E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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Hello Everyone,
Just a short note this evening to let you know what's coming up!
We are awaiting the kick-off of the Bridgewater Christmas Parade here on Saturday night at 4:30 PM! Reach and Relate is offering hot chocolate on the church lawn and our bus will be in the Christmas Parade! Both of these are GREAT ways to reach out to our neighbors and invite them to worship with us this Christmas.
Tomorrow in worship, the Children will present their play, "One Bright Night in Bethlehem." It is directed by our Children's Ministry staff, Gracen Kelley, Rae Ahnen, and Malachi Benjamin. It will be a holy and fun time! We will celebrate holy communion together and receive new members!
On December 14th, the 2025 Cantata Choir will present our cantata "All Is Well." We hope you will come and invite friends! "Hail hail to the newborn King, let our voices sing him our praises!" There is traditional and contemporary music. A cookie reception will follow to thank Joan for her many years of service to our church as she retires!
For devotion, I found this poem on a website called Wisdom & Money. I love it. It talks about the mystery of the incarnation and how each of us has a part to play in Jesus being born in our world again. I hope it will be inspirational to you. The poem is "If You Want" by St. John of the Cross.
IF YOU WANT If Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us Yet there, under the dome of your being does creation as God grasps our arms for help; for each of us is If you want, the Virgin will come walking
–St. John of the Cross, “If You Want” in Daniel Ladinsky Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West (New York: Penguin Group, 2002), 306-307.
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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The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. ~ Psalm 34: 15, 17 |
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Joys and answered prayers Kim Miller had successful shoulder surgery 12/1
Kathryn Evans and Linda Ridder are new members of BUMC! Welcome! 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
Dave Curry, father of Davy Curry Sarah Beckstrom, WV National Guard member killed in D.C. Current Prayer Concerns Matthew Walton - back surgery 12/8, son of Sara and Bill Walton
Judy Capuano and husband Don - Joey Capuano's grandparents Andrew Wolfe - WV National Guard member shot in D.C. Casey Hartman - back surgery went well 12/2 Debbie Harris - back surgery 12/4 Kim Miller - recovering from shoulder surgery Doris Waters - at Sentara RMH For the people affected by natural disasters and the people helping them.
For those affected by mass shootings around the country, especially those injured and killed and their families.
For peace in our nation and in our cities
For our nation, the decisions of the administration, congress and the courts; and may God bless and guide AmericaFor a just peace in Ukraine. For the Middle East and for food, medicine and shelter to those starving and suffering in Gaza.
For there to be peace on earth, and may it begin with us
For Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit and faith and love
For all of the active duty members of our armed forces, for the National Guard, for veterans and for our first responders
For our children and grandchildren and our families and friends
For all our students - for their flourishing, 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
For us to put you first in everything we do
For those who think that you 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
For those who are mourning or afraid and for all those fighting cancer
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Georgia Lee Byerly Betty Coakley Grace Fishback Betty Foley Henry and Dorice Graham Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Judy Hulvey Barbara Kiracofe Dorothy Lion Ray Michael Shirley Creekbaum Mitzi Puffenbarger Joanne Simpkins Bonnie and Tom Snook Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia TyeryarDonald and Ginger Usry
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, December 7, 2025 (1st Sun)
Greeters Gloria Roller & Kathi Hemmis Ushers Mark Kipps & Claude Martell Reader Joan Kenney Audio-Visual Tony Mancari Acolytes David Kipps Sanctuary Servers Laura & Tony Mancari Bus Driver Fontaine Canada |
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Advent Devotion Booklets Available Pick up “Embrace Joy” from the Society of St. Andrew & a coin box for giving this season. Or, especially for families with children, we have a “Kids’ Advent Calendar of Devotions.” Let’s grow in faith this Advent! |
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CHRISTMAS COOKIE SOCIAL & RETIREMENT CELEBRATION |
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Hats, Gloves and Mittens for the Children’s Clothes Closet The Circle of Hope is collecting hats, gloves and mittens for the Children at the Clothes Closet at Mission Central over the next several weeks. If you would like to join our effort that would be wonderful. They need all sizes from toddler to teen. Your donations can be placed in the pink tub in the main hallway as you enter the church. As always, any children’s clothing is greatly appreciated (gently used) especially coats and pajamas this time of year. They can be placed in the red hamper in the stairway leading to the Sunday School wing. Thank you for your continued support of this important outreach ministry. ??’s please see Carolyn VanDyck -Circle of Hope |
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Advent Bible Study Continues Tuesday at 10 AM Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus |
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Our study is Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by Andy Langford and Ann Langford Duncan. Led by Pastor Mary. Here’s the summary: “The Christian year is fundamentally a roadmap for pilgrims, as biblical witnesses lead spiritually hungry people on a journey to receive the full riches of God’s grace. During Advent, we take the first steps. In Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, Andy Langford & Ann Langford Duncan invite you on an Advent-to-Christmas pilgrimage to draw closer to Jesus & invite others to join you on this journey. Traditional Scripture readings and acts of worship reveal anew the treasures of God’s grace for all people. Let this book guide you to open your heart to the priceless gifts of the good news. Start your pilgrimage today and experience the full riches of God's love.” |
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NEW Sunday School Class in 2026 - "Joyful Journeys" |
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Join us on Sunday mornings beginning January 4th at 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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On November 30th, 8 youth members enjoyed a day of fellowship and outreach. We enjoyed brunch at a local restaurant, and then proceeded to shop for a local family that included three teenagers. We also purchased a Bible where all attendees included a special note to the family for Christmas. |
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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.com |
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
The Children's Christmas play will be THIS SUNDAY in worship! We cannot wait! "One Bright Night in Bethlehem!" Thank you so much for working together to tell the Christmas story! We know that you are going to be GREAT!
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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This week's Birthdays! |
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7 Tara Vetting 8 Kim Miller, Robin Wilkins, J. C. Smythers 9 Bettye Newman, Hazel Beasley 10 Pat Johnson 12 Sam Teeter 13 Debbie Harris |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS Second Sunday in Advent - PEACE SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Worship Service led by the Children "One Bright Night in Bethlehem" Children's Program 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
TUE 10 AM Advent Bible Study (Library) 12 PM UWF Love Circle Christmas Party (New Beginnings)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
NEXT Third Sunday in Advent - JOY SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Worship Service The 2025 Cantata Choir presents "All Is Well" 11:15 AM Cookie Reception (Fellowship Hall) 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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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 2025. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved. |
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