1
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
Come join us!
Serving Opportunities
We want to invite you to come join us for a safe and fun
Bridge Family if you are looking for a way to help and be a
environment for families to enjoy the evening with their
part. We need as many people as possible to sign up to use
children and get a TON of candy. This event is open to our
their car trunks in our trunk or treat. We will be handing out
entire community…so invite your friends and family.
prizes that night for the best trunk. Don’t feel like decorating? No prob. You don’t have too! We will still use your trunk. You can get signed up through our mobile app or over at wearethebridge.church
NOVEMBER
2
2019
November and the Thanksgiving season are some of my favorite times of the year! As we move through this month, let me encourage you to each embrace the moments that this season creates for you and for your family. These moments of spending time with family, friends and loved ones become the treasures that God allows us to gather and be reminded, once again, about his love and grace in our lives. When we pause and think about those things, we cannont help
Happy November!
but be continuously in awe about how much we each have to be thankful for! God is good! Lets make it a great month!
Just after getting back into the full swing of school and
I love being your pastor,
routines, we now suddenly find ourselves heading towards the
Jim & Linda
holiday season!
Experiences SUNDAYS
MIDWEEK
at 7:00PM
TRADITIONAL
TRADITIONAL 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee in the Chapel.
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
MODERN 9:30AM
BRIDGE UNIVERSITY
This experience has a more laid-back atmosphere & guitar-driven worship.
Meet in the auditorium for worship and message series. For series topic check out Page 9.
BLENDED 10:50AM This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
EN ESPANOL
EN ESPANOL 10:30AM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia.
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.
AFTER-HOURS CONTACT INFORMATION In case of emergency please contact our church office at 405.376.4538 and our answering service will contact us accordingly.
1. Need information?
2. Stop by Starting Point
3. Join a small group. In
4. Our students’ and
You can find it all in this
after the service. You will
a large church, the key to
kids’ experiences are
magazine, on our website, or
find someone to answer any
making friends and having
outstanding. Make sure
through our mobile app.
questions you may have
community is joining a small
your kids don’t miss out on
about our church.
group.
the amazing things we have going on just for them.
3
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
Express Gratitude. One of the most famous Aesop’s tales of gratitude is the
But how many of us truly remember to express gratitude? In
Lion and Androcles. Androcles, a slave who was wandering
the daily humdrum of life, you forget to thank the neighbor
in a forest, chanced upon an injured lion, which had a huge
who keeps a watch on your kids when you need to be away
thorn stuck inside its paw. Androcles helped the lion by
at work. You forget to thank the teacher, who stays back
removing the thorn and gave the lion a new lease of life.
after school to help you with your school projects. You fail
Later, Androcles was captured, and thrown in a dungeon
to express gratitude to your parents, who have immensely
with a hungry lion. The lion rushed towards its victim, but it
contributed all through your life. And who remembers to
soon realized that Androcles was the same man who saved
thank the librarian, the banker, the plumber, or the garbage
its life in the forest. The lion did not attack the slave. Instead,
pickup truck driver?
it licked his face like a pet dog and showered the slave with love. That’s a simple story of gratitude that we tell our kids to
Gratitude should not be merely customary politeness. It
remind them about the importance of gratitude.
should reflect a deep humility and love that we feel towards one another. Saying, ‘thank you’ is just the beginning of
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great
expressing gratitude. To make gratitude go a long way, you
deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude
should give back in any way possible. Just like the lion in the
that life becomes rich.
story.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? George Canning
If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily. Gerald Good
NOVEMBER
4
2019
10 Questions to Ask Around the Thanksgiving Table
This is the finest measure of thanksgiving: a thankfulness that springs from love. William C. Skeath Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.
While eating Thanksgiving dinner, many families take time to share
W. T. Purkiser
about the things for which they are grateful. This is wonderful because it gets everyone thinking about gratitude.
Being thankful has many benefits. A thankful heart has
Family members sometimes find themselves repeating the same
no place for arrogance, resentment, jealousy, or anger.
things over and over again. There’s nothing wrong with this—most
You will often find that people who express genuine
of us are genuinely grateful for things like friends, family, jobs, our
gratitude have a pleasant and amiable personality. When
homes, health, etc. However, there are numerous questions we could
you express gratitude, you make friends. When gratitude
ask one another in order to provoke deeper thought and generate
is accompanied by a generous word of praise or two,
meaningful conversations.
relationships thrive. Also, a grateful person can hope to So, here are 15 Thought-Provoking questions that we have
gain more favors in the future from his generous friends.
brainstormed that you and your family can ask durning Thanksgiving Dinner!
Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done
•
whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and
If you could thank one person (living or dead) for his or her influence on your life, who would you thank?
•
forced to do your best will breed in you temperance
What is one thing that you really appreciate about someone at the table?
and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know. Basil Carpenter
•
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned this year?
•
What are three things that always make you smile?
•
What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
•
What random acts of kindness have you received this year?
The story of gratitude in Aesop’s fable about the lion
•
What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
and the slave is a moral lesson where kindness and
•
What made you laugh the hardest this past year?
generosity triumphs. Even today, when the world
•
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the coming year?
is plagued by natural calamities people rise above
•
these challenges with kindness. Teach your kids the
Who is the most grateful person you know?
importance of gratitude with these Thanksgiving
There are numerous ways that you can use these questions. Here are
thoughts. Sow the seed of gratitude in their heart early
a couple of ideas: •
in life, so that they can grow up to be humble and
Create place cards from them by adding a person’s name to each card.
appreciative human beings.
•
Print up each question and place in a hat and have each family member draw one and answer the question it
You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very
contains.
satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content
•
with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it
Choose one or two of the questions and have each family member answer them.
were doubled.
•
Read one question at breakfast during each day in November. Discuss your answers over dinner each night.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Whatever you do, get creative and enjoy the opportunity to learn
Courtesies of a small and trivial character are
more about your loved ones! Thanksgiving is an amazing time of
the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and
year!
appreciating heart. Henry Clay
5
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
Groups
SUNDAYS AT 10:50AM
RM 203
The goal of joining a group is growing in your walk with Jesus and surrounding yourself with people that can support you in taking your next steps. We believe life is better when you live in community. SUNDAYS AT 9:30AM
RM 201 KENNY MCGEE | 30s-50s How does God’s timeless word apply to us in real life? Let’s figure it out together! In this small group, find the support, friendships, encouragement, and biblical answers that you need to face all that life may bring your way.
RM 203
RM 105 KATHLEEN WILCOXSON | All Ages When you study scripture, you discover that the Word of God truly is living and active! So don’t miss this opportunity to join others in an indepth study of the Bible that will not only lead to great biblical discussions but will also educate and challenge you to pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ.
ROY PECK | 30s-50s Life can be unpredictable, but life can also be a blast! While the answers may not all be clear, we can definitely make sure you don’t have to go at it alone. Join us as we discuss how to navigate life as God intended, apply his Word every day, and make the most of every minute we have!
RM 100
RM 104
CHAPEL
ARNOLD & PHILLIPS | 40s-60s Belonging to a community of believers who care is vital to our spiritual lives. Join this discussion-based small group that encourages, challenges, and shows each other how to implement our faith in God in practical ways.
KENNETH MCGEE | 50s & UP Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our counselor and our guide until He comes again. With that in mind, join this small group as we explore the Bible and discover what it means for us today and how we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us each day.
KEN ISOM | 50s & UP We believe that our Senior Adults are a vital part of our church! This small group provides an opportunity for our “Prime-Timers” (Senior Adults) to fellowship, worship with one another, and engage in biblical discussion.
RM 104 KERRY & ROBBIE SHUCK | YOUNG MARRIEDS Starting off a new life together can be an amazing adventure! Join other young couples in this small group as we discover how to set our marriages and future families up for happiness, just as God designed.
RM 201 TIM & KAY LYNN WOODS | YOUNG FAMILIES Finding balance in our marriages, families, and careers can be tough. Don’t do it alone! Come laugh, fellowship, and learn with us as we explore how God wants us to lead our marriages and families.
RM 205 TRAVIS & RACHEL JENKINS | ALL AGES Choosing to live a Christian life is not always the easiest thing to do. Let’s be honest, showing the love of God at home, at work, in the community, and even while attending little league sports is not for the faint of heart! Join us as we discuss what Christian living is all about and how we can succeed at it in this crazy world!
RM 105 ROB & SHERRI MCCLURE | ALL AGES We believe that scripture is incredibly relevant for our daily lives! Join with people of all ages and life stages to explore scripture verse by verse and discuss how to practically apply them to our lives.
RM100
RM 202
BROOKE CARRUTH | WOMEN’S GROUP We say it all the time, “Connected people do life together.” Ladies, come join this small group designed just for you, and together we will discover how God fits into our busy lives.
ED DAMRON | 40s-60s Faith moves mountains! We need to trust and believe that God is who He says He is and He can do what the Bible says He can do! Join us as we explore scripture and discover how to grow in Christ and learn to handle real-life issues with prayer and deeprooted faith in God.
NOVEMBER
DOUG & TONYA WYATT | YOUNG ADULTS There is no greater transition in life than the one that leads into adulthood. Join this discussion-based small group as we explore how to establish a biblical foundation to help you navigate that transition.
RM204 BRIDGE STUDENTS Get connected in a weekly small group! This time is designed to help your students grow in spiritual disciplines.
6
2019
TUESDAYS AT 9:30AM
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00PM
MOMS CLASS
NAMI SUPPORT GROUP
Come hang out and grow with other moms while we watch the little ones. You know...a vacation! RM100
Every 1st & 3rd Week Are you the family, partner, or caregiver of an individual living with mental illness? Come find support and friendship with others in the same situation. We will discuss critical information and strategies related to caregiving. RM200
LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY We are kicking off a brand new video-assisted series called “Discerning The Voice of God” by Priscilla Shirer. We will discover how to recognize when God speaks.. RM204
PRIME TIMERS This is an opportunity for all of our senior adults to get out, have fun, learn, and fellowship with other seniors. RM105
LIVING FREE ADDICTION RECOVERY Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life-controlling issues. The End Zone.
BRIDGE UNIVERSITY For the months of November & December we will be having one expereince in the auditorium.
7
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
NOVEMBER
8
2019
9
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
SUNDAY NIGHTS
Happenings All Church Tuesday at 9:00AM Join us every week as we come together for a time of corporate prayer in the Chapel.
Bridge Kids BRIDGE KIDS EXPERIENCE Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:50AM Join us every week for exciting worship, fun games, and biblical lessons!
NOVEMBER 10 No PM Activities
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Wednesdays at 7:00PM We offer fun-filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
CHRISTMAS PLAY PRACTICE
NOVEMBER 17 Connect Groups
Sunday, November 3 If your student is interested in being a part of Fine Arts next spring or a Mission Trip during the summer of 2020, this meeting is for you! It will be informational and a time for you to ask any questions! Parents are more than welcome. RM105 Mission Trips 5:00PM / Fine Arts 5:30PM
SPEED THE LIGHT PIE AUCTION Sunday, November 24 If you would like to make a dessert for the auction, please drop your dessert off at the EventHub on Sunday, November 24, during the morning services, or from 3:00-5:00PM in the Venue. There will also be a dinner provided! So come, enjoy a meal, and buy a pie or dessert to help us raise money for missions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kaisha Johnson at kaisha@wearethebridge.church or call 405.376.4538.
Bridge Men
OPERATION SHOE BOX
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Wednesday, December 4 Come and join us at 7:00PM out in The Venue. We will feed you dinner and work together as a team to prepare these shoeboxes for delivery. This is an awesome way to give back and serve as a family this Christmas Season.
Saturday, November 9 Come join us for a man-sized breakfast, great fellowship, and spend some time speaking into the lives of men who are currently incarcerated. Happening in The Venue at 7:30AM.
Bridge Women
CHRISTMAS PLAY
NOVEMBER
Wednesdays at 7:00PM Join us for our weekly service that your students do not want to miss. There is powerful worship, a life-impacting message, and a whole lot of fun!
Wednesdays in November Rehearsals for the Bridge Kids Christmas Program have begun! We will meet each week in the Bridge Kids Auditorium from 6:00-7:00PM.
Sunday, December 8 Come ring in the Christmas Season with our “Straight Out Of Bethlehem” Kids Christmas Play. It’s full of songs and laughter, perfect for the whole family. It’s happening in the Auditorium at 6:00PM.
NOVEMBER 24 Speed The Light Pie Auction
BRIDGE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE
MISSIONS TRIP / FINE ARTS MEETING
CORPORATE PRAYER
NOVEMBER 3 No PM Activities
Bridge Students
MAGNOLIA LUNCHEON Sunday, December 8 Are you a single ladie over 50? We want to honor you this Christmas Season. Come join us for a special lunch at 12:15PM out in The Venue. Contact Cyndi at 405.376.4538 to get signed up.
Looking Ahead November 24 / Next Steps November 27 / No PM Activities December 4 / Operation Shoebox December 6 / Bridge Senior’s Christmas Dinner December 8 / Magnolia Luncheon December 8 / Bridge Kids Christmas Program
10
December 13 / Bridge Senior’s Christmas Lights December 14 / Men’s Breakfast December 25 / No PM Activities January 1 / No PM Activities January 4 / Man Cave January 11 / Men’s Breakfast
2019
11
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
NOVEMBER
12
2019