| |
To subscribe to the e-Advocate and have it delivered to your e-mail address, free of charge, please send your name, address, and e-mail address to BrendaCapen@vaumc.org Please indicate in the subject "Subscribe to e-Advocate."
Click here to sign up for RSS feed of e-Advocate.
To view a previous issue of the Virginia Conference e-Advocate, click on the date below:
May 17, 2013
May 10, 2013
April 30, 2013
April 19, 2013
April 12, 2013
April 5, 2013
March 28, 2013
March 22, 2013
March 15, 2013
March 7, 2013
Feb. 28, 2013
Feb. 21, 2013
Feb. 14, 2013
Feb. 7, 2013
Jan. 30, 2013
Jan. 25, 2013
Jan. 17, 2013
Jan. 10, 2013
Dec. 20, 2012
Dec. 14, 2012
Dec. 7, 2012
Nov. 28, 2012
Nov. 16, 2012
Nov. 12, 2012
Nov. 2, 2012
Nov. 1, 2012
Oct. 26, 2012
Oct. 12, 2012
Oct. 8, 2012
Sept. 28, 2012
Sept. 20, 2012
Sept. 13, 2012
Sept. 7, 2012
Aug. 30, 2012
Aug. 23, 2012
Aug. 17, 2012
Aug. 9, 2012
Aug. 2, 2012
July 27, 2012
July 11, 2012
June 29, 2012
June 21, 2012
June 15, 2012
June 8, 2012 - Special Annual Conference edition
May 25, 2012
May 18, 2012
May 11, 2012
April 20, 2012
April 13, 2012
April 5, 2012
March 30, 2012
March 21, 2012
March 13, 2012
March 5, 2012
Feb. 27, 2012
Feb. 17, 2012
Feb. 10, 2012
Jan. 27, 2012
Jan. 19, 2012
Jan. 13, 2012
Jan. 6, 2012
Dec. 16, 2011
Dec. 9, 2011
Dec. 1, 2011
Nov. 18, 2011
Nov. 11, 2011
Nov. 4, 2011
Oct. 28, 2011
Oct. 14, 2011
Oct. 7, 2011
Sept. 29, 2011
Sept. 23, 2011
Sept. 15, 2011
Sept. 9, 2011
Sept. 2, 2011
Aug. 26, 2011
Aug. 19, 2011
Aug. 11, 2011
Aug. 4, 2011
July 28, 2011
July 21, 2011
July 15, 2011
July 8, 2011
June 29, 2011
June 20, 2011
June 14, 2011
June 9, 2011
June 3, 2011 - Special Annual Conference Edition
May 27, 2011
May 20, 2011
May 11, 2011
May 6, 2011
April 26, 2011
April 18, 2011
April 8, 2011
March 31, 2011
March 25, 2011
March 17, 2011
March 9, 2011
March 2, 2011
Feb. 25, 2011
Feb. 17, 2011
Feb. 10, 2011
Feb. 3, 2011
Jan. 28, 2011
Jan. 20, 2011
Jan. 12, 2011
Jan. 6, 2011
Dec. 23, 2010
Dec. 15, 2010
Dec. 10, 2010
Dec. 2, 2010
Nov. 18, 2010
Nov. 11, 2010
Nov. 4, 2010
Oct. 28, 2010
Oct. 14, 2010
Oct. 7, 2010
Sept. 30, 2010
Sept. 24, 2010
Sept. 17, 2010
Sept. 10, 2010
Sept. 2, 2010
Aug. 26, 2010
Aug. 18, 2010
Aug. 11, 2010
Aug. 5, 2010
July 28, 2010
July 21, 2010
July 14, 2010
July 8, 2010
June 29, 2010
June 23, 2010
June 17, 2010
June 11, 2010
June 3, 2010
May 25, 2010
May 20, 2010
May 6, 2010
April 28, 2010
April 22, 2010
April 15, 2010
April 1, 2010
March 24, 2010
March 18, 2010
March 10, 2010
March 4, 2010
February 25, 2010
February 18, 2010
February 10, 2010
February 3, 2010
January 27, 2010
January 20, 2010
January 13, 2010
January 7, 2010
December 16, 2009
December 8, 2009
November 17, 2009
November 10, 2009
November 4, 2009
October 27, 2009
October 20, 2009
October 13, 2009
October 6, 2009
September 30, 2009
September 21, 2009
September 14, 2009
September 8, 2009
August 31, 2009
August 24, 2009
August 19, 2009
| | | 
News from the Virginia Conference – January 27, 2012
Nominations open for Wasena Wright Merit Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the Wasena F. Wright Jr. Merit Award for high school seniors planning to attend a United Methodist college or university in the fall. All nomination forms and letters of recommendation must be received in the Ministries with Young People office by Feb. 27. For information call Derrick Parson at (804) 521-1100 or 1-800-768-6040, ext. 135, or DerrickParson@vaumc.org. More …
January issue of Laity E-News now available online
Click here for the latest edition of the Virginia Conference Laity E-News now available on the Conference Web site. This newsletter contains timely information about the Feb. 24-26 Lay Servant Academy at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. You can print, copy and share the publication with others, especially those in leadership positions in your church. More …
Applications due for Youth Service Fund grants
Applications are now being accepted for 2012 Youth Service Fund grants to support youth programs or mission projects. Grants generally range from $200 to $1,500. Click here for application forms and guidelines. Applications should be e-mailed to Becky Tate at beckytate@vaumc.org by Monday, Feb. 27. For more information, contact Becky Tate at (804) 521-1139, 1-800-768-6040, ext. 139, or beckytate@vaumc.org. More …
Voices of Youth still accepting applications
Voices of Youth (VOY), a Virginia Conference program designed to connect high school youths with those in need through music and mission, is still accepting applications for both youths and adults to participate in this year’s June 27-July 15 tour. The choir will go to Joplin, Mo., to do disaster relief and then visit United Methodist churches throughout Virginia to share their experiences through word, music and worship. To apply or for more information, contact VOY coordinator Jennifer Dixon at (757) 348-7084 or coordinator@voyva.org. More …
Sunday, Feb. 5, is Disability Awareness Sunday
The 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church voted to create Disability Awareness Sunday (without a special offering). Paragraph 265.4 of the2008 Book of Discipline states: “Disability Awareness Sunday shall be observed annually on a date to be determined by the annual conference. Disability Awareness Sunday calls the Church to celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with disabilities and calls the Church and society to full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community.” In the Virginia Conference, Disability Awareness Sunday is the first Sunday in February (Feb. 5). The conference Commission on Disabilities has developed worship materials and suggestions for disability awareness experiences that you can use on this Sunday or at any other time throughout the year. Worship materials were developed based on the Epistle reading for Epiphany 5B, which is 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. Click here for the Disability Awareness Sunday packet on the conference Web site.
Eat at Charley’s in Farmville Feb. 6 to support Camp Loud & Clear
Eat at Charley’s Waterfront Restaurant in Farmville on Monday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. to support Camp Loud & Clear. Ten percent of the day’s receipts will be donated to Camp Loud & Clear only if receipts exceed Charley’s normal average Monday receipts. Camp Loud & Clear is sponsored by the Virginia Conference Commission on Disabilities, Holiday Lake 4-H Camp and Longwood University and is the only camp held exclusively for deaf and hard of hearing children in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It will be held this year July 13-15 at Holiday Lake 4-H Camp in Appomattox. Invite friends, neighbors and family to eat lunch or dinner or both at Charley’s on Feb. 6 and help offer a rewarding experience to deaf and hard of hearing children who would not be able to experience summer camp if not for Camp Loud & Clear. For more information, contact Jennifer Kingsley at jkkingsley@hotmail.com or Randy Williams at randyw@halifaxumc.org.
February is Heart Havens Month
February is Heart Havens Month in the Virginia Conference, a time when churches are asked to make financial contributions to this agency that provides residential services for men and women with intellectual disabilities by building and operating 12 group homes throughout Virginia. This February, help support this mission in your own backyard by donating, volunteering or advocating for Heart Havens (www.hearthavens.org). A 9” by 12” packet of informational materials was mailed to all Virginia Conference churches this week. For more information, or if you would like a Heart Havens speaker at your church, call (804) 237-6097 or toll-free 1-877-442-8368; or e-mail info@hearthavens.org.
Sunday, March 18, is One Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing is Sunday, March 18. Be sure to order your free offering resources for this offering that supports the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) so that it may respond immediately and effectively to emergencies around the world. More …
Register now to ‘Change the World’ May 19-20
Again this year, the church will come together to change the world. United Methodists will extend justice and compassion in community May 19-20. Click here to register. United Methodist Communications will chart your event on the rethinkchurch.org map. National advertising will draw thousands of visitors to the Web site. They will see your church on the map and know how to join your event. If you register for Change the World before April 16, you will receive a free lawn banner, sermon series bundle and T-shirt. Last year, more than 2,000 events were registered worldwide as part of 2011 Change the World. Projects ranged from developing and enhancing community gardens to fighting human trafficking. Think now about how your congregation will Change the World! More …
Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers to be Feb. 10
"Pastors' Overview: A Clergy Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers” will be held at the United Methodist Center in Glen Allen on Friday, Feb. 10. Coffee, donuts and fellowship will begin at 9 a.m. Pastors' Overview, led by Dan Schaffer, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m., with time allotted for breaks and lunch. Cost is $60 per person. Registration fee includes snacks, lunch, Introduction to Wesleyan Building Brothers handbook, and Schaffer's book, Spiritual Fathers. Seating is limited to 70. Pastors are eligible for 0.6 CEU credit. Click here for more information or to register, or contact Larry Burian at llburian@hughes.net or (804) 453-4004.
Visioning about Strengthening Black Church to be Feb. 18
A day of discussion and visioning with Dr. Fred A. Allen, national director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21) will be held 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Conference Center in Glen Allen. SBC21 is a program designed to help United Methodist churches with predominantly black congregations become more fruitful in mission and ministry. The goal of the time with Dr. Allen will be to begin a process of developing a strategic plan to better support and nurture leadership and congregational development in existing predominantly African-American churches as well as to explore new church development possibilities in the Virginia Conference. For more information, contact the office of Inclusivity and Lay Leadership Excellence at 1-800-768-6040, ext. 153, or (804)-521-1153 or e-mail marthastokes@vaumc.org.
Camp Overlook offers retreat for clergywomen
Camp Overlook (serving the Harrisonburg, Staunton and Winchester Districts) is offering “Hiding Place,” a contemplative retreat for clergywomen, Feb 15 -16, just before Ash Wednesday. Save $20 by registering by Feb. 1. Register online or download brochure at www.campoverlook.org. More …
Registration open for next 5 Talent Academy event
You may now register for the upcoming 5 Talent Academy event on church planting and partnerships, to be held Feb. 23 at Ebenezer UMC in Stafford. Bishop Ricardo Pereira from Cuba will speak during the morning session, and the Rev. Mont Duncan, director of Congregational Development for the Florida Conference, will speak in the afternoon. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $25 per person. More …
Lay Servant Academy to be Feb. 24-26
Registration deadline is Feb. 10 for the Lay Servant Academy to be held at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center Feb. 24-26. Ten of the courses offered this year have been approved for 1.0 CEU by the Continuing Education Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Participants in at least 5 hours can receive 0.5 CEU. Approved courses are: This Holy Mystery, led by Rev. Bert Cloud; Bible for Lay Ministers, led by Rev. Dr. Mike Browder and Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore; Bible Teaching Aids, led by Rev. Dr. Tom Bryant; Survey of Apologetics, led by Charles G. Miller; History of Christian Beliefs, led by Dr. Allen Barnes; Heritage of The United Methodist Church, led by Hal Costley; Discover God’s Call, led by Doris Hedrick; Exploring Our Spiritual Gifts, led by Rev. Linda Young; Authentic Outreach, led by Stuart Holt; and Understanding Men’s Ministry, led by Gilbert Hanke. Click here for more information and brochure or contact David Bailey at (804) 338-3168 or dw.bailey@comcast.net.
50th annual Clergy Spouses’ Retreat to be March 15-17
The 50th annual Virginia Conference Clergy Spouses’ Retreat will be held March 15-17 at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center in Blackstone. Theme will be “The Best of the Past Going Into the Future.” Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, president of Ferrum College. More …
Peace with Justice Academy set for March 19-21
The Virginia Conference Board of Church and Society is sponsoring the first Disciple University, Advanced Training: Peace with Justice Academy March 19–21 at Oak Grove UMC in Chesapeake. Retreat leader will be the Rev. Wayne Lavender, director of the Foundation 4 Orphans and professor at the University of Human Development in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Registration is $50 per person and includes materials and lunch and dinner Monday and Tuesday. A special retreat rate is currently being arranged at a local hotel for those coming long distance. This retreat/educational opportunity will be repeated four times this year in different locations of the conference. Participants at this event for laity and clergy will earn 2 units of CEU. For more information, contact John Fair at (804) 931-3773 or john.fair@p2-planningforpeace.com or Glenn Rowley at (804) 521-1143 or 1-800-768-6040, ext. 143, or GlennRowley@vaumc.org.
Confirmation weekend to be March 23-25 at Westview on James
“Confirm Your Faith” confirmation weekend will be held at Westview on the James in Goochland March 23-25. Westview has made the transition to the "Credo" curriculum and this retreat is focused on exploring the deeper meaning behind our beliefs as United Methodists. Designed for middle school-aged confirmands, the weekend includes hands-on experiences for students to explore their faith, The United Methodist Church and a closer relationship with God. The Rev. Ashley Abarca-Mitchell of First UMC, Charlottesville, will be keynote speaker. Register by going to the Group Registration Form found at www.westviewonthejames.org. For questions, call the camp office at (804) 457-4210 or e-mail Cat Holbert at catholbert@gmail.com or wvretreats@hughes.net.
Training to help small churches meet Vital Congregation goals
District training events focused on helping small churches (averaging up to 150 in worship) achieve their Vital Congregation goals are scheduled for April 14 (Lynchburg), April 15 (Danville), April 22 (Harrisonburg/Winchester), May 12 (Alexandria/Arlington), May 19 (Elizabeth River), Sept. 29 (Staunton), Oct. 20 (Farmville) and Jan. 13, 2013 (Richmond). For more information, contact your District office or the conference office of Inclusivity and Lay Leadership Excellence at 1-800-768-6040, ext. 153, or (804)-521-1153 or e-mail marthastokes@vaumc.org.
National PAUMCS conference to be April 12-15 in Richmond
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) will hold its national conference in Richmond April 12-15 at the Hilton Short Pump area. Registration deadline is March 15. Virginia Conference members can lend a hand to local PAUMCS leaders who will be hosting this event by volunteering with registration and hospitality. To volunteer, contact Susan Petrey at (804) 521-1124 or e-mail SusanPetrey@vaumc.org. Visit www.vaumc.org/PAUMCS for more information.
Older Adult retreat set for April 20-21
“ReFirement: A Creative Spark,” a retreat sponsored by the conference Older Adult Council, will be held April 20-21 at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. The retreat will focus on fostering the spark of creativity to enrich the lives of older adults and enhance the ministries of the church. A variety of workshop sessions including watercolor and acrylic painting, music, liturgical movement and knitting/crocheting as well as fellowship opportunities will be available. More …
Conference clergy urged to attend Festival of Homiletics
The Virginia Conference Order of Elders is encouraging all clergy across the conference to attend the Festival of Homiletics May 14-18 in Atlanta. More …
Briefing previews General Conference issues
Diverse issues presented at a recent three-day briefing signaled the workload ahead for the lawmaking body of The United Methodist Church, which meets this spring. More than 300 delegates, communicators and others who will be part of the 2012 General Conference met Jan. 19-21 at the Tampa Convention Center, site of the legislative assembly, for a preview of some of the issues they will face April 24-May 4. More …
Videos of pre-General Conference briefing available online
Discussions, presentations, worship and other highlights from the Pre-General Conference News Briefing Jan. 19-21 are now available online. More than 300 delegates, communicators and others who will be part of 2012 General Conference met in Tampa in preparation for the April 24-May 4 gathering of the United Methodist Church’s lawmaking body. Click here for videos …
General Conference petitions available online
The Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate, official journal of General Conference, is now online and available for download at gc2012.umc.org/ADCA. The Advance contains all the legislation submitted for consideration by the delegates. The edition is available in English, French and Portuguese. More ...
MFSA submits alternative reorganization proposal
Uneasy with the Call to Action’s proposed restructuring, leaders of Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) have submitted an alternative reorganization for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body to consider. More …
Be alcohol free for Lent
Once again, the General Board of Church & Society is encouraging you to be “Alcohol Free for Lent.” Last year’s first “Alcohol Free Lent” campaign generated lots of media interest and many calls from churches and their members. Fifty churches in 22 states, the District of Columbia and nations overseas, took the pledge last year. Many individuals did also, even though the challenge was targeted specifically at congregations. The challenge is expanded this year to include small groups and individual commitments in addition to pledges from local churches. Lent is Feb. 22 to April 8. Click here to make the pledge to go alcohol free during Lent. More …
SoSA’s free Lenten devotion offers ‘Living Proof’
The Society of St. Andrew’s (SoSA) free 2012 Lenten devotion and giving program, “Living Proof,” provides a program of spiritual reflection, prayer, and giving for congregations, challenging church members to take seriously the scriptural injunctions to care for the poor, while also providing an opportunity to feed hungry neighbors. More …
Young adults lead social justice startups
The United Methodist Church is taking a page from the tech startup world, and the resulting initiative enables young adults to be leaders in ministry. Called Spark12, it is an incubator for social justice ministries developed and implemented by young adults. More …
Supreme Court shields church from bias laws
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision this month establishes that The United Methodist Church and other religious groups are free to set their own rules for choosing and dismissing leaders without government interference. The high court on Jan. 11 for the first time recognized a “ministerial exception” to U.S. employment anti-discrimination laws. More …
Well-known Dallas pastor surrenders credentials
The Rev. Tyrone Gordon has surrendered his ordination credentials and resigned as senior pastor of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church of Dallas, effective Feb. 15, according to a statement released by Bishop Earl Bledsoe of the North Texas Conference. Bledsoe said Gordon had been the subject of complaints from individuals in and outside of the congregation, but did not provide details. More …
For in-depth news and features about United Methodist mission and ministry, subscribe to the Virginia United Methodist Advocate, the Virginia Conference’s award-winning monthly newsmagazine — now available in both print and digital formats. Click here to subscribe. Or call Peggy Cribbs at 1-800-768-6040, ext. 110, or (804) 521-1110. Or e-mail Advocate@vaumc.org.
 
|