embrace. Oh, and one more thing, let me challenge you this Christmas Season to consider one more tradition. Make the time to sit down with your family and read through the “real” Christmas Story together (Luke 2:1-20). Some things are worth adding to your list of traditions! We love you all, and Merry Christmas! Thanks for letting me be your Pastor,
Jim & Linda McNabb
Don’t Miss These Christmas Events at The Bridge:
FROM YOUR
PASTOR We all have family traditions when it comes to the Christmas season. Usually, these traditions are those that have been passed down through the years from generation to generation. The trick for all of our families during the holidays is
Bridge Kids Presentation of: “An Outside-the-Box Christmas” December 8th at 6:30PM Santa’s Mobile Workshop Dec. 14th at 12:00PM Bridge Choir & Drama Presentation of: “The Cab Ride Before Christmas” Dec. 15th at 6:30PM
determining which of these traditions to embrace each year. I can just hear the annual family “debates” and negotiation talks that transpire in your home as the Christmas Season approaches. Maybe in your house they sound something like this… How early can we start playing Christmas Music? Who’s parents do we visit this year for Christmas Day, yours or mine? Do we put the tree up early (in November) or do we wait until December? White lights or Colored lights? On Christmas Eve do we watch a classic Christmas movie like, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or choose a more modern option like, “Elf?” When do we tell the kids that…you know who…isn’t real? Do we open presents on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day? Christmas lunch or Christmas Dinner?
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
PLAYLIST
Music that should be in your ears, on your phones, and turned up loud. HILLSONG
We Have A Savior is folky, country-tinged, understated and sometimes even eclectic effort. Full of remade classics and soon to be classics.
LINCOLN BREWSTER
Joy To The World brings fresh musicality to songs such as Joy to the World and Drummer Boy blending them with todays great worship songs
Do we open stockings first thing or last? Do we serve turkey, ham or venture out and opt for the less traditional…Chinese takeout? And the Christmas tradition list could go on and on and on. So, may your negotiation skills be sharp this Christmas Season as you determine which traditions you and your family will
DAVID CROWDER BAND Oh For Joy
highlighting the band’s unmistakable creativity and originality, Oh For Joy finds the band re-inventing familiar Christmas songs into something new.
Hispanic Worship Experience 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.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Traditional Worship Experience Sundays at 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Wed. Traditional Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:15PM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee.
Drive Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
Modern Worship Experience
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure.
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
Wed. Hispanic Worship Experience
Blended Worship Experience
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia
Sundays at 9:30AM
Sundays at 10:45AM
Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
PM Worship Experience
Our trained nursery staff is available during all worship
Sundays at 6:30PM
experiences. For a full list of other opportunities please
During this experience we come together as a whole to worship.
check out the Get Connected section of Pulse.
ARE YOU NEW TO
THE BRIDGE?
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.
1 2 3 4
Need information? You can find it all in this magazine, on our website, or through our mobile app “MyBridge.” You can get details on all upcoming events, sign up for classes, and much more! 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. 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 groups on Sundays at 9:30 and 10:45AM to make the most of your time here. We feel our students and kids 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.
YOUR IMPACT ON THOSE AROUND YOU IS GREATER THAN YOU THINK It’s a Wonderful Life Throughout the movie George is always putting his dreams and goals on hold for the betterment of those around him. As a result, George hits a low point when he assumes that he is a failure, because he has not accomplished the things he felt made him a successful person. Through the help of an angel, he is given a little clarity about what success is really all about. He sees that the way he lived his life had a huge impact on those around him, even when he felt like he hadn’t made a difference at all. Through this we can see that our lives have a greater impact on those around us than we may think! John 15:34-35
EVERYBODY LOVES A GOOD CHRISTMAS HAPPINESS ISN’T ABOUT
POSSESSIONS, IT’S ABOUT
MOVIE! FOR MANY OF US, WATCHING COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS MOVIES AS A FAMILY HAS How the Grinch Stole Christmas WORKED ITS WAY INTO OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS.
When you have a heart that is two sizes too small, You are bound to do things that are just flat out mean! In this movie, the Grinch attempts to destroy Christmas in Whoville by stealing
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our favorite
all of the presents, decorations & trees; however, instead of the
Christmas movies and the life lessons we can learn from them.
sadness he expected would follow, he is astounded to hear the
WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE!
joyful singing from the city below. The reason? The Whos had found a greater reason to celebrate Christmas. It wasn’t about
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
the presents, trees, or Christmas feasts. Instead, it was about
The story of Rudolph reminds us all that despite our
the happiness that is found through being together with
differences, no matter how bizarre, each of us has a purpose
friends & family. Together we are better.
for being here on earth. Sure, he got bullied for being different,
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
but without his special ability (a glowing nose), Santa’s sleigh would have been grounded on that “foggy Christmas Eve.” Never underestimate your value. God created you with a purpose! Jeremiah 29:11
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON The Muppets Christmas Carol We all know the story of the Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s selfish and greedy ways land him right into the hands of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future. Then through an overnight journey and examination of his life’s choices, Scrooge is convinced that it is indeed time to change. Reminding us all that there is no time like the present to be a better person. 2 Corinthians 5:17
DON’T FORGET TO SMILE Elf There is an old quote that says, “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile!” In the movie Elf, Buddy the Elf is trying to find his real dad. The problem is, nobody in New York City is going to take a 6 foot man dressed like an Elf seriously. (Why should they, right?) Buddy however, despite not fitting the mold that others had created for him, refused to have his smile and uncontainable joy taken from him. The result? Buddy was able to bring “Christmas Cheer” to everyone he met! In life, don’t forget to Smile! Psalm 126:3
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT Frosty the Snowman If we’re being honest, a Snowman that came to life one day could be a pretty terrifying and traumatizing experience! However, the overall message of this short Christmas show rings
loud and clear. From the beginning of Frosty’s creation, we are all faced with the harsh reality that he is going away someday. (Spoiler alert: He’s gonna melt) The lesson? Life’s short. We have to make the most of every moment that we have! Ephesians 5:15-16
continues on next page.
THE STRENGTH OF A FAMILY IS IN ITS LOYALTY TO EACH OTHER Christmas Vacation The Griswolds find themselves preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark Griswold, his wife and their two kids. His bad luck is worsened by the obnoxious family guests that invade his home, not to mention the frustration he experiences when he discovers that he isn’t getting his anticipated Christmas bonus! It is then that his family (as crazy as they were) steps to the plate and acts on his behalf to show their support. We need to remember that our loyalty to each other reveals the strength of our family. Proverbs 17:17
NEVER FORGET, MOMS ALWAYS KNOW BEST A Christmas Story Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the 40s, dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun. Throughout the movie he sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift, but along the way, he runs into opposition from his teacher, Santa, and most importantly his mom. “You’ll shoot your eye out!” she says… and of course in the movie he gets the BB gun and sure enough, he ends up shooting himself in the face. The moral of the story? Mom always knows best, so listen! Proverbs 1:8
THERE IS ONLY ONE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON A Charlie Brown Christmas No movie breaks down the “true meaning” of Christmas like A Charlie Brown Christmas. In this movie we are reminded that while there is much to be excited about during the Christmas season, none of those things matter when compared to the real reason we celebrate the day. “And you will find, a savior, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” It’s about Jesus, Charlie Brown. Luke 2:9-14
by Zac Taylor @thezactaylor
& Doug Wyatt @dougwyatt
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 “Angels” Join us as we lift the veil between the visible and the invisible world and look at eye-opening accounts of these behind-the-scenes agents. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Kenny McGee Room: 201
“Running with Giants” Come and find inspiration and encouragement from the lives of Old Testament personalities. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Roy Peck Room: 203
“Importance of Community” Join us as we dive into what role Community should play in our lives as followers of Jesus. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Elaine Arnold Room: 104
“America’s Godly Heritage” 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
“Miracles of Jesus” Come and learn what the Bible holds about the miracles of Jesus. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson Room: 105
“Psalms” 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
“Hindsight Which Leads to Foresight” We are looking at lessons from the Old Testament that teach principles useable today. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Ken Isom Room: Chapel
SUNDAY’S AT 10:45AM “How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty” Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults aged 18-25. Ages: Young Adults Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt Room: 204
“Multiply” 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 Married’s Leader: Ryan Summers Room: 205
“Books of John & Peter” This is a verse-by-verse walk through of the Bible and how to apply it to our lives. Ages: All Ages Leader: Rob McClure Room: 105
Foundations of Freedom
Living Free Addiction Recovery Wednesdays at 7:15PM
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
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
NEXT STEPS
Financial Peace Wednesdays at 7:15PM
WEDNESDAY’S AT 7:15PM
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.
Do you struggle financially? Come and learn how to handle money God’s way. Leader: Chet & Andrea Horn Room: 100
MEN Men’s Breakfast December 14 7:30AM in The Venue Come and hang out with guys and enjoy a man-sized breakfast.
WOMEN HOPE & HEALING Divorce Care Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Vintage Christmas December 12 7:00PM in The Venue
Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The journey is not easy, so come walk with us. Leader: Donny Hilbern Room: 104
Ladies, bring your favorite Holiday snack to share & join us. We will be making great memories & sharing family traditions. Childcare is provided!
GriefShare Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Zumba Mondays at 6:30PM
Join a caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Leader: Jerry & Liz Rich Room: 102
Join us in the Bridge Kids Auditorium and get your exercise on.
“Law of Love” Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30AM
KIDS
Join us as we take an in depth look and discover the pages of Deuteronomy. Leader: Carole Harrell Room: 202
Kids Christmas Play December 8 6:30PM in the Auditorium
“Our Covenant God” MOM’s Class Tuesdays at 9:30AM Come spend some time with the ladies, while we take care of your kids. It’s just the break you’re looking for. Leader: Kathy McGee Room: 104
Join Bridge Kids for “An Out Of the Box Christmas.” Invite your friends and family to come celebrate Jesus!
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM Join us for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons every week!
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM
SENIOR ADULTS Road Trip December 6 11:00AM Come have dinner at the Amish Farm and cruise through Tulsa to look at Christmas lights. Cost is $18. Stop by the information center to get signed up.
Magnolia Luncheon December 8 12:00PM in The Venue We want to honor all single ladies over 50. Come join us for a lunch following the morning experiences. Stop by the information center to get signed up.
Christmas Party December 13 6:30PM in The Venue Join us for live entertainment and great food. You won’t want to miss the fun! The main course is provided, so please bring a side dish and dessert.
Primetime Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us for Bible teaching and a variety of activities & events to energize the soul. Leader: Ken Isom & Mary Lou Miley Room: RM105
We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
Inner City Outreach December 11 Bridge Kids is collecting shoeboxes filled with toys, candy, mittens, etc. for inner city children. You can drop off boxes around the church in the designated boxes.
STUDENTS Parent Meeting December 1 9:30AM, 10:45AM, or 6:30PM in Rm102 We would like to invite all of the parents and guardians who have a child involved in Bridge Students to attend a parent meeting. This will be a great opportunity to meet with Pastor Ryan and hear about everything happening at Bridge Students.
Santa Shuffle December 14 9:00AM at Bridge Students Join us for our Fun Run and Walk to benefit Speed the Light! The cost is $25 and includes a t-shirt for every participant. Have questions? Want to sponsor? Email Tiffany at tiffany@thebridgeag.org.
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM
ALL CHURCH
Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
Bookstore Clearance Sale December 8
New! Bridge 5.6 Sundays at 10:45AM Bridge 5.6 will be able to provide a relaxed atmosphere for 5th and 6th grade students so that they can begin to find their place in the youth group. They will have the opportunity to be a part of a full service and small group time specifically designed around them in the Bridge Student’s building. For more information go to thebridgeag.org/students
Sunday Small Groups Sundays at 10:45AM Get connected in a weekly small group! This is a great way to learn more on specific topics throughout the Bible. 7th-8th Grade: Room 203 9th-11th Grade: Room 201 12th Grade: Room 204
Family Groups Will resume in February 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
YOUNG ADULT 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
We are looking to move out a lot of our inventory before the new year hits. So stop by and pick up some books or Christmas gifts on sale!
Mobile Santa Workshop December 14 12:00-3:00PM at Applebee’s We need your help! We are sending out our mobile Santa Workshop this holiday season so families can have their photos taken with Santa. If you would like to volunteer and help be the face of The Bridge to our community join us. Stop by the information center to get signed up.
Christmas Concert December 15 6:30PM in the Auditorium Our choir, orchestra & drama team present the sounds & sights of Christmas in a concert entitled “The Cab Ride Before Christmas.”
No Service December 25 Due to the Christmas holidays we will not be having our regular PM activities.
No PM Service December 29 Due to the Christmas holidays we will not be having our regular PM worship experience.
For more information on all these events and more just go to our website www.thebridgeag.org
WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT
CHRISTMAS
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TRADITION? “I received a pair of knee high trout socks and regifted them to my Brother-in-Law Brandon Groves the following year. Now 15 years later, every Christmas, the trout socks are still passed back and forth between us.” Brad Jones “Going to Kansas and playing w/ Cousins.” Lyndi Purkey “Whenever my mom puts apples & oranges in the bottom of my stocking”
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD CHRISTMAS?
Rebecca Sheppard “Opening presents, going to see the christmas lights, & watching Ernest Saves Christmas.” Andrew Wiggins
“Paying off bills.” Mike Brenton
“Santa” Kamber Drew
“Presents” Amy Joe Davis
“Christmas Presents” Shalena Herald
“Jesus’ Birth” Jason
“Presents”
BEST PRESENT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “A wedding ring from my husband” Agnes Thomas “A wrist watch in the 5th grade that was promised to her since 5 years old” Floretta “When Earl came home after being stationed with the AirForce for 3 years in Japan. Or when her grandson was born on Christmas Day.” Martha Tiffany
Wes Duncan
“Lights” Donnie Hilbern
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOOD? Steve said, “Only one?” Angie said, “I LOVE ham.”
“Christ”
Steve & Angie Grisham
Becky Brady “Green Bean Casserole”
“Presents” Jennifer Herron
Tiffany Gonzales
LET’S CELEBRATE CHRIST’S BIRTH TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS. We won’t be having a church service this Christmas Eve or
minutes long and includes our worship team leading in a few
Christmas day here at The Bridge, but that doesn’t mean you
traditional carols and a brief message from Pastor Rob.
can’t have one. We would like to invite everyone to join us this Christmas season in having church as a family in your home.
Take a photo of you having service as a family and post it
Whether your family is small or big, all of us together , across
to Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. And as a family we will
our community celebrating our Savior’s birth.
celebrate Christmas!
Not sure what to do or what to say? This DVD is a resource you can utilize to have a small service in your home. It is about 15
#bridgefamily