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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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Bishop addresses upcoming presidential election
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Bishop Sue encourages United Methodists to take advantage of the gift of voting, to recognize their own echo chambers while striving for a balanced view, and to fact check resources before sharing on social media during this political season. Watch video and find other resources at link below.
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Posts for this week
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VAUMC to focus on spiritual disciplines
Bishop Sue and Martha Stokes, conference lay leader, invite the Virginia Conference to explore spiritual disciplines from September 2024 to June 2025. The book, Soul Feast, by Marjorie J. Thompson will help guide this initiative with a different spiritual practice focus each month.
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VAUMC to visit Candler
Representatives from the Virginia Annual Conference will be visiting Candler School of Theology on October 31. If you are a Candler student from Virginia or interested in learning about Virginia, click here to schedule a time to meet and learn more!
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VUMPI shares Health Plan reminders
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For eligible clergy and lay employee participants in the Conference Health Benefit plan, a reminder from the Pensions and Benefits office - now is the time to ensure your Wellness Activities are complete to earn incentives for the 2025 benefits year. Open enrollment is right around the corner, so make sure you remember to visit your physician for a wellness check and complete the Personal Health Profile with our partner Health Advocate before the September 30 deadline. Health Plan eligible members who complete both activities receive financial credit towards their 2025 health plan contributions. Act before the end of September to make sure you qualify!
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To learn more, details are available here: Wellness Rewards Program. For additional questions, contact the Pensions and Benefits office at (804) 521-1131.
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United Methodist connection sparks hope for baseball ministry
During General Conference 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., Rev. Dawn Wright, pastor of STAR Community UMC in Stone Mountain, North Georgia Conference, bumped into Rev. Dr. William Chaney, pastor of Chesterbrook UMC in the Virginia Conference. Having met years before, they caught up on some of the exciting things happening in their churches. Story from the North Georgia Conference.
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Updated challenge for UnDue Medical Debt
Following an update of the 2024 Annual Conference offering, Bishop Sue challenged the VAUMC to take the next step toward forgiving medical debt in Virginia. 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.
Can you imagine that level of impact? The level of transformation in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Bishop Sue recognizes raising this much money is a big goal.
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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Church on front line against mpox in Africa
UNITED METHODIST NEWS--As mpox cases rise, the church is mobilizing in Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak. From pastors to health relays, United Methodists are working to inform local communities about the virus and treatment.
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Events Highlight
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Sept 23 is extended deadline for Growing Young Retreat
The Growing Young Retreat (Oct. 18-19) will share 6 strategies with participants to help young people discover and love their church. All are welcome. Clergy are eligible for 1.0 CEU. Learn more and register now: https://vaumc.org/event/growing-young-retreat-2024/.
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"The truth is, every church needs young people. Their passion enriches the soil around them. The curiosity they bring to Scripture and the authenticity they bring to relationships keep your church's teaching fresh and fellowship fruitful.
Young people also need a thriving church. A thriving church both grounds them in community and sends them out to serve.
Your church needs young people, and they need your church. One with out the other is incomplete" (Growing Young).
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Resource Highlight
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Five ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15-Oct. 15. It is a time when all United Methodists in the United States can celebrate diversity and the positive contributions of their Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters to their communities and congregations.
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Join webinar on 'Standing Courageous: Church Leadership in Partisan Times'
Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes, Rev. Ribbons Harris, Ryan Greer, and Cody Zoschak present 'Standing Courageous: Church Leadership in Partisan Times' webinar on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. CDT. In today’s divided political climate, church leaders have a unique opportunity to foster peace and unity in their communities. As misinformation, disinformation, partisanship, and conspiracy theories take hold, the call to stand courageously for biblical values of mercy, justice, truth, and compassion is essential.
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Join United Methodist Insurance webinar on property claims
Did you know that burst pipes and leaks are a major cause of property claims? Join United Methodist Insurance and trusted partner, GuideOne Insurance, for an essential webinar on October 15 12:20 p.m. CDT. protecting your church from the costly and disruptive effects of frozen pipes and leaks. As the colder months approach, it’s crucial to ensure that your church buildings are prepared to withstand the elements. This webinar will provide practical tips and expert advice on identifying risks, implementing preventative measures, and understanding insurance coverage to safeguard your facilities. Whether you're a church leader, trustee, or facilities manager, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge to protect your ministry and its resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry professionals and ensure your church is ready for winter.
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Find your next inspiring read
It can't get much more connectional than finding your next book selection from book recommendations from United Methodist Communications’ Facebook followers.
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Advent book studies and books now available
The United Methodist Publishing House and the Upper Room have produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and anxiety. As we face ongoing uncertainty about the future, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms.
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Other VAUMC Communication 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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