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
April 18, 2021–Native American Ministries Sunday (third Sunday of Easter) nurtures mission with Native Americans and provides scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians. Learn more…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Learning Ministries Office.
Influencers
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 5 to join United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) for UMFS Giving Day for Foster Care. The organization is kicking off National Foster Care Month with a special Giving Day to support children and teens in foster care at UMFS. Your donation will help provide the care and support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve a brighter future. Be an influencer in the lives of children and teens…
Learn more about living into this part of the vision with the Influencing Ministries Office.
Servers
Join fellow United Methodists who are passionate about creation care and apply by April 19 to take part in the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program. Global Ministries seeks U.S.-based United Methodists to lead grassroots environmental projects that are action-oriented, anti-racist, bold, and entrepreneurial.
Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips US-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. Learn more…
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.
.
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.
.
News from the conference, denomination
Live Webinar April 26: What is ministry going to look like as we move out of the pandemic? More…
From the Bishop: An update on singing during COVID-19. More…
From Bishop Lewis: Reignite the Call for Clergy in the Virginia Conference. More…
Conference Applauds the Abolition of the Death Penalty in Virginia. 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…
.
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…
.
Bright Spots - Videos to Brighten Your Day!
Visit the Digital Hub menu or visit the conference YouTube page to 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…