November Announcements

True Spirituality- In Galatians we homed in on the truth that God’s grace cannot be earned by obedience to the law. And yet following Christ will reorient the way we live. Join us for a five-part sermon series on Romans 12 as we explore the question: In light of God’s mercy, how should we live? Series begins November 3.

Communion- November 3 and 17

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’ve served 610 meals over the past year! The meals are served from 1-2:15 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.

11/7 Pasta- https://mealtrain.com/edkd52

11/21 Chili- https://mealtrain.com/471702

12/5 Breakfast- https://mealtrain.com/qlkln5

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. There is no cost for the event, but we are inviting everyone who attends to bring a package of feminine hygiene products which will be donated to unhoused women. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2535170

Bridge Teens- Check out these upcoming events:

  • Youth Group- every Wednesday, 6:00-8:15 pm

  • FRIENDSGIVING- November 20. This will be a fun evening filled with games and food. We will have a big potluck and everyone will be assigned to bring something. This is the perfect time to invite a friend!! 

  • CHRISTMAS PARTY and white elephant gift exchange on December 18. Another fun evening filled with games and food and GIFTS!! 

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.

11/6 Pasta- https://mealtrain.com/ldkdzr

11/13 Soup- https://mealtrain.com/r9e9ql

12/4 Breakfast- https://mealtrain.com/nwvwqd

Community Christmas Outreach- Our Bridge Family has an opportunity to provide gifts for some local families. The items we need will be listed on paper ornaments on the Christmas tree in the foyer, beginning on 11/24. Choose one or two items to purchase and bring them to the church no later than 12/15. Please tape the ornament tag to the outside of your unwrapped gift. Questions? See Natalie or Cathy.

Christmas Cheer Packages- Did you know there are people in our Bridge Family who aren’t able to make it to church because of health issues? We would love to take them some holiday cheer! If you’d like to donate items for gift bags, check out our wish list. All items should be returned to the church by December 1. https://grow.withlome.com/a/04f4f881-633b-4a5f-b747-e227db7179b6

College Care Packages- Finals are approaching and we want to show a little TLC to our (15!) Bridge college students. We need gift cards in $10 increments to places like Starbucks, Taco Bell, McDonald’s Domino’s, Panera, Chik-Fil-A, etc. Please put gift cards in the basket in the foyer by November 24. If you would like to write a card of encouragement to one of our students, see Natalie Runyon.

Christmas Candlelight Service & Cantata- The Candlelight Service is a special night of worship at The Bridge. Bring your friends and family and join us Sunday, December 22 at 6:00 PM. This service fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early.

November 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 November verses are Romans 12:9 & 12. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn the verses HERE.

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.

Become an OWL Volunteer: Join our Alton and Edwardsville volunteer teams in providing sanctuary for our unhoused neighbors on the coldest nights of the year. OWL volunteers serve a variety of roles. On-site roles include hospitality and overnight shifts, and off-site roles include laundry and communication. Fill out our application to learn more details: bit.ly/serveOWL

November 19 5:30pm: What's Up Downtown @ imerge Community Center

November 30: Small Business Saturday - Start your Christmas shopping with our local small businesses!

Alpha at The Bridge- Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone's welcome. You're invited, no matter your background or beliefs. At Alpha you can expect to connect with new people over a meal, watch an episode on a question of faith, and share your thoughts and hear from others. Alpha at The Bridge kicks off on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Registration link will be forthcoming, but we need volunteers to make Alpha a success. If you’re interested in facilitating discussion by hosting or helping at a table, joining the prayer or hospitality teams, or leading or volunteering on the childcare team, please contact Pastor Steven or Natalie Runyon.

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.

Just As He Promised- The birth story of Christ is one of the most well-known in Scripture, and we often turn to the passages in Matthew and Luke as part of our Christmas tradition. Many of us can even recite the major facts of this famous story. But is there more to Christ’s birth than just being able to state those facts? Women, join us for this four-week Bible study beginning December 2 at 9:30 am. Register on Church Center or at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2584203

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.