by Sam Duenckel | Oct 6, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox, News, Virginia News
Every October, churches across the connection pause to say thank you to the clergy who walk alongside them week in and week out. October is observed as Pastor Appreciation Month (also called Clergy Appreciation Month), with the second Sunday of the month set aside as...
by Sam Duenckel | Sep 29, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox, News, Virginia News
After years of faithful service in church offices, Microsoft Publisher reaches the end of its life this week. If your church uses Publisher through a Microsoft 365 subscription, it will no longer be available after Thursday, October 1. After that date, you will not be...
by Sam Duenckel | Sep 28, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox, News, Virginia News
By: Thomas James, Owner & Founder, Ekklesia Financial Services A newer law in the Commonwealth of Virginia says employers must provide a retirement withholding option for all employees. If you do not have a retirement plan, you must enroll in RetirePath Virginia....
by Sam Duenckel | Sep 14, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox
When the Methodist movement began, people who were not pastors found new ways to grow in faith and help lead the church. We call these people lay people or laity. Dr. Daine Lobody, a retired church history professor, says John Wesley’s Methodism was like “a school for...
by Sam Duenckel | Sep 3, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox, News, Virginia News
The word “liturgy” is one of those churchy words that we United Methodists love to use when discussing our worship life. We have a liturgy for Sunday morning worship. We have another liturgy for weddings, a liturgy for funerals. Our liturgy often changes depending on...
by Sam Duenckel | Aug 28, 2026 | Ministry Toolbox, News, Virginia News
The backpacks are blessed, the buses are rolling, and the work of the school year has begun. Fall kickoff is one of the best hospitality moments of the year, a chance to support our students and teachers and open our doors wide to families who may only visit a church...
