E Blast

Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com

Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Thursday, September 17, 2026

A Note from the Pastor

A Message from Rev. Richard Bensinger

Wherever We Begin

I am so glad to be here as pastor of Bridgewater United Methodist Church. When the discernment process begins with Bishop, Cabinet, and the receiving church, everyone prays hard for a good fit. In my first two and a half months, I can testify from my perspective that this is a great fit for me. I have found people in this church who are committed, engaged, and growing in faith. I have also found a congregation that understands, in many beautiful ways, that discipleship is not a single doorway but a long and grace-filled path.

Some enter that path as young children, brought to Sunday School and worship by families who want them to know the stories, songs, and promises of God. Some enter as older youth, invited by friends, drawn by fellowship, service, retreats, mission, and the questions that rise during Confirmation. Some enter as adults who are seeking answers to hard questions, longing for forgiveness, or needing God’s promised help along life’s difficult journey. Others may have walked with Christ for many years, only to discover that there is still a new step of trust, service, prayer, or surrender waiting ahead.

That is the mercy of discipleship: Jesus meets us where we are, but he does not leave us there. His invitation is simple and demanding: “Follow me.” It is simple because the next step is usually close at hand. Pray today. Worship this week. Serve someone in need. Open Scripture. Join a class. Forgive a neighbor. Encourage a child. Invite a friend. Become a leader in the church. It is demanding because following Jesus slowly reshapes the whole of life—our priorities, our habits, our relationships, our generosity, and our hope.

No one needs to be embarrassed about where they begin. The church is not a gathering of people who have already arrived; it is a community of travelers learning the way of Jesus together. Some are taking first steps, some are finding their footing again, and some are helping others along the road. Wherever we enter, the path leads us deeper into love of God and neighbor. And by grace, every step taken with Christ becomes part of the holy journey of becoming his disciples. Thanks be to God. Amen. 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

Chandler Tate Hanifee was born on September 9. Her parents are Brenan & Cana Hanifee; great grandparents are Chuck & Sue Rexrode

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

Bettye Newman

Kim Miller

Alison Bensinger Cichocki

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

Dick Boyd

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 20, 2026 (3rd Sun)

Greeters Gloria & Rodney Hildebrand

Ushers Higgs Family

Reader Gloria Hildebrand

Audio-Visual Mark Kipps

Acolytes Nolan Gilkeson

Sanctuary Servers Laura & Tony Mancari

Bus Driver Chuck Rexrode

On next Sunday we will be having a raffle to raise money to cover the shipping costs for our Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes. The raffle items will be set up during 4th Sunday cofffee. The church will also be open from 2 PM to 4 PM for the auction. This will be a "Chinese Auction" style event. The various items will have a jar or container with each for placing tickets. When you purchase tickets, put them in the container(s) with the item(s) in which you are interested. The drawing of the tickets will be at 3:45 PM. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets will be 1 for $5, 3 for $10, and 10 for $20. Rhonda Johnson or Johna McFarland can answer any questions.

Pizza & Painting of the Blessing Box after service on September 27. Youth and kids are invited to paint the Blessing Box to get it ready for use. RSVP to Mark Kipps (540.383.5498).

The Women's Bible Study.

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

Will meet on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 AM starting September 30

in the New Beginnings Classroom

Its Operation Christmas Child Time Again!

BUMC is 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.

We're 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 is set up in the breezeway.

We are planning activities to help us raise the money for shipping - See above for the Raffle information!

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.

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!

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