Come join us for a night of celebration as we welcome new lives into the world and new lives into Christ through baby dedications and water baptisms. Being a community of believers, this is a night we should not want to miss.
If you have recently given your heart to the Lord or have rededicated your life and want to be water baptized, there is a class we would like for you to attend. So stop by our website, open our mobile app, or visit a kiosk out in the lobby and sign up for a class.
If you have a baby you would like to have dedicated, you can go online or open our mobile app to get signed up. We just need some basic information about your child and a photo we can use at Family Night.
You must be signed up for Family Night by April 13 to participate. So sign up today!
Adults) are all studying the life of Samson, we have included several discussion questions in the Pulse for you and your family or friends to dialog about after each week’s message. These questions are simple but are designed to get you talking and thinking about what you and your family/friends can begin doing to avoid the pitfalls that Samson did. Join us in the discussion! Thanks again for being incredible people! I love being your Pastor,
FROM YOUR
Jim & Linda McNabb
PASTOR Last month was a busy month for us here at The Bridge! Not only did we begin a brand new series exploring the life and mistakes of Samson, called, “What If?” We also just completed a 21 Day Fast as a church body. Thank you to all who participated in this fast with us! It was incredible to hear the stories and testimonies of what God was doing in your lives! With that being said, can you believe that Spring Break is nearly upon us? (All of the students shouted, AMEN!) The month of March will continue to be an amazing time here at The Bridge. Make sure that you are not missing a moment of
Here are some things that we think are imperative to your journey here, as you explore what The Bridge has to offer you and your family.
it. Make it your priority to get your families involved in the ministries and activities that are happening this month. In March I will be continuing the series, “What if?” In the
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positioning to accomplish great things for God. Yet somehow
man with so much potential, fail so miserably? The answer is
mobile app, “MyBridge.” You can get details on much more!
who had all the talent, all the blessing, and all the strategic
in front of his enemies. How did this happen? How did a
magazine, on our website, or through our all upcoming events, sign up for classes, and
Bible, the life of Samson is an incredible story of a person
he ends up deceived, both eyes gouged out, and humiliated
Need information? You can find it all in this
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Stop by Fresh Start after the service. Here you will find someone from our staff who would like to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our church.
simple, really. If you read about the life of Samson you begin to realize that there were some very important spiritual disciplines that he seemed to abandon that would ultimately determine his fate. He didn’t pray, he didn’t obey God’s word, he was selfish, he never established good friendships, and
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In a large church, the key to making friends and having community is joining a small group. We know you’re busy, so we offer small
who could forget - he never shared with anyone how God has
groups on Sundays at 9:30 and 10:45AM to
blessed his life! One could make the argument that Samson
make the most of your time here.
failed to reach his ultimate potential. What if things would have been different? What if he would have made better decisions along the way? These are the questions that we will continue exploring this month. Don’t miss a moment of it! Additionally, since our entire church (Children, Students,
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We feel our student’s and kid’s experiences are some of the best around, so make sure your kids don’t miss out on the amazing things we have going on for them.
S
ince “What If?” is an all church sermon series, we are encouraging everyone to take a few moments this week, (around the dinner table, riding in the car, or just while hanging out at home) and
gather with your family or friends to discuss some of the topics Pastor McNabb will be covering throughout this series. Below you will find a couple of questions that you can ask each other and challenge one another with in the the coming weeks. Since you know your family best, use the questions that work for you or add questions that would facilitate more discussion. Join us! Let’s grow together!
Week of 03/2/14
SAMSON & GIVING What has been the highlight of your week? (Use this to get everyone talking.)
In the Bible, the church was established as a place where people gather to worship God, fellowship & build relationships with one another. How can healthy friendships help strengthen our relationship with God? Why do you think people get caught up in relationships that
What is your most prized possession?
are destructive to their lives?
If God asked you to give it another person, could you do it?
Samson made poor friendships. How can we avoid falling
Why would it be tough?
into those same bad relationships?
Why do you think giving is so difficult for us to consistently
Part of making good friends is being a good friend, what can
do?
you begin doing to be a better friend?
God encourages us to be givers, why do you think this is
Week of 03/16/14
important to Him?
SAMSON & TESTIMONY
In your opinion, how is our love for God revealed by our
What has been the highlight of your week? (Use this to get
willingness to give?
everyone talking.)
When people think about giving they usually think only
What is a Testimony? (A testimony is the story / accurate
about money. What are some other things we can give?
account of an event that happened) In our life, why do you think it so important for Christians to share the story of
Samson was the opposite of a giver. He was a taker. He was
how God changed their life -with other people?
more interested in what he could get then what he could give. How do think being selfish can ruin your life?
In your opinion, why do you think so many people fail to share their their testimony?
Honestly, what areas of your life are you too selfish with? We are often afraid of how others will treat us after hearing Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get,
our testimony. How do we overcome that fear?
but we make a life by what we give.” This week, what is one practical way that you or your family can give of what you
Samson, is an example of a person who didn’t share with
have to show your love for God?
anyone about God’s roll in his life. As a result, Samson’s legacy is of a man who worshiped himself, rather that God.
Week of 03/9/14
SAMSON & FRIENDSHIPS What has been the highlight of your week? (Use this to get everyone talking.)
How does staying quiet about God’s roll in our lives stunt our relationship with Him? Knowing your testimony begins with understanding how God has changed your life. In a couple of sentences, share how has God changed your life.
What characteristics make a good friend? Bad friend? When you study Samson’s life you discover that he didn’t really have any good friends.
He spent time with the
Philistines (the enemy), he was betrayed by those who he though liked him, and ended up essentially dying alone. Why are good friendships important?
Do you use Facebook or Twitter? If you are thinking about the series or going through the questions post a photo or a thought and use the hashtag:
#WHATIFSAMSON
GET CONNECTED
We believe it is vital that everyone who comes through our doors feels welcomed, connected with God, and connected with great people to do life with! So here we have a ton of avenues available for you to be a part of: small groups, special events, volunteer teams and more. We want to create ample opportunities for you to build incredibly fun, healthy friendships as well as help you flourish in your relationship with God! Your life is valuable! Get yourself connected today!
SMALL GROUPS SUNDAY’S AT 9:30AM “Bait of Satan” Join us as we expose one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God-offense. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Kenny McGee Room: 201
“Not a Fan” Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly. Join us as we study what it means to become a completely committed follower of Jesus Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Roy Peck Room: 203
“The United Monarchy of Israel”
“Book of Revelation”
Join us as we study the life of Saul, David, and Solomon. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson Room: 105
This is a verse-by-verse walk through and discussion on the book of Revelation Ages: All Ages Leader: Rob McClure Room: 105
“Psalms”
WEDNESDAY’S AT 7:15PM
We are taking an in depth look into the Psalms and discovering what they mean for us today. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Kenneth McGee Room: 100
“The First Five Books” We are looking at and discussing the first five books of the Bible. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Ken Isom Room: Chapel
“What the Bible Says About Today’s Headlines”
SUNDAY’S AT 10:45AM
This study will help us think Biblically about the hot topics that we read and hear about daily, e.g., war, immigration, gay marriage. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Elaine Arnold Room: 104
“How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty”
“America’s Godly Heritage”
“Multiply”
Join us as we look at what was intended for America by the founders and what can be done to return America to its original guiding philosophy. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Ed Damron Room: 202
We were all called to make disciples. Whether it is our children, friends, or co-workers, God has called us to make disciples. We will walk through this book and find out how! Ages: Young Marrieds Leader: Ryan Summers Room: 205
Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults aged 18-25. Ages: Young Adults Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt Room: 204
Foundations of Freedom Come join us on a journey to become the person God has created you to be. Ages: All Ages Leader: Linda M. & Terry W. Room: 202
NEXT STEPS HIS 24/7 Bible Discipleship Sundays at 10:45AM Come discover the basic spiritual disciplines to help you grow in your relationship with God. ie. how to use and study the Bible, pray, and witness. Ages: All Ages Leader: Louis Rose & Ken Isom Room: 100
Corporate Prayer Sundays at 6:00PM Tuesdays at 9:00AM Join us in the Chapel every week for a time of prayer.
Fresh Start March 9 Fresh Start Area at 6:30PM We know that coming to a new church and trying to navigate through getting plugged in can feel like a daunting task. So, come meet Pastor McNabb and find out how we do church. We will break down the easiest ways for you to get connected.
Membership Classes April 6 & 13 9:30 & 10:45AM in Rm102 Have you been attending The Bridge for a while, and are looking for the next step? Maybe its time for you to become a member of The Bridge. Membership Class is designed for 16 year olds and up. Sign up online, through our mobile app, or out at the information center. This class is a requirement for membership.
Baptism Classes April 13 9:30AM, 10:45AM, & 6:30PM in Rm200 If you have recently given your heart to the Lord and want to be water baptized, there is a class we would like for you to attend. So stop by our website, open our mobile app, or visit the information center to sign up.
HOPE & HEALING Divorce Care Wednesdays at 7:15PM Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The journey is not easy, so come walk with us. Leader: Donny Hilbern Room: 104
Living Free Addiction Recovery Wednesdays at 7:15PM Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life controlling issues. Leader: Ken Isom Room: End Zone
MEN Men’s Breakfast March 8 7:30AM in The Venue Come and hang out with guys and enjoy a man-sized breakfast.
Man Day March 29 10:00AM at Ramey Ranch Come enjoy skeet shooting, fishing, archery, and food. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.Shotguns only. No pistols or rifles. Bring your own ammo. 1/4 mile west of Richland road on SW 89th.
WOMEN Zumba Mondays at 6:30PM Join us in the Bridge Kids Auditorium and get your exercise on.
“Gideon” Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us as we take an in depth look and discover the pages of Deuteronomy. Leader: Carole Harrell Room: 202
“Marriage” MOM’s Class Tuesdays at 9:30AM Come spend some time with the ladies, while we take care of your kids. Our current topic is the difference between men & women. Leader: Kathy McGee Room: 104
“Undaunted” Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:15PM Join us as we learn how to overcome the wrong turns and often painful circumstances we all experience, and be equipped and empowered to help others Leader: Dorcas Schroeder Room: 105
Teachers Bible Study Mondays at 3:45PM If you are a teacher we are kicking of a Bible Study just for you and your colleagues. We will be walking through the study “Discerning The Voice of God.” You can sign-up out at the information center or online at thebridgeag.org/teachers Leader: Michele Lesher Room: 100
SENIOR ADULTS Primetime Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us for Bible teaching and a variety of activities & events to energize the soul. Leader: Ken Isom Room: RM105
Country Jubilee March 29 3:00PM at East Parking Lot
Mother Daughter Cinderella Brunch March 29 11:30AM in The Venue We would like all Mothers & Daughters to join us for a special brunch just for you!
Baby Dedications April 27 6:30PM at Family Night
STUDENTS
SERVE
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Choir
Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
KIDS
Family Groups Mondays at 7:00PM Starting February 10
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
BGMC Dinner March 26 6:00PM in The Venue Join us for a great dinner, time of fellowship, and support missions in the process!
Friday Gathering Fridays at 7:00PM Come enjoy food, fun, and discussion with other young adults. Contact Doug for more info at (405) 204.4569 Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt
Sunday Small Groups Sundays at 10:45AM
Join us for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons every week!
YOUNG ADULT
If you have a baby you would like to have dedicated, you can go online or open our mobile app to get signed up. You must be signed up by April 13 to participate.
Join us as we eat at ‘Lucy’s’ in Weatherford before going out to the Country Jubilee. The Show is $8.00 where we’ll enjoy good Gospel music from the ‘Forgiven’ Quartet. You must be signed up by March 23 so stop by the information center today.
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM
Patterson, devo times, late night with Crayons Improv, and local service projects. The cost is $30 and includes all meals and activities.
Get connected in a weekly small group! This is a great way to learn more on specific topics throughout the Bible. 6th-7th Grade: Room 203 8th-11th Grade: Room 201 12th Grade: Room 204
The adult choir is looking for additional singers as we begin the new year. If you’re between the ages of 16 and ?? we’d like to talk to you about singing with us each Sunday morning during the 3rd worship experience. Rehearsals are Sundays at 5:00pm. You don’t have to read music, but you do need to attend a get-acquainted interview with Pastor Rex. Just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
Production Team
Insomnia March 14-15 5:45PM in Bridge Students
We are looking to expand. The production team plays a key role in making our worship experiences happen here and online. All you have to have is a willingness to learn and be a part of an awesome team, and we will teach you eveything you need to know to be successful. From camera operators to stage hands to computer operators, just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
Insomnia is an overnight retreat focused on helping students thrive in their relationships with God. We will have services with Jason
For more information on all these events and more just go to our website www.thebridgeag.org
Family Groups provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere for students to discuss relevant and practical topics under the guidance of Bridge Students’ adult leaders. More information on the different locations can be found at thebridgeag.org/ students
WHY NOTHING MATTERS W
hy does “nothing” matter? It’s remarkable to
yourself up and start over, you somehow manage to fall into
think that one of the most watched sitcom’s
the same pattern of feeling insignificant.
of all-time (and one of my favorites) is a show about “nothing”. For almost a decade,
Throughout this current series, we have been able to identify
Seinfeld entertained audiences with High-
with and see ourselves like Samson. Samson was a man of
talkers, Low-talkers, a Soup Nazi, Puffy shirts, and Vandelay
great power and great responsibility (sorry for the Spiderman
Industries. Their secret weapon was, “nothing”. I believe the
reference); however, his pride often got him into trouble. In
show was such a success because it allowed us to laugh about
fact, his pride and sin finally got the best of him. After this
our lives. Even if life may feel like “nothing” is happening –
dude, flat-out manhandles the Philistines for years, Samson
something could come of it.
tells Delilah the source of his strength and she betrays him. The Philistines raid the place, and we read one of the most
Unfortunately, when we feel our lives are in a state of “nothing-
terrifying verses in the Bible:
ness”, it tends to weigh heavier than that of a sitcom. You may
be dealing with the loss of a loved-one, or maybe you have
“And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other
lost your job and just want to give your boss a piece of your
times and shake myself free,’ but he did not know that the Lord
mind. Perhaps you’re to the point of just giving up. I often find
had left him.” – Judges 16:20
myself going through the day feeling numb – feeling the same old thing everyday, just to wake up and do it all over again.
Samson was stripped of his talents and strength, because
It makes me want to just yell, “Serenity now!” at the top of
he put his sin and ego before his relationship with God. He
my lungs. No matter how many times you have tried to pick
didn’t even know when God had left him. Sometimes, we
find ourselves in the same trap Samson set for himself. We go
far in your Bible either.
through our systems and patterns thinking that we can defeat our enemies like we have every other time. However, without
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The
the power of God and his favor, we are nothing.
earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the
To borrow a quote from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes,
face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there
“What’s remarkable about life is that it’s never so bad that it
was light. And God saw that the light was good.” – Genesis 1:1-4
can’t get worse.” This became true for our friend Samson. Now that the Light had left him, so did his sight. The Philistines
It’s simple. While there was nothing, “without form and
gouged out his eyes and held him as a prisoner. Samson had
void”, God spoke and creation took place, and it was good. It’s
lost. He was defeated. A man who once had everything –
important that we don’t forget that when God transforms
power, status, favor, influence, provision, and family – threw
our “nothing” into “something,” it is good. We may not like our
it all away and was now a joke and a disappointment. While
outcome at times, but remember when He creates, it brings
being carried out of his cell to be mocked, Samson prays to God
glory to His name. This leads us to our final story in Luke,
to grant him strength once more, as a sacrifice for God’s glory,
chapter 1.
and God heard and answered Samson’s prayer. It was when Samson had been humbled to nothing, that God used him
The Virgin Mary is told she will give birth to the Christ. Now, I
for his greatest feat. That day Samson killed more Philistines
may be wrong, but as much as this is “good” news, this is also
than he had in his entire life.
a terrible outcome for Mary. Who really wants to be pregnant as an unmarried 14 year-old? Mary had to have faced ridicule,
How did Samson wind up in this position? Our boy Samson
exclusion, rejection, and frustration during this pregnancy. Let
lived a life lacking reverence for God and His law. Before we
us be like Mary though when our transformation becomes
go ahead and throw Samson under the bus though, let’s check
discouraging and seeming like an empty promise:
our lives. We often live a life of exception instead of conviction. This is especially true for Christians. Now, I don’t want to
“For with God; nothing is impossible” – Luke 1:37
sound legalistic in this, but I can’t count the number of times I have told myself, “others shouldn’t do this or can’t do this, but
This has always been an encouraging statement to me. You
my relationship with God is so intimate and close, that I’ll be
maybe thinking, that may have been the most obvious insight
fine.” This is a dangerous road that resembles the one Samson
ever, but humor me for a second. We know that nothing is
travelled. We are not the “exception” to any of the rules that the
impossible with God; therefore, we can assume that it is
Bible lays out for us. Samson knew God’s word; he knew the
impossible for God to do nothing. Remember Samson? When
restrictions on his life. When he started believing that he was
you have failed God and others you love, and you find yourself
the exception, and not living by conviction, his life turned from
begging for God, He can turn your nothing into your greatest
black and white to gray.
achievement.
This series of ignoring convictions also leads us into a lifestyle
So, why does “nothing” matter? It matters because it reminds
of “nothing-ness”. When we sacrifice our convictions to be an
us when we are down to nothing and we feel like our lives
exception, we create a false standard of what it means to be
are going nowhere that God is up to something. He has not
like Christ. Isn’t that our goal – to become more like Christ?
forgotten you. We don’t have to live out Seinfeld; we don’t have to have “a life about nothing”. Let us die to our exception
It was out of Samson’s “nothing” that God used him. This
mentality and allow God to work in our lives like never before.
story is just one example of God’s restoring power. This takes
We may not enjoy the process, but in the end He will call it
place all over the Bible. As we study His word, we find out that
“good”.
restoring nothing into something isn’t just something God does; it’s who He is. It is God’s character to restore the old and make it new. We could go into story after story, but I only want to share two. The first is quick an easy, you don’t have to go too
by Cody Phillips @cody_d_phillips
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Traditional Worship Experience Sundays at 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Modern Worship Experience Sundays at 9:30AM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
Blended Worship Experience Sundays at 10:45AM
This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
PM Worship Experience Sundays at 6:30PM
During this experience we come together as a whole to worship.
Have you been attending The Bridge for a while, and are looking for the next step? Maybe its time for you to become a member of The Bridge. So what does that mean?
Hispanic Worship Experience
Membership at The Bridge involves serving, giving and participating in Biblical community. In our membership class, you’ll learn the vision and values of The Bridge. At the end of the class you’ll have an opportunity to become a member of The Bridge.
Wed. Traditional Worship Experience
Membership Class is designed for 16 year olds and up. Sign up online, through our mobile app, or at one of the information center kiosks out in the lobby. This class is a requirement for membership. thebridgeag.org/membership
Sundays at 10:30AM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia . Children and Youth can take part in what is happening on our main campus.
Wednesdays at 7:15PM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee.
Drive Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure.
Wed. Hispanic Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia
Our trained nursery staff is available during all worship experiences. For a full list of other opportunities, please check out the “Get Connected” section of Pulse.