(Don, JoAnn, Debbie and Lisa manning a table getting ready to load up boxes)

Wow, what a great day!  We had been predicting that we'd have 10-20 boxes of food to deliver to some folks in need in Allegan and we ended up giving out over 50 boxes instead!  I was actually concerned that our tables were going to give way because of the amount of groceries we had piled up on them.

I never cease to be amazed at the generosity and willingness to help of this group of people at the Bridge!

Thanks to everyone who participated!  Bring your stories next Sunday, we'll have time to share them with the group.


(teens in a production line getting ready to fill boxes with groceries)


(look at all that food!)


(the Bridge and the food in front of the Bridge Building)

Check out more pictures here.


P.S. Our next 5th Sunday is January 31!

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The Bridge is a Simple Church on purpose.  We intentionally offer very little in the way of programming in order to give folks the time they need to plug into their communities and neighborhoods and build relationships.

However, there are still things that we enjoy having on Sunday mornings like - coffee and a warm smile greeting us (Hospitality), our sound and stage and chairs set up (the Crew), and our kids having a fun and growing experience with Jesus Christ (KidMo!).

To accomplish those things, we need volunteers like you to pitch in and make sure that they get done and that nobody at the Bridge has to carry the full burden alone.  So, check out these opportunities and see where YOU might fit in to serve at the Bridge.

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HOSPITALITY


















The Hospitality folks make the coffee, set up the back tables, set out the delicious snacks that people bring in, keep the cups, creamer and sugar stocked, and make sure that folks get greeted with a smile when they come to the snack area.

Contact Lindsey Kerber at brad.lindsey.kerber@gmail.comfor more info.

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The Crew













Some of the crew kicking back after getting things set up.

The Crew unloads the trailer at around 8:15am on Sunday mornings and gets the worship center set up in time for the band to start rehearsing at 9am.  They then tear everything down and load it back into the trailer by noon or 12:30pm after church. 

Contact Curt DeKryger at cd@division7roofing.com for more info.


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KidMo!

KIDMO is an interactive multimedia-based curriculum for grades 1 - 5.  Being interactive means that the DVD does all the heavy lifting of teaching and you get to have fun and interact with the kids.

KIDMO comes complete with lesson plans, leader questions, and game suggestions is so easy to use, so you'll spend no time preparing, and more time making an impact with the kids from the Bridge.

If you love being with kids this is a great opportunity.  Contact Roger at roger@thebridgeinallegan.com for more info.


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On December 19 will be the 2nd annual Bridge Christmas Party at the DeKryger's house! 

Last year's Christmas party was a great time and it was the beginning of many great relationships at the Bridge - it was the first time many of us had a chance to just hang out and get to know each other and this year's party promises to be another great time! 

Please bring appetizers/ hor'dourves/finger food or a dessert.  Drinks will be provided.

See you there!


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  It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
 
  How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 
  Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such  a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
 
  Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
 
  If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
 
  1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.
  They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
 
  2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.
  They just need to know that someone cares about them.
 
  3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the
  cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
 
  4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
 
  5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
 
  6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't  know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
 
  7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas"that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.

  8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--
  especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
 
  9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
 
  10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are
one of mine.
 
  Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:   I LOVE YOU,
 
JESUS


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~Roger