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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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- Next steps now available for Clergy Payroll changes
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Clergy member becomes latest member of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
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Fill out interest survey about going solar
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- Church called to ‘rise up’ amid loneliness, AI
- Become an IDI Qualified Administrator
- Servant Sister Scholarship Application Deadline is October 1
- Season of Creation start September 1
- Hatching Faith Cohort Year 3 Registration now open
- Connect college students to campus ministries
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Resources & Opportunities
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'Do No Harm' event from Nov. 12-14
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- Join Wonder Summit event in November
- Ministry Toolbox Article: Breakthrough Prayer: An Intentional Congregational Prayer Practice
- Ministry Toolbox Article:New Hire Laws in Virginia
- Ministry Toolbox Article: Supporting our College Students–at Home and Away
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News posts
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Next steps now available for Clergy Payroll changes
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An email was sent on Monday, August 17 to clergy and church treasurers about the next steps for clergy payroll changes. 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. Learn more...
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Clergy member becomes latest member of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
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Quote from Brian Christofferson, VAUMC Creation Justice Coordinator, "I'd like to say thank you and congratulations to Rev. Dr. Janine Howard, lead pastor at Fairlington UMC in Alexandria, for her lifelong commitment and ministry for the most vulnerable in our communities and in all of Creation, as recently exhibited by joining the Faith Alliance For Climate Solutions Clergy Council (FACS) to prayerfully advise and guide FACS and all of us to 'unite people of faith and friends who share our values to develop local solutions to the climate crisis.' See the FACS announcement...
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Fill out interest survey about going solar
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A team of United Methodist solar advocates and leaders from across the country are asking a lender to provide grants and below-market interest loans to churches who want to go solar. To strengthen the case, churches throughout the country are asked to respond to this survey to demonstrate to the lender the demand for going solar. If you would benefit from grants and lower interest loan rates for a new solar installation, please take a few moments to respond to this survey. Take survey...
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Church called to ‘rise up’ amid loneliness, AI
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UNITED METHODIST NEWS-- RISE UP, the 2026 installment of Discipleship Ministries’ School of Congregational Development, was held Aug. 2-5. Two presentations focused on artificial intelligence and the way it and other technology can foster loneliness. The church can lead in the healing of loneliness through United Methodist practices, speakers said, including the formation of small groups. Read more...
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Become an IDI Qualified Administrator
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The Center for Belonging & Advocacy is seeking two individuals to become Qualified Administrators for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), an important tool for strengthening intercultural competence across the Virginia Conference.
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The IDI has become a vital part of our work with Conference staff, district staffs, Cabinet, Boards and Agencies, clergy groups, and ministry teams. As the use of the IDI continues to grow, we are expanding our team by recruiting two additional Qualified Administrators to provide confidential individual and team debriefs following completion of the assessment.
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Qualified Administrators complete a three-day certification training that prepares them to interpret IDI results, facilitate developmental conversations, and support participants in creating individualized growth plans. This is a stipended position through the Center for Belonging & Advocacy.
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We are looking for individuals who are gifted listeners, skilled facilitators, and passionate about helping others grow in intercultural competence and leadership. Previous experience with the IDI is helpful but not required.
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If you are interested in helping expand this important ministry across the Virginia Conference, we encourage you to apply using this form: https://forms.gle/yNAfFGStWa8x1dHZ9. We look forward to welcoming two new Qualified Administrators to this growing ministry.
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Servant Sister Scholarship Application Deadline is October 1
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Here is how the Servant Sister Scholarship impacted one recipient:
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“The Servant Sister Scholarship was such a gift. Not only did the application questions cause me to reflect on and feel closer to the myriad women who have walked alongside me in life, but the funds allowed me to complete very engaging classes for my ordination requirements. I am a healthcare chaplain and have just received the Board of Ordained Ministry's recommendation for provisional ordination as a deacon. The future is bright, and this scholarship made that possible.” Allison Koehler-Masavisut
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This scholarship fund was established in 2018 and continues to grow through the gifts of many who support the leadership of women in our VAUMC. All women who are answering a call to ministry and are enrolled in an accredited theological program can apply. During our Annual Conference in Harrisonburg, two of our past recipients began new chapters in their ministries. Megan Dietrick is licensed as a local pastor and Allison Koehler-Masavisut is a newly elected provisional member of the order of deacon.
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For further information, the Servant Sister Scholarship is found here on the VAUMC website. Please feel free to share the application information with women you know who would benefit from scholarship support. The link for the application process is found here. The next application deadline is July 1.
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Thank you to all who have donated the Servant Sister Scholarship Fund. Below is the QR code where you can designate a gift for the Servant Sister Scholarship through the United Methodist Foundation. Checks can also be made to The United Methodist Foundation with a notation for the Servant Sister Scholarship Fund.
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Caption: (Left to Right) Allison Koehler-Masavisut and Megan Dietrick
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Season of Creation starts September 1
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The Feast of Creation + Season of Creation in Christ starts September 1. It can be celebrated for four Sundays beginning September 6. Take a moment to explore the concept and the resources provided.
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This is a new Holy Day and Season for United Methodists. A Worship Series, Salt+Soil+Seawater has been created by the United Methodist National Creation Justice Movement for clergy and laity to use during the month of September, or at a time that fits the local church calendar.
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Themes sound strange? They are well explained in the accompanying Adult Participation Guide’s 5-6 week study.
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For example, Salt is featured in the 6-week Adult Participation study guide (pp. 29-30). Salt is present in creation with the formation of the seas. Animals with salt in their bodies emerged from the water and adapted to dry land., and the book of Leviticus 2:13 instructs worshipers to offer it as part of the temple sacrifice. In the New Testament salt is paired with Light (Matthew 5:13-16) you are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world) And keeping it in balance is part of our human health today.
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The children’s materials provide a script for Moments in Worship and extensions p.42-43.) There are Mission Project suggestions for Youth as well as opening and closing circle questions for youth groups. The Adult Participation Study, includes “Creation Justice Tips” which are published each month (https://umcreationjustice.org/tips/) for you to use and distribute.
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Hatching Faith Cohort Year 3 Registration now open
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"Before Hatching Faith, we were swimming upstream"
"It's different when children aren't performing in worship, but they are comfortable in worship"
"We are being more intentional now"
"When we try to make worship accessible for children, we engage adults more as well"
"She insists that she goes to church on Sunday mornings"
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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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Connect college students to campus ministries
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You can support VAUMC-supported campus ministries by letting our campus ministers and chaplains know that your churches' high school graduates are coming to their schools. Campus ministries are a home away from home for students, and you can help connect them even before they arrive on campus. Ever summer, campus ministers reach out to incoming students, welcome students at the beginning of the fall semester, and extend invitations to various ministries.
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The Book of Discipline (¶ 232) requires all pastors to submit names and contact information to the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, and this form is the best way to submit that information.
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By sending this information, you can help students from your congregations feel loved and supported as they enter college or university this fall. Please take a moment to let us know they are coming!
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If you have a number of students, you can upload a spreadsheet at the bottom of the form after completing the form for one student, or simply email the spreadsheet to Dwayne Stinson at dwaynestinson@vaumc.org instead of completing the form.
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Resources & Opportunities
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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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Join Wonder Summit event in November
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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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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: Breakthrough Prayer: An Intentional Congregational Prayer Practice
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Is your church discerning its future or struggling to imagine what God may be calling it next? Has your attendance declined or has a ministry lost momentum? In times like these, it is easy to jump quickly into forming a committee and planning a strategy or brainstorming solutions. While these things are helpful, what if our first response to challenges is prayer? Breakthrough Prayer is a simple, intentional congregational practice that invites a church to name the places where it needs God to make a way forward—and then consistently pray for that breakthrough. Read more...
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Article: New Hire Laws in Virginia
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GUEST WRITER REV. THOMAS JAMES-- Is your church growing? Is your ministry preparing for a new hire? Make sure your SPRC or Personnel Committee leaders are up to date on the most recent changes to Virginia Employment Law, which now specifies prohibitions and requirements related to wage and salary expectations. The primary changes are:
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- Employers are now required to list the wage or salary range on all job postings.
- Employers may no longer ask a prospective hire their wage or salary history.
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Article: Supporting our College Students–at Home and Away
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College students live in transition–new housing each year, new courses each semester, breaks that bring them home or take them to new locations. Your congregation can invest in the lives of college students–those from your congregation and those at local colleges or universities, as an integral part of your ministry. These students often feel cut off from home, and you can help them feel connected to your congregation as a reminder of home or as a home away from home. August is here, and colleges and universities are gearing up for students to return. Now is the time to think about how your church can intentionally engage with the students in your community: those who grew up in your church, and those who’ve come to your area for college. 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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UMM Spiritual Retreat returns
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The VA Conference UMM Spiritual Retreat is back and will be held on Friday, September 18 through Saturday, September 19 at Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA. The theme is "B1, Inspire1 - Men of Faith, Sharing their Faith." Rev. Dr. Clarence Brown will be our keynote speaker. Topics include discipleship, mentoring, and prayer life. There will be breakout sessions, fellowship time, and gospel singing. All men of the VA Conference and beyond are invited. Check in begins at 3:00 PM on September 18 and the retreat concludes at 3:00 PM on September 19. All registrations include dinner, breakfast, and lunch: $150 registration with overnight lodging, $65 without overnight lodging. Looking forward to a great time of spiritual renewal and fellowship! UMM Spiritual Retreat Sign Up...
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Register now for Foundation Golf Classic
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The 6th Annual Foundation Golf Classic is on Monday, October 12, 2026. Since inception in 2021, this annual event has grown in popularity, so join in the fun and play for a worthy cause by marking your calendar now and recruiting your team! All proceeds from the Golf Classic will benefit Heart Havens, a ministry which operates eight group homes in Virginia, empowering adults with developmental disabilities to live and thrive in their community. Register now...
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- Location: Stonehenge Golf Club in Midlothian, outside of Richmond.
- A box lunch will be provided as well as an afternoon awards reception.
- Mulligans will be available for purchase the day of the tournament.
- Shotgun start at noon, followed by the awards reception at Stonehenge Golf Club in Midlothian, VA.
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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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It's 'Back to School' season across our conference the latter half of this month. Would you pray with us?
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God of learning
God of community
God in joyful spaces
God in challenging places
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Be with and amongst our students, teachers, school staff and volunteers, mentors, parents and guardians as the school supplies are opened from their packaging, as excitement opens up new routines, and as a new year gives way to the future. Amen.
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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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