E-NEWS |July 7th 2026

Rooted in Love

Upcoming Sermon Series

There is something beautiful about beginnings. They remind us that God is never finished writing the story. And if you've ever watched a tree through the changing seasons, you'll notice something remarkable. The strongest trees are not the ones that grow the fastest or stand the tallest. They are the ones with the deepest roots. Long before a tree stretches toward the sky, it first reaches down into the soil. Its strength is formed in places no one can see.

I believe God works the same way in the life of the Church.

Before God calls us to reach farther, He invites us to grow deeper. Before God expands our ministry, He strengthens our foundation. Before God bears fruit through us, He puts down roots within us. As we begin this new season together, my prayer is not just we do more, but that we will become more—more deeply rooted in Christ, more grounded in His love, and more united as one family of faith.

I invite you to join me as we explore what it means to be Rooted in Love. In a world that often feels divided, rushed, and uncertain, God calls His people to grow deep roots. God calls us to have roots of faith, hope, grace, and love. Just as a healthy tree draws its strength from what lies beneath the surface, a healthy church flourishes when it is deeply rooted in Christ. When our roots grow deeper, our relationships become stronger, our faith becomes radical, our witness becomes brighter, and our mission becomes clearer.

This sermon series is an invitation for all of us to grow together as one body in Christ. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there is a place for you. Whether you have worshiped here for years or are joining us for the first time, God is calling us to discover what He can do through a people whose hearts are firmly planted in His love. My prayer is that, as we worship, pray, and grow together, we will experience God's love in fresh ways and allow that love to shape who we are and how we live. I believe God has already been at work in this congregation and I believe the Holy Spirit is preparing us for what lies ahead. Together, let us open our hearts to Christ, encourage one another in faith, and trust that the God who has brought us together will continue to lead us every step of the way.

I look forward to beginning this journey with you.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Latasha Milton, Senior Pastor

WORSHIP

In-Person / Livestream Worship

Rooted In Love Sermon Series - Rev. Latasha Milton

July 12th at 10:00 a.m.

CALENDAR OF THIS WEEK

Sunday, July 12

Foundation Rehearsal 9am,

Worship Service 10am

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summer Firepit Service

Have been cancelled for now...

Something fun is on the way!

CHILDREN & YOUTH

SERVE

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.

Chocolate Jar Invitation

Many of you have discovered the jar of chocolate in the church office. It has quietly become a small place of joy for staff, volunteers, and visitors who stop by during the week. A simple piece of chocolate can brighten someone’s day. Because it is enjoyed by so many, it has been a bit difficult to keep the jar filled each week. So we would like to invite anyone who would like to help to bring a bag of individually wrapped chocolates to share. If you happen to be at the store and feel inspired, simply drop your chocolate donation by the church office. Your sweet gift will surely bring smiles to many. Thank you for helping us keep a little sweetness flowing at church!

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!

Chancel Guild

Would you like to honor a loved one’s birthday or anniversary with flowers on the credence shelf? Or you may like to remember the passing of a spouse, parents, or a loved one. The Chancel Guild ladies are happy to create a special fresh flower arrangement for you on a date on or near your special date. A sign up calendar is posted on the bulletin board leading to Fellowship Hall. A donation of $25 is requested to help defray the cost of the flowers, which are available to be picked up following the church service.

Coffee Fellowship Hour Volunteers

Coffee Fellowship is resuming in Fellowship Hall. We are looking for volunteers to provide snacks for our coffee fellowship following the Sunday worship service. A new sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board tomorrow.

Guideline

IN THE SPOTLIGHTS

Young Family Ministries Coordinator

Start Date: Summer 2026

Bridgewater United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time Young Family Ministries Coordinator to nurture and connect young families in faith. Responsibilities include coordinating Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible School (VBS), planning young family events, supporting volunteers, and strengthening communication with parents. We are looking for a collaborative, organized, and faith-filled leader who is passionate about helping children and families grow in Christ. For more information or to apply, please contact the church office.

CARE & PRAYER

Prayer request

Prayer Request

Rev. Latasha Milton & Kodzo Mathias (transition)
Jeanne Alusik (Surgery)
Judy Kaminetzky
Ron and Mike Baughman
Cindy DelSantro (friend of Kris Hurlbut)
Theodore Spears (friend of Veronica Sydlowski)
Prayers for our Youth Group
John Neubauer (deceased brother in-law of member)
Delores Neubauer (sister in-law of member receiving cancer treatments)
All those suffering from war

We keep prayer requests for two weeks unless you ask us to keep them longer. Thank you.

SHARING GIFTS

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 h ere for sharing gifts.