To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
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In this week's edition of the Advocate, you will find:
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- Resources
- Events
- Virginia News
- Denomination News
- Other VAUMC Communications
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Resources
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Resources shared from around the denomination for clergy and lay leaders.
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Resource guide for exploring meaningful discussions on racism
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Pages for Progress, a program of the Board of Church and Society, was established to create spaces for collective learning through shared reading and in-depth exploration of topics from a theological perspective, to become more effective advocates as people of faith. This resource guide is centered around the book, “The Sum of Us.” Designed for use in local churches, districts, annual conferences, or community groups, the guide facilitates meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the book’s themes from a theological lens. This guide is structured into three 90-minute sessions, each featuring:
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- Welcome and Community Guidelines: Establishing a respectful and inclusive environment.
- Theological Grounding: Connecting the book’s theme to our faith.
- Book Discussion Questions: Encouraging thoughtful dialogue and reflection.
- Closing: Announcement and reminders for the next session.
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Connexion: Celebrating United Methodist-related educational institutions
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Higher Education and Ministry is excited to announce the launch of “Connexion,” a new initiative that highlights the impact and stories of United Methodist-related institutions across the United States, fostering a deeper sense of community, support, and transformation across the denomination. Learn more...
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Find back-to-school resources
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Summer will be over soon, which means children will be headed back to school. Help prepare students in your church/community for another school year with prayers, encouragement and celebrations. Find the right resources and plan your back-to-school outreach now. Learn more...
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Events
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Early Bird Registration now open for Foundation Golf Classic
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Register now as an individual or a team for the 4th Annual Foundation Golf Classic on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at Brickshire Golf Club in Providence Forge. Early Bird Registration closes on July 31. General registration closes on Oct. 11, 2024.
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All proceeds from the Golf Classic will benefit the Foundation’s grant ministry. A box lunch will be provided as well as an evening awards reception. And, new this year — we’ll be offering a rain date, just in case, which will be announced closer to the tournament date. Learn more...
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Festival of Wisdom and Grace
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Held annually, the Festival of Wisdom and Grace (August 19-22, 2024) invites participants to explore how to flourish as they age and how to navigate transitions, live into individual talents and passions and cultivate relationship with Christ. In 2024, theme of “Wesleyan Roots” will be explored. Join for worship, workshops, recreation, entertainment, learning and plenty of time for fellowship. The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Ashley Boggan, and our conference preacher will be Bishop Lawson Bryan. Learn more...
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Lake Junaluska Race and Walk on Labor Day weekend
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The Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race and Walk will take place at Lake Junaluska on Saturday, Aug. 31, and those who register by Thursday, Aug. 15, will enjoy discounted registration and are guaranteed to receive a “Love the Lake” T-shirt. Now in its 17th year, the event supports the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail, one of the most popular privately owned recreation areas in Western North Carolina. All profits from the 5K go toward improvements and annual maintenance of the trail and other recreation areas around the lake, which cost over $375,000 annually. The Friends of the Lake 5K invites participants of all ages and abilities to participate. Race Day registration and sign-in begin at 6:30 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m. with the 5K Walk at 8:05 a.m. The 5K route begins at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym and follows a scenic loop around Lake Junaluska, providing runners with fantastic views during the race. Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for students 18 and younger. Register by Aug. 15 to receive a “Love the Lake” T-shirt and the discounted registration rate for adults of $25. Register...
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Certificate Program for clergy ready for next ministry step
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Now half off the price for VAUMC clergy.
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Designed as an equivalent to an executive leadership program, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership Certificate Program delivers an online, cohort-based learning experience for pastors that combines self-study and interactive peer learning. Participants will learn strategic actionable insights that enhance their ability to be effective in their ministry settings. Guided by experienced faculty from Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center, this certificate program includes five courses over the course of a year that help pastors explore visioning, administration, stewardship, innovation, and building key partnerships. You can learn more in the attached flyer and by visiting here. Enrollment ends: August 30, 2024. Browse all courses...
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Register now for Lay Servant Academy
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The Virginia Conference Lay Servant Academy August Training will be Friday & Saturday, August 16-17. (VIRTUAL ONLY!) Registration is now open. Courses include, the Basic Course, Children's Faith Formation, Spiritual Gifts, Social Principles, and more! All who are interested in leadership roles in the local church are encouraged to consider connecting with others and participating in training events. All courses satisfy requirements for various Lay Servant Ministry pathways. For questions, email Tianna Durbin, Director of Lay Servant Academy. Learn more...
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Save the Date: Youth Retreat
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Register now for the Called to Lead: VAUMC Fall 2024 Youth Retreat. The retreat is open to all youth (6th-12th grade).
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Event will be held November 22-24, 2024 at the Virginia Nazarene Retreat Center (1151 High School Road, Buckingham, Virginia). Cost is $150 per person (pre-order t-shirt offered for additional $10).
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Registration is for groups only. No individual registrations are allowed. You must be registered through your youth leader and church.
The retreat will include time for worship, recreation, and sessions in a Leadership Track which each participant will choose. These tracks will offer hands-on learning experiences based on participants' interests and gifts; participants will leave with tools they can use as leaders in ministry in their local communities and churches. Learn more...
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Virginia News
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Theology podcast for kids, families
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Minivangelism is a theology podcast from Rev. Drew Colby and Anna Burell, Grace UMC NOVA District, for kids and families that uses the Bible's biggest stories to learn more about who God is. Using music, special guests, and humor, children are encouraged to wonder about what these stories mean to us today. Take a listen on Apple or Spotify.
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Denomination News
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Where in the world is UMCOR?
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In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, UMCOR is supporting disaster response efforts in both the Caribbean and the United States. UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the Jamaica, Haiti and Southern Caribbean districts of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA). In the U.S., UMCOR awarded four solidarity grants to the Texas Annual Conference and is supporting relief efforts in Vermont with a solidarity grant. Learn more...
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Other VAUMC Communications
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