Pulse Magazine | August 2020

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WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH


AUGUST

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Welcome to August Bridge family! We’ve

to serving our community! I couldn’t be

heard it said all year, that nothing in

more proud of you!

2020 has been predictable! While I

Hello Bridge Family!

would agree mostly with that statement,

This month we are beginning a new

I would counter with, “nothing in

series called, “Shipshape!” It’s a series all

2020 has been predictable, except the

about developing healthy friendships.

faithfulness and commitment of our

We know it’s important to choose good

Bridge family! Thank you for making

friends, but it is just as important to be a

the most of a wild year, and continuing

good friend! Especially in wild times like

to faithfully worship with us (online or

we are in! It’s going to be a great month!

in person) and for staying committed

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.

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11 Biblical Principles for Becoming a Better Friend I’ve had lots of practice making friends. Over the last 33 years,

friendships God desires us to have. Before we look at biblical

our family has moved seven times for my husband’s job. Each

principles for building and keeping friendships, let’s touch on

time I left friends behind. Each time we settled into a new

a few things we’ll want to avoid.

neighborhood with new neighbors. Each time we joined a new

3 HINDRANCES TO MEANINGFUL FRIENDSHIPS:

church with a new church family. It didn’t take long to learn that if I wanted to enjoy meaningful, solid friendships I could not waste any time. I had to be

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intentional about making friends and I had to be a friend worth having.

conversations with the friends you have now? Do weeks

go by without seeing your local friends face-to-face? Honestly, most of us make time to do what we really want to do. If you

Sadly, today’s fast-paced, shallow culture hinders the kind of

AUGUST

Busyness – Does it seem you never have time to enjoy long

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think you are just too busy to foster deep friendships, try

fosters deep, long-lasting friendships. Qualities like humility,

keeping a time long for a week to see just where your time goes.

gentleness, patience, and endurance create a solid foundation

Perhaps you’re serving in some areas where God has not called

on which to build life-long friendships.

you. Or maybe you’re allowing too many activities for your children to dictate your life. Purposefully build some margin

5. Extend hospitality (1 Peter 4:9, Proverbs 25:17) – Sometimes

into your life. Your friendships are vital to your emotional and

we are quick to accept hospitality, but a little slower to give it.

spiritual well-being.

Let’s make time to not only invite our friends to our homes, but to also make them feel welcome. On the flip side, Proverbs 25:17

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Fear of transparency – Although we cannot “go deep”

warns us against taking advantage of our friend’s hospitality.

with all our friends, we do need a few with whom we can

share anything. We need people who can hear our hearts and

6. Stay close in hard times (Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 27:10,

understand. And we need friends who will hold us accountable

Romans 12:10) – A true friend remains loyal when trouble

when we are out of line. Yet, too often we are afraid to allow

comes. Even if other “friends” fall away they stay devoted and

other people to know our flaws. We want them to think we

help in any way possible.

have it all together. But we desperately need friends who will challenge us to be all God wants us to be. Yes, it can be scary,

7. Nurture them (Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:3-4, Romans

but test the waters. Choose one personal thing to share with a

12:10) – Friendships will wither without a continual outpouring

select friend and see how it goes!

of time, attention, and resources. Let’s show our friends we care about their needs and their interests with purposeful acts

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Breadth of acquaintances - In our social media world,

of kindness and generosity. Our friendships will flourish.

it’s easy to confuse quantity with depth. Thousands of

shallow “friends” mask the lack of real, deep friendships. Let’s

8. Listen to them (James 1:19) – It takes lots of practice to keep

limit our time with our online friends and get out in the real

our mouths closed and really hear what others are saying. But

world.

this habit is well worth developing. When others feel “heard” they feel valued.

11 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR MAKING AND KEEPING REAL FRIENDS:

9. Sharpen them (Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 27:17, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24) – The best kind of friend is not merely a “yes man.” Godly friends nudge others closer to Jesus.

1. Take the initiative (Acts 18:1-4) – One of my closest, lifelong

10. Pray for them (Job 16:20-21) – Our friends need our

friends picked me to be her friend before I was really even

purposeful prayer support. Not just casual, occasional prayers,

aware of her. Janet and her family were new to our city, so

but fervent intercession with God on their behalf.

when they joined our church she wanted to make friends. She introduced herself to me and immediately began to pursue a

11. Love them (John 13:34, John 15:3, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1

friendship. Janet taught me to take the initiative. Yes, it can be

John 4:7) – This is actually harder than we might think. God

risky, but the rewards can be great!

calls us to love our friends like Jesus loves us – not in mere words, but with intentional actions of love that may often cost

2. Practice forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) – True friends don’t

us something.

hold grudges or remember offenses. Instead they are flexible and quick to forgive. Contemplating God’s forgiveness can help us when we struggle to forgive others. 3. Guard your tongue (Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29) – Loose lips ruin many friendships. Careless words hurt feelings. Gossip fosters division. Confidences broken destroy trust. Before we speak, let’s pause to consider whether our words will tear down or build up. 4. Be a “good” friend (Ephesians 4:2-3) – Christ-like character

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Groups

SUNDAYS AT 10:50AM

RM 102

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 200 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 RYAN & SARAH SUMMERS | YOUNG FAMILIES 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 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.

RM203 & 204

STARTING SEPTEMBER 12

RM 202

GRIEFSHARE

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.

CONFERENCE ROOM This is a recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.

AUGUST

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.

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BRIDGE STUDENTS Get connected in a weekly small group! This time is designed to help your students grow in spiritual disciplines.

2020


THIRD SUNDAY AT 6:00PM

WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00PM LIVING FREE SUPPORT GROUP

DOUG WYATT | YOUNG ADULTS

Come let us help you on the road to overcoming life controlling issues, including life altering events, drugs and alcohol. . The End Zone.

WRILEY & DAWN WEBSTER | NEWLYWEDS

(405) 204-4569 / doug@thebridgeag.org

(405) 414-4119 / wriley@wearethebridge.church

BRIDGE UNIVERSITY

JOSH & HOLLY JACKSON | 20s-40s (W/ KIDS)

For the month of August we will be having classes in the small groups building. Check out page 8 for our current classes.

(405) 830-5878 / jjack540@cox.net

LUKE & ANDREA PURKEY | 20s-40s (W/ KIDS) (405) 317-4560 / andrea.purkey@gmail.com

JASON & MARGIE TIMM | 30s-50s (W/ KIDS & TEENS) (405) 613-4547 / mazawill@yahoo.com

MARK & DIANA LEBSACK | 30s-50s (W/ KIDS & TEENS) (405) 830-0059 / mdlebsack@yahoo.com

ROB & SHERRI MCCLURE | 30s-50s (405) 517-8635 / rob@thebridgeag.org

DONNELLY & GROVES | 30s-50s (405) 740-3631 / alidonnelly4@yahoo.com

ED & BRENDA DAMRON | 40s-60s (405) 823-7442 / brenda@brendadamron.com

KATHLEEN & LYNDEN WILCOXSON | ALL AGES (405) 820-2990 / bibleteacherokc@gmail.comÂ

KEN ISOM & KEN MCGEE | SENIOR ADULTS (405) 250-0619 / kenmcgee@thebridgeag.org Interest Based

BIKES & TRIKES | ROGER & RHONDA STEVENS (405) 830.0530 / stevensroger34@yahoo.com

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WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH


AUGUST CLASSES BRINGING UP KIDS

EMPTY NESTERS

SHARING YOUR FAITH

Establishing routines, priorities and

The kids are gone. Now what? Come

Part of being a Christ follower is

foundations are crucial when raising

discover the beauty that can be after

committing to telling others about

children! Join us as we discuss how we

all the kids move on and suddenly the

Jesus and benefits of that relationship!

can do this while honoring God in the

house is quiet. The best part? God still

However, where do we begin? What

process.

has a plan for your family, even after

do we say? How can we be heard? Join

the kids are gone.

us, as we uncover the basics of sharing

BRINGING UP TEENAGERS

your faith and introducing others Jesus!

BLENDED FAMILIES

DIVORCE CARE

of heart! Teaching them to make good

Every family is unique, but Blended

Most people will tell you that separation

choices, finding positive friends and

Families are special in their own way!

and divorce are the most painful and

navigating media is not easy! Don’t miss

Navigating the past while moving

stressful experiences they’ve ever faced.

this class as we offer tips on how to

forward can be tricky, but incredibly

It’s a confusing time when you feel

make the most of raising our teens!

rewarding when a blended family keeps

isolated and have lots of questions.

God at the center. Join us as we get

Don’t go it alone! Join with others in

honest about uncovering the blessings

this class who are navigating their own

in blended.

stories, all while discovering how to

Parenting teenagers is not for the faint

allow God to work through the broken.

W E D N E S D AY S AT 7 : 0 0 P M AUGUST

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If we’re outwardly put together but hide the struggles we’re dealing with, we’re pretending to be better than we are (Matthew 23:27-28). Being a Christian doesn’t automatically make everything easy or great. Life is still hard and we still have to wade through struggles, but Jesus is with us through those things. When we humbly admit we need help, God brings healing we need (2 Chronicles 7:14).

WWJD on

2. Don’t post angry. When we turn to Facebook comments and thinly veiled tweets

Social Media

to vent our anger about something, we cross the line between fine and foolishness (Proverbs 29:11). We drag God’s name through the digital dirt by angrily ranting

Every number has a name, every name has a profile, and every

about something or someone. Respect and courteous dialogue

post matters to God.

are essential to being a Christian online.

Jesus cares about what we do on social media because what

3. Post what you’re for.

we post offers a perspective of who God is. Unfortunately, sharing negative perspectives often gets more When we decide to follow Jesus, we become His representatives.

attention online than positive ones. But if everyone is a critic,

By how we live, we can connect people to Jesus (2 Corinthians

no one celebrates good things God does and the stories of lives

5:17-20). Our words and actions are so important, whether

being changed.

online or off, because we’re not just portraying who we are to the world; we’re portraying who Jesus is.

Complaining makes us less like Jesus (Philippians 2:13-15). Jesus spent more time showing what He was for than what He

If people know we’re Christians but we act like jerks in person

was against. Instead of complaining about our sins, Jesus did

or online, they’ll think Jesus is a jerk. If we’re selfish and

something about it (Romans 5:8).

unforgiving, they’ll think the same of Him. Stand for something, not against everything. Being separated by screens and pixels doesn’t mean it doesn’t 4. Think before you post.

affect anyone else. Our digital conversations have real-world consequences.

The more we talk, the more likely we’ll say something stupid -People online are watching. Regardless of their intentions,

or worse (Proverbs 10:19). Ask yourself a few questions before

ours should be to point to Jesus through all our status updates,

you post:

connections, and conversations (whether explicitly or not). Why am I posting this?

FOUR CONSTRUCTIVE WAYS TO BE A CHRISTIAN ON THE INTERNET

Is it kind? Am I seeking approval? Am I boasting? What does this say about who I am? What does this say about who Jesus is?

1. Don’t post a perfect life.

If we listen to others and consider the implications of our

When everything on your Facebook profile looks like the cover

actions, we’ll more accurately portray Jesus (James 1:19-20).

of a magazine, you’re pretending to be someone you’re not. No one of us has it all together.

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WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH


SUNDAY NIGHTS

AUGUST 2 No PM Activities

Happenings All Church

Bridge Men

CORPORATE PRAYER

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Wednesdays at 8:00AM Join us every week as we come together for a time of corporate prayer in the Chapel.

Bridge Kids

Bridge Women

BRIDGE KIDS EXPERIENCE

AUGUST 9 No PM Activities

Saturday, August 8 Come join us for a man-sized breakfast, great fellowship, and a short devotion. Happening in The Venue at 7:30AM.

Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:50AM Join us every week for exciting worship, fun games, and biblical lessons!

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.

HER SIDE OF THE STORY Sunday, August 23 We are rescheduling our Women’s Conference! So come join us at 6:00PM for an amazing worship experience and after party! You can pick up tickets at EVENThub or online. Cost is only $10.

Bridge Seniors MAGNOLIA LUNCH

Bridge Students BRIDGE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE

AUGUST 16 Connect Groups

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Come join us for an amazing night each week tailored just for students from 6th thru 12th grade.

Thursday, August 20 We want to invite all single senior adult ladies to come join us for lunch in The Commons at 11:00AM. We want to take some time and celebrate you for being you!

AUGUST 23 Women’s Conf

AUGUST 30 No PM Activities

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AUGUST

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