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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, January 30, 2026

A Note from Pastor Mary

Dear Friends,

 

We are ready for worship and communion and being together on Sunday!  The weather forecasts say that the snow may by-pass us, but I am still concerned about the very cold temperatures.  We have worked to clear the sidewalks, however, there are still icy spots (our steps are completely clear.) 

 

As always, please make your best judgement in considering coming to worship.  You know you best. We love you and want you to be safe!  At this point, we will be open.  We will send an e-Blast and notify WHSV if anything changes.

 

~Devotion~ 

 

1 Corinthians 1:25-31

 

For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

1:28God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to abolish things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. In contrast, God is why you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

 

     Our lectionary this week includes many amazing scriptures.  I will be sharing about Micah 6:1-8 in my sermon on Sunday (please pray, y'all!).  This week also includes the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount including, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."  (Matthew 5:1-12).  There is also the passage from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 which reminds us (again) that what seems like foolishness to us is wisdom to God.  This scripture also tells us that God uses all kinds of us, even those who are weaker and ordinary, to bring about God's kingdom and beloved community.    

 

       i hope that you have been paying attention to the Buddhist monks who have been on a Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, DC.  They began walking from Fort Worth, Texas on October 26th and have just arrived in Virginia. I have been following their Facebook page and the one for their dog, Aloka.  Here is a message from their blog, https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace-why-we-walk/, entitled, "Why We Walk."  

 

"Walk For Peace – Why we Walk"

 

 Some people may doubt that our walk can bring peace to the world—and we understand that doubt completely. But everything that has ever mattered began with something impossibly small. A single seed. A first mindful breath. A quiet decision to take one step, then another.

 

Our walking itself cannot create peace. But when someone encounters us—whether by the roadside, online, or through a friend—when our message touches something deep within them, when it awakens the peace that has always lived quietly in their own heart—something sacred begins to unfold.

 

That person carries something forward they didn’t have before, or perhaps something they had forgotten was there. They become more mindful in their daily life—more present with each breath, more aware of each moment. They speak a little more gently to their child. They listen more patiently to their partner. They extend kindness to a stranger who needed it desperately.

 

And that stranger, touched by unexpected compassion, carries it forward to someone else. And it continues—ripple by ripple, heart by heart, moment by moment—spreading outward in ways none of us will ever fully witness, creating more peace in the world than we could possibly measure.

 

This is our contribution—not to force peace upon the world, but to help nurture it, one awakened heart at a time. Not the Walk for Peace alone can do this, but all of us together—everyone who has been walking with us in spirit, everyone who feels something stir within them when they encounter this journey, everyone who decides that cultivating peace within themselves matters.

 

One step becomes two. Two become a thousand. A thousand become countless. And slowly, gently, persistently—not through grand gestures but through ten thousand small acts of love—we can help make the world more peaceful.

 

This is our hope. This is our offering. This is why we walk.
May you and all beings be well, happy, and at peace.

 

     Especially in this terribly freezing cold, snow and ice, it looks like foolishness for these men from Texas to be walking across Virginia.  When it started getting really cold, I read comments from people concerned for their health and safety and offering all kinds of food and shelter.  They wrote back, peacefully I might add, that in all the places of their travels they were very well taken care of.  I think it's interesting is that, on more than one occasion, they have been welcomed into United Methodist Churches along the way.  The most recent one that I saw was Bethel UMC in Alberta, VA. 

 

      I was challenged the other day when I had lunch with a friend and we were talking about what we can "do" in the face of all the cries peace in our world.  I found myself saying, "I know that there is so much need, I just don't know what I can do." And she replied, "You don't know what you can do?" That word has spoken to my spirit and challenged me.  Maybe you are thinking the same thing: What can I do?  Maybe you are praying, "God, show me what I can do."  Maybe more importantly the question is more "how can I do it?" or "How, then, shall I live?"  And God replies, "It's in your weakness that I am strong."  And the Monks remind us, "One step becomes two.  Two become a thousand... through ten thousand small acts of love--we can help make the world more peaceful."  

 

Thanks be to God, 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

Artemis Hilda Davis was born on 1/27/26 (Drew & Rita’s granddaughter; daughter of Seth & Janine)
Tony Mancari is recovering well at home
Edward Stoops is recovering well at home
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
Billy Shifflett
Jere McDonald

Current Prayer Concerns
For everyone struggling with the storm - for those who died, whose homes and businesses were damaged, who are without power, and who can't get out. For safety, patience, and peace.
Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors and throughout the world
For our nation to step back from greed, injustice, fear, and hatred
For our government leaders to act with love.
For wisdom for all our leaders, especially our president
For protection for our elected officials, to protect President Trump and his family
For your will, not our will, to be done
For those who cannot read
For those who are struggling with financial problems
Help us to be servants to each other, our neighbors, and the world.
Help us to become better people and Christians and to have more faith
That our families will become closer to God and for clarity in seeing God's will
For Bridgewater and other college students - for discipline and for those taking exams
For safe travels for our families
For strength and health and healing for our families, for those who are sick
For victims of abuse of all kinds
For comfort for those dealing with illness and loss and those awaiting surgery
That this day be good and tomorrow better
For those dealing with mental illness and addiction

Lynn Fisher
Jeff Higgs
Mitch Leach
Ray Michael
Hill Norfleet
Terry Phillips
David Raynes
Gov Abigail Spanberger
Sarver family
Joan Wimer
Amber, Donna, Patricia, Bev, Joan
Tony Mancari
Edward Stoops

 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Dick Boyd

Betty Coakley

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Henry and Dorice Graham

Janice Harper

Casey Hartman

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Judy Hulvey

Barbara Kiracofe

Chloe Leach

Dorothy Lion

Shirley Creekbaum

Kim Miller

Mitzi Puffenbarger

Joanne Simpkins

Bonnie and Tom Snook

Sandra Stroud

Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald and Ginger Usry
Doris Waters

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, February 1, 2026 (1st Sun)

 

Greeters                    Gloria Roller & Kathi Hemmis

Ushers                       Mark Kipps & Claude Martell

Reader                       Johna McFarland

Audio-Visual             Tony Mancari

Acolytes                    David Kipps

Sanctuary Servers    Laura & Tony Mancari

Bus Driver                 Dwight Campbell

One Last Word from the VA Conference UMC Advocate - 

 


Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian and Nazi critic in World War II; his words continue to resound for us today:

 



"Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power, and with its plea for the weak. Christians are doing too little to make these points clear ... Christendom adjusts itself far too easily to the worship of power. Christians should give more offense, shock the world far more, than they are doing now."

New Pictorial Directory is Coming!

Done by the Portrait Café

Don’t forget our photo shoot for our *new* pictorial directory. Will be on February 22 and 23! Individual Reminders will be upcoming.

Souper Bowl Sunday is coming up February 8! Mark your calendars and start collecting change for our LOUD COLLECTION. As always paper money and checks (made out to BUWF) are most welcome. The donations will go to the Bridgewater Interfaith Food Pantry.

Celebrate Shrove Tuesday on February 17th with a delicious pancake fundraiser from 5:006:30 PM!


Enjoy freshly made pancakes, biscuits & sausage gravy, fruit, and warm drinks, all prepared and served by our amazing adult and teen team. Setup begins at 3:45 PM, so everything is hot & ready when doors open. Volunteers will be on hand to welcome guests, serve food, and help make the evening fun and festive. Come hungry, bring a friend, and support a great cause with every bite! Donations go to youth group general fund.

Sew Caring Stitchers Update


The Sew Caring Stitchers want to share with you that in 2025 they provided 9 dozen quilts to the people receiving services at the New Beginnings domestic abuse shelter, the Salvation Army, the Virginia Program for the Aging Services, Kingsway Ministry, the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, the DaVita dialysis center, and the Harrisonburg Health & Rehabilitation Center. You can see samples of their quilts hanging in the hallway between the office and library, with new quilts being displayed monthly. This is a ministry of our church which appreciates our support. Being down to four dedicated stitchers, they always accept new talent and need donations. To get involved please email Ginger Usry at usrygb@jmu.edu.

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

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

Event Announcement 1: Weekend Fellowship & Sunday Outing
Save the Date: January 31st – February 1st! Looking for weekend plans? I’ll be at church on Saturday evening (1/31) and would love to connect or grab coffee—reach out if you're free! Then, join us on Sunday, February 1st, for a post-service outing. We’re leaning toward ice skating, but the final destination is TBD. Please save the date and stay tuned for the final details!
________________________________________
Event Announcement 2: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser
Mark Your Calendars: February 17th! Get ready for breakfast for dinner! Our annual Shrove Pancake Fundraiser is happening Tuesday, February 17th. We’re gearing up for a night of great food and community support. More information on tickets and timing will be released shortly, but for now, make sure to clear your schedule for this delicious cause!

 

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

February's Birthdays!

5  Brad Intemann

7  Heather Kiracofe

8  Henley Higgs

12 Bret Brubaker, Wilton Fansler

15 Abbie Early Carter

18 Gloria Roller, John Briggs

20 Macey Early, Bryan Lescanec

21 Sonja Bible

23 Bonnie Snook

24 Jerry Hemmis

25 Karen Ridder

26 Abby Eanes, Matthew Williams

27 Emery June Robinson, Hannah Intemann Flora

28 Bobbi Wachter

Our Calendar This Week

THIS             9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY       9:30 AM Children's Choir Practice (Choir Room)

                     10 AM Worship Service

                      6:45 PM Zoom Prayer for Youth

                     7 PM Youth Zoom Check-in

 

TUE             6:30 PM Valley Radio Control Flying Club (New Beginnings)

 

WED            10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                    12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Shenandoah Room)

                     6 PM Handbell Practice (Mt. Solon Commons)

 

NEXT           9 AM Sunday School for all ages 

SUNDAY      9:30 AM Children's Choir Practice (Choir Room)

                    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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