E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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E-Blast Friday, December 6, 2024
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Sunday's Worship Service is @ 10 AM
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Advent Devotion (Reprinted from adventconspiracy.org) |
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In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
"I am the Lords servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. --Luke 1:26-38
With the angelic proclamation, "Greetings, you who are highly favored!," we have our first introduction to Mary in Luke's Gospel. Because of this lofty declaration, we often think of Mary as the model of obedience, the picture of a perfect follower of God.
Now to be sure, being selected to bear the Son of God is indeed a high honor, but the extraordinary thing about Mary was that she was so ordinary. Living in a small village, not in the religious center of Jerusalem, she was a young girl in a culture that valued age and men. She later calls herself poor and lowly.
God chooses Mary because she has nothing. When she asks, "How will this be?", it is a practical question. She's old enough to know how this works and knows that there's a step missing in the process.
Mary discovers what all Christians must learn. When God calls us, we are not capable of accomplishing the task on our own. Only God can provide what we need. Through miraculous intervention, Mary goes from unwed virgin to the mother of the Christ child.
By embracing her calling, Mary becomes a partner with God in bringing the Kingdom here on earth. Without God's intervention, Mary could not become pregnant. Without Mary as a human mother, Jesus could not be born as one of us. This is God's design, for us to work together to give life to the Kingdom here on earth.
God's call transforms us from people who are incapable on our own to those for whom, with God's help, nothing is impossible. We, like Mary, have been chosen by God, not because of anything we have or have done, but because God wants to have a relationship with us. We are indeed highly favored.
Reflect How have you felt incapable or inadequate to do what God has called you to do? Have you ever witnessed God's miraculous provision when you chose to follow his calling? How might the concept of partnering with God help us fulfill the Advent Conspiracy tenants to Give More and Love All?
Pray God, who calls and provides, May we recognize the gifts you have given us and remember how truly favored we are. Help me to listen closely for your calling and to be quick to obey, even when I dont fully understand the whys and the hows. During this season of Advent, help me to use the unique gifts you have given me to breathe life into your Kingdom on earth, both now and all year long. Amen. |
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Community & 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!
Christmas Parade Outreach! The Bridgewater Christmas parade is this Saturday, Dec 7th at 4:00 PM We have a few ways of reaching out to our community at the Christmas Parade on Saturday:
--Reach and Relate will be offering *free* hot chocolate on the front lawn and we will also have a fire going in the fire pit for those who want or need to warm up by the fire.
--The bathrooms will be open and available to the public.
--Our Church Bus will be in the Parade! We found a driver, walkers, and riders to share Christmas Cheer in our Church Bus!
Please come out and join the fun at the parade, stop by and see us on the church lawn and cheer for our bus as it cruises by! Thank you to everyone who organized these GREAT ways of reaching out to our neighbors and showing that Jesus is the reason for the season! We will all be passing out invitations to come & join us for worship.
Return to the Light Service, Dec 19th at 6:30 PM
Especially for those who need a quieter time to reflect on the season, we will hold our Return to the Light Service on Thursday, Dec 19th at 6:30 PM. We will tell the story, light candles, sing traditional carols, and join together in prayer. Everyone is welcome and invited. If you are struggling, grieving, seeking hope or space, you are welcome here.
Coming December 22nd "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Cantata & Children's Program
The 2024 Cantata Choir and the children will present the Christmas Cantata "Do You Hear What I Hear?" in worship on Sunday, December 22 at 10 AM. The children will also present a prologue to the story as our Children's Program! You will not want to miss this spirit-filled Sunday! Join us and invite a friend or neighbor.
Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM Dec 24 Candlelight Communion Services
Our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Dec 24th (Christmas Eve). Our 4:00 PM Service is our family service with a time especially for children. Our 11:00 PM service is a bit more formal. Both services offer a time of sharing in Holy Communion and candle lighting. |
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Joys and answered prayers Chloe Mallett (Karen Chamblee's great niece) graduating from college December 13th!The birth of Garrett Scott Reusser to Logan & Whitney Reusser
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
Prayers of sympathy for the family of: Guy Rawley, Harry Rawley's brotherWayne Oxford (father of Carolyn Van Dyck's son-in-law)
Current Prayer Concerns
Tom DeVore
Wayne Kipps
Gregg Kiracofe
Whitney Reusser
Gary Shifflett
Donald Usry
Terri Vance
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Danielle Bennington Harold Burkholder Don Capuano Grace Fishback Joanne Fisher Betty Foley Glen Goetz Henry & Dorice Graham Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Anna Keller Barbara Kiracofe Doris MacDaniel Ray Michael Shirley Michael Rev Luther & Dot Ramsey Joanne Simpkins Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary & 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 (12/8) are:
Greeters Paul & Johna McFarland Ushers The Taylor Family Reader Ed Craun Audio-Visual Sam Briggs Acolyte The Taylor Family Sanctuary Servers Jim & Judy Tongue
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Advent Bible Study now forming! We will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Library. We will plan to meet Dec 10 & 17 and maybe a couple more! Sign up in the breezeway or join us on Tuesday. This is a lectionary-based study with hands on fun & learning. See you there!
Led by Pastor Mary |
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Pajama Drive for the Children's Clothes Closet!! |
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The Circle of Hope is seeking donations of pajamas for children at the Clothes Closet. We are collecting them now through Christmas. The number of families visiting the Closet keeps increasing. Therefore, the need is great. We are collecting infant sleepers size 12, 18 or 24 months & any type of pj's or nightgowns size 2T to 14/16. There will be a collection box in the hallway. Thank you for your support!
Thank you also to the Cracked Pillar (owners Tim & Patti Landes) for working with us a 2nd year to collect items through their Giving Tree for the children at the Closet. We are blessed to have such a generous church and community.
~ Dawn Kern |
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Thank you for the 'Hanging of the Greens'! What a beautiful, holy time last Sunday as we gathered for intergenerational Sunday School. We thought about the gifts we can give to the world & made ornaments. Thank you to 'Educate & Equip & Friends' for your leadership and all who joined the hands-on learning. |
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THANK YOU to everyone who donated gifts, gift wrap, tape, and shipping $$ for the Kingsway Apple Tree. We fulfilled OVER 100 apple tree gifts to make a child's Christmas and help Kingsway families. If you have any additions, please bring them to the Apple Tree as soon as possible! If you have any questions, please contact Karen Chamblee |
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THANK YOU from Rhonda Johnson & the Wing Fellowship! |
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THANK YOU to everyone who donated food items for the BC pop-up food pantry. Special thanks to everyone who volunteered the day of the pantry also. You have been a blessing. ~ Rhonda Johnson |
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Whats Coming Up for YOUTH!
Dec 12 5-7PM @Dayton Neighborhood Teen Carol Practice & Neighborhood Caroling
Well gather to practice Christmas carols, then head out to bring some holiday spirit to the Dayton neighborhood, including stops at nearby apartments and homes. Please dress warmly and bring your holiday cheer!
Save the date for the Thursday the 19th when we will go shopping for Mercy House! Details to come!
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM! |
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We're in Rehearsals for our Children's Program And there's still room for you! |
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We're in Rehearsals for our Children's Program for Christmas! We will be presenting the Children's Message on Sunday, December 22, before the Choir Cantata! As we are planning, here's what we need to know:
INTEREST
If your children are interested, 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. The children will also sing a short song as part of the cantata this year!
Speaking: We will practice the speaking parts in Children's 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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8 - Kim Miller, Robin Wilkins, J. C. Smythers, Hunter Smith 9 - Bettye Newman, Hazel Beasley 10 - Pat Johnson 12 - Sam Teter 13 - Blake Hohenstein, Tyler Hohenstein, Heather Gomez (DS wife) 14 - Mary Dadisman |
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Our Calendar Dec 8 - 15 |
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THIS Second Sunday in AdventPrepare with Passion SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship 11 AM Dress Rehearsal for Childrens Program 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 6:30 PM Service Team Interest & Visioning Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
TUE 7 PM Advent Bible Study (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Handbell Practice 7 PM Choir Rehearsal
NEXT Third Sunday in AdventPresence SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship 11 AM Dress Rehearsal for Childrens Program 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
God is so good and there are always GOOD things happening here at Bridgewater UMC! The Good News is that Jesus brings HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, & JOY to the world! Blessings to you in this season of anticipation and HOPE! We are praying for 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 2024. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
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