Our Stories
A Cloud of Witnesses...
We asked people to share their connections with our church, why they call Bardsale UMC home, or an instance of God's grace in their lives. Here is what they had to say -
"My husband and I were brought together by God through not only our own prayers but also the long-awaited prayers of several faithful members of Bardsdale United Methodist Church. We have been overcome with love and gratitude for the support of our church family as our own little family continues to grow in the Lord and attend both services. My personal favorite part of both services comes during the very end of the traditional where every member of the congregation gets to hold hands and bless each other with peace during the Bardsdale Parting Song."
Jenn Hurd
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"I really enjoy the casual service... I enjoy the songs as well as the sermons. Being a younger member of the church, it is nice to have this type of service. I like the music. I like the fact that the service is short and sweet, and also really enjoy the sermons. The sermons are usually things that someone of any age can relate to and I like that"
Kelsey Peterson
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"I am a somewhat "new" member of BUMC. I moved here within the last two years after marrying my husband who held to a different "faith" than me. I decided to join him in his faith and together we set out to find our new church home. The Lord led us to BUMC and we have never had occasion to question His leading in this matter. We are very happy here! I have never felt a "warmer" fellowship than here. There is ample opportunity and help to grow in the Christian faith and the concern for one another in this church family means so much to me already!"
Donna Wood
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"The Bardsdale United Methodist Church and I have a long history together, as I lived only a block away, within walking distance. I was nurtured by this church as a child, and helped nurture kids as a helper with Francis Robertson in Sunday School. I was baptized in this church as a child on April 1, 1934, and became a full member on April 1, 1945, remaining a member up to this very day. Being a member of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, I attended church camps.
I have had the privilege of serving this church as Secretary for 35 years as of January 2008, working closely with 13 wonderful Ministers."
Helen M. (Dorman) Lidamore
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"I awoke on Saturday, April 26, 1980 to overcast skies...but with a joy that could not be damaged by the elements for today was the day I would walk down the aisle at Bardsdale church to be joined in marriage. During the ceremony when Paul and I knelt for the song and prayer of dedication I heard a sharp intake of breath as someone gasped - "look at the stained glass window!" For there streaming across the pews and falling on Paul and I was a shaft as brilliant sunlight as though the heavens themselves were giving their benediction."
Irene Morris
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"My number one connection with the Bardsdale Church was being married to Mildred Fay Dorman on October 25, 1952 in this church. I was a member of the couple's group, and served as president of this group for one year. As a member of the men's group I remember doing the "can-can" in a talent show in the basement of the church. Mildred's membership was from April 1, 1945 to May 8, 1962, and mine was from October 5, 1952 until 1962 when we moved back home to Niantic, Connecticut."
Owen F. Coffey
