August Announcements

Communion- August 11 & 25

Salvation Army Meals- 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.

August 1- https://mealtrain.com/e2lk5o

August 15- https://mealtrain.com/qoykrl

September 5- https://mealtrain.com/8r51e2

The Bridge Picnic and Pool Party- It’s time for a family dinner! Meet us at the Roxana Pool on Monday, August 5 at 6:00 pm for a BBQ picnic and enjoy fellowship with your Bridge Family. The meal is provided, so all you have to do is come and relax. The pool has been rented out for those who want to swim. Register to attend at https://thebridgealton.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2379725

Promotion Sunday- Also known as Sundae Sunday, August 11 is the day where we celebrate our Bridge Kids leveling up to their next grade. It’s the final week for kids to be in their current classes before moving up. We will recognize our students who are promoting to Middle School in the Worship Service. At the end of class, all kids will have the opportunity to make an ice cream sundae in the Fellowship Hall. If your child has food allergies, please talk to Natalie Runyon so accommodations can be made.

Bingo Cards- If you participated in Take Out Church this summer, completed Bingo cards should be turned in to Natalie or Eddie by August 11.

Blessing Bags- On Saturday, August 17, we are partnering with Midwest Mission to pack blessing bags for disaster relief and education in locations around the world. Beginning at 9 am, we will meet in the Fellowship Hall to fill bags with rice and soy products. All ages are welcome to help! Please register to attend on Church Center.

Game Night Fundraiser- The Bridge Teens are heading on a retreat this fall at Lake Williamson in Carlinville. This will give them a great opportunity for more fellowship, fun and spiritual revival.  To help offset retreat costs and for future events, the Bridge Teens will host a Game Night Fundraiser on September 13.  Stay tuned for more details coming soon from the Bridge Teens!

Bridge Teens- Check out these upcoming events:

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

•Welcome (6th graders!) to Youth Group- Wednesday, August 14, 6:00-8:15 pm

•Alpha Youth- Got questions? Alpha Youth is a place to ask questions about life and faith. Whether you grew up in church or have only heard about God, everyone is welcome. Begins Wednesday, September 4.

•See You at the Pole-Meet us at the AHS flag pole Wednesday, September 25 at 7 am and join us in praying for our students, schools and nation.

•Alpha Youth Retreat-October 11-13, more details coming soon!

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 https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B4AAAAE2EA4F9C34-49424351-bridge

Bridge Kids Amazon Wish List- We would like to update the nursery and our classrooms with some new games, activities and Christian books. We’ve created an Amazon wish list with the items we ❤️. We’d appreciate your help fulfilling our list. Check it out at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2E61LJHLAPKN4?ref_=wl_share

Sexual Abuse Awareness Training for Parents- As reports of child sexual abuse continue to appear in headlines, parents are seeking resources to understand and address the risk of sexual abuse. The Bridge partners with Ministry Safe to ensure we are providing a safe place for our Bridge Kids to learn about Christ. Through our partnership, we are able to offer resources for our parents. If you’d like to receive a link for this one hour training, please contact Natalie Runyon. Additionally, there are a number of age appropriate books in the Bridge Library to help you discuss these topics with your kids.

August 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 August verses are John 15:13-14. The verses are scaled based on age. You can find a song to help you learn the verses here. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNgOnVZSZlA&pp=ygUSam9obiAxNToxMy0xNCBzb25n

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.

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market

August 10: Rock the Hops in Downtown Alton from 2pm-8pm. A labor of love for Bridge Family, Hope & Drew Mader, this event features over 25 musical performances from local musicians, and showcases dozens of artists, makers,and artisans. Rock the Hops builds awareness and support for the musicians and artists in our own backyard. Join us as we gather together to encourage, engage, and uplift our local creative community! Head HERE or HERE

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.

Weight of Glory- A journey of faith, the visual arts and culture. For the next two months we will consider the writings of C.S. Lewis alongside scripture. Class is led by Dan Nickel and Ben Meydam on Sunday mornings at 9 AM.

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

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

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.