Fall Forward

I love the start of the new school year! August signals a recalibrating of our lives back to the routine. Summer allows us time to get away from it all and mix things up a bit. But the kids returning back to school seems to be that starting line that resets everything. That got me thinking about some new things coming our way at BridgePointe that will make this August a fall forward.

Amy Telleson is now our standing Pre-School Director, overseeing our infants through 4 years old. Thanks to former pre-school leaders, Nick and Tarrah Zomer, she is able to build on a legacy of dedication and quality.  Amy is a professional schoolteacher and brings with her a high level of expertise and passion for kids. Be looking for a new branding of this ministry later in the fall. Our Pre-School ministry will be cleverly called “Tree Top”, named after the story of Zaccheaus, who needed to be in a tree to see Jesus because of his short stature. It is her hope that Tree Top will give our Pre-Schoolers their first look at Jesus.

Starting August 14th, we will launch our new Jr. High School meeting on Sunday nights, under the direction of our student pastor, Jarad Houser. “Fuel” is a high-energy event just for 6^th through 8^th grade. Our High School and Junior High students have always been one group, meeting on the same night. Two distinct groups allow Jarad to be more effective by focusing the programs at each age level. Next summer our Junior High students will also enjoy a summer camp just for them. “Fusion” will continue to be the exciting High School gathering each Wednesday night.

I am at the start of fulfilling a task I was commissioned to do when the leadership invited me to BridgePointe: Putting in place a permanent worship leader. Thanks to the selfless efforts of Ty and Laurima Stovell, you would have never thought we skipped a beat. This is a couple faithfully stepping in to fill the gap and carry the worship ministry until a more permanent role is established. They lead with the highest level of quality and commitment. This allows a candidate to come and build on a strong worship passion and priority. We will have a Worship Leader candidate with us in July. He will lead us as a guest Worship Leader. Pray with us for God’s guidance and direction with next steps.

Coming this year also will be a New Believers Class, a station with complimentary material for seekers, a Small Group option designed for beginners in the faith or recent returners to the faith, compassion drives and missions trips, and a single worship service dedicated to children and their parents. August is just the start of new things to be introduce in hopes of moving BridgePointe towards it’s singular mission:  To draw people close to God. I will unfold them as they come and celebrate with you all that God is doing to build his church.