Bridgewater United Methodist Church

219 North Main Street, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812 (540) 828-0890 (office)

bridgewaterumc@bridgewaterumc.com Steve McMillion, Senior Pastor

Welcoming a Faith-Filled Journey

A hobby of mine that has always brought me great joy is hiking. Hiking requires a willingness to journey from one place to another. Oftentimes it requires some effort over a distance, yet your effort is rewarded when you reach a peak and see beautiful views from an overlook. I am certain that you’ve had moments in your life where you felt like you were on a journey. Maybe you are like me moving to a new place or transitioning to a new job. You may be a student and changing schools, or growing up and preparing to set out on your own for the first time. Perhaps you’ve entered a new life stage, or your children or your parents have (or all three are happening at once). Maybe you’re experiencing a difficult time or setback, or something unexpected has changed your course and now it requires more effort. Perhaps you are trying to find your purpose and live your life more like Jesus every day. The scriptures are filled with accounts of people who experienced faith journeys. Abraham was called by God to leave the city he loved in order to receive God’s promises (Genesis 12). Moses and the Hebrews had to travel through the wilderness for 40 years in order to reach the Promised Land. In the New Testament, Paul journeys all over the Mediterranean World, called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, for which he was jailed. Just like the people of the Bible, ours are also faith journeys. Every life experience, good and bad, is an opportunity to grow in our faith, to trust God more and follow Jesus, rising to God’s call for us to love the Lord and love our neighbors. We need not be afraid; God promises good things are in store and that we have a future, as we are reminded by His words to the prophet Jeremiah: “’ For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ’They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation). Although sometimes the effort feels like a heavy burden or there seems to be no end in sight, my friends do not shy away from the journey; welcome it. Cast your cares on Him; His burden is light. Your reward is the view from the overlook - His glorious Creation. Gracious Lord, we thank You for being with us on the journey of life and for your promise of hope and a future for us. Thank You for the gift of one another that we may journey together in Christian love. Help us to grow in our faith. We pray this in Your Holy Name, One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Blessings, Pastor Jonathan

Message from Pastor Steve McMil-lion on the back cover High School Graduates — pages 2-4 College Graduates — page 9

Bridgewater United Methodist Seniors

Macey Early Daughter of Kevin and Betsy Early

Granddaughter of Jean and Stuart Vincent and Jean and Kermit Early Macey is a member of the FBLA National Honor Society and the Spanish Clubs.

She played soccer for 5 years and was senior captain. She was vice president and president of the Creative Chefs 4-H Club.

Graduating from Turner Ashby High School She plans to attend Virginia Tech to study hospitality and tourism management.

Contact Macey at 105 Dogwood Drive, Bridgewater VA or kearly@aolcom.

Luke Wachter Mowery Son of J.P. and Debra Mowery

Grandson of David and Roberta Wachter Luke is a graduate of Turner Ashby High School He is a member of the National Honor Society.

He lettered 4 years on the varsity golf team and was Senior Captain. He is a 2 time Technology Student Association Chapter President. Luke will attend Clemson University to major in Civil Engineering.

Contact Luke at 4679 Antioch Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802 or jmowery@k12.wv.us.

Forrest Taylor Son of Bill and Jodi Taylor

Grandson of Mary Jean and Bill Taylor, Sr. and Ray and Patricia Mundsinger Graduate of Turner Ashby High School

Forrest has always had a love for cars and building things. From the time he was a little boy, Forrest was always taking things apart and putting them back together.

Forrest has a curiosity about the way things work so it is no surprise he wants to be an Engineer. We have gone from building Lego cars to rebuilding a transmission and engine on his Subaru.

He was a member of TSA at TA. Forrest was a shot putter for the boy’s track team in middle school and high school.

He plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College and transfer to JMU to major in Engineering.

Contact Forrest at 102 Holly Hill Drive, Bridgewater VA 22812 or rdpt@comcast.net.

Sara Rawley Daughter of Jonathan and Melissa Rawley,

Granddaughter of Dennis and Mary Jane Rawley and Richard and Virginia Mowbray Great-granddaughter of Harry and Reba Rawley

Graduate of Fort Defiance High School Sara has loved participating in FFA/4H and market animal show.

Sara was awarded the Virginia FFA State Degree. She enjoys helping in the community, working on the family farm and in her greenhouse.

She plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to study nursing.

Contact Sara at 5289 Spring Hill Road, Mt. Solon VA 22843 or rawleyof6@live.com.

Heather Rawley Daughter of Jonathan and Melissa Rawley

Granddaughter of Dennis and Mary Jane Rawley and Richard and Virginia Mowbray Great-granddaughter of Harry and Reba Rawley

Graduate of Fort Defiance High School Heather participated in FFA/4H and enjoyed her many years of showing hogs and lambs.

Heather was awarded the Virginia FFA State Degree. She loves working in the greenhouse and creating floral arrangements. She plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to study business.

Contact Heather at 5289 Spring Hill Road, Mt. Solon VA 22843 or rawleyof6@live.com.

Matt Williams Son of Jamie and Barbara Eanes

Grandson of Ray and Shirley Michael Graduating from Turner Ashby High School

Matt is a member of FFA and enjoys mountain biking. He is a state parliamentary procedure champ and placed 30th at nationals for mountain biking. Matt plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to study business and continue to work at

Mole Hill Bikes. Contact Matt at 200 Comfort Court, Harrisonburg VA 22802 or mattwmtb@gmail.com.

Habit for Humanity Update Thank you to all our volunteers for helping us get the Dayton Habitat House dry walled, mud-ded, taped, and sanded these past two weeks. It was a lot of hard work for those not used to doing this daily. Plus, it was very hot on many days. We had some wonderful people bring lunch to us as well, and we really appreciated that. Thanks to Jim and Judy Tongue for stopping by one day to see how things were going and offering support. The family of this house will be doing the painting now so we are on hold for anymore working until they get done. I know we will be trimming out the house once painting is done. Dennis Rawley, Service Team Chairman

Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) will be partnering with the Town of Bridgewater to host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 21. The

drive will take place at the Town Hall Arey Assembly Room, located at 201 Green Street Bridgewater, Virginia 22812. The Red Cross is pleased to

share that as of June 15, all blood, platelet, and plasma donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. For questions or to schedule an appoint-ment, please contact Laura Powell, BRC Director of Volunteer Services at

540-828-2682 or Lpowell@brcliving.org.

How do I give without you? It’s easy as 1-2-3. Please choose which is/are most comfortable for you.

1. Donate by mail—Mail your contribution to Bridgewater United Methodist

Church, 219 North Main Street, Bridgewater VA 22812. 2. Donate online — Online Giving at the BUMC Web Page, www.bridgewaterumc.com 3. Donate using your Smart Phone—App for Giving—”Give +” by Vanco— Download the app, find Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC), and give! Note: Giving for last week we received only $2,986, not counting electronic giving. We need about $10,000 a week to operate. Please help us make up the shortfall!

Feeling Very Blessed Thank you to everyone who remembered my birthday. My girls really surprised me with the drive-by birthday parade. I appreciated all of the honks, cards, signs balloons, texts, and Facebook posts. One of my favorite parts though was seeing so many smiling faces that I have been missing so much! Dawn Kern

Your support helps Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC) to provide and encourage prayer, worship, and devotion at BUMC and elsewhere. You help others:

Enjoy Upper Room devotional guides

Enlist and organize prayer through the BUMC Prayer Chain and Prayer Group

Live stream worship services through bridgewaterumc.com (Watch on Sunday mornings or during the week.)

Provide spiritual activities and support for children and youth

Plan to safely reopen BUMC for worship as directed by Bishop Sharma Lewis of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, BUMC’s Healthy Church Team, and state and local governments

Share Holy Communion in person with those who cannot come to church

Support missionaries in other parts of the world

Visit, pray with and support those who are limited in their ability to go to church or leave home

Greetings to United Methodist Women and Men!

I hope everyone is holding up well. I wish I had some fun and exciting news to share or events to promote. But, alas, the world seems to have come to a screeching halt. Bridgewater United Methodist Church is closed— says so on our sign, on the church door, church website and Facebook page. United Methodist Churches around the coun-try are closed. So, what do we do? What have United Methodist Women members done for over 100 years? We CONTINUE TO SHOW UP. We con-tinue doing God’s work. We continue being the hands of Christ, even when we have to wear gloves to do it. “Church” looks different now, doesn’t it? And, friends, I believe it will look different for quite some time. Our church (BUMC and the church universal) is in the midst of change; so much change. I believe NOW is OUR TIME to SHINE, brothers and sisters. NOW is our time to show the world the grit behind behind our faith. No longer can we be comfortable sitting in the pews on Sunday mornings. So.. now what? Maybe you’ve been mulling that over these last several weeks and have come to the conclusion that God’s house is your house; God’s house is my house.

I had encouraged you to reach out to our shut ins and college students two months ago and I encour-age you to continue in that! But, what’s heavy on my heart right now are the folks on the mar-gin. The children where home is not a safe place at all. The homes where violence and addiction and poverty are even more prevalent than before. The United Methodist Women are at the forefront of the fight for those in the margins. It’s what we’ve done since day 1. The UMW are in the trenches, feel certain of that. There are many organizations in our community that are also in the trenches all the time, but feel the strain even more so during these times. I urge you to please consider donating your time, money, or supplies to an organization that needs us right now. Just a few that come to mind:

New Creation- a ministry in Harrisonburg that works to counteract human trafficking- specifically sex trafficking. And, a sobering fact— child preda-tors are working overtime to reach children now. And they are looking for the vulnerable. New Crea-tion is a beacon of light in our community and they could use your help.

Open Doors- the homeless shelter in Harrisonburg that is now running year round. You may have heard that they are being housed at JMU during quarantine- such a blessing. I received an email today saying that they are in need of volunteers and supplies. Please consider helping this worthwhile organization.

Mercy House- there are many facets of the Mercy House ministry— a simple website search will show you that they provide housing for at risk families and are a wonderful exam-ple of Christian love to our brothers and sisters who need help. First Step- this organization is based in Harri-sonburg and their purpose is to be a safe ha-ven for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence. We were due to hear all about this at our women’s banquet in May— but, unfortunately that is canceled for this year. So, I encourage you to look up First Step online.

Backpack Ministry- you’ve most likely heard of the backpack ministry at our church and, folks, it’s growing. And, during times like these, the needs are many as the program is extending beyond what it was before. You can make a donation to BUMC with “backpack min-istry” in the memo line.

Local Food Banks and Food Pantries- in times like these, there are more and more people utilizing the local food banks. Consider putting some extra food in your cart and share it with your neighbor. And while you’re at it, say a prayer of thanksgiving that you are food secure.

Mission Central- This is another ministry you’re bound to have heard about because our church is a great supporter of this UMC ministry based out of Harrisonburg. They provide much-needed clothing, baby items and medical supplies to our brothers and sis-ters who need help. While you’re cleaning out your closets, save nice children’s items for Mission Central— they’ll be so grate-ful. They’d also be grateful for monetary do-nations or donations of diapers, chil-dren’s underwear and socks. This is not a complete list— there are so many wonderful opportunities to show the world that just because our church is closed, we as Christians are very much OPEN to God’s work for us. How will you shout to the world that you are OPEN to God’s call on your life? Please join me in praying for God’s light to shine through us during this time. And, when we gather again, may we gather with glee! With Love, Becky Wright BUMW President

1. Robyn McKenzie , Elizabeth Landes 2. Chad Rexrode, Shannon Harper, Alan Dellinger 3. Charles Moore 4. Nathan Miller, Sr. 5. Matt Hill, Tony Foley 6. Callie McDorman, Emily Rainey, Deidra Hill 7. Amanda Taylor 8. Lisa Kiracofe, Luke Mowery, Leslie Bates 9. Chuck Rexrode 11. Mike Bennett 12. Anna Kern, Jason Burkholder 13. Tim Leach 15. Jordan McCammon, Katie Rexrode, Dennis Kenney 16. Dave Wachter 17. Tracy Wright, Glen Thomas, Christopher Holden 18. Kaitlin Click, Molly Wright, Ryan Kiracofe 19. Andrea Kiser, Elvin Fawley 22. Elinor Abbot 23. Chris Joralemon, Kley Todd, Loretta Cubbage 24. Anslee Leach, Audrey Hildebrand 25. Keston Fulcher 26. Patricia Jarrett 27. Haley Kenney 28. Gloria Hildebrand 29. Allen Ruliffson

7. Doyle & Athena Hess 11. Michael & Carolyn Hill 14. Dan & Stephany Plecker, Jim & Debbie Harris, Glen & Nancy Thomas 16. Fontaine & Martha Canada 24. Donald & Ginger Usry 29. Bill & Sara Walton 30. Neal & Denise Snoddy 31. Alan & Judy Hulvey

Your financial support and active participation helps Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC) be engaged in community outreach with other believers and community members. Here are some examples of that outreach that you support financially and/or by hands on participa-tion. The BUMC Backpack ministry provides food to needy students and their families when schools are open or closed. This ministry restarts in August.

BUMC donates supplies for 100 medical and 150

school kits for needy families and students through the Virginia Conference of the UM Church. No additional donations are needed at this time.

Habitat for Humanity enables families who have not owned a home to experience home ownership. BUMC members are helping build these homes.

Mission Central provides low to no cost clothes to children in need and is sponsored by the Harrison-burg District of the United Methodist Church.

BUMC Children, Youth and Adult Mission Teams work in this community, in state and out of state to repair homes and reach out to broken people.

People Helping People provides emergency as-sistance to persons in need in this area.

The Salvation Army gives counseling, shelter, food, clothing and worship experiences to homeless persons locally. Listen as we ring the bells.

BUMC’s Sew Caring Stitchers makes masks for the Bridgewater Retirement Community, local busi-nesses and others who are trying to stay safe.

Each of these programs involves members of BUMC and others. Please pray for God’s guidance to help us make disciples for Christ and serve others through each of these programs.

Emily Davis, wife of Spenser Davis, is graduating from Eastern Mennonite University in Psychology with a minor in neuroscience. Emily is taking a year off and thenwill be attending grad school for Psychology. (She doesn’t knoow where yet but likes JMU). You can con-gratulate Emily at 907 Macon Avenue, Grottoes VA 24441 or srd813@gmail.com.

Dr. David W. Bushman, President of Bridgewater College, presents Stephen Bates with a scholarship.

Dr. Amanda Miller graduated from Lynchburg Col-lege with a Doctor of Medical Science degree and is currently working as a Physicians Assistant at North Star Trauma Surgery, Chippenham Hospital, in Chesterfield, Virginia and the University of Virginia. Her mother and father are Kim and Nathan Miller. Please send congratulations to Dr. Amanda at 1 Wynant Place, Bridgewater VA 22812 or kimber-lykhmiller@comcast.net.

Eric Miller graduated from James Madi-son University with a BS in Biology. He plans to further his education. Congratulations can be sent through David’s mother, Rebecca W. Miller at 5111 Spring Meadow Lane, Bridgewater VA 22812 or rmiller58@verizon.net.

Stephen Bates graduated from Bridgewater College with a B.A. in Business Administra-tion and a minor in Computer Science. Ste-phen finished classes in December and has been working for a local software company, Jenzabar, as a Technical Support Analyst. Leslie and Robert Bates are Stephen’s mother and father. You can send congratu-lations to Stephen at 202 Tiffany Drive, Bridgewater VA 22812. or lbates@jmu foundation.org.

COMING IN JUNE AND JULY Online Worship Services at BridgewaterUMC.com—Don’t miss it!

June 28-”Welcome” Rev. Stephen Creech’s final sermon at BUMC

Scripture: Matthew 10: 40-42, Hymns-Here I Am, Lord (593), Trust and Obey (467)

July 5—Welcome Senior Pastor Steve McMillion and

Pastor Jonathan Lamb, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Youth

Camp Overlook is offering Day Camps beginning July 6. Please go to the Camp Overlook website and click on the COVID-19 tab.

Bridgewater United Methodist Church welcomes Senior Pastor, Steve McMillion, (photo on left) and Associate Pastor Jonathan Lamb (photo on page 1). Please welcome Pastor Steve and Pastor Jonathan verbally when you have the chance without handshakes or hugs. (Handshakes and hugs to come at some unde-fined point in the future.)

CHANGE IS A PART OF LIFE by Pastor Steve McMillion Sometimes change is hard, and other times it is less stressful. Not being able to gather at church for worship is hard. I don’t know about you. I don’t feel complete without meeting with other brothers and sisters in the faith on Sun-days to recharge my spiritual batteries. I have also found that without Sun-day worship, it is challenging to keep track of the days of the week. Sundays serve to center us to anchor our week. This COVID virus has undoubtedly forced us to make changes in how we can worship. I, however, have found that facing life as a glass half full is the best way to deal with change. Change can be a good thing; it is a chance for a new beginning a chance to start over. I am looking forward to what is ahead for us at Bridgewater UMC while learn-ing from the past. One of the good things to come out of this COVID virus pandemic is it’s forced isolation has given the church a pause from tensions that have been a part of it for the past nine months. While we wait to return to whatever our new normal will look like, I hope that you will join me in call-ing upon God to heal our wounds and to inspire us to envision new possibili-ties. When we are patient and wait on God’s still small voice, there is no tell-ing what exciting things await us as God reveals the future for us. I know that God has brought us together for a purpose. I, as your new Sen-ior Pastor, need you to join with me to seek God and faithfully follow Him wherever He will lead us. We can rest assured that in His hands, we will do beautiful and exciting things that will bring glory to Him as he uses the peo-ple called United Methodist at Bridgewater UMC.