Dear Bridge Family

This is a busy time in the life of our church with all kinds of exciting things going on in the coming weeks. Be sure to check-out some of the highlights and be sure to join us at The Bridge!

Water Baptism -- June 7^th

If you have trusted Jesus as Savior and have not yet expressed this decision publicly through water baptism, why not take part in our water baptism during our 11 a.m. service on Sunday, June 7^th?

You can sign-up at The Welcome Desk and when you do be sure to pick-up a testimony form on which you can tell about your decision to follow Jesus.  This is a great time of celebration for our church and a very significant event in the life of a believer.

Graduation Sunday -- June 14^th

On Sunday June 14th we will be recognizing students that are graduating from High School or College.  If you, or a son or daughter would like to be recognized, please sign up at the Welcome Desk in the lobby over the next few weeks and be sure to note which service you will be attending that day.

On Graduation Sunday we will read the names of our graduates and then invite them forward to receive a gift.  No caps or gowns, just the recognition you deserve!

God bless,

Bo

It's happening!

The other day I was walking around what I refer to us "the new church" and what Gary Dawson calls "The Bridge 2.0."  As I looked around at the massive building that is looking less and less like a grocery store and more like a place where we will one day be worshipping God and making disciples, I said to Happy Wade, "I still can't believe this is really happening."

 

I know I have lived through the entire process of negotiating the purchase of the building, of putting the need and opportunity before the church, of seeing God provide financing and then persevering through the challenges leading up to the closing, but it still seems a bit surreal.

 

But it really is happening.  We are close to finalizing the floor plan, which is coinciding nicely with having the building cleared in order to begin constructing walls. At this point we have no clear sense of how long this project will take, but I'm hoping we will occupy our new home by this Fall.

 

In the mean time, I would ask that you continue to pray for the safe and speedy completion of the project. The sooner we can move in the sooner we will not be saddled with both rent and a mortgage payment.  Yes, we are now making two payments each month.

 

For this reason, I would also ask that you do your very best to be a regular supporter of our church, in addition to doing whatever you are able to do with Operation Transformation (formerly called Possess the Land).

 

To date 177 individuals or households have made pledges totaling $432.419.  As of this past Sunday we have received $290,976 of that amount.

 

As amazing as this is, we are going to need every dollar of this and more in order to complete this project. The estimated cost of the renovation is around $1 million -- and that is just to get in.  The complete cost will likely be closer to $1.5 million.  So, if you have not yet made a pledge and wish to do so, there will be pledge forms in your bulletin this Sunday that you can complete and turn in.

 

If you have made a pledge, please do your best to fulfill that pledge while continuing to support the church with your regular tithes and offerings.

 

If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, please join in praying daily for the successful completion of this project.

 

Work Day at the New Church -- Saturday April 25

 

Another way you can help is by taking part in a work day at the new church.  On Saturday April 25 from 9 a.m. -- 1 p.m. we will be removing shrubbery and putting down fresh mulch in the nine or so islands in the parking lot.  Bring a rake and a shovel and join us for this very first sprucing up of our new property!

 

Adyn buttons

 

If you missed the chance to pick up an Adyn button after services last Sunday, more will be available this week.  Adyn is the son of Dan and Christina Weinel who is battling cancer.  Donations of $5 or more will get you a button and help the Weinel's with the incredible expenses they are incurring.

 

Last week more than $1,600 was donated for this worthy cause.  On behalf of the Weinel's and little Adyn, I want to thank you!

 

See you Sunday as we continue our study of Nehemiah and learn more about how God wants to rebuild our souls.

 

With much love!

 

Bo

Celebrate Easter with us at The Bridge!

Whatever you have planned this Easter Sunday, whether dinner with family or hunting Easter eggs with your kids -- don't neglect to celebrate the resurrection!

The resurrection is the single greatest even in all human history.  Yes, there would have been no resurrection had Jesus not been born on that first Christmas day, but it was His resurrection from the dead that validated His message and proved without a doubt His identity as God's Son.

It was His resurrection from the dead that purchased our salvation and gives us hope in the face of any and all circumstances.  It is because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead that we can face death without fear and live fully alive in this life, for as Jesus said in John 14:19;

                   "Because I live, you shall live also."

I invite you to celebrate the Resurrection with us this Sunday at The Bridge at any one of our three Easter services; 8:30, 10:00 or 11:30 a.m.

We have a very special service planned this Easter Sunday that will feature rousing congregational singing, as well as some special music and a message of hope that springs from the greatest comeback in history.

I hope to see you Sunday at The Bridge!

Bo