Pastor's e-Note
February 12, 2020
Message from Rev. Cho
Happy Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Week! I came across John 3:16 printed as the picture in the right. Can you see the word “valentine” in it?  Now, I can say that God’s favorite valentine is each of us – God’s precious children.
 
I am caught once again by the beginning words of this verse: “For God so loved the world…” The most amazing love that I know is the love that comes from the heart of God in Jesus Christ. God’s love for us is so deep, so wide, and so high that nothing in the universe can contain it. It is mystery. It is powerful and transforms hearts and lives. And it is a gift for us to receive and share with others – freely, joyfully, and humbly.
 
I thank God for each of you for gifting me with many opportunities to share this amazing love together as God’s vital family of faith at Bridgewater. I am blessed and grateful!
Please remember that our Reconciling Ministry Team will offer 3 listening sessions. These will take place on February 19 at 7:45 pm, February 23 at 11:45 am, and March 2 at 8 pm. You’ll learn more about what it means to become a “Reconciling Ministry Congregation” and may ask any questions in your minds. I strongly encourage you to come to one of these sessions and be part of this important congregational conversation. Please click the box below and rsvp by Feb. 19. Thank you.
* Please note that although we request that you RSVP for all 3 sessions, the Feb. 19 deadline is only for the Lunch and Learn. 
Join Us For This Week's Services
Midweek worship service is today at 7 p.m. Ken Temby, Certified Lay Servant, will share his devotion entitled, “ When God’s Answer Disappoints ” and Communion will be served.  It will be a special time to worship between Sundays and to be re-energized in our faith journey. I invite you to come, lift up our prayers together and go deeper with God.
Sunday Worship - Celebrating Black History Month, we will introduce a historical leader each week. This Sunday I will preach my sermon, “The Mind of Christ” and introduce, Bishop Leontine Kelly, the first African-American female Bishop of the United Methodist Church. We will have a time of recognition of two new Lay Servants, Nicholas Schaber and Andi Semler at 10:30 a.m. and our Lyric Choir, Sanctuary Choir and Foundation Praise Team will bring beautiful music to our souls.  
Coming soon to BUMC...
Lenten Study
This year we will use, “Soul Reset” by Junius Dotson. This 6-week church-wide study is for everyone who sometimes moves at breakneck pace through their daily lives and relies on their own strength rather than that of God. Soul Reset is a call for the church and all of Jesus’ disciples to reset and reorder their lives around spiritual practices and to learn to walk through our difficult seasons with our souls connected to the source of Living Water so that we don’t burn out or break down.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m.
Buy your tickets now for the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner! All you can eat pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages. PLUS live Dixie music. Ticket rates are as follows:
Children under 3, free; Children 3-9, $4; Adults, $8; Seniors (60+), $6.
All tickets are $1 more at the door.
Tickets are also available in between services on Sundays or during the week in the church office. Proceeds benefit BUMC music program. Able to help? Sign-up sheets are on the hall bulletin board.
May God’s grace and peace be with you always!
 
Peace and Grace,
Rev. Jennifer
This week's scripture: Philippians 5:9-11
“God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
BRIDGEWATER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
651 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • 908.526.1414
BRIDGEWATERUMC.ORG