September Announcements

Communion- September 8 & 22

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.

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

September 19- https://mealtrain.com/v0vn3z

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

Men’s Breakfast- Come eat breakfast and reconnect with others at The Bridge. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9 am. Please RSVP to Mike Varner by 9/9, if you plan to attend. 

Miles for Meso- On Saturday, September 21, the annual Miles for Meso 5K is held in Alton, IL to benefit patients and families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Hundreds of runners race past the church on this day, and we love to be there to offer cups of cold water and to cheer them on. This is a great opportunity for families to serve with their kids. Volunteers are needed at the church from 8:45-9:45am. If you can help, please see Cathy Coffman. In addition, The Bridge has a booth set up at the event. If you would like to serve at the booth, please see Natalie Runyon.

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. Begins Wednesday, September 4 at 6:00 pm.

Retreat Fundraiser- Help our Bridge teens go on retreat! It’s easy! Pick an envelope of any dollar amount from the board in the church foyer, put that amount of cash or (a check made out to The Bridge) in the envelope, and drop it in the offering basket. All envelopes need returned by September 29. Thank you for your support and prayers.

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.

Sept. 4- https://mealtrain.com/kd93l2

Sept. 11- https://mealtrain.com/kd932z

Sept. 18- https://mealtrain.com/872rgn

Sept. 25- https://mealtrain.com/47deqm

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

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.

September 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 September verses are Deuteronomy 6:4-7. 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=Y-mVuullANo&pp=ygUWRGV1dGVyb25vbXkgNjo1LTkgc29uZw%3D%3D

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.

September 5-8: Alton Expo at the Alton Amphitheater

September 19 6-9pm: FLOCK Fall Market

September 20 5:30-7pm: In Harmony with Nature at The Nature Institute

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.