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Welcome to The Bridge, a weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the United Methodist Church
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Blessings Can Come from Struggles
The United Methodist Church has been in a struggle regarding two specific Church law questions of human sexuality for a full decade. The two specific questions are: 1) Will the UMC change the Church law that bans Ordination of LGBTQ, and 2) Will the UMC change the Church law to permit marriage ceremonies of LGBTQ?
In order to try and reach some resolution on these two matters, a special group was formed called the Commission on the Way Forward (COWF) with the task of making proposals to a called session of the General Conference. The General Conference normally meets once each four years, but will meet in
St. Louis, Missouri, February 23
rd
to 26
th
, 2019 to review and possibly vote on a proposal to resolve our struggle.
The idea of convening a special General Conference originated at the last General Conference that met in Portland, Oregon, in May of 2016. The General Conference delegates empowered the Bishops to create the COWF to address the long standing debate.
The COWF has concluded its work and has now provided for the UMC three proposed plans which represent various options for resolving the church’s debate over its sexual ethics, teachings on marriage, and ordination standards. In brief, they can be described as follows:
The One Church Plan would have the denomination recognize that marriage is between two consenting adults, (just as the US Supreme Court has done), not explicitly between one man and one woman. Pastors would have the option to decline performing a same gender wedding or to perform one if they so choose. Local churches would have the same power of decision making on weddings as the Pastors. Finally, it would allow annual conferences to decide whether or not to ordain self-avowed, practicing homosexuals. Essentially, the plan would allow local churches, UM pastors, and local annual conferences to make their own decisions about sexual ethics, teachings on marriage, and the ordination standards for clergy. Hence, it is often referred to as the “local option.”
The Traditionalist Plan would reaffirm the UM Church’s current bans and teachings on these matters and call for enhanced accountability standards in an effort to stem the growing tide of defiance of church teachings on the part of clergy, laity and even some bishops.
The Connectional Conference Plan would create three branches of the church: one for centrists, one for progressives, and one for traditionalists. While the three branches would share responsibility and receive support from a number of general church boards and agencies, and operate under a unified Council of Bishops, each branch would have a significant degree of autonomy when it came to its sexual ethics, teachings on marriage, and its ordination standards.
The political environment of today is a regular practice (including Christians) of fighting, hostile debate, arguing disagreeably, and leveling very ugly personal attacks. None of these behaviors were modeled by Jesus Christ. The response I request of every UM is to pray for our UMC that God’s vision will be realized in our decisions, and please pray for the delegates to the 2019 General Conference. If any blessing can come from this struggle, God can bless us.
In Christ,
Pastor Ted
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"
THE WAY FORWARD
"
To:
United Methodist Women
An opportunity for conversation
sponsored by the
Richmond District United Methodist Women
and
Rappahannock River District United Methodist Women
When:
August 11, 2018
Where:
Wright’s Chapel United Methodist Church
8063 Ladysmith Road, Ladysmith, VA 22501
Leaders:
Karen McElfish, VA Conf. UMW Vice President
Scotty Doyle, Richmond Dist. UMW President
J.M. Gallier, Rappahannock River Dist. UMW Pres.
Registration:
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Program:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(
11:45 – 12:30) Brown Bag Lunch
(beverages and dessert provided)
Preregistration requested by July 28, 2018
to facilitate planning and preparation.
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If anyone has an extra keyboard that they are no longer using, there is a program in Ladysmith "Keyboards for Kids" who are looking for donations. Please contact the district office for more information.
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FACE TO FACE – an encounter with the Risen Christ
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FACE TO FACE – an encounter with the Risen Christ –
is an experience in the tradition of the Walk to Emmaus designed for persons 60 and older. Open to Christians of all denominations who want to strengthen their spiritual lives,
FACE TO FACE
allows the opportunity to rediscover Christ’s presence, gain understanding of God’s grace, and form friendships that foster faith and spiritual maturity.
The Fredericksburg Emmaus community is having its first
FACE TO FACE
Encounter in August at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. The Encounter will be August 14, 16, 21, and 23, all Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9am to 3:30pm. Lunch is provided. The cost for this amazing experience is $25.00. Yes, $25.00!
FACE TO FACE
is an experience for both men and women.
FACE TO FACE
information is displayed on the Upper Room Website. Prayerfully consider who among your congregation would benefit from an Encounter. August will be here soon, so don’t delay. If you have questions, contact Kitti Mann,
kittimann5@gmail.com
or John Mann,
slowjet@live.com
or call, 540-891-1671. We will be glad to send registration forms and brochures to you.
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ROLLING RIVER RAMPAGE
EXPERIENCE THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME WITH GOD!
AUGUST 6 – 10, 9am – Noon
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at
ST. MATTHIAS UMC
426 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
(540) 373-8759
Kids ages Pre-K through rising 5
th
grade are eligible for a week filled with crafts, science, outdoor games, skits, music, Bible stories and snacks with other great kids! Register online at RRR.COKESBURYVBS.COM/STMATTHIAS or in person on the first day of VBS. POC: Liz Morris,
momx3gnmad@verizon.net
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Personal Spiritual Retreats at Lake Junaluska
GUIDED RETREATS
July 16-18 | August 27- 29 | September 3-6 | October 1-3 | November 5-7
Experienced spiritual directors and clergy guide you through a group centering session, evening prayer service and an individual spiritual direction session, while leaving you ample time for personal reflection and renewal. $297 for two nights lodging in Lambuth Inn, program and retreat booklet. Learn more at
www.lakejunaluska.com/retreats
.
SELF-DIRECTED RETREATS
July 30, 31, August 1 | September 9, 10, 11, 12 | September 17, 18 |October 17, 18 October 29, 30, 31, November 1 | November 19, 20, 21
Spend time walking the trails, meditating in gardens, in private devotions, journaling, reflecting and more. Lake Junaluska will also provide a booklet with optional agendas, resources and ideas for structuring your retreat. $97 per person, per night, including lodging in Lambuth Inn, breakfast and retreat booklet. Other dates are available, pricing varies. Learn more at
www.lakejunaluska.com/retreats
.
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Here’s Some Good News For College Students and Seminary Students . . .
The United Methodist Credit Union(TUMCU) is offering
SnapLoan
, an educational line of credit available to help with the funding gap once scholarships, subsidized federal student loans and college savings accounts have been exhausted. Our program comes with exceptionally low rates for students attending any accredited college and even lower rates for students attending seminary or Methodist affiliated schools.
In just three years we have provided students with over $1,000,000 in educational funding.
It’s structured as a low fixed rate
Line of Credit
·
Only one application-no need to reapply each year
·
No annual FAFSA required
·
Quick and easy one page application
·
Complete flexibility to draw the money whenever you see fit (subject to annual limits)
·
Funds can be used for any educational related expense-even study abroad
·
Borrowers may need a co-signer if not otherwise qualified
*All loans are subject to approval and credit restrictions apply. Must be a TUMCU member to apply.
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Part-time Organist/Pianist wanted for
Tappahannock Memorial United Methodist Church
, Tappahannock, VA. This person will be responsible for providing music for two Sunday worship services, choir rehearsals and special worship services of the church. Salary negotiable. For more information, please contact the church office at
tappmethodist@gmail.com
or 804-443-2278.
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Mark your calendars for
Saturday, September 8
at 10:00. The District Superintendent Ted Smith will be serving as the Grand Marshal for the Edwardsville Day Parade. Join us at Galilee UMC located at 747 Hull Neck Road in Edwardsville for a wonderful day!
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UMW MISSION OUTREACH PROGRAM
KILMARNOCK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
10:00AM – 10:30AM Coffee & Conversations
(Come early to enjoy conversations with the speaker and friends attending from near and far)
10:30AM – 11:30AM Program*
Light refreshments and fellowship at the conclusion
Do your daily expectations often get interrupted? Join us for this special presentation that will inspire and encourage you to explore and embrace the distractions you encounter daily.
*DISTRACTED HEARTS, DEVOTED HEARTS
A dramatic message of Mary & Martha
Peg Arnold
Creative speaker/Author – Counselor
Peg Arnold, national speaker and author balances the hectic with the holy in her roles as mother, teacher, wife, counselor and active church leader. She freely shares the joys and challenges of these experiences in her writings and witness. She immediately connects with her audience as she brings her humorous and touching experiences to life. Her fresh approach blends scriptural messages into creative pieces woven together with personal witness, teachings and humor.
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No fee is required to attend, however, a “love offering” will be taken to support
this women’s ministry that is changing lives.
Pre-registration is requested by September 5
Contact the church office at (804)435-1797
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The Heartwood Center summer food distribution is underway. Caroline County site at Bowling Green UMC served 45 children. Fauquier County site at Mary Walter ES served 89 children. The Stafford County site at Howell (formerly England Run) Library begins Saturday June 23rd at 2pm.
Volunteers are welcome to come:
- unload food bins,
- set up,
- help families with selections,
- carry bags to cars.
For more information or to volunteer click
here
.
The Heartwood Center Youth Mission Day Camp will be held July 16-20 and August 13-17. 1pm-8pm. If you would like to volunteer for a day, provide an evening meal or snacks and beverages, click
here
.
We are also collecting the following items for care bags for people who are without a permanent residence:
Baby wipes, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, apple sauce and pudding cups, trail mix, beef jerky, travel coffee mugs, gift cards, socks, band aids, mini sewing kit, Q tips, nail clippers, dental floss. These bags will be assembled during the Youth Mission Camp.
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Upcoming Events & Meetings:
July 24 District Finance Committee, Fredericksburg, 7:00pm
July 30 Connectional Ministries & District Steward Meeting, Wright's Chapel, 7:00pm
August 1 Clergy Officer, 12:00pm, Timbers
August 2 District Nominations Committee, 7:00pm, District Office
August 6 - 21 DS preaching/teaching in Africa
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District Superintendent:
Rev. Dr. Theodore Smith
2018 District Co-Lay Leader:
2018 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone 804.448.8326 FAX 804.448.8328 Cell: 804.304.8566
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)
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