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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, August 1, 2025

Announcements from Pastor Mary

Hello everyone!

 

Our scripture on Sunday morning is Colossians 3:1-11.  One of my favorite songs, since I learned it in college from my friends, is "Woke up This Morning."  I remember being on a mission trip to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky and waking up to a beautiful view in the mountains, with mist on the mountains, and a creek running by.  It was so beautiful there.  We learned this song:

 

"Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus

Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus

Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus

Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallejah"

 

It was a time when we were set apart to learn about Jesus.  We were set apart forming a Christian community, supporting a United Methodist mission.  There are times in our lives where we are set apart for education.  Times when we set apart a week (or more) to serve God in mission.  Times when we set apart rest and relaxation.  "Holy" actually means "set apart"--set apart for God.  

 

Details are very important.  One thing that I have from that trip is a tiny woven basket. It is about 2-3 inches wide.  A master crafter took time to work on the details, it is beautiful.  However, there are times when we have to take  a break and gain perspective from every tiny little thing here on earth and as the scripture says, "Set our minds on the things that are above."  I'll say more about this on Sunday.  Until then, sing along, "I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus..."

 

I look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating Holy Communion with you on Sunday.   Blessings, Pastor Mary

 

The biggest news this week is Bible School!  Step Right Up and come learn about Jesus and meet a new friend!  We will have games, crafts, snacks, music and fun fun fun!  (Maybe even prizes!)  Gracen Kelley, who has been leading children's church, is our leader this year.  She's so excited to see you again!  5 PM Dinner for the whole family, Bible School from 6-8!  

 

NEW DIRECTORY We have printed a new (paper) directory of contact information for members and friends.  If you would like a printed one, please pick one up at church.  If you would like an electronic one (PDF format), please call or email Robin in the church office.  Thank you!

 

CHURCH PICNIC Thank you to everyone who came out for our indoor church picnic last Sunday!  We had a great time of fellowship.  Thank you to everyone who provided the meal and all those who helped out!  Thank you especially to the Nurture Committee. 

 

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!

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4: 6-7

Joys and answered prayers

Congratulations to Madelyn Gilkeson on 2nd place swimming award.
Prayer of thanks from Betty Coakley for the birthday cards
Harold Williams had a good cancer check.
Thank you God for the love of Jesus, our church, our family and our friends
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy
 
Our Sympathy to the Families of
Those missing and killed in the flooding in the USA, Korea, the Philippines.
Ellen Conklin Bennefeld, Claire Leeper's mother
Doris MacDaniel
 

Current Prayer Concerns

Carolyn VanDyck

Riley Jacob Smith

Dorice Graham

 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Georgia Lee Byerly

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Henry Graham

Casey Hartman

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Barbara Kiracofe

Dorothy Lion

Shirley Creekbaum

Ray Michael

Stephany Plecker

Mitzi Puffenbarger

Joanne Simpkins

Bonnie & Tom Snook

Sandra Stroud

Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald Usry
Doris Waters

For the people affected by flooding, earthquakes and the tsunami and the people helping them.
For immediate action to provide food and medicine to those starving and suffering in Gaza.
For Bridgewater College students returning to start classes 8/26
For Bridgewater UMC's Vacation Bible School  Aug 4 – 8
For all involved in the protests and ICE raids in California and around the country.
For our nation, the decisions of the new administration, congress and the courts; and may God bless and guide 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
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
Those who are mourning or afraid and for all those fighting cancer

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, August 3, 2025 (1st Sun)

 

Greeters                    Gloria Roller & Kathi Hemmis

Ushers                       Paul & Johna McFarland

Reader                       Johna McFarland

Audio-Visual             Tony Mancari

Acolytes                    David Kipps

Sanctuary Servers   Laura & Tony Mancari

BUMC Youth Group

Wednesday, August 13
Youth Mission Day

--Clothes Closet (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Teens would volunteer to help with organizing clothes and possibly lead a mini VBS-style activity for any children attending.
--Blue Ridge Food Bank (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, approx. 30-minute drive): We’d follow the morning shift by serving at the food bank.
--Dinner and Fun at Ruby's Arcade after.

 

There will be a short parent of teen meeting after church on Sunday, Aug. 3 with Jomo. It should only take 5 minutes.

 

Zoom Check-in Every Sunday at 7 PM

Don't forget our check-in Sunday evenings at 7 PM.  Contact Jomo if you need the link!

 

Blessings,  Jomo Johnson (240) 328-5847   dumbumyouth@gmail.com

Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!

 

Bible School is THIS WEEK - Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs!  We hope to see you there!!  STEP RIGHT UP!  Dinner from 5-6 PM and VBS from 6-8 PM!

 

~Gracen Kelley~

B-UMC Kids Group Me,

email gracenkelley123@gmail.com or phone (call, text) 804-867-6143

Step Right Up
Join the fun! Come help with Bible School!

Help is still needed!

Please let us know how you can help.

Sign up sheet is in the breezeway
There are many opportunities to use your gifts and talents:

We need Shepherds/Helpers, People to help with Games, Crafts, Story, Music, Serving Dinner/Snacks, Providing Food, and Decorators. Specifics are on the sign up sheet. You can also sign up by letting the office know or contacting Gracen.

Our Church Directory Update is Here!         

Our Church Directory has been updated with your help.  Printed copies can be picked up on the table under the quilts at church.

 

If you would like an electronic copy (PDF), please call or email Robin in the office at 540-828-0890 or adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com and she will send you an electronic copy. If you see any corrections that are needed, please let me (Judy) or Robin know.  We want your help to make this perfect!


Thank you! Judy Tongue, Membership Secretary

August's Birthdays!

1  Dwight Campbell

5  Paige Hiserman

9  Jerry Swecker, Andy Smith

10 We remember Doris MacDaniel

12 Collin & Conner Palmer, Michael Hill

13 John Johnson, Spenser Davis, Brad Powell

14 Caroline Miller Johnson

17 Maggie Byler

18 Betsy Craun, Emmanuel Anietey

20 Mark Kipps

21 Laura Gilkeson

23 Samuel Briggs, Maisie Stone Davis

24 Ella Kate Kane

26 Jon Higgs

30 Ryan McAlister

31 Henley Miller, Frank Vetting

Our Calendar This Week

THIS            9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY     10 AM Worship Service

                    7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

MON            5 PM Vacation Bible School - Step Right Up

                    6 PM Choir Room reserved

                    6:30 Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall)

 

TUE             5 PM Vacation Bible School - Step Right Up

 

WED           10 AM Prayer Team

                   12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Shenandoah Room)

                    5 PM Vacation Bible School - Step Right Up

 

THU             5 PM Vacation Bible School - Step Right Up

 

NEXT           9 AM Sunday School

SUNDAY     10 AM Worship Service

                    7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in                      

Bridgewater UMC is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!  

Contact Us

219 N Main Street

Bridgewater, VA 22812

Call Us : 540-828-0890

Copyright 2025. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved.