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Call Us : 540-828-0890                Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com

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E-Blast Saturday, December 14, 2024

Sunday's Worship Service is @ 10 AM
Sunday School is @ 9 AM 

Advent Devotion

(Reprinted from adventconspiracy.org)

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no guest room available for them.  ~~Luke 2:6-7

 

This is the moment weve been waiting for, the big announcement of Jesus being born into the world. How does the gospel of Luke describe it? A couple of sentences, very few details. From the very beginning, God has made it clear Jesus would be a different kind of King. No parades and trumpets sounding, no big celebration happening in the palace for all to hear.

 

The birth of the King that changed the world was nothing like we expected.

Jesus chose to enter into our broken world in the most humble and vulnerable way by being born into a family that was on the outside, often overlooked and judged. The good news is that the King of Kings is not sitting in a throne in a palace far awayHe is in a manger, surrounded by the dirt, grime, and messiness of the world. God came to redeem the whole world, including those of us who sometimes feel like theres not room for us in the Kingdom of God.

 

because there was no guest room available for them.

 

On this most important night, no one made room for Mary, an expectant mother, all they saw were her circumstances but that didnt stop Gods plan from moving forward. As the people of God its up to us to open doors and create space for the downtrodden and overlooked. To see people as image bearers and make sure they know they too are invited into the Kingdom of God.

 

Reflect

As you Give More and Love All this Advent, how can you make an intentional effort to really notice and see the people youre in community with? Is there someone in your life that you need to share the good news of the gospel with?

 

Pray

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see the realities of the world around me, the brokenness and the beauty. I pray that this Advent season my heart would overflow with worship and gratitude as I find ways to serve others in my neighborhood, church, and city.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Please continue to share the good news that worship time is at 10 AM & invite friends and neighbors to Sunday School at 9 AM and joyful, meaningful worship at 10 AM! 

 

Return to the Light Service, Dec 19th at 6:30 PM

 

Especially for those who need a quieter time to reflect on the season, we will hold our Return to the Light Service on Thursday, Dec 19th at 6:30 PM.  We will tell the story, light candles, sing traditional carols, and join together in prayer.  Everyone is welcome and invited.  If you are struggling, grieving, seeking hope or space, you are welcome here.  Led by Rev. Mary Dadisman, Rev. Lori Valentine and Karen Chamblee.  Joint service with BUMC, St. James UMC & Mt. Zion UMC.

 

Coming December 22nd  

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" Cantata & Children's Program 

 

The 2024 Cantata Choir and the children will present the Christmas Cantata "Do You Hear What I Hear?" in worship on Sunday, December 22 at 10 AM.  The children will also present a prologue to the story as our Children's Program!  You will not want to miss this spirit-filled Sunday!  Join us and invite a friend or neighbor.  

 

Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM

Tuesday, December 24

Candlelight Communion Services

 

Our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Dec 24th (Christmas Eve) with special music starting 10 minutes before each service (3:50 PM & 10:50 PM). 

 

--Our 4:00 PM Service is our family service with a time especially for children. 

--Our 11:00 PM service is a bit more formal. 

--Both services offer a time of sharing in Holy Communion and candle lighting.  

Joys and answered prayers

--Chloe Mallett (Karen Chamblee's great niece) graduating from college December 13th!
--Libby Hildebrand (Gloria & Rodney Hildebrand's granddaughter) graduating from college 12/13
--Gregg Kiracofe is home from the hospital
--We give thanks for God's grace and mercy

 

Prayers of sympathy for the family of:

Guy Rawley, Harry Rawley's brother
Wayne Oxford (father of Carolyn Van Dyck's son-in-law)
Wayne McDorman
 
Current Prayer Concerns
Grace Fishback
Whitney Reusser
Wayne Kipps
Gary Shifflett
Gregg Kiracofe
Donald Usry
Anita Lucord's family
Terri Vance
 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Danielle Bennington

Harold Burkholder

Don Capuano

Joanne Fisher

Betty Foley

Glen Goetz

Henry & Dorice Graham

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Anna Keller

Barbara Kiracofe

Doris MacDaniel

Ray Michael

Shirley Michael

Rev Luther & Dot Ramsey

Joanne Simpkins

Sandra Stroud

Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas

Gary & Marcia Tyeryar

 

--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

Wonderful Worship Volunteers for this week (12/15) are:

 

Greeters                  Jim & Judy Tongue

Ushers                     Don & Jason Gilkeson

Reader                     Ed Craun

Audio-Visual             Mark Kipps

Acolyte                     Madelyn Gilkeson & Nolan Gilkeson

Sanctuary Server   Kathi Hemmis

 

Start the New Year 2025 with Bible Study & New Member Class

 

What does it mean to be United Methodist?  Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, & Witness!  Starting in January 2025, we will be offering the Bible Study The Disciples Path by Jim Harnish.  Everyone is welcome!  Time and date to be determined by YOU!  If needed, we will offer a day class and an evening class.  Please sign up in the breezeway, or let the office know of your interest and your availability.  Blessings!  Here comes 2025!

Pajama Drive for the Children's Clothes Closet!!

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.

 

~ Dawn Kern

                                              THIS WEEK for YOUTH! 

 

Shopping Event

Thursday, December 19th

Time: 6:30 PM: Youth treated to Subway inside store

Location: Walmart on 42

Event will conclude by 7:30 PM

With Dinner: Well enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Subway ($6$7 per person) and have a short devotion together.

Come ready for a meaningful and fun evening of shopping and fellowship!

  

Every Sunday at 7:00 PM!
Don't forget our Zoom check-in Sundays at 7:00 PM.  Contact Jomo if you need the link!

Blessings,  Jomo
DUMBUM Youth Group   (240) 328-5897          dumbumyouth@gmail.com

We're in Rehearsals for our Children's Program

And there's still room for you!

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, let me know by 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.  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

Birthday & Anniversary Blessings!
December 15 - 21, 2024

15 - Claire Lescanec

16 - B. J. (Brenda) Jenkins

19 - Betty Foley

20 - Ada Robinson, Bob Reiman, Ray Michael

21 - Erin Davidson

Our Calendar Dec 15 - 22

THIS        Second Sunday in AdventPrepare with Passion

SUNDAY  9 AM Sunday School

                10 AM Worship

                11 AM Dress Rehearsal for Children's Program

                 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

MON        7 PM Faith UWF Circle at Karen Chamblee's home

 

TUE         No Advent Bible Study -- we will regroup! (See above)

 

WED       10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                5:30 PM Handbell Dinner (Fellowship Hall)

                7 PM Choir Rehearsal

 

THUR      6:30 PM Return to the Light Service (Sanctuary)

 

NEXT        Fourth Sunday in Advent - Promise

SUNDAY   9 AM Sunday School

                 10 AM Worship

 

The 2024 Cantata Choir & Children's Ministry present

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Christmas Cantata & Children's Program

 

                1:30 PM Worship with White Birch Community

                7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

God is so good and there are always GOOD things happening here at Bridgewater UMC!  The Good News is that Jesus brings HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, & JOY to the world!  Blessings to you in this season of anticipation and HOPE! We are praying for YOU! 

Bridgewater UMC is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!  

Contact Us

219 N Main Street

Bridgewater, VA 22812

Call Us : 540-828-0890

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