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Connection E-News
May 7th, 2024
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Dear BUMC Family and Friends,
Greetings in the joy and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
My husband, Rev. Brandon, and I have returned home safely and it was good to worship with you last Sunday. As it has been said, “there is no place like home.”
This was a historical General Conference in our United Methodist Church. It felt like God was renewing our faith and our UM church for this season of new beginnings. Contrary to previous General Conferences, the atmosphere (“vibes”) of this General Conference was a lot more conciliatory, cooperative and caring even when we disagreed. The three major “R’s” – Regionalization, Revision (of the Social Principles) and Remove (of exclusive and harmful language regarding LGBTQ+ siblings) were passed with overwhelming majority votes. We have chosen a new path for our beloved denomination as a more open, welcoming and inclusive body of Christ for the present and future generations. For that I praise God.
Of course, we are a church of various opinions and convictions – traditional, progressive and a lot of folks in the middle of the theological spectrum. We are committing ourselves to love each other, listen to each other and keep unity together. After all, we are the United Methodist Church!
For your more information, I have attached the video and document.
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Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Bishops' message after General Conference
Watch and share this uplifting message from Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the new president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, and Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, the immediate past president, as they share their vision for the future of our Church. WATCH NOW
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Discover Key Outcomes of the Historic 2024 General Conference
The postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, held from April 23-May 3, 2024, marked a significant moment in our history. To fully understand the impact and details of these decisions, download our concise guide covering all the legislative outcomes. DOWNLOAD
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Video overview: Experience General Conference and share it with others
While many recognize General Conference primarily as a legislative body, it encompasses so much more. This brief video captures the rich tapestry of our General Conference. From pivotal legislation to vibrant celebrations and worship services, gain a comprehensive view of the events that shape our worldwide gathering. WATCH & SHARE NOW
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I invite you to take your time to read and gain more information and insights.
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. We will remember and honor all of our mothers. Come and join us in worship. Have a blessed week and see you in Church.
With Joy and Love,
Rev. Jennifer
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In-Person / Live stream
Mother's Day
May 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Rev. Jennifer will share her sermon, "Mother’s Love." This week's scripture reading will be taken from 1 Kings 3:16–28. The music will be provided by Wesley Ringers, "With a Joyful Spirit," the Sanctuary Choir, "My Mother’s Love," and our Foundation Praise Team "A Mother's Prayer."
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Calendar of Events over the this week | |
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Tuesday, May 7th
● Tuesday Drop in Bible Study at 10 a.m. (Room 25 and Zoom)
● Cherub and Lyric Choirs at 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall and Choir Room)
● Confirmation Class at 5:30 p.m. (Youth Room)
● Festive Ringers at 6 p.m. (Sanctuary)
● Program Staff Meeting at 8 p.m. (Zoom)
Wednesday, May 8th
● BUMC Youth meeting at 6:30 p.m. (Youth Lounge)
Thursday, May 9th
● Thursday 30-minute Prayer at 10 a.m. (Zoom)
● Wesley Rehearsal at 6 p.m. (Sanctuary)
● Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal at 7 p.m. (Sanctuary)
● Foundation Rehearsal at 8 p.m. (Sanctuary)
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Friday, May 10th
● SHIP’s Galley at 9 a.m. (BUMC Kitchen)
Saturday, May 11th
● Men’s Group Study at 9 a.m. (Zoom)
Sunday, May 12th
● Sunday School at 9 a.m. (for all grades PreK-12)
● Adult Sunday Class at 9 a.m. (Room 25)
● Sunday Worship Service at 10 a.m. (Live-Stream available)
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on Saturday May 11th from 1-3pm
In honor of Mother's Day, the Young Family Ministry will be holding a Pastries with Parents event on Saturday May 11th from 1-3pm. Children are invited to bring anyone special in their life that has made a difference. This includes moms, dads, grandparents, and even aunts and uncles. We will have pastries and juice, make a craft together, and if the weather is nice, play on the playground, draw with chalk and blow bubbles.
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Collection for veterans at Lyons Hospital | |
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until May 19th
Linda Rubinfeld and her 4H youth group will be collecting items for veterans. Items needed include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, floss, socks, puzzle books, and pencils. Donations can be dropped off in the labelled box by the Mission Closet. Please contact Linda or the church office if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your help!
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on Sunday, May 19th
Children's Sunday is May 19th. We are looking for children and families to be a part of the service. All readings, prayers, etc. will be provided ahead of time. If you would like to help out, please click on the button below to sign up.
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on Sunday May 19th
Pine Creek Mini Golf (394 NJ-31 West Amwell, NJ)
Join us on a fun adventure on May 19th! We will meet at the church at 1p.m. to carpool. The cost is between $12 and $20, depending on how many times or courses we play. The signup sheet is on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Janci or the church office.
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TERRIFIC TUESDAY END OF YEAR PARTY | |
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on Tuesday May 21st from 5-7pm
Come join us for our Terrific Tuesday End of the Year Party on Tuesday May 21st from 5-7pm. We will have pizza and make ice cream sundaes to celebrate a year of singing and making music together.
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United Women in Faith Garage sale | |
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on Saturday, June 1st
The United Women in Faith is pleased to host a Garage sale on June 1st. Details will be shared soon.
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Youth Summer Mission Trip | |
This year, the youth group will be heading to Washington D.C. with City Service Mission (CSM). More information can be found below. Sign ups were due by April 21st! If you would like to attend, or have any last minute questions, please reach out to Andi or Greg Sydlowski! | |
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Everyone has a song to sing and a gift to bring! This is especially true in our community garden. Each member of the Garden Group is unique and we need each of their gifts to make our garden thrive. Just like the characters in the Bible Stories we learn each day, our gardeners know that the things that make them different are also the things that make them special!
Come join in the fun and discover that community works best when "you're just like you, and I'm just like me!"
Theme: "Just Like Me- Digging in and Growing Deep"
When: August 5th - August 9th from 9am-12pm
Where: BUMC
Who: Children age 3 (potty trained) through entering 5th grade
Cost: $30 per child or $55 per family
How: Register online (registration will open the first week of June)
*We are also in need of adult volunteers for VBS. For more information or to sign up to volunteer contact Deena at youngfamilyministry@bridgewaterumc.org
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Coffee Fellowship Volunteers | |
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If you would like to sign up to be a host,
please sign-up on the bulletin board, or you can email Lisa Kautz at lmkautz@verizon.net.
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For Those In Need of Support | |
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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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Prayers for Pete Chetwynd (Friend of Jim and Linda DeLukey)
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Prayers for Georgeann Crowell (friend of Arline Cox)
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Prayers for Andrew Loesser (friend of Glenn Buono)
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Prayers for Cecilia Whitchett (friend of Pauline Rodney)
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Prayers for Karen Leeman (mother of Nicki Leeman)
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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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Sharing your gifts with Bridgewater United Methodist Church is extremely important. Without these gifts, BUMC would not be able to provide its programs and ministries for members and friends.
Thank you for your support of BUMC!
You can use this QR code or click here for sharing gifts.
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