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, April 25, 2026 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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With Pastor Mary being out of town, she was unable to send this out on Friday. She should be coming back into town late this Friday.
In her absence I thought I'd share a devotional I appreciated. Robin
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
While I was waiting at the train station for my husband to pick me up, a young woman got out of a sports car and greeted me. "Hello, ma'am," she said. I smiled and asked, "How are you?" Expecting to hear the routine "I'm Fine," I was a little surprised when she responded, "I'm exhausted!" before continuing on her way. I quickly uttered a few words of encouragement and bid her a good evening. A few days later, I got on an elevator and said hello to a young man I didn't know. He immediately shared with me that it was his first day back at work after paternity leave and he was concerned about leaving his wife at home alone with their three-month-old twins. What struck me about those two encounters is that both people had told me, a total stranger, just how they felt or what was going on with them. Jesus is certainly no stranger to me, but do I always tell Him exactly how I feel? Truth be told, not always. Maybe it's because I know He already knows what's happening, so why repeat the obvious? Perhaps it's because I think I shouldn't complain. But just as I was willing to listen and encourage two complete strangers, wouldn't Jesus do the same for me? I want to take every opportunity to honestly seek His guidance, help, or strength. Or just bare my soul. Whatever it is, Jesus is near and ready to listen. -Barbara Lumpkins Walls
Thank you Lord that you want us to share all that is going on with us and how we are feeling, good or bad, with you and that you listen to it all and support us with your love not matter the circumstances. Amen.
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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Prayer List |
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Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! ~ Psalm 4:1 |
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Joys and answered prayers Jim Tongue's procedure went well and he is feeling good
Russell Wilson Carter was born on 4/9. He is Tony & Laura Mancari's grandson
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
Carla Reams—friend of Gloria & Rodney Hildebrand Dorothy Ravenhorse
Current Prayer Concerns
Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors, and throughout the world
Rev. John Vest Marie Chaplin Sam Clem Linda Gajda Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Grace Fishback Betty Foley Henry and Dorice Graham Dick Harper Casey Hartman Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Judy Hulvey Barbara Kiracofe Chloe Leach Dorothy Lion Ray Michael Shirley Creekbaum Kim Miller Mitzi Puffenbarger Joanne Simpkins Bonnie and Tom Snook Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia TyeryarDonald & Ginger Usry
Doris Waters
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, April 26, 2026 (4th Sun)
Greeters Chuck & Sue Rexrode Ushers Kathi Hemmis & Johna McFarland Reader Stephany Plecker Audio-Visual Sam Briggs Acolytes Sydney & Reese Leach Sanctuary Servers Don & Sue Gilkeson Bus Driver Fontaine Canada |
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Congratulations to all of our 2026 Graduates! On this Sunday we will be recognizing our college graduates during the worship service. Everyone is invited to wear college shirts and/or college colors to church on Sunday. Let's show our support for our graduates! |
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SPRC Announcement:
In late June, we will say goodbye to our dear Pastor Mary with prayers as she answers Gods call to minister to St. John UMC in Buena Vista. A blessing breakfast will be held in June. Details to come soon.
At the beginning of July, we will welcome Pastor Richard Bensinger (Pastor Rich) and his wife, Rebecca Musgrave to Bridgewater UMC. The SPRC will be discussing ways for the church to meet and get to know them. Look for information in future church communications. Below is some information about him and Rebecca.
Pastor Rich is a third generation UMC pastor. He heard his first calling while in middle school. Life intervened and he spent 25 years in the Air Force, and another 20 in the Aerospace industry before going to seminary. He has a daughter, Alison who lives in the Boston area and is an emergency room RN.
In 2017, he met his wife, Rebecca Musgrave and began following his ministry calling. He attended Divinity School in Sioux Falls, SD and received a Master of Divinity and became a Certified Spiritual Director. His first church service was in Oklahoma and he then served in the New England Conference before returning to serve in Northern Virginia in 2022. In 2024 he was called back to SD to serve First UMC in Rapid City. Returning to Northern Virginia in late 2025 he currently attends Evergreen UMC and Mt Zion UMC in Leesburg. His spiritual gifts include congregational caring, theology and Christian education for all ages. Rebecca works alongside Pastor Rich as a congregational care and prayer leader. |
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The Circle of Love is selling carnations as their annual fundraiser. Purchase a carnation in memory (white) or in honor (red) of your mother or other special women in your life. There will be a table in the breezeway with order forms and envelopes. Please place your order with payment in the envelope and place it in the basket. The carnations are $2.00 each, paid by cash or checks made out to BUWF (Bridgewater United Women in Faith). May 4 is the last day you can order. The carnations will be in the church on Mothers Day, May 10. Thank you. Circle of Love |
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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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Sign up are online or Robin in the office can assist. Information needed is your first and last name, email, cell phone, shirt size, and area(s) of interest for volunteering, including: Registration, Directional Support, Greeters, Ushers, Parking, Transportation Support, and/or Conference Set Up/Take Down. |
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Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
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Youth Events Lunch, Hunt & Service
This Sunday, April 26th Lunch, Devotion & Mission Day A meaningful time of fellowship and service. Schedule: Lunch at church Devotion time Local mission activity Fun post activity* (Optional) ______________________________ Sunday, May 31st Youth Service Were inviting all teens to take part in leading this special service! Opportunities to Participate: Share a 3-minute year recap testimony from each youth Join in 2 group songs Serve as an acolyte Read scripture Perform a solo or duet ______________________________ All teens are encouraged to participate bring a friend and be part of something powerful! |
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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. Our event is coming up quickly, on Saturday, May 9th. |
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There will be many fun events for everyone! Along with the below, there will be other activities throughout the night. Plus many teams will be having activities and fundraisers at their sites! |
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All God's Children Camp needs your help!
Are you ready for a week that will change your life as much as it changes a childs?
We are gearing up for two incredible weeks of All God's Children Camp, and we need you to help make it happen! To ensure every camper has the support they deserve, we are looking for 15 female and 15 male mentors for each of our upcoming sessions:
June 14-19 at Camp Chanco on the James August 9-14 at Camp Chanco on the James
As you know, camp isn't possible without our mentors. But "mentoring" is just a fancy word for being a friend. Youll spend the week walking alongside a camper, cheering them on as they conquer the zipline, create a masterpiece in arts and crafts, or brave the tubing run on the James River. Whether its diving into Bible study or cooling off in the pool, you are there to provide the leadership and encouragement they need to shine.
The Details: Who: Folks ages 17 and up. The Mission: A high-impact week of service right here in our own backyard! Bonus: This is a fantastic way to earn service hours, and its even better with a buddy. Bring a friend, a family member, or your whole small group! This is an urgent call to actionwe cant open the gates without a full team. If youre looking for a summer experience filled with hope, laughter, and purpose, this is it.
Click the link above to our website and scroll down to download a mentor application today! Or you can also download attached the application to this email.
Lets make this the best summer yet for these kids. We can't wait to serve alongside you! Much love and peace,
Lori Smith, Executive Director All God's Children Camp P.O. Box 187 Fairfax, VA 22038 571-245-9591
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This Week's Birthdays! |
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April 26 Rita Davis 28 Joey Ruliffson May 1 Chloe Leach 2 Jim Tongue, Drew Davis |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 9:30 AM 4th Sunday Coffee 10 AM Worship Service - College Graduate Recognition! 11:30 AM Youth Event 1:30 PM Worship at White Birch Communities 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 11 AM BRCC Exam Week Outreach (BRCC S building) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
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! |
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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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