Slideshow image

Call Us : 540-828-0890                Mail Us : adminasst@bridgewaterumc.com
Image

Bridgewater UMC E-Blast

Friday, July 10, 2026

A Note from Pastor Rich

A Message from Rev. Richard Bensinger

 

Saved by Grace, Created for Good Works

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:8-9, Ephesians 2:10, and James 2:14–26

 

This week let’s take a quick theological look at grace and works……..

 

Salvation begins with grace. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved “by grace” through faith—not by our own effort, goodness, or religious achievement. This keeps us humble. We can’t boast before God as though we earned His mercy. Salvation is a gift, purchased by Christ and received by faith. Grace reminds us that God moved toward us first, not because we had proven ourselves worthy, but because of His love and mercy in Christ.

 

But grace can’t leave us unchanged. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Good works are not the root of our salvation; they are the fruit of it. We do not serve, love, forgive, give, or obey in order to make God love us. We do these things because, in Christ, God already has.

 

James presses this truth even further. In James 2:14–26, he warns that faith without works is dead. A faith that never moves our hands, softens our words, changes our priorities, or meets the needs of others is not living faith. True faith trusts Christ fully and then follows Him visibly. James is not teaching that works replace grace, but that real faith cannot remain hidden forever. Like a tree known by its fruit, faith is seen in the life it produces.

 

So, we hold both truths together: we are saved by grace alone, not by works; yet the grace that saves us also transforms us for good works. God does not ask us to earn salvation, but He does call us to walk in the life He has prepared for us. Our obedience becomes a testimony that God’s grace is active within us. Today, let your obedience be gratitude in motion, and let your works become a quiet witness to the Savior who has already done the saving.

 

Reflection: What good work might God be placing before you today—not to earn His love, but to express your faith in His grace?

 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me by grace through faith. Keep me from trusting in my own works and shape my life so that my works point back to You. Let my faith be alive, active, and full of love. Amen.

 

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 moving to their home near Bridgewater 7/15
Ann Teter is doing better and is back at church

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, those awaiting surgery, and those having treatments 
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

 

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

Nancy Thomas

Gary and Marcia Tyeryar
Donald & Ginger Usry
Doris Waters

Worship Volunteers for this Sunday, July 12, 2026 (2nd Sun)

 

Greeters                    Bonnie & Tom Snook/Eileen Phillips

Ushers                       Sara & Bill Walton

Reader                       Jim Tongue

Audio-Visual             Marc Craun

Acolytes                    Taylor Family

Sanctuary Servers    Sara & Bill Walton

Bus Driver                 Fontaine Canada

Don't forget! THIS Sunday!

Please come early to welcome Pastor Rich and Rebecca!

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.

There will be a proof copy of the new Church Directory available on Sunday in the fellowship hall during the Welcome Pastor Coffee and in the hallway after church. Everyone please take the time to check your information and write in adjustments as needed.

Our Church Picnic is coming up!

Sunday, July 26, 5:30-7:30 PM at Oakdale Park Picnic shelter #3

Please put it on your calendar!

The picnic is Pot Luck.

Tableware and drinks will be provided.

Presented by the Nurture Committee

There are small group sessions planned to meet with Pastor Rich over the next few weeks to get to know him better. Sign up sheets are in the breezeway if you wish to participate in one of these group meetings.

Mission Trip Opportunity

4 days in Philadelphia with our youth

Open to everyone!

Subject: Pack Your Bags! Join Our Summer Mission Trip

 

Looking for a powerful way to put your faith into action? Come serve with us!

Our upcoming summer mission trip to Philadelphia is officially open to everyone: parents, teens, and children alike. If you love Jesus and have a heart for working with kids, there is a place for you on this team.

  • When: July 20th-23rd (3 Nights)
  • What: Leading a dynamic Kids Camp
  • Cost: $270 for adults and $100 for youth and children. (Includes all lodging, food, and travel!)

Whether you want to serve as a family or join as an individual, we would love to have you. Lets make a lasting impact together!

 

Interested? Contact Jomo Johnson at (240) 328-5847,  dumbumyouth@gmail.com, or catch him after service this Sunday to secure your spot. Deadline to sign up is 7/14

For more information check out the Promo video and link: https://canva.link/bbl780mqomfrvsm (copy and paste into your browser.)

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

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

This Week's Birthdays!

12 Anna Kern Towson

13 Tim Leach

14 Sharon Harold

15 Dennis Kenney

17 Tracy Wright

18 Molly Wright, Ryan Kiracofe, Kaitlin Click

Our Calendar This Week

THIS          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

 

MON         6 PM Reach & Relate Team Meeting (Library)

 

WED         10 AM Prayer Team (Library)

                  7 PM Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

                  Bridgewater Lawn Party Starts

 

FRI             5:30 PM Lawn Party Parade Outreach (Front Lawn)

 

SAT            4:30 PM Lawn Party Parade Outreach (Front Lawn)

 

NEXT         9 AM Sunday School for all ages

SUNDAY   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.