ourmission

Bridge the gap between God and everyday life by spreading God’s love to all in unexpected ways.

ourstory

Welcome to The Bridge, where our story is woven into the vibrant fabric of New Town at St. Charles. In 2023, we marked 15 years as one of the community's oldest establishments, a testament to our resilience and deep roots. The Bridge's inception in 2006 sprouted from collaborative efforts between Living Lord Lutheran Church, Christ’s Church, and visionary leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our mission was clear — to build a bridge connecting the unchurched with a faith community and fostering justice globally.

In 2008, our journey began with a small kiosk, a space to sell fair trade merchandise and engage with our community. The response was overwhelming, leading us to expand our mission in 2009 with the opening of The Bridge at 3224 Rue Royale, now including a coffee house and a gathering space for community and faith gatherings. Embracing Micah 6:8, we strive to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Over the years, The Bridge evolved, adapting to the needs of our growing community. In 2013, we moved to a larger location on Domain Street, while operating a Fair Trade Market in various spots on Main Street in Old Town, St. Charles. Throughout, our commitment to community, business as mission, and ministry as business has remained unwavering.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, The Bridge stood resilient with the support of our local community, federal assistance, and careful financial management. Today, we thrive with a dedicated team, including a full-time coffee house manager, part-time baristas, pastor, fair-trade coordinator, and a dynamic volunteer board.

As we reflect on our journey, we're excited about the next 15 years and the path where God will lead us. Join us at The Bridge, and let's continue this journey together. We look forward to the growth of our faith community, coffee shop, fair trade market, and the unexpected ways we spread God’s love!

ourstaff

  • Stephanie

    MANAGER

    Hi! I’m Stephanie! A mommy of two beautiful kiddos, a girl, Rooney and a boy, Giugno. I come from a long line of career musicians and have been a professional vocalist for 26 years. I currently lead a 90’s review band called, “Polly and The Pocket.” I love music, fashion, going to the beach with my family, and snuggling my spunky Chiweeie, Beamo.

  • Emily

    SUPER BARISTA

    I’m Emily. I’m attending Lindenwood Universtiy and majoring in Creative Writing and Literature. I love reading, writing, and painting. I’ve been a The Bridge since September of 2021.

  • Johanna

    FAIR TRADE COORDINATOR

    My husband, Jim, and I love spending time with our four children and seven grandkids. A church organist and retired music teacher, I learned about Fair Trade when we were starting The Bridge-and have been hooked ever since! I also enjoy reading, gardening and traveling.

  • Pastor Mary

    PASTOR & BARISTA

    I’m Mary and I’m glad to be a barista and pastor here at The Bridge. I’ve lived in the area for about 20 years and am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and that accent seems to hang on! I enjoy meeting people with both of my roles here. I especially enjoy the Fair Trade Market and The Bridge mission of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

  • Ambrea

    BARISTA

    Hi, I’m Ambrea! I have lived in New Town for almost 10 years with my parents and younger sister. I graduated from Orchard Farm High School in 2022. I enjoy cooking, playing with my dog, crafting, and travelling.

  • Kellsie

    BARISTA

    I’m Kellsie. I just graduated from OFHS and will be attending nursing school at Missouri Baptist University in the fall. I have loved coming to The Bridge before school mornings and am excited to now experience The Bridge as a barista! My favorite drink is our Iced Caramel Latte.

  • Timmy

    BARISTA

    I’m Timmy. I’m a senior at St. Dominic High School. I help with youth activities at St. Charles Christian Church. I’m going into college majoring in Education and Planning at St. Charles Community College.

  • Luke

    ASSISTANT BARISTA

    Hi, my name is Luke and I am proud to be a part of The Bridge community! I love everyone I work with and they have all taught me so much. When I’m not making sandwiches, I love to run, hike, and read. I am 16 years old, believe it or not! I hope to work with even more great people and to meet more great customers!

ourboard

The Bridge is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is governed by a hard- working volunteer board of directors. Some of its members have served since its’ inception. Other members have been appointed in the past several years. Many members are New Town residents. Members’ backgrounds include careers in ministry, business, finance, social work, design, retail, education, music, and the law.

  • Jan Jobe

    CHAIRMAN

  • Pastor Jim Erdman

    VICE CHAIRMAN

  • Jean Lee

    SECRETARY

  • Betty Luebke

    TREASURER

  • Chuck Luebke

    COMMUNICATIONS

  • Stephanie Bakula

    MANAGER

  • Jim Lee

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Judi Burgan

    BOARD MEMBER

customertestimonials

  • "My fav coffee place, I go there almost 2-3 times a week. People there were very friendly and I loooooveeee the ambience. Cute place with positive vibes all around."

    Anjali Mutyala

  • "Awesome people with amazing smoothies. Very nice shop and would recommend to anyone!"

    Benjamin Dryer

  • "Love my neighborhood Bridge. Excellent staff and such a relaxing atmosphere."

    Sharon Hunt

  • "Wonderful place. We'll be back for sure!"

    Donna Wood

  • "Beautiful inside and out."

    Tori Marie

  • "Sweet baristas at the front who are always smiling and hot coffee on a cold Missouri day! Love this quaint neighborhood coffee shop."

    Skye Mendez

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giveback

The Bridge relies on the help of our community in many ways. The support of our business, generosity of your donations, support of our charity drives, and your time in service make our mission possible and successful.