Virginia United Methodist Church
Slideshow image
Office / Staff / Clergy DirectoryAdministrative ServicesMinistriesMultimediaResourcesRelated Organizations
   

 

News from the Virginia Conference – March 5, 2012

UMCOR ready to assist areas hit by last week’s tornadoes
As much of the midwestern and southeastern United States recovers from last week’s violent storms, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is already on the case ready to offer help where needed. UMCOR has been in contact with conference Disaster Response personnel in hard-hit areas, including Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, and received initial early assessments of damage caused by the severe weather that struck 12 states. For updates, go to www.umcor.org or to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/UMCOR. Tom Hazelwood is also reporting from the field on Twitter (@TomUMCOR). UMCOR requests prayers for all who have been affected by these tornadoes and storms. Click here to donate to U.S. Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670. You can specify “Tornadoes 2012” by selecting from the drop-down menu under “special designation.”

Remember: Set clocks forward this Saturday evening
Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 11. Set your clocks one hour forward on Saturday night (so that 10 p.m. becomes 11 p.m.) so you won’t miss church! Click here for a song that can be used as a reminder for choir members to change their clocks ahead in the spring. It is set to the familiar tune of, God of Grace, and God of Glory.

Foundation hires Planned Giving and Investment Officer
Dave Thompson joined the Virginia Conference Foundation staff on March 1 as Planned Giving and Investment Officer to assist churches in the areas of planned giving and endowments. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Dave is a retired trust and investment officer with Bank of America and its predecessors and the Trust Company of Virginia. He serves as co-chair of the endowment committee at his church, Brandermill UMC, and is in the process of being certified as a licensed lay speaker.

Homosexuality is topic for March issue of Virginia Advocate
The March issue of the Virginia Advocate looks at the issue that divides us: Homosexuality. The Discipline’s ban on the ordination of gays and the prohibition of clergy performing same-gender weddings has been a controversial issue at every General Conference for the past 40 years. This year will be no different. Both sides of the argument are “dug in” to their stands, with little hope of compromise. The Presbyterian Church USA is in the midst of a schism over this one issue. Will The United Methodist Church be next? The Advocate is the official monthly newsmagazine of the Virginia Conference. To subscribe to the award-winning Advocate – print version, digital version or both – call (804) 521-1110 or 1-800-768-6040, ext. 110; e-mail Advocate@vaumc.org; or click here.

Spring issue of ‘Neighbors’ direct-mail newsletter now available
The 2012 Spring/Easter issue of the Neighbors newsletter is titled "We can all use a little spring cleaning," and it features a contemplation written by Paula C. Squires, managing editor of Virginia Business magazine and member of Bon Air United Methodist Church, Richmond. Neighbors is a free, customizable direct-mail piece produced by Virginia United Methodist Communications. It is designed for Virginia Conference churches to use as part of their outreach ministries. Your church can download the pdf file of the newsletter, insert your church’s contact information, print the number of copies needed and mail it to your neighbors. Direct mail is an inexpensive way to get your church's message to a targeted audience. Through consistent mailings, awareness of your church will increase in the community. To download Neighbors, visit www.vaumc.org/Neighbors or click here to download the pdf file. Click here for simple instructions on how to download, print and mail the newsletter.

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 …

Native American Ministries Sunday is April 22
Native American Ministries Sunday is just weeks away. Be sure to order your free offering resources for this April 22 offering now. It supports scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology and ministries that reach out to Native Americans. 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 their communities 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 … 

UMVIM Team Leader training events announced
United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader training will be held Saturday, March 17, at First UMC, Martinsville; Saturday, April 21, at Farmville UMC, Farmville; Saturday, June 2, at Floris UMC, Herndon; and Saturday, Oct. 13, at Timberlake UMC, Lynchburg. Each training event starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. More …

UMCOR Early Response Team training offered
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Early Response Team (ERT) certification training is scheduled for April 14 at Galilee UMC, Northern Virginia, and Nov. 10 at Galilee UMC, Northern Virginia. Early Response Teams respond during the first phase of disaster relief, providing Christian presence. For more information and to register, contact Michele Michaelian, Virginia Conference UMCOR ERT Coordinator, at mlskcs@aol.com.

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 …

Disciple University to be offered 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. Participants at this event for laity and clergy will earn 1.5 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. More …

Journey middle school weekend to be March 23-25
JOURNEY middle school weekend, a ministry of the Jeremiah Project, will be held March 23-25 at Rockbridge Alum Springs in Goshen. The weekend is specifically designed to encourage and challenge middle school students in their walk with Christ and to provide encouragement and training for adult leaders working with middle school students. Willow Creek Church's middle school pastor and author, Scott Rubin, will lead general sessions and adult leader training. Keith Elgin and his band will lead worship throughout the weekend. More …

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.

Wesleyan Studies focus on Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost
What does our Wesleyan tradition have to tell today's Church and disciples about the mysteries of Good Friday, Easter and Pentecost? On Monday, March 26, the Society for Wesleyan Studies will host Rev. Dr. Jason Vickers of United Theological Seminary who will help us consider “Resurrection and the Christian Life: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Wesleys (and in Methodism today)” The event will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Duncan Memorial UMC in Ashland and is open to laity and clergy. More …

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 District (Timberlake UMC. Registration deadline is April 6); April 15 – Danville District (First UMC, Martinsville. Registration deadline is April 6); April 22 – Harrisonburg and Winchester Districts (Woodstock UMC, Harrisonburg. Registration deadline is April 13); May 12 – Alexandria and Arlington Districts (St. Matthew’s UMC, Annandale. Registration deadline is May 4); May 19 – Elizabeth River and Eastern Shore Districts (Community UMC, Virginia Beach, Registration deadline is May 11); Sept. 29 – Staunton District (Location TBA. Registration deadline is Sept. 21); Sept. 30 – York River District (Location TBA. Registration deadline is Sept. 21); Oct. 13 – Fredericksburg District (Tabernacle UMC. Registration deadline is Oct. 5); Oct. 20 – Farmville District (Location TBA. Registration deadline is Oct. 12); Jan. 13, 2013 – Richmond District (Location TBA. Registration deadline is Jan. 5). To register, go to the Virginia Conference Web site, www.vaumc.org, then click on “Events” and the date. 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.

School for Children’s Ministries to be April 20-21
School for Children's Ministries will be April 20-21 at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. Workshops will include “Worship Together,” “Curriculum Conundrum,” “Community Connection,” “Buzz Words,” “Think Fast!” and “Five Cultural Threats to Your Kids’ Faith.” Cost is $70 per person (double room) or $90 per person (single room) and will cover all expenses including lodging, meals, and resources. More …

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 …

Ecological pilgrimage for young adults to be May 21-25
“A Sojourn to Sacredness: A Theological Ecological Pilgrimage for Young Adults” will be May 21-25 on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Young adults age 18 - 35 years old will spend five days on the Eastern Shore and on the Chesapeake Bay as part of a theological, ecological pilgrimage to foster and develop relationship with God, each other and God's creation. Deadline to register is May 11. More …

United Methodists help cut Malaria’s death toll in half
In two short years since Imagine No Malaria’s inception, United Methodists have helped cut the number of deaths from malaria in half. More …

Piano accompaniments available online
The many churches — rural and urban, large and small — that have no musicians to accompany congregational singing can now download hundreds of piano recordings of familiar hymns from The United Methodist Hymnal. The free, growing resource is a joint project of the Board of Discipleship and United Methodist Communications. More than 200 songs are already available online, and more will be available soon.

Young people call for delay in restructuring
Members of the executive table of the Division on Ministries with Young People, part of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, have issued a response to the proposed restructure by the Interim Operations Team and Connectional Table. “Change is necessary,” the group’s executive table said in a statement. “The work that has been done, both by the Interim Operations Team and the General Agencies, is a beginning; but we believe the church needs more time to discern and dialogue before a new structure can be implemented.” Click here for complete statement …

Junaluska to host ‘Caring for Creation’ conference March 14-18
Registration is still open for “Caring for Creation 2012” to be held at Lake Junaluska, N.C., March 15-18. The conference provides biblical and theological support for developing opportunities for faith communities to be caretakers of our home Earth. It also offers plenary sessions provided by outstanding leadership to challenge us to move forward in our efforts to care for Earth. 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.

 

My Account         Contact Webmaster         Privacy         About Us         Login/Logout    |          Español

"We envision faith communities where all God's people are welcomed at table, nurtured and transformed to be Christ to others in the world."
— Virginia Conference Vision Statement

The Cross and Flame is a registered trademark, and the use is supervised by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church. Permission to use the Cross and Flame must be obtained from the GCFA, Attn: Legal Department, PO Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203-0029; phone 615-369-2334; fax 615-369-2330.

Virginia United Methodist Center
Mailing Address: PO Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5606
Physical Address: 10330 Staples Mill Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
1-800-768-6040 or (804) 521-1100
Click here for directions to the Center

Header images courtesy VDOT.