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TOP FIVE
for
[August 27, 2026]
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UMCOR ready to assist in
Nepal/China flash flooding
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UMCOR--Join us in prayer for those impacted by devastating flash flooding along the border of Nepal and China. We pray especially for the families and loved ones of those who have died or remain missing, and for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
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As first responders assist survivors and search for the missing, UMCOR will support the response efforts of United Mission Nepal and other partners in the region. UMCOR giving site...
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The Wonder Summit:
Reimagining Congregational Worship & Prayer with Children
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Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference--
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SEJ Pastors, Youth & Children's Leaders, you are invited to The Wonder Summit! Come explore new possibilities for engaging children as full participants in the worshipping life of the church!
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Congregational leaders from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church will gather at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center on November 4–6, 2026, for The Wonder Summit — hosted by the Western North Carolina Conference's Cultivate Grant and Lake Junaluska.
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Through keynotes, interactive workshops, collaborative conversations, and hands-on experiences, participants will dig into theology, practical ideas, and contextual application — discovering approaches that invite people of every age to encounter God through worship that is meaningful, participatory, and experiential.
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Learn more and register: thewondersummit.org
Use coupon code SEJ for early bird pricing of just $155 per person — good through September 1
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Learn about new UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program
Designed to help United Methodist churches serving vulnerable communities across the U.S. procure and install solar and/or battery systems, this Global Ministries and UMCOR program will build resilience, reduce emissions and energy costs, and keep the doors of these critical community service ministries open.
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Up to 20 churches will be selected for the program, with applications accepted through Nov. 2, 2026.
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Season of Creation starts September 1
Celebrate a new Holy Day for the Christian Year with Creation in Christ (to be celebrated September 1 or the first Sunday following September 1). This day is being added to the Lectionary this year during a time of crisis for the environment and a crisis all of us who depend on it for life. (The Consultation on Common Tests which produces the Revised Common Lectionary. Despite the fears we have about the change in the atmosphere that is changing patterns of storms, fires, precipitation, forests and ocean currents and the way that we grow food and raise families, we find ways to adapt and to lessen our part in the change.
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This Holy Celebration has ancient roots. The Eastern Orthodox Church is credited with originating the day God began creating the Cosmos and the beginning of time itself in the 7th century. The date of September 1 was chosen to coincide with the Eastern Orthodox celebration.
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The Worship Team of the United Methodist National Creation Justice Movement has been writing comprehensive Sermon and Liturgical resources, not just for Creation in Christ Sunday, but also for a 4 week worship series, Season of Creation (using Year A Scripture texts.) They have also written an additional 6 week Adult Study to complement the worship resources.
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Theme for 2026: Salt +Soil+ Seawater.
Week 1 Look to Jesus
Week 2 God’s Breath
Week 3 The Cosmic Dance of Creation and Our Place Within It
Week 4 The One in Whom We Live and Have Our Being
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Hatching Faith Cohort Year 3 Registration open now
The registration for Cohort 4 and Cohort 5 opened August 3, 2026 and closes February 14, 2027. Churches who commit to Hatching Faith Cohorts receive $2,500 or more in micro-grants to support their ministry"
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Cohorts 4 and 5 will run simultaneously, joining together in a Kick-Off event in Spring 2027. The registration link as well as FAQs, cohort timeline, and contact information can be found at vaumc.org/hatchingfaith.
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Subscribe to VAUMC communications
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Individuals can opt in to curated email subscriptions from VAUMC Communications.
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Offerings are:
• Obituaries (sent out as they are received by the Communications Office)
• Local Church events (sent out biweekly)
• Jobs (sent out biweekly)
• The Top Five (Every Thursday, this is a news wrap up to give clergy and laity the tops five news items going into the weekend
• Advocate newsletter (sent every Tuesday featuring Virginia UM and denominational news, grants, connection and educational opportunities)
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Public Notice Board
Have questions to crowd-source or looking for something? Find announcements or send in a posting to share conference-wide. Learn more...
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