E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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E-Blast Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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Sunday's Worship Service is @ 10 AM
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An Advent Devotion |
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Welcome to the season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ-child, Jesus, into our world once again.
Since there was no E-Blast last week, here is an early Blast with information about what's going on this week! There is something here for everyone. Prayerfully consider and join in!
Here is a short advent devotion from the website The Advent Conspiracy, at adventconspiracy.org. I liked this one! I hope you do, also.
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lords commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Once when Zechariahs division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. ~~ Luke 1:5-10
How does the story of Jesus the story of Advent begin with an older, childless couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth? Its tempting to want to rush past this part of narrative. We want to get to the angels announcement, the connection to Mary and to Joseph and the manger, even to John the Baptist in the wilderness, but that has to wait. These verses remind us that we are reading the beginning of one story and the end of another. It was time: Israels wait for the work of God to intervene into their story had come. Could it be that the plight of Israel can be seen like mirror images in the story of these two righteous but childless people?
Israel is tired of waiting and so are Elizabeth and Zechariah. Their prayers seem futile, until God shows up with an announcement that will change the trajectory for them all! While we may read hopelessness and despair into these verses, note what the assembled people are doing. Verse 10 says that when Zechariah went in to serve as the priest at his appointed time, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.
John Wesley, once said: God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it. Imagine for a moment if prayer is what defined our Advent season this year. What kind of conspiracy would it be if the whole assembly devoted itself to prayer? What could God do in our lives in the coming weeks if we committed to prayer in this way?
Reflect Consider your own prayer life, that of your family or congregation. How might you use this Advent season to intentionally focus on prayer? What prayers have you been waiting on or have given up on praying for? In the coming days, try different kinds, styles or types of prayers to pray in a new way. See how God will meet you. Let that be your Advent gift this season.
Pray God of all time and space, We join with Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, as we await the arrival of Jesus during this Advent season of preparation. May my preparations be like those of the assembly gathered with Zechariah, one of prayer and intentionality as I wait, patiently, for you to arrive. Give me courage to come to you honestly and humbly with my authentic prayers, knowing that you are a God who shows up in miraculous ways. Amen.
Blessed week! I'll see you along the way! Pastor Mary
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Joys and Answered Prayers --Its Advent! --Welcome to the world Garrison Scott Reusser born to Logan & Whitney Reusser on Nov 23! --We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
Prayers of Sympathy for the Family of --Mike Campbell (Tracy Wrights stepbrother) --George Graham (Henry Graham's twin brother) --Wayne Oxford (Gene Oxford's father, Carolyn Van Dyck's son-in-law)
Current Prayer Concerns --Joan Wilmer (Sam Teters aunt) --Tom DeVore (friend of Mary Dadisman) --Bob Gaines (Gloria Hildebrand's father) Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Danielle Bennington Harold Burkholder Grace Fishback Joanne Fisher Betty Foley Glen Goetz Henry and Dorice Graham Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Anna Keller Barbara Kiracofe Doris MacDaniel Ray Michael Shirley Michael Rev Luther Ramsey Joanne Simpkins Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia Tyeryar Donald Usry
--Our nation. May God bless America --Peace in Ukraine & the Middle East. For all living there --May there be peace on earth, & may it begin with us --The people of North Carolina, Florida, & states affected by weather events --Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit & faith --All of the active duty members of our armed forces, for veterans, and our first responders --Our children, grandchildren, families, and friends --College, high school, middle school and elementary students - for their learning and grades --Better health, more strength, & successful medical treatments --Patience --Help us to put God first in everything we do --Those who think that God has deserted them in the midst of today's world circumstances --People & families dealing with depression, anxiety, mental illness & addiction --Less death in our family, peace & grace in facing grief & loss |
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Thank you for the "Hanging of the Greens!!" What beautiful, holy time was created on on Sunday as we gathered in the Fellowship Hall for intergenerational Sunday School! We thought about the gifts we can bring to the world, made Christmas Tree Ornaments, and packed Compassion bags to share with our neighbors. Thank you to Educate & Equip (led by Johna & Paul McFarland) and friends who lead the way and all who joined in the hands-on learning. |
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Advent Bible Study now forming! We will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Library. We will plan to meet Dec 3, 10, & 17 and maybe a couple more! Sign up in the breezeway or join us on Dec 3. See you there!
Led by Pastor Mary |
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SPRC Update |
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Due to an unexpected family emergency, our Admin Assist, Jodi, had to resign.
We are fortunate, though, that we were able to hire another very qualified individual to replace her. Beginning on Dec 2nd, Robin Siegel will be joining our BUMC staff as our Administrative Assistant. Feel free to stop by the office & say Hi!
We also welcome Malachi Benjamin as a Children's Church & Nursery worker. Malachi is a sophomore theater major at BC. He has experience working with children from his job as a Christian camp counselor & leading VBS. He will join Gracen & Rae to ensure we have two workers at all times with our children. ~ Dawn Kern
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New Office Hours We are changing our office hours to 10AM - 3 PM Monday thru Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays. |
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Support Kingsway Outreach this Advent |
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THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who took apples from our apple tree and returned books, games, gift cards, Bibles, and toys for Kingsway Prison Ministry. Through us, God did more than we imagined!
Gifts are due back to the tree as soon as possible. We are working on gathering them up and getting them over to Kingsway. Please bring your gifts to church soon! (They were due Dec 1 but it's not too late!)
Thanks, again! Karen Chamblee |
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Pajama Drive for the Children's Clothes Closet!! |
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The Circle of Hope is seeking donations of pajamas for children at the Clothes Closet. We are collecting them now through Christmas. The number of families visiting the Closet keeps increasing. Therefore, the need is great. We are collecting infant sleepers size 12, 18 or 24 months & any type of pj's or nightgowns size 2T to 14/16. There will be a collection box in the hallway. Thank you for your support! Thank you also to the Cracked Pillar (owners Tim & Patti Landes) for working with us a 2nd year to collect items through their Giving Tree for the children at the Closet. We are blessed to have such a generous church and community.
PRAISE REPORT! (As of 12/1 afternoon) Over 70 pairs of pjs/sleepers have been donated so far for the Childrens Clothes Closet! We will be seeing over 300 children this month so the need is still great. Thank you for answering the call of Advent in your support of this ministry. These children, who you may never meet, will feel Christs love through you
~ Dawn Kern |
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Reach & Relate Notes |
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Dec 6 - BC Exam Outreach - Prayer Pencils and Little Debbie's in Forrer Learning Center 10:45 AM - 1:00 PM.
Dec 7 - Christmas Parade Hot Chocolate Table - set up 3:00 PM. Parade at 4:00 PM. Mark will bring the fire pit. 6 parking spaces will need to be reserved next to Main on Green Street.
If you would like to help with either or both of these events, please contact Jim Tongue |
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Ride the Church Bus in the Christmas Parade! Saturday, Dec 7th at 4 PM Contact Susan Gilkeson for Details!! |
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Mark your calendars for the annual Bridgewater Christmas Parade! This year the parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 4 pm.
The church bus will be decorated and entered into the Christmas Parade this year!! If you would like to ride on the bus or walk along the parade route and hand out postcards about the church and candy canes, please contact Susan Gilkeson! We need about 12 riders and about 4 (or so) walkers. No experience necessary, just bring your Christmas spirit and joyful smile!
The theme of the parade is "Floatin' in a Winter Wonderland." We have a bus driver! We need about 3 more riders and about 3-4 walkers. We are planning for the walkers to dress in Bible costumes (shepherds, angels, etc.) Contact Susan Gilkeson to help and she will find you a costume and let you know where to be and when! |
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Whats Coming Up for YOUTH!
This THURSDAY at Dayton UMC! Dec 5 5-7PM "7 Things" Lesson @ Dayton UMC
Well resume the "7 Things" series at Dayton UMC, continuing our deep dive into key teachings relevant for teens. We will also decorate BUMCs church bus for the Bridgewater Christmas Parade, Dec 7.
Dec 12 5-7PM @ Dayton Neighborhood Teen Carol Practice & Neighborhood Caroling
Well gather to practice Christmas carols, then head out to bring some holiday spirit to the Dayton neighborhood, including stops at nearby apartments and homes. Please dress warmly and bring your holiday cheer!
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM! |
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We're in Rehearsals for our Children's Program And there's still room for you! |
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We're in Rehearsals for our Children's Program for Christmas! We will be presenting the Children's Message on Sunday, December 22, before the Choir Cantata! As we are planning, here's what we need to know:
INTEREST
If your children are interested, please contact me ASAP! Email at joeycapuano@gmail.com, phone at (540) 421-4169, or by our BUMC Kids GroupMe!
If you are interested in helping out with rehearsals, costuming, the day of the Program, please also contact me!
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Music: We will begin rehearsing the singing parts during the last fifteen minutes of Sunday School each week one week from this Sunday. (Sunday, November 10 - first rehearsal). The children will also sing a short song as part of the cantata this year!
Speaking: We will practice the speaking parts in Children's Church. Gracen and I will be working together. The readers, shepherds, angels, and Mary and Joseph will be speaking parts, the animals will be singing with the Carols, but no speaking.
On the two Sundays before the Program, Sunday, December 8, and Sunday, December 15, we will have dress rehearsals from 11:00 - 12:00 immediately after the Services. I would ask that parents are here at Church with us during the rehearsals to help us with logistics, including the children getting into their costumes.
Thank you, and lets remember what Tiny Tim always says, God bless us, everyone!
Joey
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Birthday & Anniversary Blessings!
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Happy December Birthdays to:
2 - Dottie Sharpe 3 - Tom Snook, Jaxon Koogler*, Diana Miles 7 - Tara Vetting 8 - Kim Miller, Robin Wilkins, J. C. Smythers, Hunter Smith 9 - Bettye Newman, Hazel Beasley 10 - Pat Johnson 12 - Sam Teter 13 - Blake Hohenstein, Tyler Hohenstein, Heather Gomez (DS wife) 14 - Mary Dadisman 15 - Claire Lescanec 16 - B. J. (Brenda) Jenkins 19 - Betty Foley 20 - Ada Robinson, Bob Reiman, Ray Michael 21 - Erin Davidson 22 - Claire Leeper 25 - Charlotte (Shinaberry) Reese 26 - Reilly Breeden, Gavin Higgs 27 - Georgia Lee Byerly 28 - Eric Miller 29 - Noah Swift 30 - D. R. Davis, Abby Miller |
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Our Calendar Dec 3 - 8 Updated! |
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TUE 11:15 AM UWF to Camp Overlook for Christmas Lunch 7 PM Advent Bible Study (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team 12 PM Lunch & Conversation at BRC 6 PM Handbell Practice 7 PM Choir Rehearsal
THUR 3:30 PM Staff Meeting
FRI 10:45 AM - 1 PM BC Exam Outreach Faith Bible Class Christmas Dinner
SAT 4 PM Bridgewater Christmas Parade Our Church Bus will be in the parade! 3 PM Reach and Relate Hot Chocolate Station Set-up (See above if you want to help on Saturday!)
NEXT Second Sunday in Advent! SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for All Ages 10 AM Worship 11 AM Children's Program Rehearsal 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in |
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Contact Us |
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219 N Main Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 |
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 |
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Email Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Copyright 2024. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
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