Preparing for the Future

February 12, 2019

Some of you may be aware that we recently posted an ad on a church staffing website for the position of senior pastor at The Bridge. If you saw the ad you will know that the ad states that we are looking for someone to “transition into the role of senior pastor.” The key word here is “transition.” I want to assure you that I have no intention of leaving The Bridge, or of retiring; at least not any time soon. As we all know I am much too young to consider retirement!

What we are doing is beginning the search for that special individual who can come alongside me, first, to help us reach younger people, and secondly, to prepare to one day take my place as the primary leader and teacher of our church. The Elders and I felt it would be prudent to start this process sooner rather than later in order to best prepare for the future.

Part of the impetus for this is related to the church-wide survey we conducted back in the summer. The survey revealed that while we are most definitely a multi-generational church, we are a bit older than the average church in America. This came as no surprise since I am not (all joking aside now), not a young man and churches tend to attract people closer to the age of their pastor. The Elders and I believe that by bringing someone on board now, or at least in the near future, will help our church now, as well as make for a smoother transition when the time comes for me to hand the reins to the next lead pastor.

As for how I feel about serving as the Senior Pastor of this wonderful church; I know without a doubt that I am exactly where God wants me to be and I am doing exactly what God has called me to do. Furthermore, there is no place I would rather be and I am looking forward to serving as your pastor for years to come and to sharing the Good News of Jesus with this wonderful community to which God has called us.

I hope and pray you feel as blessed as I do about being here at The Bridge and that you will continue to join with Jannie and me in this most important of missions!

With much love,

Bo Weaver

The Bridge Men’s Conference is next Saturday!

Our first ever Men’s Conference is fast approaching. Our theme for this conference is Stronger Together, which is a truly biblical concept. We really do grow stronger when we connect with others who are endeavoring to follow Christ. Plan to join us on Saturday, June 2 at 9:30 AM for this opportunity to connect with other men and take steps toward becoming all that God wants us to be. In true manly fashion we will get right down to business with a morning and an afternoon session with a hearty meal of Eli’s BBQ in between.

 You can register online at www.thebridgenky.com. The cost is just $45.

Bo

2018 Men's Conference

Men's Conference from The Bridge Church on Vimeo.

From The Pastor

Celebrating Moms

Today is Mother’s Day and we will be celebrating Moms and thanking them for all they do, or did for us when we were growing up. This November will mark the fourth anniversary of my Mom’s home-going, but hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about her and thank the Lord for the huge deposit she made in my life. We owe so much to our Moms, so join us Sunday as we honor Moms.

In the lobby Sunday we will have a giant Mother’s Day banner in front of which Moms may have their picture taken with their family. Photos will be available for pick-up the following Sunday. So Moms, do your best to get all of your kids, grandkids, or anybody else you want in the picture, to church on Sunday!

Stronger Together Men’s Conference – June 2

Guys, don’t forget to sign up for our upcoming Men’s Conference with special guest, Rick Howerton. The purpose of this conference is to help encourage and assist men in taking the next step toward spiritual growth and maturity. This conference is for any man who feels stuck in his spiritual walk, or for any guy who just wants to be challenged to become everything God wants them to become. While this is a one-day event, the intent is to set the men of our church (or any many who wants to attend) on a course that will impact them for a lifetime – as well as impact future generations.

The cost is $45, which includes Eli’s barbecue for lunch, as

Discover The Bridge - Sunday at 6 PM

If you would like to learn more about The Bridge Church, as well as have the opportunity to meet our staff and leadership team, I invite you to join me for three consecutive Sunday nights starting this Sunday at 6 PM at the church. In this hour-long class you will learn about our history, our mission, vision and values. At the end of these three sessions you will be given the opportunity to join the church, if you so desire.

There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Desk in the lobby, or simply respond to this newsletter if you plan to attend. If you need child care, please provide the number of children and their respective ages. I hope to see you there!

Trunk or Treat – October 31

On Halloween from 6-8 PM we will be inviting children from the community and their parents to come to The Bridge to receive candy and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Last year hundreds showed up for this fun event. For many, this was their first exposure to our church. Here are ways you can participate:

▪	Between now and October 31st, bring bags of individually wrapped pieces of candy to the church and place them in the container in the lobby.

▪	To hand out candy, arrive at the church by 5:45 PM on Halloween and park your car in the designated area. You may wear a Halloween costume and/or decorate your car if you like. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and best decorated car.

▪	Sign-up to help direct traffic or serve at the café during this event.

▪	Bake and bring cookies to the church on Halloween.

▪	And if you know how to make balloon animals (or are a fast learner) you may assist Chris and Janet Garner who last year developed blisters from twisting and tying so many balloons!

Teams in Ghana and Zimbabwe

Please remember to pray for our teams in Africa – that God will protect and keep them in health and safety and use them mightily for the kingdom of God. 
See you Sunday!

Bo

Help for Houston and Florida

Thanks to everyone who has brought items or donated financially to help with the relief efforts taking place in the Houston area and throughout the state of Florida. In a little over a week we have collected half of semi-load of cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, diapers, bottled water, food supplies and more that will be shipped to those suffering the consequences of these two major hurricanes. The Bridge will continue to serve as a drop-off center for Matthew 25: Ministries, which is playing a significant role in bringing aid to those affected by these storms. We also want to thank the Cincinnati Reuse Center for their help in getting the items we’ve collected to the Matthew 25: Ministries headquarters in Blue Ash.

Items can be dropped off at the church and placed in the container beneath the big “Houston” sign between the hours of 9 AM – 7 PM. For details about items needed or to contribute financially, go to the church website atwww.thebridgenky.com or to www.M25M.org.

Care Net 5K Run/Walk for Life

On Saturday, September 23rd Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky will be conducting their annual Run/Walk for Life. Once again, I have a surrogate runner (and a fast one!) representing me in this event. Also once again, I am asking you, friends and members of The Bridge to sponsor “me” in this run. If you missed the pledge forms that were passed down the rows this past Sunday you can still sponsor me by clicking on the link below and entering the amount you would like to give toward this great ministry. Since 2006 Care Net has seen 554 clients give their unborn child the gift of life. By taking part in this Walk for Life, you and I can help insure that Care Net will be there for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Thank you for doing what you can!

https://runsignup.com/pastorbo

Connect Group Fair Starts this Sunday!

We have 35 new connect groups starting up in a few weeks! This is a great way to grow in your faith and to also meet some awesome people who are on a similar faith journey. Visit the church website to see what groups are being offered this semester. You can register online or in the lobby after services this Sunday.

With much love!

Bo

Help for Houston

In light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, The Bridge is partnering with Matthew 25: Ministries to help bring needed supplies to the Houston area. The Bridge is going to serve as a drop-off center for the items listed below. If you would like to help, please bring these specified items to the church between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM Sunday – Saturday. These can be brought into the lobby, or left in the designated area beneath the overhang to the left of the front door.

• Non-Perishable Food: PULL TOP canned vegetables, fruits etc.; ready to eat dry goods such as nuts, peanut butter, dried fruits, granola and trail mixes, jerky, ready to eat snacks; bottled water; ready- to-eat meals or MREs, etc. 

• Personal Care Products: Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc. 

• Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc. 

• Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc. 

• Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc. 

• First-Aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.

Monetary Donations*: You can give online to Matthew 25: Ministries by going to www.m25m.org or by mail by sending checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

*Donors to Matthew 25: Ministries who would like to designate their financial gifts for Hurricane Relief may do so by writing “Hurricane Relief” in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the “in honor of” field of the online giving form. 100% of donated funds designated for Hurricane Relief will be used for the purpose intended.

If you would prefer to donate to Matthew 25: Ministries through The Bridge Church, just be sure to designate on your check or when giving online that you are giving toward “Help for Houston.” You may give through the church website by going to www.thebridgenky.com.

Let’s all do what we can to bring aid to this hard-hit area. Matthew 25: Ministries is a great local ministry that has been meeting needs around the world since 1991. If you would like to volunteer your time by serving at Matthew 25: Ministries you may sign-up via their website at www.m25m.org.

In addition to meeting physical needs of people living in the Houston area, let’s also remember to invite God to comfort and uphold those who have suffered such loss, while also drawing them to Him.

With much love in Christ,

Bo