Join us on Tues., Dec. 24, at 5:00pm for our annual Christmas Eve Service. Come light candles, sing familiar carols, read the Christmas story, and hear a message from Pastor Dan. All are welcome, and childcare will be available for ages 0-3 in the nursery.

THIS WEEK'S MESSAGE

Love is harder than we think. Of course we love our family, our friends, and those who treat us well. We love nice people. But Jesus says everybody naturally does that anyway (Matt. 5:47). That’s not hard. People love people who love them. 

The real question is, will we also love those who harm us? Will we keep on loving even when it means bearing burdens we would rather not be bothered with? Will we love when the people we love do not love us in return? Will we love those who are unlovely, undeserving, or ungrateful?

Loving others is challenging. God does not make it easy, but He does make it possible. And He shows us how it’s done. 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Adult singles are invited to the Anew Life Group, which meets one Saturday each month from 5:30-8:00pm at Bridges. Through examining the Bible, sharing of testimonies, and small group discussions, we grow our faith in Christ and learn to apply Biblical principles to our daily lives.

Join Los Altos Christian School on Fri., Dec. 20, at 9:00am in the Worship Center for "A Quizzical Christmas", a special TK - 8th grade musical presentation with additional selections by the LACS Choir. This lively musical brings holiday cheer to the stage as characters navigate a fun and puzzling Christmas journey. Filled with catchy songs, playful humor, and heartwarming moments, it’s a joyful celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for the whole family. All are invited!

All ages are welcome to a special family-friendly worship service on Sun., Dec. 29, at 10:45am. That morning there will be no Sunday school classes for children or youth service. The nursery will be open to ages 0-3 from 10:30am until the end of the worship service.

In order to comply with IRS regulations for 2024 contributions, please observe that all gifts (including stock, checks, and online gifts through InFellowship) must be received at Bridges before midnight on Dec. 31 in order to be receipted in 2024. If mailed, they must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2024. Checks with a December date received in the January Sunday offerings will be receipted in 2025.

One of our favorite ways to begin a new year is with our annual all-church 40-day focus. On January 5, we'll begin "Use It Well—Stewarding God's Many Gifts." From our Children's and Student Ministries to our adult groups, everyone will be exploring this relevant topic together. This is a great opportunity to join a Life Group if you haven't yet! Every year we hear about the amazing discussions that come out of the focus, and we welcome you to find a group that fits you.

RSVP today for our next Membership Intro Meeting, "It’s Not For You (It’s for the Community)", on Sun., Jan. 12, at 12:15pm, and hear about the meaning of membership at Bridges! Lunch will be provided and childcare is available, but you must RSVP via the button below by January 8. Questions? Email liliya@bridges.church.

Our Women's Ministries are looking for ladies who are active members of Bridges and would like to coordinate a women's activity (such as a Bible study, hiking, biking, craft day, tea, etc.). We want to help your idea come to life! For details on setting up one of these grassroots activities, email bccsisters@bridges.church.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Donate new or gently used coats to help local homeless people! Drop off donations in the barrels by the gym between Dec. 2 and 13. This coat drive has been organized by LACS and supports the work of MUCH Hope, as they serve the large homeless population in our area by providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Partner with MUCH Hope to host a Christmas dinner party at the San Jose Family shelter on Fri., Dec. 20. From food and games to gifts and crafts, we’ll work together to create a special celebration. Sign up via the button below to donate gifts for kids at the shelter, make scarves or assemble gift bags on Dec. 18, provide supplies for the party at the shelter, donate part of the meal, prep food at Bridges, or serve the meal at the shelter. Questions? Contact Sujana Panthulu: sujana.panthulu@gmail.com or 971-533-5744.

Join our upcoming mission trip to Baja, Mexico, Jan. 16-20! We will work once again with Baja Christian Ministries to build one or more houses and conduct outreach events in the Rosarito-Tecate area. Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age to participate in the trip. For more details, email Pastor Steve Durand: steve@bridges.church.

To donate to the Baja Mission Trip, click HERE and select “Short-Term Missions Trips” from the drop-down menu, and then choose “Baja.” To help cover the expenses for a particular person who is going on the trip, please email steve@bridges.church and let him know who the donation is for.

In partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation and several other local churches, Bridges is excited to host Night to Shine for another year! Mark your calendar on Fri., Feb. 7, 2025! This prom-style event is an unforgettable worldwide celebration, centered on God's love, honoring and valuing people with special needs. To make this beautiful night happen, we need over 500 volunteers to fill many roles, including buddies for our honored guests, help supporting parents in the parent room, parking and safety teams, decorations, hair stylists, makeup artists, shoe shiners, set up, clean up, and more. Click the buttons below to volunteer!

Have you been looking for ways to serve with other dedicated people? Bridges’ Deaconess and Deacon Boards are expanding their impact in supporting the Bridges family in ways both seen and behind the scenes. Whether you’d like to send an encouraging note, visit someone in the hospital, give a ride, or something else that excites you, only sign up when you are available and in areas where you want to contribute. For details, contact Board Chairs Sujana Panthulu (sujana.panthulu@gmail.com) or Tom Hansen (twhansen@yahoo.com).

Serve in the Children's Ministry and join the team of people pouring into the children of Bridges in our nursery, preschool, and elementary classes! For more info, contact one of our ministry leaders below:

   Nursery - Liliya Gor (liliya@bridges.church)

   Preschool - Kathy Spillar (kathy@brides.church)

   Elementary - Alba Kellejian (alba@bridges.church)

We’d love for each person to find a place to use their God-given gifts within our Bridges family. Prayerfully consider how God would like you to serve, and then fill out our online form. Thank you for helping build our church!

STAY CONNECTED

Do you have a question about this week's sermon? We want to hear it! To see our pastors answer past sermon questions, click HERE.

Our Bridges family prays together three different times each week: twice on Wednesday via Zoom, and once on Sunday mornings before our worship service. We'd love to have you join us.

Additionally, every Friday morning during the school year, a group gathers at 8:35am at Los Altos Christian School to pray for students, staff, and families. The school relies deeply on prayer and seeks God’s guidance and wisdom in all that they do, and they invite the Bridges family to join as they unite in faith and lift up the LACS community. Questions? Contact LACSprayer@lacs.com.

Need help picking up groceries, setting up tech tools or equipment, running errands, etc.? We have a team of people who are ready and willing to help. If you're able and willing to help others, join our team!

These are our current year-to-date giving figures: Actual is $496,876; budgeted is $474,000; surplus is $22,876. These figures reflect contributions for the church year, which runs Sept. 1 - Aug. 31.

625 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024

650 948 5698

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