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August 9, 2022
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To submit news items, events, or corrections, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
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- September 5 - UM Center closed for Labor Day Observance
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How can you take part in learning, influencing, and serving this week?
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How can you be a lifelong learner?
God’s call on our life is an issue for all ages, including older adults (however broadly we define this category). Many older adults continue to wrestle with the three central questions related to calling as noted in the book: “Who am I? What can I do? For and with whom?” As the authors note, “Calling is less about figuring out a detailed plan and more about moving toward responsiveness in relationships.” Learn more...
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- How can you be an influencer?
Lewis Center for Church Leadership--Are there folks in your church who got out of the habit of attending during the pandemic and haven’t returned yet? The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter writes that one sincere, guilt-free invitation might be all that is needed to get them back. Read more...
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As some parts of the United States experience devastating floods, others are confronting massive wildfires. UMCOR responds to natural and civil disasters by providing training, financial assistance, expertise and community collaboration to churches and partners. Give to support these communities in need and remember that 100 percent your donation goes to the designated project. Learn more...
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Virginia News
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Register now for Early Response Team (ERT) training
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Are you certified as an ERT (Early Respond Team) member or UMVIM leader? Did you know that both certificates require a renewal every 2-3 years? Due to the pandemic, there was a limitation to offering training for both certifications. Both pieces of training required an in-person gathering due to their hands-on approach.
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As churches are getting ready to assemble a mission trip and respond to disasters such as hurricanes or floods, we see that this is an excellent time to refreshen your certification. Early Response Teams (ERT) training is being offered September 10 at Culpeper UMC, Three Notch'd District, and at Aldersgate UMC, Coastal Virginia District. This 8-hour training session will begin at 8 am. ERTs respond during the first phase of disaster relief, providing a caring Christian presence. Your church and community could truly benefit if faced with a disaster. You are also trained to respond, when requested, to other conferences during a disaster. Registration fee is $35, which includes the training manual, UMCOR ERT badge, T-shirt and lunch. Checks should be made payable to the Virginia Annual Conference and brought the day of training. Learn more and register...
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How can your church help during disasters?
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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...
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Learn more about boosting your ministry with Canva
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United Methodist Communications facilitators will lead Outreach and Design Using Canva, a four-week online learning experience that can empower you to create and share a variety of inspirational content online. In this course, church leaders will learn how to use Canva for social media graphics, presentations and much more. The course will begin Aug. 15. Registration is underway. Learn more...
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Learn more about Renfro grant, other grant opportunities
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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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Wesley Seminary announces new degree in military chaplaincy
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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].
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Bishop & DS to lead November trip to Greece and Turkey
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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...
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September is national month for action against hunger
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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...
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General Church News
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Ecumenical delegation visits Ukraine
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World Council of Churches--As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues for a sixth month, a World Council of Churches delegation visited Ukraine to listen to the representatives of local churches as well as state institutions working on religious issues. The delegation also wanted to ensure the participation of Ukraine’s churches at the upcoming WCC assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. Read more...
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Inflation, gas prices complicate ministries
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UM NEWS--High gas prices and inflation are giving rural pastors more challenges in the wake of COVID-19. Donations are down and their paychecks don’t stretch as far as they used to. Read more...
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Conferences take action on gun violence
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UM NEWS--Even as United Methodist annual conferences deal with increasing church disaffiliations, they still are finding ways to share a common public witness. In the wake of this year’s horrific mass shootings, a number of U.S. annual conferences called on elected leaders to adopt firearm regulations. As conferences met, the U.S. Congress passed and President Biden signed into law the first significant federal gun-safety law in decades. Read more...
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Is The United Methodist Church really...?
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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.
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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.
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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...
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One Last Word
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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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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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