1
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
Routines always seem to be a necessary
be part of all that is happening at the
evil for our lives. Nobody loves the
Bridge this year! And of course, I am
monotony that they seem to suggest.
hoping this will be your best year ever!
However, we crave the order they provide whenever the ride of life seems
I love being your pastor,
to get a little wild! As we step into 2019,
Jim & Linda
let me encourage you to begin today, the process of establishing good habits to create a solid foundation for which you Welcome to 2019. I trust that you had
will build your year upon!
a nice Christmas holiday and were able to enjoy the season with your family
To help you, in this issue of the Pulse
and friends!
Of course, by now you
you will find several of our suggestions
are probably once again looking to find
for you to begin your building this
routine and order.
foundation. We hope you will come
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, then we will break out to a variety of great classes. Class descriptions are on 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.
JA N UA RY
2
2019
Well, here we are! 2019 has officially arrived. If you are like many of us,
your schedule! As a staff, we
On the Sunday evenings of
feel that these events will be
January 6, April 7, July 7, and
stepping stones for you to
October 6, join us at 6pm for
make this year an amazing
special prayer services.
one!
perhaps you have spent the past several days reflecting on the good and bad of the previous year. Perhaps you have even began listing out your goals for the coming months! The beauty of the new year is that it creates a natural pause in our busy lives to make new goals, establish steps to positive habits and in many ways reinvent ourselves into the people we know we can
Sunday Night Prayer & Worship Service Perhaps author Mark Batterson says it best, “Who you become is determined by how you pray.” This year, we are placing a special emphasis on prayer and invite you to be part of four special nights throughout the year to make this happen as a church family.
be. So whether you choose to make one new year’s resolution or twenty, we hope that this New Year becomes the making of your best year ever! In the pages to follow, we want to bring your attention to several great events that will be happening here at The Bridge in the months to come. As you are making your goals and establishing new habits for the coming year, consider prioritizing these events into
S3 T E P P I N G I N T O A N AWME AAR EZT HIEN 1 R9C H! B RG I D G2 E . C0 HU
In keeping with the importance of prayer, we encourage each of your to join us in our annual 21 Day Fast, beginning January 7 and
Many Christians fail to tap into one of the most powerful
going through the 27th. This
and rewarding spiritual reservoirs we have at our disposal—
is an important 21 days that
fasting. And it’s often because they don’t know much about
can help in aligning your life
this important command for Christ’s followers. If you’ve
with God in preparation for
never fasted or want to know more about it, here are some
all the 2019 may bring!
basics for you.
There is a daily prayer guide in the pulse and information
WHAT IS FASTING?
on how to make the most of
Biblical fasting is giving up specific foods and/or drink for
your fast.
a specified number of days. The type and length of the fast you choose is between you and God, and should not be determined by what anyone else is doing. Every year our entire congregation participates in a 21-day fast at the beginning of the New Year. We want to give God our best and our first. Fasting, prayer and reading God’s Word go hand in hand. When you fast, also pray for God’s purpose and plan for your life to be revealed. Fast and pray about every major decision in your life. Simply put, fasting is a way to conquer the physical and open the door to the supernatural in your life. When you deny your body, you feed your spirit and grow closer to the Lord.
WHY FAST? In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us specific direction on how to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: Giving, Praying, and Fasting. Jesus said, “When you give,” “when you pray,” “when you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. We believe that when all three disciplines— giving, praying, and fasting—are at work in your life, you release the complete power of God. It’s much like the lesson Jesus taught in Mark 4:80. When you pray, you release
JA N UA RY
4
2019
ALL PEOPLE
PURE HEART
FAMILY
LOST FRIENDS
YOUR CITY
OUR NATION
TITUS 2:11
PSALM 139:23
JOSHUA 24:15
ACTS 15:19
JEREMIAH 29:7
2 CHRON 7:14
OUR WORLD
OUR CHURCH
FRIENDS
GROUPS
GROW
GO
CHURCH STAFF
ACTS 1:8
MATTHEW 16:18
MATTHEW 18:20
ACTS 2:42
PHILIPPIANS 3:12
1 JOHN 4:11-12
1 PETER 4:10
OUR LEADERS
FAITH
HOPE
LOVE
TRUTH
FINANCES
HEALING
1 THESS 5:12
MATTHEW 17:20
HEBREWS 10:23
JOHN 13:34
JOHN 8:32
PROV 11:24-25
MATTHEW 15:30
NEW LIFE
the thirty-fold return. Praying and giving
PARTIAL FAST. There are many options for partial fasts.
releases sixty-fold blessing. But when you
Below are just a few for you to select from.
pray, give, and fast, you will see a hundredfold return!
2 CORINTH 5:17
HOW DO I FAST?
Daniel Fast: The most frequently used example of a partial fast, found in Daniel, chapter 10, the Daniel Fast is a fast from meats, sweets, breads and any drink, except
Before beginning a fast, write down a plan and make a
water, for a specific time period (Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest
verbal commitment to the Lord. When you approach it with
way to think of this fast is you should eat vegetables,
determination, you’ll be less likely to waiver in weak moments.
fruits and drink only water.
You may be surprised to find that fasting is not as daunting as you may think. But if you do find it to be a battle, don’t lose
The following are examples of other types of partial fasts.
heart, God knows your weaknesses. His fasting principles
But remember, the type of fast you select is what you and
allow you the flexibility to take care of your job and duties
the Lord agree upon.
while still making a sacrifice to honor Him. If the traditional full fast has always made you shy away from this important
Give up one item of food or drink such as caffeine, coffee,
principle, you may be surprised to know that there are actually
soft drinks or sweets. Or give up one meal.
many different types of fasts. Find the fast or combination of fasts that fits your needs. For example, if you choose to go on
Fast a specific number of days. One day, three days, so
this 21-day fast, you may want to begin with a full fast for 1-3
on.
days and then continue with a Daniel Fast or some other type of partial fastfor the remainder of the 21 days.
TYPES OF FASTS
Choose to fast from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. or from sun-up to sundown. When doing this type of fast, consider your work and sleep schedule. The hours that you sleep should not be considered part of your fasting period, so
FULL FAST. Drink only liquids – especially water. On this type
the timeframe for this type of fast may vary.
of fast you may also take in clear broth and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices in order to maintain your strength. You
We hope that you join us for The Bridge’s 21 Days of Prayer &
establish a number of days for your fasting and prayer time.
Fasting. Make sure to take note of our church’s prayer points in this magazine and on the Bridge app.
S5 T E P P I N G I N T O A N AWME AAR EZT HIEN 1 R9C H! B RG I D G2 E . C0 HU
The health of our families must continue to be a priority in 2019! For many of us, a healthy family must begin first by creating a healthy marriage. This February, we are encouraging all of our married couples to be part of our annual Marriage Retreat. This is a great opportunity to build and strengthen your relationship with your spouse! Cost is $160 per couple. This price includes your retreat costs, hotel, and meals. Cost is $60 without the hotel stay. Spaces are limited, so register soon!
Our connect groups will be kicking off beginning in January of 2019! These groups take place on the 3rd Sunday Evening of every month at 6:00PM, and are a great time for you and your family to build life long friendships with others! If you have not been part of one of these groups in the past, we want to encourage you to look over the list of groups meeting on page 9 and choose one to be part of this year!
JA N UA RY
6
2019
We are excited about Wednesday Nights at the Bridge in 2019! Not only will our kids, youth, and senior adults still be having their Wednesday night services, but on January 9th we will be launching Bridge University for our adults at 7:00PM. Bridge University will be a time of learning and fellowship for all who attend. The schedule in January and February is simple, meet in the sanctuary at 7:00PM for worship, then we will break out to a variety of great classes. There will be a Men’s and Women’s Bible Study and even an everyone is welcome study available to attend. Make sure to put Bridge University on your to do list for 2019!
WOMEN’S STUDY
MEN’S STUDY
GROUP STUDY
Even though it seems impossible
In time of great uncertainty, we
Towards the end of the book of
at times, joy can be found in
need divine wisdom. Many of
Genesis, we discover an incredible
some of the most difficult
the greatest minds throughout
story like no other. The story of
circumstances. In the pages
history (Lincoln, Solomon, Anne
Joseph is an amazing story of an
of Old Testament we find Job,
Frank, etc.) have overcome
unlikely Israelite man’s rise to
a good and godly man, who
personal struggles and adversity
become second in command of
suffered devastating loss. Yet in
and emerged stronger for it.
all of Egypt. Be part of our study
the midst of his darkness, light
Join us as look closely at Seven
as we look at the many ‘tests’ that
peeked through, hope stayed the
Decisions that we each can make
God led Joseph through on his
course, and unlikely joy emerged!
that will turn any life around, no
way to the Egyptian palace.
Join us as we study the book of
matter how hopeless a situation
Job together and discover God’s
may seem to be.
goodness even in difficulties!
B RG I D G2 E . C0 HU S7 T E P P I N G I N T O A N AWME AAR EZT HIEN 1 R9C H!
Groups
SUNDAYS AT 10:50AM
RM 205
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 | 30s-60s 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.
DOUG 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.
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 ERNIE EIDSON | 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.
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 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.
RM 105
RM 104
CHAPEL
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.
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.
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 202
Starting September 9 Griefshare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. RM205
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.
JA N UA RY
GRIEFSHARE
8
ROB 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
RM204 BRIDGE STUDENTS Get connected in a weekly small group! This time is designed to help your students grow in spiritual disciplines.
2019
TUESDAYS AT 9:30AM MOMS CLASS Starting back up January 8 Come hang out and grow with other moms while we watch the little ones. You know...a vacation! RM100
LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY Starting back up January 8 We are kicking off a brand new video-assisted series called “Beloved Disciple” by Beth Moore. RM104
PRIME TIMERS Starting back up January 8 This is an opportunity for all of our senior adults to get out, have fun, learn, and fellowship with other seniors. RM105
THIRD SUNDAY AT 6:00PM DOUG WYATT | YOUNG ADULTS (405) 204-4569 / doug@thebridgeag.org
WRILEY & DAWN WEBSTER | NEWLYWEDS (405) 414-4119 / wriley@wearethebridge.church
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00PM
JOSH & HOLLY JACKSON | 20s-40s (W/ KIDS) (405) 830-5878 / jjack540@cox.net
NAMI SUPPORT GROUP 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
LUKE & ANDREA PURKEY | 20s-40s (W/ KIDS) (405) 317-4560 / andrea.purkey@gmail.com
ANNETTE HABEN | 30s-40s (W/ KIDS) (405) 323-9428 / smhaben@cox.net
JASON & MARGIE TIMM | 30s-50s (W/ KIDS & TEENS)
LIVING FREE ADDICTION RECOVERY
(405) 613-4547 / mazawill@yahoo.com
Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life-controlling issues. The End Zone.
(405) 830-0059 / mdlebsack@yahoo.com
BRIDGE UNIVERSITY
ROB & SHERRI MCCLURE | 30s-50s
MARK & DIANE LEBSACK | 30s-50s
on January 9th we will be launching Bridge University for our adults at 7:00PM. Bridge University will be a time of learning and fellowship for all who attend. The schedule in January and February is simple, meet in the sanctuary at 7pm for worship, then we will break out to a variety of great classes.
(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
Women’s Study / Join us as we study the book of Job together and discover God’s goodness even in difficulties! RM105
KATHLEEN & LYNDEN WILCOXSON | All Ages (405) 820-2990 / kathleenwilcoxson@sbcglobal.net
Men’s Study / Join us as look closely at Seven Decisions that we each can make that will turn any life around, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem to be. RM102
KEN ISOM & KEN MCGEE | SENIOR ADULTS
Group Study / Be a part of our study as we look at the many ‘tests’ that God led Joseph through on his way to the Egyptian palace. RM100
BIKES & TRIKES | ROGER & RHONDA STEVENS
(405) 250-0619 / kenmcgee@thebridgeag.org Interest Based
(405) 830.0530 / stevensroger34@yahoo.com
9
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
SUNDAY NIGHTS
Happenings All Church
Bridge Women
CORPORATE PRAYER
LADIES CRAFT NIGHT
Tuesday at 9:00AM Join us every week as we come together for a time of corporate prayer in the Chapel.
PRAYER & WORSHIP
JANUARY 6 Prayer & Worship
Sunday, January 6 In 2019 we will be having 4 Sunday Night Prayer Meetings throughout the year. These nights are all about going deeper. We will be praying for the lost, the sick, our neighbors, and community. There will be powerful testimonies of what God is doing in peoples lives here at The Bridge and time worshiping our savior. Starts at 6:00PM
Bridge Kids JANUARY 13 No PM Activities
BRIDGE KIDS EXPERIENCE 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.
SKATE NIGHT Thursday, January 31 Join Bridge Kids from 6:00-8:00PM for a Family Skate Night at Yukon on Wheels! The cost is only $6 per skater and we are taking care of the snacks.
JANUARY 20 Connect Groups
Bridge Students 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!
JA N UA RY
Bridge Men MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday, January 12 Come join us for a man-sized breakfast, great fellowship, and a short devotional in The Venue at 7:30AM.
BEAST FEAST Tuesday, January 29 We want to invite all men to come join us for our annual Beast Feast. There will be a BBQ Dinner along with the opportunity to taste anything from squirrel to rattlesnake to pigeon to alligator! This is always a night of great fellowship, fun, and you might walk away with a great prize. Doors open at 6:00 pm to browse our Vendors & Swap Meet. (bring items to sell or swap) Food will be served at 6:30PM. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under. If you bring a dish to share the cost is free!
Bridge Seniors THE GATHERING
BRIDGE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE
JANUARY 27 No PM Activities
Thursday, February 7 We want to invite all ladies to come join us in creating wooden home decor signs. It’s going to be a lot of fun at 7:00PM! There will be snacks, free childcare, and as always great fellowship. The cost is $25 and you can get signed up at EventHUB or through our website & mobile app.
FAMILY DINNER Wednesday, January 9 Statistics prove that eating around the table with family makes a difference. So we’re doing that. On our family dinner service nights we offer a free meal, have worship and a short devotional message. The best part is we do this all around round tables ending with a time of discussion and prayer. We hope your students will join us for this amazing experience at 7:00PM.
10
Friday, January 25 Come join us at 6:00PM out in The Venue for a time of food and fellowship followed by some good ol’ gospel singing. All you have to do is bring a covered dish.
MAGNOLIA LUNCHEON Thursday, February 14 If you are a single lady over 50 we want to take time to honor you this Valentine’s Day. Come join us for a special meal in The Commons at 11:30AM. There will be food, fellowship, and time to honor you for being you!
2019
11
WEARETHEBRIDGE.CHURCH
JA N UA RY
12
2019