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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Saturday, January 3, 2026

A Note from Pastor Mary

The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman

 

When the song of the angels is stilled
when the star in the sky is gone
when the kings and princes are home
when the shepherds are back with their flocks
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost
to heal the broken
to feed the hungry
to release the prisoner
to rebuild the nations
to bring peace among the people
to make music in the heart.

 

I know that I share this poem every year.  I think it's worth sharing and worth thinking about every year.  So, as they say, "I'll just leave this here."  Happy New Year 2026 everyone! 

 

Here is a prayer which seems fitting for the New Year from our United Methodist Book of Worship and Thomas Aquinas.  Let us pray:

 

Give us, O Lord,

steadfast hearts, which no unworthy thought can drag downward,

unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out,

upright hearts, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God,

understanding to know you,

diligence to seek you,

wisdom to find you,

and faithfulness that may finally embrace you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

- A Prayer of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Italy, 13th century, UM Book of Worship #530

 

Hope to see you tomorrow!  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!

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

Joys and answered prayers

Happy New Year 2026!  May God be our guide every day as we trust in Him!
Thank you God for the love of Jesus, for our church, our families and our friends
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
 
Prayers of Sympathy for the families of
Those killed and wounded in the shootings at Brown University and Bondi Beach, Australia
Larry Harmon - father of Melissa McCormick & friend of Rhonda Johnson
Georgia Lee Byerly
Letitia Lam
Jenny Rieman 
Judy Capuano—Joey Capuano's grandmother
 
Current Prayer Concerns
Matthew Walton - son of Sara and Bill Walton
Debbie Harris - Jim Harris's wife
Doris Waters 
Bonnie and Tom Snook 
Dick Boyd 
Nancy Shugart - Karen Chamblee's cousin
Robbie Moss—Kathi Hemmis’ brother
Tammy & Donnie Ervine— lost everything in a house fire
 
For the people affected by natural disasters and the people helping them.  
For those affected by mass shootings around the country, especially those injured and killed and their families.
For the safety of all involved in the protests, immigration raids and National Guard deployments around the country.
For peace in our nation and in our cities
For our nation, the decisions of the administration, congress and the courts; and may God bless and guide America
For a just peace in Ukraine.  For the Middle East and for food, medicine and shelter to those starving and suffering in Gaza.
For there to be peace on earth, and may it begin with us
For Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit and faith and love
For all of the active duty members of our armed forces, for the National Guard, for veterans and for our first responders
For our children and grandchildren and our families and friends
For all our students - for their flourishing, 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
For us to put you first in everything we do
For those who think that you 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
For those who are mourning or afraid and for all those fighting cancer
 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Betty Coakley

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Henry and Dorice Graham

Casey Hartman

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Judy Hulvey

Barbara Kiracofe

Dorothy Lion

Ray Michael

Shirley Creekbaum

Kim Miller

Mitzi Puffenbarger

Joanne Simpkins

Sandra Stroud

Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald and Ginger Usry

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, January 4, 2026 (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                 Fontaine Canada

Jesus always is the reason!

Happy New Year from Bridgewater UMC!

New Pictorial Directory is Coming!

Done by the Portrait Café

Please sign up on Sunday to have your picture taken for the pictorial directory. The sign-up sheet is in the breezeway.  there are still openings for pictures February 23 (Monday) 2026!!

Hats, Gloves and Mittens for the Children’s Clothes Closet

The Circle of Hope is collecting hats, gloves and mittens for the Children at the Clothes Closet at Mission Central over the next several weeks. If you would like to join our effort that would be wonderful. They need all sizes from toddler to teen. Your donations can be placed in the pink tub in the main hallway as you enter the church. As always, any children’s clothing is greatly appreciated (gently used) especially coats and pajamas this time of year. They can be placed in the red hamper in the stairway leading to the Sunday School wing. Thank you for your continued support of this important outreach ministry. ??’s please see Carolyn VanDyck  -Circle of Hope

Advent Bible Study Concludes on Jan. 6 at 10 AM

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

NEW Sunday School Class starts tomorrow!!

"Joyful Journeys"

Join us on Sunday mornings beginning January 4th at 9:10am in the New Beginnings Classroom for an open, welcoming, all-ages NEW discussion group that explores how Scripture connects to real-world issues, everyday challenges, and modern life. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your coffee—this is a Sunday school class built on honest conversation, community, and practical faith.  We hope to see you there!

Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements

After-Church Lunch, Trivia & Interactive Bible Study
 Bridgewater, VA
 Sunday, January 11
 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
 Lunch Provided
 RSVP Required
Join us immediately after church for a relaxed and engaging time of food, fellowship, fun trivia, and interactive Bible study. This gathering is designed for conversation, connection, and meaningful discussion in a welcoming environment.
What to expect:
•    Casual lunch together
•    Team-based trivia (all youth ages welcome)
•    Interactive Bible study with discussion and questions
•    A great opportunity to connect with others in the community
Whether you’re new, visiting, or a regular attendee, this is a great way to stay, eat, and engage after service.
 Please RSVP so we can plan food and seating accordingly.
We look forward to spending time together!

 

Every Sunday:

6:45 p.m. Prayer for Teens — Parents’/Adults Zoom Gathering 
Parents, we invite you to join us this Sunday at 6:45 p.m. on Zoom for prayer over our teens! Together, we’ll lift up their hearts, minds, and futures — asking God to bring them peace, strength, and rest as they grow in faith.

7:00 p.m. Youth Zoom Check-in!

 

Blessings,  Jomo Johnson (240) 328-5847   dumbumyouth@gmail.com

Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!

 

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

January's Birthdays!

1  Joan Kenney, Johna McFarland, Glenda Deaton

3  Garnet Suiter

7  Brian Balser

8  Roger Bible

9  Dick Harper, Linda Ridder

11 Doyle Hess

13 Karen Early-Williams, Richard Robinson, Wyatt Smith

14 Marie Chaplin, Nancy Puffenbarger, Kaitlyn Gilkeson

15 Ben Lescanec

16 Sandra Stroud, Marisa Taylor

17 Laura Powell, Becky Fansler, Bill Walton, Jamie Eanes

18 Charlotte Elizabeth Croushorn

20 Ann Teter

21 Sara Walton

22 Ruth Peters

25 Richard Phillips, Abby Davis Stone

28 Donald Usry

30 Phil Evans

Our Calendar This Week

THIS             9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY      10 AM Worship Service

                     6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth

                     7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

TUE             10 AM Advent Bible Study Concludes

                    6:30 PM Valley Radio Control Flying Club (New Beginnings)

 

WED            10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                    12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Shenandoah Room)

                     6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons)

                     7 PM Choir Rehearsal

 

NEXT           9 AM Sunday School for all ages 

SUNDAY      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! 

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

Copyright 2026. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved.