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inside
PULSE
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.
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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!
THANKSGIVING QUIZ 4 how ready for Thanksgiving are you?
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find someone from our church who would like to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our church.
REWIND 5 GET CONNECTED 6
Stop by Starting Point after the service. Here you will
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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 student’s and kid’s 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.
THANKFUL FOR, 8 NOT TO, GOD A journey to finding true thankfulness.
WEEKLY EVENTS 10
WE WANT TO HELP YOU GET TO THE OTHER SIDE, SO CONNECT, GROW, AND SERVE WITH US. // Starting Point is located in the Lobby on the east side of the Worship Center
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THE OFFICIAL
ARE YOU READY FOR THANKSGIVING QUIZ!
On November 27th many of us will be found gathering with friends and family, around a dinner table set with the “fancy” plates, giving thanks for all that we have. All this, while devouring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie! This quiz is a test of how ready for thanksgiving you really are! 1. The first Thanksgiving celebrated in the Plymouth Colony was in the year… A. 1959 B. 1492 C. 1621 D. 1776 2. Present at that first Thanksgiving were 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans from which tribe? A. Winnipeg B. Wampanoag C. Winnebago D. Wyandotte 3. Which meat was not eaten at the first Thanksgiving? A. Beef B. Lobster C. Swan D. Seal 4. On Thanksgiving, approximately how many turkeys are eaten? A. 5 million B. 10 million C. 46 million D. 120 million 5. 246 Million Turkeys are raised in the U.S. annually. Which state produces the most turkeys? A. Arkansas B. California C. Nebraska D. Minnesota
6. Which month has been designated as National Turkey Lover’s Month? A. February B. June C. November D. December 7. What year was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? A. 1919 B. 1924 C. 1937 D. 1942 8. What character has been in the Macy’s Day Parade more than any other? A. Garfield B. Spider-Man C. Snoopy D. Hello Kitty 9. Which football team has been playing football every Thanksgiving Day since 1934? A. Detroit Lions B. Dallas Cowboys C. Cleveland Browns D. Pittsburg Steelers 10. Based off of a recent poll, what are Americans most thankful for this year? A. Work B. Friends C. Family D. Life How into Thanksgiving are you? Take the amount you got correct and determine your readiness for this year’s Thanksgiving! 9 or 10 correct | It’s official, we’re coming to your house for Thanksgiving! We’ve also nominated you Mayor of Turkey Town! Congrats! 6 to 8 correct | You’re on a Thanksgiving day countdown and you’ve got the butterball hotline on speed dial 3 to 5 correct | The truth is out, you probably get your cranberry sauce from a can, don’t you? 1 to 2 correct | You cant tell a turkey thigh from a turkey giblet, can you? 0 correct | The tryptophan must have set in early because you must have snoozed through this quiz. Answers: 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (d)
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<<REWIND
IN CASE YOU DIDN’T HEAR ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS BEEN DOING AT THE BRIDGE… 6000 LBS OF PAPER At the beginning of October we were able to meet the need of a local elementary school by supplying them with over 6000 pounds of paper. Several of our staff pastors and volunteers loaded up 3 large pallets of paper and made the delivery to Centennial Elementary School. This much paper will last their teachers and students through the entire year. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving to make this possible.
MISSION’S EMPHASIS As you may recall, last month was our annual Mission’s Emphasis. It was during that time that as a church we made missions pledges for the next year. This year’s pledges totaled just over $400,000! When we all work together it is incredible what can be accomplished for God!
PRETTY IN PAINT Over 60 women signed up to participate in last months ‘Pretty in Paint’ event. The event was a great success and an incredible opportunity for fellowship. Not to mention, it was a great excuse for the ladies to get in touch with their inner Picasso and express themselves with paint, a brush and a canvas.
FALL BLOCK PARTIES This year we opted to take our annual Fall Festival to the neighborhoods! We wanted to go where the people were. Their neighborhoods! 10 houses throughout our community hosted a Fall Block Party on October 31st. Each house had a inflatable bounce house, loads of candy, and smiling volunteers to greet visiting kids and families in the community!
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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!
STARTING POINT Fresh Start November 23 6:30PM in The Commons Have you recently started attending The Bridge? If so, we want to meet you. 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.
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
“In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day” What if the seemingly messy pieces of your life were actually strategically positioned by God? In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day will help you make sense of your past. You’ll begin to connect the dots to see clearly how God has been preparing you for future opportunities. Who: 30’s thru 50’s When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM203 Leader: Roy Peck
“Contagious Joy ” Join us as we learn to choose to believe the best and leave the rest to the Lord. Who: 40’s thru 60’s When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM104 Leader: Elaine Arnold
“Understanding Righteousness”
Join us in the Chapel every week for a time of prayer.
Join us as we try to learn the meaning of Righteousness found in Romans 5:21 Who: 40’s thru 60’s When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM202 Leader: Ed Damron
CONNECT GROUPS
“Life & Wisdom Writings of King Solomon”
Corporate Prayer Sundays at 6:00PM Tuesdays at 9:00AM
“Gifts of the Holy Spirit” Join us as we learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and learn how to incorporate them into our daily lives Who: 30’s thru 50’s When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM201 Leader: Kenny McGee
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We are going to break down the writings of King Solomon, and how they apply to us today. Who: 40’s thru 60’s When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM105 Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson
“Psalms”
“Thessalonians & Timothy”
We are taking an indepth look into the Psalms and discovering what they mean for us today. Who: 50’s and up When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM100 Leader: Kenneth McGee
This is a verse-by-verse walk through and discussion on the book of 1 & 2 Thessalonians & 1 & 2 Timothy. Who: All Ages When: Sunday’s at 10:45AM Where: RM105 Leader: Rob McClure
“Transforming Truths” Gleaning practical applications for 21st century problems from the historical books of the Bible. Who: 50’s and up When: Sunday’s at 9:30AM Where: Chapel Leader: Ken Isom
“How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty” Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults ages 18-25. Who: Young Adults When: Sunday’s at 10:45AM Where: RM205 Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt
“Every Good Endeavor” Come and join a fun time of group discussion where we will dive into how to find purpose in your vocation. Who: Young Families When: Sunday’s at 10:45AM Where: RM201 Leader: Ryan Summers
“Love Languages” Marriage should be based on love, right? But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? Come discover your Love Languages. Who: Young Marrieds When: Sunday’s at 10:45AM Where: RM102 Leader: Larry & Susan Selvey
“Gideon” Instead of trying to escape your weaknesses, come discover how they are gifts that are given specifically by God to unlock the door of God’s strength. Video Assisted Study. Ages: Women of All Ages When: Monday’s at 4:00PM Where: RM100 Leader: Michele Lesher
“Experiencing God’s Freedom” Hey Moms, need a break during the week? Need conversation with other moms? This is the group for you! We have nursery available for your babies, and a special class for your 3 to 5 yr olds($15 for the semester). Who: Moms When: Tuesday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM100 Leader: Kathy McGee
“Jonah” Come redefine interruptions and see it’s actually God’s invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams! Video Assisted Study. Who: Women of All Ages When: Tuesday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM104 Leader: Carole Harroll
“Prime Time” This is a fun time for senior adults to come and enjoy singing, fellowship, and Biblical discussion. Who: Senior Adults When: Tuesday’s at 9:30AM Where: RM105 Leader: Ken Isom
Living Free Addiction Recovery
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Sunday Grow Groups Sundays at 10:45AM
Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life controlling issues. Ages: All Ages When: Wednesday’s at 7:15PM Where: End Zone Leader: Ken Isom
We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
Get connected in a weekly small group! This is a great way to learn more on specific topics throughout the Bible. 6th-7th Grade: Room 203 8th-10th Grade: Room 204 11th-12th Grade: Room 200
“1 & 2 Thessalonians” Come enjoy a wide variety of topics, including family, prayer, ministering to others, and prophecies through a verse-by-verse study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Video Assisted Series. Who: Women of All Ages When: Wednesday’s at 7:15PM Where: RM105 Leader: Dorcas Schroeder
GROW GROUPS
MEN Men’s Breakfast November 8 7:30AM in The Venue This is a great time for all men to come and interact with men who are transistioning to life on the outside. “I was in prison and you visited me” were the words of Jesus. So come join us for an amazing breakfast and a short devotional.
“Financial Peace” We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Ages: All Ages When: Wednesday’s at 7:15PM Where: RM100 Leader: Kenny & Allison Reyes
“Foundations of Freedom” Come join us on the journey to becoming the person God created you to be! Ages: All Ages When: Wednesday’s at 7:15PM Where: RM202 Leader: Linda McNabb
WOMEN Zumba Mondays at 6:30PM Bridge Kids Auditorium Ladies come join us for a workout and fellowship with other ladies from your church.
Holiday Decorating with Dorcas November 13 7:00PM in The Venue Ladies come & join us as Dorcas shows us how to decorate for the Holidays on a budget. Childcare is provided.
School Lunches November 7 at Mustang Elementary November 21 at Lakehoma Elementary Pastor Bev and her staff will be heading to school to have lunch with the kids. If your child goes to one of these schools and they would like to eat with Pastor Bev please fill out a lunch permission slip at Bridge Kids check in.
BGMC Bedlam Dinner November 16 7:45PM in The Venue Wear your team colors and support missions through BGMC. We will have a BBQ dinner on a donation basis. All proceeds will support our missionaries on the field in Uruguay and Mexico.
PB&J Retreat November 21 Sparks Campground Prayer, Bible Study, and Jesus. Over the course of this weekend, we want to pour into the lives of older elementary students, and encourage them to start developing their own walk with Christ. You can sign up at the Bridge Kids Check In . The cost is $60.
“Foundations of Freedom 2” If you have already been through the Foundations in Freedom teaching, join us as we continue the journey to freedom with a series of topical classes ranging from, “The War that Jesus Came to Win” to “Overcoming the Jezebel Curse”. Ages: All Ages When: Wednesday’s at 7:15PM Where: RM200 Leader: Linda McNabb
KIDS
STUDENTS
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Join us every week for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons!
Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
Turkey Trot 5K November 15 9:00AM at Bridge Students Join us in raising money for Speed the Light by participating in our 5k run. Registration starts at 9:00AM in the Bridge Students Building and costs $25. You can pick up a registration and donation packet in the Bridge Students Lounge.
Pie Auction November 23 7:45PM in The Venue Join us for dinner and help raise money for missions by bidding on your favorite desserts. To learn more about the auction and how to donate a pie or dessert visit our website.
Parent Meeting November 9 9:30AM/10:45AM/6:30PM in RM102 We want to make sure that you as parents stay informed on everything going on at Bridge 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
For more information on all of these groups and events you can visit our website thebridgeag.org
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If you picked up your copy of the Pulse magazine thinking
As a teenager being thankful became less of a feeling and
(and hoping) you would find a sweet-as-pie article about giving
more of a emotion. Now, you may be thinking to yourself that
thanks than this may not be the article for you. To say that I’m
feelings and emotions are the same thing so let me explain.
a naturally thankful person just might be the understatement
To me, feelings are generic. We all experience the same basic
of the century! In sharp contrast, I actually spend my minutes,
feelings in our lives. Feelings range from happiness to sadness
hours, weeks and days fighting discouragement and negative
to excitement to anger. Feelings are surface level. Emotions,
thoughts. I naturally view the world through glass-half-empty
on the other hand, are altered by our individual personalities.
goggles. My overly analytical brain thinks and over thinks and
Emotions are both the root and the reaction to our feelings.
then over thinks again about all the things that can and might
Thankfulness, throughout my teenage years, was emotional.
go wrong on any given day. I am a tedious list maker, checking
Like most everything in a teenage girls life! Can I get an amen!?
off to-do’s out of pure fear that I will forget something (thus
As a teenager, I was thankful when my boyfriend called after
not only letting down myself but also everyone around me)
school. I was thankful when I got an “A” on a test even though
and the mere thought of a single task being left undone is
I didn’t study. I was thankful when my mean old dad let me go
enough to make me toss and turn all night. I am obsessive and
to a movie with friends even though the movie ended after my
a perfectionist combined with a huge dose of people pleaser
curfew. (Sorry dad.) We’re good now.
and painfully shy. My very personality doesn’t lend itself to being thankful.
I have experienced thankfulness as a feeling, I have experienced thankfulness as an emotion but it wasn’t until the age of 31
When I was a kid thankfulness was a feeling. A natural
that I gained my deepest appreciation for thankfulness yet.
reaction. I felt thankful when my sister let me play with her
This year I had my very first surgery. In hindsight it really
Barbies. I felt thankful when my dad let me ride in the front
wasn’t that dramatic but it was my first time and so it was
seat. I felt thankful when my mom made homemade chocolate
scary. Mixed with my bright and sunny disposition, the word
chip cookies for dessert. (Thanks for that mom!) To this day
surgery sent me reeling. From the time the doctors told me I
when I smell cookies in the oven, I have flashbacks of sitting
needed to have my gallbladder removed until I was scooting
on the kitchen counter and talking her ear off while she baked.
myself from the rolling hospital bed to the cold, metal surgical
And also like childhood I can still eat an entire batch of those
table was only a matter of days. Apparently, I’m not just an
cookies myself. (I’m not as thankful to my mom for that part!)
overachiever on the outside but on the inside as well as my
As a kid, feeling thankful was easy. Life was simple and, in
gallbladder had racked up a very large number of stones! This
turn, thankfulness was simple too.
is one area I would have appreciated a little less achievement on my part! In the grand scheme of things I was happy that my surgery date was scheduled quickly and before I knew it, this would all be over and behind me. No time to worry. No time to think of all the things that can and might go wrong. No time to think, period. Several friends had told me what to expect during surgery and for the most part they were right. The entire day is a fog. Well, almost the entire day.
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When I woke from surgery, my husband Brandon was brought in to see me I knew something wasn’t right. After so many years together I’m fairly certain I can read him better than he can read himself. Not that I had any idea what to expect but the look on Brandon’s face told me he wasn’t as happy as he should be to see me after surgery. He knew I was worried that
survived this process. I cling, white knuckled, to the very fact
day. He knew all my fears. He for sure knew that he should
that I survived at all. During those ten days of waiting and
be seeing me for the first time with a huge smile on his face,
waiting and waiting I reacted and I coped. If I needed to cry, I
spewing words of reassurance letting me know everything
cried. If I needed to sleep, I slept. If I needed to be angry, I got
went perfectly and I was going to be okay. But he didn’t do that.
angry. It wasn’t pretty but, again, I survived.
That day, the day of my very first surgery, under the fluorescent
Part of that sheer survival included one ugly, tear soaked,
hospital lights of a tiny, cold hospital recovery room Brandon
wailing moment with God. I would call it a prayer but I really
told me that during my gallbladder removal the surgeon found
didn’t say much at all. I simply sat and let it all out. I was home
a tumor on my liver. If you are an anxiety ridden worry wart
alone, laying in my bed, covers pulled up around my neck,
than you can imagine what that moment was like for me. If
sobbing. Loudly. This was ugly cry, taken to a whole new level.
you’re not an anxiety ridden worry wart than I’m not sure even
I asked God why. I told God I was confused. I yelled at God in
this self proclaimed “writer” can drum up the right words to
anger. I laid my soul before the Lord. I surrendered like I never
tell you how I felt. I guess people use phrases like “I felt like
have before. And in that moment, in that most vulnerable
I was punched in the gut” or “I felt like I was run over by a
moment, my trust in God transitioned from my head to my
truck” because it is so difficult, so impossible, to explain what
heart and with it my thankfulness as well. I’ve grown up in
it’s like to hear unexpected news. And not the good kind of
church. I’ve been in church my entire life. Some might say I
unexpected news.
was “born on the front pew.” Until that day though, I hadn’t experienced true trust and true thankfulness. I no longer
Unfortunately my biopsy results took a very long time to come
trusted the idea of God. I no longer trusted the scripture I could
back. I can’t give you all the details because at some point I
quote. I trusted GOD! I was no longer only thankful for the
do want this article to encourage you...it is about thankfulness
things God could do for me. I was no longer only thankful for
after all. But during my ten day wait for my biopsy results I
mind blowing worship services and applicable sermons. I was
was on an emotional roller coaster that seemed to have only
actually thankful for GOD! I wasn’t at a place where I could be
upside down loops and freefalls and no tick-tick-ticking of
thankful for God’s answered prayer. He hadn’t answered mine
going up a hill at all. Recovering from surgery and carrying
yet. I wasn’t at a place where I could be thankful for God’s
such a heaviness, emotionally, was a bad combo for me. I
healing. I didn’t know if I even needed it yet. I was simply and
napped a lot in the days following my surgery and every time
wholly thankful for God himself! Not what He does but for
I woke up I felt panicked remembering the news I was waiting
who He is!
for. I wanted to fall asleep, wake up and realize it had all been a bad dream. I wanted the phone to ring with good news so that
To some of you I’m an old 31 year old wife and mom while to
I could recover in peace. When the phone finally did ring and
others I’m a young, vibrant 31 year old woman with a lot of life
I heard the news (amazing, wonderful, ecstatic news!) that my
to live. To myself, I’m simply Erika. A girl who fights every day
tumor was benign. I think my reaction may have scared the
to be positive. A girl who reminds herself to smile. A girl who
nurse I was talking to! If I’m being honest, I even scared myself
will probably forever make endless lists to complete endless
a little too! I didn’t know I could shriek that loud! Or shriek at
tasks in an endless effort to please as many people as possible.
all for that matter!
But on that one day, that one day where the world was darker than it has ever been before and I felt so very confused...I
I desperately want to be one of those people who tells you I
found thankfulness. Not thankfulness as a feeling and not
handled this entire ordeal with smiles and laughter and grace
thankfulness as an emotion but thankfulness as a permanent
and joy...but I’m simply not. I desperately want to be one of
part of me.
those people who tells you that from the moment I heard the news of my tumor I saw the world in a new light. I saw life with a fresh perspective. I took each breath as a gift from God. But I simply didn’t. This girl, this glass-half-empty girl barely
Erika Knight @knightgoddess THEBRIDGEAG.ORG / 9
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.
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
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 in the Chapel.
Drive Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure in the Worship Center.
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 experiences. For a full list of other opportunities, please check out the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Connectedâ&#x20AC;? section of Pulse. 10 / T H E B R I D G E A G . O R G
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