Newsletters - Bridgewater United Methodist Church (VA)

This Sunday, we will be continuing our Lenten Series "Good Grief" on how to support each other when we are experiencing change or loss. This Sunday, we will talk about The Feelings of Grief. Our main text will be John 11:1-44, a "deep dive" into the story of Jesus and Lazarus.

Our study on grief is not meant for anyone to feel uncomfortable, but for us to acknowledge that many in our congregation and community are hurting and for us to seek healing and comfort together from the source: Jesus Christ.

Our text for Sunday will be Psalm 121 and John 11:1-44.

I invite you to journey with us as we are rooted and grounded in LOVE. ~ Pastor Mary

What is the first question in the mind of someone visiting our church? The frequent answer is, “Where do I park?” Many churches have thoughtfully added Handicapped Parking. However, they have usually overlooked this barrier to hospitality for those new to their buildings.

At one church I served the leaders decided to hang out the welcome mat beyond a “Welcome” on the church sign. They added five visitor parking spaces near the main door. The area was growing, but the leaders were still surprised the visitor parking spaces were often full. The church grew significantly over the following years and visitor parking was a part of the warm hospitality that made folks feel at home and want to stay. The only downside side I found was folks joining the church often joked they guessed they would now have to give up their visitor parking spaces.

Our leaders have approved “Visitor Parking” spaces along Green Street as another way of welcoming visitors to our church “At the Heart of Bridgewater.” Soon the signs will appear, and a few of our members will need to park elsewhere as they currently do for the Handicapped, who will continue to have the same spaces provided. This brings up the subject of parking in general.

I remember hearing over forty years ago that most United Methodist Churches had inadequate parking. In the 1950s a family would come to church in one car. Over time families had more cars and began to come separately. One family with older teens could require five parking spaces. Couples could need two spaces instead of one. Parking habits had changed, but the spaces had not increased. When I looked at the churches I served at the time, it was clear they failed to provide what was needed. My following appointments were the same, but there was little opportunity to expand.

At Bridgewater Church, the leaders decided years ago to add parking across Green Street, and it has been a real blessing. Still even in this post-pandemic era, the parking can be a bit cozy at times. A rule of thumb on space is that spaces are usually comfortably full when they reach 80% of their capacity. Shopping centers plan on this and add far more space than appears to be needed much of the time.

In Bridgewater, we struggle with limited spaces, which is why the town created something called “Neighborhood Districts” opening parking in adjacent areas. So, for example, after-hours Hussey’s parking is available at Generations Park. For our church, the Bridgewater Community Center (Town Hall) parking is available on Sundays and after hours, and I usually park there. The flowers are lovely this time of year. Parking is also available at Bob-A Reas and United Bank when they are closed. Those who like to walk can make it easier for others. It should be noted Bob-A Reas uses our parking during the week. The good news is we have parking available for us to grow if we will use it.

-Jim Tongue

E-Blast for Friday, March 3

Our Lent Series "Good Grief" Continues

Lenten Bible Study

Called Church Council Meeting

Prayer List

Youth Group News

Change in Office Hours

Soup & Sandwich Luncheon

Serving Us in Worship

Birthdays & Anniversaries - 3/5 to 3/11

Happy Birthday to:

From United Methodist Family Services

Join us March 8 to support children with mental health challenges

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

Ready to make your donation?

WRE 2023 Spring Concert

"The Lord's Prayer"

Wyatt Smith's Senior Recital

Easter Basket Project

Church Parking and Visitor Parking

Christian Falwell's Eagle Scout Project