THANK YOU

HARTS

Bridgewater Church of the Brethren 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.

“CHANNELING THE VISION: ADHOCRACY”

Do you see something needing to be accomplished? How can you become involved? These questions will lead you to the green brochure available from the literature rack in the greeting hall. Please take one, read it, and become familiar with “adhocracy.” Through adhocracy, you are invited and encouraged to share your ideas and return the insert to the church office where it will be passed on to persons to give your ideas consideration. Numerous areas in our church life have resulted from this initiative of adhocracy where all of us consider it our role to contribute ideas toward the fuller vision of the church’s mission and ministry. Share yours today!

NOTES OF THANKS

During 2007, Bridgewater CoB has been most accommodating in sharing its sanctuary for our concert series when an indoor facility was needed. The Town of Bridgewater is appreciative to the congregation for sharing this lovely facility with the residents and surrounding community and is happy to contribute $200 during 2007 for this generosity. Sincerely, Rosetta Harris

Vice Mayor & Community Relations Chair

We want to thank the congregation for the many cards, notes, and gifts given to us during the Christmas holiday time. They were very much appreciated! We also add our grateful thanks for your expressions of concern during and following Wendell's knee surgery. His knee is healing nicely. Your well-wishes are always encouraging for our life among you. God's blessings for the New Year.

~ Wendell & Sonya Eller

I am grateful for the opportunity to work as the Christian Education Worker for the last year and a half. This job has been wonderful due to the many words of support from members of this congregation during that time. This congregation is filled with many thoughtful and creative people! Working so closely with the Christian Education Commission has been tremendous. Their dedication and humor made working in the position very enjoyable. And the Sunday School Committee made each Sunday run so smoothly. Thank you to all of you for making my time special! ~ Leanne Kreps

Thank you for the many expressions of sympathy by cards, emails, visits, and prayers following the death of my father, Henry Kiracofe. It is great to be a part of a caring church family. With appreciation,

Phillip Kiracofe

Thank you for your visits, calls, food, cards, and prayers during my recent surgery. ~ Louise Callahan

I wish to thank those who sent cards and inquired about my welfare concerning my visits to the UVA Medical Center. ~ Walt Daggett

Thank you very much from the Angel Tree. Our great-grandsons were really happy for the presents. They were very nice presents. The 6-year-old (Prophecy) said maybe there is a Santa. People like your church make a lot of little ones happy. God bless each and every one of you. ~ The Kisamore Family

NOTES OF THANKS CONTINUED

I want to express my deep grief in the death of my dear wife and companion. We had 64 wonderful years of marriage. We have a daughter, Priscilla Loba, of Dayton, Ohio. Her son, our grandson, is an active pastor and musician and serves a church in Iowa.

To all who sent cards, letters and flowers, we are grateful. Your interest and concern were deeply appreciated. As you prayed for us, we prayed for you. Thank you.

Madaline came to full nursing care in June, 2006. She was cooperative and thankful for the special care she received as she suffered from dementia which developed into Alzheimer’s disease. She suffered for over a year and on November 23, 2007 the end came as we sat by her bedside. The Lord ended her suffering and she went to be with Him forever. We will see her again in her newly created heavenly body.

~ Carl Zigler

BETHANY COURSE OF INTEREST

Bethany Theological Seminary (BTS) will offer four offsite classes during the 2007-08 spring semester, focusing on Brethren heritage, Brethren polity, conflict resolution, and biblical studies.

“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.

Those interested in enrolling in the course for graduate credit who are not currently BTS students must complete the application process no later than four weeks prior to the start of the class. Applications can be completed online at www.bethanyseminary.edu/admissions/apply. For more information call 800-287-8822, ext. 1832. A limited number of places may be available for those who wish to take the course for personal enrichment or non-credit continuing education for a cost of $275. Reservations should be made by contacting academy@bethanyseminar.edu or 800-287-8822, ext. 1824.

2007 GIVING REPORTS will be available this Sunday, January 20, in the Greeting Hall. Please be sure pick up your report, and any you can deliver to others. Reports not picked up after January 27 will be mailed.

MISSION ALIVE 2008

April 4-6 – Bridgewater CoB

Sharing God’s Good News has both local and international dimensions. This conference seeks to empower both the congregation’s role in its community and the whole denomination’s role in international mission. The conference takes 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. The conference is sponsored by the General Board, with partnering support from Bethany Theological Seminary and some mission-minded groups. Check the literature rack in the Greeting Hall for registration form and other CoB mission information.

LENTEN STUDY

“The Gospel of Mark” by Frank Ramirez

This study will meet in the lounge from 10 a.m.-Noon beginning on Wednesday, January 23, for ten weeks.

Most authorities agree that Mark is the first gospel as we know it. He collected sayings and stories about Jesus and arranged them in what he called “the good news” (gospel). He created a new form of literature that was more than biography. He wanted to do more than tell a life story. Mark wanted to define Jesus’ life in terms of God’s story. The Gospel of Mark challenges us to be disciples. This means we are to live like Jesus.

VAN MINISTRY

The Village Van has room for additional riders on Sunday morning. The van usually picks up in the Village between 9:20 and 9:30 for those wishing to go to Sunday School. A second run is made around 10:30 for the 11 a.m. Worship Service. Contact the church office to add your name to the list.

IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Steve Longenecker had an article, “History Holds the Keys,” published in the December issue of Messenger, the Church of the Brethren periodical. The article is part of a series commemorating the denomination’s 300^th anniversary.

Witness & Renewal Commission

reminds everyone to

PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS

BUTLER CHAPEL AME CHURCH

CELEBRATION

Racial tension sin 1997 resulted in the Butler Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, SC, being destroyed by arson. Hundreds of Brethren Disaster Response volunteers helped to rebuild it. The church is planning a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the dedication of the new building on January 18-20, 2008. In appreciation of the work done, the Brethren who attend will have all fees waived.

If you would like more information about this event, see Dean Neher, chair of the Mission & Service Commission.

FLRC WINTER SERIES

Engaged Seminar Series

“Five Steps to a Great Marriage” is the theme of a series of five Sunday sessions (7-8:30 p.m.) held at EMU’s University Commons for engaged couples that begins January 27. The $50 fee per couple ($20 for EMU students) includes a copy of Harvey Yoder’s book, Lasting Marriage: The Owners’ Manual.

Marriage Care Series

“Marriage Maintenance – An Owners’ Seminar” is a series of four Monday sessions (7-8:30 p.m.) for couples beginning February 4 at the Family Life Resource Center and led by Harvey Yoder. Topics covered are based on his book, Lasting Marriage, the Owners’ Manual: “We Invest More in Our Problem- Free Area,” “We Focus on Changing Ourselves Rather Than Our Spouse,” “We Argue Less and Listen More,” and “We Learn to be Effective Problem Solvers.”

IN MEMORIAM

We celebrate the lives of

Rosemary Seese, sister of Lorraine Fike, who died on Friday, January 4
Allen Zimmerman, brother of Fred Zimmerman, who died on Saturday, January 5
Floyd Mason, husband of Kitty Mason & father of Michael Mason, Sr., who died on Tuesday, January 8
Elmer Zimmerman, father of Fred Zimmerman, who died on Monday, January 14

NEW BOOKS IN OUR LIBRARY

The Bookseller of Kabul by Anne Seierstad

“The most intimate description of an Afghan household ever produced by a Western journalist.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Relin

“One man’s mission to promote peace…one

school at a time.”

The Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzann Vurmain

“The true and dramatic story of Prudence

Crandall and her students.”

You Can Make a Difference by Tony Campolo

“High voltage living in a burned-out world”

A new book by Jan Karon:

Home to Holly Springs – “The first of the Father Tim Novels”

* Check out the new children’s books!

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 300^th Anniversary in Richmond.

300^th 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.

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.

VBMHC ANNUAL MEETING

VBMHC Board of Directors invites you to their annual dinner and meeting on Friday, February 1, at 6 p.m. at Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg.

Enjoy a delicious meal
Listen to inspirational speaker Robert Alley
Reflect on the accomplishments of 2007 and learn about plans for 2008

The event is $15 per person. Please make reservations by calling 438-1275 or emailing info@vbmhc.org by Monday, January 28.

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.

WORSHIP SERVICES IN DECEMBER

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

January 20 – Second Sunday After Epiphany

Pastor Chris preaching

Pastoral Message: “Forest or Trees?”

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 1:1-18

January 27 – Third Sunday After Epiphany

Pastor Robert preaching

Pastoral Message: “Whole Again”

Scripture Readings: Luke 8:40-56 & Mark 5:21-43

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

DEACON EMERGENCY FUND – 2007

$9,700 was distributed in 2007 from our Deacon Emergency Fund to assist eleven families with electricity/fuel, rent, medical care, and other needs. $6,000 was received for this fund from the Miller Endowment for Emergency Assistance – the primary income for the fund; and $4,228 was contributed from special gifts. Our thanks to all who contributed and administered this assistance. (Our Deacon Welfare & Service Committee are the overseers of this fund.)

BRETHREN WOODS CELEBRATION

To start off camp’s 50^th anniversary celebration in 2008, five sectional celebrations will be held in different areas of the district in January, February, and March. These events will include a carry-in meal (please bring something to share), campfire singing, drama, watching the new 50^th 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:

January 27 (snow date February 3) at Staunton CoB
February 10 (snow date February 17) at Front Royal CoB
February 24 (snow date March 2) at Charlottesville CoB
March 9 (snow date March 16) at Friends Run CoB in Franklin, WV

For more information, contact the camp office at 269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org.

2008 BRIDGEWATER HOME ANNIVERSARY

DINNER

January 25 – 6::00 p.m. at Bridgewater College KCC

Entertainment: Rhythm Road

Ticket price: $35 each; if you wish to honor the 42 years of the Home’s existence, you are invited to pay $42. Paid reservations need to be sent to Bridgewater Home Auxiliary, 302 N. Second Street, Bridgewater. Call 828-2682 for more information.

PLEASE RECYCLE

Connections is published by Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

Collating/Mailing:

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

Next Newsletter – February A 2008

Information is due by noon on Tuesday, January 28.

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

CONNECTIONS

COUNCIL AND MEAL – January 27

2008 BRIDGEWATER HOME ANNIVERSARY

DINNER