E-Blast!
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Call Us : 540-828-0890 Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com |
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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast Friday, September 26, 2025 |
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Announcements from Pastor Mary |
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Hello everyone!
This Sunday, we will be thinking about how God brings safety in the storms of life, looking at Psalm 91. When I was a young adult missionary in California, I had the opportunity to go to a "hike in" camp up in the mountains that was very remote. I went to camp several times out there, and each camp experience came with mountain lion safety training for counselors and kids. It went something like this: "If you see a mountain lion, do not run. Do not run because if a mountain lion sees your running, you will look like dinner." We made it funny, but it was serious. "If you see a mountain lion, do not run. Make yourself as big as possible. Put your hands above your head, hold out your jacket or your clothes, piggyback on someone if you can. Make some loud noises, but do not run. Stay still until it loses interest." I had been to camp in Virginia before, this training was a new thing for me.
Well, I shouldn't have done it, but one night one of the kids and I were outside the cabin talking late at night. I'm sure that we were exhausted from the activities and stresses of the day. The other kids had gone to sleep inside and we wanted a quiet place to talk. We sat out there and, before we knew it, both of us fell asleep. One of the other adult counselors came and sat with us, through the night, on the ground outside the cabin. When we woke up the next day, he said, "You were asleep, but a bear came right up to us last night. I was praying that you wouldn't wake up." I still wish I would have seen that bear, but God was keeping me, my co-counselor, and my camper safe that night. Safe at camp, safe in the desert woods, safe from bears and mountain lions and whatever else was out that night. Safe to rest in the arms of God.
That week at camp was an unforgettable week in so many ways. I'll never forget that God kept me safe in his arms that night... and "through many [other] dangers, toils, and snares."
Grace & Peace, Pastor Mary
A Few Highlights:
Last Sunday was a very musical day! United Women in Faith Sunday was a great service with our guest speaker Barbara Phillips! Thank you to our handbell choir for the prayers for peace and for Karen Chamblee for the lovely violin solo. THANK YOU, too, for everyone that came out to our Drum Circle-Concert-Cookout and Kid's Activities! We had a GREAT time! (I even danced with a rubber chicken-- hahaha-if you weren't there, you missed it!) It was wonderful community time, praising God and sharing fellowship together. What a fun day!
Handbell and Choir Rehearsals ARE BACK! Wednesday night is our music night! Handbells meet at 6 PM and Choir is at 7 PM. Both of these groups WELCOME NEW members at any experience level. Let's get together and praise the LORD!
Men's Prayer Breakfasts are BACK! Our next Men's Prayer Breakfast will be TOMORROW Saturday, Sept 27th at 8:30 AM. Breakfast will be provided! Our guest speaker will be Chad Hrbek, Director of Camp Overlook. See the announcement below! Look forward to seeing you. If you didn't RSVP, come anyway!
Worship Committee Meeting Next Week - We will be meeting on this Monday, September 29 at 5:30 PM in the Library. Advent & Christmas are coming soon! (With a few things in between!)
See the rest of our E-Blast for what's coming up to praise God and bless those around us.
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 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 |
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Joys and answered prayers Katrina Davis is recovering well
Thank you God for the love of Jesus, for our church, our family and our friends
We give thanks for God's grace and mercy Our Sympathy to the Families of
Walter Raymond "Ray" Wiseman (Rhonda Johnson's godfather)
Current Prayer Concerns Rick Ours
Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation Georgia Lee Byerly For the people affected by fires and natural disasters and the people helping them.
For those affected by the mass shootings in Texas and around the country, especially those injured and killed. For the safety of all involved in the protests, ICE raids and National Guard deployments around the country. 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 America For a just peace in Ukraine and the Middle East and for all of the people living there For immediate action to provide food and medicine 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 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 help to put you first in everything we do For those who think that you have deserted them amid 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 |
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, September 28, 2025 (4th Sun)
Greeters Leach Family Ushers Dick & Janice Harper Reader Karen Chamblee Audio-Visual Scott Ridder Acolytes Sydney & Reese Leach Sanctuary Servers Don & Sue Gilkeson Bus Driver Dick Harper |
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Worship Committee Meeting We will be meeting on this Monday, September 29 at 5:30 PM in the Library |
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It's Stewardship Time, Again! THIS SUDAY, Sept 28, marks an early start to October as Stewardship month. A study of the book Rich Church Poor Church will be offered on Sundays after church from about 11:15 a.m. to noon starting on SUNDAY! The study will follow on Oct 5, and Oct 12. Learn about what it means to be a rich church. Hint: Money is not the answer. Please join us on Sunday at 11:15 in the Fellowship Hall! A copy of Rich Church Poor Church will be provided to each participant.
Save October 19th for Consecration & Laity Sunday! Sunday, Oct 19th will be our Consecration Sunday & Laity Sunday. We will have a special worship service at 10 AM followed by a covered dish meal. Fried chicken & drinks provided, please plan to bring a side, salad, or dessert. |
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Thank you to the United Women in Faith THANK YOU! I was very shocked and humbled to be chosen to receive the UWF Mission Service Pin. I am honored to be selected but it has been a team of caring adults that have made the Wing Fellowship successful. Thank you, again!- Rhonda Johnson |
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Thank you from John Wayland Elementary School |
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Thank you from Manor Memorial UMC UWF |
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Thank you from Ann Teter I was so blessed by the many cards, phone calls, text messages and e-mails during my recent stay in Sentara RMH for cellulitis following melanoma removal. Once I returned home, I was comforted by delicious meals and flowers. Above all I was touched by the prayers and concern of my Bridgewater UMC church family. Thank you! |
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Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements |
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Church Zoom Prayer For Teens & Youth EVERY SUNDAY 6:45 PM Church members, parents, & teens are invited to join us on Zoom for prayer Youth—Don’t forget the Zoom check in @ 7:00
About Ecclesiastes for Teens:
Next In-Person Youth Meeting: All middle and high school youth are invited to join us. RSVP - Please confirm your attendance ASAP for Sun, Sept 28th, whether yes or no.
Concert Reminder Sat, Oct 4th 7 PM Mercy Me, Toby Mac, & Matthew West Christian Concert at John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville
HOLYween 2025 @ BUMC—Save the Date! Sun, Oct 26th 5:00–7:00 PM Get ready for a night of fun, faith, and fellowship at our HOLYween Event! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy an evening filled with music, worship, food, & exciting activities for all ages.
Blessings, Jomo Johnson (240) 328-5847 dumbumyouth@gmail.com |
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Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Drum Circle, Cookout, Concert & Children's Activities! It was GREAT to see YOU and we had a lot of FUN!!
We are working on the next thing, so check back here very sooooooon!
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.
~Gracen Kelley~ BUMC Kids Group Me, email gracenkelley123@gmail.com or phone (call, text) 804-867-6143 |
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BUMC’s Backpack Ministry is gearing up for another year of service, and we need your help! We have a dedicated team of volunteers who take turns with weekly tasks that allow us to provide food bags to local students whose access to food on weekends is otherwise scarce. We are seeking new and eager volunteers to join our team to help shop for food, pack bags, or both! Training will be provided for anyone interested. This ministry makes a direct impact on the lives of children in our local schools. We would love for you to join us in supporting this worthy cause!
This ministry is funded by the generosity of our church members. If you would like to donate funds to help sustain this outreach to our schools, make checks payable to Bridgewater United Women in Faith with ‘Backpack Ministry’ listed on the memo. Please reach out to Jessi (jessi.higgs@gmail.com) and Stephanie (sthiggs@live.com) if you have any questions or to join our email list! Thank you for your consideration. |
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Time for Operation Christmas Child! September Collection is Hygiene Items |
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Our goal again this year is 100 boxes to include school supplies, hygiene items, and lots of other fun things for children in need. In September, we will be collecting hygiene supplies. We need:
Toothbrushes Toothbrush holders Bars of Soap Soap boxes
We appreciate the church’s support for this important project for children! Thanks, Johna McFarland |
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This Week's Birthdays! |
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September 28 Dakota Higgs 29 Bradley Ridder, Tammy Balser October 2 Brian Hulvey, Chelsea McCammon Croushorn, Doug Sharpe 3 Krista Kane, Jerry Snyder 4 Parker Gilkeson |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 9 AM Sunday School SUNDAY 10 AM Worship Service 1:30 PM Worship at White Birch Communities 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in/Youth Zoom Bible Study
MON 5:30 PM Worship Committee Meeting (Library)
WED 10 AM Prayer Team 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Shenandoah Room) 6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt Solon Commons) 7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
SAT 11 AM Celebration of Life for Doris Mac Daniel (Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall) 7 PM Mercy Me, Toby Mac, & Matthew West Concert (John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville)
NEXT World Communion Sunday SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School 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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