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To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
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Top Story
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How to help post-Hurricane Helene, Milton
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UMCOR Cleaning (Flood) Buckets
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OVER 1,200 UMCOR Cleaning (Flood) Buckets are committed to be sent to Mission Central where they will be inspected and verified and then sent to all impacted areas. This is just the beginning, and we invite you to keep assembling buckets, contributing financially, and praying as we continue to respond to immediate needs.
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The first round of bucket collection will be at the VAUMC Conference Center on Wednesday, October 16 at 12 p.m.
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Another round of bucket collection at the VAUMC Conference Center will happen on Friday, November 1 at 12 p.m. Our districts will work to collect buckets from their designated drop off sites and bring them down to Glen Allen to be blessed, packed, and sent on their way to serve those most in need.
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Early Response Team Training
For those who have never been Early Response Team trained or if one's Early Response Team Certification has expired. The following training opportunities are being shared:
*Note: 1 CEU will be given to clergy who complete ERT training
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UMVIM Team Leader Training
This training is for long-term disaster recovery work, after Emergency Personnel and Early Response Teams have come in and done their triaging and stabilizing work. If you are interested in Early Response Team training, please contact Rev. Jo Ann Batteiger at [email protected].
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- Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Raleigh Court UMC (1706 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24015).
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 Kip Robinson, Lead Trainer VAUMC, Rev. Jo Ann Batteiger, Assistant Director of Missional Engagement, along with support and shared lessons learned from other certified/experienced team leaders. 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, October 25, 2024. The link to register and pay online can be found here.
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Once you have registered, an online training manual will be provided via email; however, if you desire a printed copy, please print and bring it with you in whatever format you prefer. Additionally, please 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.
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An Update to AC 2024 Action
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At the Virginia Annual Conference 2024 in Hampton, Va. a motion was made and approved by the body of the Annual Conference for a Commission of Truth Telling and Reconciliation to be formed during 2024-2025 in order to listen to stories of harm and move in creative modes of reconciliation toward LGBTQ+ persons.
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In response to this Annual Conference action, Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson has designated the Rev. Mark Ogren, VAUMC retired elder, to lead this effort. The Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, Methodist minister and the Executive Director of Rethinking Conflict, will act as consultant to this effort.
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Join Thursday Live Q&A on VAUMC Q&A response
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Join this Thursday for a Live Q&A about hurricane disaster response at 9 a.m. on the conference Facebook. Rev. Amanda Miller Garber and Rev. JoAnn Batteiger, Missional & Community Engagement Office, will answer any questions you may have.
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Highland Support Project hosts Appalachian Revival Music Festival to aid hurricane relief
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The Highland Support Project (HSP), a VAUMC advance initiative (#5007), proudly announces the Appalachia Revival Music Festival, set to take place on Saturday, October 19 in The Alley, located behind AlterNatives Boutique at 3320 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23221. This event is designed to garner support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and celebrate the conference's dedicated response to Hurricane Helene. The festival will feature performances by Richmond's beloved bands, including National Public Rodeo, River City Band, Cook County Bluegrass, and Madly Backwards. The musical festivities are scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; entry is free. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the cause by bringing supplies from UMCOR disaster response buckets.
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This festival is a heartfelt call to United Methodist clergy, local community members, and charity supporters to unite in unity and compassion. It celebrates resilience and commitment to supporting disaster relief efforts while uplifting our community through music and collaboration.
For more information about the event or how to participate, please contact:
Ben Blevins, Research Coordinator, Highland Support Project, at 804-363-6789 or [email protected].
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UMCOR in early stages of Milton recovery
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In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Milton striking Florida Oct. 9, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) reports that local Early Response Teams are gathering assessment information and touching base with their volunteer network but are staying out of the way of first responders while search-and-rescue missions are ongoing. The relief agency is also awaiting initial requests for solidarity grants, which address basic humanitarian needs in the early stages of disaster response.
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Photo essay of hurricane recovery
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UNITED METHODIST NEWS--United Methodist News photographer Mike DuBose traveled with church leaders and relief workers in Florida, where Hurricane Helene first made landfall, to document as they began assessing damage and planning relief efforts. View the recovery through his lens in this photo essay.
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Soccer helps rural church score new members
UNITED METHODIST NEWS--Pastor Edward Muchengaguyo has used his passion for soccer to nurture young players’ skills and draw new members to St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. More than 20 players and a coach recruited by the pastor have joined the church this year. In addition to games, Muchengaguyo offers two-hour counseling sessions and biblical teachings for the team every Monday. He also organizes learning sessions led by law enforcement agencies, health departments and social workers.
Learn More...
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One Last Word
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Other VAUMC Communications Channels
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Public Notice Board
Clergy and laity can crowdsource for ideas and resources within the connection through the Public Notice Board. Find the newest notices and share your question or find past queries at the conference website.
Also find free items for giveaway 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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