|
|
June 21, 2022
|
|
To submit news items, events, or corrections, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
Let us pray...
Periodically a prayer focus will be shared in the e-Advocate. As you are able, lift up these ministries and churches in your prayers and share in your contexts, including your Sunday worship services.
|
This week (June 26): Restoration is a satellite campus of Floris UMC. They "choose to be a vital, Christ-Centered church for all people" in their community. https://restorationloudoun.org/
|
|
"Creating and Redeeming God, we pray for the congregation of Restoration and for Pastor McGlothin, that they may be instruments of the restoration of your creation in Loudoun County. We pray that your Spirit will move through their community, and inspire them to offer your love and grace to all around them. Inspire them with your vision and lead them where you would have them to go. In Christ's Name we pray. Amen."
|
|
|
|
|
How can you take part in learning, influencing, and serving this week?
|
-
How can you be a lifelong learner?
- How can you be an influencer?
Follow Rachel, the new Appalachian Trail Chaplain on her journey as she hikes the 2,190-mile trail with the sole purpose of listening, helping and showing God’s love to those she meets along the way. Learn more...
|
|
Juneteenth (June 19) is a remembrance of the day in 1865 when news of freedom and the end of slavery finally reached African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Looking for a way to celebrate and meaningfully observe this holiday? Participate in the General Commission on Religion & Race's Racial Justice Prayer & Action Challenge that kicked off June 19, and runs for six weeks. Learn more...
|
|
|
|
|
Virginia News
|
|
Rev. Tom Berlin endorsed as candidate for episcopacy
|
On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the Rev. Tom Berlin, pastor of Floris UMC, Herndon, was endorsed by the Virginia Annual Conference as a candidate for the episcopacy. Berlin addressed the conference, and said it was honor to “stand here in this moment.” He invited members of the delegation to the General Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference to stand and be recognized. He asked members to look at those delegates and pray for them. “They will be voting for episcopal leaders in November. Every annual conference in the SEJ needs good leadership. I ask you to pray for them so they will have God’s wisdom.”
|
|
“I am not running for bishop,” Berlin said. “I am simply making myself available for discernment alongside other candidates. But your endorsement is one of the most remarkable honors of my life.”
|
|
The annual conference endorsed his nomination and gave him a standing ovation. Bishop Lewis, Conference Lay Leader Martha Stokes, and Laity Head of the General Conference Delegation Warren Harper laid hands on Berlin as the bishop prayed for Berlin and the process ahead.
|
|
|
You attended AC 2022: What's next?
|
Lay members to Annual Conference may be wondering how best to report on the annual session to their local churches. An overview Annual Conference report is now available. As well individual session wrap-ups can be found here.
|
|
The conference Flickr has pictures from throughout the event. Additional pictures will continue to be added throughout this week. Find pictures...
|
|
The livestream of the event can be viewed at the conference Vimeo page. Find more...
|
Please note that the IT Department is still working on breaking apart video sections: creating chapters and breaking apart videos into shorter topic videos. Some links may contain lengthy segments of music and video as they are shown between sessions. One or two video links may not contain live footage of AC 2022. Final versions of each session will be made available as soon as possible.
|
|
A wrap-up video of the event will be shared by the Communications Office soon.
|
|
|
Register for Festival of Wisdom & Grace at Lake Junaluska
|
Lake Junaluska is once again hosting the Festival of Wisdom & Grace at Lake Junaluska from Monday, August 1 to Thursday, August 4. This annual conference features worship, workshops, recreation, learning, entertainment and fellowship. This year, explore how to find "Rest, Renewal, and Delight." Keynote speaker is Matthew Sleeth, MD, executive director of Blessed Earth, who will talk about ways to maintain mental health, and Bishop Ken Carder, author of "Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia Through a Spiritual Lens," will be the festival preacher. On the schedule are outstanding workshops, lakeside devotions, learning circles, and a concert with Emmy-nominated Marty Goetz, whose acoustical/classical arrangements have been described as "scriptures beautifully set to music." Register today...
|
|
|
Heart Havens is now hiring
|
Heart Havens is seeking caring individuals to support residents with a developmental disability for their Ashland location. Full-time, part-time and short-term positions are all available with flexible hours. As a Direct Support Professional, you will have the opportunity to empower adults with a developmental disability to live full, vibrant, and happy lives. Interested in learning more? Contact Katrina Parker at [email protected] or 804-463-1877 or visit their site.
|
|
|
VICPP invites religious leaders to sign statement against gun violence
|
The Virginia Interfaith Center (VICPP) Executive Committee has developed a statement against gun violence and is inviting religious leaders (clergy and lay) from around the Commonwealth to sign. This will be delivered to the Governor and to legislators when gun bills are considered next session. Feel free to share it with friends and neighbors. Sign statement...
|
|
|
Candidacy Summit Registration is now live
|
The Candidacy Summit is for considering or admitted candidates for ministry in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church (VAUMC). The Summit provides opportunities for vocational discernment, connection with others who are exploring God's call in their lives, and deeper understanding about the VAUMC journey towards certified, licensed and ordained ministry. You must be a high school graduate, and 18-years of age, to participate. The event begins on Friday, July 29 and activities run into the early evening. The Summit concludes mid-day on Saturday, July 30. Registration is $75 for this in-person event. Questions may be directed to Associate Director for Call and Candidacy Crystal R. Sygeel, [email protected] or 804-521-1141. Learn more...
|
|
|
One Journey Festival back at National Cathedral on June 25
|
The One Journey Festival is back at the National Cathedral on Saturday, June 25, the national celebration of the talents and stories of refugees. Mount Olivet UMC is a sponsor this year after what began an interfaith movement. Exciting new additions this year include Afghanistan’s first rock band, a Ukrainian music ensemble, exhibit by Afghan photographer, and an artist who escaped on last flights out of Kabul, and more. Learn more...
|
|
|
Micah Ministries, community involvement, empathy focus of June Audio Advocate
|
In the June episode of the Audio Advocate, the Rev. Chelsea Morse talks about her work as Community Ministries Chaplain for Micah Ecumenical Ministries in Fredericksburg, Va. as well as the idea of empathy and community involvement. In this role, she shepherds the spiritual development of Micah neighbors by creating creative, social, and spiritual outlets for trauma-informed care. The Audio Advocate is a monthly podcast hosted by conference Director of Communications Madeline Pillow White sharing headlines from around the conference and denomination and going in depth on one topic each month. The podcast will be on hiatus until September 2022 following the June episode. Listen now...
|
|
|
Blog post shares more about missional partnership trip to Korea
Starting on May 16, 2022, six members of the Virginia Conference United Methodist Church traveled to Korea to explore a missional partnership with the Korean Methodist Church for the mission in Vietnam.
Ann Klotz, a member of the group, shares more about the experience in a blog post...
|
|
|
Register now for Convergence
|
It’s not too late to sign up for Randolph-Macon College’s CONVERGENCE Youth Theology Institute on Faith and Science. This year’s event is July 15-17 and is open to student who have recently completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Too often young people are told that they have to choose between being people of faith and people of science, but our workshop leaders, college student staff members, and creative activities show that one can believe in both. More information and registration details are at convergence.rmc.edu.
|
|
|
Sister Scholarship application now available
|
The Sister Scholarship application is now available to be filled out by any female candidate in the Virginia Conference for educational support. The deadline for electronic applications is July 1. This award is given in memory of clergy women who have served in ministry in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. The purpose of the award is to support women who are duly enrolled in a seminary or school of theology approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, or an Advanced Course of Study program approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Eligibility is extended to all women committed to ministries of Word, Worship and Witness who are candidates for ministry in the Virginia Conference, and who indicate potential for developing creative ministries for a more just world. For more information, contact Dr. Jan Rivero, [email protected]. Apply now...
|
|
|
Join the denomination in sharing why you are #BeUMC
#BeUMC honors the core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church (The UMC). This grassroots campaign, built upon powerful stories of congregations and people living their faith, celebrates what draws us to The UMC and what we aspire to be.
|
The UMC is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.
|
|
The full story of The UMC reflects all of our interwoven experiences. Consider our common roots and your answer to the question, “Why am I United Methodist?” Then, post a video, photo or written testimony on your preferred social media platform – don’t forget to use the hashtag #BeUMC. Download the campaign guide...
|
|
|
|
|
General Church News
|
|
Photo Essay: Reflections of a father's love
|
UM NEWS--UM News photographer Mike DuBose shares images from around the world to remind us that fathers from all walks of life have dreams for their children and deserve to be celebrated. See photos...
|
|
|
Podcast shares more about preaching & trauma
|
In the Worship Matters Podcast from Discipleship Ministries, Dr. Derek Weber, Director of Preaching for the Worship Team, meets with Dr. Kimberly Wagner of Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago to talk about her work in trauma and preaching. Wagner share more about understanding what trauma is and what it does to individuals and communities, and gives suggestions to preachers on how to preach both trauma-responsive and trauma-informed sermons. Learn more...
|
|
|
Social Media Day highlights local church resources for social ministry
The United Methodist Communications will celebrate Social Media Day on Thursday, June 30, 2022, highlighting the many resources the agency provides to help churches maximize their social media potential. Over the past few years, churches have adopted new ways of connecting through social media. John Haney – Senior Training and Development Specialist – will host a special live learning session on Facebook Groups at 12 pm CT at Facebook.com/UMCom. This presentation will examine some important concepts for social media with a significant focus on how to get the most out of Facebook Groups. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session to help you in utilizing this tool to further your ministry efforts. Leading up to the event, look for posts on the United Methodist Communications Facebook page that encourage you to submit your questions for the Q&A in advance. The day of the event, submit questions as a comment on the live video streaming post on the UMCom Facebook page.
“Churches today know that social media is more than just being social … it’s a ministry, said Poonam Patodia, Chief Marketing Officer. “We're here to help celebrate Social Media Day by helping your church make the greatest impact you can.” Learn more...
|
|
|
Protocol's day has passed, some negotiators say
|
UM NEWS-- A much-trumpeted plan for amicable separation unveiled in early 2020 no longer offers a path forward for The United Methodist Church, say more than a quarter of the agreement’s negotiators.
|
|
Five of the 16-member mediation team released a statement late June 7 rescinding their support for the agreement. In the statement, they said, “We can no longer in good faith support the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace through Separation or work towards its adoption at the next General Conference.” The denomination’s top lawmaking assembly is now delayed to 2024.
|
|
What has changed the calculus, they say, is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of a theologically conservative breakaway denomination. The signers of the statement include the Rev. Thomas Berlin, the Rev. Egmedio “Jun” Equila Jr., Jan Lawrence, the Rev. David W. Meredith and Randall Miller, as well as eight others who, while not on the mediation team, consulted in the process. Read more...
|
|
|
One Last Word: A Prayer on Numbers
|
|
77 clergy and laity recognized in the 2022 Service of Remembrance
|
|
42 persons in the 2022 Retirement class with combined 1,154.5 years of service
|
|
22 persons licensed as local pastors
|
|
3 persons commissioned as provisional deacons
|
|
15 persons commissioned as provisional elders
|
|
2 persons for recognition of orders
|
|
1 person ordained as deacon in full connection
|
7 persons ordained as elders in full connection
|
|
"For these numbers, Lord. For these persons, we give you thanks.
|
|
We are thankful for the call you placed on their lives and the lives they touched.
|
|
We are thankful for new journeys that call to their hearts and the ways they will continue to have impact.
|
|
We are thankful for those who have heeded the call and the many differing ways their journeys may have been shaped.
|
We are thankful, Lord, knowing that these numbers reflect so little the work that these hands and feet of Christ have done and will continue to do."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please send any issues or concerns to [email protected]. If you have issues with the formatting trying to forward (especially in Outlook), you can use the following link. More...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
