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NEW TO THE BRIDGE

We know going to a new church can be intimidating.  We want to make your visit as easy 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. 

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Join us for coffee and a breakfast treat at 9:30am.  Worship begins at 10:00am and lasts about an hour.

 

You can see what else is going on under What's Happening at The Bridge on the main page of our website

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CAN I COME IF...

Yes!  All are welcome at The Bridge!

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

It's up to you!  All that matters to us is that you're here.​

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PARKING

We enter through the main entrance at Central Primary School.  Parking is available in the CPS parking lot and overflow parking is available in the CIS parking lot.  The handicap parking spaces are not real close, if that's an issue we encourage you to take advantage of our valet parking - just pull up to the front of the building and the greeters at the main door will be happy to assist you.

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WELCOME TABLE

Our Welcome Table is set up just inside the main door.  If it's your first visit please stop and say hi - we'd love to meet you!  This is also a great place to stop if you have any questions on a Sunday morning.  

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ACCESSIBILITY

Everything in the building is handicap accessible.  If you have specific concerns please feel free to contact us ahead of time. 

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School typically runs during the 9:00 hour (during the school year).  All current and upcoming Sunday School classes will be listed under What's Happening at The Bridge on the main page of our website.

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The locations can sometimes be difficult to find.  If you're not sure where to go stop by the welcome table just inside the main door - they'll be 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 CPS gym at 10:00am and lasts approximately one hour. We usually start with announcements, sing a couple of songs, have a brief children's time (where children are invited to come forward for an interactive lesson), and then the sermon. 

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OFFERING

Offering baskets are passed during the worship service for those who prefer giving in-person.  There is no expectation for new visitors to give - your presence is gift enough. 

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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 will have someone bring the elements to you.  We also have a gluten-free option available.   

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NURSERY

Nursery care is available during the Sunday School hour and worship service (9am-11am).  There is a registration / check-in table just past the welcome table inside the main door.  Please register your child the first time they visit - after that you will just need to check them in each week.

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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?

The Bridge was founded in March of 2023 so we're still a fairly new church.  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.  For now we're focusing on developing ministries important to our community and offering a meaningful worship experience.  

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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 not answered here please contact us and we will get back to you!

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HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND THE BRIDGE?

We average just over 200 people per week and would love for you to be one of them!

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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's enough to give you an idea of what to expect when you visit.  You can view recent sermons on Facebook Video.  You can also listen to them on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

 

 

HAVE A QUESTION THAT'S NOT ANSWERED HERE?

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THE BRIDGE UMC - Washington IL

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