E-NEWS | January 7th, 2025 | |
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Dear Beloved Community,
Happy New Year! As we step into this first week of 2025, I want to invite you to pause and breathe deeply. The turning of the calendar often stirs in us a mix of emotions—joy for new beginnings, anxiety about the unknown, and perhaps weariness from the year we've just completed. Wherever you find yourself today, know that you are not alone.
This week, I encourage you to embrace the gifts of rest, hope, and renewal.
Rest: Jesus extends an invitation to us in Matthew 11:28—"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." In the busyness of life, may we find time to be still before God, trusting that rest is not a sign of weakness but a source of strength. Rest allows our souls to realign with God's presence and purposes.
Hope: The new year reminds us that God is always doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). Even in seasons of uncertainty, God plants seeds of hope that will bloom in due time. May we hold fast to the truth that God is faithful and that our hope is anchored in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Renewal: Just as the earth experiences cycles of renewal, so do we. This is a time to renew our commitment to God, to one another, and to the work of justice and reconciliation. Let us open our hearts to the Spirit's movement, allowing God to renew our minds, refresh our spirits, and revive our sense of purpose.
Epiphany: As we also celebrate Epiphany this week, we are reminded of the journey of the Magi who followed the star to find Christ (Matthew 2:1-12). Their journey was one of faith, hope, and discovery. May we, too, seek the light of Christ in our lives and share that light with the world. Epiphany invites us to reflect on the revelation of God's love made visible in Jesus and challenges us to be bearers of that light in all we do.
As we journey together through this new year, may we support one another in prayer, encouragement, and love. May God grant us the grace to rest deeply, hope boldly, and be renewed continually.
With blessings of peace and joy,
Rev. Jennifer
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In-Person / Live stream
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
January 12th at 10:00 a.m.
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This Sunday, Rev. Jennifer Cho will share her sermon, "A Rhythm of Rest." This week's scripture reading will be taken from Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. The music will be provided by the Sanctuary Choir, "Lord of the Dance," and our Foundation Praise Team will lead us in song. | |
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Tuesday, Jan 7th
• Combined Staff Meeting at Noon (Zoom)
• Cherub and Lyric Choir Rehearsals at 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall and Choir Room)
• Festive Ringers at 6 p.m. (Sanctuary)
Wednesday, Jan 8th
• BUMC Youth Meeting at 6:30 p.m. (Youth Lounge)
• Lay Servants' Meeting at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom)
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Thursday, Jan 9th
• Thursday 30-minute Prayer at 10 a.m. (Zoom)
• Wesley Bell rehearsal at 6 p.m. (Sanctuary)
• Sanctuary Choir rehearsal at 7 p.m. (Choir Room)
• Foundation rehearsal at 8 p.m. (Sanctuary)
Friday, Jan 10th
• SHIP’s Galley at 9 a.m. (BUMC Kitchen)
Sunday, Jan 12th
• Sunday school (Pre-K to 12)
• Adult Sunday School Class (Room 25) at 9 a.m.
• Sunday Worship Service at 10 a.m. (Live-Stream available)
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2025 Confirmation Class starting soon
Kick-off Meeting: January 15th 5:30 p.m.
We will be holding an informational/kick-off meeting for the parents on Wednesday, January 15th at 5:30 p.m. Students will be invited to this kickoff meeting as well, since they are an integral part of the confirmation process. Also, this is a night where dinner will be served so the youth will be fed at youth group, you are welcomed to stay as well and join us for dinner. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jim Bielefeldt.
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Souper Bowl of Caring
February 2-9th
Although this is a church wide event, this is a great way to show our kids what it means to take care of others! From February 2-9, please bring in non-expired items (see list below for ideas) and place on the football team of your choice in the Super Bowl. All items will be delivered to The Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Together we can all tackle hunger!
Suggested items include: Baby Formula, Canned Beans/Meat, Canned Fruit, Canned Soups, Peanut Butter & Jelly (no glass), Dry Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese Boxes, Oatmeal, Shelf-Stable Milk, Tea, Coffee, Bar Soap, Body Wash, Shampoo/Conditioner, Hand Soap, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Toothbrushes & Toothpaste, Dish Soap, Laundry Detergent, Cleaning Products
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Shawl Ministry
We are in need of more shawls
We DO NOT need lap blankets. We need shawls, knitted or crocheted 24"by 48". They do not have to be " fancy". Plain, simple stitches are fine. Please call or see Nancy Manger (908 625 7230) for details or if you want yarn.
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Food Drive Donations
Thank you for donating food to our neighbors. Please bring your non-perishable/non-expired items to the church, and place them in our “Food Bank” containers.
If you would prefer, you can bring your items to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County located at 7E Easy St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805. Thank you very much.
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Used Clothing Drop-Off
BUMC will receive a small payment for each pound of clothing that is collected in the bin provided. Please support our church by donating your clean and lightly used clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, drapes, pillowcases, and stuffed animals.
(Not accepted: rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys, books, or household goods.)
Thank you for your donations!
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Music ministry needs you!
We are looking for Foundation Singers, Sanctuary Choir members, and Bell Ringers. If you have a heart and passion for creating beautiful harmony together, you're welcome to join! If you have any questions, please contact Rok Choi(ychoi@bridgewaterumc.org).
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Media ministry needs you!
We are looking for volunteers, especially for live streaming during worship services. I need a text volunteer to manage subtitles and someone to control the camera during the live stream. Helping once a month is more than enough. Youth are also welcome, so if you're interested in volunteering, please contact Dohee Woo(dwoo@bridgewaterumc.org).
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Stephen Ministry
If you have found yourself struggling, or going through a particularly stressful life change, we invite you to meet with one of our Stephen Ministers. In meeting with a Stephen Minister, you will receive one-to-one, confidential, Christ-centered care. To be connected with a Stephen Minister, please contact Mary Beth Gruber.
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Prayer Request
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Prayers for Family and friends of Lawrence Ebert especially his wife Rebecca Vares-Ebert
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Prayers for Joseph Shields (Nephew of Mike & Linda Rubinfeld)
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Prayers for Linda Rubinfeld and family
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Prayers for Jason Gruber (Nephew of Mary Beth & Jim Gruber)
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Prayers for Joe DelSantro (friend of Kris Hurlbut);
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Prayers for Alex Lawler & family (Friends of Linda Janci)
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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!
You can use this QR code or click here for sharing gifts.
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