October Announcements

Communion- October 6 & 20

Stay Connected- Have you been wondering how to stay up to date with what’s happening at The Bridge or how to connect with other people at the church? Here are a couple of ways.

•If you’re on Facebook, request to join The Bridge Family group. This is where we share prayer requests, needs, upcoming events, songs for Sunday worship and more.

•To register for events, view the church calendar, and join the directory, you’ll want to download the Church Center app and select Bridge to Grace as your church. Need assistance? See Natalie Runyon.  

Salvation Army- On the first and third Thursdays 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.

October 3- https://mealtrain.com/879ek5

October 17- https://mealtrain.com/17dy86

Christmas Cantata- Every Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. In this cantata, “This is Christmas” by Mary McDonald, the story of Christmas is told through familiar carols, inspired original melodies, and thoughtful narration. We would love your participation to make this a memorable Christmas Candlelight Service.  Rehearsals will start October 22, in the sanctuary and will be every Tuesday 7:00-8:00pm. You will be provided with a rehearsal track so that you can rehearse when absent or really want to be prepared! 

Prepare Him Room- It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the holidays and miss the Savior. Women, here is an invitation to intentionally make space to seek Jesus amid the season. Bring a friend and join us for dinner, worship and a live simulcast with teacher Jennifer Rothschild on Thursday, December 5 at 6:00. Let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior and embrace the true meaning of Christmas. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2535170

Alpha Youth- Got questions? Alpha Youth is a place for middle and high school students to ask questions about life and faith. Whether you grew up in church or have only heard about God, everyone is welcome.

Youth Group Meals- Calling All Cooks! We are looking for volunteers to provide a “snack supper” each Wednesday night for our Bridge Youth Group teens and volunteers. If you can help, please sign up at one of the Meal Trains below

Oct. 2- https://mealtrain.com/172vn5

Oct. 9- https://mealtrain.com/6ednny

Oct. 16- https://mealtrain.com/r9qzrl

Oct. 23- https://mealtrain.com/yrv6lm

Oct. 30- https://mealtrain.com/7704n1

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- 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 October verses are Philippians 2:3-4. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn the verses here. https://youtu.be/HKkO2OXHgps?si=01lA29nNOnVTjJgD

Youth-Led Worship- Our youth are today’s church! On Sunday, October 20, 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 Eddie Hitchcock. 

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 4 5-8pm: First Fridays Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Alton Support our local small businesses! Start your evening by picking up your First Fridays passport at a participating location, then walk or hop the shuttle to visit each shop. Participating businesses include Honeybee Vintage, Flock Food Truck Park & Bar, Mississippi Mud Pottery, Picture This & More, Funky Planet Toys & Gifts, and many more!

October 17 6-9pm: FLOCK Fall Market

October 27 12-3pm: Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off

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.

None Greater- Learning from the past while living in the present. Join us on Sunday mornings at 9 am in the Adult Education Room as we look at Old Testament lessons that reveal God’s unending love for us. Class is led by Dan Nickel and Ben Meydam.

Revelation- Perhaps no other book of the Bible feels as inaccessible and as intimidating to us as the very last one. The book of Revelation overflows with images and ideas that confound our modern ears. But if all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, we should assume Revelation is as accessible and helpful as any other book of the Bible. Join the women of The Bridge as we discover how the last book of the Bible—the culmination of God's great story—speaks both a steadying word of assurance and a strong call to endure to the church in every age. Register now on Church Center. https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2414509

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

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.