To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at Communications@vaumc.org.
Table of Contents
Top Stories:
- Global Ministries affirm CIEMAL’s Call for Peace and Nonviolence in Venezuela
News Posts:
- Bishop interviewed on recent podcast episode
- Share your ‘Brightspots’ in 2026
Resources & Opportunities:
- Registration open for Lay Servant Academy courses
Upcoming Events
One Last Word
Top Stories
Global Ministries affirm CIEMAL’s Call for Peace and Nonviolence in Venezuela
January 4, 2026– The General Board of Global Ministries shared a statement standing with the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches of Latin America and the Caribbean (CIEMAL) in affirming nonviolence as the path to peace and justice.
“Our witness as followers of Christ calls us to reject violence in all its forms. Lasting peace must be built through respect for human dignity and the sovereignty of all peoples—never through the imposition of force,” said General Secretary Roland Fernandes.
Review our affirmation and CIEMAL’s statement…
Posts for the week
Share your ‘Brightspots’ in 2026
2025 was full of great ministries that our communications office was able to shine a light on! View the 2025 recap…
If your church has a cool ministry that you want to be a Brightspot in 2026, reach out to communications@vaumc.org.
Posts for the week
Registration open for Lay Servant Academy courses
Join in February for Training Weekend featuring the Basic Course, Class Leaders, Leading Worship, and more. PLUS! Lent offers a deeper journey through Soul Reset, Daily Disciplines, and the Talking Bible. Laity and clergy are invited to sign up for courses. Click here to see all the courses and to register…
Please direct questions to Tianna Durbin and Richard Speirs.
Upcoming Events
Registration now open for UM Day 2026
In the Virginia Conference we have been change makers in our great Commonwealth for over 30 years. The next United Methodist Day at the General Assembly is scheduled for January 29, 2026. When we gather together will have arranged visits with our Senators to discuss issues that are relevant to our faith with direction from our friends and partners at Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP). You also have the opportunity to speak to your Delegates if you plan the visit and we can help you schedule that if needed. One of the ways we put our faith in action is by advocating for the least, the last, and the lost at the General Assembly. We hope that you will come and join us virtually in Richmond as we continue our legacy as change makers here in our Commonwealth. Register now…
FYI: The event location has changed for 2026.
Centenary UMC in Richmond
January 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Centenary UMC (Parking Lot Address: 400 E Franklin St Richmond, VA 23219)
Early Bird: $25 (valid through 12/12/25)
Regular Registration: $40 (closes 1/18/26)
Student: $10
Registration closes January 18, 2026
Save January 20 at 7 p.m. to learn about Wild Church
Wild Church, an ecumenical and interfaith movement, is rooted in an understanding that the whole of creation is holy. Wild Churches meet outside. The spiritual practice of moving from buildings and four walls into natural spaces with no walls invites people into a more expansive sense of interconnection and belonging.
With several hundred Wild Churches around the globe, some are associated with denominations, including the United Methodist Church (UMC), others are not associated with any institution or formal religion. This is a movement arising from the earth and spirit, leading into new expressions of faith.
The learning event on Tuesday, January 20 at 7 p.m. over Zoom webinar will provide a space to explore the history, practices, vision and movement of Wild Church and the Wild Church Network. Join Valerie Luna Serrels, Mycelial Weaver (Director) and co-founder of the Wild Church Network, and founder/guide of Shenandoah Valley Church of the Wild, and Lara Upton, UMC-affiliated Wild Church leader in Charlottesville, VA and other Wild Church leaders, to explore how your community might plant the seed of a Wild Church in your existing context or adjunct to it. There will be opportunity to learn more about the movement as well as participate in a Wild Church gathering and have deepening conversation with others. More information will be forthcoming.
Upcoming event focuses on racial injustice
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Racial Justice Network (RJN) is hosting the Resisting Racial Injustice in the Way of Jesus Conference at Belmont UMC in Richmond. The RND is an informal group of persons from different churches and backgrounds building strong cross-racial relationships and working together to learn about and address racial justice issues. The keynote speaker for the conference is Rev. Ben Campbell, Episcopal priest, civil rights activist, founder of Richmond Hill, and author of “Richmond’s Unhealed History”. In addition, three workshops will be offered: Conversations as Resistance with Rev. Lan Wilson, VAUMC Director of Belonging and Advocacy; Non-violent Direct Action as Resistance with Rev. Dr. Jim Melson, Executive Director of Cornelius Corps; and Spiritual Formation as Resistance with Rev. Tom Baynham, Richmond Hill Director of Outreach and Spiritual Formation. Make plans today to join us on February 28. Registration will be available soon. For questions, email racialjnetwork@gmail.com.
Save the Date for the Wonder Summit
Save the date November 4-6, 2026 for The Wonder Summit: Reimagining Congregational Worship & Prayer with Children, a conference that will provide theological, practical, and cultural approaches to integrating and engaging children in congregational worship for multiple contexts. Hosted by the Western NC UMC Conference and supported by SEJ conferences, all ministry leaders are invited! Contact Rev. Hannah Bryn hannahbryn@vaumc.org for more information about group travel and accommodations.
One Last Word
