Church guide

*** Bridge City This Week *** Hey Bridge City family. Summer is upon us! Here in Portland, that always means that things get wobbly for churches. People want to be outside, at the beach, or in the mountains. And you know what? We applaud that. Everything is spiritual, and that means you can “be the church” out in your relationships, without having to be at the church building. That means two things: First, enjoy your summer without guilt! If trips take you away from us, don’t feel bad. Enjoy yourself, and know that you are loved, and we’ll be thrilled to see you when we see you next. Second, keep us in your thoughts in two ways. When you are in town on Sunday night, please join us. We’re a small enough group that your presence makes a big impact. Know that there are likely others out of town, and so you being there matters! Also, remember that our bills continue whether or not you’re present. As a small church, every dollar matters, so find a way to keep your financial support strong through the summer, whether through the mail, or by using our super-convenient online giving system (more details below.) Here’s the rest of the news for this week: Your feedback on Darcy - We had a guest speaker this past week, Darcy Hansen. She has asked us for feedback as she is discerning her calling and developing her skills. So, if you have feedback or encouragement you’d like us to forward to Darcy, please reply and let us know. Summer Giving - Please choose a method that will keep your financial support regular during the summer, if you know you’ll be missing Sunday nights. You can use your bank’s Bill Pay system to set up recurring payments, you can mail checks the old fashioned way, or you can use our super handy online giving system. It’s bank-grade secure, very easy to manage, and allows you to do both one-time and recurring donations. Try it here: https://givebridgecity.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general-church-fund Chili & Games - In two weekends, on the 16th, we have our 2nd Summer Activity. A Chili-Cook Off and Games night. This will replace our normal worship service. Here’s what we need: We need chili! Who among us is willing to cook a pot of Chili? If you’ll cook a pot, please reply and let us know. The church will provide all the sides and fixings. Also, if you have a short, simple table or card game that you’d be willing to introduce to people, let me know, and plan to bring it. We’ll have tables set up in the fellowship hall, and hopefully have multiple games going at the same time. This isn’t time for Catan or other games that take hours to play. This is for those fun, engaging, easy-to-learn games that take 20 minutes or less. That way people can experience a few of them. Please RSPV and let me know what you can bring. Summer Activities Schedule - Download and print for your fridge: https://givebridgecity.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general-church-fund Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Summer Soups & Sandwiches Feel free to bring something to add to the list, and as always, we have Beef and Veggie hot-dogs if you or your kids prefer something else. Gazpacho - Michelle A. Chicken Salad - Lillian M. Egg Salad - Cindy C. Crusty Bread - Mary M. Sandwich Bread - Marc S. Chips - Byron K. Mayo & Miracle Whip - Byron K. Strawberry Shortcake - Shelley T. Other Sandwich Toppings - Bridge City See you on Sunday! ~M.

*** BRIDGE CITY THIS WEEK *** Hey Bridge City family. This Sunday night, I am so excited for you to get to meet a friend of mine! A few of you got the chance to meet her two weeks ago, when she attended worship. This friend? Darcy Hansen. Darcy is a Bridge City kind of person. She grew up in a conservative Christian community, and really dug in to what was offered. She loved Jesus, and did all the right stuff that a good Christian woman is supposed to do. And then life happened, and family, and kids, and some of the answers she’d been given when she was younger didn’t cut it any more. (Sound familiar?) For the past several years she has been on a spiritual pilgrimage, following Jesus to unexpected places--new ways of seeing herself, new theology, new hopes for what the church can be. Darcy just graduated from Portland Seminary, and is in the process of figuring out what it means to sense a call to pastoral ministry--especially when the communities she grew up in didn’t make space for women to lead, let alone preach! The elders are really excited to be hosting Darcy this week as she preaches in our gathering. She’s a smart human with a heart for Jesus, and a desire to see the church be a sanctuary for everyone. If you’d like to get a flavor for her thinking, here are links to two pieces she’s written online: This first longer post talks a little about her story and spiritual development:https://themisfitstheologyclub.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/on-deconstruction-and-wilderness-wandering/ This shorter piece is a reflection on communion (which, by the way, we will be taking this week.): https://themisfitstheologyclub.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/on-deconstruction-and-wilderness-wandering/ Darcy preaching for us is a gift to us. This is something she is new at, and getting up in front of strangers to do something like this is always a little anxious. By giving her this space and attention we are able to give a gift to her as well. As you know, a surprising number of churches don’t allow women to preach, and so our presence and thoughtful attention will be a blessing to her. I hope you’ll make a special point to come and cheer her on. Here’s the rest of the news for this week: RERUN -- Summer Activities - Download and print out our summer activity plan. Put it on your fridge. The top part includes the Sunday activities that will either include worship or replace our worship gathering. The bottom section includes other fun activities you’ve asked for, but that need someone willing to help plan the event. https://themisfitstheologyclub.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/on-deconstruction-and-wilderness-wandering/ Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Salad-Fest! Feel free to bring something to add to the list, and as always, we have Beef and Veggie hot-dogs if you or your kids prefer something else. Main Course Style Salad - Linda H. Main Course Style Salad - Shelley T. Side Salad - Marc S. Watermelon - Cindy C. Thai Salad Rolls - Joyce H. Bread - Mary S. Veggie Tray - Bridge City Dessert Salad (Ambrosia!) - Marisa M. See you on Sunday! ~M.

*** Bridge City This Week *** Hey all! This week (I think!) we are going to wrap up our lengthy series on the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality book. It’s been a long journey, but I think a good and important one. I certainly have found our dinner conversations to be powerful. I hope you have as well.Not much news this week. Just an encouragement to take care of each other. If a Bridge City person comes to mind, maybe take that as a Divine invitation to make a call or text. See how we can care for each other. Our normal lives are busy, and it’s out of habit to do this for many of us. So, I encourage you to try it out. God might speak through you! Here’s the scoop: EHS Nearing the end. Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — This week we’re heading into Chapter 8 of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. I think we might do this one in just 1 week. We’ll see how I do! If you’re reading along, try to finish that chapter. RERUN -- Summer Activities - Download and print out our summer activity plan. Put it on your fridge. The top part includes the Sunday activities that will either include worship or replace our worship gathering. The bottom section includes other fun activities you’ve asked for, but that need someone willing to help plan the event. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing RERUN -- Are you coming to the Birthday Party for TJ & Christina? The first summer activity is coming up. On Sunday night, May 26th we are celebrating these two great people turning 40. They have both been such an important part of Bridge City for more than twenty years, so we’re taking our evening gathering time to join in the fun. All our regular Bridge City family are invited to join in with Christina and TJ’s family and friends. Chelsea’s band, Smut City Jellyroll Society, a period 20s & 30s jazz and swing band, will be performing, along with food and hanging out. Please RSVP at this link so we can plan. (To be clear - this means no gathering at the Bridge House that week.) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing RERUN - Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- Marc & Byron’s workshop is filling up fast. If you’re planning to come, make sure to sign up. We’d love to have you there. Details at the link.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Chili Feel free to bring something to add to the list, and as always, we have Beef and Veggie hot-dogs if you or your kids prefer something else. Pot of meatful Chili - Byron K. Pot of Veggie Chili - Greg M. Sour Cream - Jerry H. Shredded Cheese - NEEDED. Diced Onions - NEEDED Corn Muffins - Lillian M. Cucumber Salad - Cindy C. Dessert - Schelskes, for Emerson’s Birthday Hot Dogs (Veggie & Beef), Buns - Bridge City See you on Sunday! ~M.

*** Bridge City This Week *** Good evening, friends! I had this email all written on Wednesday, and apparently hallucinated that I sent it. Turns out I did not. :-( So here it is, quite late. We'd very much love to see you tonight, in just a couple hours. Here's what I wrote. I had an opportunity to sit with an old old friend this week, someone who has known both me and Bridge City for a long time. We hadn’t really talked in a while, and so we were catching up. Of course, the conversation turned to our community. “How is Bridge City these days?” That’s such an interesting question for me. As a pastor, there are certain markers that get talked about. Exciting markers like how many people are coming, and what cool events you’ve had, and how many baptisms, and how strong the giving is. I always felt uncomfortable in those conversations, but it was clear that those were the thing that “marked” a healthy church. So, when my friend asked me this question, I felt some anxiety coming up. After all, Bridge City hasn’t really hit those markers in a long time. We talked about how you all are craving teaching on a growing inner life, and how you’re sharing real and vulnerable aspects of your own life and struggles, and how you’re taking care of each other. We talked about how people are praying for each other, rather than depending on the “professional pray-ers” to do it, and how you’re sharing your food with each other every week. We talked about how you keep showing up, even when there’s no fancy-fully-staffed children’s ministry, or when we make you do weird things like sit in a circle. We talked about how this little church is so faithful in love, and presence, and even in giving. Hearing myself recount these stories, I felt grateful and proud. I think Bridge City--as a church--is healthier than it’s ever been. That’s weird to say. Would I enjoy having more people come? Sure--if they were people like you, people who actively desire to grow and care for each other. Would I like it if we had other ministries that we provided? Sure--if they were led and built in a sustainable way that didn’t feel like a leadership meat-grinder. What I mean is this: I believe that church is a collaborative gathering of people who are committed to following Jesus, and are committed to doing it together, a place where there is both safety and an intentionality around growth. I believe that church was never meant to be a show, or a performance, or a spiritual-programming-vending machine where people can pay their fee and get served. It’s taken me a long time to get clear on this, but I am now. Knowing what I know, I’m so thankful to be a part of this community, to be one of you, on this journey to a new kind of church where we can let go of the things that are distractions, and embrace the things that lead to new life.Thank you for showing up. For being honest. For asking for what you need. For desiring spiritual and emotional maturity. For praying for each other, and for bringing wonderful food for our meals, and for taking care of each other. Thank you for being willing to follow Jesus, even when the path is unclear or difficult. I am honored to be on this path with you. Anyway… here’s the news. EHS Nearing the end. Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — This week we’re wrapping up Chapter 7 of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This one is all about how emotional maturity impacts our relationships. If you’re reading along, finish chapter 7 this week. Summer Activities - Download and print out our summer activity plan. Put it on your fridge. The top part includes the Sunday activities that will either include worship or replace our worship gathering. The bottom section includes other fun activities you’ve asked for, but that need someone willing to help plan the event. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Are you coming to the Birthday Party for TJ & Christina? The first summer activity is coming up. On Sunday night, May 26th we are celebrating these two great people turning 40. They have both been such an important part of Bridge City for more than twenty years, so we’re taking our evening gathering time to join in the fun. All our regular Bridge City family are invited to join in with Christina and TJ’s family and friends. Chelsea’s band, Smut City Jellyroll Society, a period 20s & 30s jazz and swing band, will be performing, along with food and hanging out. Please RSVP at this link so we can plan. (To be clear - this means no gathering at the Bridge House that week.) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- Marc & Byron’s workshop is filling up fast. If you’re planning to come, make sure to sign up. We’d love to have you there. Details at the link.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Tacos & Taco Salad. Feel free to bring something to add to the list, and as always, we have Beef and Veggie hot-dogs if you or your kids prefer something else. Enchilada Soup - Jeff W. Tortilla Chips & Guacamole - Jerry H. Tortillas - Greg M. Ground Beef - Linda H. Shredded Chicken - Marcia M. Refried Beans - Mary S. Selection of Salsas - Marc S. Lettuce & Tomato - Cindy C. Shredded Cheese - Debbie D. Chopped Onions - Mary M. Mexican Hot Cocoa - Tatiana G Mexican Dessert - Tatiana G. See you on TONIGHT! ~M.

*** BRIDGE CITY THIS WEEK *** Hey there, friends! Quick thought. I was working on prep for my sermon this week and read again Jesus’ words in the Great Command. This guy asked Jesus, essentially, what religious practices matter most. Jesus answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets depend on these two commands." I am so thankful that Jesus tied the way we treat each other to our love for God. Here’s why: Loving the people around me is the most tangible way I can love God. It's the most tangible way I've received love from God. And when I am struggling, or uncertain, and faith seems abstract, loving the people around me is a very tangible and practical way to get my heart sorted. If you’re struggling today, or if God seems distant to you, here’s where to start: love the people around you. Care for them. Serve them. Bless them with life-giving words. Make them good food to eat. Sit and listen without judgement. Do something loving. That very act exercises the muscles of the soul. You might find your sense of God's presence changing as you focus on others. Summer Activities - Download and print out our summer activity plan. Put it on your fridge. The top part includes the Sunday activities that will either include worship or replace our worship gathering. The bottom section includes other fun activities you’ve asked for, but that need someone willing to help plan the event. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- Marc & Byron’s workshop is filling up fast. If you’re planning to come, make sure to sign up. We extended the $65 rate until Friday at 11:30 PM. It will be $95 at the door, so signing up now is really worth it. Details at the link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSxYgUsIAMfO1VWXCnM6IhvLdrBnBGxx/view?usp=sharing Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — This week we’re starting Chapter 7 of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This one is all about how emotional maturity impacts our relationships. This one is a big deal! If you’re reading along, start chapter 7 this week. Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Pizza!. The church is providing pizza. If you have specific preferences or dietary needs (GF, Dairy Free, Mushrooms will kill you, etc.) please reply back to this email so we can do our best to accommodate you! See you on Sunday! ~M.

*** This Week at Bridge City (Email) *** Good morning, Bridge City friends! Isn’t the weather today AMAZING! Woew. So much to love. I hope you’re getting to enjoy it--even if just through a window. Summer Activities - We’ve tallied the surveys and have our top list of favorite activities. The Worship Team is looking at the best weeks to slot some of these things in. We should have dates in the next few days. The next step is this: What happens at Bridge City happens because Bridge City people make it happen. That means we are looking for point people to plan or help plan the activities. Soon (Later this week, or early next week) we’ll send out the list of activities and the dates, and we’ll be asking for people to step up to help plan events. So think about when you are available and what you like to do. This summer is going to be fun! Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- If you are wanting to come to this workshop, now is the time to get registered. The cheapest pricing ends on Monday. Also, if you’re wanting to come, and the money isn’t in the budget, PLEASE let us know. We want you there. We have a couple volunteer roles and some scholarships. We will get you there. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-untangled-heart-workshop-tickets-59979715945?aff Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — We’re back on track with the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality series this week, finishing Chapter 6, focusing on the Rhythm of Sabbath. Should be interesting for all of us, regardless of our experience or opinion on the subject. If you’re reading along, finish the Chapter/Week 6 material for this Sunday. Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Spaghetti Feed. Below you’ll find the food sign-ups. If you want to bring something, please do. We also have both beef and veggie hot dogs for kids (or others) who would prefer them to what’s on the menu. Table Host - Teresa R. Spaghetti Noodles - Marc S. Pesto Sauce - Lisa N. Marinara Sauce (Veggie Friendly) - Marisa M. Meat Ragu - Shelley T. Grated Cheese - Mary S. Garlic Bread - Jerry H. Green Salad - Morrows. Left-over Bundt Cake for Dessert - Bridge City See you on Sunday! M.

*** Bridge City This Week *** Hey there, Bridge City friends! Here’s the scoop for this week. This week we are celebrating Easter together. Dinner’s going to be amazing, and the church is providing cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, so you don’t want to miss that! Summer Survey, Part 2 - We passed this out this past Sunday. If you DID NOT fill one out, please download this and fill it out. Either email your response to Marc or bring the completed form to church on Sunday. We will be making all our summer plans after this weekend, and we want your input. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sqzKNAedcaxlzOmz5I32rsDUMU8P8f-_ Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- Byron and I are collaborating to create this event that’s coming Saturday, June 1st. It will be a very practical and engaging way to invest in your emotional growth. Tickets are selling, and we really want all of you to be there if you can. Also know that we don’t want finances to be an issue for anyone from Bridge City, so if you would like to come and can’t afford it, let us know. We have a couple volunteer positions and a number of scholarships available. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sqzKNAedcaxlzOmz5I32rsDUMU8P8f-_ Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — We’re skipping the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality series this week as we celebrate Easter. We’ll be back to finishing up Chapter 6 (Daily Office & Sabbath) the following week. That gives you some time to catch up on your reading! Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Easter Dinner. Below you’ll find the food sign-ups. If you want to bring something, please do. We also have both beef and veggie hot dogs for kids (or others) who would prefer them to what’s on the menu. Table Host - Marc S Spiral Ham - Shelley & Byron K Veggie Ham - Marisa M Quadruple Bypass Potatoes - Marisa L Mashed Potatoes - Jeff W. Green Beans - Marcia M. Dinner Rolls - Greg M. Green Salad - Cindy C. Dessert - Nothing Bundt Cakes! - Bridge City Come a few minutes early so we can get started near 4:30PM! ~ M.

Thanks to Joyce for creating this fun activity for our kids.

*** Church Email *** Good morning, Bridge City friends! Great news! The radiator blow out at the church is finally fixed. That was stressful for a bit. It was deeply unsettling to come in and see a 15’ circle of soaked carpet in the sanctuary! Being owners of an old building, little maintenance issues like this are something we have to be prepared for. I gotta be honest it derailed me for a bit, since I didn’t know what exactly to do to solve it. So, thanks for your encouragement, and your prayers, and those of you who provided helpful connections and ideas! I’m glad that’s over! Here’s the scoop for this week and things upcoming: Summer Survey, Part 2 - This past week we circulated an initial survey to gather input from you for two things -- the direction of teaching for the rest of the year, and fun summer activities that we can do Sunday nights. We got some great ideas. Today (and this week) we’re circulating part 2 of the survey. This shows the collected great ideas, and gives you a chance to indicate which seem most interesting to you. There’s also an opportunity to raise your hand and say you’ll help plan one of the activities. Remember - as a small church what we do together is the fruit of all our contribution! We will pass this out at our gathering on Sunday night, but if you’d like a chance to look at it ahead of time and fill it out in an unrushed pace, then you can download it here. You can return it to me (Marc) Sunday night, or you can email it to me. Download Here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sqzKNAedcaxlzOmz5I32rsDUMU8P8f-_ Upcoming Workshop -- The Untangled Heart -- I am so excited to announce that Byron and I are doing our first collaboration outside of church. This is a very practical 1-day workshop that will focus on practical tools for understanding and navigating our emotions and the emotions of those around us. It’s going to be fun, and really helpful. We would **love** to have you there. Your support means the world to us, and we think you’ll find it helpful. There is a cost involved, but if the cost is outside your budget, we have two options. Because we want to invest in your health and growth, we’re providing some partial scholarships. If that would be helpful, let me know. Also, we will need a small number of volunteers to help us manage the logistical details of the day. If you’re willing to help with those tasks, let me know, and you can attend for free. We don’t want finances to be the obstacle to you coming! More info about the workshop here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sqzKNAedcaxlzOmz5I32rsDUMU8P8f-_ Sunday Discussion Topic & Homework — We’re continuing on in 6 of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality in our ongoing series, this time turning toward ways we can build a rhythm of connection with God into our lives. ** This is a great time to catch up if you've fallen behind, because we'll be in Chapter 6 for the next 3 weekends. If you’re reading along, continue the week 6 / session 6 material for this weekend. Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Breakfast for Dinner. Below you’ll find the food sign-ups. If you want to bring something, please do. We also have both beef and veggie hot dogs for kids (or others) who would prefer them to what’s on the menu. Table Host - Marc S Breakfast Quiche - Tim & Linda H. Egg Casserole - Cindy C. Biscuits & Gravy - Marisa M. Veggie Gravy - Marc S. Fruit - Kehlers Breakfast Dessert - Kehlers Donuts - Barbara T. Cold Cereal & Milk - Jeff W. Come a few minutes early so we can get started near 4:30PM!M. ~ Marc

Hey all, we're wanting your input on plans for this summer. We gathered some initial input this past week. We've put together a new survey (Part 2, if you already filled out the survey at church this week). We will pass this out at church this week, but if you'd like to print it out and do it at home, you won't have to be in a rush. We want your Input on teaching topics for the summer and fall, as well as your input on summer activities. Download here. You can fill it out and bring it to church, or email it to Marc. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sqzKNAedcaxlzOmz5I32rsDUMU8P8f-_/view?usp=sharing

Hey Bridge City friends, A quick update for tonight’s gathering. Folks to be praying for: Debbie D.(And her kids) - in the aftermath of her stepdad’s unexpected death. Check in on her if you have a moment. Greg & Marcia M. - Greg has been sick for a while, and that seems to have created a dangerous condition for his heart. We prayed for his health and for his family last week. Please keep them in prayer. Lillian M - Still struggling with motivation and depression. Pray for lightness of spirit and the ability to put one foot in front of the other. Sunday Discussion Topic — “Enlarge Your Soul through Grief and Loss.” Continuing our Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Series, this week (and next) we talk about the role of grief in our faith, and how to navigate it. If you’re reading along, start the week 5 / session 5 material for this weekend. Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Spring Picnic. Below you’ll find the food sign-ups. If you want to bring something, please do. We also have both beef and veggie hot dogs for kids (or others) who would prefer them to what’s on the menu. Table Host - Teresa R Pimento Cheese Finger Sandwiches - Linda H. Various Sandwich Breads - Teresa & Benjy R. Sliced Turkey & Cheese - Shelley T. Tomato, Onion, Ham, Swiss - Marc S. Egg Salad - Lillian M. Lettuce & Cucumbers - Tatiana G. Potato Chips - Jerry H. Fruit Skewers - Joyce H. Green Salad - Greg M. Mayo & Miracle Whip - Barbara T. Hotdog Buns, Potato Salad, Dessert - Bridge City See you at 4:30PM! ~M.

*** CHURCH EMAIL *** Hey Bridge City friends, Here’s a quick note to catch you up on our life together this week: Prayers for Debbie -- As you know, Debbie D.’s step-dad passed away about two weeks ago, at the same time that she was moving to a new place. It’s been massive upheaval and a big emotional disruption. Please keep her in prayer for guidance, comfort and peace — and her two kids, too. Supporting our Kids -- Three of our kids—Chloe A, Cheyanne L, and Emerson S—are all a part of the musical Peter Pan, produced by Christian Youth Theater, and staged out at the Sherwood Center for the Arts. The girls would be thrilled to have you come and see the show. It opens tonight at 7PM. There are two shows on Saturday, and then three more next weekend. Details & Tickets at www.CYTPV.org. Sunday Discussion Topic — We are continuing our Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Series. This week we talk about the experience of the wall, This is often confused with “backsliding,” or being “disconnected,” or being”off-track,” but it’s none of those things. If you’re reading along, this week you can start into Chapter 4 material. Sunday Dinner Plans. Theme: Mediterranean Haystacks. Below you’ll find the food sign-ups. If you want to bring something, please do. We also have both beef and veggie hot dogs for kids (or others) who would prefer them to what’s on the menu. • Table Host - Marc S • Felafel - Marc S. • Pita Chips & Diced onion & cucumber - Marisa M. • Hummus & Olives - Lilian M. • Tzatziki - Jerry H. • Spinach & Lettuce - Teresa R. • Feta & Meat - Shelley T • Dessert - Tatiana See you at 4:30PM! - M.

*** Bridge City This Week *** Hey Bridge City friends, Well…. Shoot… A hard week and I completely spaced my responsibility to get this reminder email out to all of you, and here we are at Sunday again. The good part of that is that I am looking forward to being with you tonight, and I even get to lead worship! So, I’m going to have fun -- and I hope you will, too. Here’s the scoop: Weather -- We had some unexpected snow in Milwaukie early this morning, but it’s above 40 degrees now, and everything is melted off. The weather forecast says it won’t freeze again until the early morning hours tomorrow, so I expect that driving will be safe. So, unless you live on the mountain, or in East Gresham, you’re probably good to make the trek in. We are on! Topic -- We are continuing our Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Series. We are picking up with the content that was planned for last week, since we made other arrangements last week, with the death of Debbie’s step dad. If you want to stay current with the material, then be working on the first half of the Week 3 (or Session 3) material in the three books. The topic for this week and next is “Going Back to Go Forward.” Dinner Plans. If you aren’t on the sign-up list and want to bring something, please do. And as always, we have both beef and veggie hot-dogs as an alternative for kids who aren’t up to the day’s menu. Table Host - Marc S As Yet Undetermined Casserole - Cindy C Soup & Bread - Greg & Marcia M. Salad - Marc S. Various Sides - Bridge City Dessert - Mary S. See you at 4:30PM! M.

Hey Bridge City Friends! Wow, what a surprise! Waking up to snow on the ground. In case you are wondering, we ARE going to be meeting tonight. Temperatures are already above freezing, and the weather forecast is for temps to warm and be well above freezing until early in the morning. So, I think driving will be safe. Looking forward to seeing you at 4:30PM

*** Weekly Email *** Hey Bridge City friends, Valentine’s Day? What? Is this even helpful? I mean… it’s a holiday invented by the Greeting Card company, and named after a Catholic saint who was beheaded by a Roman emperor for protecting and aiding Christians in a time of persecution. Nice guy… but not really romantic, right? Well… regardless I want to take this moment to tell you the truth: You are loved. You always have been. Beloved to the core of your being, by the One who made you and knows you completely. In this one present moment, you are enough and you are in Christ, and that means you are worthy. There is nothing you need to accomplish in order to establish this love. There is nothing you can do that will turn this love away. The adventure and purpose of this life is to discover this truth, and learn to live in it. And so, that’s my Valentine’s prayer for you: That you would be able to lean into your belovedness, where there is life without insecurity. Perfect love, after all, casts out fear -- and you are perfectly loved right now. So, let’s help each other live without fear. The Ministry Plan Prayer: We started this year with this challenge, and I want to repeat it for you. Part of living in your belovedness is watching for ways to pass that love on in the world. God is at work around you. So, pray every day “God, help me see what you’re up to and how I can join you.” And then trust the impulses that come. Call someone. Care for someone. Serve someone. Take a risk. See what happens. And then, when we gather each week, let us know how we can support you in what you’re doing. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Series. If you want to stay current with the material, then be working on the first half of the Week 3 (or Session 3) material in the three books. The topic for this week and next is “Going Back to Go Forward.” Dinner Plans. Theme: “Comfort Food!” If you aren’t on the sign-up list and want to bring something, please do. And as always, we have both beef and veggie hot-dogs as an alternative for kids who aren’t up to the day’s menu. Table Host - Marc S Traditional Shepherd’s Pie - Jeff W. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie - Michelle & TJ A. Zoupa Toscana Soup - Linda & Tim H. Big Green Salad - Teresa & Benji R. Some Kinda Casserole - Mary S. Fruit Salad - Cindy C. Various Breads - Marc & Christina S. See you on Sunday at 4:30PM! ~M.

Gathering Update - the weather looks good for tonight. Rain starting around 5pm, but temps well above freezing, so no risk of ice. So, that means we are on for our gathering tonight. 4:30 worship 5:30!dinner and discussion Tonight we have teriyaki and yakisoba for dinner. We hope to see you there.

Hey Bridge City Peeps — some of you have reached out to find out if we are canceling service for weather concerns tomorrow. We will be making the call at 10:30am tomorrow. (We have to know by 11am in order to reschedule our catering) Please text, call, or PM your input based on the roads where you live tomorrow morning by 10:30am.

*** Bridge City This Week *** Hey Bridge City friends, Here’s something new. For the first time in the history of Bridge City, we have a worship gathering that conflicts with the Super Bowl. Now, you know… for an avid sports-avoider like myself, that coincidence didn’t even cross my mind. But it turns out that this particular football game and the supporting social activities are a big deal for some folks! Who knew? So, we’re getting to do something that is the unique privilege of small churches. We’re canceling our single gathering in favor of many smaller gatherings. We’ve always said that the church isn’t the service or the building--it’s the people. Well, this week, the people will be gathering with friends and family all over town. So, if you’re a Super Bowl fan, throw a big party and enjoy with no conflicting priorities. If you aren’t, then make a point to do something fun with people you love. But I will ask you to do one thing. Ahead of your evening, pray the Ministry Prayer: “God, help me to see what you’re doing, and how I can join you in it.” Then think about all the evening as an opportunity to be like Jesus, loving people where they are. Blessings! See you back at the Bridge House next week. M.

Hey Bridge City friends, Wow… I hallucinated that I sent this email earlier in the week. Turns out I prepped it and never clicked send! Yikes. Well, we meet in about 4 hours, so here’s the scoop: The Ministry Plan Prayer: A new thing that we’re trying this year, is a commitment to look for opportunities to join Jesus in his work in the world. We’re encouraging each person to pray daily a simple prayer, something like this: “God, today help me be conscious of Your presence, and help me to see how I can join You in your work in the world around me.” Then just pay attention. If something comes to mind, a person or a need or an opportunity to serve presents itself, then simply check in with God on it, and if it aligns with your sense of the Spirit’s leading, just jump in and do it. Then, let us know so we can pray for you, and support you in it as appropriate. We’ll be bringing this up each week during prayer time, so if you have something to share, or something to ask us to join you in, come prepared to talk about it. Super Bowl Plans. Hey, here’s something new. This next Sunday night is the first time in the history of Bridge City that we a service that conflicts with the Super Bowl. We talked about it a bit last week, and we’ll talk about it again tonight. What shall we do? Shall we meet anyway, knowing that a significant number of us will be elsewhere? Shall we take the night off, giving everyone the freedom to do their own social activities, guilt free? Shall we do some kind of activity? Come with your ideas. Dinner Plans. Theme: “Soup Because Winter!” If you aren’t on the sign-up list and want to bring something, please do. And as always, we have both beef and veggie hot-dogs as an alternative for kids who aren’t up to the day’s menu. Table Host - Marc S Mexican Cheese Soup - Tim & Linda H. Potato Leek Soup - Joyce H. Palouse Soup - Lillian M. Green Salad - Greg M. Crusty Bread - Chelsea & Bob B. Cheese - Mary M. Dessert - Barbara T. See you in a few hours! M.

Thank you Sage for inspiring us to have an Indian food potluck! The girls made us some homemade naan!

J, O, Y, JOY!

How Great Thou Art!

Ready for some gospel celebration this morning? Come join us! Brunch at 10:15, service at 10:45! All are welcome!

Sneak peak of what's coming for Easter service! Polka Style!

Marisa M and Mickayla light the Joy candle.

Our Joy response...

Rehearsal!

Lighting the Joy candle, Part 2!

Lighting the Joy candle, part 1!

Talking about Hope.