Miami Student

Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Community

The Bridge, one of Oxford's newest churches, has focused on reaching out to the Miami community through evening events and church services.

The Bridge, Oxford's newest interdenominational church, has had a productive few months since its kickoff of services and events in late August, according to Chad Moore, The Bridge's main pastor.

Moore said he is excited about the turnout at the events and has seen a lot of growth so far.

"We have seen a great turnout at our events and are so pleased with how the semester has been going," Moore said.

Located on 210 Tallawanda Rd., Moore said that he has seen a mix of Miami University first-year students and upperclassmen at services and events, with the amount of the two groups being close to 50 percent at many services.

The Bridge's focus this semester has been mainly collegiate-based, with events including a coffeehouse evening and a late night pancake gathering. Starting next semester, there is more community outreach in the Oxford area planned.

To prepare for this, The Bridge is seeking a community pastor for next semester to head up focus on the community. The pastor will help with teaching and strategizing to reach the community the best way, according to Moore. Moore and Andrew Lynn are currently the two main pastors at The Bridge.

Community events for next semester will also include service projects around Oxford, and The Bridge is planning on partnering with Christian Student Fellowship, also known as Radius, to do a joint outreach on Western Campus.

Moore said he has seen a lot of students take leadership roles, such as being involved in the worship bands or leading a community group.

Community groups are weekly fellowship times for students that are held for both first-year and upperclassmen. There is a community group exclusively for first-years, and another for upperclassmen.

First-year Mark Wheeler is a leader of one of the first-year community groups. He said he got involved with The Bridge after one of the musical directors told him about the church.

"The members are so welcoming here," Wheeler said. "It's so easy to get to know each other and open up."

First-year Nick Schoener agreed.

"I can always stop by (The Bridge house) whenever I want during the day and relax," Schoener said. "This has made it easier for me to get settled into Miami."

Continued...

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