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To submit news items, stories, or corrections for inclusion in the newsletter, email the conference Communications Office at Communications@vaumc.org.
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Table of Contents
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- 2026 Conference Grants cycle now open
- Open enrollment for Benefit Plans begins Oct. 5
- New episcopal Executive Assistant announced
- Results from AC AI & Ministry survey shared
- Learn more about Miracle Sunday
- Interested in becoming a Poll Chaplain?
- New 'Q Source' newsletter released
- Support VAUMC global missions by giving a dollar a day in September
- Register now for Hatching Faith Cohort Year 3
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Resources & Opportunities
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- Webinar: Motivate end-of-year giving
- Learn more about Clergy Payroll
- Clergy opportunity: Six week cohort for renewal
- Learn about clergy finances through webinar series
- Article about required estimated quarterly tax payments
- Article about taking advantage of the clergy housing exclusion benefit
- Article about deductible ministerial expenses
- 'Do No Harm' event from Nov. 12-14
- Ministry Toolbox Article: Publisher Retires This Thursday: Save Your Files Now
- Ministry Toolbox Article: RetirePath Virginia: A Retirement Requirement
- Ministry Toolbox Article: Nominations 101
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News posts
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2026 Conference Grants cycle now open
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The Virginia Annual Conference Grantmaking Cooperative is accepting applications from October 1 through November 16, 2026. This year, the Cooperative is looking to fund initiatives across the Virginia Annual Conference that live out our connectional and missional calling, with the goal of large-scale community transformation.
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The Cooperative is looking for strong applications will show that the initiative to be:
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- coordinated among multiple United Methodist congregations and ministry expressions
- has defined, measurable impact in one or more communities
- promotes Wesleyan theology, ecclesiology, and praxis
- has buy-in from partner congregations and ministries
- is a new or renewed opportunity for partnership and community impact
Please note: grant funds may not be used for brick-and-mortar or overhead costs.
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What you'll need:
Plan to prepare the following:
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- a cover letter,
- executive summary,
- statement of need,
- detailed objective and strategy,
- plan of evaluation,
- and proposed budget.
If this project has operated in previous years, please include financial reports.
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2. New users: create an account for your organization. Returning users: log in with your existing credentials.
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3. Complete the application. Your progress saves, so you can come back and finish later.
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4. Submit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, November 16, 2026. This is a firm deadline; the portal will not accept late submissions.
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Open enrollment for Benefit Plans begins Oct. 5
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Open Enrollment for 2027 Benefit Plan Elections will begin on Monday, October 5 and end on Friday, October 30. Open Enrollment is the annual period when all benefits eligible Virginia Conference clergy and lay employees can enroll in or make changes to their benefit plan elections for 2027. As a reminder, health plan eligibility is available to full-time active clergy serving at churches and certain approved extension ministries and full-time lay employees of churches serving as plan sponsors. The Health Plan Administrator can be reached directly at 804-521-1131 or staceyanthony@vaumc.org.
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During the open enrollment period, the system will be accessible at unity.vaumc.org. Details including 2027 contribution rates and instructions on using Unity Web to log in and enroll/change your benefits or dependents will be posted on the Virginia Conference website at vaumc.org by October 1.
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New episcopal Executive Assistant announced
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Please give a warm welcome to Suzi Fischer, our new Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson. Suzi succeeds Terri Biggins who is retiring October 2. Suzi Fischer is a professional administrator and musician originally from Fredericksburg, VA. She moved to Richmond in 2007 to pursue her degree from VCU. Read more...
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Results from AC AI & Ministry survey shared
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Thank you to everyone who responded to the AI & Ministry Survey at Annual Conference this year. This report summarizes what the Virginia Annual Conference AI Task Force learned from those responses, both the excitement and the concerns. The task force has already begun using these results to shape its work and act on what clergy and laity across the conference raised. Learn more...
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Learn more about Miracle Sunday
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You are invited to participate in the global initiative to strengthen theological education worldwide as The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, initiated by the Council of Bishops, is launching the “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday” Initiative in 2026. The Virginia's Conference campaign started September 6 and concludes with Miracle Sunday on October 11.
This year, 30,000 United Methodist congregations are invited into a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered emphasis to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. Each congregation is asked to extend the vision of the church through study and the receipt of a special offering to provide for a permanent endowment to help support 500 students annually prepare for pastoral ministry across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
The initiative, approved by the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, and the General Council on Finance and Administration, calls The United Methodist Church into a season of worship, learning, and generosity. Learn more...
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Interested in being a Poll Chaplain?
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This fall, faith leaders will have the opportunity to train as poll chaplains offering a calming, supportive presence at polling places during a season that can be stressful for many voters. All poll chaplains will need to attend an evening virtual training session on either September 28 or October 15. More details will be shared once the completed form is submitted. Fill out interest form...
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New 'Q Source' newsletter released
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The newest 'Q Source' newsletter is now available for Quarter 2 2026.
The 'Q Source' report aims to give Virginia Conference members an easy digest of the work that is happening across the Virginia Conference on a regular basis. The hope would be that conference clergy and laity could more readily have examples of how ministry is happening across the conference, point to “bright spots” in the VAUMC, and expect more regular updates from operational offices such as Treasurer's Office and VUMPI. Members can anticipate an update in this format every quarter. Feedback or questions are welcome by emailing VAUMC Director of Communications at MadelineWhite@vaumc.org.
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Asian Christian leaders call for prayer, humanitarian support and sustained solidarity with affected communities. UMCOR said it stands ready to support the response efforts of United Mission to Nepal and other partners in the region. A United Methodist missionary serving in Nepal reports on relief efforts and longer-term plans in the region. Read more...
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Support VAUMC global missions by giving a dollar a day in
September
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Partnerships of Hope is a worldwide mission ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference. We walk alongside others to help improve lives. The needs are endless, from maternity care in Mozambique to creation care in Brazil, water wells in Cambodia, and beyond. God’s world is hurting, and for just a dollar a day in September—and beyond—you can help us build community and instill hope, one project at a time.
To learn more about our missionaries, our projects throughout the world, and how you can help, visit https://vaumc.org/partnerships-of-hope/. Together, we can be both givers and receivers of God's grace.
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Register now for Hatching Faith Cohort Year 3
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The registration for Cohort 4 and Cohort 5 opened August 3, 2026 and closes February 14, 2027. 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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Churches who commit to Hatching Faith Cohorts receive $2,500 or more in micro-grants to support their ministry.
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Resources & Opportunities
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Webinar: Motivate end-of-year giving
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The Foundation is offering a free, one-hour webinar next Tuesday, October 6 at 11 a.m. to help you motivate church members to increase their giving at the end of the year. Register now...
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Learn more about Clergy Payroll
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In June, the Annual Conference body voted to accept CFA’s Proposal to the Virginia Conference as presented in the Book of Reports on page 79. (Find some of the history behind this proposal here.)
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Beginning January 1, 2027, clergy payroll shall be administered through one of three options:
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(A) Clergy payroll may continue to be managed by a paid professional staff member of the local church.
(B) Clergy payroll may continue to be managed through an outside payroll vendor selected and funded by the local church.
(C) Clergy payroll may be administered by the Virginia Conference Clergy Payroll managed by the Treasurer’s Office at no additional cost to the local church.
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Clergy opportunity: Six week cohort for renewal
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There is an upcoming opportunity for pastors who have been in ministry at least 5 years, which will provide connection, support, and renewal.The Zoom cohort begins on October 14, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.
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Rev. Mike Maxwell, Virginia Conference ordained elder, and Rev. Stephanie Dunn, Tennessee/ Western Kentucky Conference ordained deacon, are both certified coaches who specialize in supporting clergy who have experienced burnout or want to prevent it.
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This 6-week Restore & Renew cohort creates intentional space to pause, reflect, and reorient amid the demands of ministry. Through group sessions, individual coaching, and practical tools, participants will:
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- Explore the current state of body, mind, and spirit
- Identify factors contributing to fatigue, stress, or diminished clarity
- Clarify a preferred picture of the immediate future
- Develop rhythms and practices that support sustainable ministry
- Create a personal well-being plan to carry forward
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Restore & Renew is a facilitated coaching cohort that integrates personal reflection, peer learning, and practical application in a confidential, supportive environment. The cost of this cohort is $500. The deadline to apply for the cohort is October 1, 2026. Find application and more information...
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Learn about clergy finances through webinar series
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Called, Compensated & Covered is a practical four-part webinar series designed to equip clergy with the knowledge and tools they need to better understand and steward their financial lives. Participants will explore the basics of clergy taxation, reimbursement practices, housing-related tax provisions, options for clergy payroll, benefits, and resources that can support their ministry and financial well-being. 1 C.E.U. will be offered to those who attend all four sessions, read the assigned book, and write a 1-page reflection paper, which will be due on November 1, 2026.
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Ministers: Get Your Tax Planning Done Before Your Upcoming Charge Conference!—Required Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments (or Voluntary Withholding Arrangement)
GUEST WRITER: Rev. Bill Davidson, IRS Enrolled Agent-- As Charge Conference season approaches, ministers and staff-parish relations committees need to plan now for clergy compensation to comply with the tax requirements and take advantage of all the tax benefits available to ministers (the topics of this series of articles):
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- Required estimated quarterly tax payments or voluntary withholding agreement
- The clergy housing allowance benefit
- Deductible ministerial expenses
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Ministers: Get Your Tax Planning Done Before Your Upcoming Charge Conference!—The Housing Allowance Exclusion Benefit
GUEST WRITER: Rev. Bill Davidson, IRS Enrolled Agent-- As Charge Conference season approaches, ministers and staff-parish relations committees need to plan now for clergy compensation to comply with the tax requirements and take advantage of all the tax benefits available to ministers (the topics of this series of articles):
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- Required estimated quarterly tax payments or voluntary withholding agreement
- The clergy housing allowance benefit
- Deductible ministerial expenses
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Ministers: Get Your Tax Planning Done Before Your Upcoming Charge Conference!—Deductible Ministerial Expenses
GUEST WRITER: Rev. Bill Davidson, IRS Enrolled Agent-- As Charge Conference season approaches, ministers and staff-parish relations committees need to plan now for clergy compensation to comply with the tax requirements and take advantage of all the tax benefits available to ministers (the topics of this series of articles):
• Required estimated quarterly tax payments or voluntary withholding agreement.
• The clergy housing allowance exclusion benefit
• Deductible ministerial expenses
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'Do No Harm' event from Nov. 12-14
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This November, GCSRW invites the whole connection to Do No Harm — a virtual conference equipping individuals and the Church to prevent sexual harm and foster trauma-informed care. For the first time since its inception in 2006, the gathering is fully online. Thursday and Friday offer professional development for those who lead prevention, response, and training; Saturday is a public witness for everyone, centered on truth-telling, healing, and solidarity, offered on a sliding scale. Ashley Judd and Rachael Denhollander headline. November 12–14, 2026. Register at https://gcsrw.org/do-no-harm/.
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The Annual Conference staff is committed to partnering with local churches as they make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Beginning in March, a new resourcing article will be included in each weekly Advocate e-newsletter. Ministry Toolbox: Resources for Churches is designed to provide practical tools, ideas, and encouragement to support the shared work of ministry. Each edition will offer concise, actionable insights that can be put to use in congregational life right away. Articles will be written by the Conference Directors of Communications and Resourcing, along with guest contributors from across the conference. At times, we will also highlight trusted tools and resources from the wider church and beyond.
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Article: Publisher Retires This Thursday: Save Your Files Now
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After years of faithful service in church offices, Microsoft Publisher reaches the end of its life this week.
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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 able to open or edit your .pub files in Publisher.
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If your church owns a standalone copy (Publisher 2021 or older, purchased outright), the program will keep working, but Microsoft will stop supporting it on October 13. That means no more fixes or security updates, and it will only get harder to use over time. This is not a crisis, but it is a deadline. The most important thing you can do this week takes just a minute or two per file. Learn more...
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Article: RetirePath Virginia: A Retirement Requirement
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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. Churches are not exempt from this policy. Read more...
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Article: Nominations 101
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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 leadership development.” That means people were encouraged to find their gifts, grow their strengths, and use them to serve God. Wesley invited lay people to lead classes, care for one another, preach, start ministries, serve the community, and guide schools. Read more...
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Upcoming Events
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Registration ends October 4 for Foundation Golf Classic
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Last chance to sign up for the 6th Annual Golf Classic on October 12, benefiting Heart Havens and its mission to empower adults with developmental disabilities across Virginia.
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Playing solo? No problem! Sign up as an individual golfer, and we’ll place you on a team. The format is captain's choice aka scramble, so everyone has a chance to contribute to the team's score.
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Enjoy a great day on the course, meet fellow golfers and support an important ministry in our United Methodist community. Learn more...
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UMVIM Team Leader training on Oct. 24
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Join for the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 7310-A Old Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. 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 in collaboration with Tim Wells, VAUMC UMVIM trainer and Allan Ballenger, Team Leader for recent Western North Carolina UMVIM Teams. 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. Lunch/snacks will be provided. The deadline to register is Friday, October 16, 2026.
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Once you have registered, an online training manual is available at https://umvim.org/handbook . If you desire a printed copy, we ask that you print and bring it with you in whatever format you prefer.
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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 Tim Wells, cyacard@comcast.net, 703-517-0183. We look forward to having you and serving alongside you!
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Save the Date: 2027 SEJ Disaster Academy
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- February 17-21, 2027
- Fairhope, Alabama
- Hosted by North Alabama Conference and Alabama-West Florida Conference in partnership with UMCOR
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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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