Brothers & Sisters, 

As we finalize our grocery shopping lists for Thanksgiving meals, I would like to get an early start and express my gratitude for just a few of the ways God has breathed new life into in our congregation over the last 12 months.

· In 2023 from January through the third Sunday of November our average total weekly worship attendance (in two services) was 226 (onsite) and 136 (online). In 2024 from January through the third Sunday of November our average total weekly worship attendance (in three services) was 326 (onsite) and 151 (online). 

Those numbers represent 100 more people coming each week to worship the risen Jesus through singing, praying, teaching, baptizing, eating and fellowshipping together! And across that same time people we have welcomed 70 new #allin members into our church family - bringing our total membership to 530!

· Additionally, in September and October, we had 199 adults participating in Practicing the Way small groups throughout our community. This was approximately 90 more participants than we have had in previous church-wide studies!

· In August we broke ground on Phase 1a, our permanent church home!

· Just this past Sunday, we celebrated the ordination of Pastor Jessica Lane, who first joined as a member in early 2018. Over the past six years she completed her graduate degree, met all other ordination requirements as required by our church, and underwent a final interview before nine members, including two pastors from other local congregations. This was a significant milestone for Pastor Jessica and our congregation, one we were happy to share with our friends at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church!

There are MANY other signs of God’s Spirit in our church in Bridge Kids, Bridge Students, Missions, our financial health and BG’s - thanks be to God!

Now, we look to 2025 and imagine the ways God will grow us spiritually and numerically. I urge you to pray about your #allin2025 commitment of your Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service & Witness and make it before or on Celebration Sunday, November 24th. Our service will include special music prepared by our Celebration Choir!

As you and I get involved in ministry for the next 12 months, I believe God will breathe new life into us too. With God, our best days are ahead!

Gratefully,

Pastor Nathan

On Sunday, November 17 we joined with Vestavia Hills Methodist Church for a Celebration of Ordination service. After 9 years in total ministry and 3 as a provisional elder, Pastor Jessica Lane was ordained a full elder in our congregation, while Pastors Scott Barnes and Connor King were ordained elders in VHMC. George Foozer, Chair of our Church Council, joined in the laying on of hands during the prayer of consecration, representing our congregation. Hundreds of members from both congregations sang, prayed and celebrated the occasion. We thank God for this significant milestone for Pastor Jessica and our congregation!

Pastor Jessica shares the following:



Friends, 

Over these past few months, your constant words of encouragement have carried me through the finish line of nine challenging years of the Ordination Candidacy process. You have nourished me and my family so well with intercessory prayer, challenging new ministry goals, Christ-centered community, laughter and love. I was absolutely blown away by our church family’s presence at the Service of Ordination this past Sunday evening! Each and every expression of joy, celebration, hope for what’s next and acknowledgement of God’s redeeming faithfulness was sincerely delivered with exuberance by YOU, and joyfully received in humility by ME! Thank you, from the top of my shiny new stole, to the bottom of my dusty hiking boots. I look forward to serving alongside you for many, many years to come, as each of us and all of us lean into God’s beautiful vision for Church at Ross Bridge!

Your Grateful Associate Pastor,

+ Reverend Jessica Rose Lane

Our monthly mission focus for November is our Ministry Partner Church, Allen Temple AME Church in the Bessemer Community. Each week during Holy Communion, you may leave a gift to at our altar rail to support the various local outreach events made possible through this partnership .

2nd Annual Bridge Kids

Friendship Feast

For: All Bridge Kids and Volunteers!

Date: This Wednesday, November 20th

Time: 6:00-7:15PM (PLEASE NOTICE TIME CHANGE)

Children will enjoy a wonderful meal with their friends and leaders!

Please make sure to sign in your child on Wednesday night!

BRIDGE STUDENTS

November 24 & December 1

There will be no Bridge Students on November 24th and December 1st. Be safe during Thanksgiving break!

Movie Night/Study Hall · December 8

On December 8 Bridge Students will be having a special night to kick off the holiday season!

Bridge Students will be watching a Christmas movie in the sanctuary. We will be eating yummy food and hanging out in our favorite Christmas pajamas!

If your student has homework to do, NO PROBLEM!!!!!! We will be opening up the Bridge Students room for all students who will need to study for finals, or need to make up on bonus work at the end of the semester!

Any questions or concerns please email our Director of Bridge Students at lawson@rossbridge.church

Christmas Party · December 15!

It's that time of year again! Bridge Students will have their annual Christmas party!

The Christmas Party will feature many games, food, a bonfire, an ugly sweater competition so come prepared, and a dirty Santa game! For dirty Santa we ask you spend a maximum of $40 and there will be no minimum.

Plan on joining us this year? Please Click this link! The lovely Garner family will be hosting the youth group at their house again this year! We want to be good guests and provide a headcount accurate as possible for the food they will prepare! Please Register on this form by December the 8th!!!

If your student will be needing a ride to the Garners House please click this link to sign up for the Bus! Only available to the first 24 students!

Email lawson@rossbridge.church for any questions or concerns!

Please direct any questions and concerns you may have to Lawson at: lawson@rossbridge.church

Ministry Engagement

Our TAKE A HIKE Women's Outdoor Adventure Ministry has had a spectacular Autumn season of events. Please join us for our next hike along the Shades Creek Greenway, across the street from Samford University on Saturday, December 7th, at 10:00 AM. Get all the details HERE, and BRING A FRIEND!