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.
FROM YOUR
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PASTOR 5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year! Regardless of whether or not you stayed up late and watched the ball drop, or if you chose to call it a night and go to bed early, the one thing you can’t deny is that the New Year is here! You can’t hide from it! That’s right, it’s officially 2014! The bad news, we’re all going to be a year older. The good news though, is that we all get the opportunity look back over 2013 and build upon it in 2014! I suspect that many of you have goals that you’d like to reach in 2014. Goals to lose weight, get organized, get out of debt, restore broken relationships, finish school or perhaps just read more. The list could go on and on., but might I suggest that regardless of what your goals are this year, that you join with me and commit in 2014 to establish prayer as an essential foundation to all that you do and accomplish this year. Prayer is a crucial element in our daily lives. It is not something that we should take lightly and disregard, but rather something that we should embrace and incorporate into our daily routines. In 2 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible challenges Christians to strive toward continual personal fellowship with God by telling us to, “Pray without ceasing!” Prayer must become part of our lives on a continuous basis. Without prayer, we lack the relationship with God that we so desperately need. This is why our Church’s theme for 2014 is, “Continuously.” This year we will be emphasizing our need to commit to prayer on a daily basis. Throughout the month of January, I will be covering the topic of prayer on Sunday mornings. We will study how prayer makes a difference in our lives, how it changes things, what makes prayer work, and how a person can learn to pray. It will be a great month, don’t miss a minute of it! Thanks for letting me be your Pastor,
Jim & Linda McNabb
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
CONT INUO USLY
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WAYS TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
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Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. Pray continuously. Pray often. Why? What do we gain by being persistent? To be in continuous communication with
God not only increases our faith, but it transfers our worry to Him leaving us with a peaceful heart. Continuous prayer keeps us focused on what is at hand and brings the small pieces together to form the big picture. Lets face it....Life is to
PLUG-IN: Listen to your favorite praise & worship song and ask the Lord to lead you into prayer through the lyrics.
INCOMING MESSAGE: When you get a text message, take a moment to pray for the friend or family member sending you a message, especially if you know they have a need.
busy not to pray!
DRIVING:
Continuous prayer reminds us that God is in control. When
While you’re on the road, pray for your co-workers and your
we cast our worry on him, when we cry out in a mist of weakness; we acknowledge that He is in control. What a relief if can be at times to know that He is going to pull through in
work environment. Ask the Lord to bless everyone to have a fruitful day.
the end.
EXERCISE:
Continuous prayer keeps us humbled before God. When we
to endure or just thank God for the ability to exercise.
Flex your spiritual muscle when you work out. Ask for strength
continually go to God in prayer we are admitting our own faults and weaknesses. We are saying that without Him, we
GRATITUDE LIST:
can not go on.
Keep a running list of all the things that you are thankful
Continuous prayer keeps us faithful and obedient. When we pray with shameless persistence we are showing our dedication and belief in answered prayers. We are patiently awaiting an answer in His timing and becoming appreciative of what He has already answered. Continuous prayer helps us make the most of every opportunity. There are many opportunities that we miss out
for. Add to this and take time to thank God for His endless blessings.
LISTENING: Prayer also involves listening. Turn your ear and your heart toward the Lord in the morning and receive a fresh word from the Father.
on because we are unfocused and distracted. There are many
DINNER TIME:
times we don’t share God’s word because we simply aren’t
Take time around the dinner table to bless each member of
paying attention. When we pray often God opens the doors
your family and even take prayer requests to ward off the
and gives us opportunities that will only further bless us and
heaviness of the day.
others
HERE ARE 10 IDEAS TO TRY IN OUR PURSUIT ON CONTINUOUS PRAYER THIS YEAR.
REMINDERS: Send yourself reminders on your phone, computer or even use post-its to remind you to pray for something or someone. Keep a prayer journal to archive as God answers each one.
THOUGHTS: Cultivate a prayer-filled mind. Devote your thoughts to prayer
Do you use Facebook or Twitter? Another way to push
by maintaining a constant awareness of the presence of God.
prayer into every part of your life would be to post or tweet a prayer. Throughout this next month when you
MEDITATE: Meditating on God’s word is a powerful way to pray. Select a Bible verse each week to pray and meditate on througout the day.
do this add the hashtag:
#PRAYCONTINUOUSLY
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 “Bait of Satan” Join us as we expose one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God-offense. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Kenny McGee Room: 201
“Not a Fan” Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly. Join us as we study what it means to become a completely committed follower of Jesus Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Roy Peck Room: 203
“The United Monarchy of Israel”
“Book of Revelation”
Join us as we study the life of Saul, David, and Solomon. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson Room: 105
This is a verse-by-verse walk through and discussion on the book of Revelation Ages: All Ages Leader: Rob McClure Room: 105
“Psalms”
WEDNESDAY’S AT 7:15PM
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
“The First Five Books” We are looking at and discussing the first five books of the Bible. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Ken Isom Room: Chapel
“What the Bible Says About Today’s Headlines”
SUNDAY’S AT 10:45AM
This study will help us think biblically about the hot topics that we read and hear about daily, e.g., war, immigration, gay marriage. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Elaine Arnold Room: 104
“How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty”
“America’s Godly Heritage”
“Multiply”
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
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
Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults aged 18-25. Ages: Young Adults Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt Room: 204
HOPE & HEALING Divorce Care Wednesdays at 7:15PM Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The journey is not easy, so come walk with us. Leader: Donny Hilbern Room: 104
Foundations of Freedom 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
NEXT STEPS 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.
Fresh Start January 19 Fresh Start Area at 6:30PM We know that coming to a new church and trying to navigate through getting plugged in can feel like a daunting task. So come meet Pastor McNabb, find out how we do church, and we will break down the easiest ways for you to get connected.
Living Free Addiction Recovery Wednesdays at 7:15PM 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
MEN Men’s Breakfast January 11 7:30AM in The Venue Come and hang out with guys and enjoy a man-sized breakfast.
Beast Feast January 28 7:00PM in The Venue We want to invite all men to join us for our annual Beast Feast. Come an enjoy a buffet of dishes made with all types of wild game, fellowship with other men, and a chance to win some awesome MANLY giveaways. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. If you bring a dish to share YOU EAT FREE! you can sign-up online, through our mobile app, our at our table out in the lobby.
WOMEN
KIDS
Zumba Mondays at 6:30PM
BGMC Awards Banquet January 17 7:00PM in The Venue
Join us in the Bridge Kids Auditorium and get your exercise on.
“Gideon” Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us as we take an in depth look and discover the pages of Deuteronomy. Leader: Carole Harrell Room: 202
“Marriage” 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. Our current topic is the difference between men & women. Leader: Kathy McGee Room: 104
“Undaunted” Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:15PM Join us as we learn how not only to overcome the challenges, wrong turns, and often painful circumstances we all experience, but also to actually grow from those experiences and be equipped and empowered to help others Leader: Dorcas Schroeder Room: 105
SENIOR ADULTS Chili Supper January 24 6:30PM in The Venue Join us for a great time of food and fellowship
Primetime Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us for Bible teaching and a variety of activities & events to energize the soul. Leader: Ken Isom Room: RM105
Join us for our awards ceremony to recognize our kids that gave money to Missions for the year!
BGMC Dinner January 29 6:00PM in The Venue Join us the last Wednesday of the month for a great dinner, time of fellowship, and support missions in the process!
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM
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
Join us for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons every week!
YOUNG ADULT
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Friday Gathering Fridays at 7:00PM
We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
Come enjoy food, fun, and discussion with other young adults. Contact Doug for more info at (405) 204.4569 Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt
STUDENTS STL Launch January 18 9:45AM at Bridge Students We will be hosting STL Launch at Bridge Students this month. After the conference, we will eat chick-fil-a and head to Elevation Trampoline Park. We will be back around 4:45 PM. The cost is $20.
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
SERVE Choir The adult choir is looking for additional singers as we begin the new year. If you’re between the ages of 16 and ?? we’d like to talk to you about singing with us each Sunday morning during the 3rd worship experience. Rehearsals are Sundays at 5:00pm. You don’t have to read music, but you do need to attend a get-acquainted interview with Pastor Rex. Just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
Production Team We are looking to expand. The production team plays a key role in making our worship experiences happen here and online. All you have to have is a willingness to learn and be a part of an awesome team, and we will teach you eveything you need to know to be successful. From camera operators to stage hands to computer operators just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
For more information on all these events and more just go to our website www.thebridgeag.org
NEW YEAR, BE YOU! What if instead of unrealistic expectations we promise to simply be ourselves. he term “New Year” is synonymous with many
a list! Even if you are too embarrassed to admit it, we all have a
different things. When you hear someone
few things that we would love to do, or change, or practice, or
say “New Year” you might think of staying
become in the new year. The proof of our resolution obsession
up until midnight with friends, kissing your
can be seen in our purchase of every organizational tool on
significant other as the clock strikes twelve
the market, the soar in self help book sales and of course our
or making the age old parental decision of when the kids are
early January rush to join a gym. We are a culture obsessed! We
old enough to stay awake until midnight and ring in the new
have the best of intentions, spending our hard earned money
year with the grown-ups. I myself have spent the New Year’s
on promises to change. to be better, to be perfect. I’ve had many
holiday in almost every way imaginable. I’ve stayed up all
New Year’s resolutions throughout my life, promising myself
night with my best friends, I’ve worshipped with my church
everything from the typical “I will fit into those jeans again...”
family as we waited for a new year to begin and I’ve even fallen
to the apparently unrealistic resolution to “not get behind
asleep long before midnight rolls around and woke the next
on the laundry” and the vow to “take my lunch to work more
morning to realize that it was not only a new year but also that
often.” My recurring resolution, though, is one that seems so
I was officially old!
simple and yet I have never conquered. I get so mad at myself.
T
I promise over and over again to change and yet months or Almost more important than our plans for New Year’s Eve,
weeks (okay, maybe even days) into every new year, I find
though, is our list of New Year’s resolutions. Be honest! You have
myself hitting a new low. Even as I tell myself not to do it, I
can’t seem to fight the persistent urge to BITE MY NAILS!
try again. Don’t beat yourself up! Don’t give up and say, “Well,
It’s a gross and embarrassing habit. I’m sickened by my own
this year is a wash. Guess I’ll wait until New Year’s again and
behavior, but I just can’t kick it!
start over...” Use those pot holes, learn from them, incorporate them into your New Year’s resolutions and move forward. We
New Year’s resolutions are often unrealistic. Marketers target
have the opportunity to become more of whom God created us
us with tag lines like “New Year! New You!” to get us fired
to be every single day. It’s our choice!
up about changing. They convince us that somehow the previous year was a failure, but not to worry, because the new
In Joshua 1:9 the Bible says “Have I not commanded you? Be
year will let us change our ways. The new year allows us the
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
opportunity to turn a corner and be better. I’ve bought into this brilliant marketing scheme year after year, but the older I get, the more I realize just how (pardon my opinion) STUPID this vicious resolution cycle truly is! Now don’t get me wrong, change can be a wonderful thing and I’m all for growing and making ourselves better year in and year out; however, I am not a fan of unrealistic expectations. I’m almost angered by this premise that we somehow haven’t been good enough up until this point but can begin our road to perfection as December 31st changes to January 1st. What if instead of setting unrealistic expectations, promising
“WHEN WE STUMBLE IN OUR PURSUIT OF BECOMING WHO GOD WANTS US TO BE, GOD DOESN’T LEAVE US! WHERE WE SEE FAILURE, HE SEES OPPORTUNITY! HE IS WITH US WHEREVER WE GO!”
to become a perfect you, or vowing to make changes that
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
are unattainable, we instead promise to simply be ourselves?
When we stumble in our pursuit of becoming who God wants
What if we decided to swim upstream, ignore the commercials
us to be, God doesn’t leave us! Where we see failure, He sees
that tell us we’re not good enough and instead see the previous
opportunity! He is with us WHEREVER we go! As 2014 begins,
year as part of our journey? I’m going to drop a bomb here, so
go ahead and make your lists of New Year’s resolutions. I will
listen closely! 2013 hasn’t been one huge mistake after another!
be doing the same...and yes, I will again add my resolution
It isn’t something to forget or move on from! No! Have there
to stop biting my nails and hope (like I hope every year) that
been hard times? Have you made mistakes? Are there changes
this is my year! Take some bold steps, work hard to make your
that need to be made? Absolutely, but instead of thinking of
resolutions happen, but don’t strive for perfection. Instead,
this year as something that needs changing and thinking of
strive to be yourself. God created you for a specific purpose,
next year as your chance to make it all better and perfect, think
and I’ve yet to meet the person whose God given path required
instead of this new year as an opportunity to BE YOU! Not
a failure free and perfect life. Sure, it seems like a stretch to
someone else’s version of you, and not the idealistic, Norman
say that my lifelong battle with nail biting and my many
Rockwell version of yourself you wish existed, but just YOU!
failures in trying to break this habit over the years will ever be
Gather all the good, all the bad, all the ups and all the downs
a tool for reaching someone around me...but then again, here
over the last year, bundle them up, tuck them away in your
I am, writing in a church wide magazine and using that very
heart and mind, learn from them and make a list of New Year’s
struggle to tell others not to beat themselves up over stumbles
resolutions that don’t change who you are but instead make
and falls. Instead of “New Year! New You!”, adopt the motto
you, the you God created, a little bit better! Look at the past
“New Year! Be You!”, because you are who you are for a reason,
year as proof that failure will come. There will be bumps in the
and God wants to use ALL of you in His plans for 2014!
road. There will be u-turns, pot holes and tolls that have to be paid, but there will also be celebrations, promotions and a ton of irreplaceable lifetime memories! All of these things can fit into your resolutions. The good, the bad AND the ugly! Life isn’t perfect and neither are New Year’s resolutions. When a failure happens, learn. When a road block happens, turn around and
by Erika Knight
@knightgoddess
SOCIAL
BUZZ
GREAT WEEKEND @THEBRIDGEAG - PICS W/ SANTA FOR OUR COMMUNITY! A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Traditional Worship Experience Sundays at 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Modern Worship Experience Sundays at 9:30AM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
@DOUGWYATT WATCHING @THEBRIDGEAG CHRISTMAS DVD. SUCH A GREAT WAY TO REMEMBER WHAT THE SEASON IS ABOUT! #BRIDGEFAMILY
Blended Worship Experience Sundays at 10:45AM
This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
PM Worship Experience Sundays at 6:30PM
During this experience we come together as a whole to worship.
Hispanic Worship Experience Sundays at 10:30AM
@ANNIESHELL25 YOU KNOW YOU’RE A HARDCORE CHRISTIAN WHEN YOU DRIVE THROUGH HAZARDOUS SLICK ROADS TO GET TO CHURCH... @SIERRANICHOLS @THEBRIDGEAG
@LAURAPDILLON
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.
Wed. Traditional Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:15PM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee.
Drive Worship Experience EXCITED TO BE HANDING OUT FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED TONIGHT @THEBRIDGEAG - HONORED TO BE APART OF SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER THAN MYSELF #BRIDGETHX
@CHADHARNOLD
/THEBRIDGEAG
THEBRIDGEAG
Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure.
Wed. Hispanic Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia
Our trained nursery staff is available during all worship
THEBRIDGEAG
THEBRIDGEAG
experiences. For a full list of other opportunities please check out the Get Connected section of Pulse.