December 2024 Newsletter
MY LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH DECEMBER
I have a love-hate relationship with December. I’m not too fond of decorating for Christmas, but I love how Christmas decorations make our home look. Every year, Stephanie decorates the inside of our home beautifully for the season. I do my part on the outside. Unfortunately, in 35 years of trying to decorate the outside of our house, I cannot think of one year I accomplished the task without some mistake, mishap, or technical challenge. I thought I had finally gotten the decoration demon off my back this year, but then I realized I had mismatched lights. Some were red, white, and green, and some were red and white. It would be more polite to say I don’t like decorating, but I hate it.
Also, I struggle with the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Sometimes, I feel like I have been thrown on the Rockin-Rollercoaster at Disney without consent or being properly buckled in. On the other hand, I love this time of year and the Advent focus of December. I enjoy taking the four Sundays before Christmas to reflect on Christ’s birth and evaluate my preparation for his return.
As we enter December, let us resist the temptation to get so caught up in all the preparations that we miss the opportunity to reflect on and refocus our lives on Christ. I know this week I had to take a step back and remember what matters most: my family and my faith.
Stephanie and I hope that this Christmas season will be a time when you grow deeper in your faith and relationships with those who matter most to you.
Praying for the best Christmas season ever for you,
Pastors Bob & Stephanie
CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT CHURCH
Do you like to decorate? Join us at Bridge this Saturday November 30th from 9-11am
ANGEL TREE
Our Angel Tree will be up on Sunday, December 1st. This year, we will partner with Franklin Park Elementary again and supply gifts for an entire classroom. Make sure to grab your Angel when you arrive or on your way out of church. Below are the instructions: PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL GIFTS ARE RETURNED, WRAPPED, AND WITH THE ANGEL TAG ATTACHED ON OR BEFORE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH.
Angel Tree Instructions
1. Choose Your Angel Tree tag. Each tag is numbered. Please write your tag # on the signup sheet and provide your contact information.
2. Purchase your gifts
3. Wrap and place the Angel Tree Tag back on the gift.
4. Return the gift to Bridge no later than Sunday, December 15th
5. Pray for the child who will receive your gift
1st Thursday Prayer
Join us for first Thursday Prayer from 7-8pm on December 5th as we pray for our family, friends, church, and nation.
Kid’s Presentation December 22nd
Remember that our Doozers and Road Crew classes will present a special Christmas presentation on Sunday, December 22nd. Make sure to invite your family and friends. Parents, we ask that all children participating in the presentation arrive at 9:45am that Sunday.
Christmas Eve Service
We will hold our annual Family Glow Stick Christmas Eve service from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The children will receive a new “Stop Sign Face” story and coloring book. Make sure to invite your family and friends to join us.
No Sunday Service December 29th
Each year we take the last Sunday after Christmas Eve to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with others. We will begin our regular Sunday Morning worship services again on Sunday January 5, 2025.