January Announcements
/Communion: 1/15, 1/29
Night of Prayer: As Christians, we often talk about prayer. We know prayer is vital. But actually praying isn’t always easy to do. At The Bridge, we believe seeking God together in prayer is essential for us individually and collectively. In 2023 we want to create space for the church to gather together to pray. On Wednesday, January 11, at 7:00 PM, the sanctuary will be open for a time of prayer. Whether praying with others is brand new to you or something you love to do, we hope you will join us.
Freed Up Financial Living Course: Explore what the Bible and the culture say about the five financial areas of life; earning, giving, saving, debt and spending in this three session course that pairs sound financial knowledge with biblical principles of money management. You’ll gain the skills to develop a personal spending plan that reflect both in a healthy, balanced way. Taught by Jeff Maynard, this course is free to both our Bridge Family and the community, and meets from 9 AM- Noon on 2/11, 2/18 and 2/25. To reserve your space in this course and your free workbook, register on the Church Center app or HERE.
Amos (Women’s Bible Study): Amos is often called a prophet of doom. When you begin to read his prophecy, it doesn’t take long to realize that nickname fits. On the surface, his prophecy doesn’t sound like a happy formula for the good life. However, every condemnation he gives serves as an invitation, a cry for us to “seek God and live” (Amos 5:4). Women, you’re invited to join us for an eight week study of this often overlooked book of the Old Testament. Moms, free childcare is provided too! Meet us in the Adult Education Room on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 AM, beginning January 23. For all the details, see Natalie Runyon.
How to Study the Bible: Hermeneutics 101
The goal of this 10-session course is to equip you and build your confidence in studying and teaching the Bible for yourself. If you’ve ever wondered how Bible study authors and teachers mine Scripture for the truth about God and applications for our lives today, you’re in the right place. Learn about the history of the Bible, interpretive methods, the metanarrative of Scripture, and more. The cost for the course is $59. It can be completed online, at your own pace, or if you prefer to meet with a cohort of women at The Bridge, we will be working through it together on Monday afternoons beginning on 1/23. To register go to https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/lifeway-women-academy If you’d like to be part of the cohort, talk to Natalie Gwillim or Natalie Runyon.
Coffee Talk: Have you ever wished you for a way to build deeper relationships with other women of faith but can’t fit a weekly commitment into your schedule? Coffee Talk is just for you! This women's group is inspired by IF:Table Questions. We meet once a month on Saturday mornings and discuss questions centered around a specific theme which grow progressively deeper. Bring your own drink and snack for this casual get together in the Adult Education Room at The Bridge on 1/28. Contact Taylor at jordantaylorbodenbach2017@gmail.com for more information! You can register for this event in the Church Center app or HERE.
Did you know? The best way to stay connected to everything happening at The Bridge is through the Church Center app! Church Center houses our directory and church calendar, provides an easy way to register for upcoming events, sends push notifications when you are scheduled to serve, and so much more. Download the Church Center app, make Bridge to Grace your church and stay connected. Need help navigating this app, or getting added to the directory? See Natalie Runyon.
CentriKids Camp: Do you have a child in 2nd-6th grade? We are excited to participate in CentriKids Camp this summer on June 5-9 in Campbellsville, KY, and we’d love for your kids to join us! Camp offers a time for fun (without screens!) and connection with other kids and leaders as we learn about how God sees us, knows us and cares about our hearts. There will be a brief informational meeting following worship on 1/22 in the Adult Education Room. Check out the link for more information: https://centrikid.lifeway.com/2023-theme/ If you have questions or want to register, talk to Natalie.
January 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 January verses are Proverbs 2:6-8. The littlest kids will work on verse 6, K-3rd on verses 6 and 7, and 4th and 5th graders will learn all three verses. To learn more about the benefits of memorizing scripture check out this link: https://www.truth78.org/fv-reasons-to-memorize-scripture-with-children
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.
January 6: 12th Night Middletown Bonfire
January 7: Alton Eagle Ice Festival at FLOCK Food Truck Park
January 10: Craft Night at Hayner Library