E Blast
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Thursday, November 5, 2026 |
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A Note from the Pastor |
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A Message from Rev. Richard Bensinger
Stewardship Is: Making a Difference
As we conclude our stewardship series, we arrive at a simple but powerful truth: stewardship is about making a difference.
Throughout these last three weeks, we have explored how stewardship begins with our relationship with God and grows through our relationships with others. In the end, stewardship is not just about what we give. It is about the impact our gifts have when placed in God's hands.
Jesus spent much of His ministry making a difference in people's lives. He fed the hungry, welcomed the outcast, healed the sick, encouraged the discouraged, and proclaimed hope to those who had little reason to hope. Wherever Jesus went, lives were changed. His followers are called to continue that work.
At Bridgewater United Methodist Church, we see that happening every day.
When food is placed in our Blessing Box, someone who is struggling receives help. When Wing Fellowship welcomes international students, strangers become friends. When United Women of Faith support ministries such as Habitat for Humanity and Mission Central, lives are touched far beyond our community. When our Prayer Team lifts people before God, or when our Congregational Care Team reaches out to someone who feels alone, Christ's love becomes visible.
Sometimes stewardship makes a difference in dramatic ways. This year, gifts to our Pastor's Discretionary Fund helped a homeless woman move from life on the streets into safe housing and rehabilitation services. Sometimes stewardship is life-changing for one person at a time.
As we look toward the future, opportunities continue to emerge. The possibility of a Christian daycare ministry in our building will help address a significant need for families throughout our area while creating new opportunities for ministry and outreach. God continues to place needs before us and invite us to respond. That is why stewardship matters.
Our church's mission is simple:
Loving God. Loving People. Making a Difference.
These are not merely words. They are a way of life. They are a reminder that God has blessed us so that we may become a blessing to others. As you pray about your own stewardship, consider not only what you can give, but also the difference God can make through your gifts. Together, as we faithfully follow Christ, we can continue making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, beginning right here in our Valley.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rich |
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If you would like to try Spiritual Direction, contact Pastor Rich via phone (703-402-0287) or email (seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc.
Written copies of the Sunday sermon are available. Just contact Pastor Rich via email (seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc.
Please use the email seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc. |
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Prayer List |
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And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 |
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Joys and answered prayers Thank you, God, for all your creatures, great and small 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 Dennis
Current Prayer Concerns
Dayton UMC
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers... For peace, justice and wisdom in our nation and in the world
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Dick Boyd |
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, November 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 Dwight Campbell |
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Its Operation Christmas Child Time Again! |
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OCC Packing Party
We greatly appreciate all of the congregation's donations this year for our Operation Christmas Child project. The time to pack the boxes is almost here!
We plan to pack the boxes on November 14 from 10-12 in the church fellowship hall. We'll have pizza and treats when the boxes are all packed. OCC box delivery is that next week. There is a sign-up sheet in the breezeway to let us know if you plan to help with the packing party.
We are still in need of a variety of toys, small enough to fit into a shoe box - Matchbox-type cars, little dolls, games, crafts, etc.
Johna McFarland, OCC Coordinator |
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'Tis the Season |
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It's time to order poinsettias for Christmas! Order forms will be in Sunday's bulletins. They are due in by November 15th. Poinsettias are $15 each. Alternative giving options are the Backpack Ministry or the general fund. Of course, poinsettias and alternative giving can be in honor of memory of someone of your choice. |
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It's also time for Kingsway's Apple Tree Campaign! Be on the lookout for the tree to be in the breezeway. Pick an apple and provide Christmas gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. Donations to cover shipping costs are also appreciated. See the bulletin inserts for further information about this ministry. |
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Reminder: Thanksgiving Potluck for the church is on Sunday, Nov. 22 following service. After dinner, you are invited to stay and help put up the Advent/Christmas decorations. |
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Ladies, the United Women in Faith Christmas Celebration Lunch is coming up soon! Please sign up on the sheet in the breezeway. |
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Are you interested in learning to ring Handbells, learning new ringing skills, or being a part of a handbell choir that is just for fun? Call or text Ramona Evans at 540-421-9340. |
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The signs are now up on our Blessing Box
Items needed for the Blessing Box:
Dry Pasta and Pasta sauce ( note try to avoid glass jars during colder weather) Canned pasta items - Beef a Roni, Spaghetti, Ravioli etc. Canned Vegetables - Corn, Peas, Green Beans ( note French Cut do not go well!!!),Canned Tomatoes (Whole, Diced, Paste), Mixed Vegetables, Canned Beans, Chili Beans, Pork N Beans etc. Canned Fruit - Pears, Peaches etc. Canned soups- Tomato, Chicken Noodle, Vegetable (Beef) just basic soups Saltines Canned Meats- Tuna, Potted Meat, Vienna Sausage, Treet, Spam, Corned Beef, etc. Ramen Noodles - Variety of flavors SMALL containers of condiments - Catsup, Mustard, Mayo, Salt/Pepper
Please no fresh items; no-one takes them and they don't last.
Please think in terms of needing a variety of items rather than large quantities of one item. Also, if we are serving any homeless people, they may not have access to can openers or ways to heat food. |
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The Women's Bible Study. "The Women of the Bible Speak: the Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today" by Shannon Bream. Meets on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 AM in the New Beginnings Classroom |
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Reminder: Prayer Group has moved to Tuesday mornings at 10 AM in the Library. Everyone is welcome to join us! |
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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. We are currently studying the book of Joshua. Pastor Rich can provide the Zoom contact information and answer any questions. |
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Youth Event The Empty Bowl Supper at BRCC Thursday, November 5th *All youth tickets will be paid for by the youth account!* **Your ticket includes your very own handmade ceramic bowl to keep, soups, beverages, and dessert. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will have a short presentation. Friends and family are welcome. All youth, middle & high school aged, cost will be covered. Adults will need to register and pay for themselves. Call Rhonda Johnson with any questions: 540-421-6603. The event begins promptly at 6 PM, so we will leave from church by 5:15 PM or you may meet us at the college. Please sign up yourself and any youth friends you are bringing on the sheet below the youth bulletin board so we know how many tickets to preorder. |
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families! |
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We have our Friendsgiving event coming up, on November 15 from 5-7. Please bring guests and your families! We will be asking people to bring in their favorite thanksgiving dishes and desserts. We will have some crafts and activities for everyone to take part in. Hope to see you there! |
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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 and Rea. 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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Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley, a 50-member professional choir led by Artistic Director Scott Zane Smith, presents its holiday concert, The Pure Imagination of Christmas, December 19-20 at Lindale Mennonite Church in Linville. (Please note the new location.) Performances begin at 3 p.m. both days. This one-hour concert features an inspiring collection that captures the spiritand magicof the holiday season. Make plans to attend, and bring your family and friends. For more information, find us on Facebook at @Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley. |
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November's Birthdays! |
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8 Ashley Intemann Klug 9 Taylor Ann Joralemon, Susan Gilkeson 11 Martha Canada 13 Olivia Perkins Walton 14 Nancy Thomas |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS Consecration Sunday SUNDAY Thank You to all our Veterans! 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Worship Service 11:15 AM Fellowship Meal (Fellowship Hall)
MON 7 PM Pastor Rich's Men's Bible Study (Library & Zoom) 7 PM UWF Faith Circle (Members' Homes)
TUE 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Worship Team Meeting (Library) 6:30 PM Church Council Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
WED 10 AM Women's Bible Study (New Beginnings) 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Blue Ridge Room) 2 PM UWF Hope Circle (BRC Blue Ridge Room) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
NEXT 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 10 AM Worship Service 5 PM Friendsgiving (Fellowship Hall)
Please note that the church office will be closed for Thanksgiving Wed, November 25 - Friday, November 27. We are grateful for our wonderful staff.
Robin will also be out of office on Monday & Tuesday, November 30 & December 1.
All information for the bulletin and e-Blast will need to be to Robin by Monday, November 23 for those two weeks.
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 2026. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
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