E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Friday, October 31, 2025 |
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Devotion from Pastor Mary |
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This Sunday is All Saints Day!
Hebrews 12: 1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."
I’m currently reading a book called Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I’m about two-thirds of the way through. One day, a note popped up on Facebook from our Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson suggesting that it would be a good read, so I thought I would give it a try. Honestly, with a name like Theo of Golden, I thought it was going to be technical book about a saint long ago written in some possibly arcane language, so I was cautious, but also curious.
As I read, I found out it is a story about a kind of a saint, but it takes place in modern time in Golden, Georgia. It’s about a man named Theo and how he meets and encourages the people around him in his community. He starts out by purchasing portrait drawings done by a local artist and gifting them to people in the community. As he meets with them, he listens to their stories. As he talks to others, we learn the story of his life and why he is doing these things. There is more going on in this book and I can’t wait to see how it ends. In the book, Theo says, “the best portion of a good person’s life is ‘the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” It’s interesting to read and think about how these acts make us who we are and unite us.
This Sunday, we celebrate All Saints Day. We remember those who have gone before us who passed on the Christian faith and love of Jesus Christ on to us. In a lot of ways, that was done through many “little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love” some that are written and passed down through the ages, but most form us and shape us in ways we don’t even realize. Hebrews 12:1-2 is so inspiring to me. It reads: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of[b] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Amen! Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
See the rest of our E-Blast for what's coming up to praise God and bless those around us.
Blessings, Pastor Mary
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! |
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Don't forget to set your clocks back Saturday night! |
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The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. ~ Psalm 34: 15, 17 |
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Joys and answered prayers Thank you God for the love of Jesus, our church, family, & friends
We give thanks for God's grace & mercy Prayers of Sympathy for the families of Chris Eaves (friend of Tim Leach in TX) Tim Demastus (friend of Sharon Coakley)
Current Prayer Concerns Charles Harold, Sharon Harold's brother-in-law
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Georgia Lee Byerly Betty Coakley Nancy Thomas Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for…
Federal employees, contractors, & others whose livelihood is affected by the federal government shutdown People affected by hurricanes, fires & natural disasters, and the responders Those affected by the mass shootings in the U.S., especially those injured & killed, and their families. For the safety of all involved in the protests, ICE raids, & National Guard deployments around the country. Peace in our cities & nation For the United States, the decisions of the administration, congress & the courts; may God bless & guide America A just peace in Ukraine & Middle East; for all living there Continued action to provide food & medicine to those starving & suffering in Gaza. Let there to be peace on earth; let it begin with us Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit, faith, & love All members of our armed forces, National Guard, veterans, & first responders Our children, grandchildren, families & friends All students - for their flourishing, learning, & grades Better health, more strength, & successful medical treatments Patience & strength to spread the gospel even when it's hard Help us to put you first in everything we do Those who think you have deserted them amid today's world circumstances People & families dealing with depression, anxiety, mental illness & addiction Less death in our family; peace & grace in facing grief & loss For those who are mourning or afraid and for all those fighting cancer
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, November 2, 2025 (1st Sun)
Greeters B. J. Jenkins & Bettye Newman Ushers Ed Craun & Marc Craun Reader Christy / Mark Kipps Audio-Visual Tony Mancari Acolytes David Kipps Sanctuary Servers Don Gilkeson & Sue Rexrode Bus Driver Dwight Campbell |
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Thank you to everyone who turned in their Estimate of Giving Cards for 2026. If you haven’t done yours yet it’s not too late. There are some available in the back of the Sanctuary or ask an usher. |
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Toothpaste for Kingsway Prison & Family Outreach |
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Kingsway Prison & Family Outreach serves people in Virginia who are incarcerated and their families. For Christmas, they provide a small gift to each inmate including a 3 oz - 6 oz tube of toothpaste (individually sealed in a box). We are collecting toothpaste to support this ministry or funds to purchase toothpaste. If you would like to give, bring boxes of 3 oz to 6 oz tubes of toothpaste to church and place on the table under the quilts. If you have questions, please see Karen Chamblee, Lay Leader. |
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The UWF Circle of Love would like to thank everyone that came out to the annual Salad Supper last Monday. We had an excellent speaker from Isaiah 117 House: location leader, Jenny Butcher. We collected over &600 in donations for the organization. It was a fun evening of good food and fellowship, and also the chance to support an organization helping to ease the transition for foster families. |
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Veteran’s Recognition is Next Sunday, Nov 9th |
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Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
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Every Sunday: 6:45 p.m. Prayer for Teens — Parents’/Adults Zoom Gathering 7:00 p.m. Youth Zoom Check-in!
Blessings, Jomo Johnson (240) 328-5847 dumbumyouth@gmail.com |
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
The Children's Christmas Play is coming! We will present it in worship on Sun, Dec 7th. Let Gracen know that you will be in the play. We will be starting practice in Children's Church (and other dates TBA). This is very special time for our children & church!
Our Church Bus will be in the Bridgewater Christmas Parade on Dec 6th!! We are looking for families to represent BUMC in the parade! If you want to ride the bus, let us know!
Join us for Children's Church every Sunday! Children’s Church is worship & Christian education for kids during part of the worship service. It is led by our amazing leaders Gracen, Rea, & Malachi. Children may attend worship through the Children’s Message & then go to Children’s Church on the first floor with our leaders. ~OR~ Children are always welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their family.
Jesus loves you and so do we!!
~Gracen Kelley~ BUMC Kids Group Me, email gracenkelley123@gmail.com or phone (call, text) 804-867-6143 |
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Time for Operation Christmas Child! Packing Party is Next Saturday November 8 from 10 AM to 12 Noon |
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Time for Operation Christmas Child! |
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Our goal again this year is 100 boxes to include school supplies, hygiene items, and lots of other fun things for children in need. We are still in need of small stuffed animals, Playdough, card games (Old Maid, UNO, etc.) and balls. We appreciate the church’s support for this important project for children! Thanks, Johna McFarland |
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KINGSWAY APPLE TREE Monetary donations can also be made to help with the inmate gifts (to 8600 prisoners in Virginia). Thank you for your support of this important ministry. For more information please contact Karen Chamblee. |
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Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley, a 38-member professional choir under the direction of artistic director Scott Zane Smith, presents their holiday concert, “The Wonder of Christmas” on December 20th and 21st, at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, VA. Our one-hour concert consists of sacred and secular music, with many familiar tunes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Concerts both days are at 3 p.m. For more information, find us on Facebook @ Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley. |
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November's Birthdays! |
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1 Brinkley Jordan Bowman 3 Eva Jordan, Roger Joralemon, Caitlin Canada 4 Nate Miller II, Libby Bowman, Connor Linn 5 Derek Hemmis 6 Bob Puffenbarger 8 Ashley Intemann Klug 9 Taylor Ann Joralemon, Susan Gilkeson 11 Martha Canada 13 Olivia Perkins Walton 14 Nancy Thomas 15 Teagan Shifflett 16 William Kane 17 Christy Kipps, Andrea Capuano 18 William Leeper 19 Lynn Brubaker 20 Yvonne Taylor, Jeff Cubbage 21 Jim Harris 22 Carolyn Van Dyck, Don Gilkeson, Melissa Kenney 23 Samuel Oduro 25 Max Harper, Noelle Newman 27 Rodney Hildebrand 29 Dan Harris, Rhonda Johnson |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS All Saints Sunday SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship Service 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritans (Fellowship Hall & Kitchen)
TUE 6:30 PM Valley RC Flying Club (New Beginnings)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Blue Ridge Room) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
THU 7 PM Staff Parish Relations Committee (New Beginnings)
SAT 10 AM Packing Party for Operation Christmas Child (Fellowship Hall)
NEXT Veterans' Day Celebration SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship Service 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
Please send Robin announcements for the Bulletin/Slides/E-Blast by Wednesday to adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com. Thank you! |
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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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