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Friday, August 8, 2025

What I learned at Vacation Bible School

(A Devotion based on John 8:1-11)

by Pastor Mary

On Wednesday, the third night of Bible School, we were teaching the children about forgiveness. I had seen that we were supposed to tell a Jesus story from John 8:1-11. I invite you to read this! This story is usually called “the woman caught in adultery.” If your Bible has headers, this is probably the header. Before I read through the guide, I thought, “Well, this is an interesting story for children. How are we going to do this?”

Unfortunately, because the Bible didn’t record women’s names very well, this is how we refer to this woman most of the time--her name is basically “adultery.” That’s the word that sticks out, right? Wow. To be fair, there are also men in the Bible who got labeled or caricatured. We refer to this woman by her mistake, by a broken Ten Commandment rule. If she was known by personality qualities other than her name, maybe she could have been “the compassionate woman” or “the woman who was really funny.” If she was known by what she does, maybe she her name could have been “cook,” “potter,” or “clothing designer.” We don’t know that about her, because we know her only breaking a rule. We might say, “Well, this was the most important thing about her, for this story…” but really we find out that Jesus didn’t think so.

This is a powerful story on so many levels (Bible stories are like that, right?). What I learned is that Jesus turns hurtful rocks into forgiveness stones. What if we tell the story like this -- looking at the actions of Jesus and the rocks? (I like to preach about rocks almost as much as I like to preach about trees!) “There was a woman who broke a rule. She made a mistake. Sometimes we all make mistakes. This one was a pretty big one and people brought her to Jesus. The people were going to punish her for what she had done by throwing rocks at her. That is a very cruel thing to do. It would hurt if people threw rocks at you! Instead of throwing rocks at her, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. What was Jesus doing? Was Jesus praying? Was he making a note? What was he thinking? Then Jesus stood up, and said, ‘If anyone here has never made a mistake… that person can throw rocks at this woman. If you have made a mistake--if you have sinned--then lay your rocks down.’ Everyone had brought mean rocks, hurtful rocks to throw at the woman, but people dropped them on the ground one by one.”

At Bible School, to tie it in, we painted “forgiveness rocks” with the children for them to take home. We asked them to hold them when they need to remember or ask for God’s forgiveness. In this story, Jesus turned mean and hurtful rocks into forgiveness rocks!

On Thursday night, the last night, we wrapped up sharing the story about one of the greatest forgiveness stones… the stone that God rolled away so Jesus could rise from the dead. Praise God for Bible School and looking at stories and games and crafts and the world through the eyes of children.

Grace & Peace, Pastor Mary

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

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

We have had the BEST week at Bible School! We have learned about Jesus, Levi a tax collector. We learned about forgiveness and how Jesus rose from the dead. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers that have performed astounding feats like organizing fun games, and making mac & cheese and balloon animals! Everyone can step right up and offer their gifts to Jesus, but the best news is that Jesus steps right up and meets us there! Thank you most of all to our leader Gracen Kelley, our new Children's Ministry director!

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. We have more copies out for Sunday, if you do not have one yet. If you would like an electronic copy (PDF format), please call or email Robin in the church office. Thank you!

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!

The Prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. ~ James 5: 15-16

Joys and answered prayers

For the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia

Harold Williams' cancer screening went well

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

Ellen Conklin Bennefeld, Claire Leeper's mother
Doris MacDaniel

Holly Hatcher, murdered at her home in Broadway

Current Prayer Concerns

Carolyn VanDyck

Riley Jacob Smith

Dorice Graham

Becky Crawford
Spencer and Michael Hatcher

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

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 natural disasters and the people helping them.
For all involved in the protests and ICE raids 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 10, 2025 (2nd Sun)

Greeters Paul & Johna McFarland

Ushers Taylor Family

Reader Ed Craun

Audio-Visual Marc Craun

Acolytes Taylor Family

Sanctuary Servers Jim & Judy Tongue

BUMC Youth Group

Wednesday, August 13
Youth In Mission Day

All youth riding the bus-meet at BUMC at 9am! Pastor Mary will be taking the bus to our various locations for the day.

9:30am-Clothes Closet at Mission Central -1712 Smithland Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
We will be providing a snack, craft, and entertainment for the children of the parents that are shopping that morning. Some youth will also be assisting with tagging clothing and other tasks around building.

Leave at 12:30pm.
Pick up pizza & salad at Marco’s and eat at the Leach’s house.
Leach’s will provide drinks and paper products.

1pm-4pm-Hope Distributed food pantry -1869 Boyers Rd Rockingham, VA 22801
Wear CLOSED TOED shoes!
Youth and chaperones will be assisting with dividing out spices to distribute at the pantry, unloading boxes, assisting with inventory, etc.

4:45pm- Arrive at Rockingham County Fair
All youth receive entry and an arm band if they wish to ride rides all evening. Youth need to bring money for dinner at the fair.

BUMC bus arrives back at 9pm to church parking lot.

Important Notes:
Please wear closed-toed shoes
Bring money for food at the fair.
Feel free to bring a friend! Please let Courtney or Jomo know if you are attending (if they don’t know already).

Any questions- call Courtney at 540-421-9187

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!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and everyone who assisted in our Vacation Bible School - Step Right Up!

~Gracen Kelley~

B-UMC Kids Group Me,

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

Coffee Social on Sunday Aug 17 - 9 AM - Fellowship Hall

On Sunday, August 17th The Nurture Committee will have a Coffee Social from 9-9:45 AM in the social hall! Stop by for a doughnut and cup of coffee and stay for our 10 AM worship service to see the In Motion praise dancers perform!

We are excited to welcome the InMotion Dance Team to our worship service on August 17. This is something you won't want to miss!

The InMotion Summer Praise Dance group is in its twelfth touring season in the Harrisonburg area. Our purpose is to create community within our own studio, learn more about the nature of worship, and extend the gift of worship through dancing to our surrounding community. This year, we are dancing the Scripture narrative of “The Good Samaritan,” found in Luke 10:25-37. We are excited to share in worship with you on the 17th and hope that you are blessed by experiencing worship in a new way.

Pastor Mary is going to the Festival of Wisdom & Grace

Lake Junaluska NC August 18 - 23

Pastor Mary will be away... as they say, "The lake is calling and I must go..." Pastor Mary will be attending the Festival of Wisdom and Grace at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina from August 18-23 for spiritual renewal and education. Please contact our Lay Leader, Karen Chamblee, if you have a pastoral care need. Karen can direct you to the pastor on call, if needed.

Time for Operation Christmas Child!

August Collection is School Supplies

It’s time for Operation Christmas Child! We will be trying to prepare 100 boxes again this year to include school supplies, hygiene items, and lots of other fun things for children in need.

In August, we will be collecting school supplies. Lots of items are on sale in preparation for back-to-school. These are the items we are collecting:

pencils

black ink pens

crayons

glue sticks

small notepads

Post-it notes

pencil sharpeners

erasers

scissors

colored pencils

stickers.

We appreciate the church’s support for this important project for children!!
Thanks, Johna

UWF Reading Program - Reports Due Aug 24th

The UWF Reading Reports will be due on August 24th. If you have a report to turn in, you can get it to Kathi Hemmis, or leave it in the container on the reading cart.

There is still time to read another book before the deadline. There are plenty of good books! In December Kathi will be taking the 2020 books off the shelves. We have some really good books, so take a look! Recently we has several new books generously donated by Johna McFarland.

~ Kathi Hemmis

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. We have printed more for Sunday morning!

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

The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham is excited to launch Nourishment for Neighbors, a community-based nutrition initiative taking place September 15, 16, 17. Funded by the MLK Day of Service Grant, this project is designed to address food insecurity by providing individuals and families in our community with fresh, nutritious groceries and wellness resource packets filled with healthy recipes and information about food access programs.
Groceries will be carefully selected to align with the educational materials and delivered to designated community pick-up sites.