Pastor's e-Note
December 4, 2019
Message from Rev. Cho
Greetings in the Peace of Christ!

As December comes along, we are gearing up to journey through the Advent-Christmas season. As for me, I am enjoying this season of waiting, anticipating, and hoping as much as celebrating the actual Christmas Day. I just love the sweet, sweet spirit in the air as I re-read the passages from Isaiah and other Old Testament prophets’, writings about the coming of the Messiah, the Gospel accounts around Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds and the birth of Jesus Christ. 

During this holy season, I pray for you, for all of us and for our church so that we can share in a new and refreshing way, the coming of a savior who brings God’s good news – especially for the brokenhearted, displaced, marginalized, and unwelcomed strangers in our midst.

Midweek service is today at 7 p.m. Rev. June will share her devotion, “ Keeping Up Appearances ” and Communion will be served. This Sunday is the Second of the Advent Season. Rev. June will preach her sermon, “While We Wait” and Festive Ringers and Lyric Choir will present special music. 
Thanksgiving Eve Service
What a wonderful Community Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service we hosted last week! This year four faith communities participated in this service - Temple Sholom, Garden State Sikh Association, Al Falah Muslim Center, and Bridgewater UMC. We sang, we danced, and we listened to one another. Although we are from different faiths and backgrounds, we are all one when we gather together. Once again we learn and practice to live in peace and harmony with one another. This service was truly a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Festive Sunday
Our Festive Sunday Service will be next Sunday, December 15th at 10 a.m. Many musicians will bless us with a variety of music. Please come, invite your families and friends, and enjoy this festive musical worship service together!

Please note that we will only have one service on December 15th!
Coming soon to BUMC...
  • Our Junior High Youth Group will have their retreat at BUMC Dec. 6 to 8.
  • The UMW is sponsoring a Cookie Exchange, open to all, this Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring 5 dozen cookies and an empty container and take 5 dozen assorted cookies home. 
  • You can order Christmas Poinsettias this Sunday from a Chancel Guild rep in the Narthex. 
  • Alternative Gift Fair will be this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in Fellowship Hall. 
  • Our all-time favorite Children’s Corner will have their Christmas Concert on Dec. 13 at 11 am. 
  • The Young Family group will have their Christmas Pageant Rehearsal and Christmas Party on Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m.  
Services in Preparation of Christmas
The Longest Night – “A Service of Comfort and Hope” will be on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm.  You are invited to a time of peaceful reflection as we gather.
On Christmas Eve, we will have two enchanting services for you and your loved ones:
  • 4:30 p.m. - Family Service
  • 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service with Communion
A Note of Thanks
Starting this year, we will no longer have a Living Nativity on Christmas Eve. We give special thanks to Loretta and Fong Ark and all of the faithful volunteers who participated in celebrating each Christmas Eve for the last 25 years. May God bless you and your family abundantly! 
I am so blessed to journey with you through this season of waiting and preparation for the coming of the Lord. Yes, the Prince of Peace is coming! Have a blessed weekend and see you on Sunday at church.

Shalom!

Rev. Jennifer
‌
This week's scripture: Isaiah 9:6
“ For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
BRIDGEWATER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
651 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • 908.526.1414
BRIDGEWATERUMC.ORG