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TOP FIVE
for
[June 11, 2026]
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Prepare now for hurricane season
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We have come to that time of year again as we enter hurricane season in the Southeast and East coast areas. This is a simple reminder that it is never too early to think about disaster preparedness. Complacency can set us in situations that we can never be prepared for. So take the next couple weeks to look at your property, trees that could pose a threat in high winds. Or other hazards. Make sure you have your household emergency kits, evacuation plans, emergency contacts and plans for vulnerable family members and pets in place. Church leaders this is a good opportunity to walk your church property and facility to make sure threats to the property are addressed now before high winds and rain pose a risk of damage. This is also a good time to review your church's disaster response plan. Do you have a plan to check on church members and Neighbors. Do you know as church ways that you can respond in caring, compassionate and merciful ways in the aftermath of a disaster?
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The best response is preparedness. So that you can be present and a sign of hope to your neighbors. Remember We are United Methodists. We are UMCOR, which means UMCOR is always present when a disaster occurs. If you have questions about Virginia Conference Disaster Ministries, or questions about training and preparedness. Please reach out to Rev. Brian Posey.
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Q Source for Q1 2026 now available
The newest 'Q Source' newsletter is now available for Quarter 1 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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Last day to register for AC Lunch & Learns
Interested in engaging in learning opportunities while at 2026 Annual Conference, where you can take practical concepts back to your local church context? Sign up now to register for “Lunch & Learn” workshops offered on Thursday and Friday of the Annual Conference.
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Shuttle transportation will be provided from the AUBC to the Hotel Madison and back.
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United Methodists bolster ties in Canada
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UM NEWS--The United Methodist Church and United Church of Canada have formed an interim covenant with the goal of full communion. Driving the move is increased migration to Canada. Read more...
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Microsoft Publisher is going away
Microsoft Publisher is part of your weekly routine for bulletins, newsletters, or other church publications, mark your calendar: Publisher is retiring on October 1, 2026. After that date, Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in Publisher, and it will be removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions entirely. For many church offices, that deadline is closer than it feels.
The good news is that you have time to make a thoughtful transition rather than a panicked one. The quieter weeks of summer are a perfect window to explore your options, experiment with a new tool, and get your templates rebuilt before fall programming kicks back into gear. Read more...
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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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