Decemember Announcements

Communion- December 1 and 22

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.

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

12/19 Soup and Sandwiches- https://mealtrain.com/ddkdy3

1/2 Sloppy Joes- https://mealtrain.com/871712

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

Everything-Love=Nothing The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that they could have every spiritual gift, but without love…they have nothing at all. Join us in December for this mini sermon series as we unpack 1 Corinthians 12 & 13.

Hoxsie Family- Did you know that $.20 of every dollar given to The Bridge goes directly to our mission partners? One of our mission partners over the past two years is the Hoxsie family who served in La Paz, Mexico. They will be joining us for worship on December 15 and sharing with the Bridge Family about their time in MX.

Bridge Teens- Check out these upcoming events:

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

•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.

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

12/11 Pizza- https://mealtrain.com/kdkdwd

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. 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 Candlelight Service & Cantata- The Candlelight Service is a special night of worship at The Bridge. This year’s service will feature a cantata. In “This is Christmas” by Mary McDonald, the story of Christmas is told through familiar carols, inspired original melodies, and thoughtful narration. 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.

December 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 December verse is Hebrews 12:1. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn the verses here. https://youtu.be/U5T_c_Pjbqw

Alpha- 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. Questions? See Pastor Steven. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2624612

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

December 7 at 9am - December 8 at 3pm: 35th ABOB Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair at Alton High School

December 24, 4:30pm-11:45pm: Christmas Eve Luminaries in the Middletown Historic District

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.

Luke in the Land- In our Bibles, we have four Gospels describing Jesus’s time on earth. The land of Israel—the place Jesus walked and taught during His earthly ministry—is often referred to as the “fifth Gospel.” Follow Kristi McLelland through Israel as we study snapshots from the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place. Over 7 sessions, challenge the way you read the accounts of Jesus through teaching videos that take you to locations in Israel like Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus. Along the way, you'll see how Jesus, the Messiah, brought His kingdom to earth for everybody. Study begins January 13. Register at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2624745

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.