WELCOME

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

From the Heart of the Founder and Director...
July 2008
This morning as I came through the door at The Bridge I was welcomed with a joyful "Hey sweetie, good to see you, God Bless you!" Hugs and hand shakes greeted me but mostly what stood out to me was the four smiling weathered faces. What,dear friends, what acceptance and love they express.

As we exchanged our greetings it was revealed that they had spent "another" night sleeping outside. My heart instantly felt heavy. Not for the moment, as it seemed they had not suffered this camp-out,  but in thinking ahead. What about when the season changes and the camp-out means a bed of snow in minus temperatures?
 
After my visit with them I came into my office and was overwhelmed by the sound of their laughter, the jokes, and the thankfulness for the yogurt being offered.
 
I thought about my own sleep last night when I was awoken at 4:30 in the morning, annoyed by the people walking by my house.  Apparently "drunk", they were making noise and calling out to one another.

As I laid there feeling tired and believing I really need some sleep, I complained to the Lord telling Him how once again I've been woken up. (As if He didn't know).  As I tossed and turned between my clean, cool sheets on my comfortable bed, the breeze coming in the window, and the fan above I had a "moment of thankfulness" that my husband had put the screen in. At least I didn't have to contend with mosquitoes! Quickly my "thankful moment" was overruled by the complaint in my mind that if we had air conditioning I wouldn't have to have the window open and could have the street noise blocked out.
 
Now as I look at my friends sitting at the table, thankful that the night was clear, thankful that they woke up, thankful for the coffee just the way WE make it, thankful for the breakfast that is offered, I suddenly realize they are not carrying anything. I wonder where they keep their blanket or change of clothes. I look at the beautiful young woman who has often come in with her face bruised and I think of the vanity in my bedroom and all the "stuff" I use every morning.
 
My thankfulness returns and it becomes overwhelming to me that once again the Lord has used "the least of these" to minister  to me and bring me back to the place of true thankfulness.  I cry out: "Oh God forgive me for my complaining and discontent, YOU are all I need!"
 
I pray that in this season where you may find yourself with a moment to ponder life, maybe on holidays taking in the beauty of His Creation, that you too would remember and be truly thankful, Praise His Name and tell of the wondrous things He has done for you!

Much Love and Many Blessings, 
Linda Chamagne

Thank God! Call out His Name!
Tell the whole world who He is and what He's done! 

 Sing to Him! Play songs for Him!
Broadcast ALL His wonders!
Revel in His holy Name, seek His face always, and be jubilant!
Study God and His strength; seek His presence day and night;
Remember all the wonders He performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of His mouth.
1Chronicles 16: 8 - 12

This Month at The Bridge on 20th Fellowship Centre :
Want to learn to read or improve your reading skills?
We have personal one-on-one tutors available! Call for more info! 382-2855
Looking for freedom from addiction?
Let Jesus take you there through the Christian 12-Step Program on Thursdays!
Everyone welcome! Come make new friends or connect with old ones!

July 2008

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Site brought to you by Beagle Productions
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
    CLOSED
Prayer always available!
Free lunch Mon-Thurs, 12-1:30 Sat 12-3
Free breakfast Tues & Thurs 7-10  Sat 9-11
1:30-3pm Art -Bob
7pm Adult Bible Study
10-2pm Free Haircuts
2 - 3pm Christian 12-Step with Luis
  12 - 3 pm Lunch
2pm Celebration Service 2-3pm Talking Circle: Connecting Women, Connecting Men 1-3pm Sewing Class
7pm Listening Prayer
1:30-3pm Art with Bob
2 - 3pm Christian 12-Step with Luis CLOSED 12 - 3 pm Lunch
2pm Celebration Service 2-3pm Talking Circle: Connecting Women, Connecting Men 2 - 3pm What's Up With Colin 1:30-3pm Art -Bob
7pm Adult Bible Study
2 - 3pm Christian 12-Step with Luis

CLOSED

12 - 3 pm Lunch
2pm Celebration Service 2-3pm Talking Circle: Connecting Women, Connecting Men 2-3pm Word With Luis
7pm Listening Prayer
1:30 - 3pm Art-Bob
7pm Adult Bible Study
2 - 3pm Christian 12-Step with Luis CLOSED 12 - 3 pm Lunch
2pm Celebration Service CLOSED CLOSED
CLOSED CLOSED    

URGENT NEEDS

We are urgently needing:
-Volunteers!!!!
-Finances for summer months
-New Washer & Dryer: at Home Depot the Maytag MHWZ400TQ EPICz Front Load Washer and YMEDZ400TQ Dryer are on a special if purchased together, $400 saved plus one year of free soap and fabric softener!
We put these needs forward to give you the opportunity to respond if you are led to do so.  Bless you!"

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You might think The Bridge is just another soup kitchen. It's true, we have been serving free nutritious bowls of soup plus hot cups of coffee and tea since March 1998.

But there's a lot more going on in this street ministry than just physical feeding. People are drawn here for friendship, smiles; just to hear their name being called. They come for a shoulder to cry on when life is too tough, for a quiet word when they're in trouble. They come for clothes for their children and themselves, to visit with friends, make new ones or just to sit in the peaceful pleasant environment. Above all, people come for the warm embrace of Christian love.



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