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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
In observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays, all newsletters will not release new issues after Dec. 20 until the New Year.
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Top Stories
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COB seeks prayers for peace in Nigeria
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In this season of Advent, The Council of Bishops calls all United Methodists to pray after the Bwoi UMC in Bunkabu, Nigeria, was attacked in its building. Three United Methodists were killed; a 28-year-old by gunfire and two young children when a fire was set to their home. Read More...
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Join UMVIM Team Leader Training -Feb. 2025
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Join the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training on
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Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wellspring UMC,
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4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
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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 by Kip Robinson, senior UMVIM trainer.
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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, January 31, 2025. Sign up...
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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. Additionally, we ask for you to bring a little team spirit and a servant’s heart!
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For further questions, please contact Kip Robinson ([email protected], 804.539.2494). We look forward to having you and serving alongside you!
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Upcoming Events
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Save the Date for 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.
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Anyone who has experienced God’s call on their lives. The event is designed for high school students and older.
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Nothing! This is a free event hosted by the Board of Laity and the Board of Ordained Ministry.
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What will the small groups be like?
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The small groups will provide space to explore what is emerging in your head and heart throughout the event.
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What will the discussion groups be like?
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The discussion groups are topical forums to learn more about an area of ministry. Each group will be led by two experts on that topic. The groups will be interactive, panel and Q&A discussions.
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What are the discussion groups?
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Each person can choose two discussion groups to join. A complete list is found below. These groups will provide space for participants to explore different avenues for living out their call.
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Save the Date for VAUMC Climate Summit -Mar. 8
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Stakeholders in VA Conference UMC, including conference boards & related agencies, districts & churches, to connect & learn why they are key to the VAUMC response to God’s call for Climate & Racial Justice, Sustainability in Climate Change, & The Net Zero by 2050 Resolution.
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Youth are encouraged to join (individually or as a youth group) and will have workshop sessions designed specifically for teens on the theme of faith + science and Creation Care.
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Theme: Thinking & Action: How we as the Virginia United Methodist Church rethinking our understanding & action around Climate change/justice & its intersection with racial justice.
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Register for mentor training
There will be a mentor training for all current and new candidacy mentors and local pastor mentors on February 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Register...
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If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley, the Director for Call & Candidacy, at [email protected].
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Medical Mission Team needs more members
One medical person, one non-medical person, and one translator are needed to complete a Friends of Barnabas Foundation team going to Honduras. Team members must be at least 17 years old. They are scheduled for the trip from February 15-22, 2025. The team will be providing medical/dental/eye care in the mountains of central Honduras. The cost is $2,250 per person which includes, lodging, meals, and insurance. Please prayerfully consider becoming a member of this group which is sponsored by Main Street UMC in Suffolk and Warwick Memorial UMC in Newport News.The experience is both rewarding and life changing.
For more information or to volunteer, contact co-leader Dr. Carlos Liceaga, P.E. at 757-768-2223 or [email protected].
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Bishops forgo pay raises to shore up funds
UM NEWS--The United Methodist Church’s ministries are dealing with deep budget cuts.
That includes bishops, who are trying to help bolster the Episcopal Fund by going without a salary increase next year. The board of the denomination’s finance agency approved the bishops’ request as well as much smaller spending plans next year for the denomination’s agencies.
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UnDue Medical Debt campaign formally closes
Rev. Amanda Miller Garber, Missional & Community Engagement, gave a conference-wide video update on the UnDue Medical Debt Campaign.
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This giving campaign began with Annual Conference 2024 as one half of the Annual Conference offering to address the millions of dollars of medical debt impacting Virginians across the Commonwealth.
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VAUMC members are still highly encouraged to give but the campaign is now formally ending with the beginning of Advent and Christmas seasons in recognition of the many causes United Methodists may want to support as well.
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Together, the VAUMC raised $86,500 toward the campaign. Thank you, VAUMC, for your generosity in addressing this real issue facing some many Virginians.
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United Methodist History
(online course)
Instructor: Dr. Hyo J. Lee, District Superintendent (Three Notch'd)
Dates: January 6-9, 2025; 6:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M. Location: Zoom
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United Methodist History class will explore the history of the United Methodist Church, tracing its origin to John Wesley in 1700s and later its establishment and expansion as one of the major mainline denominations in the U.S. and the world. History reveals many challenges, shortcomings, and triumphs that this body experienced, yet, it continued to offer Christ and the good news.
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Learn about LEAD (HER): Empowering female clergy conference
A new conference for women in Pastoral Leadership is now available. Women face unique challenges and opportunities as leaders in the church. Join other women dedicated to addressing those challenges head-on while celebrating the invaluable gifts women bring to the table. Hear inspiring leaders share their stories, while equipping you for the complexities of leadership in the church today. Deepen your skills through practical breakout sessions on setting boundaries, navigating conflict, balancing competing values, and more. Discover a supportive network of fellow clergywomen and forge lasting friendships in a safe space marked by diversity and inclusivity.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 9:00 am – 11:45 am
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Resurrection UMC, Leawood, Kansas
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Register for SEJ Disaster Academy
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The Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) faced a challenging 2024, with numerous hurricanes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and other disasters affecting our communities. These events highlighted the critical need for preparedness, collaboration, and effective response strategies.
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We are excited to invite you to the 2025 SEJ Disaster Academy, taking place January 9–12, 2025, in Fruitland Park, Florida. This event will strengthen our network and equip us with the tools and training needed to meet future challenges head-on.
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The SEJ Disaster Academy offers resources and sessions for everyone in disaster recovery, whether you are a seasoned professional or new to this vital work. Sessions include:
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Foundations for Disaster Ministry
Cultural Sensitivity in Disaster Response
Connecting Neighbors
ERT 200 Courses
And many more!
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We understand that financial barriers can limit participation. Scholarships are available, so please indicate on the registration form if you need assistance. Additionally, there is an option to contribute to the scholarship fund if you’d like to help others attend.
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Join NoVa District Training Day on 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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Register for UM Day
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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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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One Last Word
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Reminders of generosity
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A small but mighty UMC, Memorial UMC, Mission Rivers District, recently completed 10 buckets toward the VAUMC total of assisting with hurricane recovery and relief following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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This happened in the midst of other projects of generosity the church members had planned this month from 200 gift bags for older adult low income housing, homemade walker bags, knitted blankets and scarves, scarves for kids, and 18 homemade pillowcases that will be filled with gifts for the participants of a local adult workplace.
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"This little congregation is amazing with its generosity," Rev. Kathleen Monge, Memorial UMC pastor, said. "What is going on now but doesn’t even take in the generosity that happens the other 10 months. I am humbled to be the part time ‘lil ol’ retired pastor serving here."
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What a reminder of generosity. We are all capable of it whether small or large congregations.
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VAUMC clergy and lay leaders, be sure to thank your congregations for their generosity this year. From cleaning (flood bucket) kit collection, to Annual Conference offering giving, our impact goes so much farther together. Thank you for being people of compassion and mission.
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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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