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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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VAUMC called to prayer amidst presidential election
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In preparation for election day, Bishop Sue, the Cabinet, and all the conference leadership invite the VAUMC clergy and laity into a rhythm and posture of prayer through election day on Tuesday, November 5.
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Together, each day, at 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m., and 10 p.m., we are praying the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (found below).
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During this time, allow the Holy Spirit to work within and around yourself. Allow yourself to be silent and mindful in the presence of God. Allow yourself to pray these words and hear them anew. Go to webpage to save graphic...
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Join Nov. 6 for Vespers Service
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All are invited to join Bishop Sue and Conference Lay Leader Martha Stokes for a 30-minute Vespers Service of Prayer at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. Register now...
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This will be a space for prayer, rest, processing, and community during this election season.
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Chaplain role filled at conference center
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The Rev. Lisa McGehee in addition to her appointment as Executive Pastor at Good Shepherd UMC, Richmond, will now serve as the chaplain to the conference center located in Glen Allen, VA effective immediately.
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Rev. McGehee will provide spiritual support and encouragement to the conference staff in a variety of ways in this ministry role.
"My heart's desire is to offer space for people to be curious about where God intersects in their lives. I look forward to being a companion with the conference staff as they walk their journeys of faith," McGehee said.
“The conference staff are thankful Rev. McGehee answered God’s call to be in ministry with us as our volunteer Conference Center Chaplain,” Rev. Dr. Steve Summers, Assistant to the Bishop and Chief Operating Officer, said. “Her gifts, training, and the Fruit of the Spirit she embodies will be an ongoing means of grace and support to all who serve here.”
McGehee is an ordained Deacon in The United Methodist Church. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1988 and a Master of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. She also studied at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond.
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Bishops urged to perceive God’s ‘new thing’
UNITED METHODIST NEWS--Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone preached of God’s deliverance on the eve of the U.S. presidential election. She sees God at work as The United Methodist Church begins a new chapter.
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Two VAUMC pastors become American citizens
The VAUMC celebrates two clergy becoming American citizens this fall.
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Rev. Kyungsuk Cho, Northern Virginia District, and Rev. Jae Song, Mountain View District, recently became American citizens alongside members of their families.
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"We celebrate these two incredibly gifted pastors on their citizenship journeys and making a more permanent home in the U.S. and the Virginia Conference," Rev. Jessie Colwell, Conference Director for the Center of Clergy Excellence, said. "We are blessed and made better by their gifts, presence, and leadership."
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VAUMC clergy attend Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum
Last week, United Methodist young adult clergy gathered to attend a three-day Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum at the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. VAUMC's Revs. Madison Ailinger and Bayo Ogungbade represented the conference. Both clergy shared what the event meant to them.
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"There were so many young clergy in this group who are passionate, who are excited and not letting anything bring them down. So, if you are out there and wondering where is my place in the church? How do I fight so many things going on? Know that we’re in this together. God’s got us and we’re going to be OK.”
Rev. Madison Ailinger
“I was grateful to learn alongside all the many great leaders I met, and to be connected with other clergy from across the connection and the world. I’m looking forward to seeing how this work continues to transform the lives of young people to become more civically engaged in their ministries for the transformation of the world.”
Rev. Bayo Ogungbade
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Join Wesley Housing in community empowerment, affordable housing
Wesley Housing has been at the forefront of affordable housing and community empowerment for 50 years. Beyond putting roofs over heads, they strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive.
Through collaborative efforts with partners and donors, Wesley Housing offers a range of enrichment and supportive services with the goal of empowering residents to break the cycle of poverty and reducing deep racial inequities throughout the region.
As Wesley Housing celebrates 50 years of service this month, the organization is reminded of the power of community and the change that can be made together. Your support will help them continue to provide affordable housing and supportive services that build up the lives of individuals and families with low incomes across the region.
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Resourcing Opportunities
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Church Social Media assistance
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If your church is interested in working with a company related to social media, a resource the Board of Communications would share with local churches is KL Media Management. KL Media Management can help churches with:
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- content creation
- social media management
- page management
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There is exclusive group pricing now available for United Methodist churches in the Virginia Conference. Special savings are unlocked when 51 or more churches join. Contact KL Media Management owner William "Kenny" Lucord to learn more.
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Gratitude Small Group on Nov. 6
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Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia is offering a virtual small group, sponsored by Crossroads UMC in Ashburn VA.
Rethinking Gratitude Small Group: In this small group "lunch and learn" virtual series on the first three Thursdays in November at 12 p.m., we will be exploring some unexpected places where gratitude can take root, growing a new sense of thankfulness that can bear fruit well past Thanksgiving Day. Contact Shannon Wise to participate.
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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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