. . . To
continue the work of Jesus
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren
FEBRUARY
A 2008 420 College View Drive, P.O. Box 249
Bridgewater, VA 22812-0249
Web
Site: www.bwcob.org
(540)
828-3711; 828-2641
LENTEN STUDY GROUPS Three Lenten study groups
will be offered this year: Insights into
the mythology that may have helped shape various Christian doctrines and
thinking (God, Creation,
Christ, Heaven, Hell & Satan) and its relevance for theology
today. Meetings will rely heavily
on class discussion.
Participants will be expected to bring critical inquiry, original
thinking, and questions
as part of serious preparation for Lent. Of course, also bring Bibles. Discussion guides will be
provided. Leader: Wayne
Judd Date:
Thursdays starting February 14 Time:
2:00-3:00 p.m. – in the Seekers
Room One of the
most frequent things Christians confess is that they don’t pray enough, or
don’t know how to pray. This group will use the book, Praying
Our Experiences by Joseph F. Schmidt, as a springboard to experimenting
with different forms and places for prayer. Leader: Linda
Alley Date: Mondays
starting February 11 Time: 6:30-7:30
p.m. – in the Lounge As children
of God, we hope our story is the biblical story of faith and
redemption. In this group we will explore the theme for the 300th
anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. “We will study how we can
better emulate faith in Jesus Christ, rediscover the nature of Christian
discipleship, and explore a vision
of the Church for the future.”
We will use a method of prayer known as lectio divina “holy reading”
to help frame our study together. Leader: Jeff
Carr Date: Mondays starting February 11 Time: 6:30-7:30
p.m. – in the Seekers
Room For the Monday evening
groups, Witness & Renewal
Commission will offer a light meal (6:00-6:30 p.m.) and child care to study group participants. A sign-up sheet for each
study group is available at the table in the Greeting Hall. Please be sure to register in
advance so preparation for
the meal and child care can be made.
NOTES OF THANKS
Thank you for all the
cards, visits, prayers and words and acts of kindness given to
us during this difficult time. The deaths of Fred's brother, Allen, and
father, Elmer, have come in rapid succession, so the support of the
congregation, friends and each other has been especially helpful to us in
dealing with all of this. It is a blessing to have such a caring
church family at times such as this. Thank you all.
~ Fred & Kathy Zimmerman
Angel Tree once again was a success this Christmas
season. Over 75 brightly wrapped
packages were delivered to 37 local children, who were often delighted by the
unexpected reminder of their mom or dad. Thanks to all who bought/delivered gifts and/or
offered prayers and support.
Thank you also to Shannon Puffenbarger, Doris Harsh, Ada Longenecker,
Linda Alley, and Senior High Advisers/Youth.
~ Jeannie Turner
The family of Floyd Mason
would like to thank the many friends who sent cards, flowers, food, and other
expressions of sympathy during the past weeks. There has been a real outpouring of love and concern by so
many in our church family. Special
thanks to Pastors Robert & Wendell for their services.
~ Kathryn & Family
On behalf of the Board of
Trustees of the JMU Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence, please accept
our best wishes for a creative, happy, and peaceful new year in 2008!...Your financial
support made it possible for the award and visit of Archbishop Tutu to our
community, and for that we thank you very much….Truly yours,
Sushil Mittal,
Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director
[A DVD of the inaugural Mahatma Gandhi Global Nonviolence Award
and a copy of Madison: The Magazine of James Madison University with the Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu on
the cover are available from the church library.]
LENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS
He Set His Face is the
title of the Lenten devotional book by James L. Benedict. “Through reflection and prayer, two
pillars of the Lenten observance, we are encouraged to renew our understanding
of discipleship and deepen our commitment to being followers of Jesus.” Booklets are available from the
literature rack in the Greeting Hall.
IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY
“SOUP”ER BOWL SOUP SUNDAY
If you placed a pre-order for beef vegetable
or potato soup, please be sure to pick-up your soup following Worship at 11
this Sunday, February 3. Some additional soup will be available.
For questions call Tony or Dwynn Stovall at 828-2995.
MOVIE NIGHT
February 17 – 6 p.m. –
Altruistic Room
Topic: Media bias, featuring
Dr. Mark Chapin Miller, Professor of Media Ecology at NYU, and current Director
of Project on Media Ownership.
Are you curious about who
makes decisions about what you see and hear in the media? Come, listen, learn – questions
in discussion after the viewing.
Refreshments are served.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
I am currently working on
my Eagle Scout Rank and plan to do my Eagle Scout Project this May at Camp
Brethren Woods. I plan to restore
the walking trail between the
Mess Hall and Craft House. In
order to successfully complete the project, I will be fundraising to purchase
needed materials, and I am asking for volunteers to help with the actual
project. Anyone interested in
contributing funds or helping, please contact me – Jonathan Nicholas – at 828-2741.
JUBILEE CIRCLE will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, in the Social Hall. Please bring a salad to share. After a short business meeting, we will play an original
Bible game just for fun. Please
come and bring a friend.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL
Youth for the
lunch they provided.
Council adjourned at 1:55 P.
M.
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
For the month of February,
Food Pantry personnel have specially-requested toilet paper to be donated.
Baskets for collecting items will be available in the Greeting Hall on
Sunday, February 17. Any other items you have for Food
Pantry may be brought and placed in the baskets then, too.
SPECIAL THANKS to the following volunteers for the help in collating
the 2008 church directory: Fred Bowman, Jeanie Eye, Doris
Harsh, JoAnn Rhodes, Jackie Towers, and Fred & Dorris Wampler. Your help was greatly
appreciated! Note: Directories will be available to be picked up next
Sunday, February 10. Be sure to check in the Greeting Hall.
Bridgewater Home Auxiliary will host its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Brunch & Supper on Tuesday, February 5, in our social hall. Lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and supper will be served from 4-7 p.m. Menu: Plain & Buckwheat Pancakes, Sausage Gravy, Chicken Gravy, Applesauce, Fruit Cup, Tea, Coffee. Donations will go to the Auxiliary to benefit Bridgewater Home residents.
BRETHREN WOODS NEWS
HeartSpa Retreat
– February 22-23
Attention ladies! It’s time to get away. With the huge success and overwhelming
reviews of last year’s “Chocolate Boutique,” Brethren Woods is offering another
overnight retreat for women of all ages.
HeartSpa is an opportunity for women to be “refreshed in Jesus” as we
worship, pray, and study, growing closer to God and each other. Women will also enjoy refreshing
facials, healing hand manicures and pampering pedicures, as well as the chance
to make some spa treats to take home.
For more information or to register (by February 15), contact Brethren Woods at www.brethrenwoods.org
or 540-269-2741.
Cost: $60.00.
To continue camp’s 50th
anniversary celebration in 2008,
sectional celebrations will be held in different areas of the district in
February and March. These events
will include a carry-in meal (please bring something to share), campfire
singing, drama, watching the new 50th anniversary video, and details
about upcoming 2008 camp events and programs. Everyone is encouraged to attend one of the four remaining
events. Dates and locations are:
For more information, contact
the camp office at 269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org.
MESSENGER RENEWAL MONTH
Our congregation provides an
every-family subscription to Messenger for members in our congregation (regular $14.50; student $10.50). Messenger keeps readers abreast of national & international
news relative to Church of the Brethren life, mission, and service. The Messenger subscription list is now being updated. If you are not currently receiving Messenger or if you are receiving the magazine but would prefer
not to, please be in touch with our Messenger Representative – Kay Dove – at 434-1255 or Missykdove@aol.com
by Friday, February 22.
WORSHIP SERVICES IN
FEBRUARY
(Every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.)
February 3 – Last
Sunday in Epiphany &
Brethren
Service Sunday
Pastor Robert preaching
Pastoral Message: “Impelled by the Holy
Spirit”
Scriptures: Mark 12:28-31 & II Peter
1:16-21
February 10 – First
Sunday in Lent
Pastor Chris preaching
Pastoral Message: “The Word and the words”
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Pastoral Message will
explore the role of the scriptures in our past and present, with a focus on the
New Testament as our rule of faith and practice. Worship will include this focus as well as the beginning of
Lent, including bread and cup communion.
Bibles will be presented to 3rd and 4th
graders.
HARTS
Our church is
participating in the first year of HARTS (Harrisonburg And Rockingham
Thermal Shelter). This interfaith organization serves individuals who
are homeless. The shelter rotates around local congregations, and our guests will
join us the week of February 25 - March 3. HARTS will provide registration in
Harrisonburg, transportation to and from the church, cots and blankets, and a
staff person to spend the night. Our responsibilities each
night include dinner, at least one church representative to spend the
night, and bagged breakfasts each morning. We also hope people will extend
hospitality by being present with our guests: playing games, group singing, or
just being available to chat and show that we care. For questions or to
volunteer in this ministry, please contact Wendy Carr at 828-2041.
BETHANY COURSE OF INTEREST
“Brethren Polity and Practice” will be offered in our church on February 1-2,
15-16, February 29-March 1, & March 28-29. Earle Fike and Fred Swartz will be the instructors.
The course will focus on CoB policy and governance and how it is lived
out at the denominational, district, and local levels.
For more information call 800-287-8822, ext.
1832. Reservations should be made
by contacting academy@bethanyseminar.edu
or 800-287-8822, ext. 1824.
MISSION ALIVE 2008 –
April 4-6
Check the literature rack in
the Greeting Hall for registration form and other CoB mission information.
DISASTER MINISTRIES
KICK-OFF DINNER
The Annual Disaster
Response Auction Kick-off Dinner will
be held on Saturday, March 15, at
Bridgewater College. Cost for the
event is $20/person. Call
Catherine Lantz at 896-7556 or the District Office at 234-8555 for tickets. If you have items you wish to donate for the Kick-off Dinner Auction, please let Catherine
Lantz know as soon as possible (rubycath@aol.com). Pictures of donated items are welcome
to aid in publicizing the auction. Please submit digital photos to Joan Daggett at shencobjoand@verizon.net.
Hosts:
2/3 Chester
& Eleanor Bowman
Vickie
Slaubaugh & Sandy Benner
2/10 Melvin & Dot Keim
Chester
& Eleanor Bowman
2/17 Anna Mae Will & Marguerite Randolph
Melvin
& Dot Keim
2/24 Vickie Slaubaugh & Sandy Benner
Anna
Mae Will & Marguerite Randolph
Decorators: Kathleen Gardner & Faye Witters
Sound/Light Operators: Ellsworth Neff & Mac Bair
Ushers: David
Evick, ldr
Palmer
Lee Berry, Harold Jennings
Devin
Bowman, Jim Lane, Rick Fawley, Michael
Mason, Sr., Chad Flora,
Clara
Metzler, Leroy Harsh, Bill Miracle, Missy
Hipps, Fred Showalter, Chuck Horn, Bill
Stovall
THE SKINNY ON WINTER SKIN
Did
you know your skin is your largest organ? It holds you together and protects
what is inside. Most of us are careful in the summer to protect our skin, but
in the winter dry indoor heat and icy outdoor cold make flaky, dried-out skin a
common winter complaint.
Here
are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:
1. Seal the moisture into your skin. Apply body and face lotions liberally
within three minutes of a shower or bath to lock in moisture. Do the same after
you wash your hands.
2. Protect your lips from dryness and chapping with regular applications
of an SPF 15 lip balm or petroleum jelly.
3. Counteract the drying effect of heated indoor air with a humidifier.
Even a flower vase with water in your office helps.
4. Wear Sunscreen! Even in winter you need a sunscreen with an SPF of 15
or higher to protect against damaging sun rays. Apply it more than once if you
spend a long time outdoors during winter activities like skiing and sledding.
5. If skin does become dry and cracked despite your best efforts, dab on a
little petroleum jelly to speed healing in problem areas.
~ Health & Wellness
Committee
of Women’s Fellowship
ANNUAL CONFERENCE BUS TRIP
The Fellowship &
Recreation Commission has secured a bus for a day trip to this year’s Annual
Conference in Richmond, VA on Sunday,
July 13. The bus will leave our
church parking lot at 6 a.m. and return by around 8 p.m. The cost will be $30 per person and
is due to the church office by April 1 to reserve your seat. Any
unreserved seats after that date will be offered to others around the
district. Contact Ryan Kiracofe if
you have any questions. Don’t miss
this opportunity to join in on the very special celebration of our
denomination’s 300th Anniversary in Richmond.
GAME NIGHT
The Fellowship and Recreation
Commission invites you to come to the church on Saturday, February 23, at
6:30 p.m. and enjoy a night of
fun and fellowship. Bring your favorite games and snacks to share. Childcare will be provided.
IN SERVICE AND MISSION
…With Shenandoah District
From District Executive Jim Miller
On behalf of the District
Board, I want to extend our thanks for the financial support you have given for
the ministries of the Board, its staff and volunteers during 2007. We are also grateful for the time and
skills shared by the members of your congregation through various Shenandoah
District committees and programs.
Through the continued support
of individuals and churches, together we are able to continue opportunities
for:
·
Vision and support for
new church starts within the district.
·
Willing volunteers
meeting human need in times of natural disaster.
·
Persons who effectively
handle the expanding spring Disaster Relief Auction.
·
Teacher training for the
new Brethren curriculum, Gather ‘Round.
·
Teachers and students in
the Christian Growth Institute.
·
Mentors who have taken
initiative to walk with newly licensed ministers.
In 2007, in addition to many
volunteers with District ministries, our budgeted giving contributed $30,000 to
Shenandoah District.
WELCOME TO THE THOMPSON’S
We welcome Jan & Roma
Jo Thompson as new members in our
congregation, received by transfer of letter from Papago Buttes CoB on Sunday,
January 27.
After the first quarter in
his sophomore year at Manchester College, Jan joined BVS as a conscientious
objector. During the two months of
training at the BVS Center in New Windsor, Jan met Roma Jo, who was also a BVS
volunteer. After the two-month
training, Jan served his Alternative Service in Vienna, Austria. He completed his B.S. degree at
Manchester College, his M.S. degree at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and his
M.HDR degree at National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. Jan was a student at Bethany
Theological Seminary at two different times.
After high school, Roma Jo
began working, but felt at loose ends and decided to join BVS. After her two-month training at New
Windsor, Roma Jo went to Washington, D.C. for four months and to Flat Creek,
Kentucky for six months. When Jan
returned from Europe at the completion of his BVS, Roma Jo joined the Thompson
family Christmas celebration. They
were engaged in February and married in June the following year. Jan & Roma Jo were blessed with 3
sons. Roma Jo completed her B.S.
degree in Elementary Education at Manchester College and her M.S. degree in
Education at Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Jan’s hobbies include
woodworking, hiking, and traveling.
Roma Jo’s hobbies include growing plants, traveling, and reading. Jan says that the smorgasbord of
activities is what he likes best about our church. Roma Jo likes the music and friendly people.
Jan & Roma Jo: welcome to
our congregation!
NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT
CONFERENCE
This summer, Brethren Young
Adults from around the country will be gathering in the Rocky Mountains for
NYAC – National Young Adult Conference. The dates are August 11-15, and the event will take place at
YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. You can check out all the details at www.nyac08.org or through Facebook and My
Space groups (NYAC 2008).
Registration has begun and is open to all young adults ages
18-35(ish). If you plan to
register, or have questions, please be in touch with Pastor Chris this month so
that we can look at possibilities for fundraising, logistics, etc.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
SENIOR
HIGH YOUTH
The following regional and
denominational youth events offer exciting and meaningful opportunities for
fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. They also require advance registration and planning. Our congregation provides full
scholarships to cover the cost of registration for these events, and funds are
also available to assist with transportation costs. Please be in touch with Pastor Chris if you have questions
or if you or your child(ren) are planning to participate in any of these
events.
·
National Youth
Christian Citizenship Seminar, March
29-April 3. Travel to New York
City and Washington D.C. to learn about international systems and how they
intersect with our Christian faith.
This year’s focus is on Genocide.
http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm
·
Roundtable Regional
Youth Conference, April 4-6. Join youth from all up and down the
southern east coast for the weekend at Bridgewater College. This year’s theme is PST…Come
Celebrate (Peacefully, Simply, Together)
with leadership by Amy and Brian Messler and music led by the BC Praise band
Outspoken. http://www.bridgewater.edu/orgs/iyc/Roundtable.html
·
2008 Workcamps.
Week-long camps offered all summer at a variety of locations. Check out the website for the schedule and
talk to others about maybe signing up for a week together. http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
All events take place at the church unless otherwise noted.
Sundays: Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.
Worship – 8:30
& 11:00 a.m.
1 VBMHC Annual Meeting – 6 p.m.
–
Parkview Mennonite
Brethren Student Movement Lock-In – 6:30 p.m.
Brethren Polity Class – 7 p.m.
2 Brethren Polity Class – 8:30 a.m.
Sojourners Make Soup – 10 a.m.
3 Sustainable Living – 8:30 a.m.
Bell Choir – 9 a.m.
Fellowship Time – 9:15 a.m.
4 Spanish Conversations Class – 9:30 a.m.
5 Staff Meeting – 9 a.m.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Meals – 10-1 & 4-7
HARTS Committee – 7 p.m.
6 Covenant Group – 10 a.m.
Another Voice – 2 p.m.
Children’s Ensemble – 3:30 p.m.
YORFF’s – 4 p.m.
Christian Education Commission – 7 p.m.
Food Pantry – 7 p.m.
Mission & Service Commission – 7 p.m.
Peace Committee – 7 p.m.
Properties Commission – 7 p.m.
Witness & Renewal Commission – 7 p.m.
7 Interfaith Association – Noon – EMU
Grief Support Group – 4 p.m.
–
Community Room at Bridgewater Home
Sanctus Choir – 7:30 p.m.
8 Brethren Student Movement – 6:30 p.m.
Bridgewater Ministers Winter Banquet with Spouses
–
6:30 p.m. – Janet Shank’s
10 Bell Choir – 9 a.m.
Fellowship Time – 9:15 a.m.
Jr. Hi. Youth – 2 p.m.
11 Spanish Conversations Class – 9:30 a.m.
Ret. Ministers & Spouses – Noon
– Maple Terrace
Volunteer Visitors – 2 p.m.
Lenten Groups (Alley & Carr) –
6:30 p.m.
12 Altruistic Class Planning Committee – 10 a.m.
Fellowship & Recreation Commission
– 7 p.m.
VBS Committee – 7 p.m.
13 Bridgewater Ministers – 8 a.m. – Maple
Terrace
Covenant Group – 10 a.m.
Jubilee Circle Carry-In Lunch – Noon
Another Voice – 2 p.m.
Children’s Ensemble – 3:30 p.m.
YORFF’s – 4 p.m.
Brethren Student Movement – 6:30
p.m.
Friendship Circle – 7 p.m. –
Wellness Center
JOY Circle – 7 p.m. – Eberly’s
14 Vital Pastors – 10 a.m.
Lenten Group (Judd) – 2 p.m.
Sanctus Choir – 7:30 p.m.
15 Brethren Polity Class – 7 p.m.
16 Men’s Fellowship – 7:30 a.m.
Brethren Polity Class – 8:30 a.m.
16-17 District Sr. High Retreat – Massanetta Springs
17 Bell Choir – 9 a.m.
Fellowship Time – 9:15 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinic – 9:30 &
10:30 a.m.
Millennium Circle – 9:45 a.m.
Movie Night – 6 p.m.
18 Spanish Conversations Class – 9:30 a.m.
Lenten Groups (Alley & Carr) –
6:30 p.m.
19 Staff Meeting – 9 a.m.
Food Pantry – 7 p.m.
Foundation Board – 7 p.m.
20 Covenant Group – 10 a.m.
Another Voice – 2 p.m.
Children’s Ensemble – 3:30 p.m.
YORFF’s – 4 p.m.
Fellowship Meal – 5 p.m.
Board of Administration – 7 p.m.
21 Lenten Group (Judd) – 2 p.m.
Sanctus Choir – 7:30 p.m.
22 Brethren Student Movement – 6:30 p.m.
22-23 Junior High Lock-In
23 Game Night – 6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
CONTINUED
24 Bell Choir – 9 a.m.
Fellowship Time – 9:15 a.m.
Girl Scouts Thinking Party – 1:30
p.m.
District Jr. Hi. Pool Party – 3 p.m.
– B.C. Pool
25-March 3 HARTS – 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
25 Spanish Conversation Class – 9:30 a.m.
Lenten Groups (Alley & Carr) –
6:30 p.m.
27 Covenant Group – 10 a.m.
Another Voice – 2 p.m.
Children’s Ensemble – 3:30 p.m.
YORFF’s – 4 p.m.
Brethren Student Movement–6:30 p.m.
– Carter Ctr.
Book Club – 7 p.m.
28 Lenten Group (Judd) – 2 p.m.
Sanctus Choir – 7:30 p.m.
29 Brethren Polity Class – 7 p.m.
Cub Scouts – 7 p.m.
300th
ANNIVERSARY HISTORICAL TOUR
With the celebration of our
church’s 300th anniversary this year, the Fellowship & Recreation
Commission is exploring the possibility of sponsoring a trip to some of the
historical sites significant to our Brethren heritage. Such
sites will include the Germantown Church, Ephrata Cloister, the Dunker Church
at Antietam Battlefield and possibly others. We are considering a 3 day, 2 night trip on a weekend in
late June. Sunday morning might be
used to attend a “plain” Church of the Brethren near Lancaster. In order to move forward with these
plans and make the necessary deposits to reserve transportation, lodging, etc,
we need to know who is interested in such a trip. Please contact Ryan Kiracofe, Philip Hutchinson, or Pastor
Robert if you think you are interested by April 1.
CHURCH BOARD REPORTER
PLEASE RECYCLE
Connections is published by
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren
Collating/Mailing:
Clayton & Jackie Towers, Glenn
& Ruth Felix, Harold Jennings
Next Newsletter – February B
2008
Information is due by noon on
Tuesday, February 11.
Church
Staff:
Pastor Robert Alley
Associate Pastor for Youth, Younger
Adults & Families Chris Zepp
Associate Pastor for Visitation
Wendell Eller
Christian Education Director Jeanie
Eye
Administrative Secretary Shannon
Puffenbarger
Manager of Finances & Property
Glenna Wampler
Custodian Fortunato Correa
Sr. Hi. Youth Mentors Josh & Erin
Eye
Jr. Hi. Youth Director Heather Galang
Child Care Center Administrator
Kathleen Arndt