Bridgewater UMC E-Blast - January 31, 2025
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"There's a lot going on right now." I imagine you hear me saying that often. "There's just a lot going on." I imagine you also have been saying that lately, for many reasons. We thought we had gone through changes before, and we have, and they continue... I find myself often sorting in my mind what is true, what to watch and read, what areas are mine to work on and what differences I can make, and what things to give to God and release from the top of my mind.
Most of us carry a lot in the day to day with our lives, our health, our work, our families and our relationships, even before we turn on the news. Then when we do, there is much going on in our nation and throughout the world. There are natural disasters, wars and peace and rebuilding. And now the crash over the Potomac River is in our prayers. Please lift up prayer for the families of all involved, the 60 lives on the American Airlines Flight and the 3 in the helicopter.
Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus never intended for us to carry it all and especially did not intend for us to "deal with" "all the things" alone.
There are so many examples in scripture where God calls people to do more than they can handle. Moses didn't think he could go speak to Pharoah. Abraham and Sarah had no idea how they were going to be parents of a great nation. Noah didn't know how to build an ark that would carry every animal on the earth through a flood. Some didn't know how to heal or spread the word of God to every nation or forgive or love their neighbor, BUT GOD... God did and God does and God never expects us to do it alone. There is a great t-shirt that says, "I can't... but I know a guy..." Yes, we know THE guy - Jesus Christ.
Honestly, it's called me deeper into prayer, scripture, and study. Maybe this is why our Bishop, Sue Haupert-Johnson, has called us to go deeper in spiritual disciplines through a study of the book Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson. There is another webinar this Monday evening, February 3 at 6:30 PM. It is easy to sign up at www.vaumc.org -- click on Soul Feast. It's ok to jump in for the middle of the study and just listen. There are other webinars posted there. That's one place to begin.
If you need a place to come, the office is open. We can open the prayer chapel, a room, or turn on the lights in the Sanctuary. You can make an appointment to talk, coffee, or lunch. Call a friend from church. Pick up an Upper Room. There is still a seat for you in our Bible Study and New Member Class on Tuesdays at 11 AM. We are here for you. We are here for God. We are here for each other.
Blessings & Prayers! Pastor Mary
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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!
This Sunday will be the first Sunday in February and it's Groundhog Day! We will celebrate Holy Communion together. Our worship will focus on Jesus starting his ministry in the synagogue in his hometown.
If you did not get a "star word" for 2025 and you would still like one, please let me know! Remember to put your star word in a place that you will see it often and allow God to speak to you through your word. The star word God has chosen for me this year is "focus." Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
Coming in worship...
Next Sunday, Feb 9 - A Love Service led by the children!
The children will be singing with the adult choir in worship, the handbells will play, and the service will be based on LOVE. It will also be Souper Bowl Sunday!! On Souper Bowl Sunday, our church has a tradition of receiving a "loud" offering of coins and change and a "soft" offering of dollar bills and checks with all the money going to the Bridgewater Interfaith Food Pantry! Start saving your change now and don't forget to bring it to church next Sunday, Feb 9th. The Bridgewater Interfaith Food Pantry shares with us that requests for food are increasing and donations are not as much as usual, so they can use our help. Pray and give as you are able!
Feb 16 - Rev. Victor Gomez will be our guest speaker. His sermon will be entitled "Keep Your Fork."
Let's grow together in 2025! Blessings, Pastor Mary
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Joys and answered prayers
Rodney Hildebrand, Bonnie Snook, Rick Ours and Lyla Waterstreet surgeries went well
Baby Nora born 1/28 to Robin Siegel's cousin
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
Prayers of sympathy for the family of:
12/29/24 Joe Ruoto Carolyn VanDyck's family
1/22/25 Daniel Mayer, friend of Mary Dadisman
1/24/25 Neal Kirsch, Cheryl Reiman's brother
1/25/25 Coack Cullen, Wilson HS baseball coach
Current Prayer Concerns
For the people affected by the Los Angeles fires and for safety and protection for those fighting and fleeing the fires.
For our nation, the changing of presidents, and may God bless America
For peace in Ukraine and the Middle East and for all of the people living there
May there be peace on earth, and may it begin with us
The people of North Carolina, Florida, and other states affected by weather events and fires
For Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit and faith
For all of the active duty members of our armed forces, for veterans and for our first responders
Our children and grandchildren and our families and friends
For college, high school, middle school and elementary students - for their learning and grades
For better health and more strength. For successful medical treatments
For patience. For strength to spread the gospel even when it's hard
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
For people and families dealing with depression and anxiety, with mental illness and with addiction
For less death in our family, for peace and grace in facing grief and loss
Rev Bobbie Jo Gardner
Mary Glover
Rodney Hildebrand
Jerry Judy
Gregg Kiracofe
Doris MacDaniel
Cheryl Reiman
Bonnie Snook
Pam Tierman
Lyla Waterstreet
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation
Danielle Bennington
Georgia Lee Byerly
Don Capuano
Grace Fishback
Joanne Fisher
Betty Foley
Glen Goetz
Henry and Dorice Graham
Deidra Hill
Barbara Kiracofe
Dorothy Lion
Ray Michael
Shirley Michael
Rev Luther and Dot Ramsey
Joanne Simpkins
Sandra Stroud
Vic Taylor
Nancy Thomas
Marcia and Gary Tyeryar
Donald Usry
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, February 2 (1st Sun)
Greeters Gloria Roller & Kathi Hemmis
Ushers Chuck & Dawn Kern
Reader Johna McFarland
Audio-Visual Tony Mancari
Acolytes David Kipps
Sanctuary Servers Laura & Tony Mancari
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Tuesdays in February at 11 AM in the Library
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What does it mean to be United Methodist? Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, & Witness! We are offering A Disciples Path by Jim Harnish. Everyone is welcome! We are meeting on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM in the Library. Please let the office know if you have questions or join us any time. Blessings!
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DUMBUM Youth News! from Jomo Johnson
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Here's what's coming up for youth!
Thu, Feb 13th - No youth group meeting.
Sun, Feb 16 - Jomo is preaching at Dayton UMC
Sat, Feb 22nd
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Main St., H'burg
- Activity: Meal prep and packing bag lunches for the needy at Harrisonburg Baptist Church. Let's show God's love in action!
- Led by Amanda Taylor
- 4 Teens Required & one adult volunteer.
- RSVP - email or text Jomo!
Coming .... Youth Sunday! March 9th
- Event: Youth Sunday at Bridgewater UMC
- Time: Sunday Worship, 10 AM
- Details:
- We need teens to sign up for Scripture readings and prayers.
- Each teen will be asked to share a testimony of what God and faith have meant to them over the past year.
- Practice writing your testimony letters in youth group meetings.
We look forward to seeing you all at these events! Lets come together to grow in faith and fellowship.
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM!
Don't forget our check-in Zoom every Sunday at 7:00 PM. Contact Jomo if you need the link!
Blessings, Jomo (240) 328-5847 dumbumyouth@gmail.com
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
Here is what's coming up! We are SO excited!
February 9th - Sunday Worship Love Service
On Sunday, Feb 9, the children will be singing with Joan, the adult choir, and me as we present a Love Service with children's Bible Songs relating to Love. What better way to ring in the week of Valentines Day?!?
We are rehearsing these Songs during Children's Sunday School from 9:30 - 9:45 AM. The Sunday School teachers will bring the kiddos up from the classroom to rehearse in the choir room with Joey and Joan. (If you are not there for Sunday School, feel free to still come to rehearsal! Any kid is welcome to join!)
March stay tuned for info on a St. Patrick's Day event!
April An AWESOME month!
1.) Sun, April 13 Palm Sunday Service
The children will be participating in the palm Procession and singing with the adult choir with songs where we can proclaim Hosanna!
2.) Sun, April 13 Easter Egg Hunt & BUMC Community Potluck Dinner at Oakdale Park
- At 4:00 PM on Palm Sunday afternoon, all children are invited to Oakdale Park (shelter # TBD) for a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt! The DUMBUM Youth Group will be hiding these goodies, so we know there will be good hiding places!
- At 5:00 PM, following the Easter Egg Hunt (shelter # TBD), all BUMC community members, friends, and family are invited to our Pre - Easter Potluck Dinner. This will be such a fun way to start out our spring break for Rockingham County Public School kiddos and families, and we just want a way to celebrate Easter together. this way, families can celebrate Easter as a Church and then be free to travel and / or celebrate the actual Easter weekend in their own ways. We will invite all community members to bring a dish / food / beverage item to share!
As Pastor Mary always says, GOD IS GOOD! Lets continue to share THIS MOST AWESOME TRUTH with all the world!
As always, your friend in Faith, Hope, and Love, Joey
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You are invited to attend WRE's 2025 Choral Presentation, "Light of the Lord," on Saturday, March 15 at 4:00 pm at the Spotswood High School Gymnasium. This is a mountaintop experience in which WRE students from 15 elementary schools are brought together to sing and praise the Lord.
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Hymn Writing Workshop and Worship Service
With Carolyn and Bruce Gillette
Harrisonburg Baptist Church - Harrisonburg, VA
March 1 - 2, 2025
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Are you someone who loves hymns? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at writing hymn texts? This is your chance to learn from the internationally known hymn writer, Carolyn Gillette. (Learn more about Carolyn at https://carolynshymns.com). She will be joined by her husband, Bruce, a leader in the creation care movement, for a stimulating day of thinking about Gods creation, our stewardship, and how we can use our own creativity to put into words our thoughts and feelings about the beautiful world God has entrusted us with. Step by step, Carolyn will lead you through the process of writing a hymn text, and fitting it to a familiar hymn tune, and you will leave with a verse or two of your own making and perhaps a deeper insight into the wonder of Gods creation.
In addition to the Hymn Writing Workshop on Saturday March 1, there will be service of hymns and readings by Carolyn Gillette on Sunday morning, March 2 at 10:30: In the Beginning: Genesis in Scripture, Prayer and Song
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Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah is recruiting new volunteers to visit patients, garden at the Shenandoah House, help in the office, or share a special talent. To help with this rewarding work, please sign up for the training class, which starts February 24. More information is also posted on the community bulletin board
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5 Brad Intemann
6 Man Meshi
7 Heather Kiracofe
8 Henley Higgs
12 Wilton Fansler, Brett Brubaker
15 Abbie Early (Mancari)
18 John Briggs, Gloria Roller
20 Macey Early, Bryan Lesanec
23 Bonnie Snook
24 Jerry Hemmis
25 Karen Ridder
26 Abby Eanes, Matthew Williams
27 Emery Robinson, Hannah Flora
28 Bobbi Wachter
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School
SUNDAY 10 AM Worship with Holy Communion
4 PM BRC Vespers - Pastor Mary Preaching
7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall)
TUE 11 AM Bible Study & New Member Class (Library)
6:30 PM Valley Radio Control Flying Club (New Beginnings)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library)
12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC)
6 PM Handbell Practice
7 PM Choir Rehearsal
THURS 3:30 PM Staff Meeting (Library)
NEXT 9 AM Sunday School
SUNDAY 10 AM Love Worship Service (led by the children)
7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
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Bridgewater UMC is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
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219 N Main Street
Bridgewater, VA 22812
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Copyright 2025. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved.
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