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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, January 9, 2026

A Note from Pastor Mary

Renewing Our Baptism

 

For the last several years, our church has begun the new year remembering that we are baptized.  It is a wonderful way to start the year!  I don't know about you but as we enter this new year of 2026 it has been a bit difficult for me to heed Jesus words, "Do not worry about your life" (Matthew 6:25) and the words of the angels to the shepherds, "Do not fear..."  (Luke 2:10) Only a week into 2026, I have been worried!  Multiple people in my family spent time in the hospital over the holidays as well as people in our church or folks were sick at home.  In our family, we have been trying to hold on to John 14, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid..."

 

The Christmas story tells us that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.  To me, baptism also brings Jesus very close.  I consider my baptism as much a part of me as my hands and feet.  It is part of what makes me, me.  It is something I experienced long ago and remembered when I witnessed others being baptized.  The songs are a part of my soundtrack the "old old story of Jesus and his love" (UMH 156) and the new songs, like "Water, River, Spirit, Grace... sweep over me..." (TFWS 2253).  I know that I am not alone!  Many of YOU, I know, feel the same way.  This unites us as the body of Christ.       

 

Baptism is grounding and re-orienting to me and I sure can use it!  I am thankful for my baptism and reminds me WHO I am - a Christian and a child of God - and WHOSE I am - I belong to God above all else. When we are rooted and grounded in God's love. God's grace, and our baptism, then we can stand in God's strength and we don't need to worry.  (I might... a little... still... this is why we need reminders...!  Always!) 

 

Come, renew your baptism!  Blessings in 2026!   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 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

Joys and answered 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
Larry Harmon—father of a friend of Rhonda Johnson
Georgia Lee Byerly—Her memorial service is 1/17 at 11 am. here
 
Current Prayer Concerns
Janice Harper
Bonnie Snook
Galen Delinger
Rodney and Gloria Hildebrand
Mary Ann Glendye
Debbie Cox
Joan Barr
 
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 the safety of all involved in the protests, immigration 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.  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
For the people of Venezuela, for the families of those killed, and for the USA
 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Dick Boyd

Betty Coakley

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Henry and Dorice Graham

Casey Hartman

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 Tyeryar
Donald and Ginger Usry
Doris Waters

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, January 11, 2026 (2nd Sun)

 

Greeters                    Bonnie & Tom Snook

Ushers                       Sara & Bill Walton

Reader                       Jim Tongue

Audio-Visual             Marc Craun

Acolytes                    Taylor Family

Sanctuary Servers    Sara & Bill Walton

Bus Driver                 Dick Harper

New Pictorial Directory is Coming!

Done by the Portrait Café

Please sign up on Sunday to have your picture taken for the pictorial directory. The sign-up sheet is in the breezeway.  there are still openings for pictures the afternoon of February 23 (Monday) 2026!!

Thank you  from the Mission Central Children’s Clothes Closet
To the church family
Your service and support allowed the Clothes Closet to provide diapers and clothing to 735 families with 1,689 children, giving them items 5,047 times.

Our diaper count was 120,950. 607 coats were given to keep kids warm in winter.
Your church and its volunteers are truly God’s hands and feet. I look forward to serving along side all of you in 2026.  
Sincerely, Artie Frederick

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

NEW Sunday School Class - "Joyful Journeys"

Join us on Sunday mornings 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!

Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements

After-Church Lunch, Trivia & Interactive Bible Study
 Bridgewater, VA
 This Sunday, January 11
 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
 Lunch Provided
 RSVP Required
Join us immediately after church for a relaxed and engaging time of food, fellowship, fun trivia, and interactive Bible study. This gathering is designed for conversation, connection, and meaningful discussion in a welcoming environment.
What to expect:
•    Casual lunch together
•    Team-based trivia (all youth ages welcome)
•    Interactive Bible study with discussion and questions
•    A great opportunity to connect with others in the community
Whether you’re new, visiting, or a regular attendee, this is a great way to stay, eat, and engage after service.
 Please RSVP so we can plan food and seating accordingly.
We look forward to spending time together!

 

Every Sunday:

6:45 p.m. Prayer for Teens — Parents’/Adults Zoom Gathering 
Parents, we invite you to join us this Sunday at 6:45 p.m. on Zoom for prayer over our teens! Together, we’ll lift up their hearts, minds, and futures — asking God to bring them peace, strength, and rest as they grow in faith.

7:00 p.m. Youth Zoom Check-in!

 

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

Hi, BUMC kiddos, friends, and families!

 

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

This week's Birthdays!

11 Doyle Hess

13 Karen Early-Williams, Richard Robinson, Wyatt Smith

14 Marie Chaplin, Nancy Puffenbarger, Kaitlyn Gilkeson

15 Ben Lescanec

16 Sandra Stroud, Marisa Taylor

17 Laura Powell, Becky Fansler, Bill Walton, Jamie Eanes

Our Calendar This Week

THIS             9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY      10 AM Worship Service

                     11:15 AM Youth Lunch & Trivia (Fellowship Hall)

                     6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth

                     7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

MON            6:30 PM Bridgewater Ruritan Club (Fellowship Hall)

                    7 PM UWF Faith Circle (Members' Homes)

 

TUE             10 AM Nurture Committee Meeting (Library)

 

WED            10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                     6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons)

                     7 PM Choir Rehearsal

 

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! 

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

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