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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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NOTICE
The conference center in Glen Allen will be closed Thursday and Friday this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Top 5 newsletter and other newsletters will not be released as a result.
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Top Story
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Sign up for UM Day Informational meeting on December 5
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United Methodists advocate for neighbors by meeting with their representatives! We learn about issues that are facing people all across the commonwealth. We connect with each other, meeting friends old and new! We celebrate our United Methodist faith that values justice, advocacy, and compassion.
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If you've ever wanted to learn more about what happens at United Methodist Day at the General Assembly you should sign up for the preview on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
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You can learn about the event before taking the plunge to join us on January 30, 2025. Already know you want to join us in Richmond? Register for UM Day here...
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Registration for UM Day closes on January 17, 2025
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- Early Bird Registrations valid through December 20, 2024 - $25
- Regular Registration closes on January 17, 2025 - $35
- Student Registration - $10
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If you have any questions about this event, please contact Heather Wray at [email protected].
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Pastor speaks at World Methodist Evangelism Conference
The Rev. Josh Orndorff, Mt. Hermon UMC, was invited to speak as the keynote speaker at the World Methodist Evangelism Conference in Suva, Fiji in October 2024.
World Methodist Evangelism is a connection point for Christians within the global Wesleyan family who are dedicated to becoming agents of transformation by sharing the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. Begun in 1971, WME brings together over 80 denominations within the wide range of Wesleyan Methodist traditions, including over 84 million Christians in 134 countries.
Orndorff’s presentation, "Living Your Calling," focused on how to live out your calling while avoiding the various pitfalls and how churches can cultivate a culture of calling.
“The biblical witness attests to many individuals (e.g. Moses, David, Jonah, etc.) who faced challenges as they sought to answer their calling,” Orndorff said. “It also provides important examples and guidance on how to faithfully live into their calling. The hope is for churches to create space and develop a culture where people can "dream dreams and receive visions" for how the Holy Spirit is calling them to use their gifts to reach others for the kingdom of God.”
One of the main takeaways from the experience from Orndorff was the passion for learning by the participants.
“The participants in the conference were so hungry to learn new ways to share their faith and answer their calling,” Orndorff said. “As I work as a Spiritual Leadership Inc. coach with pastors and local churches, I hope to see a similar desire to learn so each church can live into its mission. Another takeaway was the affirmation of my dissertation research on calling. I am a Ph.D. candidate in Strategic Leadership Studies at James Madison University. I am renewed in my motivation and inspiration to continue my research to help the church cultivate a culture where people can answer God's call in a way to be healthy and effective.”
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Soul Feast continues Dec. 2
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. On the first Monday of each month, there will be a live webinar to discuss the next spiritual discipline and suggested resources will also be shared. The webinars will be available with Korean and Spanish subtitles for later viewing.
Start this initiative as a solo journey or join a companion for the journey starting this September.
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You're invited: NoVa District Training Day is Jan. 11
The Northern Virginia District is excited to partner with the Mountain View, Three Notch'd, and Valley Ridge Districts to provide an incredible training opportunity for the Virginia Conference's laity and clergy. Training Day will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8 different locations across the conference.
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Our own Bishop Sue is one of the keynote speakers as we explore the theme: Go! Make Disciples! Transform the World. She will be joined by Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. (Charlotte Episcopal Area) as well as Michael Beck (Director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church) to provide Keynote presentations designed to equip, encourage, and empower you for ministry.
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There are three ways to participate in Training Day: In Person, Satellite, and Virtual. Registration is OPEN and tickets are going fast. Be sure to get yours today! Learn more and register at https://2025.novatrainingday.com/
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Commission on the General Conference forges towards 2028
The first meeting of the new Commission on the General Conference members took place November 19-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they began the planning process for the 2028 quadrennial event.
Helmed by The Rev. Andy Call, the chair of the Commission on General Conference and The Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, secretary of the General Conference, and assisted by new Business Manager Sharah Dass, the gathering of members, except seven for various personal conflicts and commitments, provided time for team building, an overview of the group's responsibilities, a review of finances, learnings from the 2020/2024 event’s host committee, and planning and strategizing for future sessions.
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One Last Word
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Thankful for our Missional Church
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In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, when the need was greatest, the Virginia Conference came together with incredible strength and compassion.
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Through the generosity and dedication of local churches and districts, 2,810 flood buckets were collected to support families facing the devastation of the storm.
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Thank you, Virginia Conference, for your spirit of connectionalism and desire to serve in disaster recovery. Together, we’re making a difference, one bucket at a time.
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You are encouraged to share this missional news with local churches this Sunday and to share the video.
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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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