Brothers & Sisters,

Join us for "The Jesse Tree", our Advent worship series. Salvation history reaches its culmination in Jesus, but it was God’s plan from the beginning and woven into each chapter of Israel’s story. Each Sunday leading to Christmas Eve, we will explore a different character or story in the Old Testament that reveals our need for the unique solution Jesus provides - and the practical implications for our lives today.

As you can see below, there are MANY opportunities to get connected and experience God's grace this Advent — I invite you to make the most of it!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Nathan

God's mission for our church for the coming year includes every member prepared to make the greatest ministry impact possible. If you haven't taken the two steps below we hope you will this week!

1. Identify Your Gifts

<<<<<<CLICK TO COMPLETE

Complete the Spiritual Gifts + Inventory. This will help you identify the unique ways God has equipped you to serve and lead.

2. Commit to Impact

CLICK TO COMPLETE >>>>>>

After you receive your results, complete our #allin2026 Commitment Form. Use this form to indicate the specific ways you commit to BELONG, BELIEVE, & BECOME in the coming year.

We are trusting God to finish 2025 in a strong financial position. Thank you for your generous support!

Our construction finance team is pleased to report that we are currently on schedule with construction, on budget with our costs, and on track with our giving—praise be to God! Thank you for your continued generosity and investment in this important initiative.

<<< This report shows soft/hard project costs and reflect your generous giving through November 2025.

Scan the code to get a preview of Sunday worship music to prepare your heart for the presence of God when we gather together - updated weekly!

December Mission Focus: Embrace Alabama Kids

This month, we are focusing our mission efforts on supporting Embrace Alabama Kids - Providing Homes, Healing, and Hope. We are honored to support EAK as they embrace and nurture vulnerable children and families. Through their vital programs, EAK provides the foundation for brighter futures.

You can support our December Mission Focus online by selecting "Missions" or by leaving a cash or check on our altar rail during worship each Sunday this month - thank you for the impact your make outside our walls!

"Sights & Sounds of Bethlehem"

Bridge Kids Christmas Party

We invite all children in Kindergarten through 5th grade to our "Sights & Sounds of Bethlehem" Christmas party. Children will explore the sights and sounds of the Nativity story as they travel through various interactive stations.

Event Details

• Wednesday, December 10th
• 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
• For Kids in K–5th Grades

Costume Information

Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Christmas story character! Suggestions include: Mary or Joseph, an angel, a shepherd, a wise man (or woman), a star, a donkey sheep.

Please plan for your child to join us for this special evening as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Camp: Journey to the Manger

Give your children a fun day while you finish Christmas shopping with our Bridge Kids Christmas Camp! Children will enjoy a day filled with crafts, games, stories & activities centered around the Nativity as they take a "Journey To The Manger."

Camp Details

• Monday, December 22nd
• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• For Kids in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade (K–3rd)
• Cost: $35 per student

Registration Is Now Open: Register Here!

Please be aware that space is extremely limited for this event with only 20 spots available!

Alabama vs. Arizona Basketball Game Night

Bridge Students are invited to an exciting night of college basketball as we head to the CM Newton Classic to watch the Alabama Crimson Tide take on the Arizona Wildcats!

This is a great opportunity for students to experience a high-energy game together. We have 20 spots available for this event. Registration is first-come, first-serve!

Register Online Here

Event Details

• Alabama vs. Arizona Men's Basketball Game
• Saturday, December 13th
• Game Time: 8:30 PM
• Location: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, Birmingham, AL
• Cost: $35 per person (Includes lower-level seating & ride on church bus.)

Transportation & Schedule

Meet at the Church Parking Lot at 7:00 PM to board the bus. The game will start at 8:30. We anticipate returning to the church around 11:00 PM.

Christmas Party December 21st

Bridge Students are invited to celebrate the holiday season with food, fellowship, and a festive game of Dirty Santa! Join us for an evening of Christmas fun as we reflect on the true meaning of the season and enjoy the season together.

Event Details

• When: Sunday, December 21st
• 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: 678 County Road 1, Bessemer, AL 35022

Dirty Santa Gift Exchange

All students are invited to participate in our optional Dirty Santa gift exchange! Keep it fun, safe, and appropriate for the group. Please follow the guidelines below:

• Gift Limit: Please bring one wrapped gift with a maximum value of $50.
• Important Rule: Your gift must not be a live animal (yes, we’ve had fish before!)

Thrive Discovery Weekend With Vestavia

Join us February 6-8 for Discovery 2026! This is a “retreat” at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church lead by high school students, complete with games, worship, student-led messages, small groups & all sorts of fun surprises!

We will meet at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning.  Parents will be responsible for transportation to and from Vestavia each day.

Please fill this form for EACH of your students attending Discovery Weekend (i.e. If you have 3 kids, you will complete this form 3 different times).

A confirmation email will be sent to you after you click "Submit."

Register Here!

The cost for Discovery weekend is $150. This cost includes all meals, a t-shirt & extra swag throughout the weekend. Registration closes on January 23rd. After this date, late registration MAY be permitted, but shirts & swag are not guaranteed.

Sunday Night Meals: Sponsor a Meal!

As our Bridge Students ministry continues to grow, we are implementing a new strategy for our Sunday night meals to better serve our students and their families. This year, we are inviting families to help by contributing to the cost of the meals!

Instead of preparing a meal, we ask for a financial donation of $100 to $200 to help cover the cost of food we order ahead of time. Your primary role as a volunteer will be to pick up and serve the meal to the students. 

Lawson, will coordinate with you and provide all the necessary details, including the restaurant location and pickup time. Please feel free to partner with another family to split the responsibilities and the donation.

Donate Here!

Take A Hike: Dunnavant Valley Greenway 12/5

Join us for a beautiful morning of fellowship & nature as we hike at Dunnavant Valley Greenway! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other women from the community, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and get some exercise. The hike takes place on Friday, December 5th at 10:00 AM. All women are welcome. For meeting details and to let us know you are coming, register online using the link below. Lace up your boots and let's "Take a Hike" together! We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, December 5th · 10a

Click Here to Register!

BG's Annual Christmas Lunch 🎄

Join the BG's Annual Christmas Lunch for a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration! This special event will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the James Hill Clubhouse. The cost to attend is $10 per person, and the lunch will feature Delores Hydock, Birmingham's beloved story teller. Please be sure to register below by December 7th to secure your spot.

Tuesday, December 9th · 11a

Click Here to Register!

🎄 Ignite Men's Christmas Lunch

Join the Ignite Men's Christmas lunch at Speedy's Mexican Restaurant (275 Forest Road, Hueytown)

As we did last year, we will "pass the hat" for a special Christmas gift for Speedy's employees!

Tuesday, December 16th · Depart from CARB at 11a

"Clothed With Strength and Dignity"

2026 Women's Conference: Save The Date

Ladies, go ahead and mark your calendar now to join us for a day of powerful testimonies that attest to the faithfulness of God. Our speakers, our worship, our small group discussions and our Christ-centered community will remind us that each of us is "Clothed with Strength and Dignity" (Proverbs 31:25a).

Save the Date for now, online registrations open up in January!

• Date: Saturday, February 21st, 2026
• Time: 9:00a to 2:00p



We look forward to sharing this special day with you!

More information on registration & speakers will be available soon.