Thursday Mornings, Nearly 50 Years Strong
Every Thursday morning, a small group of men gathers for a Bible study at Brookridge – part of a tradition that has endured for almost half a century.
What began nearly 50 years ago as a Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU) young men’s program meeting at the Sawtooth Center has grown into a cherished ritual. Over the decades, the group has met in churches, businesses, the YMCA, and even restaurants. No matter the location, one thing has remained constant: Thursday mornings.
Brookridge resident Carlos Cooper was there from the very beginning. When his health made it difficult to travel, the group didn’t hesitate: they moved their meetings to Brookridge so Carlos could continue to be part of the fellowship.
“It’s been a blessing,” Carlos said. “I enjoy fellowshipping. I really appreciate the fact they have been coming out here, which is a little bit of an inconvenience for them.”
On the Thursday before Christmas, the group of eight men met to celebrate their annual Christmas tradition. They shared prayer requests, then listened to an audio dramatization of the Christmas story, “The Innkeeper’s Dream,” a tradition they’ve kept for decades. Afterward, they reflected on what struck them anew about the story, sharing heartfelt insights that reminded everyone why they keep coming back.
It’s clear that group is committed to learning and growing together.
“It’s a fellowship,” Carlos said. “And we’ve gotten to be pretty close friends, you know, through the years.” For member Perry Hudspeth, the reason is simple: “It’s just been the brotherhood, the fellowship that’s brought us back.”
Over the years the group has seen changes – several of its members have passed away, and others have taken their place.
The Bible study is always open to new members, he said. They hope more Brookridge residents will join them in the future – no RSVP required. They meet at 8 a.m. Thursdays in the private dining room at the Azalea.
“To keep going for that long, we enjoy it. It’s a part of our life now,” Perry said. “I guess we will go as long as the Lord lets us live.”