Thursday, November 27, 2014

Giving Thanks

As we prepare to give thanks on  this Thanksgiving Day , here at The Bridge Community Church we have so much for which to be thankful.  Allow me to reflect back upon our humble beginnings and share with you are cause for thanks at this time.

When a group of thirty people met in an upstairs room at the Town & Country Sports Complex eight years ago to discuss plans for a new church, we knew we faced many challenges.  Among these would be finding a place to meet.  After spending our first year in the set-up, tear-down phase at the Marquise Banquet Center, God allowed us to move across the parking lot into the warehouse we have called home for the past seven years. 

Over these seven years we have watched God do amazing things as people found their way to this little"warehouse in Wilder," and discovered, not just a loving group of people, but the grace of God.

During these past eight years countless lives have been touched and changed, missionaries have been raised up, ministries launched, children instructed in the Word of God and so much more.

Upon learning that the owner of the building where we meet was in need of the space we now occupy, we began searching for our next home.  In a remarkably short span of time we have gone from not knowing where we might land -- to signing a purchase agreement on a 44,785 square foot building on seven plus acres of land in Alexandria.

This phenomenal facility is in good condition, but since it was built to accommodate a grocery store and not a church, there is a significant amount of work to be done.  This is why we have asked the members, attenders and friends of The Bridge to join us as we endeavor to Possess the Land.

Although we plan to do the renovation in phases, a considerable amount of money will need to be raised up front in order to make the necessary improvements vital for conducting services.  If you have not yet done so, please ask the Lord to lead you in what He would have you do on behalf of this very important project.

Because this has come about so quickly, we have not had the normal amount of time usually required to launch such a campaign.  And yet, despite the impromptu nature of this campaign, I have been amazed at the response.  In just a matter of a few weeks we have received 139 pledges totaling $335,153and have received $111,529 in cash donations!

It is this incredible response that has enabled us to move forward.  And because of the support coming from so many, I am confident we will be able to complete the purchase and occupy this facility in a matter of months.  I don't know if this is a realistic goal or not, but wouldn't it be great if we could move in by Easter?!
Whether we reach that goal or not, we will, by the grace of God, possess the Land!

Regarding this campaign I ask you to do three things:

1.    Join in praying for the success of this Possess the Land campaign
2.    Make as generous a donation as possible between now and the end of the year
3.    Make a pledge to be completed over the next 18 months

Whatever you do, whether large or small, will help us take this next big step in the life of The Bridge.
You may pick up a pledge card at the Welcome Center at church, or ask an usher for one on any Sunday. You can also go to our website at www.thebridgenky.com and give via Pay Pal.

I will keep you posted on our progress, so be sure to watch for future newsletters.
This is indeed an exciting time in the life of our church and I want to thank you in advance for the part you elect to play in our Possess the Land campaign.

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Bo

Saturday, November 15, 2014

My Mom's Home Going

This past Wednesday we said goodbye to my dear Mamma.  After nearly losing her almost three years ago, my Mom departed this life for the glories of heaven.  I appreciate so much the love, prayers and condolences offered by so many.  There is no way I can express the impact this dear servant of the Lord has had on my life.  My brothers and sisters and I are so grateful to have had her for these many years and appreciate so much these past few "bonus" years.

Suddenly, the gift of eternal life provided by our loving God means even more to me.  Knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus and that we will see her again is the most precious truth imaginable.

Services

Services are being held at the church on Sunday with visitation beginning at 4 p.m.  and a Celebration of Life service starting at 7.  All are welcome to attend.

Please pray that God will uphold me as I attempt to bring the message at the service.  This has been even more difficult than I could have imagined.  I thought I would be stronger and be offering support to my wonderful brothers and sisters.  Turns out they are comforting me.

I have so much for which to be grateful, not the least of which is you, a loving church with a heart to support their pastor.

I will be at church on Sunday -- as there is no place I would rather be at this time.
With much love,

Bo

Building Update


Tomorrow I'll be sharing an update on our building progress -- including the location of our proposed new home.  You won't want to miss this.


You will also learn the results of the first week of our Possess the Land Building Campaign, including number of pledges, amount pledged and amount received.  You are going to like this!

If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible.  Together we can Possess the Land!

New Member Installation

If you have listened to the three-part Vision Series and turned in your membership application, you will be received into membership during our 11:00 a.m. service tomorrow.  If you want to turn in your application tomorrow -- please be sure to get it to me before the service.

Looking forward to a great day at The Bridge!
Much love,

Bo

Friday, November 7, 2014

Membership Sunday -- November 16th

If you believe God is calling you to be a part of The Bridge and wish to formalize this commitment by becoming a member of the church, please complete a"Membership Application" and turn it in at the Welcome Center, or drop it in the offering basket this coming Sunday..

You should have either been in attendance for the three-part Vision Series, or have listened to these messages online or by CD.  If you need to catch up you can hear any of the three messages by visiting our website and scrolling down and clicking on "sermons." Our web address is www.thebridgenky.com
See you Sunday -- all fresh and rested!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Special Offering for Church in India

We had a great day Sunday at The Bridge with our guests Pastor and Sister Johnson from Coimbatore, India.  After sharing about our own building situation we received an offering to help with the expansion of Pastor Johnson's church.

I am happy to report that we were able to contribute $3,500 toward the completion of the church in Coimbatore.  In addition to this we surpassed the 2,000 mark toward our goal of providing 10,000 Bibles for Zimbabwe.

Pastor Johnson wishes to express his gratitude for all who contributed toward his building project and would like to connect with you on Facebook.

To do so, just type Pastor Dowy Johnson in the search box on your Facebook homepage and send him a friend request.

I, too, would like to thank you for your generosity and would ask that you be praying for our building needs. God has something great for us, I know!
With much love,

Bo