E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Saturday, March 7, 2026 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you so much for allowing me to be away for the past two weeks on a whirlwind vacation through Italy! The friend I traveled with is into statistics and I believe she said we saw 6 cities and around 42 sites. Wow! I'm still processing and recovering a bit, but it reminded me, as the Bible says, that God is able to do beyond anything we can ask or imagine. I will be able to share more in the weeks to come.
I very much look forward to being with you tomorrow morning for worship and getting back to our observance of the Lenten season, walking with Jesus on the way to the cross, and preparing our hearts for Easter!
Tomorrow, our message will be on the woman at the well from John 4. Here is a short reflection from The Painted Prayerbook by Jan Richardson. (The website is paintedprayerbook.com):
With this week’s Gospel passage, the lectionary continues to trace a watery way through the wilderness of Lent, calling us to be mindful of God’s provision even in the desert places. This text fairly drenches us as it draws us into the story of the Samaritan woman who meets Jesus while making her daily visit to the well—Jacob’s well, as both the narrator and the woman point out; the well established by a man who knew about meeting God in the midst of one’s journey.
The encounter between Jesus and the unnamed woman offers something of an icon of the Lenten season and the invitation it extends to us. If we give ourselves to a daily practice, if we keep taking our vessel to the source even when we feel uninspired or the well seems empty or the journey is boring, if we walk with an openness to what might be waiting for us in the repetition and rhythm of our routines, we may suddenly find ourselves swimming in the grace and love of God that goes deeper than we ever imagined.
Blessings!! See you shortly! 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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In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. ~ Psalm 18:6 |
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Joys and answered prayers Open Doors Coldest Night of the Year raised over $65,000 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
Betty Brennan (Ann Teter’s aunt) Current Prayer Concerns
Peace in our lives, our families, with our neighbors and throughout the world
For our nation to step back from greed, injustice, fear, and hatred For our government leaders to act with love. For wisdom for all our leaders, especially our president For protection for our elected officials, to protect President Trump and his family For your will, Lord, not our will to be done For those who cannot read For those who are struggling with financial problems Help us to be servants to each other, our neighbors, and the world. Help us to become better people and Christians and to have more faith That our families will become closer to God and for clarity in seeing God's will For Bridgewater and other college students - for discipline and for those taking exams For safe travels for our families For strength and health and healing for our families, for those who are sick For victims of abuse of all kinds For comfort for those dealing with illness and loss and those awaiting surgery For those dealing with mental illness and addiction For our families and families in our community in crisis or struggling with estrangement
That this day be good and tomorrow better
Rodney Hildebrand Melody Baron Judy Sale
Kim Miller
Jeff Higgs
Ray Michael
Carla Reames
Ruth Brown
Donald & Ginger Usry
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Dick Boyd Betty Coakley Grace Fishback Betty Foley Henry and Dorice Graham Casey Hartman Deidra Hill Judy Hulvey Barbara Kiracofe Chloe Leach Dorothy Lion Tony Mancari Shirley Creekbaum Mitzi Puffenbarger Joanne Simpkins Bonnie and Tom Snook Edward Stoops Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia TyeryarDoris Waters
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, March 8, 2026 (2nd Sun)
Greeters Bonnie & Tom Snook/Eileen Phillips Ushers Sara & Bill Walton Reader Jim Tongue Audio-Visual Marc Craun Acolytes Taylor Family Sanctuary Servers Sara & Bill Walton Bus Driver Dick Harper |
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It's that time of year again! Easter Dedications can be made in made in Memory or in Honor and be in the form of lilies or tulips for $12 each, or donations toward the Backpack Ministry or the Roof Fund. Please see the order form in the bulletin. Order forms can by placed into the offering plate or brought to the office. Please have them in by Sunday, March 22. |
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Name Tags Pastor Mary has encouraged everyone wearing their name tags on Sundays for the sake of new members and visitors. Since a number of names were missing, I have made new ones to replace them and they are all on the board and alphabetized to enable locating them easily. If anyone is still missing a name tag, please let me know and I will make you one. Robin |
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Let's welcome our new staff |
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The SPRC welcomed two new hires as of Feb. 1; Wyatt Smith, the BUMC Director of Music, and James Kiser, the Choir Director.
Wyatt's work will focus on the administrative end, planning special music, rehearsing special instrumental music, music events, and substitutes. He will plan special music for the 5th Sundays. He will be with the church at least one Sunday a month.
James will select hymns and anthems, hold choir rehearsals, and be with us on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays of the month. The Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7-8 pm. |
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District News -- Annual Conference is coming to JMU!!
Virginia Annual Conference June 17-20, 2026 Atlantic Union Bank Center (JMU)
Calling all Shenandoah Valley folks with gifts for kindness and hospitality:
We are searching for over 150 volunteers to help us host our first Shenandoah River District-area Annual Conference in Harrisonburg this year. We need many folks (even non-UMC!) with lots of kindness, knowledge and/or stories of the area to make this an unforgettable experience full of Shenandoah Valley hospitality for all.
If you are interested in partnering with us at this Annual Conference, please indicate your willingness, abilities, and availability. Our District Team will continue working with the Annual Conference Planning Committee to determine what jobs are available and then we will reach out and work with you one-on-one to find a job that suits you.
Thank you for your willingness, excitement, and energy. You will be the reason this is a magnificent experience for our Annual Conference members!
Some areas of help that will be needed are: -- Help with set up of conference at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in the days before and take down after the event --Help with golf carts as they arrive at the center in the days before AC --Registration Table (signing in Laity and Clergy) --Ushers (Wednesday through Saturday at noon) --Hospitality --Golf carts (driving and assisting persons into the arena) --Tech Desk
The official sign up sheet is coming soon, but in the meantime, now is the time to be thinking about what you can offer by giving of your gifts and talents!. - Debbie Creech debbiecreech@vaumc.org |
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From Janice Harper Dear Church Friends, Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciated all the cards, calls, texts, food, flowers and visits so very much since my recent illness as well as during the past year. Thank you so very much for your many acts of love and kindness. Your expressions of concern during my recovery will never be forgotten. Janice Harper |
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From Jeff Wine, Treasurer of the Bridgewater Food Pantry: On behalf of the volunteers and clients, thank you for your donations made to the Bridgewater Food Pantry in 2025. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and made a difference to those in need. |
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Bible Study "These Words of Mine" Jim Tongue is leading a study focused on the teachings of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. They are meeting on Sundays, at 11:15AM in the Fellowship Bible Classroom on the 2nd floor |
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Our Lent Bible study is An Unlikely Lent: Extraordinary People of the Easter Story by Rachel Billups. We are meeting on Tuesday at 10:30 AM in the library. This will give you a new perspective on Lent.
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Greetings from our new Choir Director! The Choir is working on music for the Easter season. We invite anyone interested in participating in an "Easter Choir" to join us! Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 pm. Please reach out to James Kiser at lyricbaritonejames@gmail.com for more information. We welcome anyone looking to share their love of music and faith. Thank you! James Kiser |
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NEW Sunday School Class - "Joyful Journeys" |
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Join us on Sunday mornings 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! |
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Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
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Subject: Upcoming Meeting: March 15
Grace and Greetings,
Sunday, March 15: Lunch & Fun Activity
NOTE TO PARENTS SUMMER MISSION TRIP.
1. Harvest of Hope - 4 day (July 12-15th) 3. If any one knows of any other opportunities or ideas, please let me know.
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. |
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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 |
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Relay For Life for Harrisonburg-Rockingham 2026 - Festival For Hope |
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It is Relay For Life season for our area for this year. I will share information weekly about our Relay, the American Cancer, what your donations do, and how you can get involved. If you have any questions or interest please contact Robin in the office. |
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Our Relay For Life's biggest fundraiser is our Auction! This year we are holding it as a separate event so that more Relay participants are able to participate in the auction, instead of setting up for Relay during it. It's going to be a fun event in and of itself, with food, baked goods, and Relay teams' setting up booths. |
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This week's Birthdays! |
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8 Gary Tyeryar, Macey Hess Nagle 10 Grace Fishback 11 Letitia Lam 12 Barbara Eanes, Judy Tongue, Lindsay Robinson 13 Christine Harper 14 Hilary Cubbage Perry |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 10 AM Worship Service 11:15 AM "These Words of Mine" Bible Study (Fellowship Class - 2nd floor) 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 5:45 PM Worship Committee Meeting (Library) 6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall) 7 PM UWF Faith Circle (Members' Homes)
TUE 10:30 AM "An Unlikely Lent" Bible Study (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
NEXT 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 9:30 AM Children's Choir Practice (Choir Room) 10 AM Worship Service 11:15 AM "These Words of Mine" Bible Study (Fellowship Class - 2nd floor) 6 PM Wing Fellowship Meal (Fellowship Hall) 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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