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 12, 2025 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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Hello Everyone,
We are having the best Advent! Last Sunday, the children's production was simply precious! Everyone did an amazing job. So many outstanding performances to tell the Christmas story from the point of view of a child. Thank you to Gracen Kelley, Malachi Benjamin, and Rae Ahnen, our Children's Staff who worked so beautifully with out children! We hope you have a great Christmas break!
This Sunday will also be very special! The 2025 Cantata Choir will present "All is Well." This year's cantata is a mix of traditional and contemporary music. There are soloists and guest musicians. Please plan to join us after worship in the Fellowship Hall to celebrate Joan Kenney and her many years of service to our church. What a great day it will be!
Next Sunday is December 21st. We will celebrate Christmas together! Our special music will be by the Handbell Choir. Also, next Sunday, at 4:30 PM, we will hold our Return to the Light Worship Service. The Return to the Light service is a quieter service for those needing support during this season. Come and invite a friend.
Devotion - The Watchman "Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love."
The narrator of our "All is Well" Cantata, played by Vic Taylor, is called the Watchman. The Watchman in the Bible is a historical character and a spiritual one. In Biblical times as cities and military outposts were being built, many were surrounded by walls to keep people safe. People needed safety from wild animals, fires and storms, and safe from those who would seek harm. Cities would post a watchman on the wall and by the city gates at night to warn of danger.
In the Bible, God also sent prophets as watchmen to warn when people were were moving away from God and needed to repent and come back. Ezekiel was called by God specifically to be God's watchman. Ezekiel 33:7 says, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me." A part of Ezekiel's prophecy was to warn people that their faith was becoming dry like dead, dry bones. He saw a vision of God's people coming to life again to worship and serve God once again. In the Christmas story, Isaiah calls people to put away times of war and stop following unjust rulers, calling for a time when the prince of peace will come and the government will be upon his shoulders. (Isaiah 9:1-7) During this time, we also especially remember John the Baptist, who appeared in the wilderness by the Jordan River, calling people a "brood of vipers" as wicked as snakes and challenging them to repent. People from all over Judea flocked to hear what John had to say. He said that the Messiah was coming and he was to "Prepare the Way." (Matthew 3:4-6)
The Watchman in "All is Well" calls to us with some of the same messages. He stands on the walls and in the doorways of our hearts and calls us to turn our hearts back to God during this holy season of Advent and speaks of a baby who is Christ the Lord. We hope you will come and hear the message and celebrate Christmas with us, prayerfully considering what your heart needs this Holy season.
Blessings, Pastor Mary
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 Ed & Lisa Springer are new members! 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
Current Prayer Concerns
Matthew Walton - back surgery 12/8, son of Sara and Bill Walton
Debbie Harris - back surgery 12/4 Doris Waters - at BRC Tranquility House 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 Casey Hartman Rodney Hildebrand Deidra Hill Judy Hulvey Barbara Kiracofe Dorothy Lion Ray Michael Shirley Creekbaum Kim Miller 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 14, 2025 (2nd Sun)
Greeters Paul & Johna McFarland Ushers Taylor Family Reader Ed Craun Audio-Visual Marc Craun Acolytes Taylor Family Sanctuary Servers Chuck & Sue Rexrode Bus Driver Dick Harper |
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Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas from Bridgewater UMC!
Tues, Dec 16 & 23 at 10 AM Advent Bible Study “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Still time to join! Held in the Library
Sun, Dec 21 10 AM Christmas Worship Worship Christ the newborn King! Celebrate Christmas with bells & song!
Sun, Dec 21 4 PM Return to the Light Service A quieter candlelight service for those seeking support during this season.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4 PM Family Communion Music begins at 3:50 PM
11 PM Communion Service Music at 10:50 PM |
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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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New Pictorial Directory is Coming! Done by the Portrait Cafe Please sign up on Sunday to have your picture taken for the pictorial directory. The sign-up sheet will be in the breezeway. The dates for pictures will be February 22 & 23 (Sunday & Monday) 2026!! |
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Prayer Ornaments
The baskets of ornaments & markers in the breezeway near the three Christmas trees are Prayer Ornaments. Please take an ornament & write a short prayer, or the name of a loved one in memory or honor. Say a prayer & hang your ornament on the trees. Let’s share our prayers for the world and each other this Advent & Christmas season. ~ The Worship Committee |
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CHRISTMAS COOKIE SOCIAL & RETIREMENT CELEBRATION |
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Luminaria help needed on Sunday Your kind help is requested to help put the luminaries on the walkways after the cookie reception. It takes about 15 minutes! All the supplies are in the choir room. |
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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 was last Sunday during worship! The children did an amazing job working together to tell us the Christmas story by presenting "One Bright Night in Bethlehem!" If you missed it you can check it out on our YouTube channel.
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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15 Claire Lescanec 16 Brenda "B.J." Jenkins 19 Betty Foley 20 Ada Greer Robinson, Bob Rieman, Ray Michael |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS Third Sunday in Advent - JOY SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Worship Service Christmas Cantata "All is Well" 11:15 AM Cookie Reception & Retirement Celebration (Fellowship Hall) (Set up of luminaria afterwards) 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
MON 2 PM UWF Hope Circle (BRC Smith Room) 3 PM Fellowship Hall & Kitchen Reserved 4:30 PM Central Valley Habitat for Humanity
TUE 10 AM Advent Bible Study (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team (Library) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons) (No Choir Rehearsal)
THU 6:30 PM UWF Faith Circle Christmas Gathering (Francesco's Restaurant)
NEXT Fourth Sunday in Advent - Love SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Worship Service 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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