October Announcements
/October Mission Partner: "J"
Our October mission partner “J” works in Southern Spain among the immigrant and refugee communities. Her passion is to work alongside the Spanish church as they reach out to their foreign neighbors. “J” lives in a city with 103 nationalities, many from countries that have had little or no opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. One of her primary ministries is working with immigrant and refugee children. Her team hosts a kid’s club in 2 different locations on Saturday and Sunday afternoons which includes games, crafts, and a snack and most importantly, a lesson using the chronological Bible storying curriculum. “J” also trains members of the church to be involved in the ministries among the immigrants. She will be joining us for worship on 10/23 to share more about her work in Spain.
Want to learn even more about “J”and how you can support the ministry in Spain? We have a special opportunity to share lunch with her following worship on 10/23. Advance registration is required. Please sign up on the Church Center app or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1461097
Upcoming Sermon Series: Lighting Up the Darkness: Daniel 1-7
In the beginning…God said, “Let there be light” and He has been lighting up the darkness ever since.
For the next few months, we will look at how God brought light to the darkness of Babylon and is still bringing light to our dark places today.
Join us as God sheds light on the ancient book of Daniel so we may see and live in His light.
Communion: 10/9, 10/23, 10/30
Bridge Library: Need a good book? The Bridge Library is open for business! Located near the cafe, we have books on a variety of topics from theology to Christian living to current topics of interest. Books can be checked out for two weeks at a time.
October Memory Verse:
Are you looking for ways to help your kids memorize October memory verse at home? An easy way of learning by repetition is singing! Listen here:
Children’s Choir: Our Bridge Kids will be participating in the Youth (led) Worship Service on 10/30 by adding their voices to a choir. Practices will be held the last 15 minutes of service each Sunday in October, with a rehearsal on Thursday, October 27. In preparation for Sunday, please have your kids listen to and learn the following song on YouTube. https://youtu.be/i4rZcN8dQpE
Coffee Talk: This women's group inspired by IF:Table Questions meets monthly. Women will take turns asking the questions, and allow everyone enough time to share or respond. Gain new perspectives and insight while connecting with women of faith! Bring your coffee and a snack and meet us in the Adult Education Room. Contact Taylor at jordantaylorbodenbach2017@gmail.com for more information!
October Women’s Service Project: You’re invited to attend our first Women of The Bridge Service Project! This month we will be packing care kits for our college students and those who have recently graduated from high school into the work force. If you’d like to pack a box, and write a note of encouragement, please register to attend. We also need donations to fill the boxes! For a list of items needed and to register, visit the Church Center app or click the link below.
https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1459580
Bridge Family Art Night: Our God is a creative God and since we are created in His image, we can be creative too! On October 14, we will provide a variety of mediums for our Bridge Family- adults and kids alike, to create a piece of artwork that will be displayed at our Imago Dei Art Show in November. If you have art supplies you would like to donate, please contact Natalie Runyon. To attend, please register on Church Center or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1390041
Youth (led) Worship: Our youth are today’s church! On Sunday, October 30, the Bridge students and kids will be leading our regular morning worship service as they welcome, serve in the cafe, lead music, pray, preach and serve communion. Family and friends are welcome to attend. If your child would like to serve, please see Natalie, Eddie, or Mike.
Trick or Treating at The Bridge: We love being a church planted right in the middle of a neighborhood, and on Halloween all of our neighbors come to see us! We would love for some friendly folks to hand out candy on 10/30 at The Bridge. If you are able to help for an hour or two, or would like to donate candy, please talk to Natalie Runyon.
Imago Dei Art Show: C.S. Lewis said “There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.” Every person you ever encounter bears the image of God. Invite your friends and join us as we celebrate the Imago Dei through song, dance, poetry, and art. This event is free of charge, however we will be collecting an offering to support Be a Bridge and the work they do in our community.
November Women’s Service Project: Restore Decor is a local non-profit that repurposes and refinishes donated furniture, which is then sold in their Edwardsville shop. The money they raise is given to area non-profits and to help local families in need. For this service project, we will be painting furniture. No prior experience is necessary, but this is a messy endeavor so dress accordingly. Space is limited to 10 women. To register or for more details, check out the Church Center app or tap the link below.
https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1459681
Thanksgiving Worship and Dessert Fellowship: This special night of Thanksgiving worship led by Nick Bifano will help us center our hearts on the good gifts our heavenly Father has given us. It's the perfect way to begin the holiday season! Following worship, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to share dessert together. Please bring a dessert to share. Register on Church Center or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1459727
Save the Date:
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.
October 1, 2, 8, 9: Vintage Voices is a walking tour that showcases Alton's history through unique storytelling.
October 1, 8, 15: Only three more Saturdays remain to grab some fresh produce from our local farmers at the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market!
October 15: Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off from noon until 3:00pm
October 31: Alton Halloween Parade at 7pm!
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: 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: Each Sunday, middle school youth group meets from 5-6:30 PM and high school from 6:30-8 PM. Come connect with other students as we grow in our faith together.
Harvest Ministry Fall Rally: Students will love gathering with others from around the region for a day of worship, music, learning, fun and connections! The Fall Rally will be held in Troy, IL on Saturday, October 29 from 9:30 am - 4:45 pm.
This event is for students in 6th - 12th grade and their ministry leaders, youth pastors, pastors or parents. Registration fee of $20 includes meals, activities and a free t-shirt. Friends are welcome! Registration ends on October 10. Questions? Talk to Mike or Gwen Solomon. Register on the Church Center app or HERE.
Sunday Morning Apologetics: Join the series - “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 blends 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.
Gospel on the Ground: This study for women meets on Mondays from 9:30-11:00 AM in the Adult Education Room. Through seven sessions, we will learn from biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts. We will see how the kingdom of God is always on the move - always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Childcare will be provided. For more information, contact Martha Pfister or Natalie Runyon.
1 Peter: Our inheritance through Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. In 1 Peter, a man of faith and flaws, and an eyewitness to the life of Christ, challenges us to look beyond our current circumstances to a future inheritance. On Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 PM, join women from The Bridge as they walk through this study of 1 Peter by Jen Wilkin. To join, talk to Brenda Wooff or Julie Paul.
Community Groups: Community Groups resume meeting in September. To find a Community Group that’s right for you, or to learn more about leading or hosting a group, see Pastor Jon.