Building Update

Be sure to join us Sunday to hear the latest news on our purchase of the Old Thriftway building in Alexandria.

The Key to a Blessed Life

What sane, thinking person would not want to enjoy a long and productive life?

Who wouldn't want to enjoy the favor and blessing of God on their life?

Anybody up for riches, honor, provision, protection and friendship with God?

All of these and more are available to those who do one thing. That one thing is to fear God.  That's right, the Bible instructs us to fear God.  From Genesis to Revelation, from prophets to apostles and from the lips of Jesus Himself we are instructed to fear God.

Join us Sunday as we explore this nearly forgotten topic and see what it really means to fear God.

Connect Group Fair

We will also be highlighting some of the Connect Groups we are offering this semester.  Be sure to join the group that fits your needs at this time.  This is a sure way to grow in your relationship with God and others.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, we ignore bad weather at The Bridge! Come rain or shine, snow or ice, we'll be there! Hope you will be, too!

Blessings to you!

Bo

Blessed

This past Sunday was a great day at The Bridge.  After sharing a basic, but important message on how Jesus came to "show us the Father," between 8-10 people indicated a desire to surrender to Jesus and begin a life of following Him.

This illustrates how the human heart, when awakened by the Holy Spirit, yearns to be joined to the God who loves them.  I left church once again feeling so blessed to be able to share the greatest news in the whole world with people God loves so much that He gave His Son to ransom them from sin and make them His own.

I was also reminded of what a wonderful church we have, here at The Bridge.  Every week so many people serve joyfully in order to make it possible for others to come and receive ministry, connect with other believers, or to experience the new life Jesus alone provides.  I hope we never forget what a wonderful thing it is to be able to enjoy a church family the way we do at The Bridge.

Connect Groups

A very important way to begin to enjoy a family experience at The Bridge is by getting involved in a Connect Group.  Over the next few weeks we will be introducing the groups that will be offered in the upcoming semester.  Be sure to pick up a Connect Group catalog at church this Sunday to help you find the group that will be best for you -- and then be sure to make attending that group a regular part of your week. This will not only help you grow in your walk with Christ, but will connect you with some of the wonderful people God has brought our way.

You may also visit our website at www.thebridgenky.com, to see a list of all the groups being offered this semester.

"Abba"

In closing, I would like to share with you a devotional that goes along with what we talked about this past Sunday.  It's about how God is our "Abba," or "Daddy.

Matthew 6:9b, NASB

"Our Father who art in heaven,"

The name "Abba" simply means "Daddy."  No Jew would have dared address God in this manner, yet Jesus did it constantly, and He invites us to do so also.

Max Lucado writes, "One afternoon in old Jerusalem, as my daughter, Jenna, and I were exiting the Jaffa Gate, we found ourselves behind a Jewish family, a father and his three little girls.  The four-year-old fell a few steps behind and couldn't see her father.  'Abba!' she called.  The father stopped immediately.  Only then did he realize they were separated.  'Abba!' she called again.  Immediately the father extended his hand and the girl took it.  I made mental notes.  I wanted to see the actions of an 'Abba.'  The father held the girl's hand tightly as they descended a ramp.  When they stopped at a busy street, she stepped off the curb and he pulled her back.  When the signal changed, he led her and her sisters through the busy intersection.  In the middle of the street, he reached down, swept her up into his arms, and continued their journey."

Isn't that what we all need -- an "Abba" who will hear when we call, Who will take our hand when we are weak?  Who will guide us through the hectic intersections of life?  Who will swing us up into His arms and carry us home?  Well, the good news is we have one.  No matter what you are facing today, all you have to do is pause, reach up, and whisper, "Abba." He will be there for you.

From The Vine -- Bob Gass Ministries

Have a blessed day in Abba's care!

Bo

Preparing for the New Year

I hope you had a blessed Christmas and enjoyed a happy and safe New Year!

As we look forward to 2015, I believe it is safe to say that this will be an eventful year for us here at The Bridge.  A new building, a fairly massive renovation and all that goes with such an undertaking will no doubt stretch us, test our faith and give God plenty of opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf.  So, how do we prepare ourselves for such a season?

That's what we'll be addressing in tomorrow's message.  We'll be talking about the one thing we can do as a church that will insure that we keep our equilibrium in the face of what will surely prove to be an eventful year.

Of course, what is true for us as a church is equally true for each of us as individuals.  The coming year will no doubt bring with it a mix of challenges, joys, as well as opportunities for God to show Himself strong.  The way we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year are the same for us as individuals as they are for us as a church.

So, don't miss tomorrow's message.  I'm quite sure you will find it helpful for whatever awaits us in 2015!

Blessings in Jesus!

Bo

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

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

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!