October Announcements

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Youth Group: Youth Group for middle and high school students meets on Sunday evenings from 6-7:30.  We are beginning a new series entitled “Between the Red Letters” to help teens discover connections between the Old and New Testaments. We can’t wait to see you there! For more info, see Mike Solomon.

Salvation Army: On the first and third Monday of each month The Bridge will be providing lunch for clients at the Salvation Army and we need your help with food contributions and serving. Potluck meal trains will be posted each month on The Bridge Family Facebook group, along with instructions for drop-off. The meals will be served from 12-2 pm and we need a rotation of people to set up and serve. To help, please talk to Mike Varner. 

AALA House Tour: On Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Alton Area Landmarks Association will host it’s 51st Annual Historic Home and Building Tour. This year’s theme is a celebration of churches featuring seven of the most historic and beautiful buildings in Alton (including The Bridge!!). Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online at www.riversandroutes.com or on 10/7 at The Bridge, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 721 State Street, or at the Alton Visitor Center at 200 Piasa. A complimentary shuttle bus will make a continuous round of the churches. The tour will go on rain or shine.

October HyFi: God forgives you and your kids because He is merciful and kind. This month, we will learn that God is kind to us, He’s ready to forgive, He sent Jesus to us, and He will always love us. Join us for HyFi at church where you’ll find real connection and true belonging. HyFi is for kids and their parents and meets on the second Sunday of every month from 6:00-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Register to attend on Church Center or HERE.

Fall Rally: Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for the Fall Rally in Troy, IL on October 14, for a one day event full of worship, teaching and fun. To register, see Mike Solomon before 10/7.

Hiking Excursion: The season is changing, and it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and spend time together enjoying creation. On Thursday, October 26, we will hike through Pickle Springs and Hawn State Park in MO. Interested in learning more? Find all the details on Church Center or HERE.

Coffee Talk: Have you ever wished you could develop more meaningful friendships and move past the small talk? This women's group is for you! Inspired by IF:Table Questions, we meet once a month on Saturday mornings to 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 10/28. You can register for this event in the Church Center app or HERE.

Youth-Led Worship: Our youth are today’s church! On Sunday, October 29, the Bridge students 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 Mike Solomon.

Cookbook Launch Party and Tasting: All year we’ve been gathering the best recipes from our Bridge cooks and compiling them into The Bridge Family Cookbook. Now it’s time to launch our cookbook into the world! We would love for you and your family to stay for our book launch and tasting party on 10/29, immediately following worship. Sample small bites from featured recipes, while visiting with your Bridge Family. Be sure to pick up your cookbook while you are there! Registration is appreciated. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1959697

Cookbook Pre-Sales: The Bridge Family Cookbook will be released on Sunday, October 29. Preorder your copy now. Cookbooks are $20 each and all proceeds will benefit our ministry partners. Your order can be picked up at the book launch and tasting party immediately following worship, or anytime after 10/29. There are a limited quantity of books available so please order in advance to secure your copy. Reserve yours HERE.

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, please talk to Natalie Runyon. We handed out a tremendous amount of candy last year! Please consider donating a bag- there will be a basket in the foyer for all candy donations.

October Memory Verse: This month our Bridge Kids are memorizing the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-15. Music makes scripture memory easy! Check out the following link with a song you can play in the car or at home. https://youtu.be/ijPuAtrwHYM?si=vm5FUgwQVdsvCp7d

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 6: First Fridays Late Night Art and Shopping Experience in Downtown Alton

October 7, 14, 21: Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market

October 7: AALA Historic Building Tour

October 14: Downtown Alton Chili Cookoff @ The Lodge at the Lovejoy

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

Beholding the Glory: A journey of faith, the visual arts and culture. Every week, a new Bible lesson and topic will be explored, supported by film clips, paintings, literature, music, and poetry. Class is led by Dan Nickel on Sunday mornings at 9 AM.

Better- A Study of Hebrews: Through stories of Old Testament heroes and practices, the author of Hebrews demonstrates how the new covenant is superior to the old and how Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every promise. Explore familiar verses in context of the entire Bible, learning how to place your hope and faith in Christ alone. This 10 week Bible study for women meets on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 am. For more details or to register, go to https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1852975

Union with Christ: In this lunch time study for women, we will unpack the doctrine of salvation as we study the believer’s union with Christ. In these brief, 45 minute sessions we will cover:

  • Why this doctrine transforms how we understand our salvation.

  • Common missteps we are prone to make when talking about salvation. 

  • How the church throughout history has used this doctrine to hold all other  doctrines of salvation together.

  • Key New Testament passages that teach this doctrine.

  • The doctrines of redemption, adoption, and sanctification as we understand salvation through union with Christ.

Bring your lunch and join us from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm on Mondays. Register HERE.

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.

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.