What is ministry going to look like as we move out of the pandemic?
Click here to view a webinar event hosted by the Back to In-person Worship Work Group (led by the Rev. Alex Joyner) and Mission and Ministries Work Group (led by the Rev. Doug Forrester) on April 26, 2021.
Post-COVID Re-entry Group (PRG)
Click here to see the newest information from the newly-formed PRG group
From Bishop Lewis: Updates to in-person worship in the Virginia Conference
Click here to read
Important Resource for Churches, Pastors Here
There are two new VAUMC podcasts. Both available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
“The VAUMC Connection” is a series of standalone projects that will include news from the conference center, The Audio Advocate, and a collection of resources shared by the Connectional Ministries Office. Available on Spotify and Apple.
“1000 Question Christian” is a weekly podcast where we ask clergy off-the-wall questions–anything from weird stories in the Bible to pastoral advice. Available on Spotify and Apple.
You can also hear all the podcasts on the conference Digital Hub.
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Join Church Communication Resource group
You are invited to join the Virginia Conference Resource Hub. This Facebook group has been created by the conference Board of Communications and the conference Communications Office with the goal of providing a space to share information and resources about various topics related to church communications, technology, discipleship, and more. This is a place where those who have questions and those with experience and answers can collaborate, assist, and equip one another. Join group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vaumcresourcehub.
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News from the conference, denomination
Personnel Committee for Center for Clergy Excellence shares staffing update. More…
April 29–Bishop Lewis shares in-person worship updates. More…
Register now for District Alignment Listening Sessions. More…
Bishop Lewis, Cabinet encourage time off for conference, district and local church lay staff. More…
AC 2021 Worship leader seeks virtual, in-person musicians for June 18, 19 Learn more…
Important Resource for Churches, Pastors Here
A workgroup of church leaders, medical professionals, and legal professionals have prepared a comprehensive plan which includes: summary of the plan, handbook, visual presentation, and more for churches to plan on how to approach return to in-person worship. More…
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Resources available about District Alignment
On February 8, 2021, Bishop Lewis shared an update on District Alignment through video and a letter. This work has been formed around the question, “How can districts most effectively order themselves for the adaptive challenges of the 21st century?” Learn more about the proposed recommendations and the District Alignment Team (DAT). More…
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Annual Conference 2021
This year’s virtual Annual Conference will be held June 18-19 under the theme “United as One.” For all the latest news and updates click here.
Addressing Racism in the Virginia Conference
The Virginia Roots, Race, and Discipleship curriculum is a first step to address racism in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
A Call to Racial Reconciliation and Justice
Bishop Sharma Lewis issued a call to action against systemic racism, May 29, 2020. Please visit this page for updates on prayers, op-eds, action items, blogs, and videos. More…
Bishop's 2021 Bible Challenge
Bishop Lewis has shared the 2021 Bible Challenge – to read the Bible straight through from Genesis to Revelation.
Bright Spots - Videos to Brighten Your Day!
Visit the Digital Hub menu or visit the conference YouTube page to find a Bright Spot.
Connect with conference staff
Connect with the staff to learn how to align with the conference vision or to learn more about how the conference is working to resource local churches in the Virginia Conference. Connect now…
Virginia Conference Vision
“To be disciples of Jesus Christ who are lifelong learners who influence others to serve.”
Read below for how you can live out the vision this week.
Learners
Learning for May 4-May 10: Learn how one church has been making use of a drone to visit church members at home during the pandemic. Learn about Just Say Hi program, the drone drop-in program…
Spotlight on Learning Office: Learn more about Africa University and Voices of Youth 2022 for an interest meeting on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. Contact learning@vaumc.org to get Zoom info.
Learn more about living in this part of the vision with the Learning Ministries Office.
Influencers
Influencing for May 4-May 10: The General Board of Global Ministries is bringing back their virtual Mission Discovery Events in June. Register for a two-hour gathering to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more…
Spotlight on Influencing Office: Virginia FOCUS invites you to “Minding your Spiritual Business and Sacred Duties,” a virtual event on May 22, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virginia FOCUS is hosting a group of speakers to share their vision for the church as we move into the next decade. Learn more…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Influencing Ministries Office.
Servers
Serving for May 4-May 10: Global Ministries and UMCOR continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through health and humanitarian efforts. We are supporting communities around the world with information campaigns, medical equipment, hygiene kits, and supplies to meet basic human needs. As cases surge in places like India and Brazil, our response continues and we remain committed to alleviating the suffering brought on by COVID-19. Make a gift today to the UMCOR COVID-19 Response Fund…
Spotlight on Serving Office: Learn more about Kit and Can Collection at Annual Conference 2021. Learn more…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Serving Ministries Office.