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, December 26, 2025 |
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A Note from Pastor Mary |
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1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
2. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
Y'all!! Christmas is NOT over! There are the 12 days of Christmas and the liturgical season of Christmastide. We will celebrate Christmas on Sunday! Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
I was actually surprised a few years ago when my colleagues began to say, "You know, 'Joy to the World' is not really a Christmas hymn...." I had always thought of it as a Christmas hymn, well, because we always sang it at Advent and Christmas. We sang it Christmas caroling and in Cantatas. But it's true. The words of the hymn don't mention anything about a baby, a manger, birth, stars, Mary & Joseph, angels, shepherds, or kings.... Surprise!
So the argument is... why do sing this beautiful hymn about JOY--the joy that Jesus brings the whole world--only at Christmas? I'm not sure, other than tradition. As for me (I hope you, too), I'm for more JOY for the world. Especially if we remember that joy comes from our spiritual relationship with God. No matter what our circumstances, the Savior reigns, Jesus rules the world with truth and grace and love. Jesus has come, again. Joy to the world!
Thanks be to God! Merry Christmas! Hope to see you Sunday! Pastor Mary
Announcement / Please Note: The office will be closed this upcoming week for Christmas. We will be checking messages. If you have a pastoral care need, contact Karen Chamblee or Pastor Mary. Pastor Mary's direct cell is 757-912-2233 and email seniorpastor@bridgewaterumc.
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 Judy Hulvey being able to drive after hand surgery. She is recovering well.
For the choir's Christmas Cantata
For Joan Kenney's ministry as our choir director
For Debbie Harris's continuing recovery and our prayers 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 Georgia Lee Byerly
Letitia Lam
Jenny Rieman
Judy Capuano—Joey Capuano's grandmother
The Bifle family & others killed in a plane crash on 12/18 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 Robbie Moss—Kathi Hemmis’ brother
Tammy & Donnie Ervine— lost everything in a house fire 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 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 28, 2025 (th Sun)
Greeters Chuck & Sue Rexrode Ushers Kathi Hemmis & Johna McFarland Reader Dan Plecker Audio-Visual Sam Briggs Acolytes Sydney & Reese Leach Sanctuary Servers Don & Sue Gilkeson Bus Driver Dwight Campbell |
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Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Bridgewater UMC!
Tues, Jan. 6 at 10 AM Advent Bible Study “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” No Bible study on Dec. 30 |
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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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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 Concludes on Jan. 6 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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After-Church Lunch, Trivia & Interactive Bible Study |
Bridgewater, VA
Sunday, January 11
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch Provided
RSVP Required
Please RSVP so we can plan food and seating accordingly.|
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 a blessing! 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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Dec 28 Eric Miller 30 D. R. Davis, Abby Miller Jan 2026 1 Joan Kenney, Johna McFarland, Glenda Deaton 3 Garnet Suiter |
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Our Calendar This Week |
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THIS 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
THU Happy New Year from the staff!
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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