I hope you all are holding up in this time of quarantine! Have you ever had anyone tell you to “be still?” If you are a parent or know very young toddlers, you can relate to what happens when you tell them to be still. They are probably going to keep on moving. My wife’s grandpa used to tell us grandkids to “be still” often. This would usually happen when we would be talking too much, and he could not focus on his Judge Judy show. It was not so much that we were physically . . . Read More »
In the New Testament, we see that every believer is called to contribute to building up and edifying the church. Thus, it is vital for each gathering to have space for members to contribute without getting off-task. At our recent Bridge Network event, we came up with a few practical ways to implement healthy and effect housechurch facilitation during the gathering to foster a thriving 1 Corinthians church community: “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done . . . Read More »
Here at the Bridge Network, we practice House Church. And House Church necessitates EVERYONE participate. Church is not a service that is observed, but a gathering where we give and minister to each other. I was recently convicted because I had been acting as a receiver during church—not a giver. During the week, I started to neglect praying for my brothers and sisters. I neglected to ask God how I could serve them and build them up. I started to keep my spiritual gifts to myself and not give them to Christ’s children. In this . . . Read More »
Join us for our annual Bridge Network Retreat! This is a great time to get out of the city and connect with other house churches in the Network. We will enjoy several times of worship, teaching, outdoor activities and group games! Here are the details: Date: April 15-17th (Friday night-Sunday afternoon) Location: YMCA Camp Greenkill, Huguenot, NY Cost: Contact your HC leaders from Retreat prices Remember, Retreat money is due by Sunday, March 20th!
Huddling in the narrow hallway of a NYC apartment, I stood on my tiptoes to see into the bathroom at the end of the hall. A group of people stood in front of me, all smiling and all straining to get a good view. Just beyond them, sitting in the tub, was Zhen*, a Chinese national that had just come to faith. Beside her on the floor, her Bible study leader, Carol*. Small tears slipped down Carol’s face as she spoke with Zhen right before she baptized her. After Zhen professed her faith and Carol . . . Read More »
The Bridge Church is excited for our upcoming retreat this April! Here are the details for Bridge Church folks: Dates: Friday April 17th-Sunday April 19th Location: Camp Greenkill in Huguenot, NY. You can check out the camp’s webpage here. Cost: Adult: $115 Age: 6-12: $60 Age: 3-6: $20 2 and Under: Free Details: Retreat payments are due to your House Church Leader by March 31st to reserve your spot. The cost includes: 5 meals (3 on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday) and bunk-style lodging. Make sure to eat dinner on Friday night before . . . Read More »
Save the Date, Bridge Church! Bridge Network Gathering Date: Saturday, February 7th Time: 4-7pm Details: Location TBD
Join us Saturday, November 8th for our next house church network gathering. This is a time when participants from all six of our NYC house churches will have a chance meet and re-connect. It’s also a time to worship and study the Bible together as a large church family. Here are the details: Time: 5pm-8pm Location: NY Irish Center (Long Island City) Details: Dinner will be provided. Bridge participants can bring desserts to share. If you are interested in joining us, please send us a message by following this link: https://thebridgenyc.org/contact-us/
On April 11-13th, members of The Bridge Network (from all over Metro New York) gathered at Streamside Camp and Conference Center for our annual church retreat. Over 50 people came out to enjoy a weekend full of games, fellowship, worship, and challenging messages given by teachers from our very own Network. Engage was the theme of our retreat—engaging those around us with the gospel because God first engaged us! Speakers shared different reasons why we engage non-believers, followed by discussion and prayer in small groups. The weekend was peppered with organized activities (including an art . . . Read More »
Our God is a Global God. He has a heart to engage people—from the person in a far-flung land, to the woman waiting at the bus stop. He wants to engage their hearts, thoughts, and their entire lives! Because engaging others is the heart of our Father, He also leads us to engage others with His love and good news. This year, “Engage” is our theme as a house church network. It is our prayer here at The Bridge that you will get a bigger view of God’s heart and join your house church in . . . Read More »