E-Newsletter and E-Blast for August 2022

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”  So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.  

The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel,

as seemed good to him. ~ Jeremiah 18: 1-4

"And God saw it was good" Genesis 1:10b

 Lately, I notice I've been using the word "goodness" more. I've always said, "Oh my goodness!" as an exclamation of surprise, but that's not quite it. Thanks to many of you, I received a whole basket of goodness--cards with prayers and well wishes, good eats, and good gifts. God's goodness is in the abundant flowers, song of the birds, the amazing views here. Laughter in the church is a gift of God's goodness. If you notice, goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Sing with me: "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, God is good to us...!"  

I love the prophecy of Jeremiah because it has so many object lessons. This story is one of the best. What stands out for me today is how God "reworked [the clay] into another vessel, as seemed good to him." (vs 4) 

Growing up in Harrisonburg, I took some summer art classes for kids at JMU. Turning kids loose in a college art studio was brave, and it was good! I remember learning to batik cloth with wax and dye, make paper, and sculpt with plaster. Most of all, I remember learning to shape clay at a potter's wheel.  

It was so easy for the clay to get spoiled on the wheel! One moment, it seemed it would turn out beautifully. But if it wasn't right, it would wobble, tear, or even fly right off the wheel. I wonder if there is something in you that feels spoiled before God--for whatever reason. And don't we all have those days that fly right off the wheel and go splat even when we are trying our best? I wonder if we think--maybe we have even said--that something got "spoiled" in our church over the last couple of years. We can name those things and lift them in prayer to God.  

The good news--did you hear it?--is that God reworks spoiled things for good. Good. And thank Goodness God does! God heals parts of us that seem spoiled. God is there and uses the days that go splat. God has big plans for our congregation and the big-C Church--the community of God in the world.   

The solution--for the clay and for us--is centering. A potter must take time to center the clay on the wheel before trying to shape it. Our days are less wobbly, torn up, or fly away if we take the time to center on Jesus Christ at the beginning, end, and throughout our day. When we take time to center and pray, remember to thank God for the goodness that surrounds us.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Mary

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. 

"plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 

Dear Friends, 

As of August 1st, I will have been your pastor for about a month. Wow! Whew! It's been a busy,      wonderful month. I have learned so much about our congregation and our church--not near enough-- but it's a start. Several people have asked me: "What's going on with the United Methodist Church and the decisions facing our General Conference?"  

Yes, I agree we will need to find ways of sharing information about General Conference and discussing the topics and news together as a congregation. However, I think it is best done in relationship. I'm hoping you will give me a bit more grace to get to know you and you get to know me as we navigate this season.

There is a lot of information already available. There are books, articles, videos, sermons, websites, and podcasts. If you are asking questions, I encourage you to start doing some reading on your own. Be aware that while there is a lot of accurate information available, there is also some misleading information being shared.  

Team Jeremiah is an up-to-date resource from the Virginia Conference (www.vaumc.org/teamjeremiah). They are made up of lay person and pastors who work together to share information about General Conference. Some are elected delegates to General Conference and some are not.  

On July 12, I attended a webinar by Team Jeremiah that I commend to you. This excellent video answered questions regarding aspects the General Conference discussions. It is about 90 minutes long. I hope that you might view it on your own or plan to view it with a small group here at church. If you have specific questions, we can discuss or we can find out. The webinar is on the Team Jeremiah website at www.vaumc.org/teamjeremiah. 

We will find other ways to share and discuss. Best of all, God is with us! We already have a solid foundation of our faith and the legacy and relationships of Bridgewater UMC. God has already provided this faith community worth celebrating and building on.  

Grace & Peace, Pastor Mary

Our first events since the joining of the BUMC youth and the Dayton UMC youth are coming up! On August 6th, we will meet at Dayton UMC for the Dayton Muddler! Our meeting time is TBD. At 5 pm that evening, we will gather for our Parent/Youth meeting, picnic, and slip-n-slide at the Wright’s house @ 4661 Spring Creek Road. Sign up in the Youth Corner! 

Blessings, Whitney Reusser

Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries at Bridgewater UMC

Director of Youth Ministry at Dayton UMC

CALLING ALL DETECTIVES!! Our Vacation Bible School is fast approaching and we need your problem-solving skills to help decipher Jesus’s parables during our investigations on August 2-4! Our VBS is from 5:30-8:30p.m. and we will be On The Case, enjoying crafts, games, music, and other clues to help us navigate each day’s case! Sign up at the Kid’s Corner by the front door OR give Whitney a ring on 540-560-6691.

BUMC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

AUGUST 2 THROUGH AUGUST 4

 As the "Back to School" sales begin don't forget to consider purchasing some socks and underwear for the children at the Children's Clothes Closet. Many companies have "bonus packs" this time of year where you get extra pairs in a pack for a great price. The need there is great and the joy on the faces as the children choose their pairs is wonderful to see. We need all sizes 2T-teen, both boys and girls. The Closet is currently low on the boy's selection right now, especially sizes 4 to 10. if you prefer to give a donation instead and have us shop for you let me know as that work too! 

Also, as you go through your children's clothes for the fall we are always looking for donations of gently used clean clothes - newborn to teen. No children at home any more, spread the word to your grandchildren, neighbor, etc... There is a red hamper in the downstairs hallway for your donations. Also, the Closet is always having requests for highchairs, booster seats, walkers, strollers, car seats, etc... I will be happy to make arrangements to pick these items up if you would have any of these items to donate. Thanks for your continued support, Dawn Kern

As most of you are aware, Edward Stoops, our custodian has suffered a minor stroke. He is on the road to recovery, but he will not be able to work for 6-7 weeks. Our main focus is of course Edward's health and healing, so the SPRC voted that Edward will be put on "paid short term disability leave" which we will continue to evaluate as he recovers. This eased Edward's mind considerably as we all know how conscientious he is about his job. The committee will be hiring a cleaning company to clean the church in the interim and Scott Ridder has volunteered to take care of mowing the church lawn (thank you Scott!). In light of these new developments we ask for everyone to chip in and help where they can - set-up in the fellowship hall will be the responsibility of the group using the hall (ask for help if you need it) and please take out your trash if you host an event. Also, please be mindful of locking up, checking all of the doors and being sure that all of the lights are off if you are the last to leave. Communicate with the church office if you find any problems. With everyone's help, we will make this work. As Edward has cared for BUMC, it is now our time to care for him. Thank you! - BUMC SPRC