You may be asking yourself what you will encounter if you decide to join us at one of our community celebrations. We’ve designed this page in an attempt to answer some of the more common questions about what you can expect.
Do I Have To Stand Up In Front of People?
Some churches, with good intentions, ask visitors to stand up and introduce themselves in front of everyone. While we applaud their desire to know you better, we do things a bit differently at The Bridge. We believe that you will be more comfortable meeting a few people who are seated around you and who are genuinely interested in getting to know you better rather than introducing yourself to hundreds of people but not really meeting anyone. Near the beginning of most of our meetings, we provide a few moments for people to meet and chat with one another. In that way, genuine friendships can begin in brief conversations.
Do You Want My Money?
In a word, No.
The folks who are a regular part of our community voluntarily give to help support The Bridge and to help pay various expenses we incur as a community. But we certainly don’t expect visitors to give. If you join us at one of our meetings, you are our guest, and we don’t ask our guests for their money.
In time, if you decide to become a regular part of our community, you may decide that you would like to participate monetarily in our various activities and efforts. At that time, we would joyfully welcome your participation. But our desire for you now is simply that you be given the opportunity to check us out without feeling pressured to give money.
Do I Have To Turn My Kids Over To A Stranger?
We offer a fun, exciting program for children, and we’re confident that your kids would have a great time if they were to participate. At the same time, we certainly understand why you would want to check us out before allowing your kids to go to a separate part of the facility to participate in our children’s program.
You should know that your children are definitely welcome in our meetings for as long as makes you comfortable.
Do I Have To Wake Up Early?
Today’s society is fast-paced. People are working longer and longer hours. It’s increasingly becoming more and more difficult for many people to participate in meetings of the church on a Sunday morning. With that in mind, the folks who make up The Bridge meet together at various times throughout each week. Contact us for more information on our current meeting times. Finally, but no less important to us than our larger meetings, we meet in small groups throughout the week and all across Schenectady. These small, intimate gatherings allow us to grow in our relationships with one another.
Are You Going To Tell Me What’s Wrong With Me?
At its core, the message of Jesus is about good news. He did not come to earth to condemn us. Instead, he came to give us life. And so, while we feel it is important to recognize that we all have fallen short of God’s ideals, it is even more important to emphasize the joyful and complete life which Jesus offers us. Our desire is that you would come away from our community gatherings contemplating that reality: that while we have fallen short of the ideal in our lives, Jesus offers us satisfaction, fulfillment and joy in a way and in a measure we have never known before.
Do I Have To Dress Up?
Absolutely not!
The rule of thumb at The Bridge is casual attire. When you join us for one of our meetings, you may see people dressed formally, but you will see people dressed informally as well. Please feel free to join us, and be sure to wear clothes which make you feel comfortable.