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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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Bright Spot
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Bright Spots: Pulpit Swap
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Multiple churches and pastors in the Woodbridge, VA area are taking part in the "Re: Reading John Wesley" pulpit swap. Watch the video...
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Do you have a "Bright Spots" story about mission and ministry happening at your local church? Share with us at [email protected].
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Top Stories
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CDT enters into session of listening, discernment
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Members of the Virginia Conference Church Development Team (CDT) engaged in a time of holy conversation and decided to enter into a season of intentional listening and discernment at a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Since 2008, CDT’s purpose has been rooted in a mandate known as “All Things New.” Clearly, many things have changed in our church and world since 2008; thus, CDT seeks to more fully understand its unique calling at this point in our VAUMC story. CDT believes that its next faithful step involves pausing and listening to persons throughout the VAUMC connection, persons in our communities and, most importantly, the Holy Spirit. This season of intentional listening and discernment will begin on April 1, 2025.
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CDT will accept New Faith Community, Leadership and Fresh Expressions grant applications through March 1, 2025.
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After March 1, 2025, CDT will not receive any new grant applications until this season of listening and discernment has been concluded. CDT will honor all preexisting grant and financial commitments as we engage in this season of listening and discernment.
While we are not sure what the Holy Spirit may reveal during this upcoming season, we trust that we will be called toward the holy task of supporting those who are passionate about creating new communities for new people, all for Jesus, and for the transformation of the world.
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If you have any questions about this season of listening and discernment, please contact Stephanie Kimec Parker, CDT Chairperson, or Amanda Miller Garber, the VAUMC Church Developer and Conference staff support for CDT.
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USAID freeze strikes Africa University
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United Methodist-related Africa University is among the institutions struggling as employees with jobs funded by the United States Agency for International Development stop getting paychecks. At Africa University in Zimbabwe, programs researching malaria and tuberculosis were halted and staffers on those efforts were no longer getting their paychecks after funding from USAID was suspended. The freeze on disbursements had an immediate $1.2 million impact on the United Methodist-related university, with 30 employees no longer being paid. Bishop Julius C. Trimble, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, is urging United Methodists to contact Congress and complain about the situation. Learn more...
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Featured Events
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Feb. 24: Zoom Prayer event for Ukraine
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Blacksburg UMC is hosting a Zoom prayer gathering prayer with followers, friends, and partners of the Ukraine UMC on February 24, the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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You can join at 12 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time/7 p.m. Kyiv Time). There is no registration required to attend. Join Prayer Gathering...
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April 5: UMVIM Team Leader Training Event
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There will be a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairlington UMC, 3900 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302.
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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 UMVIM trainer, Allan Ballenger, VAUMC UMVIM trainer and Rev. Jo Ann Batteiger, Assistant Director of Missional Engagement.
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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, March 28, 2025.
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Once you have registered, an online training manual is available. If you desire a printed copy, we ask that you print and bring it with you in whatever format you prefer.
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For further questions, please contact Tim Wells by email or phone, 703-517-0183.
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Save the Date for VAUMC Climate Summit -Mar. 8
You may not know this, VAUMC members, but you are essential through your words and actions in the Church's witness of Creation Care.
At the 2024 Virginia Annual Conference, the members passed the "Conference Net Zero by 2050 resolution."
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The VAUMC Board of Church & Society invites you to the VAUMC Climate Summit on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Randolph-Macon College.
At this Summit,:learn why you are key in our VAUMC response to Creation and Racial Justice, and Sustainability as a church and as institutionshear from keynote speaker Michele Roberts, a scientist turned environmental justice activist who helps religious groups and people of color around the country defend the planet against environmental and racial injusticeget to know others searching to figure out new ways to respondleave with practical ways to respond in your committees, and collaborations and community response.
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Bishops urge Trump to restore foreign aid
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COUNCIL OF BISHOPS--The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops has submitted a letter to President Trump requesting he rescind his executive order suspending U.S. foreign assistance. Through the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the bishops’ letter says, “we have often partnered with U.S. relief offices and efforts and learned how U.S. aid fosters global stability, alleviates suffering, and promotes the well-being of communities in need.” Read more...
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Immigration resource shared with local churches
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The VAUMC shared an interim guidance on immigration enforcement issues document crafted by the Western North Carolina Conference (WNC) of The United Methodist Church as a resource for local churches in Virginia. The VAUMC leadership thanks our colleagues in Western North Carolina for their diligent efforts to create this . A few minor edits have been made to the original WNC document to reflect contextual realities in Virginia.
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Church constitutional amendments head to vote
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This year, United Methodist annual conference members will vote on amendments up for inclusion in the denomination’s constitution. The amendments deal with regionalization, church membership, racism and clergy-delegate elections. To be ratified, these amendments need the support of at least two-thirds of all annual conference voters around the globe. Learn more...
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Korean, Spanish versions of Discipline halted
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UM NEWS--The United Methodist Publishing House has decided to discontinue Korean and Spanish translations of the Book of Discipline unless alternative funding and distribution methods can be found. Korean and Hispanic/Latino leaders are voicing concern about the decision and its potential impact, saying it undermines the denomination’s efforts to be a global church. The Publishing House is inviting proposals for alternative solutions by Feb. 28. Learn more...
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Learn more about Clergy Group Spiritual Direction
Clergy of the Virginia United Methodist Annual Conference--How is it with your soul?
It is hard to be a giver and we are grateful for the many ways you share God’s love with your families, your congregations and communities. We wish to provide some love and support for you by offering a place where you can share deeply to remember and renew the Love of God that calls and guides you in your ministry.
To that end these spiritual directors are called to offer you a safe space for spiritual direction in a group format. Learn more...
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Annual Conference 2025 information shared
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Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page, conference Director of Innovation & Creativity, shared a video preview with information about Annual Conference 2025 to be held at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA from June 11-14. Highlights from the video include: important dates, conference teachers and preachers, and more. Learn more...
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Change announced to Active Clergy Health Benefit
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Beginning January 1, 2026, the Virginia Conference will change how the Conference-sponsored health benefits for active clergy are funded. Currently, the majority of the funding for the active clergy health benefits comes from an apportionment. In 2026, the apportionment will be replaced by a flat amount that will be directly billed to churches for each health-plan eligible clergyperson. Local church leadership who have questions should first use the calculation tool below to assess what this change will mean for their own church. Any further questions may be directed to your District Superintendent. View video and calculation tool...
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Send in nominations for Harry Denman, One Matters awards
The Virginia Annual Conference is now accepting nominations for The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Laity and Youth.
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award recognizes a person whose life and ministry exemplifies the teaching of Christ and the Great Commission. Recipients of these awards, nominated by their local church and selected by the Annual Conference, live their call to “Offer Them Christ” daily as modeled by Dr. Harry Denman, founder of The Foundation for Evangelism that sponsors these awards.
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The Virginia Annual Conference Board of Discipleship is accepting applications for the “One Matters Discipleship Award.” This award will be given to a church with significant improvement of baptisms and professions of faith.
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Support California in disaster relief
UMCOR is communicating with the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church and preparing to support relief and recovery efforts once the fires have been contained. Right now, we encourage you to continue to pray, give, and stay connected as the conference assesses their immediate needs.
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Save the Date: Discernment Day
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Is God nudging you to do more? Do you think God is calling you, but you’re not sure how to answer?
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By virtue of our baptisms, we are all called by God in a myriad of ways – as laity serving in local churches, missionaries serving abroad, meeting the needs of the local community, to the set-apart ministry of the licensed and ordained and so much more.
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March 15, 2025 : Ebenezer UMC, Stafford
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Discernment Day is an opportunity for you to explore your sense of call with others who are discerning. Through prayer practices, age appropriate small groups, and topical discussion groups, you will be provided space to learn more, connect with others, and discern your next steps. Learn more...
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Send in applications for YSF grants
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The VAUMC Youth Council is now accepting applications for grants from The Youth Service Fund (YSF).
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YSF is the national United Methodist mission fund supported by youth. Through YSF, United Methodist teens raise money for other teens doing ministry in their churches and communities impacting poverty, illiteracy, absenteeism and social justice.
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A portion of the funds raised by the youth council each year remains with the conference to support ministry within churches of the annual conference.
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Grants of up to $1500 are available.
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The deadline to apply is March 3, and churches will hear by April 7. Ministries have one year to use the funds. Additional leadership development and training for the youth leading projects that receive grants will be available throughout the year. Learn more...
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GBHEM scholarships available
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship application portal is open for United Methodist students seeking scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study at colleges, universities and seminaries in the United States. Potential scholarships awarded range from $500 to $1,200, on average. The deadline to complete the application is Monday, March 31, 2025. Email [email protected] for more information. Learn more...
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Resources for Leaders
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Honoring Black History Month
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GCORR--History is full of unsung heroes. This February, we’re highlighting lesser-known figures in Black history who made lasting contributions to the church, society, and beyond. Join us in learning their stories!
Read their powerful legacies here...
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Find the right Lenten study or devotional
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Lent is just around the corner, beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 5. Prepare for this sacred season with inspiring new studies and devotionals from Abingdon Press, Upper Room Books and other trusted publishers. Designed for individuals, small groups or entire congregations, these resources feature insights from leading pastors and theologians. Learn more...
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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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