Jesus and the Surprise Convert

Last week in our Conversations with Jesus series, we considered a woman who had made up her mind that she was going to express her love and gratitude to Jesus – and nothing was going to stop her. This Sunday at The Bridge, we will examine the life of someone who encountered Jesus in a completely different way. When this woman got up that fateful day, Jesus was the last person she expected to meet – and she was fine with that. But Jesus is who she needed to meet and when she did...well, you’ll have to join us Sunday if you want to find out what happened. The scene we will explore Sunday, illustrates how God is able to bring people to Himself who are far from Him – though they give no indication of wanting to surrender their life to Christ. If you know someone far from God that is showing no signs of turning around – you won’t want to miss Sunday’s message. Maybe you are that person. Maybe you are far from God right now and are wondering if there is any hope for you. If that is the case, you definitely don’t want to miss church this Sunday at 9 or 11 A.M. at The Bridge! In His love, Bo

Conversations with Jesus

Throughout the gospels we see Jesus engaging people in personal conversations. Sometimes it is Jesus who initiates the exchange; on other occasions it is the other person who comes to Jesus with a question or a comment. I believe it is safe to say that every time people had the incredible opportunity to go one on one with the Son of God that they left with a new way of thinking about themselves, about God and about what it meant to live in the Kingdom of God. This week at The Bridge we will see what Jesus has to say to a Pharisee by the name of Simon. This took place at a dinner party at Simon’s home and you can be sure that what transpired that night was far from anything Simon had ever envisioned. I believe the lesson Simon learned in his own home is one God wants us all to learn. Come find out what that is – this Sunday at The Bridge. Bo

Jesus Blows the Mind of a Very Religious Guy

Last Sunday at The Bridge we explored the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman recorded in John chapter four. What a difference that “chance” encounter made in the life of this previously scorned and rejected woman. After meeting Jesus and partaking of the living water of which Jesus spoke, this woman was forever changed and actually became one of the early heralds of the Good News. This Sunday we will see how Jesus blew the mind of somebody on the other end of the religious and social spectrum as we consider Jesus and Nicodemus, a very respected and a very religious guy. For Nicodemus the change was not instantaneous, but the things Jesus said to him were so radically different from anything he had ever heard before that, like the Samaritan woman, his world would be turned upside down. Join us Sunday as we explore some of the most well-known and least understood verses in the entire Bible – and prepare to have your mind blow, too. See you Sunday at The Bridge – and bring a friend! Bo

Jesus One on One

One of the things I like most about the gospels is that they contain scenes where we see Jesus interacting with single individuals. This reveals so much about God’s heart for humanity and yes, about each and every one of us. These scenes show us how God feels about those who have failed. They show us how God feels about the religious reject, the social outcast, and yes, even the ultra-religious and more. Tomorrow we are going to consider one of the most poignant of all such passages as we look at Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John chapter four. You won’t want to miss this message that expresses so powerfully the value Jesus places on every one of us, and how He offers to meet the deepest needs of our soul. We will also be serving communion for the first time in our new building! See you tomorrow at The Bridge! Bo

They Came Back!

Well, not everyone who attended our dedication service came back the following week, but a lot of them did. This past Sunday we had 1000 people in attendance in our new building. As expected, a lot of people are coming to check out The Bridge. What is most exciting is that this past Sunday, approximately ten people made decisions for Christ. Please be praying for those who chose to begin a new life with Jesus and let’s be praying that God will continue to draw people to Himself. This is an exciting time in the life of our church and we want to do all we can to maximize this opportunity to introduce people to Jesus and help them engage in the life of our church family. This past week, our Student Ministry hosted their annual youth camp. It was a blessing to see the building being put to such good use. This is just the beginning of a lot of fruitful ministry that is going to take place in our new home. Working out the Bugs While having so much room is wonderful, we are still working out some of the kinks in our new facility. We have acoustic tiles on order that will help improve the sound. We have a good sound system, but the hard surfaces behind the stage and on the back wall are creating some problems. I ask for your patience as we make these improvements. I again want to thank everyone who has prayed, given and labored to make this new church a reality. It has been a long journey to get here, but our efforts are already bearing good fruit – and our best years are before us! God bless, Bo

Dedication Sunday Review !

Our first day in the new church was a great success. It’s a good thing we went with two services because we were mostly full in the first service and completely full in the second. We counted 1170 in combined attendance. I heard reports of some cars that circled the parking lot and left because there was no place to park. I sure hope they come back this week! Of course, there were some who just wanted to be with us just for the Dedication service, but I suspect many will return. What a tremendous opportunity we have to impact this area with the good news of Jesus! It is a rare thing for a church to have the opportunity to move into a new city and occupy such a high-profile building. I believe many un-churched people will be stopping in to check us out. Of course, we are not the attraction, but who we represent. Many of you have already signed-up to serve in one capacity or another and I’m so grateful that you have. This will cause people to come in and see that we are ready to minister to them and their families. Please join me in praying that God will prepare the hearts of those who will be hearing the gospel, some for the very first time. Thank You! Not only do I want to thank everyone who made this day possible, but I also want to thank everyone who has been praying for me for the past few weeks. The pain I was experiencing in my neck, back and arm has decreased greatly. I’m sleeping better and not taking nearly as much medicine for pain. I’m scheduled for surgery in a few weeks but thanks to your prayers I am able to function. Making a New Start This Sunday I will be talking about how to make a new and successful start. This message has relevance, not just to our church, but to everyone who has ever faced difficulty and needed a fresh start in life. I hope you will join us and that you will also bring a friend! See you Sunday at the new church! Bo

Dedication Sunday!

As of this writing we are just one day, away from holding the first service in our new facility! We have passed every building inspection so far and all that is left is the plumbing inspection, which takes place tomorrow. I’ll never be able to adequately thank everyone who has made this possible – but fortunately, God knows what each one has done to help bring the dream of a new church into reality. We have faced and overcome many obstacles since embarking on this journey together some 20 months ago and now we are about to occupy the building God has provided. I can’t wait for Sunday to come when we will, for the first time, gather to worship as a church and begin a new chapter in the life of The Bridge. So, see you Sunday at either 9 or 11 A.M. at 7906 Alexandria Pike in Alexandria! Farewell to a Dear Friend and Church Member Although he wanted very badly to be here for the dedication of our new church, on Wednesday, July 13th, Astor Slone succumbed to cancer and departed this life. Astor and his wife, Nancy, were among the original thirty people who met with us back in November of 2006 to begin plans for a new church in Campbell County. They, along with their daughter, Rhonda, have been faithful members of The Bridge ever since. Though Astor will not be with us on Sunday, I’m sure he is not complaining about his new home in heaven. Services for Astor will be at Don Catchen & Son Funeral Home located at 313 West 19th Street in Covington on Saturday, July 16th with visitation from 5-7 PM and the service at 7. Please keep Nancy and Rhonda in your prayers. God bless! Bo

Inviting our Neighbors to the Block Party

July 2, 2016 As you know, as a way to get to know and bless the community around our new church, next Saturday from 2-6 PM we are throwing a party for our neighbors in Alexandra – a big block party with bouncy games, a petting zoo, a small train ride for the little ones, free hot dogs, hamburgers, Kona ice and more. Instead of just putting up signs and hoping people see them and decide to join us, we decided that it would be better if we went into the neighborhoods around the church and actually invited people to come to the party! There are roughly 780 homes within a one mile radius around the new church and so if 30 teams of 2 knocked on the doors of just 26 homes we would cover all 780 homes. So, here is what I’m proposing we do: Following the 11 AM service this Sunday we will have pizza for anyone who would like to stay after church and join in this outreach. After a quick lunch, we’ll do a short orientation so you will know just what to say. If we get started knocking on doors around 1:30, I would guess we would finish around 3 PM. So, if you have a friendly, outgoing personality (and of course you do because you know Jesus!) plan to join us after church in the lobby for pizza. Chris Mitchell has done a great job of identifying the streets we will canvas and even has the addresses of every residence that is on the “no knock” list, so thanks to Chris this will be super easy – and a fun way to get to know our neighbors. I hope to see you Sunday after church in the lobby! If you are travelling this holiday weekend, have a blessed 4th of July and be safe! With much love, Bo

Giving Thanks for our time in the Warehouse

June 25, 2016 When we conduct our final service in our current facility on July 10th, it will have been just over 8 ½ years since we moved into a converted warehouse and turned it into a house of worship. While we are grateful for the great facility God has provided for us in Alexandria, we don’t want to neglect to give thanks for what He has done in the lives of so many during our time in the warehouse. That’s why we are asking you to take a few minutes and write about what God has done in your life since coming to The Bridge. Perhaps you came to know the Lord here, or have come to know Him in a new way. Maybe God has used our church to revitalize your faith, or your marriage, or maybe people at The Bridge helped get you through a tough time. However God has used The Bridge in your life, share your story by sending an email to info@thebridgenky.com, or by going on The Bridge Facebook page and posting it there. It can be a few words, a few sentences, or a few paragraphs, however you want to express your gratitude to God. Let’s bless the Lord together by giving thanks for the good things He has done! With much love, Bo

One month from today!

June 17, 2016 That’s right, in exactly one month (July 17th) we will be dedicating our new church! I was hoping we could get everyone into one service so that we could all experience the first service together – but I am having my doubts that this will be possible. We were told by someone at the Alexandria city building that they receive calls every day from people in the community asking when the new church is opening! Is that crazy, or what?! I knew the interest in the community was high – but people calling every day? Perhaps we will continue with our 9 and 11 AM service schedule, even for Dedication Sunday. Stay posted for more details. In the meantime, please keep Happy Wade and his crew and all of our contractors in your prayers as they work to finish the church over the next four weeks. Also, please pray that God will meet every need as we push toward the finish line. We are making a substantial draw from our construction account next week that is going to bring us close to the total amount we have allocated for the project. It’s going to be very close! Your ongoing financial support has made this entire project possible. Thank you so much! Block Party/Open House at the New Church – 2-6 PM on Saturday July 9th As a way to let the folks in and around Alexandria know that we are coming to be a blessing to the community; we are going to host a completely free block party one week before our first service. This will include big inflatable bouncy games, a petting zoo, a kid’s train ride, Kona Ice, hot dogs and more. Please mark the date and come prepared to meet, serve and bless the community as we invite them to check-out our new home. Honoring Dads this Sunday at The Bridge Hey all you Dads, we are going to honor you big time at The Bridge this Sunday. Why not ask your kids to be there so they can hear how awesome you are? See you Sunday! Bo

This Week At The Bridge !

Care Net Baby Bottle Campaign

The Bridge Church is conducting a Baby Bottle Campaign to benefit Care Net Pregnancy services.

This is an easy way to support your local pregnancy help center by simply collecting your
loose change, saving it in the baby bottle and returning the bottle to church! Please consider participating in this fundraising effort. All bottles need to be turned in Sunday for collection.

You will help Care Net to not only save the lives of the unborn but also to change the lives of the men and women who come seeking support.

Summer Connect Groups

As the name suggests, Connect Groups are a way to connect with others and journey together in our life with God. To find the group that’s right for you, contact Gina Dugger at (859) 803-8763 or at gina.dugger@thebridgenky.com. Get Connected!!!

Loaves & Fishes

This ministry provides meals to members of The Bridge who are ill, recently hospitalized, had a baby or death in the family. If you could occasionally provide a needed meal, we are in need of additional volunteers. Please contact Rachel Wade at (859) 466-0722 or swade@twc.com.

Volunteer at The Bridge

Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members. To learn more about service opportunities, pick-up a volunteer application at the Welcome Center in the lobby.

Communion

We typically serve communion/the Lord’s Supper to the entire congregation on the first Sunday of every month. If, however, you would like to receive the elements any other Sunday, you may do so at the table located to the left of the stage. If you would like one of our pastors or prayer team members to serve you, just approach them after the service and let them know. They will be more than happy to accommodate you.

Just Five More Weeks!

June 13, 2016 If you haven’t been by the new church lately you might want to go by and see the progress. The parking lot has been re-sealed and striped and painting of the exterior has begun. Inside, the drywall is almost completely finished and many rooms have already been painted. Things are really shaping up for our first service on July 17th. Block Party/Open House at the New Church – 2-6 PM on Saturday July 9th To let the folks in and around Alexandria know that we are coming to be a blessing to the community; we are going to host a completely free block party one week before our first service. This will include big inflatable bouncy games, a petting zoo, a kid’s train ride, Kona Ice, hot dogs and more. Please mark the date and come prepared to meet, serve and bless the community as we invite them to check-out our new home. Operation Transformation: Phase Two As you know, in order to finish the building and be able to pay everybody (kind of a big deal!) we are endeavoring to raise $250,000 between now and the end of the year. Thus far we have 101 pledges totaling $125,442, which means we are half-way to meeting our goal. If you have not yet made a pledge or given to this phase of our campaign, I would ask that you prayerfully consider doing so. We couldn’t have made it this far without the generous support of so many and I know I can count on you to do what you can to help us finish strong. Just five more weeks and we’ll be in our very own building! Bo

This Week at The Bridge !

Cleaning Day at the New Church - Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM Happy Wade has asked if we could have a crew come out to the new church this Saturday to wipe down the walls to prepare for painting. We will also be scrubbing floors and doing a general cleaning to get ready for laying carpet. We are hoping for at least 50 people to join in this clean-up. Can you help? I’m really hoping many reading the newsletter will come lend a hand because after announcing this in the first service last week, I completely forgot to recruit in the second service. About twenty people in the first service indicated they would help, which means we need about thirty more. Even if you can only come out for an hour or two, I would greatly appreciate any help you can lend to this effort. Feel free to bring a Shop-Vac, extension cords, or any other equipment you might want to use for cleaning. If you have no cleaning tools of your own - we’ll have tools on hand for you to use. This will be a fun way to have a hand in getting the church ready, so join us if you can. Lunch will be provided. Thanks so much! Operation Transformation: Phase Two For the past two weeks we have had more than 700 people in attendance. We have certainly gotten the absolute most out of our little warehouse in Wilder. It’s a good thing we are getting close to occupying our new home in Alexandria! This past Sunday we received 74 pledges toward the second phase of Operation Transformation. I’ll share on Sunday the total amount that has been pledged. This phase of the campaign to turn the former Thriftway grocery store into our permanent church home is vital to finishing the project and getting for our scheduled first service on July 17th. The purchase of the adjoining lot for $150,000 and the need for funds to finish the Goodwill portion of our space, as well as a $44,000 tax bill and some other unexpected costs requires that we raise an additional $250,000 between now and the end of the year. Here is what I am asking of every Bridge member and attender. Just do the best you can. Consider what you can do with either a one-time gift, or a weekly or monthly amount. Here is what it will take to meet our goal: 177 individuals or families contributing on average an additional $177 a month between now and the end of the year will total $250,632. Of course, some families can’t afford giving an additional $177 a month, so some will need to do more. But if everyone does what they can, we can meet this goal. Please give prayerful consideration to what you can do and turn in your pledge form in the next couple of weeks so we can know where we stand. Thanks for all you have done and I know will do to help us take this next big step! See you Sunday (and I hope many of you Saturday, as well!) Bo

10 Weeks!

That’s right; we have only ten weeks until we make the move to our new home in Alexandria! It can’t come soon enough. Last Sunday we had over 700 people crammed into our little warehouse (in two services). There remains much to do to finish the new building, so please keep praying for a smooth last couple of months on our building project. Operation Transformation: Phase Two If you were with us this past Sunday you know that we kicked-off phase two of our stewardship campaign. In the first phase, which lasted 18 months, 179 people contributed roughly $470,000. This is what allowed us to make steady progress as we sought to secure the re-financing that would allow us to complete the project. The purchase of the adjoining lot for $150,000 and the need for funds to finish the Goodwill portion of our space, as well as a $44,000 tax bill and some other unexpected costs requires that we raise an additional $250,000 between now and the end of the year. We could actually use twice this amount, but we have cut expenses everywhere possible in order to keep the cost down. We once again need widespread participation in this campaign in order to complete the project. The good news is we only need $250,000. The not so good news is that we need it over the next eight months (between now and the end of the year). Of course the more of this amount we receive up front the better. Here is what I am asking of every Bridge member and attender. Just do the best you can. Consider what you can do with either a one-time gift, or a weekly or monthly amount. Here is what it will take to meet our goal: 177 individuals or families contributing on average and additional $177 a month between now and the end of the year will total $250,632. Of course, some families can’t afford giving an additional $177 a month, so some will need to do more. But if everyone does what they can, we can meet this goal. Please give prayerful consideration to what you can do and turn in your pledge form in the next couple of weeks so we can know where we stand. This Sunday is Mother’s Day We have a special service planned Sunday that will highlight the extraordinary devotion of Moms. Be sure to make your Mom happy and come to church! And all you Mom’s out there – now is the time to make that special request that your kids come to church with you. How can they say no? See you Sunday at The Bridge! Bo

This Week At The Bridge !

Volunteer Fair 

Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members.  To learn more about service opportunities we are having a Volunteer Fair in the lobby today.  This is a great way to talk with current leaders to discover where you can best use your gifts and talents as a valued volunteer!

Prayer for the Nation

May 4th Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM. The bus departs from the church on Wednesday at 9:00 AM and a $15.00 donation is requested to help cover the expense.  If you would like to participate, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

Ghana Mission Trip 

The Bridge Ghana Mission Trip is scheduled for September 23rd - October 6th 2016.  The deadline to sign-up for this trip is May 8th.  Fore more info contact Len Morgan at (859) 620-6647.

Summer Connect Groups

Our Summer Connect Fair is coming up and will be in the lobby on May 15th & 22nd and all groups will launch on May 29th.  If you have any questions, please contact Associate Pastor Gina Dugger at gina.dugger@thebridgenky.com or (859) 803-8763.  Get Connected!!!


Care Net Baby Bottle Campaign 

The Bridge church will conduct a Baby Bottle Campaign beginning next Sunday to benefit Care Net Pregnancy Services.  This is an easy way to support your local pregnancy help center by simply collecting your loose change, saving it in the baby bottle and returning the bottle to church at the end of the campaign!  Please consider participating in this fundraising effort.  You will help Care Net to not only save the lives of the unborn but also to change the lives of the men and women who come seeking support.

79 Days and Counting

That’s right; we now have a firm date for the first service in our new facility at 7906 Alexandria Pike in Alexandria. I have it from the construction superintendent, Happy Wade, that we will be in our new church on or before July 17th. This has been a lesson (or many lessons) in perseverance for us all, but the end is now in sight for when we will at last have our own permanent church home. And what a home it will be! A spacious lobby, large nurseries and classrooms, ample parking and a sanctuary that will seat 800! Oh yeah, and sufficient restrooms! Decision America Tour - Wednesday May 4 in Frankfort The Lord has put it on the heart of Franklin Graham to conduct prayer rally’s at all fifty state capitols. This is not a political rally but a gathering of believers to pray and ask God to have mercy on our nation and to visit us by His Spirit. Believing that God is the only hope for America (or any nation), The Bridge will be renting a 30 passenger bus to take people to this prayer event in Frankfort next Wednesday. If we have more than thirty who want to attend we will simply add a sufficient number of cars and caravan to the rally. A seat on the bus will go to the first 30 to arrive. We are asking people to contribute $15 to help cover the expense. The bus will depart from the church Wednesday at 9 AM, allowing plenty of time for the rally at Noon. We will return to the church around 3:30 PM. We will stop to eat on the way back, so be sure to bring money for this meal. Cleaning Day at the New Church – Saturday, May 14 Happy Wade has asked if we could have a crew come out to the new church on Saturday, May 14 to wipe down the walls to prepare for painting. We will also be scrubbing floors and doing a general cleaning to get ready for laying carpet. We are hoping for at least 50 people to join in this clean-up that will be from 9 AM – 2 PM. Even if you can only come out for an hour or two, I would greatly appreciate any help you can lend to this effort. Feel free to bring a Shop-Vac, extension cords, or any other equipment you might want to use for cleaning. If you have no cleaning tools of your own - we’ll have tools on hand for you to use. This will be a fun way to have a hand in getting the church ready, so join us if you can. Lunch will be provided. Important News Sunday I have some important information related to our new building that I will be sharing on Sunday so do your best not to miss. See you Sunday at The Bridge! Bo

This week At The Bridge !

Volunteer Fair 

Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members.  To learn more about service opportunities we will have a Volunteer Fair in the lobby Sunday, April 24th and Sunday, May 1st.  This is a great way to talk with current leaders and volunteers to discover where you can best use your gifts and talents as a valued volunteer!

Prayer for the Nation

 May 4th Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM. The Bridge is exploring the possibility of renting a bus to make the trip to Frankfort. If you would like to take part in this event, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

Ghana Mission Trip

The Bridge Ghana Mission Trip is scheduled for September 23rd - October 6th 2016.  The deadline to sign-up for this trip is May 8th.  For more info contact Len Morgan at (859) 620-6647.

Bible Study Fellowship

Bible Study Fellowship is registering for next Fall’s study of The Gospel of John. Women: April 26th & May 3rd, 7 pm at Hopeful Lutheran in Florence. Men: May 5th, 7 pm at New City Presbyterian in Norwood, Ohio. Questions call Terri Rainey at (859) 250-8691.

Communion

We typically serve communion/the Lord’s Supper to the entire congregation on the first Sunday of every month.  If, however, you would like to receive the elements any other Sunday, you may do so at the table located to the left of the stage.  If you would like one of our pastors or prayer team members to serve you, just approach them after the service and let them know.  They will be more than happy to accommodate you.

A Week of Loss

This has been a difficult week for The Bridge family as we have lost two beloved members of our church. On Saturday Matt Stewart departed this life doing what he loved more than just about anything, riding his motorcycle with his precious wife, Deb. While Deb will recover fully from the injuries she sustained, she is faced with going on without her husband and best friend. Please keep Deb in your prayers as she deals with this terrible loss.

I will always remember Matt for his quiet strength and steadfast love of God and His Word. This past Easter Matt, also known as “Hammer,” greeted me after the service with a big hug and an expression of thanks for what he considered to be a clear and bold proclamation of the Gospel. This meant the world to me.

Services for Matt will be held this Friday at Noon with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Alexandria Funeral Home located at 325 Washington Street in Alexandria. Following the service Matt will be laid to rest at the Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery North in Williamstown.

On Tuesday, David Tye departed this world after a lengthy battle with a debilitating lung disease. Despite his long stay in the hospital, Dave never lost his quick wit and cheery disposition. Many of you will remember Dave as a long-time greeter and usher at The Bridge, but he’ll be remembered mostly for his warm smile and friendly manner. His dear wife Donna, daughter Kim, son David, Jr. and his sisters Phyllis and Carolyn will miss him terribly, as will we all.

A celebration of life will take place at the church on Saturday with visitation beginning at 11:30 with the service at 1:00 PM. Dave will be laid to rest at Plum Creek Cemetery in Butler, Kentucky.

“Because I Live”

In John’s Gospel chapter 14, Jesus spoke the words; “Because I live, you will live also.” It is because Jesus tasted death and then rose from the dead, conquering death, hell and the grave, that we have the assurance that those who have trusted Christ will live even after they die. It is because of what Jesus did for us on the cross that I can say with complete assurance that Matt and Dave are more alive today than they have ever been and that we will see them both again.

While we will miss having Matt and Dave with us, we know that they are right now enjoying the glory and the splendor of heaven. They have seen the face of their Savior and been welcomed into the presence of God. Let’s be comforted by this truth and let’s resolve to be steadfast in our mission to lead others to the saving knowledge of Christ. This is how both Matt and Dave lived their lives. Let us follow their example.

Bo

This Week At The Bridge !

Prayer for the Nation

May 4th Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM. The Bridge is exploring the possibility of renting a bus to make the trip to Frankfort. If you would like to take part in this event, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

Volunteer Fair 

 Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members.  To learn ore about service opportunities we will have a Volunteer Fair in the lobby next Sunday, April 24th and Sunday, May 1st.  This is a great way to talk with current leaders and volunteers to discover where you can best use your gifts and talents as a valued volunteer!

 Backpack Meals for Kids

Elementary aged students in Campbell County receive 1 to 2 meals every day at school during the week, but some children are not always assured of being fed at home on the weekends.  Some elementary schools provide food items for 80 such children to take home in backpacks every Friday so that these children will have something to eat over the weekend.  Please pick up a green bag from the lobby of the church, fill it with food items and return it next week.

Reset Banquet

Please join Reset and Emcee Todd Dykes of WLWT as we celebrate a night of redemption, reconciliation and New Beginnings!  The banquet is this Tuesday, April 19th at The Gardens of Park Hills, 1622 Dixie Highway Park Hills, KY  41011.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program begins promptly at 7:00 pm.

Reset is a Christ-centered, voluntary program for men and women in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area that desire to radically change their lives.  By providing housing, employment opportunities, healthy things to do, a sense of hope for the future and teaching truth, Reset residents can overcome their past and pursue their God-given purpose.

What's Happening This Week

Prayer for the Nation 

May 4th Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM.

The Bridge is exploring the possibility of renting a bus to make the trip to Frankfort. If you would like to take part in this event, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

Communion

We typically serve communion/the Lord’s Supper to the entire congregation on the first Sunday of every month.  If, however, you would like to receive the elements any other Sunday, you may do so at the table located to the left of the stage.  If you would like one of our pastors or prayer team members to serve you, just approach them after the service and let them know.  They will be more than happy to accommodate you.

Volunteer at The Bridge

Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members.  To learn more about service opportunities, pick-up a volunteer application at the Welcome Center in the lobby.  You may also visit our website to learn more about the various ministries of the church. www.thebridgenky.com.

Lost and Found

Please check our Lost and Found table in the lobby.  The items will be located there this week only. All items left after today will be donated to charity.

Bargain Sale Table

Stop by our Bargain Sale Table in the lobby today to pick up Bridge t-shirts, coffee mugs and ball caps, all for the low, low price of $3.00 each.  All sales to benefit our building fund.  Thank you for your support.

This Week At the Bridge !

Backpack Meals for Kids 

Elementary aged students in Campbell County receive 1 to 2 meals every day at school during the week, but some children are not always assured of being fed at home on the weekends. Some elementary schools provide food items for 80 such children to take home in backpacks every Friday so that these children will have something to eat over the weekend.

Please pick up a green bag from the lobby of the church, fill it with food items and return it next week.

Prayer for the Nation - May 4th

Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM. The Bridge is exploring the possibility of renting a bus to make the trip to Frankfort. If you would like to take part in this event, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

Grenada Mission Trip

This summer you have the opportunity to join Grenada 24-7 ministries with Justin and Erica Zauflik by participating in their “Summer Bash” kids program. Teams are currently forming for Summer Bash Kick off happening July 9-16 & 16-23 . For more information sign up at the Welcome Center.

Big News !

It’s Done!

The long-awaited refinancing of our construction loan was completed on Tuesday.  It only took 15 months and 21 days from the time we began the process.  Our mortgage broker, a man who has been in the business of helping churches find financing for forty years, says we now hold the record for the longest time taken from first contact to closing on a church loan through his services. This is not a record we were hoping to set, but alas, we did finally close on the loan.

This means we will be able to move forward in transforming a former grocery store into our permanent church home.  And it couldn’t come soon enough!  Not only are we out of room in our current facility, but our landlord is in desperate need of the space we currently occupy!  In fact, after losing the Student Ministry room several weeks back, we will soon be losing our Crossing room (4^th-6^th grades) to our landlord’s expanding business.

We can’t complain.  It’s been almost 18 months since he told us we would need to find a new home.  He has been incredibly patient and we are very grateful.  But now that we have the financing we need, we can get moving on the renovation of our new home and hopefully be ready to make the move in a few more months.

I want to say “thank you” to everyone who has prayed for this day to come and now I ask that you join me in praying for a speedy finish to our renovation project.

Care Net Envelope Stuffing Has Been Cancelled

The printer was not able to complete the printing in time for the scheduled envelope stuffing, so if you were planning to help stuff envelopes on Thursday, please know that the event has been cancelled.  We’ll let you know if this will be rescheduled.

God bless!

 Bo

This Week At The Bridge

Prayer for the Nation - May 4th

Franklin Graham is currently conducting prayer rallies at the capitals of each state in the nation. His Decision America Tour, which is a call to Christians and churches to repentance and prayer on behalf of our nation, will be in Frankfort on Wednesday May 4th from 12-1 PM. The Bridge is exploring the possibility of renting a bus to make the trip to Frankfort. If you would like to take part in this event, please sign-up at The Welcome Center in the lobby.

 Cinderella’s Closet

The Bridge is collecting used prom and semi-formal dresses to be given to “Cinderella’s Closet” for high school students who cannot afford to purchase new ones. We will also be accepting “prom wear” jewelry and prom heels. Please bring all donations and hang on coat racks in our back entrance hallway. Thanks for being such a blessing!

Hands Against Hunger

The Crossing Class is having a bake sale today between services.  Proceeds will go directly toward the Hands Against Hunger Family Service Project.  The Crossing Class and friends will be volunteering at The Hope Factory on Saturday, March 19 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

This program saves the lives of children locally, regionally and internationally.  Sign-up or pick up more information at The Welcome Center.

 Grenada Mission Trip

This summer you have the opportunity to join Grenada 24-7 ministries with Justin and Erica Zauflik by participating in their “Summer Bash” kids program.   Teams are currently forming for Summer Bash Kick off happening July 9-16 .  For more information sign up at the Welcome Center.

This Week At The Bridge !

Sweet Dreams

Thank you to everyone who purchased bedding for the fifty beds that will be constructed and distributed by Safety Net Alliance.  Because of you, fifty children in N. KY will sleep comfortably each night in their very own bed!

 Cinderella’s Closet

The Bridge is collecting used prom and semi-formal dresses to be given to “Cinderella’s Closet” for high school students who cannot afford to purchase new ones. We will also be accepting “prom wear” jewelry and prom heels. Please bring all donations and hang on coat racks in our back entrance hallway. Thanks for being such a blessing!

 Grenada Mission Trip

This summer you have the opportunity to join Grenada 24-7 ministries with Justin and Erica Zauflik by participating in their “Summer Bash” kids program.  If you are at least 18 years old, have a passion for ministering to children and don’t mind getting out of your comfort zone then this trip might be a life changer for you.

Teams are currently forming for Summer Bash Kick off happening July 9-16 and if needed an additional team the week of July 16-23rd.  For more information sign up at the Welcome Center.

Care Net Banquet Envelope Stuffing

Thursday, March 10th at 6 PM can you give an hour of your time to a very worthy cause?

Help stuff envelopes for the upcoming Care Net Banquet.  Join us here at the church on Thursday at 6 PM.

This week at The Bridge !

Sweet Dreams NKY

Sweet Dreams NKY is a project of Safety Net Alliance of Northern Kentucky that is endeavoring to provide beds for children in our area who currently lack beds on which to sleep. 

The goal is to build and deliver 50 beds to children in need on March 19th.  The Bridge has been asked if we would like to supply the bedding for these fifty beds. 

We have found that we can purchase a “Bed in a Bag” containing the necessary items for $50 per set.  If you would like to supply bedding for one or more of these beds, please note this on your check or offering envelope over the next couple of weeks.

 If you would like to join in helping to build and/or deliver beds, you can sign-up online at http:// www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e49afaa2aa6fb6-sweet.

Grenada Mission Trip

This summer you have the opportunity to join Grenada 24-7 ministries with Justin and Erica Zauflik by participating in their “Summer Bash” kids program.  If you are at least 18 years old, have a passion for ministering to children and don’t mind getting out of your comfort zone then this trip might be a life changer for you.  Teams are currently forming for Summer Bash Kick off happening July 9-16 and if needed an additional team the week of July 16-23rd.  For more information sign up at the Welcome Center. 

Volunteer at The Bridge

Serving at The Bridge is fun, rewarding and a great way to meet other church members.  To learn more about opportunities, pick-up a volunteer application at the Welcome Center in the lobby. 

Doing the Impossible

In case you are wondering how God’s call of Moses has any relevance to your life, I want to say that in my more than thirty years as a pastor, I have seen God call people to do what at the time seemed impossible.

I’ve seen Christian parents faced with the task of raising severely handicapped children.

I’ve watched parents lose children to cancer and to drugs.

I’ve been witness to parents who after raising their children in church and teaching them to love and honor God, watch their kids turn their back on God and walk into a life of sin.

I’ve seen devout followers of Jesus face economic tragedy and have to start over in mid-life, something they never expected to have to do.

I’ve seen people face all kinds of difficult, sometimes seemingly impossible situations, situations they didn’t think they could ever survive – and yet they did.

They, with God’s help, did the impossible.

The same God who could equip and empower Moses to do the seemingly impossible is able to enable you to do more than you could ever imagine.

Bo

Special Revelation

Special Revelation is God’s revelation of Himself to particular persons at definite times and places. Special revelation provides a clearer and more detailed understanding of God. Special revelation is necessary because God is infinite (unlimited) and man is finite (limited).

The only way we can begin to comprehend God is if He elects to make Himself known in ways we can comprehend. God, in His goodness, has done exactly that. God is a personal God and the objective of Special Revelation is to bring us into relationship with Him. It is to show us what we need to know about Him in order to bring us into a restored relationship with Him.

For this reason you could say Special Revelation is always for redemptive purposes. Man is fallen and God has come to fallen man revealing Himself in ways that allow fallen man enjoy a restored relationship with Him. What is about to take place as a result of God revealing Himself to Moses is a perfect example of the redemptive nature of Special Revelation.

God begins to unfold His redemptive purposes beginning in Exodus 3 verse 7.

7 And the LORD said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

Bo