Connect

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35

A healthy church is one where there is love. Love is the indicator that disciples, followers of Jesus, are being made and are living out the teachings of Jesus.

A healthy church is built on healthy relationships, first with God, but also with one another. Love is the only true “glue” that holds it all together. Love is the source.

Love is made real in many ways. It’s a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a prayer in the moment, a shared experience, a phone call, text or a meal together. It’s being there in the hard times; celebrating in the victories. It’s a smile upon arrival. It’s sharing the Word and worshipping together, side by side. It’s thinking the best of each other. A word of kindness. Checking in on each other. Holding each other accountable. It’s walking together, together with Jesus.

Love has to start somewhere. Perhaps, It starts with simply getting to know each other. Putting a face with a name. Saying, “I don’t think we’ve met. My name is…”

This summer we want to continue to grow in our love for one another, to grow deeper in what is called “fellowship” in the Bible, a true community built around relationships.

That’s what the Connect Events are all about, just showing up and spending time together. Saying “Hello, what’s your story?”

One Service in July  

It’s also why in July we will have 1 service at 10am – to get everyone in the room together, to worship together and to be together, to better know each other and walk with Jesus together – to allow love to grow.  We have two services now to give an option and to ensure our volunteers can attend a service. But for one month, we like to change things up and give everyone a chance to see everyone else and get to know who Bridges is.  This year, there are 5 Sundays in July. 5 opportunities to say, “Hello, my name is… I don’t think I know you yet.”  This is how a church is built, one hello at a time, one new relationship started, one more opportunity to love another. It starts small and grows from there. 

So starting July 2, look for 1 service at 10am and look to continue to help build a church that loves one another.