Advocate 2022 logo

May 7, 2024

To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].

In this week's edition of the Advocate, you will find:

  • Quick Links
  • Virginia News
  • UMC News
  • Events
  • Missional Highlights from General Conference

Quick Links


Virginia News

NEWS

Register now for post-GC webinar on May 9

April 16--The Virginia Conference will host a post-General Conference Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. The panel will include Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson; Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation; and delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page.


Interested clergy or laypersons can register for the event now. The webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

Save Oct. 14 &15 For Duke Divinity School Convocation

Save the dates of October 14 & 15, 2024 for the 2024 Convocation and Pastors’ School at Duke Divinity School. This year’s theme is Pulpits in Many Places: Embodying Christ in the World inspired by Acts 1: 8. The plenary speakers will be Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Resident Bishop of the West Ohio Annual Conference and member of Duke University’s Board of Trustees, artist and Duke Divinity alumnae Lanecia Rouse, and Duke Divinity School Professor Bishop Will Willimon.
The evening of October 14, Kate Bowler will host a live session of her Everything Happens podcast. Her guest this year will be Coach Mike Krzyzewski. In addition, there will have an inspiring selection of seminars. Learn more...

UMC News

umc news

UMC Bishops to promote ratification of regionalization legislation

At the conclusion of the General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., the Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church has committed to vigorously supporting the delegates from around the world who have overwhelmingly passed legislation regarding the regionalization of our worldwide church. Learn more...

Historic conference comes to a close

On the final day of a General Conference eight years in the making, delegates turned to setting the budget that will fund the ministries of the denomination for the next four years — one that is about 40% lower than the budget passed in 2016. Learn more...

Church apologizes for sexual misconduct

The apology, part of a resolution passed in the last hour of General Conference, is to be offered in the spirit of offering healing for all affected. Learn more...

Climate justice legislation fares well overall

General Conference delegates passed much of the legislation supported by United Methodist climate justice activists, but divestment from fossil fuel company stocks proved elusive. Learn more...

Panelists look beyond General Conference

After historic decisions reversing The United Methodist Church’s longtime restrictions against LGBTQ members, church leaders see a denomination where everyone can belong, but they also acknowledge the hard work ahead. The panel included Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, Bishop Connie Shelton, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, the Rev. Effie E. McAvoy and the Rev. John Stephens.
Malone said the passing of worldwide regionalization allows each region to have its own Book of Discipline. “We had to make sure that while we're trying to move toward regionalization, we did not want to pass something that would be preventative or even harmful for the central conferences.” Learn more...

Events

EVENTS

edges hosting workshop May 17-18

Hosted by Blacksburg UMC 's edges, a workshop is available for church leaders to rethink church culture and to better understand and develop their church community's DNA. 1.0 full CEU is available. The last day to sign up is May 12. Learn more...

Mission Highlights from General Conference

2024gc missionaries bishop sue

The Korean Association of the UMC has committed to a covenant partner relationship with at least 140 missionaries through Global Ministries, offering prayers and financial support for at least three years. Learn more...



bishop mcaulilly umcor

For more than 80 years, UMCOR has worked to alleviate human suffering and build resilient communities. From war refugees to disaster survivors, this work is only possible because of dedicated partners in relief. Learn more...

power station umcor

Showcased at General Conference, solar disaster response trailers have the ability to offer power to disaster-affected communities and help the UMC live into its commitment to just and equitable net-zero emissions by 2050.

Learn more...

abundant health

The UMC is creating futures that are abundant in health. The lives of over five million women, youth and children have been positively impacted through health interventions over the last five years. Learn more...


Please send any issues or concerns to [email protected]. If you have issues with the formatting trying to forward (especially in Outlook), you can use the following link. More...
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