A Season of Gratitude and Blessing

There are moments in the life of a church when we are invited to pause, to look back with gratitude, and to look ahead with trust in God’s unfolding grace. This is one of those sacred moments for us.

In recent weeks, we have shared in the bittersweet experience of saying farewell to several beloved members of our church family: Pam Lester; Erik and Melinda Lim; and our devoted staff members Rok (Yeongrok) Choi, Hayoung Kim, and Dohee Woo.

Each of them has shaped the life of this congregation in meaningful and lasting ways.

Pam Lester, together with her late husband Jim Lester, has been a pillar of faith and faithfulness in the life of our church for many years. Their lives have been woven deeply into the story of this congregation. Through seasons of growth and change, they offered steady presence, quiet strength, and generous service. Jim’s life and witness continue to live on in the heart of this community, and Pam has carried that legacy with grace, resilience, and deep devotion. Her faith, shaped through both joy and loss, has been a testimony to God’s sustaining love. We are profoundly grateful for the Lester family’s enduring impact on BUMC, and for Pam’s continued witness among us.

Erik and Melinda Lim have blessed this church with their warmth, generosity, and spirit of connection. In both large and small ways, they have helped nurture a sense of belonging and community that reflects the very heart of Christ. Their presence among us has been a gift, and they will be deeply missed.

Our staff members Rok, Hayoung, and Dohee have offered their gifts with remarkable grace, creativity, and dedication. Rok’s leadership in music has lifted our worship and stirred the hearts of our congregation, creating space for deeper encounter with God. Hayoung has not only faithfully accompanied our worship, but also led the Lyric Choir with care and excellence, helping voices come together in praise. Dohee has shared her gifts widely across the life of the church, supporting Sunday School, nurturing our Young Family ministries, helping lead Vacation Bible School, and guiding our media ministry with creativity and vision. Together, they have helped us grow not only in worship, but in connection, learning, and community.

Together, they have not only served, but they have also loved this congregation. And that love has been felt. As we send them forth, we do so with both gratitude and blessing. The truth of our faith is that while seasons change, God’s presence goes with us, and with them. The same God who has been at work here will continue to guide, strengthen, and lead them into new chapters of ministry, study, and life.

And so, we do not simply say goodbye.

We say thank you.

We say we are better because of you.

We say go with God.

In the life of the church, every farewell is also a reminder that we belong to one another in Christ, and that bond is never broken by distance. We carry each other in prayer, in memory, and in hope.

May God bless Pam, Erik and Melinda, Rok, Hayoung, and Dohee in all that lies ahead.

And may God continue to shape us, as a community, into a people of gratitude, love, and faithful witness.

With deep thanksgiving,



Rev. Jennifer Cho

Staff Update

We are pleased to share some important updates regarding our staff.



Hayoung Kim has been appointed to Cranford United Methodist Church as a half-time solo pastor. Congratulations, Hayoung! We celebrate this new chapter in your ministry and give thanks for your faithful leadership among us.

We are also delighted to welcome Linda Collins as our new Director of Music. She brings extensive experience and a deep passion for music ministry, and we look forward to the gifts she will share with our congregation.

In addition, Tom Eichhorn has been hired as our new Media Ministry Coordinator. His background and expertise will help strengthen and expand our communication and outreach.

Linda and Tom will begin their work on May 10 and will overlap with our current staff during this time of transition.

Please join us in welcoming them to BUMC.

Sermon Series: Growing Roots

May 3 to May 31, 2026

What does it mean to grow deeper in faith, not just for a season, but for a lifetime? In this new series, Growing Roots, we will explore the heart of spiritual formation and what it means to be shaped as disciples of Jesus Christ. Like a tree planted by living water, our faith is nurtured through rhythms that ground and sustain us: worship, Scripture, prayer, community, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Together, we will reflect on how these practices help us grow stronger, remain rooted through life’s challenges, and bear fruit in love, hope, and service. Wherever you are on your journey, you are invited to come and grow.

This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho will share her sermon, “You’re Not Alone,” based on Acts 2:42-47. Music will be offered by the Lyric Choir singing "Every Body Every Where," the Sanctuary Choir singing “Let Us Break Bread Together”, and our Foundation Praise Team will lead us in worship.

Your Support Matters! Your continued support is crucial for sustaining the ministry and outreach efforts of our church. We are grateful for your generosity and commitment to Bridgewater United Methodist Church.

Thank you for your support of BUMC!

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