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 20, 2025 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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Dear Friends,
We are STILL having the BEST Advent! The children's production (12/7/) was simply precious! Congratulations to everyone for an amazing Christmas Cantata "All is Well," last Sunday (12/14). Thank you to our 2025 Cantata Choir for telling the story of Christmas through the prophecy and the eyes of The Watchman. Congratulations to Joan Kenney for her 48 (!!!) years of service to our church! Joan is retiring as our Music Director and Choir Director eff 12/31/2025.
THIS Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas, we will celebrate once again! We will light the candle of LOVE, recalling that "God so loved the world that God gave Jesus, his only son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). We will think about the love of Mary and Joseph and their faithfulness. Our special music will be by the Handbell Choir. Also, Sunday afternoon, at 4:00 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. See our calendar of events below.
Devotion - "Love Came Down at Christmas" "Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love."
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:16-17
In case you haven't noticed, it takes a lot of love for Christmas. "Seems like a lot of work," some may say. Bringing Christmas takes a lot of work with LOVE. This is part of the story of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch who Stole Christmas. He could take away the decorations and the "Who Christmas Beast" for the Who's Christmas feast, but the Grinch could not take away the love. That is why it was said the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day.
I remember the stories of my parents imagining what we might want for Christmas, heading out looking high and low for those gifts and giving them with such great love. My Mom & Dad stuffed stockings that foreshadowed our gifts with batteries and flashlights and animals to snuggle. They made special trips to stores to get me the Pooh Bear I cried out for as a toddler, wrapped the bikes and the basketball goal. I'm so thankful for those experiences and I know not every kid receives the presents and that kind of love at Christmas.
It took a bit of a different kind of love to bring Jesus into the world. It would be easy to write an action-adventure movie of the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph both experienced times in the story when their lives and the life of Baby Jesus that Mary was carrying were all at risk. God sent messenger angels to guide the way. Ultimately, they were faithful to God, to love each other, love the child that God sent to them and to bring God's love into the world for all people. God's message to them was "Do not fear," and replaced that fear with love -- Love for their God, love and trust for each other, and love for the baby born in Bethlehem.
During this time of year, there are a lot of expectations to be and do a lot of things. Consider that God may be calling to you as God asked of Mary and Joseph. To listen and be faithful. Oh, yes, and "do not be afraid."
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 For the choir's Christmas Cantata and for Joan Kenney's ministry as the BUMC choir director
Thanks for Debbie Harris's continuing recovery and for the prayers of BUMC for her and Jim 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
Prayers of Sympathy for the families of
Those killed and wounded in the shootings at Brown University and Bondi Beach, Australia Letitia Lam. Her service is at 2 pm Sunday at Kyger Funeral Home Jenny Rieman, Bob Rieman's sister-in-law passed away in IL. Please keep Bob and Cheryl Rieman and the family in your prayers.
Judy Capuano passed away in NY. Please keep her husband Don, her children and grandchildren in your prayers.
Current Prayer Concerns
Matthew Walton - son of Sara and Bill Walton
Debbie Harris - Jim Harris's wife Doris Waters Bonnie and Tom Snook Dick Boyd Nancy Shugart - Karen Chamblee's cousin 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 Sandra Stroud Vic Taylor Nancy Thomas Gary and Marcia TyeryarDonald and Ginger Usry
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Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, December 21, 2025 (3rd Sun)
Greeters Jim & Judy Tongue Ushers Don & Jason Gilkeson Reader Shadrach Baako-Amponsah Audio-Visual Mark Kipps Acolytes Madelyn & Nolan Gilkeson Sanctuary Servers Kathi Hemmis Bus Driver Chuck Rexrode |
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Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas from Bridgewater UMC!
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.
Tues, Dec 23 at 10 AM Advent Bible Study “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Still time to join! Held in the Library
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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Dear Church Family, Thank you for honoring me with a beautiful reception and lots of delicious treats. I felt spoiled by your kind words, cards, and gifts. I love my church family, choir and all the dear little ones. We truly have a special space to come together, worship God, help each other and our neighbors. I hold you in my heart and prayers during this Christmas season of love and joy. With my love and gratitude, Joan Kenney |
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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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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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21 Erin Gardner Davidson 21 Claire Leeper 25 Charlotte Reese 26 Gavin Higgs 27 Georgia Lee Byerly |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS Fourth Sunday in Advent - LOVE SUNDAY 9 AM Sunday School for all ages 10 AM Christmas Celebration Worship Service with the Handbell Choir 4 PM Return to the Light Worship Service 6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth 7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in
TUE 10 AM Advent Bible Study (Library)
WED 4 PM Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service 11 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
THU Merry Christmas!!! Jesus is the reason for the season!!
NEXT 9 AM Sunday School for all ages SUNDAY 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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