E Blast

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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, September 11, 2026

A Note from the Pastor

A Message from Rev. Richard Bensinger

A Reflection for September 11

Each year, September 11 invites us into a holy pause. This year represents the 25th anniversary of that terrible day. We remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the deep wound that opened in our nation’s heart. We remember the smoke and sirens, the fear and confusion, and the brave people who ran toward danger when every human instinct would have urged them to run away. Their courage became a witness: that love can take the form of duty, sacrifice, and presence in the midst of chaos.

But remembrance is not only about looking backward. It’s also about seeing clearly the people God has placed among us today. Every community has first responders who live with readiness as part of their calling: firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers, dispatchers, emergency nurses, rescue workers, chaplains, and many others whose service often unfolds away from public view. They answer calls in the middle of meals, in the dark hours of the night, on holidays, and in moments when someone else’s ordinary day has suddenly become a crisis.

Their work reminds us that compassion is not merely a feeling; it’s a practiced faithfulness. First responders meet strangers at the point of vulnerability. They steady trembling hands, enter damaged homes, lift the injured, protect the frightened, and speak calm words when fear is loud. In these acts, we glimpse something of Christ, who moved toward suffering rather than away from it, who touched the wounded, who entered grief, and who promised, “I am with you always.”

On this day of remembrance, we give thanks not only for the heroes of September 11, but for the servants of September 10 and September 12, and every day in between. We pray for those who continue to carry what they have seen, for those who wrestle with exhaustion, trauma, and the weight of responsibility. We pray for their families, who share in the cost of such service. And we pray that our gratitude will become more than words: that we will support them, honor them, and help build the kind of community where their work is valued and their humanity is protected.

May God bless all who respond when others call for help. May God strengthen their courage, guard their hearts, and surround them with grace. And may we remember, with humility and hope, that even in the shadow of tragedy, love still runs toward need.

I hope as many of you as possible will join us at Bridgewater UMC this Sunday as we honor our local first responders, and acknowledge the critical role these heroes play in our community.

Be blessed today and every day! Pastor Rich

If you would like to try Spiritual Direction, contact Pastor Rich via phone (703-402-0287) or email (seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc.com).

Written copies of the Sunday sermon are available. Just contact Pastor Rich via email (seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc.com) and he will email it to you.

Prayer List

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Ephesians 1:17-19a

Joys and answered prayers

Madelyn and Nolan Gilkeson and Martha Canada medaled in the Bridgewater Race to the Bottom

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

Current Prayer Concerns

We give thanks for all of those who serve as first responders, caring for our community, and pray for their safety and protection

Bettye Newman

Kim Miller

Alison Bensinger Cochicki

Greg Smith

Michele

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers...

For those affected by the floods in Nepal and around the world, and the earthquakes in Columbia, Indonesia, Japan, and Venezuela, and the fires around the world, and for those helping

For those affected by disease outbreaks - Ebola, measles, and Cyclosporiasis

For protection for all Houses of Worship of all faiths

For pastors and congregations with new congregations and pastors

Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors, and throughout the world
For peace in Iran and in the Mid-East, and in Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela, Cuba, and around the world
For our nation to step back from greed, injustice, fear, and hatred
For all of our government leaders to act with wisdom and love.
For protection for our government officials, President Trump and his family
For your will, 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 grow in faith
That our families will become closer to God and for clarity in seeing God's will
For Bridgewater and other college students, and for students of all grades, - for a good start to the semester
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, those awaiting surgery, and those having treatments
For those dealing with mental illness and addiction and those who care for them
For our families and families in our community in crisis or struggling with estrangement
That this day be good and tomorrow better

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Dorice Graham

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Judy Hulvey

Barbara Kiracofe

Dorothy Lion

Shirley Creekbaum

Mitzi Puffenbarger

Joanne Simpkins

Bonnie and Tom Snook

Sandra Stroud

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar

Donald & Ginger Usry

Doris Waters

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, September 13, 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

There has been interest expressed in a Women's Bible Study.

There is a sign up sheet in the breezeway

to express your interest and note your preference of day or evening.

The Bible study is planned to begin in October.

The chosen study is "The Women of the Bible Speak: the Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today" by Shannon Bream.

Its Operation Christmas Child Time Again!

BUMC will begin collecting items for Operation Christmas Child boxes this month. Since its back to school time, there are loads of good deals on school supplies right now, so well start again with collecting school supplies. While youre shopping for your students, please consider buying some extra of these supplies so we may include them in our Christmas boxes.

Were collecting: pencils, black ink pens, rulers, small note pads, markers, colored pencils, square erasers, glue sticks, stickers, small scissors, post it notes. A collection area will be set up in the breezeway.

We are planning activities to help us raise the money for shipping - more info is coming soon!

As always, we thank you for your help with this important mission project!

Johna McFarland, OCC Coordinator

Reminder:

Prayer Group has moved to Tuesday mornings at 10 AM.

Everyone is welcome to join us!

Pastor Rich's ongoing Men's Bible Study will be will be continuing every Monday at 7 PM in the Library and is also available by Zoom. Join in and meet men with whom Pastor Rich has been meeting from other locations and participate in stimulating discussions. Pastor Rich can provide the Zoom contact information and answer any questions.

United Methodist Men's Opportunity

Harvest of Hope

Phoebe Needles Camp in Riner/Callaway, VA

November 6-8, 2026

Harvest of Hope is a faith-based, experiential, service & learning opportunity that provides you and your group the opportunity to take action, get involved in hands-on activities, and rescue and share good food with people in need.

There is an intergenerational Harvest of Hope experience occurring in Phoebe Needles Camp in Riner/Callaway, VA on November 6-8, 2026. The cost is $175/person. BUMC has scholarships available if needed.

Search for endhunger.org. Scroll down to Overnight camps and click on the picture for Harvest of Hope.

The page will show you all the overnight camps in Virginia. click on Sign Up for the event in which you wish to participate to register.

Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!

The Back to School Brunch has been rescheduled for this Sunday, September 13 after the sermon. Please plan on joining us!

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, and 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