering. Snacks are provided, and friends are welcome! https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1378098
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.
August 11: Moonlight Hike @ The Nature Institute
August 27: TNI Wildflower Market
Every Saturday in August: Yoga @ The Alton Amphitheater
Nursery: We are looking for those willing to hang out with the Bridge’s most precious and hilarious members (ages 0-2) during Sunday services. Volunteers can sign up to serve on a once monthly, bi-monthly, or substitute basis by contacting Jill Adam at 217.779.9637.
Children’s Ministry Sub: A new school year is beginning and nearly all of our Children’s Ministry teacher and helper roles have been filled! We are so thankful for those who cheerfully teach our Bridge Kids the good news about Jesus. We still need a teacher and a helper to serve as subs for the 2nd/3rd grade class. If the Lord is asking you to step into this position, please contact Natalie Runyon.
God has given each of us gifts to use to build up the church. Whether you are new to The Bridge, or have been around for a bit, we have a place for you! If you’re wondering how you can serve at The Bridge, email us at connect@bridgetograce.org
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.
Student Ministries: Bridge teens! Student ministries will resume on 8/28. This is a casual “welcome back” event where we will have snacks and games and get to know one another. Middle school will meet from 5:00-6:30 PM and high school from 6:30-8:00 PM. Contact Mike Solomon with any questions you may have.
Sunday Morning Apologetics: On August 14, this class, led by Dan Nickel, will begin a new series entitled “Who Do You Say That I Am?: The Life of Jesus Christ”. Using the arts and movies from the silent film era to the present, as well as the Old Testament’s prophetic Scriptures and the New Testament Gospels, the series will blend into a single narrative the life of Jesus Christ. His birth, ministry, teachings, his miracles, death and resurrection will be discussed and studied. A defending of the faith (apologetics) eye will also be pressed upon this all-encompassing portrait of Christ. The series will go through the remainder of the year and is held in the Adult Education Room every Sunday at 9 AM.
Community Groups: Interested in connecting with a Community Group? Email jon.davis@bridgetograce.org for more information about community group opportunities.