Update - October 26

Howdy all,

What a great turnout and what a great discussion we had last night. Brad joined us and led us in a talk about homelessness and pandhandling in our community. It was an eyeopening report.

Introduced with the discussion was the possibility to take action. The OPCC (Ocean Park Community Center) has many opportunities for feeding the homeless and the bridge might participate in that very soon. Stay tuned!

A huge thanks to Brad for sharing last night!

Now, with regards to business, there is a LOT going on/coming up. So, sit back, relax and read on...

1) The finishing of the ceiling and the painting of the room will begin on Monday, November 6. The hope is that everything will be done by our meeting on that Wednesday. But, if it's not OR if it's still too smelly in there or whatever, we can meet in a different room. I'll figure out the situation on Wednesday (November 8) and let everyone know as well as post signs if necessary.

2) I am working on booking us for a taping of a tv show. I'm still not sure if we'll qualify for getting paid to do it, but even if we don't it would be a fun thing to do. We'll need to have a group of at least 10 people (which may be hard for us - we'll see). Out of the choices I was given it looks like most shows tape between 5 pm - 6:30 pm which I know will be difficult for a lot of people. Out of the choices of studios I think Sony in Culver City will be our best bet. It's going to be difficult to get anywhere at that time of day coming from Santa Monica (or wherever you're coming from) but trying to get to Studio City or Burbank sounds more daunting to me than Culver City. If you feel differently, let me know. So, by narrowing the choices down based on those factors we're looking at either Rules of Engagement (November 7 or 14) or 'Til Death (November 17 or December 1). If you are interested in this please let me know ASAP what your preference is. If I don't get enough replies then it just won't happen. I need to get in touch with the guy who originally contacted me. It's already been two weeks. For all I know there may not be any choices left.

3) The men of the bridge are going to cook for the women! Everyone is invited to this fun potluck at Ashok's place (Apt 309) on Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 pm. Guys, you better get cookin. Ladies, just relax! :-) yay!

4) We've decided to do something special for our Wednesday meeting on November 8 and take a hike up to Inspiration Point at Will Rogers State Park. Stay tuned for more details.

5) the bridge is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner again this year for the international students that Amy works with. It will be on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 23) at 3 pm in the Fireside Room at church. You may come and enjoy dinner or if you have other plans, drop off food contributions in advance. Here is the sign up sheet so far. Please let me know if you'd like to add your name somewhere.
Turkey - Amy
Green Been Casserole - Rebecca, Noel
Something Green -
Cornbake/Cornbread - Devin
Stuffing -
Sweet Potato Casserole - Sarah
Mashed Potatoes - Ellen
Deviled Eggs - Noel (who else?)
Rolls - Ellen
Gravy -
Chutney - Brad/Dorothy
Salad -
Fruit Salad - Devin
Cranberry Sauce - Kellie
Pecan Pie - Rachel (2)
Pumpkin Pie - Rachel (2)
Something Chocolate - Ellen
Sodas - Ashok
Lemonade -
Water -
Other -

6) We need to nail down the details for our bridge Christmas party. Date and place, most importantly. How about Saturday December 9 or 16? And where... think about possibly 20 people, seating for eating and seating for gift exchange/fellowship and parking! If you have a suggestion that would work considering all of these factors, please let me know. My vote would be to actually do it in our room at the church.

7) Brad will join us again on December 13. We need to come up with a topic.

8) An opportunity for service at Christmastime: For the past two years Brad has taken a child shopping as a part of the Salvation Army - Sears Christmas for Kids program. Jeanne Dahm (a member of the church) has given up to $150 for the shopping. It entails arriving at Sears at 7:45am on November 14th (Tuesday morning), checking in and then spending about 45 minutes with a child shopping with them for clothes and toys for Christmas. These children come from South Central LA and this becomes their Christmas. Brad is not able to do it this year and is wondering if this significant outreach would appeal to anyone in the group. He needs to call in the person's name so that the Salvation Army will be prepared. Please let me know if you're interested or have any questions.

Prayer requests:
Ashok's brother's friend Nicole (lung transplant)
Kellie's grandmother Polly Anderson (and job search)
Brian's health
Mark Oh's health (church member)
Devin's mom
Meg's former pastor's family and friends (pastor died with cancer)

That's all (and more than enough) for now! I hope this finds you all well.

Yours in Christ,

Rachel