E-Blast!
|
Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
|
|
Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Monday, May 4, 2026 |
|
|
A Note from Pastor Mary |
|
In the sermon yesterday, I shared the story of advice that a friend gave me a few years ago. "Pastor Mary," he said, "when you wake up every morning, try reaching for your Bible BEFORE you look at Facebook." My friend convicted me.
I doubt that I am alone when I admit It is my inclination every morning to wake up, grab my phone and "check the messages." I see if anyone has called, check my texts and emails, and yes, flip on the Facebook. Allegedly, I'm checking it to see what's on the calendar that day and keep up with my friends, but so many other things popup--local and national news stories, historical stories, celebrity stories, and videos... scroll, scroll scroll. I'm not saying that it is right, or even recommended! Before Facebook and even the Internet, there used to be a poem that was very true about "The Bible and the TV Guide." (I'll reprint that one below.)
So after remembering this excellent advice for my friend and preaching about Stephen keeping his gaze fixed on Jesus when the noise and chaos swirled around him (Acts 7), I picked up my Bible first thing this morning (yes, even pastor's need to turn over a 'new leaf' at times). The Bible opened to Isaiah chapter 12 reminding me of one of my all time favorite chapters in the Bible.
In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
Isaiah chapter 12 is filled with joy and song. I think, too, you can almost hear the water running from the well and splashing as it reflect the sun's rays. I love how it says, "I will trust and not be afraid" in the affirmative and imperative. Today, right now, I will trust. Today, right now, I will not be afraid. And it also commissions us to go and tell the glorious deeds of the Lord.
Let the Lord encourage you today. Look around you at the glorious things that God has done and is doing. Open your Bible and let God refresh you with a song. You are loved and in YOU I see the glory of God. In you, I see Jesus.
Blessings on your day! Pastor Mary
Here's that poem:
They lie on the table side by side
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. |
|
|
Prayer List |
|
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 |
|
Joys and answered prayers We celebrate graduates from Bridgewater College, James Madison Uuniversity, and Eastern Mennonite University
Casey Hartman is doing well after surgery 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
Ben Goodman - Karen Chamblee's niece's husband
Current Prayer Concerns
For the UMC itineracy process in Virginia and for all the pastors and congregations affected by moves Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors, and throughout the world
Jeff Pfister Sam Clem Lucia Gajda Janice Harper Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Grace Fishback Betty Foley Henry and Dorice Graham Dick Harper 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
|
|
|
Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, May 3, 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 Dwight Campbell |
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks to the Hope Circle, we have 24 Hygiene Kits made up. Also, someone donated 3 completed kits. If we send 75 kits to Conference, this is what we need to complete them:
Thank you for all of your donations. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Kathi Hemmis Please remember that the last day for donations is May 24th. |
|
HELP NEEDEDTO LOAD TRUCK KITS FOR CONFERENCE
We are seeking volunteers to assist with loading the Kits for Conference on the truck Monday, June 8th. Help is needed at both Vision of Hope United Methodist Church and Macedonia United Methodist Church.
Each location needs 57 volunteers to ensure the trucks are loaded safely and efficiently. Your time and effort will make a meaningful difference in supporting this important ministry.
If you are available to help, please sign up below. We truly appreciate your willingness to serve!
Vision of Hope will be picked up at 10:15AM Macedonia will be picked up at 11:30AM. . |
|
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
|
Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
|
Youth Events
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! |
|
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 |
|
|
Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
Children's Skit - The Good Samaritan If any of your children would be interested in helping with a skit on May 17th for Children's Time, please contact Gracen or complete the form on the BUMC Kids Group Me. We will be acting out the Story of the Good Samaritan! As always, there will be a variety of roles from big speaking parts to parts with no words to helping off stage with costumes. (Please only fill out the form if you and your family are able to attend the church service on May 17.)
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 |
|
|
Relay For Life for Harrisonburg-Rockingham 2026 - Festival For Hope |
|
It is Relay For Life season for our area for this year. Our event is coming up quickly, on Saturday, May 9th. |
|
|
We're having a special speaker for the opening ceremony you won't want to miss! |
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
May's Birthdays! |
|
1 Chloe Leach 2 Jim Tongue, Drew Davis 4 Linda Swecker 5 Samuel Wright 9 Fontaine Canada 10 Evan Kiracofe 11 Jessi Higgs, Kendall Williams 13 Emily Kern Stoltzfus 15 Jamie McDorman 18 Dorothy Lion, Hayden Reese Hanifee 19 Barbara Kiracofe 20 Mary Kern, Leslie Inteman 21 Adam Gilkeson 23 Grace Mowery 25 Katrina Davis 26 Arthur Higgs 28 Hayden Briggs, Ed Craun |
|
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
MON 6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall)
TUE 6:30 PM Valley Radio Control 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) 6 PM SPRC Meeting (Library) 7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
NEXT Mother's Day SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 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! |
|
Contact Us |
|
219 N Main Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 |
|
Call Us : 540-828-0890 |
|
Email Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
|
Copyright 2025. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
-
Location