Austin Roach Named New Youth Minister

August 2016
Austin Roach Named New
Youth Minister
Learn more about Austin and his passion for youth ministry on page 3
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We are the CH_RCH and U are needed to make it great!
It is time for an all-church clean up/work day.
We will meet at 8:00am on Saturday, August 27th.
Mark your calendars now because we need lots and lots
of help!
There will be jobs for all abilities – painting, mulching,
roofing, cleaning gutters, lighting, landscaping,
planting, shoveling, cleaning, pressure washing,
just to name a few. Lunch will be provided at noon.
Please let us know how you plan to help by signing
up for a team at the information center today!
For more information, contact Kevin Fraley.
Beginning A New Chapter
To the Elders and church family of Bridges Christian Church
The journey of faith is an adventure. Sometimes the journey allows us to get
comfortable and other times we are called to step out of that which is familiar and
head off down a new path. Karen and I have beenpraying about what God wants
to do in and through our lives. Now if you have ever prayed this prayer you know it
can be a challenging prayer because God might just direct you down a new path. If
you have never prayed this prayer let me encourage you to do so. Being stretched
by God might just be what you need.
God has revealed to us what the journey of faith is
to look like for us. I have accepted the call to become Director of Development at Kentucky Christian University and I resign as the Senior Pastor of
Bridges Christian Church. Our last Sunday at BCC will
be August 14th.
Karen and I will cherish the eight years we have had
the privilege of being part of the Bridges and family
and the lifelong friendships we have developed
while at Bridges. I ask that you keep the great staff
that is at Bridges in your prayers during this time
of transition and I also ask that you keep us in your
prayers as well. Be assured you will be in our prayers.
May you never lose sight of the purpose of the Church – to go out daily into your
world and share the message of Christ.
In Christian Love
Monty Cooper
Bridges Christian Church
1402 Kenwood Drive
Russell, Kentucky 41169
Phone.........................................836-8944
Fax............................................... 834-3122
Counseling Office.................836-5506
Day Care/Preschool ............836-1285
www.bridgeschristianchurch.org
Follow Bridges on Twitter @BridgesCC
Sunday
Sunday School...............................9am
Worship Services........ 10 & 11:30am
Kid’s Worship................ 10 & 11:30am
Classes for Preschool...9, 10, & 11:30am
Partners In Ministry
Monty Cooper
Lead/Teaching Pastor
mcooper@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Jamie Coates
Minister of Worship & Arts
jcoates@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Mark McKinney
Pastor of Education & Development
mmckinney@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Kevin Fraley
Sports & Missional Life Pastor
kfraley@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Austin Roach
Youth Pastor
aroach@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Building Improvements
Update
by Chuck Harper, Church Treasurer
​Last fall we announced the beginning of some much-needed improvements to our
facilities here at Bridges, and a number of projects have been completed. We have
replaced the roof on the Worship Center, we have corrected some serious drainage
issues on and under our parking lot, we have replaced the sound system in the Worship Center, and we are planning in the next few weeks to replace the carpet in and
around the Worship Center.
So far we have spent $172,723.48 for repairs and improvements and anticipate
paying about another $35,000.00 for the remainder of the carpet installation cost.
The leadership obtained a line of credit to help pay for these improvements, and
so far, with your generous support, we have been able to pay off $48,600.00 of the
loan. We appreciate how so many of you have given above and beyond your regular
giving and thank you for your faithfulness to God’s kingdom and this community of
believers.
Brent Fowler
Minister of Media & Technology
bfowler@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Josh Tinkler
Children’s Pastor
jtinkler@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Kathy Bennett
Minister of Pre School and Families
kbennett@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Karen Cross
Administrative Assistant
kcross@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Jennifer Sizemore
Administrative/Financial Assistant
jsizemore@bridgeschristianchurch.org
Allison York
Director, Little Angels Daycare
littleangels1402@gmail.com
Meet Our New
Youth Minister
Hello, Bridges! My name is Austin Roach and I am happy
to introduce myself as the new Youth Minister. Before I
meet you all in person, I want to briefly introduce myself
in this article.
First and foremost, I am excited to be moving into the
Russell community to partner with Bridges in ministry!
Youth and Family Ministry is my passion and I am excited to start building relationships with everyone. I have
already been contacted and welcomed by staff, elders
and many members of Bridges, which has encouraged
me as I make this transition. I am excited to be making
my new home in Russell and ready to see what God will
do in the years to come!
My Upbringing
I​ am 21 years old, currently living in Pittsylvania County,
Virginia, where I was born and raised. I grew up in an amazing family who raised me in the Lord and in the church. I
was homeschooled until I went to college, but don’t worry,
I promise I am normal (at least that’s what people tell me). I
played baseball for eight years and would rather play a sport
than watch it on TV. I grew up in the country, so I love anything outdoors, such as: hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking
and hiking.
ship with Christ. At camp I interacted with different age
groups as a junior counselor and eventually received my
calling into Youth Ministry.
The Next Step
My Youth Minister invested in me, challenging and mentoring me in the faith and in the calling I had received.
Through him, I was able to mature in Christ and see a
transformation in my life. He was able to mentor me
until I moved to Kentucky Christian University, where
I studied Youth and Family Ministry. It was there that I
grew in my ministry and matured spiritually.
I also enjoy wood burning and working on my Mustang
GT. My favorite passage is Romans 8:35-39. Above all, I love
working with youth and watching God at work in their lives.
Seeing Christ transform people has been an incredible experience for me and it is why I love Youth Ministry.
What Lies Ahead
My ambitions for the Youth at Bridges is for them to exMy Mentors
perience what I have in past years: the people who love
God has placed different people in my life over the years that you in truth, who challenge you in faith and in ministry,
have challenged me in more ways than one. I was fortunate and who are dedicated to discipleship and maturing
to have been raised in a great home with loving parents
inChrist. As a minister I want to equip students so they
and grandparents, who raised me in the Lord. Both of my
may respond to the surrounding culture in a Christ-like
parents have been spiritual leaders to my family and in 2004 manner. I want to help students put Christ’s teachings
my father baptized me. I have also been blessed with great
into action, so the church is able to make an impact and
friends who have played a significant role in my spiritual
transform the surrounding community.
growth over the years. Friends that I am still close to today
influenced my life by exemplifying Christ and sacrificing
I would also like to equip adult leaders and parents furtheir time when I was younger. Because of them the directher, so they are able to exemplify the Kingdom’s lifestyle
tion of my life changed.
and partner with me in discipleship. I hope to implement these practices in the most effective way possible
I was also highly involved in church camp growing up, which so the Kingdom of God may grow and so Christ may be
strengthened my understanding of God and my relationglorified in what we do.
B E T H M Ministry
OORE
Women’s
Happenings
The women’s Ministry team would like to invite you to the
following events!
Coffee and Craft Café
Come join us for coffee and a craft on the 2nd Saturday of the
month starting at 9:00 ending at 5:00. We will have a time of
fellowship and devotions along with a provided craft. If you
are not crafty that is not a requirement. If you have a craft you
are invited to bring it and stay as long as you can.
Soup and Salad Supper
October 13-6:00 pm everyone is ask to bring a Soup or a Saladplease watch for further details to come.
Ornament
Exchange
December 1 • 6:30 • Cost $5.00
Lifegroups Begin September 11
Our Fall LIFEGROUPS (Small Group Bible Studies) will kick off
on September 11th. Most will meet in homes, a few meet at the
church building. They meet from 6 - 7:30 pm. Childcare/programming is provided at the church.
Life Is Best Done TOGETHER...
If you were not in a group last Fall and wish to join one, there
will be SIGN-UPS at the Church on Sundays, August 28th and
September 4th. LIFEGROUPS are a great way to build meaningful relationships with other believer while studying God's Word
together.
NEEDED: New Group Leaders/Facilitators and Host Homes. If
you would be willing to lead a LIFEGROUP or host a group in
your home, please contact Mark McKinney (606-547-8615, or
mmckinney@bridgeschristianchurch.org), or call the Church
office (606-836-8944).
...Circles are Better Than Rows
Upward Flag Football
& Cheerleading
• Registration is NOW OPEN
• Age 4 through 6th Grade
• Registration cost is only $45
• Register online at
www.bridgeschristianchurch.org
• Evaluation dates:
Thursday, August 11th - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15th, - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
•Practices begin August 22nd
Medical Missions Trip
We will be taking a medical mission team to Honduras and working with Lifeline Christian Mission.
We will have room for 24 people.
We are in need of Medical, Dental,
Optometry, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Lab, Support Staff, etc.
March 3 - 10, 2017
The cost for the trip is $1,875 which
covers, air, lodging, meals and
ground transportation. We will be
having a meeting in the near future
for those who are interested in going. We will need names and $1,000
deposit in mid-October. If you have
any questions please see Kevin
Fraley.
SAVE THE DATE
OCT. 14
Are "boundaries" biblical? This is a question I hear often during our Boundaries class offered twice a year at the Evergreen
Center. According to Scripture, the answer is a resounding
YES! Spiritually defined, boundaries are simply "property
lines" around our own feelings, attitudes, and behaviors in
order to keep the good in and the bad out. Proverbs 4:23
instructs us to "Guard our hearts ABOVE ALL ELSE, for from it
flows the wellspring of life." What a perfect Boundaries scripture! Biblical boundaries teach us it is not "un-Christ-like" to
set boundaries; it is not "un-Christian" to say "no". God wants
us to set limits, because He does too! A clear description of
biblical boundaries is found in Galatians 6:2-7 when Paul tells
us that "everyone must carry their own load" and reminds us
we cannot escape God's law of reaping and sowing.
Please consider joining us for the next session of Boundaries, beginning September 14 at 6:30 PM at the Evergreen
Center; it will change your life! Childcare will be available.
Also, keep in mind the other ministries offered at the Evergreen Center: Griefshare and Divorcecare counseling are
available upon request; The Comfort Zone meets every
second and fourth Monday of each month and offers a safe
environment for those over 50 who find themselves alone to
socialize with like-minded believers.
Jesus
Prom
Summer in Review
We have had a busy summer in the Preschool Department.
Here are some pictures of our activities.
Helping Others in Need
In May, we gathered food to help our friends. We studied the
first church in Acts and learned how they helped each other
whenever someone needed food or clothes. This picture
shows what our preschool children brought to share.
Highlands Museum
In July, our Preschool Family night was held at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. Forty-five family
members had a great time playing together and getting
to know each other.
Movin’ Up
Our Kindergarten
students moved up
to Jr. Church the first
Sunday in June. Before they left, they
received their own
Bible. The New International Readers
Version is written on
a 3rd grade reading
level, allowing them
to be able to read
some of it as they enter 1st grade.
The children look forward to getting their Bibles every year.
Water Party
We partnered with the elementary kids for a water party in
June. It was a really hot day, so the water was wonderful.
Learning About Creation
During June and July, we learned about the 7
days of Creation in Genesis. We made a train
to show what was created each day. Here is
Avery showing her train car that shows that
God made the sun, moon, and stars.
Each Wednesday in June
and July, we met at a local
park for a picnic lunch and
play time.
Joy Singers
Summer is coming to an end, but don’t think the fun
is over! In addition to our Sunday morning programs,
Sunday nights will begin in September. Our preschool
choir will start singing and praising on Sunday nights
while parents are involved in small groups around the
community. This choir is for children from age 2-Kindergarten. Child care will be provided for any children under
the age of 2. Joy Singers runs from 6:00-7:30 each Sunday
evening. The children will present their songs before the
Kings Kids Program at the end of each semester. Come
and join the fun!
Statistics
June 5, 2016
Morning Worship ...................690
Sunday School ........................119
General Fund...................$20,467
Building UpGrade
Fund ........................ $ 373.00
Building UpGrade
Fund YTD ....................$32,182
June 12, 2016
Morning Worship ...................783
Sunday School ........................155
General Fund...................$24,377
Building UpGrade
Fund ................................. $ 225
Building UpGrade
Fund YTD ....................$32,407
June 19, 2016
Morning Worship ...................739
Sunday School ........................110
General Fund...................$19,465
Building UpGrade
Fund .......................... $ 300
Building UpGrade
Fund YTD ....................$32,707
June 26, 2016
Morning Worship ...................660
Sunday School ........................121
General Fund...................$15,626
Building UpGrade
Fund .............................. $ 100
Building UpGrade
Fund YTD ....................$32,807
July 3, 2016
Morning Worship ...................748
Sunday School ........................117
General Fund...................$30,773
Building UpGrade
Fund ................................$1,263
Building UpGrade
Fund YTD ....................$34,070
Remaining
Faithful In
Our Giving
Our 2016 weekly
budget is $23,820
When you hear the word servant, what do you think of first? Most likely, it will be how
you are served. Rarely do we see “servant” as Jesus did in Matthew 20:28, “I have come
to serve not be served”. Is it that we get accustomed to having things done for us or are
we spoiled? The answer has to come from deep within us. Doing things with and for
people has lasting impacts on ones we may never know this side of Heaven.
Watching you give of yourselves during Winshape was incredible. You smiled as you
worked with the kids and made getting up at 6:00 am seem like a breeze. How about
Sandy Hatfield who forgot she had face painted and went bopping through Kroger
receiving the strangest looks. The food you brought to feed the Winshape crew made
their night. I loved hearing them saying “oh, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Casserole,
Cornwall Bread!” It meant a
lot that you took the time to
prepare a home cooked meal
for them.
We grow closer to our Lord
when we mirror how He gave
of Himself. There are many
opportunities throughout
the year to be servants. We
need workers at the Upward
Games in the concession
stand. Working two hours
twice a season helps so very
much. Jesus did what many
people find way below their
comfort zone as He drew
water, wrapped a towel
around His waist and washed
the feet of His disciples.
Yet, we still comment on
how this showed incredible
love. We are all called to this
same type of love. Washing
Decisions
someone's feet may never be
required of us, but we are still
Baptized:
called to show the kindness
Marlee Coburn (5/1)
of Jesus to each person we meet. Love God, Love People. Pretty plain and simple.
Makenzie Tinkler (5/1)
Hannah Blaine (5/8)
Decisions
Thank you for serving,. If you have been reluctant to serve, start today. The rewards are
Lindsey Seaton (5/8)
out of this world. See you Sunday, John
Noah James Miller (5/15)
Baptized:
Brooklyn Paige Sizemore (5/22)
Marlee Coburn (5/1)
Kyle James Johnson (5/22)
Makenzie Tinkler (5/1)
Brody Stump (5/29)
Decisions
Hannah Blaine (5/8)
Jackson Adkins (6/5)
Lindsey Seaton (5/8)
Maggie Wehrle (6/12)
Baptized:
Noah James Miller (5/15)
Will Angus (7/3)
Marlee Coburn (5/1)
Brooklyn Paige Sizemore (5/22)
Makenzie Tinkler (5/1)
Kyle James Johnson (5/22)
Placed Membership:
Hannah Blaine (5/8)
Brody Stump (5/29)
Paula Caudill (4/24)
Lindsey Seaton (5/8)
Jackson Adkins (6/5)
Noah James Miller (5/15)
Maggie Wehrle (6/12)
Brooklyn Paige Sizemore (5/22)
Will Angus (7/3)
Kyle James Johnson (5/22)
Brody Stump (5/29)
Placed Membership:
Decisions