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
Are you aware of the increase in racist actions and words against Asian Americans in 2021? Learn more in this opinion piece from the Huffington Post. Read guest post…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Learning Ministries Office.
Influencers
Learn how the Rev. Jeania Ree Moore’s social justice work in Georgia’s largest maximum-security prison for women helped her discover her call to ministry and inspired her to launch a campaign to stop the execution of one woman. Read story…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Influencing Ministries Office.
Servers
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is in prayer for the many U.S. states that are experiencing the dangerous and deadly effects and after-effects of a string of winter storms. For those enduring widespread blackouts in sub-freezing temperatures, the touching down of multiple tornadoes, and decreased water supply, we offer prayers for safety and protection. Support disaster relief in the U.S….
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Serving Ministries Office.
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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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 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. The first episode is live now “Dinos, Donkeys, & Doubts.” Available on Spotify and Apple.
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News from the conference, denomination
Bishop Leontine Kelly: United Methodist Pioneer. More…
Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, create timeline for moving forward. More…
General Conference Postponed to 2022. More…
Return to In-Person Worship Work Group Releases TAM Update. More…
Assistance for Texas through UMCOR’s Advance. More…
Bishop Sharma Lewis and Dr. David B. Agus discuss the COVID-19 vaccination process and information pertinent to churches in the Virginia Conference. Read article and view video… Learn about the return to worship for the Virginia Conference…
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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Invitation to men to honor a woman in their life
The bishop’s workgroup on Racial Reconciliation and Justice is issuing an invitation to men in the conference (clergy and lay) to honor a woman in their life who has “made a difference.” The responses will be shared on the conference website in March in honor of Women’s History Month. Interested persons are invited to send write-ups, with or without pictures, to brendacapen@vaumc.org throughout the month of March. Click here to visit page and see tributes
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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Bright Spots - Videos to Brighten Your Day!
Visit the Digital Hub menu and find a Bright Spot.
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.
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…