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September 3, 2024
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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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In this week's edition of the Advocate, you will find:
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- Virginia News
- Resources
- Events
- Denomination News
- Other VAUMC Communications
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Virginia News
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Common Table grant process forthcoming
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The beginning of September is typically the time grants from the Common Table are released, including the Benevolence Grants and Special and Sustaining Grants. This timeframe is shifting this year as later this month, a broader conference communication will be released sharing a move toward a more collaborative grant process within the conference office. This shift reflects the report on grant-making presented at the 2024 Annual Conference session during the CDT report by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page.
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Foundation grants now open through Oct. 31
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Don't miss this opportunity for your ministry to apply for a Foundation grant by October 31, 2024.
Visit the grants page for grant guidelines and to start an online application, as well as learn more about available grant funds. Learn more...
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VWU establishes Center for Urban Leadership Education in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads
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Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) President Scott D. Miller announced August 23, 2024, the establishment of a Center for Urban Leadership Education in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR). Dr. Miller made the announcement during his annual State of the University Address in TowneBank Arena. President Gilbert T. Bland joined Dr. Miller for the announcement.
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The Center will include the Incarcerated Persons ReEntry Program, formed in collaboration with the Urban League of Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Corrections. This program represents VWU's goal of reducing recidivism and providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals.
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“The program was well-received in the office of U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, who made it a top priority in awarding $1.17 million in congressionally directed spending,” noted President Miller. “This was the top-funded initiative of Representative Scott’s requests, and we are so grateful that he advocated for this program at Virginia Wesleyan. And we will be the first four-year institution in Virginia to take a degree program to people behind prison walls.”
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Updated challenge for UnDue Medical Debt Campaign
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Thanks to the generosity of the Annual Conference members and churches, the total offering has reached $109,800. The 2024 offering this year was split between Partnerships of Hope, who will be receiving $54,900, and Undue Medical Debt, which will also be receiving $54,900 alongside special gifts of $15,300 for a total of $70,200.
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Bishop Sue wants to see the VAUMC take the next step toward forgiving medical debt in Virginia by sharing an updated challenge.
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If the VAUMC could raise an additional $180,000 over the remainder of 2024, for a total amount raised of $250,000, our collective efforts would forgive at least $25 million in medical debt in Virginia. According to our friends at Undue Medical Debt this could lead to the forgiveness of as much as $45 million.
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Can you imagine that level of impact? The level of transformation in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
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Bishop Sue recognizes raising this much money is a big goal.
“It will take all of us working together to raise money in our neighborhoods, local churches, districts, and throughout the Annual Conference,” she said. “But I think this might be the time for us to take such an important step together. Amidst the turmoil of disaffiliation and the divisiveness that has pervaded our world, wouldn’t it be incredible to come together and make a generational impact on our state? I think we can do this. I think we will do this. I think God is calling us forward to live our faith in a new way. And so, I invite you to this space of generosity and stewardship over the rest of 2024. Because we are a connectional people. We are a transformed people. We are the people called United Methodists.”
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If you would like to give to this effort, please visit www.vaumcdonations.org and select the Undue Medical Debt tab.
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Over the coming weeks, the conference office will share fundraising progress and celebrate stories of lives changed by this kind of forgiveness along the way.
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Thank you so much for your generosity and for embracing what’s ahead.
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Let’s see what God will do!
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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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Funds are available for clergy to attend! Contact your district and/or the Center for Clergy Excellence at [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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Credit Union offers StudentAssist
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The cost of college today - tuition, room and board, books, supplies, technology, and student fees - often outpaces the resources of most families. Even after your savings, a 529 Plan, scholarships, and even a Federally-subsidized student loan - there's often still a funding 'gap'.
That is where a StudentAssist LOC from The United Methodist Credit Union comes in with low and fixed rates, no FAFSA needed and flexibility on when funds can be drawn. Learn more...
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Praying Resource for September
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Prayer is the heartbeat of The United Methodist Church, uniting us in communion with God and one another. We heed the divine guidance of Philippians 4:6: "Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks."
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As praying people of God, we seek God's wisdom, guidance, and strength, finding solace, renewal, and direction in our faith journey. This is the #BeUMC core-value related page for September.
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Optimize Your Year-End Giving
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The last three months of the year are crucial in funding ministry and mission. Join Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, as he shares ideas on how your church might end the year strong. Learn more...
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Crafting Sacred Worship Moments
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Worship is the heartbeat of the church. From the vital and passionate gathered celebration each week, flows the life and ministry of the whole church and the support and encouragement of those who gather. To plan and lead worship is an important calling in the leadership of the church.
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This webinar series is designed to empower worship planners with a deep understanding of the theological underpinnings, practical considerations, and creative elements that contribute to meaningful worship experiences. Learn more...
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Events
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Small Church Gathering in November
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It's a BIG event for the SMALL church! On November 2, register yourself and your church leaders for the Small Church Gathering at Virginia Beach UMC for a resourcing event unique to small church contexts. Space is limited. Register here...
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UWF hosts Young Women's Event
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United Women in Faith (UWF) will host a Young Women's event at Camp Overlook September 20-21, 2024. Rev. AhnnaLise Stevens-Jennings, associate pastor of Braddock Street UMC, will be the retreat leader. This retreat will emphasize spiritual rest and is for ages 18-40. Learn more...
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Denomination News
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Nigerian United Methodists move toward new leadership
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An interim leadership team of bishops has guided United Methodists in Nigeria to nominate candidates for election to episcopal office in December. 995 delegates (about 74% of the number prior to the former bishop’s resignation) attended the sessions and discussed the agenda, with virtual support from Bishop John Schol. Attendees resolved to pursue all legal ways to recover and secure United Methodist Church properties, assets including funds and passwords. District superintendents envision a church that is loving and transparent and abhors corruption. Learn more...
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Conference spotlights Methodism ‘on the move’
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Representatives from Wesleyan-rooted denominations worldwide, including United Methodists, traveled to Sweden for the World Methodist Conference. Learn more...
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Pastor’s life shaped by family murders
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The Rev. Tim Holton has spent more time than most thinking about the death penalty. He’s against it despite — or perhaps because of — the horrific murder of four Holton children in 1997 by his cousin. Learn more...
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Other VAUMC Communications
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Public Notice Board
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Clergy and laity can crowdsource for ideas and resources within the connection through the Public Notice Board. Find the newest notices below. Share your question or find past queries at the conference website.
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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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Please send any issues or concerns to [email protected]. If you have issues with the formatting trying to forward (especially in Outlook), you can use the following link. More...
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