. . . To
continue the work of Jesus
Bridgewater
Church of the Brethren
MARCH
B 2008 420 College View Drive, P.O. Box 249
Bridgewater, VA 22812-0249
Web
Site: www.bwcob.org
(540)
828-3711; 828-2641
HOLY WEEK OPPORTUNITIES
March 16-23
WORSHIP ON March 16:
Palm / Passion Sunday
Pastor Robert preaching
Scriptures: Matthew
21:1-11, 27:11-66
MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION –
March 20
Our Thursday evening service
will be held in the sanctuary and social hall beginning at 7 p.m. The service will include feet washing
(or hand washing), meal, and Eucharist.
Guests are welcome.
COMMUNITY GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
March 21 at
7 p.m.
Lantz Chapel at Bridgewater Home
Preacher – Rev. Sam Flora
Sponsored by Bridgewater Area Ministers
Everyone Welcome!
WORSHIP ON March 23:
Easter—The
Resurrection of Our Lord
Pastor Robert preaching
“Glimpses
in Resurrection”
Scriptures: Matthew
28:1-10 & I Corinthians 15
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE, BREAKFAST,
and
DEVOTIONAL
Worship
& Music Commission encourages everyone to attend the Easter Sunrise
Service at CrossRoads on Garbers
Church Road at 7 a.m. on Easter morning.
The
Senior High Youth will serve breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the social hall.
The menu will be pancakes, sausage gravy, eggs and beverages. Donations
for breakfast will go toward NYC expenses. Pre-registration for breakfast will
be offered in the bulletin prior to Easter.
A
short Easter Devotional in
the social hall will precede breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Join in
celebrating Easter with your church family for worship, devotions, food and
fellowship. Guests are welcome.
VBMHC SUNRISE SERVICE
You’re invited to attend this
annual event on the hilltop campus of Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center
(CrossRoads) on Sunday, March 23,
at 7 a.m. The sun will pop up over
Massanutten Peak about 15 minutes later.
The service will be led by Pastor Jeff Kauffman of Weavers Mennonite
Church and Pastor Ron Wyrick of First CoB. Bring your lawn chair.
In case of inclement weather, go to Weavers Mennonite Church on Route 33
West of Harrisonburg.
GOOD FRIDAY NOON PRAYER WALK beginning at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in
Harrisonburg at noon and ending at St. Stephens UCC at about 1 p.m.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
INFORMATION can be found at www.brethren.org/ac. A CD-ROM with information will be
available from the church office in early April.
NOTE OF THANKS
Give us gladness from above
“Gladness from above” is a
phrase from the hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power” that speaks of the
providence of God….Your gift to the Global Food Crisis Fund is gladness from
above. For the poor and hungry who
live on the margins, it signifies solidarity, bolsters confidence, and inspires
hope. And it enables GFCF to team
with local partners to build food sustainability in 20 countries. Bless you for this witness to the love
and compassion of Jesus Christ.
~ Howard Royer, Manager
– GFCF
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 are available in the
Greeting Hall.
2007 CHRISTMAS OFFERING
REPORT
The 2007 Christmas Offering
of $7,567.50 has been sent to the following agencies:
Sudan
Initiative -
$2,552.50
Harrisonburg/Rockingham
Free Clinic, Inc. –
$2,552.50
Association
of Brethren Caregivers - $1,261.25
CrossRoads
(VBMHC) - $1,261.25
Our “thanks” to everyone for
contributing to our Christmas Offering and for making these mission projects a
significant part of our outreach.
CROSS CULTURAL
CONSULTATION &
CELEBRATION – April 24-27, Elgin, IL
A poster with more
information is on the large bulletin board in the Greeting Hall.
EATING TYPES
REFLECT EMOTION
Part of overcoming our struggle with any problem is recognizing what causes our
behavior. If eating behavior is a personal struggle, you might find
yourself in one or all of these eating habit behaviors at different
times.
The Indulger:
uses eating to nurture and reward. While being good to yourself is fine, it is
not necessary to have calories attached. Think of some small nonfood rewards
like taking a bubble bath, pedicure, new flowers for your garden, or
spending time with a friend to treat yourself.
The Critic: has a “why
bother” attitude, telling themselves life is wrong. They’re never going
to be “good enough,” “You can’t, you won’t, you aren’t…,” on and on it goes.
Remember, being fit isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying. Giving
yourself permission to fail, and getting back on track as soon as possible when
you derail frees you to move toward success.
The Rebel: Being
“bad” to feel “good” doesn’t work. Rebellion without cause is empty.
Eating unhealthy foods doesn’t hurt anyone but you. Dye your hair green, listen
to loud music, wear red when everyone else is wearing gray, but skip the unnecessary
and empty calories.
The Victim: This type
eats and eats, then says it wasn't my fault. Excuses are plentiful, but the
reality is the only one who can control your eating is you. Remember Bette
Middler in “Fried Green Tomatoes”? Stop feeling powerless and start
taking charge!
One meal at a time, you can improve the quality of your health.
~ Health & Wellness Committee
MOVIE NIGHT:
Sunday, April 13
At 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13,
in the Senior High Room, a film called “The Power of Community: How Cuba
Survived Peak Oil” will be shown.
Come and share snacks, drinks, the film, and discussion.
The
collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of the 80’s cut off Cuba’s supply of
oil. Perhaps lurking in the
background here is the U. S. embargo of Cuba, but that is not mentioned in this
film. Without fuel for farm
machinery and for transportation, what were they to do?
This
film tells what a group of Cuban citizens did in this dire situation. What they did may be pertinent for us
all in the future.
BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE COMING
EVENTS
Monday Convocation
March 31 7:30
p.m., Cole Hall
Speaker: Ambassador Andrew
Young – a U.S. Congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, and mayor
of Atlanta, he has a long relationship with the CoB.
Topic: “The Relevance of
Brethren Non-Violence”
Sponsored by the Anna B. Mow
Lecture Series
Free and open to the public.
MISSION ALIVE 2008 – a national CoB missions conference to energize and equip attendees to faithfully share
God’s love with the world. 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: Rebecca Baile Crouse, & The Rt.
Rev.
Mano Rumalshah, & Pastor Robert
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. It would assist in conference planning
if registrations could be completed as soon as possible. Registrations can be done online at: http://www.brethren.org/genbd/MissionAlive/
or by telephone, at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
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.
EDUCATION LOAN FUNDS
AVAILABLE
Over thirty years ago, the
children of Ina M. & Elmer L. Huffman created an Educational Loan Fund in
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren to provide partial financial support for
individuals seeking an education, particularly students attending Bridgewater
College. While the funds are
loaned, the interest rates are ½% lower than what is currently charged for
other educational loans. Interest
and repayment do not begin until 6 months after graduation or termination of
education. Persons may receive
additional information regarding this Loan Fund, including an application, by
contacting the Administrative Secretary, Pastor Robert, or Pastor Chris.
EARLY EASTER
Easter
is early this year. Easter is
always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox
(which is March 20). This dating
of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify
Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based
on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22),
but that is rare.
Here’s
the interesting information. This
year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our
population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). And none of us have ever, or will ever,
see it a day earlier! Here are the
facts:
(1)
The next time Easter
will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was
1913 (so if you’re 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
(2)
The next time it will be
a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was
1818. So, no one alive today has
or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Interesting!
STAFF REVIEWS
The annual staff review
process is now in progress. We
would like to hear from members of the congregation about your accolades or
concerns regarding our staff. For
employees other than Pastor Robert, you may comment directly to the
Pastor. For Pastor Robert, comments
should be directed to the Board Chair or any member of the Executive
Committee. We would like to
receive your comments by April 1.
Your input is welcomed.
Please submit your comments in written form and sign them so that
follow-up can be made if needed.
~ Chester Bowman
Chair – Executive Committee
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.
LOST: A man’s navy blue
overcoat
If you own a man’s navy blue
overcoat, please check to make sure you have yours and not someone else’s. If you’ve got the wrong one, please
bring it back and swap it for yours.
J Thanks!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to:
Cards may be sent to
Elizabeth & Thelma at Bridgewater Home.
BATHROOM DECORATOR(S)
NEEDED
If you are interested in
seasonally decorating the bathrooms, please be in touch with the church
office. Decorations are kept at
the church, so you won’t be expected to provide your own.
BRETHREN WOODS NEWS
Join
others at Brethren Woods for a spring workday on Saturday, March 15, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Projects will include spring cleaning buildings, filling
wood boxes, clearing trails and brush, preparing a newsletter mailing, and
more. Please contact the camp
office to let them know what kind of job you’re interested in helping with.
Mothers
and one child are invited to camp for a special weekend retreat designed just
for you. Younger children (age 4-6) and mothers are scheduled for Friday to
Saturday, March 28-29. Older children (age 7-12) and mothers are scheduled for
Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30. Each overnight retreat will focus on
the theme “Inch by Inch, Row by Row,” the parable of the sower, and how God
plants seeds in each of our lives.
Retreats begin at 6 p.m. and will end at 4 p.m. the next day.
For more information on any
of these events, contact the camp office at 269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (Work
Project Month)
Men’s Fellowship will meet on
Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 a.m.
in the church social hall for breakfast.
Then we will move on to our work project at VBMHC (CrossRoads) from 9
a.m. to Noon. Please bring rakes,
shovels/spades, etc. All men are
welcome!
PLEASE RECYCLE
Connections is published by
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren
Collating/Mailing:
Clayton & Jackie Towers, Glenn
& Ruth Felix, Harold Jennings
Next Newsletter – APRIL A 2008
Information is due by noon on
Monday, March 31.
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
CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
On Saturday, March 29, cities around the world will join together to
literally turn off the lights for one hour to symbolize their commitment to finding climate change
solutions. Earth Hour is an
opportunity for governments, communities, businesses, and individuals to unite
for a common purpose. The
inaugural Earth Hour took place in March 2007 in Sydney, Australia with more
than 2.2 million people participating that darkened the opera house and Harlow
Bridge. It resulted in a 10% drop
in energy dosage – double what was predicted. Cities include Atlanta; Chicago; Phoenix; San Francisco;
Brisbane, Australia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Tel-Aviv, Israel; Toronto, Canada;
Sara, Fiji.
~ Another Voice
VOCAL RECITAL
Jolene Flory, soprano, will present a vocal recital on Sunday, March
30, at 3 p.m. in the James D. Francis
Auditorium at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton. Jonathan Emmons
will accompany. Tickets are
available at the door for $5 ($4 students & seniors).
“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.
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.
RELAY FOR LIFE
The
Agape Sunday School class is sponsoring a team in this year’s Rockingham County
Relay for Life event on May 9th at the Rockingham County
Fairgrounds. Relay for Life is an
annual event where people come to celebrate those who have survived cancer,
remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against a disease that touches too
many lives.
The
class fund raising goal is $10,000. If we as a church can raise at least $5000,
our usually casual Pastor Chris has agreed to preach a spring sermon in a
tuxedo. Now that is a sight that
many would pay money to see!
To
donate, visit relayforlife.org, search for the Rockingham County event, and
then find team Agape Love under the team listings. You can donate online, or make a check payable to the
American Cancer Society and give it to any member of the Agape Sunday School
class.
If
you are interested in joining our team and walking with us, please contact Erin
Eye or Heather Driver for more information. All are welcome!
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.
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.