E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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E-Blast Friday, November 1, 2024
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Sunday's Worship Service is @ 10 AM
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Devotion |
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
This verse in Hebrews 12 has been helping me out so much this year. I have always felt very close to the "great cloud of witnesses." The "great cloud of witnesses" are those people who have lived and died and shared their faith with us so that we might be followers of Jesus Christ. They include people who wrote down the stories in the Bible, written and published books, written hymns, liturgies and prayers we share. And they include people like our grandmothers and grandfathers and those who touched us in our congregations that we worship with in spirit.
I've become even closer to the "great cloud of witnesses" in the last years as I have thought more about those I've loved and lost, some of whom were my spiritual mentors, loved ones in the church, and close relatives.
So when I feel weak or tired or discouraged, I have been hanging on to this verse. I remember the love that surrounds me, the messages that were taught to me. We are SURROUNDED by MANY who have loved us and do love us, so that we can LET GO and CAST ASIDE things that hold us down and hold on to JESUS. Then we can not just WALK but RUN toward the future with hope.
Hebrews 12 is considered Paul's "pep talk" to the church. I encourage you to read it. Paul reminds us that Jesus also went before us, and persevered the hardships. Jesus is also cheering for us and loves us and is perfecting us in love. We, too, can persevere. It might not solve all the problems, but it inspires me. I remember, with thanks!
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Worship Notes |
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Please continue to share the good news that worship time is at 10 AM & invite friends and neighbors to Sunday School at 9 AM and joyful, meaningful worship at 10 AM!
This Sunday, we begin our Stewardship Focus with a series of videos prepared by congregation members and our Stewardship Committee. Our Stewardship theme is "Giving Back to Christ." This is a 4th Sunday, and we will be having a 4th Sunday luncheon at 11:00 AM with hot dogs and "Church Auction BBQ." Hope to see you there!
Next Sunday, November 3rd is All Saints' Day! If you have a loved one in your family who passed away since November 1, 2023, please let us know! We will share in Holy Communion and remember our loved ones.
Veterans Day is coming...! We will honor and remember our Veterans on the second Sunday in November... if you have a Veteran in your family or active duty military member... please let us know! We would love to recognize them!
We are praying that all of the events and activities will be uplifting to you, your family, friends, and our community as we together lift Jesus high and spread his name and his love to all that we meet.
To God by the Glory! Pastor Mary |
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Joys and answered prayers We give God thanks for Gods grace & mercy
Prayers of Sympthy for the Families of Robert Lee "Bob" Holden Rev. James M. Jerry John
Current Prayer Concerns Craig Waters (Doris Waters' son) Don Capuano (Joey Capuano's grandfather) Sandra Stroud
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Danielle Bennington Harold Burkholder Grace Fishback Joanne Fisher Betty Foley Glen Goetz Henry and Dorice Graham Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Anna Keller Barbara Kiracofe Doris MacDaniel Ray Michael Shirley Michael Rev Luther Ramsey Joanne Simpkins Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia Tyeryar Donald Usry
--Our nation. May God bless America --Peace in Ukraine & the Middle East. For all living there --May there be peace on earth, & may it begin with us --The people of North Carolina, Florida, & states affected by weather events --Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit & faith --All of the active duty members of our armed forces, for veterans, and our first responders --Our children, grandchildren, families, and friends --College, high school, middle school and elementary students - for their learning and grades --Better health, more strength, & successful medical treatments --Patience --Help us to put God first in everything we do --Those who think that God has deserted them in the midst of today's world circumstances --People & families dealing with depression, anxiety, mental illness & addiction --Less death in our family, peace & grace in facing grief & loss |
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Wonderful Worship Volunteers for this week are:
Greeters B. J. Jenkins & Bettye Newman Ushers Ed Craun & Marc Craun Reader Mark Kipps Audio-Visual Tony Mancari Acolyte David Kipps Sanctuary Server Sue Rexrode
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Welcome New Staff Members!
Also, Raeanna Rae Ahnen will join our Childrens Church and Nursery staff. Rae is a student at Bridgewater College and has experience working with children. She will be working with Gracen Kelley on Sunday mornings.
Welcome to both of our new staff members! We look forward to getting to know you! |
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New Office Hours We are changing our office hours to 10AM - 3 PM Monday thru Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays. |
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Dear Friends,
It is quite an honor and a privilege to serve as your Pastor! Its so amazing to be part of a loving & active church that does so many things to reach out to our community and beyond! Thank you for all the expressions of love I have received for Pastor Appreciation month. What a mighty God we serve!
Also, thank you to the amazing staff & lay leaders here at BUMC! I love being in ministry with YOU!
Thank you! Pastor Mary |
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Thank you to all the women who attended the Salad Supper on Monday! The speakers from Kingsway appreciated the donations of toothpaste and bars of soap, and the $275 that was collected. This is a very important ministry that helps to change lives. They are grateful for the support of BUMC. The Circle of Love |
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Important Reminder: Youth Retreat Sign-Up Deadline!
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM! |
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Hi, all!! We had a BLAST seeing everyone at Oakdale Park last Saturday and seeing YOU in your Halloween costumes! Thank you again to everyone who donated candy and to everyone who helped out. We hope you had a happy & safe Halloween! Jesus loves you and so do we!
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party This Coming Saturday (Nov 9th) Come to the Operation Christmas Child Packing Party this coming Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Kids and parents are invited! Let Joey know that you're coming OR sign up in the breezeway so there will be enough pizza!
Looking ahead to our Children's Program for Christmas! We are almost in November! You know what that means?!? Christmas Childrens Program! We will be presenting the Childrens Message on Sunday, December 22, before the Choir Cantata! As we are planning, here's what we need to know:
INTEREST:
Who is interested in participating? The parts are as follows: Readers (older children), shepherds, angels, various farm animals (who can sing on the carols), Joseph and Mary
If your children are interested, please ask them which their two top choices of parts would be, and let me know by email at joeycapuano@gmail.com, phone at (540) 421-4169, or by our BUMC Kids GroupMe!
If you are interested in helping out with rehearsals, costuming, the day of the Program, please also contact me!
REHEARSAL INFORMATION:
Music: We will begin rehearsing the singing parts during the last fifteen minutes of Sunday School each week one week from this Sunday. (Sunday, November 10 - first rehearsal). The children will also sing a short song as part of the cantata this year!
Speaking: We will practice the speaking parts in Childrens Church. Gracen and I will be working together. The readers, shepherds, angels, and Mary and Joseph will be speaking parts, the animals will be singing with the Carols, but no speaking.
On the two Sundays before the Program, Sunday, December 8, and Sunday, December 15, we will have dress rehearsals from 11:00 - 12:00 immediately after the Services. I would ask that parents are here at Church with us during the rehearsals to help us with logistics, including the children getting into their costumes.
Thank you, and lets remember what Tiny Tim always says, God bless us, everyone!
Joey
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Birthday & Anniversary Blessings!
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Happy Birthday to: 3 - Caitlin Canada, Eva Jordan, Roger Joralemon
4 - Nate Miller II, Libby Bowman
5 - Harold Burkholder, Derek Hemmis
6 - Bob Puffenbarger
8 - Ashley Intemann, Jack Breeden, Logan Breeden, Kevin Kunosky
9 - Taylor Ann Joralemon, Susan Gilkeson, Robert Stickley
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A last shot... Halloween at Oakdale Park! |
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Our Calendar October 27 - Nov 3 |
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SUNDAY All Saints Day 9 AM Sunday School for All Ages 10 AM Worship 3 PM Charge Conference Satellite Location (Sanctuary) 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 2 PM Funeral Service for Robert Lee Bob Holden 6:30 PM Ruritan Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
TUES 5:30 PM Worship Committee (Library) 6:30 PM VRCF Club (New Beginnings Classroom)
WED 9:30 AM Prayer Team (Library) 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC) 6 PM Handbell Practice / 7 PM Choir Rehearsal
THUR 3:30 PM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Reach & Relate (Library)
SAT 9 AM OCC Packing Party (Fellowship Hall)
NEXT Veterans Day Recognition SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for All Ages 10 AM Worship 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in |
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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 2024. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
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