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February 21, 2023
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To submit news items, stories, or corrections, email the conference Communications Office at [email protected].
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Virginia News
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UMFS Giving Day for Mental Health is March 8
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Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 8 to join United Methodist Family Services for UMFS Giving Day for Mental Health. Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially for a child. You can make a difference. Every $25 you donate will provide another critical hour of mental health care and support for a child in need. Visit UMFS.org/mental-health-day to learn more.
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Wesley Seminary to host book event
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Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. is hosting a book event with Dr. Shaun A. Casey, former Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and the Director of the Office of Religion and Global Affairs, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 7-9 p.m. at Oxnam Chapel (4500 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.) His new book, Chasing the Devil at Foggy Bottom: The Future of Religion in American, offers a fascinating narrative of the work he and Secretary of State John Kerry –who penned the foreword – did in founding the Office of Religion and Global Affairs. Learn more...
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Join online chapel worship with students, seminarians on March 15
Students and seminarians across the VAUMC and beyond will lead the conference in exploring the Biblical theme of 'Sowing and Reaping' during Chapel worship on Wednesday, March 15 at 9: 30 a.m. Come and experience the next generation of leaders in the VAUMC:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/97538302560
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Meeting ID: 975 3830 2560
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,97538302560# US (Washington DC)
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33 churches disaffiliate at Feb. 18 Special Annual Conference
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A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on February 18, 2023 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 34 local churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality using Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline. Read wrap-up...
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Pray for Turkey and Syria
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The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey and North Syria at 4:17 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, resulted in thousands of deaths and many more families displaced. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) partnered with International Blue Crescent (IBC) to provide shelters and much-needed assistance for people who experienced displacement. To read more of UMCOR’s response visit their webpage.
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Churches of the Virginia Conference are asked to join in prayer for the people experiencing despair and to join collective giving through our connectional system. Join in giving to UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery fund online or by sending your donations to the Virginia Conference Business Office (P.O. Box 5606 Glen Allen, VA 23058).
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New 2023 Lenten resource: Role Play the Gospel now available
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Are you looking for a new way to experience the Lenten Season? A new resource called Role Play the Gospel (or RPtheG) is a project created by a group of Virginia clergy, laity, and the conference Communications Office to help immerse yourself into the events of Holy Week. Build a character, read some Scripture, and turn on those imaginations! Download now...
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Submit names for Harry Denman Awards
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Is anyone in your congregation a deeply formed spiritual leader who has the ability to assist others in their discipleship? Perhaps they are involved in youth, family, or senior ministry and have helped people to become a disciple or encouraged their growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. They may be involved in local mission and/or ministries that have influenced lives in the name of Christ. The Board of Discipleship each year recognizes one clergyperson , one lay person and one youth who displays fruitful discipleship in their lives. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2023. Information and nominations may be obtained at the conference website. Nominations should be completed online or sent to Becky Tate ([email protected]) or Matt Sergent ([email protected]).
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Register now for small and/or rural church communications webinar
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Register today for the Small and/or Rural Church Communications Webinar on Wednesday, March 8, 9 a.m.-noon, on Zoom. This free webinar hosted by the conference Board of Communications will focus on the communication needs of small and/or rural churches that often face limited resources, budgets, technology, and staff but who want to reach their community and members in effective ways. Guest speakers will include Rev. Keon Huh, Jonathan Lemaster-Smith, and Jeremy Brown. Register...
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Serving Office seeking applications for VAUMC Advance Special
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The Serving Ministries at the Virginia United Methodist Conference is currently accepting applications for ministry organizations to be considered as Virginia Conference Advance Special. Information of Conference Advance Specials can be found in paragraph 656, page 505 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. If you are interested in qualifying as an Advance Special ministry group, please review the guidelines and complete the application by March 1, 2023, to be considered. Please contact the Serving Ministries Office at [email protected] or 804-521-1138 if you have any questions.
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Foundation for Evangelism Local Church Grant Cycle now open
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The Foundation for Evangelism is now accepting applications for the 2023 Equipping the Local Church grant cycle. A total of $350,000 is available for grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to small and medium church congregations, or clusters of churches working together, in a Wesleyan-tradition denomination.
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R-MC Bailey Scholar applications are due in March
Young people are searching for meaningful vocations as they make plans after high school. Do you know someone considering a call to Christian ministry? Whether it’s a call to preach, mission work, faith-based non-profit leadership, music ministry, youth ministry or chaplaincy, the Church needs young leaders who are prepared to guide us into the future. Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA is the oldest continuously operating Methodist College in the U.S. and is committed to nurturing a new generation of church leaders. Our Bailey Scholars program awards a half-tuition scholarship for the first two years followed by a full tuition scholarship for a student’s final two years at R-MC. Bailey Scholars also benefit from two internships (one for academic credit and one for a $3,000 stipend) and a weekly meeting with other pre-ministerial students. Bailey Scholars complete their B.A. or B.S. degree (their major/minor is their choice) at Randolph-Macon College and then chose an A.T.S. accredited seminary/theology school to pursue a Masters Degree that best suits their call and the requirements of their tradition/denomination. Students from all Christian traditions are welcome into the program. We’d love to meet any potential students you can recommend! Please share this information with students who are considering a call to ministry. Learn more. The application deadline for next year’s incoming class is March 1, 2023. Contact R-MC Chaplain and Pre-Ministerial Program Director Rev. Kendra Grimes for more information.
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New webpage highlights VAUMC clergy books
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A new webpage on the conference website will share books written by VAUMC clergy (books focusing on faith, UM mission, ministry, and polity) as a way to share with conference clergy and laity potential resources for individual and group study. Clergy can share their information by emailing [email protected]. Books listed on the webpage are not endorsed by the conference. Learn more...
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Mentors needed for summer camps
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All God's Children Camp is looking for mentors this summer. There are three opportunities to serve: June 18-23, August 6-11, and August 13-18. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve locally. Also, this is a great mission trip for youth groups and other small groups and it's free. Please contact Camp Coordinator Lori Smith for more information.
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A ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference, All God’s Children Camp is a weeklong overnight camp for children ages 7 to 12, with an incarcerated parent. Campers have an opportunity to participate in all the physical activities the camp has to offer such as boating, swimming, hiking, archery, music, crafts, and Bible study, along with a conflict resolution/self-esteem-building class. Learn more...
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General Church News
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Hunger for God on display at revival
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UM NEWS— The revival at Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary has drawn considerable media coverage and large crowds, with United Methodists among those waiting in line to be part of worship services. Read more...
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UMCOR responds to earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
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UM NEWS— The death toll from an earthquake in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 40,000 according to the International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation. The United Methodist Committee on Relief issued a solidarity grant to International Blue Crescent to help provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, food and first-aid kits to those who have been displaced. Read more...
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Social media resources for Ash Wednesday
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UM COMMUNICATIONS-- Ash Wednesday is on the horizon and we've got your covered! Get free social images for your communications use to help make a visual impact on your social feeds on this important day.
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Church member is the inspiration for new movie
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Did you know the new movie '80 for Brady' is based on a true story? Betty Pensavalle, a member of First United Methodist Church, North Attleboro, is one of five women who inspired the film. Read more...
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One Last Word
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"And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble." - 1 Peter 5:5 CEB
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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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