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
- Virginia News
- Denomination News
- 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! Find the newest notices below. Share your question or find past queries at the conference website.
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Please send in questions you have that you would like to find answers to: [email protected]
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Looking for: Hymnals
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- Rev. Steven Carr, Galilee UMC, Sterling, ISO Large Print & Braille Print Hymnals. Learn more...
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Looking for: Feedback on clergy 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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Free Giveaways
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Resources
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Resources shared from around the denomination for clergy and lay leaders.
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Hospitality tips for the 21st century
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Check out these time-tested tips that all United Methodists should consider when learning how to be more welcoming. In the article, the Rev. Michael Beck, pastor, professor, author, consultant and Director of Fresh Expressions at Discipleship Ministries, shares “To really be hospitable to our neighbors who aren’t connected to the church, and probably never will be in its current form, we need to figure out how to create pockets of hospitality to be more inclusive and connect with more people.” Read more...
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How to talk with your family about promises
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Get Them Talking from the UMC is a series of monthly resources to help families lead conversations about issues of faith during dinner, devotions, a drive or anytime. Learn more...
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Online Candler 'Courses in the Community' available
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Candler School of Theology offers 'Courses for the Community' that explore issues that matter to your faith and community with leading scholars and experienced practitioners. Learn more...
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What is Carolina Cross Connection?
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Carolina Cross Connection (CCC) is a Christian nonprofit connecting churches to communities while making space for Jesus to transform lives through the power of authentic relationships. A Reconciling Ministry firmly anchored in the belief that every individual is a divine creation, bearing the unique gifts needed to engage in the sacred work of the Kin-dom, the organization works to provide a safe and brave Christ-centered space for all people to experience God’s love and community through a weeklong camp experiences for students and adults to connect to their neighbors throughout North Carolina and Honduras. They partner with local agencies and children’s homes to build relationships and provide services for the community and also offer Advocacy & Awareness retreats in Asheville year-round. Learn more...
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11 simple ideas to make your church more intergenerational
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A congregation can start becoming more intergenerational by simply inviting one more generation to take part in any congregational event or activity. The authors of Intergenerational Christian Formation offer these simple possibilities for bringing different generations together. Learn more...
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Five powerful faith moments at the Paris Olympics
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RELIGION NEWS SERVICE-- In a Religion News Service article, learn about the five moments of faith were displayed at the recent Paris Olympics. Read article...
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Events
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UMVIM Team Leader Training on Sept. 14
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Join for the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at VAUMC Conference Center in Glen Allen, Va.
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This training is for individuals who have attended at least one UMVIM trip and who are ready to take a deeper dive into servant leadership and leading UMVIM teams. This training will be led in collaboration with Tim Wells, VAUMC UMCIM Coordinator, Rev. Jo Ann Batteiger, Assistant Director of Missional Engagement, along with support and shared lessons learned from other certified/experienced team leaders.
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Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m. with light refreshments available, and the class will begin promptly at 9 a.m. with breaks in between. Registration for the class is $20, and lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is Friday, September 6, 2024. Sign up...
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Once you have registered, an online training manual will be provided via email, however, if you desire a printed copy, we ask that you print and bring it with you in whatever format you prefer. Additionally, we ask for you to bring a little team spirit and a servant’s heart!
For further questions, please contact Tim Wells via email at [email protected] or call 703-517-0183. We look forward to having you and serving alongside you!
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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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Virginia News
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Clergy invited to Day Apart with Bishop Sue
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Calling all clergy! Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson invites you to attend the Clergy Day Apart entitled "Dreaming Forward" on October 10, 2024, at Floris UMC in Herndon, Va. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are in-person (full-day) and streaming options (half-day) to choose from.
Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner will kick the day off with worship, followed by an address from Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson. Next, we will hear a keynote from Dr. Joy Kreider, a neuroscientist and trauma consultant who will address the trauma that pastors face and how we can move forward from it together.
Provision Church will serve lunch, and the afternoon will be filled with workshops led by Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, Dr. Joy Kreider, Rev. Dr. John Obeng, Rev. Cassandra Nunez from the Baltimore-Washington Conference, and Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley. The day will end with worship and the sacrament of Holy Communion. For more information and to register, visit this link.
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VAUMC to visit Duke Seminary in September
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Representatives from the VAUMC will visit Duke Seminary on September 16. Please share in your contexts that seminary students who want to meet with representatives from Virginia can set up a time to do so using this link.
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Sentara Health supports VWU students
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A recent gift from Sentara Health will help pave the way to success for more than 50 Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) students this summer. The sponsorship funds will directly support the WesBridge Sentara Health Scholars program, allowing incoming first-year students to begin their college careers with confidence and experience by arriving early on campus to complete coursework and participate in service-learning activities through the University.
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Sentara Health was drawn to underwrite the program after learning of the success of its pilot term in summer 2021. Geared toward first-generation college students (but open to all incoming students), the program is designed to serve as a bridge between high school and the start of students’ college careers.
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“We are thrilled to be welcoming more than 50 students this week for WesBridge 2024,” says Crit Muniz, VWU Executive Director of Academic Support. “With our continued support from our partner, Sentara Health, this group of incoming first year students will be better equipped for immediate academic success in the upcoming school year. WesBridge is a complete campus team effort and thanks to our community it gets better and better every year.
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“The WesBridge program demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with an enriching Virginia Wesleyan experience that sets them up for success now and in the future, said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “We deeply appreciate Sentara Health for making this program possible and for supporting and nurturing future leaders. Learn more...
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Denomination News
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Prison visits help inmates, families
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Former inmates credit fellow Indianapolis resident Cecelia Whitfield and her Use What You've Got Ministry for helping them turn their lives around. Use What You've Got offers transportation to family and friends of inmates on visiting days at prisons. Cost for the service is based on ability to pay. Read more...
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Other VAUMC Communications
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