E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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E-Blast Friday, December 19, 2024
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Sunday's Worship Service is @ 10 AM
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Advent Devotion (Reprinted from adventconspiracy.org) |
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. ~ Luke 2:6-7
This is the moment weve been waiting for, the big announcement of Jesus being born into the world. How does the gospel of Luke describe it? A couple of sentences, very few details. From the very beginning, God has made it clear Jesus would be a different kind of King. No parades and trumpets sounding, no big celebration happening in the palace for all to hear. The birth of the King that changed the world was nothing like we expected.
Jesus chose to enter into our broken world in the most humble and vulnerable way by being born into a family that was on the outside, often overlooked and judged. The good news is that the King of Kings is not sitting in a throne in a palace far awayHe is in a manger, surrounded by the dirt, grime, and messiness of the world. God came to redeem the whole world, including those of us who sometimes feel like theres not room for us in the Kingdom of God.
because there was no guest room available for them.
On this most important night, no one made room for Mary, an expectant mother, all they saw were her circumstances but that didnt stop Gods plan from moving forward. As the people of God its up to us to open doors and create space for the downtrodden and overlooked. To see people as image bearers and make sure they know they too are invited into the Kingdom of God.
Reflect As you Give More and Love All this Advent, how can you make an intentional effort to really notice and see the people youre in community with? Is there someone in your life that you need to share the good news of the gospel with?
Pray Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see the realities of the world around me, the brokenness and the beauty. I pray that this Advent season my heart would overflow with worship and gratitude as I find ways to serve others in my neighborhood, church, and city. In Jesus name, Amen. |
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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 December 22 10 AM "Shepherds, Sheep & Stars" Children's Program & "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Choir Cantata
This Sunday, December 22 in Worship at 10 AM, the children will present "Shepherds, Sheep & Stars." Also, the 2024 Cantata Choir and the children will present the Cantata "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 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 Tuesday, December 24 Candlelight Communion Services
Our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Dec 24th (Christmas Eve) with special music starting 10 minutes before each service (3:50 PM & 10:50 PM).
--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. We offer gluten free communion bread for those who need it. --Please note: At BUMC, we use "family friendly" individual candles that are electric and still provide a meaningful worship experience.
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Joys and answered prayers --Our Childrens Ministry Leaders & Children --Our Music Leaders and our Church Choirs --Christ the Savior is born! --We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
Prayers of sympathy for the family of: Anna Keller
Wayne McDorman
Current Prayer Concerns
Anita Lucords family Barbara & Gregg Kiracofe Nancy Puffenbarger Gary Shifflett Bonnie Snook Donald Usry
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Danielle Bennington Harold Burkholder Don Capuano 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
--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 (12/22) are:
Greeters Chuck & Sue Rexrode Ushers Kathi Hemmis & Johna McFarland Reader Christmas Cantata!! Audio-Visual Sam Briggs Acolytes Sydney & Reese Leach Sanctuary Servers Don & Susan Gilkeson
Wonderful Worship Volunteers for next Sunday (12/29) are:
Greeters Kari Palmer, & Karen Chamblee Ushers Paul & Johna McFarland Reader Joey Capuano Audio-Visual Scott Ridder Acolytes Madelyn & Nolan Gilkeson Sanctuary Servers Laura & Tony Mancari |
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Start the New Year 2025 with Bible Study & New Member Class
What does it mean to be United Methodist? Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, & Witness! Starting in January 2025, we will be offering the Bible Study The Disciples Path by Jim Harnish. Everyone is welcome! Time and date to be determined by YOU! If needed, we will offer a day class and an evening class. Please sign up in the breezeway, or let the office know of your interest and your availability. Blessings! Here comes 2025! |
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Christmas Caroling at BRC Monday, Dec 23 4 PM! |
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Let's go Christmas caroling and spread some cheer! Meet Pastor Mary & Joey Capuano at the Administrative Center at BRC Monday, Dec 23 at 4:00 PM for Christmas Caroling through the halls of BRC! Everyone is welcome - bring your Christmas spirit and let's make a joyful noise! |
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An Opportunity to Serve: Help BRC Residents Go to Chapel |
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We have received word from Laura Powell that Bridgewater Retirement Community is in need of volunteers to help residents in wheelchairs attend chapel on Sunday afternoons. No experience required -- BRC will train. The need right now is especially December 29th, January 5th, 12th, & 19th. A brief Wheelchair Training starts 3 PM at Lantz Chapel, Chapel is at 4 PM and you will be done by 5 PM. If you are interested, please contact the Church Office (adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com or 828-0890) or sign up in the breezeway. Let's see if we can help meet part of this need! Thank you! Pastor Mary |
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Thank you everyone for welcoming me and making me feel like I belong in my first few weeks. Robin Siegel Administrative Assistant |
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Thank you to everyone for the cards & prayers. Seasons Greetings to all! ~ Dorice & Henry Graham |
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Waking Up with a Gift A Christmas Message for our Youth from Jomo
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24
As a child I greatly anticipated Christmas morning. I usually could not sleep in expectation of receiving all the new gifts I was promised. Even after Christmas day had passed, I would wake up the following mornings with great happiness. I would arise from my bed and say to myself, Hey! I've got a new toy! I then would start my day with the knowledge that I had something new.
Now as a grown man, I experience an even greater joy every morning. No longer is it the pleasure from material gifts, but I arise with the knowledge that I have received the greatest gift of all: the love of God. This surpasses everything I have ever possessed.
The love of Jesus is a gift that keeps on giving. With this love I have the gift of forgiveness of sins, the amazing peace of God, the knowledge that he utterly and unconditionally loves me, the Spirit who dwells inside my heart, and the greatest being eternal life with Him.
This wonderful present that God has given me does not get old or become outdated. It can not be stolen or lost. It also is not dependent on my current circumstance or situation. Because this gift was given by God, it is forever preserved in Heaven and forever preserved in my heart.
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM! |
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Thank you & Merry Christmas from Joey! |
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Hello, everyone! The children and I are so excited to share our Christmas Childrens Program with you on Sunday, and get to participate with the adult choir in their Christmas Cantata! We thank you for all of your support and love of us that you always give! We pray for you, your friends, and your family to have a Blessed Christmas and New Years celebration!
Our favorite Christmas quotation from any Christmas story is Tiny Tims: God bless us, everyone!
Merry Christmas! Joey joeycapuano@gmail.com, call/text (540) 421-4169, or GroupMe |
Birthday & Anniversary Blessings!
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22 - Claire Leeper 25 - Charlotte (Shinaberry) Reese 26 - Reilly Breeden, Gavin Higgs 27 - Georgia Lee Byerly 28 - Eric Miller 29 - Noah Swift 30 - D. R. Davis, Abby Miller |
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Our Calendar Dec 22 - 29 |
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THIS SUNDAY - DEC 22 - Fourth Sunday in Advent - Promise --9 AM Sunday School --10 AM Worship - Children's Program & Christmas Cantata The Children's Ministry Presents "Shepherds, Sheep & Stars" & the 2024 Cantata Choir presents "Do You Hear What I Hear? --1:30 PM Worship with White Birch Community --7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON The Office is open 10 AM - 3 PM 4 PM Christmas Caroling at BRC!! Meet Joey & Pastor Mary at the Admin Center at BRC to go Caroling through the halls of Bridgewater Retirement Community. We will be done by 5 PM.
TUE The Office is open 10 AM - 3 PM Christmas Eve Services 4 PM Family Candlelight Communion Service (Prelude begins at 3:50 PM) 11 PM Candlelight Communion Service (Prelude begins at 10:50 PM)
WED Merry Christmas! Christ the Savior is born! (The Office will be closed)
THUR Office ClosedChristmas Holiday!
SAT 6 PM Private Event (Fellowship Hall)
NEXT SUNDAY - First Sunday OF Christmas 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship 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! Christ the Savior is born! 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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