E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast - February 8, 2025 |
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I had a few great Sunday School teachers when I was growing up that "updated the software" in my heart and my body when I was in 4th, 5th, 6th grade. Those adults that took the time to pray, plan, and spend time with us kids on Sunday mornings made a lasting difference. One of the things that I learned was a song for this Bible verse: 1 John 4:7-8. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God... Those who don't love, don't know God, for God is love... beloved, let us love one another. First John 4:7 and 8." It's a part of the sountrack of my life. It comes up on my brain's playlist from time to time.
These days I'm thinking about how when we say we love God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, we act in loving ways. When we love God, the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control are evident in us. Children teach us a lot about love. I find that this social media quote has some pretty good ideas of how to act in love: "As the world fights to figure everything out, I'll be holding doors for strangers, letting people cut in front of me in traffic, saying good morning, keeping babies entertained in grocery lines, stopping to talk to someone who is lonely, tipping generously, waving at police, sharing food, giving children a thumbs-up, being patient with sales clerks, smiling at passersby, and buying a stranger a cup of coffee. WHY? Because I will not stand to live in a world where love is invisible." (Unsure of source) Then sometimes, the quote also gives a reminder of self-love--to be gentle with yourself and forgive when you fail. I need that reminder when I fail.
This is part of why we believe so deeply in children's ministry (Sunday School, Bible School, Children's Choir, and other opportunities) at BUMC. Many here have had that same experience of one or a lifetime of teachings about Jesus that are close to our hearts. This why we sing the old songs and learn some new songs, tell the "old, old story of Jesus and his love" over again. This is also why we invite and let our children lead in worship in as many ways as we can. Tomorrow, we have invited the children to lead us in singing, in receiving the Souper Bowl offering, acolyting, reading, and sharing worship art. Hope you will come!
There is a hymn in the Faith We Sing (2233) that says. "This, this is where children belong, welcomed along with the worshiping throng, water, God's word, bread & cup, prayer & song. This is where children belong." Let's keep making Bridgewater a church that cares about all of God's children.
Blessings & Prayers! Pastor Mary |
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Please continue to share the good news that our worship time is at 10 AM. Keep inviting friends & neighbors to Sunday School at 9 AM & joyful, meaningful worship at 10 AM!
Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb 9 - A Love Service led by the children!
The children will be singing with the adult choir in worship, the handbells will play, and the service will be based on LOVE. It will also be Souper Bowl Sunday!! On Souper Bowl Sunday, our church has a tradition of receiving a "loud" offering of coins and change and a "soft" offering of dollar bills and checks with all the money going to the Bridgewater Interfaith Food Pantry! The Bridgewater Food Pantry shares with us that requests for food are increasing and donations are not as much as usual, so they can use our help. Pray and give as you are able!
Feb 16 - Rev. Victor Gomez will be our guest speaker. His sermon will be entitled "Keep Your Fork."
Let's grow together in 2025! Blessings, Pastor Mary
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The Men's Prayer Breakfast was such a success that we're going to do it again! It will be on Saturday, March 1, at 8:30 AM. If you want to participate you can sign up online, in the office, or by calling or emailing the office at 540-828-0890 or adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com. |
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Joys and answered prayers Rodney Hildebrand, Bonnie Snook, Rick Ours and Lyla Waterstreet surgeries went well
Gregg Kiracofe is feeling better Jerry Judy (Hazel Beasley's brother-in-law) is doing better and is in rehab Baby Nora born 1/28 to Robin Siegel's cousin
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
Prayers of sympathy for the family of: Joe Ruoto, Carolyn Van Dyck's Relative Stan Shifflett, friend of BJ Jenkins Current Prayer Concerns
For the people affected by the Los Angeles fires and for safety and protection for those fighting and fleeing the fires.
For our nation, the decisions of the new administration, and may God bless AmericaFor peace in Ukraine and the Middle East and for all of the people living there
May there be peace on earth, and may it begin with us
The people of North Carolina, Florida, and other states affected by weather events and fires
For Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit and faith
For all of the active duty members of our armed forces, for veterans and for our first responders
Our children and grandchildren and our families and friends
For college, high school, middle school and elementary students - for their learning and grades
For better health and more strength. For successful medical treatments
For patience. For strength to spread the gospel even when it's hard
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
For people and families dealing with depression and anxiety, with mental illness and with addiction
For less death in our family, for peace and grace in facing grief and loss
Carolyn Alford
Rev Bobbie Jo Gardner
Henry & Dorice Graham
Kathi Hemmis
Rodney Hildebrand
Mick Leach
Cheryl Reiman
Karen & Scott Ridder
Pam Tierman
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Danielle Bennington Georgia Lee Byerly Don Capuano Grace Fishback Joanne Fisher Betty Foley Mary Glover Glen Goetz Deidra Hill Barbara Kiracofe Dorothy Lion Doris Mac Daniel Ray Michael Shirley Michael Rev Luther and Dot Ramsey Joanne Simpkins Bonnie Snook Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Marcia and Gary Tyeryar Donald Usry |
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, February 9 (2nd Sun)
Greeters Paul & Johna McFarland Ushers Taylor Family Reader Ed Craun Audio-Visual Sam Biggs Acolytes Taylor Family Sanctuary Servers Jim & Judy Tongue |
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Tuesdays in February at 11 AM in the Library |
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What does it mean to be United Methodist? Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, & Witness! We are offering A Disciples Path by Jim Harnish. Everyone is welcome! We are meeting on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM in the Library. Please let the office know if you have questions or join us any time. Blessings! |
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DUMBUM Youth News! from Jomo Johnson |
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Here's what's coming up for youth!
Teen Volunteers & Food Donations Needed for Feb 22nd Food Distribution
Activity: Meal prep and packing bag lunches for the needy at Harrisonburg Baptist Church. Let's show God's love in action!
Hello Everyone, Were hosting a Food Distribution Event on Feb 22nd from 9 AM to 12 PM at Harrisonburg Baptist and need all teens to help serve! We also need adult volunteers to donate the following food items: Main Dish: 4 pans of pre-made lasagna (9x13 size, serves 12 each) Side 1: Garlic Bread 8 loaves of French/Italian bread 2 cups garlic butter spread Side 2: Garden Salad 5 large bags of salad mix 3 pints cherry tomatoes 40 individual dressing packets Side 3: Fruit Cups 10 lbs. pre-cut mixed fruit 40 disposable cups with lids Please reply to confirm your teen's participation or to sign up for a food donation! Contact: Dumbumyouth@gmail.com for info or to share your donation
Thu, Feb 13th - No youth group meeting.
Sun, Feb 16 - Jomo is preaching at Dayton UMC
We look forward to seeing you all at these events! Lets come together to grow in faith and fellowship.
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM! Don't forget our check-in Zoom every Sunday at 7:00 PM. Contact Jomo if you need the link!
Blessings, Jomo (240) 328-5847 dumbumyouth@gmail.com |
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
Here is what's coming up! We are SO excited!
February 9th - Sunday Worship Love Service
On Sunday, Feb 9, the children will be singing with Joan, the adult choir, and me as we present a Love Service with children's Bible Songs relating to Love. What better way to ring in the week of Valentines Day?!?
We are rehearsing these Songs during Children's Sunday School from 9:30 - 9:45 AM. The Sunday School teachers will bring the kiddos up from the classroom to rehearse in the choir room with Joey and Joan. (If you are not there for Sunday School, feel free to still come to rehearsal! Any kid is welcome to join!)
March - - We will be planning a Holy Trinity - themed Saint Patrick's Day event. An interest message has been sent out to the Children's Ministry Team Group Me. If you would like information on it, contact Joey via email at joeycapuano@gmail.com or via phone at (540) 421-4169.
April An AWESOME month!
1.) Sun, April 13 Palm Sunday Service
The children will be participating in the palm Procession and singing with the adult choir with songs where we can proclaim Hosanna!
2.) Sun, April 13 Easter Egg Hunt & BUMC Community Potluck Dinner at Oakdale Park
- At 4:00 PM on Palm Sunday afternoon, all children are invited to Oakdale Park (shelter # TBD) for a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt! The DUMBUM Youth Group will be hiding these goodies, so we know there will be good hiding places!
- At 5:00 PM, following the Easter Egg Hunt (shelter # TBD), all BUMC community members, friends, and family are invited to our Pre - Easter Potluck Dinner. This will be such a fun way to start out our spring break for Rockingham County Public School kiddos and families, and we just want a way to celebrate Easter together. this way, families can celebrate Easter as a Church and then be free to travel and / or celebrate the actual Easter weekend in their own ways. We will invite all community members to bring a dish / food / beverage item to share! As Pastor Mary always says, GOD IS GOOD! Lets continue to share THIS MOST AWESOME TRUTH with all the world!
As always, your friend in Faith, Hope, and Love, Joey
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New @ BRC Opening Minds through Art Program seeking volunteers! |
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Are you passionate about art and eager to make a meaningful connection with others? Bridgewater Retirement Community is seeking volunteers to join our Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program, an innovative, evidence-based art-making initiative designed for individuals living with dementia. OMA offers a unique opportunity for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, all in a supportive, failure-free environment. Bridgewater Retirement Community will be hosting an OMA volunteer training on Wednesday, February 19th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the BRC Houff Community Center (Alexander Mack A Room). If youre interested in participating or learning more, please reach out to Laura Powell at 540-828-2682 or Lpowell@brcliving.org |
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Thank you note from Kingsway Prison Ministry |
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Thank you for your donations. Thank you for having Paula and Pam for their presentation for United Women in Faith. We have so many returning to society and we can continue to help them with their needs and help the children at Christmas. God Bless! Kingsway Volunteers |
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February is Heart Havens Month Here's how to help: |
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You are invited to attend WRE's 2025 Choral Presentation, "Light of the Lord," on Saturday, March 15 at 4:00 pm at the Spotswood High School Gymnasium. This is a mountaintop experience in which WRE students from 15 elementary schools are brought together to sing and praise the Lord. |
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Hymn Writing Workshop and Worship Service With Carolyn and Bruce Gillette Harrisonburg Baptist Church - Harrisonburg, VA March 1 - 2, 2025 |
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Are you someone who loves hymns? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at writing hymn texts? This is your chance to learn from the internationally known hymn writer, Carolyn Gillette. (Learn more about Carolyn at https://carolynshymns.com). She will be joined by her husband, Bruce, a leader in the creation care movement, for a stimulating day of thinking about Gods creation, our stewardship, and how we can use our own creativity to put into words our thoughts and feelings about the beautiful world God has entrusted us with. Step by step, Carolyn will lead you through the process of writing a hymn text, and fitting it to a familiar hymn tune, and you will leave with a verse or two of your own making and perhaps a deeper insight into the wonder of Gods creation.
In addition to the Hymn Writing Workshop on Saturday March 1, there will be service of hymns and readings by Carolyn Gillette on Sunday morning, March 2 at 10:30: In the Beginning: Genesis in Scripture, Prayer and Song |
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Relay For Life of the American Cancer Society is coming up. Funds raised support cancer research and services for patients with cancer and their loved ones. This year's theme for our local Relay For Life is Carnival for a Cure. For more information about what Relay For Life is and how you can get involved contact Robin in the office. |
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This Week's Birthdays! |
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12 Wilton Fansler, Brett Brubaker 15 Abbie Early (Mancari) |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School SUNDAY 10 AM Children's Love Worship Service 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 6 PM Wing Fellowship Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
TUE 11 AM Bible Study & New Member Class (Library) 5:30 PM Worship Committee (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Handbell Practice 7 PM Choir Rehearsal
Fri Happy Valentines Day
NEXT 9 AM Sunday School SUNDAY 10 AM Worship with Guest Speaker Rev. Victor Gomez 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 2025. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved |
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