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Listening to the news, we could be forgiven for thinking that bad news far outweighs good news.

Regular reports of deceit makes it hard to know who to trust. The stories of those hurt by conflict and greed lead us to despair. Headlines of disease and death cause us to fear. When one lie is uncovered, another is revealed. When one war ceases, conflict strikes up somewhere else. When one disease is dealt with, another comes to light. The content is bad news. The coverage is relentless. The feelings are difficult to escape

At the same time, we know that all this bad news isn’t a true reflection of our day-to-day lives. We wanted to hear some of the things that you would call ‘good news’ and the things that give you ‘great joy’ so we asked you! The responses came together to look like this...

  • There is good news every time someone says ‘I do!’
  • There is good news with every safe arrival and every baby’s first cry.  
  • There is good news when we achieve goals, targets and challenges that we’ve worked hard for.
  • There is good news when opportunities come our way.  
  • There is good news when the treatment is successful and the all clear is given.
  • There is good news when we get to experience new places, new things and new cultures. 
  • There is good news when a loved one says that they are proud of us.?
  • We find joy when something we do or say puts a smile on the face of another.
  • We find joy when the busyness is paused and all is calm and quiet.  
  • We find joy in the things we love to do, watch and listen to.
  • We find joy in the process of creating something and in the creativity of others.  
  • We find joy in the natural world, the beauty of a mountain top, the expanse of the ocean, the fluttering of butterflies and the buzzing of bees!
  • We find joy in our families, the closeness of relationships and the delight of watching children grow, learn, develop and succeed.


We pass through seasons when everything is joy.  Sometimes sparks of joy penetrate the humdrum of day to day life and give us hope to keep going.  Occasionally joy shimmers even as we navigate the darkest and hardest of life’s paths. These shimmers, sparks and seasons leave a taste and a hunger for more.  We order our lives in such a way that we might find, for ourselves, more joy. We desire more joy because when it shimmers, sparks or spans out before us we feel most content, most satisfied, most loved and most hopeful.

A few thousand years ago on a hillside in Bethlehem an angel proclaimed ‘great joy’ to a group of shepherds.  This ‘great joy’ was heralded with unexpected emphasis as the night skies opened and the light of the heavens burst through, penetrating the darkness and filling these poor shepherds with fear.  One angel became a multitude of angels singing songs of deafening praise to the God of ‘great joy’. It wasn’t a shimmer or a spark but a glorious arrival of eternal joy gifted, not just for these shepherds, but for all people. 

We wanted to hear the news that you thought would cause great joy for all people today.  The responses came together to say....

  • Peace.  The end of war and conflict.  
  • Unity.  The bringing together of people, nations and governments.
  • Reassurance.  The comfort in knowing that... “...everything is OK”.
  • Health.  The end of disease, hunger and sickness.  
  • Trust.  The formation of a new kind of leadership – leadership that is good and strong and trustworthy.
  • A Clean Slate.  The confidence that my mistakes and failures no longer define me.


The Bible tells us that this kind of universal joy can only be found in Jesus Christ.  The shimmers, sparks, and seasons of joy that we experience every day are God-given joys that increase our hunger for a greater joy that can only be found in Him.  This joy is not temporary or situational but lasting and deep. The source of this joy is the God who is unchanging and trustworthy. Jesus is the bringer of peace and unity, whose death and resurrection perfectly removes every trace of our mistakes and failures.  He is the one who will, for all those who know Him and trust Him, give strength in every fear, peace in every grief and friendship in all kinds of suffering. That’s the good news that brings great joy, and it really is, for all people.

Let me introduce you to Hayley. She heard the good news about Jesus from her friend.  Take a listen to her ‘Good News Story’ and look out for a new story every week in the run up to Christmas.  Why not come to find out more and celebrate with us this at The Bridge Church this Christmas time?


Click here to find out what’s happening in the church and in the community over the coming weeks.  We hope to see you soon!
 

Steve Smith

Tom Roberts, 22/11/2019
Hello
Hello and welcome! If you are a new visitor, please click here to find out what to expect at one of our Sunday services. If you would like any more information, please get in touch with the Church Office

 

Planning your Visit

New to Church? New to the area?

We are a growing family of Christians, committed to sharing the good news about Jesus, loving one another and loving our community in Pontprennau/Pentwyn, and beyond.

We'd love you to come and visit us for one of our Sunday meetings. Here are some answers to common questions, to help you know what to expect when you visit:

   

Where & when do you meet?

We meet every Sunday at 10am for our Sunday meeting in Pontprennau Primary School. If you are planning to visit for the first time you are welcome to send us a note to office@bridgechurchcardiff.org so that we can guarantee you a space and give you a warm welcome.  It helps to get there 15 minutes early to get a parking spot and find your seat in time for the meeting to start. Parking spaces are limited so please park considerately. We meet at:

Pontprennau Primary School

Heol Pontprennau

Cardiff

CF23 8LL

  

What can I expect on a Sunday?

You will be welcomed at the door, where we can answer any questions you might have and direct you to where you need to go. The service will include a Bible reading, prayer, songs and a sermon during which the Bible reading is explained. 

Tea and coffee are served after the service - there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions. Click here for more information.   

What happens to the kids?

We have a programme for Children and Young People during the morning service. Children will leave the main service  when announced by the service leader. 

Creche (up to 3 years). Led by our Crèche team, the youngest in our congregation enjoy a time of Bible stories, singing, craft and play.

Sunday School (reception to Year 6). Our Sunday School team lead the children as they learn about God from the Bible through videos, activities, games, and craft. 

Youth (years 7-13). Our young people stay in the service and meet afterwards to discuss and apply the sermon together with one of the youth leaders.

For more information, click here.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your normal clothes. 

Will I have to join in?

Not at all! You are very welcome to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.   

I have more questions, how can I ask them?

Please feel free to contact us, or speak to one of the leaders or welcome team on a Sunday morning.