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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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- 50 years of turning faith into action
- Resources for Laity Sunday
- UMC Bishops condemn proposed plan for livestreamed execution
- Proposal moves forward for the new connectional ministries agency
- Hatching Faith Cohorts announces new staff
- Apply to Youth Service Fund missional grant
- Support Wesley Housing this November
- Register now for Hatching Faith Oct. 13 Information Session
- 2026 Conference Grants cycle now open
- Open enrollment for Benefit Plans begins Oct. 5
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Resources & Opportunities
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- Webinar: Motivate end-of-year giving
- 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: Email Scams on the Rise: Slow down, Pay Attention and think before you click!
- Ministry Toolbox Article: Pastor Appreciation Month: Simple Ways to Say Thank You
- Ministry Toolbox Article: RetirePath Virginia: A Retirement Requirement
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News posts
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50 years of turning faith into action
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UNITED METHODIST NEWS--From rebuilding communities after disasters to medical missions, construction projects and vocational training around the world, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission is celebrating a half-century of making a difference. Read more...
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Resources for Laity Sunday
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Laity Sunday celebrates the people of God and the Spirit working through them (all of them). As God’s people grow in grace, they gather with others and connect with the saving love of Jesus Christ. So, on Laity Sunday (October 18, 2026), we continue to lift up God’s call to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – especially, as we consider what it means to be chosen and grounded in God's love -love that calls us to bless the world with our light and witness. Find resources...
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UMC Bishops condemn proposed plan for livestreamed execution
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October 12, 2026--The Council of Bishops released a letter in regards to the proposed livestream execution by the U.S. Department of Defense.
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The letter said in part, "We write about an event in one nation because it holds up a mirror to all of us. Every society, on every continent where our church lives, is tempted to answer violence with spectacle, to bless national power with the name of God, and to make a whole people pay for the crime of one. What is happening in the United States is a local test of a global faithfulness.
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On November 5, 2009, 13 people were killed and more than 30 wounded at Fort Hood, a U.S. Army base in Texas. We grieve with the families of the fallen and with the survivors who still carry wounds in body and spirit. Nidal Hasan has admitted to these killings. He must be held fully accountable, and nothing we say excuses what he did.
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The U.S. Department of Defense now plans to execute him by firing squad on December 3 and to livestream the execution to the public (BBC). The Council of Bishops opposes this plan. Turning the death of a human being into a public broadcast does not honor the victims. It coarsens the conscience of a people and contradicts the gospel we proclaim." Read full statement...
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Proposal moves forward for the new connectional ministries agency
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UNITED METHODIST NEWS--The proposal to unify four general agencies of The United Methodist Church — Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries (GBGM), Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and United Methodist Communications (UMCom) — to create a new connectional ministries agency has passed its next significant milestone. During the 2026 fall board meetings of these agencies, board members voted to approve the recommended new agency name and the drafted unification legislation. The legislation will now advance to a review by the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters (SCRCM). Read more...
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Hatching Faith Cohorts announces new staff
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Hatching Faith Cohorts is excited to announce the addition of Rev. Reneé Delgado as a Cohort Coordinator beginning October 2026. Reneé will work alongside Rev. Jennifer Coffey in her role as Cohort Coordinator to support the growing ministry of Hatching Faith. Reneé shares more about herself and her ministry below.
"Hello! My name is Reneé Delgado, and I am excited to be part of the Hatching Faith Team!
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I spent 16 years serving as a Children and Family Minister and Discipleship Pastor before moving into my new appointment at Bowling Green/Wright’s Chapel UMC Cooperative Parish, where I currently serve as Associate Pastor of Community Outreach. I also serve on the Deacon Steering Team and the Children and Family Ministry Team for the VA Conference.
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I have a deep passion for children and families, and I look forward to supporting churches across the conference as they explore new and innovative ways to welcome and reach young families through worship. On a personal note, I have been married to Mike for more than 30 years, and we have three young adult children: Mariah, Jax, and Corinne. I love the beach, cozy sweatshirts and bonfires, warm tea, a good snowfall, and the beauty of spring flowers.
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I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Hatching Faith and look forward to learning, connecting, and serving alongside you!"
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Apply to Youth Service Fund missional grant
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The Youth Service Fund is a denominational missional grant fund that supports youth in mission in five areas: Faith Sharing and Outreach, Leadership Development, Scholarships for education/training, service, mission, or other ministries, ministry with at-risk youth, or agricultural or vocational development. These grants support local church youth from the Virginia conference in ministries that they lead, which also benefit youth, with funds raised by youth. The application for grants for 2027 is open now through February 1, 2027. Award decisions will come by March 1. To apply use this form. For more information, see the website: https://vaumc.org/youth-service-fund/.
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Support Wesley Housing this November
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For more than 50 years, Wesley Housing has been helping families build stronger, more stable lives by providing access to safe, affordable housing. Today, Wesley Housing provides affordable rental homes to more than 5,300 residents throughout Virginia and Washington, DC. But Wesley Housing goes beyond providing roofs overhead. Through educational, enrichment, and supportive programs, Wesley Housing helps residents gain stability, pursue opportunities, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Consider giving today and helping Wesley Housing “build up” our community and the lives of our low-income neighbors. For more information, please visit www.wesleyhousing.org/donate.
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Register now for Hatching Faith Oct. 13 Information Session
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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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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 are posted on the Virginia Conference website at vaumc.org.
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Resources & Opportunities
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Webinar: How to Choose an Online Giving Platform for Your Needs
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Choosing an online giving platform can feel overwhelming. With dozens of options available, church leaders often struggle to evaluate processing fees, user experience, reporting capabilities, and the features that matter most for their ministry.
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Join the Foundation for this practical webinar featuring Erica Allen and Weston Williams of Horizons Stewardship. Together, we’ll explore what leaders should consider when evaluating online giving platforms, how to ask the right questions, and ways to align your technology choices with a culture of generosity. This session is ideal for church leaders seeking greater clarity and confidence in selecting a platform that serves both their congregation and their mission.
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The webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to noon. It’s free, and space is limited, so register now to secure your spot! Register now...
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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: Email Scams on the Rise: Slow down, Pay Attention and think before you click!
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More and more, individuals’ emails are the targets of spoofing, scams, attempted takeovers, and more.
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Clergy and laity emails in the Virginia Conference are no strangers to these dangers, as such attempts are becoming much more commonplace and frequent.
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The attempts in the past have been somewhat easier to spot, though more recent attempts can be more sophisticated and confusing. Read more...
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Article: Simple Ways to Say Thank You for Pastor Appreciation Month
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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 Pastor Appreciation Day. The observance has been marked as a worldwide recognition time since 1992, with roots that go back to Paul’s instruction to give “double honor” to the elders who managed the affairs of the church. It’s a good moment to pause and say thank you. But it’s also a good reminder that appreciation shouldn’t be confined to one month a year. Read 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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Upcoming Events
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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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One Last Word
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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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