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August 2, 2022

To submit news items, events, or corrections, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
Events (1)

Upcoming Events

  • September 5 - UM Center closed for Labor Day Observance
Grants

Grant opportunities

There are a number of grant opportunities across the connection. Take a look at the Renfro Grant, Mustard Seed Grants and Church and Society Grants. View current grants...

How can you take part in learning, influencing, and serving this week?

  • How can you be a lifelong learner?

Why is intergenerational worship important? While there is great value in offering ministries that are geared toward reaching and discipling people with age-appropriate tactics, the importance of intergenerational worship cannot be understated. The corporate worship gathering of the church should be the place where we collectively gather and respond to the invitation of God. It is the place where, regularly, songs are sung, prayers are offered, creeds are professed, and the Word is proclaimed. Furthermore, in most churches, it is the place where people of various races, ethnicities, socio-economic statutes, and seasons of life (i.e. ages) gather together and are given a common language—engaging in a conversation which has threads connected to the past while also looking forward into the future. It’s the place where this diverse array of God’s children interact, not only with the Living God, but also with one another. Learn more...
  • How can you be an influencer?
How can your church reorient its posture toward its neighbors and neighborhood? Minnesota Pastor Travis Norvell decided to conduct his ministry by bike, on foot, and on public transportation. He shares with the Lewis Center for Church Leadership how this revealed new people, new partners, and new possibilities for ministry. Listen to podcast...

  • How can you serve?

Learn more about the conference's Advance Special Partners from around the state. This week, pray for these partners and take time to learn about them and how you can be a part.
The Advance is an accountable, designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100 percent of each gift is used for its intended mission or ministry. Our work fulfills both physical and spiritual needs through various partnerships in the Commonwealth to reach mutual goals that make a life-changing and long-lasting impact. Learn more...
Henry Fork Service Center

Virginia News

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How can your church help during disasters?

With disasters like the recent flooding in Kentucky, Virginia Conference clergy and laity want to help. Learn more in a recent blog post on what is needed following these disasters. Learn more...
Grants

Learn more about Renfro grant, other grant opportunities

Every year, the Conference Secretary of Global Missions (the Rev. Seungsoo ‘RJ’ Jun, VAUMC CSGM) of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church gathers with others to award the Renfro Trust Grant to local churches and Siedschlag award to members of the conference. The application is now open for your church, located in a less than 10,000 population, to apply for a ‘brick and mortar’ grant of up to $5,000. Also, each conference can nominate up to two members of the conference who might be the recipient of the Siedschlag award. Grants from around the connection can be found at the conference website. Learn more...
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Update from VAUMC Refugee Response Team

August 15 will mark one year since Kabul collapsed and Afghan refugees were welcomed into nations around the world. The VAUMC Refugee Response team shares an update on how churches can join in the continued effort of welcoming our new neighbors. Learn more...
Promotional Ad of November 2022 Trip to Greece & Turkey

Bishop & DS to lead November trip to Greece and Turkey

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis and the Rev. Dr. Hyo Lee are leading a 12-day tour through Greece & Turkey, following in the steps of Paul, from November 7-18, 2022. Learn more...
potato drop

September is national month for action against hunger

Each year, September is dedicated as a national month for action against hunger. Partnering with the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is a simple way for you to invite your faith family and community to grow further in the mission to end hunger. This is an opportunity to come together as a family of faith by devoting time to giving, serving, learning, and leading with the Society of St. Andrew. Find resources...
wesley seminary

Wesley Seminary announces new degree in military chaplaincy

Wesley Theological Seminary now announces a new Master of Divinity specialization in Military Chaplaincy, beginning in the Fall of 2022. “Wesley Theological Seminary has a long commitment to training, equipping, and supporting persons called to chaplaincy within the various branches of the United States Armed Forces,” said Wesley program coordinator CH (COL-Ret) James Driscoll, a United Methodist Church pastor who served in the National Guard, Reserves and on active duty with the Army, recently retired from the Army Chief of Chaplains Office in the Pentagon. “The Military Chaplaincy specialization allows Master of Divinity students to explore and prepare for this vocational calling while also pursuing ordination or credentialing in their spiritual tradition and fulfilling current requirements of the respective Armed Service,” noted Chaplain Driscoll. The program is built around a combination of specialized courses and field education experiences. Students will take introductory courses in chaplaincy and pastoral counseling, then will select two electives focusing on core themes/theology of chaplaincy. For field education, students will have the opportunity to gain experience in chaplaincy in one of the many diverse settings in Washington and will complete Clinical Pastoral Education for further preparation. Students pursuing the Military Chaplaincy specialization will be encouraged to pursue an Independent Study with their military-specific advisor. Scholarships are available for qualified students who apply by December 1 for spring semester entry or by February 1 for fall semester entry. For more information, contact CH (COL-Ret) James Driscoll at [email protected].

General Church News

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UMC portion of Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy ruling approved

UM NEWS--A 281-page ruling last Friday in the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) bankruptcy proceedings indicates that most of the reorganization plan meets the criteria of bankruptcy law and is constitutional. The ruling approves the United Methodist portion of the settlement, but there are several more matters the BSA must address for the plan to be confirmed. "The United Methodist settlement sought to put the survivors first and the continuation of safe Scouting for present Scouts as high priorities," said Bishop John Schol, who chairs the United Methodist leadership team created to support United Methodist chartering associations in the matter. The United Methodist settlement includes a $30 million contribution to the $2.6 billion survivor settlement; a commitment to hear the experiences of survivors who participated in United Methodist-sponsored troops; a review of all Safe Sanctuaries policies in United Methodist congregations and annual conferences; and the publication of three articles in denominational communication resources about sexual abuse and how to keep young people safe. The United Methodist settlement is the result of countless hours by the United Methodist legal team, the ad hoc committee, the leadership team, the staff of the General Commission of United Methodist Men and more than 200 annual conference leaders.
"It was a team effort, and everyone led faithfully and with a commitment to our Wesleyan values and principles," said Schol. "I am also grateful for our leaders of Scout troops across United Methodism. In very challenging times, they are committed to lead safe Scouting and guide young people to grow in witness and citizenship.” “I am confident that everyone working together with the BSA will be able to address the remaining issues so that survivors will be fairly compensated and one million young people will continue to participate in Scouting.” Read more...
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Blistering summer challenges churches

UM NEWS--A scorching summer has presented challenges and opportunities for United Methodist ministry.
United Methodist churches in various parts of the United States are opening as cooling centers. Mission trips and camps have carried on, but with adjustments for the heat. Read more...
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Celebrating 100 years of mission in Eastern Congo

UM NEWS--Bishops, clergy and laity representing The United Methodist Church’s four episcopal regions in the country gathered recently to celebrate the first 100 years of Methodist mission in Eastern Congo. Read more...
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Is The United Methodist Church really...?

UM NEWS--Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has received many questions from congregations wondering about the future of the denomination and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it. These have included recurrent questions that reflect misperceptions or misinformation that congregations are receiving as they discern their next steps. This is the first of a series of articles offering accurate responses to such misperceptions or misinformation. Learn more...
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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...

One Last Word

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world.
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...
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