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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, October 10, 2025

Announcements from Pastor Mary

Hello everyone!

 

Just a pause to say... we are so blessed.  Really.  Yes, _tough_ things are happening, there are issues to study, decisions to be made, and... God is with us and we support each other in life and ministry. 

 

Thank you for all the many hands and hearts that reached out to the family of Doris MacDaniel last Saturday.  Doris lived life on her terms and lived her faith, sharing with all those around her.   

 

MercyMe, Toby Mac, & Matthew West  We also had a blast last Saturday at the MercyMe, Toby Mac, Matthew West concert at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville.  We had twenty-one (21!!) people from our congregation and friends attend the concert!  It was a very inspirational night and an honor to be able to see these nationally recognized Christian bands.  Shout out to our YOUTH and YOUTH PARENTS for envisioning and organizing!

 

Here's what's coming up...

 

This Sunday (Oct 12), we will continue our Stewardship Focus in worship and recognize Galen Dellinger's 100th Birthday!  In the Bible, when Jesus heals people, he often says, "Go, your faith has made you well."  We will look at the story from Luke 17 and consider living faith that makes us well.  

 

We share the sad news that Alan Hulvey passed away this week in a tragic accident.  Our love and sympathy to his wife Judy, daughter Angela Moats, and son Brian and families.  A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 15th at 11 AM in the Sanctuary.  Arrangements are being handled by Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway. 

 

Please note that Soup and You. scheduled for Wednesday this coming week, has been cancelled.  See you next month!!

 

The Choir is starting practice on our Christmas Cantata, "All is Well."  We would LOVE to have additional singers in all parts!  If you are interested, see Joan Kenney.  

 

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!

Prayer List

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

Chloe Leach

Ann Teter
Thank you God for the love of Jesus, our church, family, & friends
We give thanks for God's grace & mercy
 

Prayers of Sympathy for the families of
Eleanor Campbell

Alan Hulvey

 

Current Prayer Concerns

Betty Coakley
Stuart Flood
Clara Gestwick
Suzette (Susie) Graham

 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Georgia Lee Byerly
Grace Fishback
Betty Foley
Henry and Dorice Graham
Casey Hartman
Rodney Hildebrand
Deidra Hill
Barbara Kiracofe
Dorothy Lion
Ray Michael
Shirley Creekbaum
Stephany Plecker
Mitzi Puffenbarger
Joanne Simpkins
Bonnie and Tom Snook
Sandra Stroud
Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas
Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald and Ginger Usry
Doris Waters


Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for…
Federal employees, contractors, & others whose livelihood is affected by the federal government shutdown
People affected by fires & natural disasters, and the responders
Those affected by the mass shootings in the U.S., especially those injured & killed.
For the safety of all involved in the protests, ICE raids, & National Guard deployments around the country.
Peace in our cities & nation
For the United States, the decisions of the administration, congress & the courts; may God bless & guide America
A just peace in Ukraine & Middle East; for all living there
Immediate action to provide food & medicine to those starving & suffering in Gaza.
Let there to be peace on earth; let it begin with us
Bridgewater UMC - for growth in spirit, faith, & love
All members of our armed forces, National Guard, veterans, & first responders
Our children, grandchildren, families & friends
All students - for their flourishing, learning, & grades
Better health, more strength, & successful medical treatments
Patience & strength to spread the gospel even when it's hard
Help us to put you first in everything we do
Those who think you have deserted them amid today's world circumstances
People & families dealing with depression, anxiety, mental illness & addiction
Less death in our family; peace & grace in facing grief & loss
For those who are mourning or afraid and for all those fighting cancer

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, October 12, 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                 Fontaine Canada

Happy Birthday to Galen Dellinger!!

Galen is turning 100 years young on Monday, Oct 13!

We Let’s shower him with cards & show him our love. His address is: 216 W. College St, Bridgewater, VA  22812. We will recognize him during the worship service this Sunday, Oct 12, if you’d like to bring a card, picture, or share a memory with Galen then.

Don't forget Cider & S'mores on Sunday Evening on the front lawn!

The annual UWF Salad Supper will be held on October 20 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All women in the church are invited to come and bring a salad or other dish to share. It is an evening of good fellowship and good food (and door prizes too.)

 

Our speaker for the evening will be Jenny Butcher from Isaiah 117 House. They provide a comforting home where children awaiting placement in foster care can stay while child welfare services do the paperwork and find the child a good foster placement. As usual, we will be collecting donations of money and/or gift cards to stores where where they can purchase needed items for the children.

 

I hope we have a large turnout for such a worthy organization. Please save the date. We hope to see you there! 

 

--The Circle of Love

BUMC Clergy Appreciation Coffee – Sunday, October 26 at 9am in the Fellowship Hall
Join us before worship on Sunday, October 26, for a special Clergy Appreciation Coffee Hour as we take time to thank our pastor for all she does!
We’ll have an Appreciation Board where you can leave a note or word of encouragement for Pastor Mary. A basket will also be available if you’d like to share a card or small gift.
Come enjoy coffee, treats, and fellowship as we celebrate and show our gratitude to our wonderful clergy!

Trick or Treat for Children's Clothes Closet

Clothes & Supplies Drive on Oct 26th

       The Children's Clothes Closet (CCC) is part of Mission Central and a ministry of the Shenandoah River District of the UMC.  Our CCC was recently recognized by the state of Virginia during Diaper Needs Week and in “Tell Me Something Good” on WHSV on Sept 29.
 
       From the WHSV website: "Artie Frederick, the director of the CCC, said the service provides both new & used clothing in good quality to anyone in need, regardless of where someone lives or their income. The CCC provides clothes for children 0 - 18 yrs old.  However, for many of their clients, Frederick said, there is a greater need than just clothing.  Our main response from our clients when they walk in the door, most of them say, ‘Do you have Pampers?’”
 
Let’s Trick or Treat for kids & support this amazing ministry!
Please bring donations of:
 
• Children’s clothing & shoes (gently used)
• Pajamas
• Children’s socks & underwear (new)
• Disposable diapers (newborn through toddler)
• Baby blankets, lotion, shampoo, etc.
• Baby equipment (good condition & compliant with current safety regulations.)
 
Please bring your donations to the church on (or before) October 26th and we will bring them to the CCC.  Items may also be delivered to the CCC at 1704 Smithland Rd in H’burg.

It's Stewardship Time, Again!  A study of the book Rich Church Poor Church will continue this Sunday.  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! 

 

Next Sunday, October 19th is 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.

Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements

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

 

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 youth.

 

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

Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!

 

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

Save the Date!

Packing party for Operation Christmas Child

Saturday, November 8 from 10 AM to 12 Noon

Time for Operation Christmas Child! 

October Collection is Fun Items

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 October, we will be collecting fun supplies. We need:


Toys

Games

Jump ropes

Coloring books

Matchbox cars

Craft Kits

Girls' hair items

Stuffed animals

Water color paint sets

Puzzles

Card games such as UNO, Old Maid, etc.

Playdough or modeling clay

Small Lego-like sets

Small balls

Small dolls

Anything young children would enjoy playing with, but it needs to fit into our OCC shoebox

 

We have all of the health and hygiene items we need, but we are still short 25 pairs of scissors for school supplies.

 

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

Thanks, Johna McFarland

'Reaching Across the Racial Divide' is a free, collaborative event on Saturday, October 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Community College Middletown Campus. Featured speakers will be Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, the authors of Cousins: Connected Through Slavery, (UWF 2023 Reading Program selection). The authors will take questions and sign copies of their book, available for purchase. Additional information and registration with in-person and virtual options are available at laurelridge.edu/kilby. Contact Laura Douglass, SRD UWF Social Action Coordinator, at lauradouglass@vaumc.org. If anyone wants to go and needs a ride, contact Sharon Harold at 540-246-4940.

Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley, a 38-member professional choir under the direction of artistic director Scott Zane Smith, presents their holiday concert, “The Wonder of Christmas” on December 20th and 21st, at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, VA. Our one-hour concert consists of sacred and secular music, with many familiar tunes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Concerts both days are at 3 p.m. For more information, find us on Facebook @ Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley.

This Week's Birthdays!

12 Amanda Miller Akers, Eileen Phillips

13 Galen Dellinger

14 Karen McAlister, Robbie McCammon

16 Dana Snoddy, Tim Landes, Whitney Wright Reusser

Our Calendar This Week

THIS              9 AM Sunday School

SUNDAY       10 AM Worship Service

                      6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth

                      7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in/Youth Zoom Bible Study

 

MON             4 PM Funeral Pre-need Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

                     

TUE              4 PM Wing Fellowship Meal (Fellowship Hall & Kitchen)

 

WED             10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                      11 AM Memorial Service for Alan Hulvey

                      6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt Solon Commons)

                      7 PM Choir Practice (Sanctuary)

 

NEXT             Consecration & Laity Sunday

SUNDAY        9 AM Sunday School

                      10 AM Worship Service

                      11:15 AM Covered Dish Lunch (Fellowship Hall)

                      6 PM Cider & S'mores (Front Lawn)

                      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!

Our very own Sandra Stroud (Judy Tongue's sister) made the front cover of BRC's The Bridge

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