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The UMC: A Church in Ministry Together
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Over the last two months, churches across the Virginia Conference collected cleaning kits after the Untied Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church, announced it was close to disbursing its supply. These kits are integral in assisting with natural disaster clean-up
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Almost 30 volunteers gathered November 10 at the conference center to shrink wrap and load the collected cleaning kits for transportation to Mission Central, the UMCOR supply depot in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Over the last two months, churches around our conference stepped up to assist UMCOR in their need for more cleaning kits.
The numbers right now: Churches assembled 3,724 kits (estimated value of $297,300) and gave additional donations totaling $42,737.99.
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Cleaning Kit numbers from the VAUMC:
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Assembled Kits
3,725 kits
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Thank you, VAUMC, for your generous and giving hearts!
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A STORY OF THE GLOBAL CHURCH
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Local church continues partnership with Russian church
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Luray UMC began its involvement with United Methodist churches in Stavropol, Pyatigorsk, and Southern Russia following a short-term mission trip taken by the Rev. Laura Anne Whittle Stratton when she was an undergraduate student at The College of William and Mary. In 2009, Laura Anne was instrumental in fostering a trip to the U.S. by a group of United Methodists from the south of Russia. From this trip, the Luray church began a close friendship with the churches in Stavropol and Pyatigorsk. Several members of the Luray Church made short-term trips to Russia and members of the church hosted pastors Alexander Kozerazov and Irina Mitina during their trips to the United States.
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In 2012, the Luray church entered into its first five-year Partner In Ministry covenant with the churches in Russia.
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As the invasion of Ukraine continue by Russia, Ukraine remains a top priority for Global Ministries. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has approved more than $17 million so far to help the people of Ukraine cope with the invasion by Russia, and more aid is on the way. Read story...
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UMFS December Offering supports high-risk children
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United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) is grateful for the faithful support of local churches in the Virginia Conference.
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Through this support, children in foster care, children struggling with mental health challenges, and special education students get the support they need to thrive.
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Support our Afghan Allies
It has been a year since U.S. troops left Afghanistan, and many Afghan allies left their homes, and started resettlement in the U.S. on military bases.
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Last year, Virginia United Methodists wanted to know what they could do to help and took part in the VAUMC's Veteran’s Day weekend of Amazon/Target wish list shopping with substantial items needed for Afghans at U.S. bases in Virginia.
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There are no longer any Afghan allies on military bases as many have moved into apartments in the last year, and their children have started school. Many of you have lovingly welcomed them into your communities. You have helped set up housing, delivered food, and driven someone to a doctor’s appointment. You have been the hands and feet of Christ for God’s children from Afghanistan.
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The number of Afghans arriving has put a serious strain on the refugee resettlement agencies, and there are still many needs.
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To help, the Virginia United Methodist Refugee Response Team is hosting another Grateful for Their Service: Give Thanks Shopping for Afghan Allies event this year. Although many of you will want to shop from the Amazon/Target Wish List set up by the refugee resettlement agency closest to you, you can choose from items from Amazon/ Target Wish Lists established by any agency.
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"That's Our Church" is a monthly email sent out across the Virginia Conference to share good news and mission from The United Methodist Church.
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