CONNECTIONS               

. . . To continue the work of Jesus                                                 

                                                                                                                         Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

FEBRUARY B 2008                                                           420 College View Drive, P.O. Box 249

                                                                                                                                 Bridgewater, VA  22812-0249

Web Site:  www.bwcob.org

 

LENTEN LUNCHEONS – Wednesdays during Lent (February 13-March 19) in the Community Activities Center at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church on East Market Street in Harrisonburg: Noon to 1 p.m., with the speaker beginning at 12:30.  Cost of the meal is $4.00 per person.

Speakers for the luncheon series are:

J.D. Glick, pastor – Sunrise CoB

Larry Thompson, senior pastor – Asbury UMC

Fr. Tony Marques, parochial vicar, Blessed Sacrament

Shirley Y. Brubaker, interim pastor

– Community Mennonite

Geoffrey Gwynne, pastor – Christ the King Episcopal

 

The 6th week will not have a speaker; attendees will participate in the Good Friday Noon Prayer Walk beginning at Blessed Sacrament at noon and ending at St. Stephens UMC at about 1 p.m.

 

 

GAME NIGHT

The Fellowship and Recreation Commission invites everyone to the church on Saturday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.  Bring your favorite games and snacks to share.  Childcare will be provided.

 

 

WOMEN’S RETREAT AT BRETHREN WOODS

April 4 & 5, 2008

 

Theme for this spring retreat – “CELTIC SPIRITUALITY - PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD.” Please mark your calendars and plan to join with other women from the church for a time of singing, praying, meditating, crafting, hiking, eating, and practicing the presence of God.  Once again, you may stay at Camp overnight or come to Camp for the evening and day sessions and go home overnight.  Watch for more information!  Registration forms will be available in early March. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARTS UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Thermal Shelter. We are still GREATLY in need of people willing to spend the night. Our church’s week is February 25-March 3. Please consider if you can share one night of your time. You will also have a HARTS staff member present all night. Contact Wendy Carr at 828-2041 for details or to volunteer.

 

The children of our church would like to do their part for HARTS.  On Sunday morning, February 24, they will be assembling small care bags to give to those who come to the shelter.  After the Story Moments, all children are invited to return to the Social Hall to help with this project.

 

 

MISSION ALIVE 2008 – a national CoB missions conference to energize and equip attendees to faithfully share God’s love with the world.  The conference seeks to empower both the congregation’s role in its community and the whole denomination’s role in international mission.  The conference will take a holistic approach to mission, recognizing calls for proclamation of the Gospel through evangelism, response to human need, peace & reconciliation, and advocacy for the poor and oppressed.  Sponsored by General Board, with partnering support from Bethany Theological Seminary and some mission-minded groups. 

Dates: April 4-6

Location: Bridgewater CoB

Keynote Speakers: Pastor Robert, Rebecca Baile

     Couse, & The Rt. Rev. Mano Rumalshah

For more information: See brochure in literature rack in Greeting Hall, visit the Mission Alive 2008 page at www.brethren.org, or call Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039, ext. 230.

 

 

 

 

NOTES OF THANKS

Most of last year I was sick in hospitals and in the home.  I certainly appreciated the prayers, flowers, cards, and visits from friends in the church.  A special thank you for Pastors Robert & Wendell for their visits, encouraging me and helping me keep up with church activities.  I now am in the Bridgewater Home in Assisted Living and look forward every Sunday to the church services on television – such a blessing.  Sincerely,                                               Ann M. Wright

 

On behalf of the Interfaith Association of Harrisonburg & Rockingham, I extend our sincere appreciation for the gift of $300 toward our association ministries.  We currently help support two chaplains at the Jail and we respond to identified needs within our Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community….Sincerely,

Juanita Brady, Treasurer

 

THANK YOU for your generous spirit and loving hearts!...With your congregation’s help during 2007, over $10 million and many thousands of volunteer hours were transformed into significant ministries and acts of Christ-like service through General Board programs….Thank you for your thoughtful gifts and your choice to walk with us on this long journey to spread God’s light and love.  Blessings and Peace,

Ken Neher, Director of Stewardship & Donor Development, CoB General Board

 

According to our records your contributions to Bethany Theological Seminary in 1007 place you in the top 10% of congregations that support the Seminary.  We appreciate so very much your commitment and significant financial gifts….We look forward to your continued support as together with God’s grace we “equip God’s people for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). On behalf of the Bethany Seminary Community,

Marcia Shetler, Church Relations

 

Thank you very much for your recent contribution to On Earth Peace….God calls us, and Jesus leads us, into a faithful love; a righteous peace….You are part of the way that God’s promise comes to pass….To learn about our new programs or to sign up for one of our newsletters, please visit our website: www.onearthpeace.org.  In Peace,

Bob Gross, Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

A SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, during Worship at 11.  Persons interested in baptism should contact Pastors Robert, Chris, or Wendell as soon as possible.

 

 

RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS

New Members by transfer of letter and Associate Members will be received during Worship at 11 on Sunday, April 27.  Those persons desiring to transfer letters or to become associate members should be in contact with one of the pastors as soon as possible.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

FRIENDLY CITY FOOD CO-OP

You are invited to join the Friendly City Food Co-op at the 2nd Annual February Fest on Saturday, February 16 from 7-10 pm in downtown Harrisonburg.  Acoustic music including Dave Landes, Alex Albrecht, and The Lotus Eaters & food upstairs at Cally’s is free.  Wine-tasting at Downtown Wine & Gourmet – free.  Co-op news & information?  FREE!  Admission to Court Square Theater featuring Trent Wagler & the Steel Wheels and Your Room’s Right Here is $5 (free for children).  If you’re interested in bringing a grocery store to downtown Harrisonburg that emphasizes local, healthy products, then please invite your friends and join us for an evening of good food, good folks, and good fun!  www.friendlycityfoodcoop.com (540-383-7028)

 

 

PRAYER CARDS for Jim & Pam Hardenbrook are available from the literature rack in the Greeting Hall.  Jim & Pam left on Friday, February 8, to begin their Sudan Initiative experience.  Envelopes for contributions of support for Jim & Pam are also available. 

 

 

 

 

ATTENTION: current and former BVSers/ CPSers who are members of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, or were attending this church when you entered BVS/ CPS, we need you. The BVS committee is updating the original CPS/ BVS directory booklet titled Brethren in Service to the World, A 50th Anniversary Compilation Names of Persons in BVS and CPS.  Please call or email to make Shannon aware of your status as a current or former BVS/CPSer. You will then be sent a form for information such as your current occupation, and a brief description of your BVS/CPS project. This information could be useful for prospective BVSers, current BVSers, and former BVS/CPS workers. Friends and relatives of current or former BVS/ CPSers may submit names on the BVSer/ CPSer’s behalf. Thank you so much for your help in creating documentation of the many servants, in many different projects through the years, connected to Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. Please give Shannon your name by the end of February.

 

 

ABC HEALTH ASSEMBLY

Association of Brethren Caregivers Health Assembly, in collaboration with the American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries Association and Mennonite Health Services Alliance, will present “Communities of Healing and Hope” March 27-30 in St. Louis, Missouri.  More information, along with registration materials, is available from the church office. 

 

 

COLLEGE STREET CHURCH WATERCOLOR PRINTS by Lisa Lineweaver are available from the hospitality desk in the Greeting Hall for anyone who wishes to have a copy.  Supplies limited.

 

 

POSITION OPEN

     CoB General Board Archival Intern

The purpose of the program is to develop interest in vocations related to archives and libraries &/or Brethren history.  The program will provide the intern with work assignments in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) and with opportunities to develop professional contacts.  For more information, please see the poster located on the large bulletin board in the Greeting Hall. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLUE RIDGE MINISTRIES, INC. OFFERS

Lent: A Journey of Release

Leader:  Kevin A. Clark, M.A., D.Min.                          Hochstedler’s Retreat, Harrisonburg, VA

Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Cost—$20 on or before Feb. 23; $30 after Feb. 23

                                                             

 

Lent is a season of purposeful reflection and often a time of fasting and waiting.  In this half day retreat, we will enter the story of the anointing of Jesus at Bethany as a scriptural lens to pay attention to God meeting us in our own faith journeys. A rhythm of prayerful solitude and reflection will guide participants to explore this “journey of release.”  There are no prerequisites for participation, only a willingness to enter a time of spacious retreat from the normal routine of everyday living. It is an invitation to come apart for a morning and to notice God’s gracious work in your life.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

CHILDREN IN PRISON UNTIL THEY DIE

            Are you aware that over 2,225 juveniles [17 years or younger] in the United States have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole?  Of these, 73 were children 13 or 14 years of age at the time of their crime who will remain in prison until they die.

            If you would like to know more about this situation, our church library recently received a booklet from the Equal Justice initiative detailing more information.  You are invited to check this out to become better informed.                      ~ Another Voice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORSHIP SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

   (Every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.)

 

February 17 – Second Sunday in Lent

Pastor Robert preaching

    Pastoral Message: “Have We the Courage to Trust?”

    Scripture Reading: Psalm 121

       Ministerial Licensing Service for Linda Alley

 – Wor. @ 11

 

February 24 – Third Sunday in Lent

Pastor Robert preaching

     Pastoral Message: “Hope Beyond Disappointment”

     Scripture: Romans 5:1-11; 15:5-13

 

 

HOMEMADE COOKIES REQUESTED

Often times following Memorial Services, our Women’s Fellowship Sisterhood Committee provides light refreshments including cookies, punch, and coffee.  It is preferable to serve homemade cookies instead of store-bought.  If you are interested in having your name on a list of people willing to prepare homemade cookies for a reception, please contact Doris Metzler (828-2126).  A variety of cookies is desired (not just chocolate chip), and for people with allergies, we prefer not to serve peanut-butter cookies.

 

 

ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR VISITATION RESIGNS

Wendell Eller has resigned from his position to be effective on April 30, 2008.  The following is quoted from his letter of resignation:

            “It has been for me a very good twelve plus years of ministry in pastoral care/visitation with the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren.  I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to continue in ministry part-time.  However, since I will be 82 in April, it seems like the time to relieve myself of the stress of a scheduled routine for each day/week

            Be assured that Sonya and I are very much planted in the life of this congregation and its wonderful people, and will hope to continue worshiping and serving with you as the opportunity arises.

            Thank you for your encouragement and acceptance through these years.  I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve with you.”

The Executive Committee is reviewing the position description and will then search for a person to fill the position.                    ~ Chester Bowman, Board Chair

 

 

“BRETHREN 101” CLASS SCHEDULED

An introductory class is being planned for those new to the Church of the Brethren or who simply wish to explore some of the “basics” of our history, beliefs, and practices.  This class will meet for five consecutive Sunday evenings after Easter beginning March 30 and concluding on April 27.  The first and last sessions will include dinner and will meet 5:30-7:30 p.m.; the middle three sessions will meet 6-7:30 p.m. and will not include dinner.  If you are interested in participating in this class, please contact the church office or speak with Pastor Robert or Pastor Chris by March 16.

 

 

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Youth Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 to honor the rescue efforts of a young couple in our congregation after a serious and fatal accident near their home, with an initial donation of $5,000.  Since that time, additional amounts have been contributed and continue to be welcomed.  The fund now provides two annual scholarships to Brethren Woods via their “Helping Hands” Scholarship program, up to $250 to help with transportation costs for youth attending denominational youth events &/or workcamp, and additional scholarship support for youth according to need and request.  The fund is administered by the Youth Scholarship Fund Committee appointed by the Church Board.  If you have questions, would like to apply for scholarship funds, or wish to make a contribution, please contact Peggy McIntyre, Committee Chair, or Pastor Chris. 

 

 

IN MEMORIAM

We celebrate the lives of

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL TIP

 

          Save energy this winter by leaving shades and blinds open on sunny days and closing them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

 

 

 

 

BRETHREN STUDENT MOVEMENT UPDATE

Brethren Student Movement (BSM) is enjoying another exciting year of activity and ministry!  BSM is a student-led campus ministry supported by the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren which exists for students at Bridgewater College and neighboring campuses in the Central Shenandoah Valley.  Through weekly meetings alternating between the campus and our church building, a fall retreat at Brethren Woods, a recent Lock-In at our church, and special events such as a gathering of the International Day of Prayer for Peace, service days, an upcoming campus Love Feast, and a year-end picnic at Wildwood, BSM provides local college students with opportunities for fellowship, worship, study, service and spiritual growth.  It helps to build a sense of community among Brethren students and the larger student body and provides opportunities for students to connect with the faith heritage of the Church of the Brethren.  And perhaps most importantly, it empowers students for leadership on campus and in the larger church, community, and world.  The group is extremely grateful for the support and encouragement of the Bridgewater congregation in this ministry!

 

 

NEW BOOK IN LIBRARY

Women’s Journey to Wellness: Mind, Body And Spirit was released in October 2007 by Professional Woman Publishing.  The Rev. Mary Cline Detrick, an associate member of our congregation, is one of 25 authors featured in this book which includes a range of wellness topics for women including 10 strategies for increased self esteem, letting go of the need to be perfect, healing the inner child, and building sisterhood.  Mary’s chapter is entitled “Forgiveness and Emotional Health” (chapter 14).  A copy is available to be checked-out from the library.  Copies may be purchased from Barnes & Noble.  Mary has about a dozen copies available that she will sell at a discounted price of $14.00.  Please contact the church office if interested in purchasing a book from Mary.

 

Also new in the library: 300th Anniversary books are on the shelf next to the window.  New DVD: “Amazing Grace” – “An inspiring story of how one man’s passion and perseverance changed the world.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

FREE ANNUAL CONFERENCE CD

In an effort to promote Annual Conference, a video entitled “Ministry of Annual Conference” is now available for viewing on the Annual Conference website at http://brethren.org/ac/ministry.html.  This 11-minute video is also available free on CD upon request to the Annual Conference office.  For more information or for a free copy, call 1-800-688-5186 or email annualconference@brethren.org.

 

 

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. 

 

 

VBMHC SPRING 2008 LECTURE
The CrossRoads Heritage Center will hold its annual spring lecture on Sunday, April 6, at 4 p. m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, 1552 S. High St., Harrisonburg. Joan Daggett, missions advocate in the Shenandoah District office of the Church of the Brethren, will speak on “Missions in the Brethren Tradition.” Call 438-1275 for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE RECYCLE

                                          

 

Connections is published by Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

Collating/Mailing:

Clayton & Jackie Towers, Glenn & Ruth Felix, Harold Jennings

Next Newsletter – March A 2008

Information is due by noon on Tuesday, February 25.

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