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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- Public Notice Board
- Resources
- Events
- Denomination News
- One Last Word
- Other VAUMC Communications
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Public Notice Board
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In the local church, clergy and laity may find that crowdsourcing within the connection is a wonderful way to find resources to help in ministry from learning about best practices for leasing property to curriculum for small groups.
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The conference Communications Office is trying something new to see where bridges can be built to strengthen organic connections between clergy and laity.
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So the Public Notice Board is born! And the first notice can be found below.
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Please send in questions you have that you would like to find answers to: [email protected]
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Examples of queries could be:
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- What are your suggestions for quality Lenten curriculum?
- What software does your church use to keep track of members and contributions?
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VAUMC Clergy: Share your support systems
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VAUMC clergy, where have you found a support system outside of your current ministry setting? Where are you connected with others for the purpose of friendship, as a social activity, as a creative outlet, and/ or a place where you are authentically “you”?
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Your insights will help put together a panel for a future Provisional Residency event. Send thoughts and ideas to [email protected].
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Resources
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Resources shared from around the denomination for clergy and lay leaders.
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Scholar puts spotlight on capitalism and Christ
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As a theologian who works in the tradition of liberation theology, Joerg Rieger of Vanderbilt Divinity School believes Christians need to be in the thick of political issues on the side of the poor and disadvantaged. He is interested in how the church can interact with unions, health care reformers, climate change activists and others to benefit less-wealthy people. Read story...
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Discussing Christian nationalism — carefully
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The Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington helped spur a new entry in the Courageous Conversations series. The Christian nationalist resource by Discipleship Ministries outlines a format to help promote civil discussion of the topic. Putting a government on par with God is idolatry, said Joerg Rieger, Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Read article...
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Spiritual practices for busy lives
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On a new episode of the “Compass" podcast, Andrew Lang, a guiding voice in spiritual practices, shares transformative insights on integrating centering practices into daily life, overcoming the "dark night of the soul" and finding creative ways to connect with our spirituality. Listen to episode...
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More about the Revised Social Principles
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The 2024 General Conference adopted a thoroughly revised set of Social Principles, the result of listening and feedback across the whole of the church worldwide over a period of more than a decade. #AskTheUMC explains more about the revisions.
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Events
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VICPP "Congregations and Housing" Events
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VICPP is supporting congregations building affordable housing, both in policy and practice. In the legislature, VICPP is leading on a bill called “Faith in Housing for the Commonwealth” that would streamline the process for building housing on faith-owned land. “Congregations and Housing” events are coming soon to a community near you. Register now for a workshop, and stay tuned as more are scheduled.
Virginia Beach, October 15, 2024
Faith leaders REGISTER HERE (English)
Development partners REGISTER HERE
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Mission Rivers offers online Lay Servant class
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Mission Rivers District is offering the Lay Servant Advanced Class: Called to Preach online on Saturday, August 31; Saturday, September 7; and Saturday, September 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $15. Click here to learn more.
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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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Denomination News
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COB to appoint team to lead Nigeria Episcopal Area
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July 30, 2024--The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has accepted the resignation of Bishop John-Wesley Yohanna as bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area. Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, president of the Council and other COB leadership are working with the West Africa College of Bishops and Episcopacy Committee to identify interim episcopal leadership for the United Methodists of Nigeria.
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In a letter to fellow bishops, Bishop Malone noted that Bishop Yohanna’s resignation from The United Methodist Church is effective July 29, 2024. “We are saddened by his decision to longer continue ministry with The United Methodist Church. I invite us to pray for our former colleague and the church in Nigeria, especially those who choose to remain in The United Methodist Church. This is a very difficult and confusing time for them,” she said in the letter. Former Bishop Yohanna’s term was scheduled to end at the close of this year when the West Africa Central Conference was scheduled to elect three new bishops, one of which was to be for Nigeria. Bishop Malone urged bishops who have covenantal relationships or have congregations with relationships with congregations in Nigeria, to “immediately withhold sending funding and escrow the funds until new episcopal leadership is in place and new mechanisms are in place.” The same request was made of General Secretaries and funding for Nigeria. Once interim episcopal leadership is identified and procedures put in place for ensuring funds will go to United Methodist ministry and mission, funding will be restored. “We know that God has a plan for The United Methodist Church and a future filled with hope. In unity and with fervent prayer, we remain faithful to the mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World” and seek to serve Christ through our leadership. Together we continue to lead the church forward, by supporting one another and our clergy and lay, and by choosing to live into the embrace of God’s love, peace, hope, justice and joy,” Bishop Malone said.
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UMC bishops condemn Russia’s attacks on civilian targets
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July 24, 2024--The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church released a statement on July 24 about Russia’s attack on civilian targets. Read full letter...
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Judicial Council releases fall docket
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The United Methodist Judicial Council has released a nine-item docket for its fall session. The United Methodist Church’s top court plans to meet in person in October in Los Angeles. Briefs are due Aug. 23 and reply briefs are due Aug. 28. Find docket...
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One Last Word
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Other VAUMC Communications
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