|
|
To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Stories
|
|
United Methodists called to welcome migrant, immigrant, refugee
|
The Council of Bishops released a "Pastoral Letter Addressing the Plight of Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees in the US " or Epiphany yesterday.
As United Methodists we have firmly declared through our Social Principles that we are called to actively welcome the migrant, immigrant, and refugee among us. Read more...
|
|
2024 Grant Award winners announced by VAUMC Grantmaking Cooperative
|
The Grantmaking Cooperative of the Virginia Annual Conference (VAUMC), made up of the Common Table for Church Vitality, Church Development Team, and Virginia United Methodist Foundation are excited to award over $100,000 in total funding to the 2024 grant award winners. Learn more...
|
|
|
|
Featured Event
|
|
Save the Date for VAUMC Climate Summit -Mar. 8
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Theme: Thinking & Action: How we as the Virginia United Methodist Church rethinking our understanding & action around Climate change/justice & its intersection with racial justice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunity for young adults, college students
Calling All young people and college students!
|
|
Join Cross Connection for a First Look into serving on Summer Staff on January 12, 12–3 p.m. at the VA Conference Office (10330 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060).
|
Are you curious about what it’s like to be on summer staff with Cross Connection? Join us for First Look on January 12, from 12 to 3 p.m., to learn about the exciting opportunities we offer, meet our team, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact this summer.
|
This session will also provide insights into the role of Camp Coordinator, where you’ll play a vital part in planning, coordinating, and executing week-long missions, worship experiences, and service projects. Camp Coordinators are responsible for fostering relationships in the community, organizing in-camp activities, leading worship services, and supporting students and adults as they navigate physical and spiritual challenges. You'll work closely with the entire team, ensuring camps run smoothly and safely while encouraging campers’ spiritual growth.
Lunch will be provided, and you’ll need to attend the full session to get the most out of the experience.
|
|
Save the Date: Discernment Day
|
Is God nudging you to do more? Do you think God is calling you, but you’re not sure how to answer?
|
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.
|
|
March 15, 2025 : Ebenezer UMC, Stafford
|
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...
|
|
|
|
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...
|
|
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley, the Director for Call & Candidacy, at [email protected].
|
|
Global Mission Fellow from VA sends update
Daniel Mohr, a former UVa and Wesley Foundation student, is now based as a Global Mission Fellow (GMF) through the General Board of Global Ministries in Vienna, Austria. GMFs are young adults based around the world who put their faith into action.
|
|
|
|
Join UMVIM Team Leader Training -Feb. 2025
|
Join the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training on
|
|
Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wellspring UMC,
|
4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
|
|
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.
|
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...
|
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!
|
|
For further questions, please contact Kip Robinson ([email protected], 804.539.2494). We look forward to having you and serving alongside you!
|
|
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].
|
|
|
|
Registeration closes soon 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.
|
There is now a "Policy Issue Interest Survey" for folks who haven't yet registered to give organizers an idea of what they are interested in advocating for at UM Day. The link for those who have not yet registered and would like to fill out the survey can be found here: For those who have already registered for UM Day, you will be receiving separate communication regarding how to fill out your survey.
|
Registration for UM Day closes on January 17, 2025
|
- Registration closes on January 17, 2025 - $35
- Student Registration - $10
|
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Heather Wray at [email protected].
|
|
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.
|
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 9:00 am – 11:45 am
|
Resurrection UMC, Leawood, Kansas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources
|
|
New webinar series on the meaning of the sacraments
|
Deepen your understanding of baptism, holy communion, and your United Methodist membership vows through this three-part webinar series for church leaders. Gain practical tools and theological insights, while connecting with others passionate about revitalizing worship and discipleship practices. Learn more...
|
|
Ways for churches to celebrate Martin Luther King Day
Every third Monday in January, we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a preacher and civil rights leader, by celebrating the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and reaffirming our commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation. Explore ways your church can honor his legacy and inspire your community. Learn more...
|
|
|
|
|
Other VAUMC Communications Channels
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Please send in questions you have that you would like to find answers to: [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
