February 26, 2026
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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Hello Everyone!
If you haven't heard, I am on vacation through Thursday, March 5. If you have a pastoral care need, please contact Karen Chamblee, and she can direct you to the pastor on call, if needed. The office will be open and Robin Siegel will be happy to assist you during office hours, Monday - Thursday, 10 AM - 3 PM.
On Sunday, March 1st, I have invited Rev. Kathleen Overby-Webster to be our guest speaker and preside over Holy Communion. I am excited for you to hear from her.
Kathleen is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and The Divinity School of Duke University. As an Elder in the Virginia Conference, she pastored churches with memberships of 12-1000. She was honored to serve two terms as a District Superintendent. In retirement she is an On-Boarding Facilitator and has been a regular contributor to the Society of St. Andrew devotionals. She loves reading a good novel and slow mornings with her husband Harold enjoying coffee and the backyard antics of birds, squirrels, and deer.
Please let's make sure Kathleen feels welcome here!
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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In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. ~ Psalm 18:6 |
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Joys and answered prayers 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
Polly Hise Tony Hill Richard Miller
Current Prayer Concerns
Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors and throughout the world
For our nation to step back from greed, injustice, fear, and hatred For our government leaders to act with love. For wisdom for all our leaders, especially our president For protection for our elected officials, to protect 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 have more faith That our families will become closer to God and for clarity in seeing God's will For Bridgewater and other college students - for discipline and for those taking exams 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 and those awaiting surgery For those dealing with mental illness and addiction That this day be good and tomorrow better Rodney Hildebrand Bobby Tumer Judy Sale
Kim Miller
Jeff Higgs
Ray Michael
Carla Reames
Ruth Brown
Donald & Ginger Usry
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Dick Boyd Betty Coakley Grace Fishback Betty Foley Henry and Dorice Graham Casey Hartman Deidra Hill Judy Hulvey Barbara Kiracofe Chloe Leach Dorothy Lion Tony Mancari Shirley Creekbaum Mitzi Puffenbarger Joanne Simpkins Bonnie and Tom Snook Edward Stoops Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia TyeryarDoris Waters
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, March 1, 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 |
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Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 8! Please remember to set your clocks forward on Saturday night March 7 so you don't miss church! We want to see you here. |
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Let's welcome our new staff |
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The SPRC welcomed two new hires as of Feb. 1; Wyatt Smith, the BUMC Director of Music, and James Kiser, the Choir Director.
Wyatt's work will focus on the administrative end, planning special music, rehearsing special instrumental music, music events, and substitutes. He will plan special music for the 5th Sundays. He will be with the church at least one Sunday a month.
James will select hymns and anthems, hold choir rehearsals, and be with us on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays of the month. The Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7-8 pm. |
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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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From Janice Harper Dear Church Friends, Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciated all the cards, calls, texts, food, flowers and visits so very much since my recent illness as well as during the past year. Thank you so very much for your many acts of love and kindness. Your expressions of concern during my recovery will never be forgotten. Janice Harper |
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From Tony & Laura Mancari: Thank you for sweet acts of Christian love and kindness while I have been recovering from my recent heart attack and stenting. Laura and I appreciate the many calls, notes, cards, visiting and other assistance provided during this time. I continue to recover in cardiac rehab and get stronger everyday. God is good...all the time. |
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Thank you from Shadrach Baako-Amponsah:
I am writing to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Bridgewater United Methodist Church for the generous support and fundraising efforts that helped cover my tuition. I am truly thankful for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to support my education.
Because of your support, my account balance has now been fully resolved, which has lifted a significant financial burden and allows me to focus fully on my schooling and future. Your generosity has brought me great relief, encouragement, and renewed motivation to continue working hard toward my goals.
Thank you once again for your generosity, prayers, and encouragement. I will always remember your kindness and strive to give back to others in the future, just as you have given to me. |
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Bible Study "These Words of Mine" Jim Tongue is leading a study focused on the teachings of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. They are meeting on Sundays, at 11:15AM in the Fellowship Bible Classroom on the 2nd floor |
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Our Lent Bible study is An Unlikely Lent: Extraordinary People of the Easter Story by Rachel Billups. We are meeting on Tuesday at 10:30 AM in the library. This will give you a new perspective on Lent.
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Greetings from our new Choir Director! The Choir is working on music for the Easter season. We invite anyone interested in participating in an "Easter Choir" to join us! Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 pm. Please reach out to James Kiser at lyricbaritonejames@gmail.com for more information. We welcome anyone looking to share their love of music and faith. Thank you! James Kiser |
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Free District Men's Dinner and Rally Please register ASAP for a head count of meals needed by contacting Debbie Creech at debbiecreech-vaumc.org@ Rick Hassler at 540-325-0098 Rick is enthusiastic about having you join them! |
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NEW Sunday School Class - "Joyful Journeys" |
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Join us on Sunday mornings 9:10am in the New Beginnings Classroom for an open, welcoming, all-ages NEW discussion group that explores how Scripture connects to real-world issues, everyday challenges, and modern life. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your coffee—this is a Sunday school class built on honest conversation, community, and practical faith. We hope to see you there! |
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Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
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Subject: Upcoming Meeting: March 15
Grace and Greetings,
Sunday, March 15: Lunch & Fun Activity
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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Monday, February 9, we held our kick off meeting for the Relay For Life season for our area for this year. I will share information weekly about our Relay, the American Cancer, what your donations do, and how you can get involved. If you have any questions or interest please contact Robin in the office. |
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Our Relay For Life's biggest fundraiser is our Auction! This year we are holding it as a separate event so that more Relay participants are able to participate in the auction, instead of setting up for Relay during it. It's going to be a fun event in and of itself, with food, baked goods, and Relay teams' setting up booths. |
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March's Birthdays! |
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1 Chuck Kern, Ethan Kipps 2 Edward Stoops 4 Paul McFarland 5 Logan Reusser, Kim Joralemon 6 Chad Craun 8 Gary Tyeryar, Macey Hess Nagle 10 Grace Fishback 11 Letitia Lam 12 Barbara Eanes, Judy Tongue, Lindsay Robinson 13 Christine Harper 14 Hilary Cubbage Perry 15 Grayson Byler 17 D. L. "Dick" Boyd 18 Josh Byler 19 David Kipps, Corbin Hess, Neal Snoddy, Gracen Kelley 20 Betsy Early 21 Dan Plecker, Scott Ridder 25 Molly Early 26 Kemper Dadisman, Philipa Effah 28 Kendall Ruliffson 30 Janice Harper |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 9:30 AM Children's Choir Practice (Choir Room) 10 AM Worship Service Guest Speaker - Rev. Kathleen Overby-Webster 11:15 AM These Words of Mine Bible Study (Fellowship Bible Classroom) 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall)
TUE 10:30 AM An Unlikely Lent Bible Study (Library) 6:30 PM Valley Radio Control Flying Club (NewBeginnings)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Shenandoah Room) 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 11:15 AM These Words of Mine Bible Study (Fellowship Bible Classroom) 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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Bridgewater UMC is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! |
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