NEW TO THE BRIDGE?
We know going to a new church can be intimidating. We want to make your visit as pleasant as possible so we've compiled a list of things you may want to know before you visit. If there's something not covered here that you're curious about, please feel free to contact us ahead of time!
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WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU MEET?
We meet every Sunday morning at Central Primary School - 1400 Newcastle RD in Washington. During the school year we offer Sunday School classes for adults, young adults, youth, and kids - all starting at 9:00am. Join us for coffee and a breakfast treat at 9:30am. Worship begins at 10:00am and lasts about an hour.
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CAN I COME IF...
Yes! Everyone is welcome at The Bridge, regardless of how you would finish that sentence!
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There's no stuffy dress code and no judgement. Come however you feel most comfortable. For some that may be a suit and tie, for some that may be shorts and a t-shirt, for others it's PJ's and flip-flops - all that matters to us is that you're here.
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WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
You don't need to bring anything. If you have a Bible you may want to bring it. If you don't have a physical Bible we highly recommend the Bible app - you can download it to your phone or tablet for free.
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PARKING
You will enter through the main entrance at Central Primary School. We'll have signs out so you'll know you're in the right place! Parking is available in the Central Primary School parking lot. We'll have volunteers on hand if you need assistance or would like to be valet parked.
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WELCOME TABLE / WELCOME TEAM
Our Welcome Table is set up just inside the main doors. If it's your first time please stop by for your free gift! If you have any questions our Welcome Team would love to help - they are easy to spot in their red "Welcome!" shirts.
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OUR FACILITY
Everything in the building is handicap accessible - the fellowship area, the Sunday School area, the worship area (which has a ramp), and the restrooms. The handicap parking spaces are not real close so if that's an issue you may want to take advantage of our valet parking - just pull up to the front of the building and one of our volunteers will be happy to assist you.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes are open to everyone and run from 9:00-9:45 (during the school year). We have classes available for Adults, Young Adults, Youth, and Kids (click each to learn more). Sunday School is a time for us to dig a little deeper into the Word - often through large/small group discussion, book studies, Bible studies, speakers, video/discussion series, etc. If you're not sure where to go just stop at the Welcome Table, just inside the main door, and they'll be more than happy to get you to the right place.
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FELLOWSHIP
Most people arrive around 9:30 to enjoy a little fellowship before worship. Coffee, water, and a breakfast treat are provided each Sunday. There is also a table with activities and games for the kids.
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WORSHIP
Worship begins in the school gym at 10:00am and lasts approximately one hour. We usually start with announcements, sing a couple of songs, a brief children's time (where children are invited to come forward for an interactive lesson), and then the sermon. An offering basket is passed during the service. Once a month we partake in communion.
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OFFERING
Collection baskets are passed during our worship service for those who prefer giving in-person. There is no expectation for new visitors to give, we just want you to feel welcome.
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COMMUNION
Communion is a symbolic meal of bread and drink (grape juice) shared by the family of Christ to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice in giving up his body and shedding his blood to free us from sin. At The Bridge everyone is welcome to participate in communion.
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Communion is offered during the worship service on the first Sunday of each month. If it's difficult for you to come forward we have someone who will bring the elements to you. We also have a gluten-free option available.
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NURSERY / CHILDREN
Nursery care is available during the Sunday School hour and worship service. We also have Sunday School for kids of all ages. To learn more, please click here.
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KIDS CORNER
On paper we love the idea of our children worshipping with us but we know that's not always practical for them (or us). If your littles get the wiggles we have a space toward the back of the gym, with lots of toys and activities, where you can sit with your child while you worship.
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WHY DO YOU MEET IN A SCHOOL?
Good question! Even though we're a fairly large group we've only been an official church since March of 2023. We do have long-term aspirations of moving into a place of our own but right now our focus is on developing ministries important to our congregation and offering a meaningful worship experience. Renting space in the school gives us everything we need right now without overcommitting ourselves financially to a place that may not meet our changing needs. As with everything we do, we trust God to guide this process.
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WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
The Bridge is a part of the United Methodist Church. You can learn more about the UMC and our beliefs by clicking here. To learn about the values and vision of The Bridge specifically please see the About Us page. If you have specific questions, please contact us and we will get back to you!
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HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND THE BRIDGE?
Over the first year we've averaged 212 people per Sunday. We would love for you to join us!
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CAN I WATCH OR LISTEN TO YOUR SERMONS ONLINE?
Sure! As a new church we're always working to improve our technology. These may not be as "polished" as we'd like but it'll give you an idea of what to expect when you visit! You can view recent sermons here. You can also listen to them on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT'S NOT ANSWERED HERE?