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Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Monday, July 6, 2026

A Note from Pastor Rich

A Message from Rev. Richard Bensinger

 

Dear Bridgewater United Methodist Church family,

 

What a joy it is to be here with you. From the moment Rebecca and I arrived, we have felt the warmth, hospitality, and deep faith that make Bridgewater UMC such a remarkable congregation. We are grateful to be part of this church family, and we are excited for the journey God has set before us.

 

Since 1841, Bridgewater UMC has walked a faithful path—rooted in Scripture, strengthened by community, and guided by a clear mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Generations before us have carried that mission with courage and conviction, and now it is our privilege to continue that legacy with you.

 

Rebecca and I want you to know something from the very beginning: it is our heartfelt goal to get to know every member of this congregation. Every story matters. Every person matters. Each one of you is a vital part of this flock God has gathered here. To help nurture those connections, we will be leading a robust prayer and visitation ministry—one that ensures no one feels overlooked, forgotten, or disconnected. Whether in your homes, in the hospital, over coffee, or in the pews, we want to walk beside you, pray with you, and share life with you.

 

Together, we will honor the legacy entrusted to us. We will keep growing in grace, deepening our discipleship, and opening our doors wide to the community around us. We will listen for the Holy Spirit, follow where Christ leads, and serve with compassion so that lives may be changed and God’s love may be known.

 

I am thrilled to walk this road with you. May God bless our shared ministry, and may the next chapter of Bridgewater UMC’s story be filled with faith, joy, and transformation.

 

Grace and peace, Pastor Rich

 

Prayer List

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

Psalm 4:1

Joys and answered prayers

Pastor Rich and Rebecca are here at BUMC and have found a place to live.
Bonnie Snook is feeling better after her back injection
Carolyn VanDyck is doing well after a fall 6/21

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

 

Current Prayer Concerns

For those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela and for those helping them

For those affected by the Ebola outbreak

For those dealing with measles in Virginia and around the country
For protection for all Houses of Worship of all faiths

For pastors and congregations with new congregations and pastors

Peace in my life, my family, with our neighbors, and throughout the world
For peace in Iran and in the Mid-East, and in Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela, Cuba, and around 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 government 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 grow in 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
For those dealing with mental illness and addiction and those who care for them
For our families and families in our community in crisis or struggling with estrangement
That this day be good and tomorrow better

 

Melissa McCormick
Gwen
Ann Teter

 

Ongoing Prayer Needs of our Congregation

Grace Fishback

Betty Foley

Dorice Graham

Rodney Hildebrand

Deidra Hill

Judy Hulvey

Barbara Kiracofe

Dorothy Lion

Ray Michael

Shirley Creekbaum

Kim Miller

Mitzi Puffenbarger

Joanne Simpkins

Bonnie and Tom Snook

Sandra Stroud

Vic Taylor

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald & Ginger Usry
Doris Waters

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, July 5, 2026 (1st Sun)

 

Greeters                    B. J. Jenkins & Bettye Newman

Ushers                       Ed Craun & Marc Craun

Reader                       Christy/Mark Kipps

Audio-Visual             Tony Mancari

Acolytes                    David Kipps

Sanctuary Servers    Don Gilkeson & Sue Rexrode

Bus Driver                 Dwight Campbell

Lunch & Conversation is this Wednesday at Bridgewater Retirement Community. Come and Spend some time with our BRC members!

Don't forget! Next Sunday!

Sun, July 12 A Welcome Coffee with the Pastor sponsored by the SPRC will be held from 8:40-9:40 AM. Please stop in to say hello and pick up a treat. Name Tags are appreciated.

Bridgewater UMC Youth Announcements

BRIDGEWATER UMC MISSION TRIP

Philadelphia, PA | July 20 – 25th

 

We're heading to Philadelphia to serve alongside St. Luke's Episcopal Church and their community, supporting their annual Child Spelling Bee and youth programs.

 

10 students, age 7 to 12.

Philly Inner city

12pm to 3pm

After: Free time for exploration, tour of Philly, and PRAYER WALK.

 

What's Included:

• 4 nights lodging

• Service work with St. Luke's Episcopal Church

• Community engagement and youth mentorship

• Meals and daily activities

 

Cost: $270 per person (parents, adults, and youth welcome)

 

This is a chance to build meaningful connections, serve a real need, and grow in faith alongside families from our church community. Whether you're new to mission work or a longtime servant, there's a place for you.

 

Interested? Contact Jomo Johnson with questions about dates, what to expect, or how to register.

 

Let's go serve together.

 

Jomo

 

Link to camp music video.

https://canva.link/focbowza3phec9k

 

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!

Thank you to everyone who participated in and helped with Vacation Bible School! We hope everyone enjoyed their time and learned from Moses in the “Jungle” wilderness!

 

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

If you have any questions please call Doris Martin @ 540-416-6244

Open Auditions for Chordially Yours

Love to sing? Wed love to meet you.

Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley, a community based SATB choir led by Scott Zane Smith, is welcoming new singers. Our 35 member ensemble performs two major concerts each year and will tour Austria in 2027.

Open Auditions Saturday, August 8 14 p.m. Anthony Seeger Hall, 821 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg

Drop in anytime for a friendly, informal auditionno registration required. Expect light vocalizing, pitch matching, and simple sight reading.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about Chordially Yours, our trip to Austria, or about the audition itself, reach out on Facebook at Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley or email Scott at szanes@aol.com.

Thank you again for your continued support!

--

Sincerely,

Chordially Yours of the Shenandoah Valley

Creative Council

Greg Conway, Chair

Scott Smith, Artistic Director

July's Birthdays!

2  Shannon Harper, Alan Dellinger

4  Nathan Miller

5  Austin Palmer

6  Callie McDorman, Deidra Hill

7  Amanda Taylor, Megan Byler, Michael Asiamah

8  Luke Mowery

9  Chuck Rexrode

11 Michael Bennett

12 Anna Kern Towson

13 Tim Leach

14 Sharon Harold

15 Dennis Kenney

17 Tracy Wright

18 Molly Wright, Ryan Kiracofe, Kaitlin Click

20 Mitch Palmer, Scott Flora

23 Kari Palmer, Loretta Cubbage

24 Anslee Hardy

27 Haley Kenney

28 Gloria Hildebrand, Quinn Newman

29 Allen Ruliffson

30 Chloe Kiracofe, Ami Higgs, James Kane

Our Calendar This Week

THIS          9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY   10 AM Worship Service - Welcome Pastor Rich!

                  6:45 PM Prayer for Youth

                  7 PM Youth Check-in

 

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

 

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

 

WED         10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                 12 PM Lunch & Conversation (BRC Smith Room)

                  7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

 

NEXT        8:40 AM Pastor Welcome Coffee

SUNDAY   9 AM Sunday School for all ages

                 10 AM Worship Service

                 6:45 PM Prayer for Youth

                 7 PM Youth 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

Copyright 2026. Bridgewater United Methodist Church, All Rights Reserved.