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Mission Rivers District Newsletter | |
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National Day of Prayer
May 2, 2024
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Here are some of the Mission Rivers District Prayer Shawls that were taken to General Conference from the Virginia Conference. Thanks to your generosity, we provided 39 prayer shawls for General Conference. | |
The Virginia Conference will host a post-General Conference Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. The panel will include Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson; Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation; and delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page. The webinar will be recorded for later viewing.
Register for webinar at this link.
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As you know, Mission Rivers District is hosting Annual Conference 2024 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton from June 20 -22. That gives us just six weeks to prepare to welcome the Virginia Conference to our district.
We want to put our very best face forward in June! That will require many lay volunteers from throughout the district to help welcome everyone to Hampton.
As our local planning coordinator, Rev. Eric Vaudt, says, "Hospitality Starts Outside". There are several areas where volunteers will be needed. We are asking pastors to be in conversation with your laity and in prayer for them for discernment about their participation. Remember these ministry opportunities are for everyone, not just members to Annual Conference. Members are required to attend the business sessions which means that we have a great need for other laity to be involved as well.
We have created Volunteer Sign Up forms on SignUp Genius.
Pastors, please urge your laity to volunteer!
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NEW ANNUAL CONFERENCE APP WILL BE AVAILABLE
Final arrangements for Annual Conference 2024 are taking shape. A new Annual Conference app (hosted by Cvent, for those interested in the tech angle) will launch this year. Using the app, elected Annual Conference members will be able to access all electronic resources (Book of Reports, Agenda, Banquet Schedule, etc) for the Annual Conference Session. In addition, if any legislation coming out of General Conference requires a numbered vote, the conference will use the built-in polling function on the app to record this. Hampton Convention Center has purportedly made great strides in making enterprise-level internet access available throughout the building, which will make possible the use of this new capability.
The crux of the above is that Annual Conference Membership will essentially require members to bring an internet-enabled device with them; in addition, it is absolutely required that we have a valid and unique email for every Annual Conference Member. The Annual Conference is currently researching the possibility of making a limited number of loaner devices available, so they may be able to handle some exceptions to the first requirement; however, the email address is mandatory - the app requires this as a login.
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The VAUMC Connection
Bishop Sue met with most of the district staff and members of the conference staff for a Day of Collaboration on Friday, April 12. The focus of the day included relationship-building and envisioning shared work together in the next season of the Virginia Annual Conference. At the beginning of the day, Bishop Sue shared a devotion and focused on the importance of connection in every aspect of our lives. She emphasized that United Methodists know to their core what connection is and that Virginia United Methodists needs to reclaim that identity. Bishop Sue sees one of her roles as the "chief connector" in the conference and hopes that the VAUMC can find joy in their work together that is Christ-centered and focused on the disciple-making that happens in local churches.
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Bishop Sue addresses disinformation in UMC
Bishop Sue released a letter addressing disinformation in and around The United Methodist Church ahead of the postponed 2020 General Conference scheduled to begin at the end of this month. She began, "As we approach the convening of the postponed 2020 General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., I must address the varying types of disinformation being promulgated by some as they continue intentionally and concertedly to undermine and tear apart The United Methodist Church. The following are commitments I want to make as your resident Bishop." Read full letter...
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Francis Asbury Award for Campus Ministry
Each year, the Virginia Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, on behalf of the General Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, awards the Francis Asbury Award to a deserving clergyperson or layperson.
The award "recognizes United Methodist individuals who have significantly contributed to fostering United Methodist ministries in higher education at the local, district or annual conference level. It is awarded annually to one honoree per annual conference."
Our board receives nominations from the wider Virginia Annual Conference, and we prayerfully discern the recipient among those submissions. The award will be presented at Annual Conference in June.
Please submit your nominee to Rev. Ryan LaRock, Chair of the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry (ryanlarock@vaumc.org), by Sunday, May 19th. Please include with the nominee a brief paragraph or a few sentences as to how the individual has contributed significantly to collegiate and campus ministry in our Conference.
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High School Faith & Science Summer Camp at
Randolph-Macon College
So often, in our churches we talk deeply about faith but rarely mention science. In most school classrooms, students learn a lot about science but rarely in relation to the Christian faith. At Randolph-Macon College, we offer a unique summer camp where rising 9th-12th grade students can come together to explore how faith and science can inspire and inform one another! This year's theme is Creation Care as we explore the environment around us, celebrate God's amazing gifts to us, and learn more about being faithful stewards of Creation.
Do you know a high school student who might like to join us June 25-30th this year? You can find more information at (Home | Convergence @ Randolph-Macon College - A High School Youth Theology Institute on Faith and Science (rmc.edu) has more information. The cost of camp is $350 though scholarship funds are available if needed. If a pastor, youth minister, or RMC alumnus nominates a camper, we automatically give a $50 deduction to that camper. If you'd like to nominate someone, use this link (Nominate a Student for Convergence (google.com)) or simply go to the website and scroll to the bottom of the main page. Any high school Convergence camper who later attends RMC as a college student also receives a $1000 scholarship each year.
We are excited about this summer's theme and many possibilities! We hope you can share this invitation with any youth or those who might know other youth (youth leaders, school teachers, parents/grandparents, etc.) whom you believe would enjoy exploring how faith and science converge. Questions? Feel free to reach out to me at 804-752-7374 or kendragrimes@rmc.edu.
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Hi Friends, We are gearing up for All God’s Children camp and have openings for program leadership.
Bible Time leader at Westview on the James in Goochland , June 9-14. This is much like VBS and you would teach 3 groups the same lesson each morning.
Craft Time leadership at Chanco Camp and Retreat center in Surry, June 16-20. You would lead the craft session to three small groups each morning.
Contact me for more information!
Beth Christian
(804)347-5999
Ministry Partner
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District Scholarship Applications Now Available
Higher Education has always been a hallmark of the United Methodist Church. The value of resources for continued learning and higher education is fundamental to United Methodism. In keeping with our tradition of supporting higher learning, the Mission Rivers District (MRD) of the United Methodist Church has created a Student Scholarship Program. The program is maintained and administered by the MRD and is not connected with any other United Methodist board, agency, or entity. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who meet the program criteria as funding allows. Persons eligible to apply are those who are attending or who plan to attend a college or trade school, persons who are members of a United Methodist Church on the Mission Rivers District, and persons who are enrolled in a program that presents a degree or certification.
Click Link below for Guidelines and Application.
Applications may be emailed to Missionriversdistrict@vaumc.org with the subject line, “MRD Scholarship Workgroup” or may be mailed to MRD Scholarship Workgroup, PO BOX 400, Montpelier, VA 23192.
Deadline to return is July 10, 2024.
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Please welcome
Lucia Zoe Yi, daughter of proud parents Han Yi and Jisin Lyu, born on Thursday, April 11th, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measuring 20 inches. Han is the pastor of Henderson UMC in Callao.
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Michael Dixon Hagstrom joined the family this weekend! We are back home and thankful for the excellent medical care we received at the hospital! We can't wait to introduce him to you all soon! (From Facebook) Father, Josh, is the pastor of Colonial Beach UMC in Colonial Beach. | |
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The Director of Worship at Ebenezer UMC Stafford, Preston Hardage, has a Spinet upright piano he wants to give away. It’s in his house, and it’s free but in need of tuning and shows a little wear. For more information, please contact Ebenezer UMC at 540.659.1349 | |
Ministry innovation is focus of upcoming appointment to New Town UMC, campus ministry
Rev. Ryan LaRock is projected to be appointed July 1, 2024 as chief visionary for New Town UMC, Mission Rivers District, and as campus minister and director of the Wesley Foundation at William & Mary in Williamsburg. The appointment offers an opportunity for ministry innovation that enhances the connection between the Wesley Foundation and new ministries at New Town, while continuing to strengthen ministry with other Williamsburg-area churches and across the Mission Rivers district. The full list of appointments in the Virginia Conference will be released on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Read full press release...
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THE HIGH PRICE OF A BARGAIN BACKGROUND CHECK
Ten dollars does not go far these days. You can barely get a fast-food meal for that amount. And yet, some churches and organizations spend that same price, or less, on a background check, expecting it to provide an acceptable measure of safety and peace of mind. When in reality, the bargain you thought you were getting could open your organization up to costly litigation, and all of a sudden, the cheapest solution……well, isn’t.
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The annual District Conference is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024 in person at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 8209 Shady Grove Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. | |
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Chestnut Memorial UMC, 1024 Harpersville Rd., in Newport News will be hosting Rise Against Hunger on May 18th. As many of you know, this opportunity provides the assembly of packaged meals to be sent to countries in need.
Last year our effort provided 20,000 meals to Madagascar. Given the political climate around the world, and the extreme food insecurity due to climate conditions and war, we felt led to increase our effort to 30,000 meals this year. This effort will require us to raise $12,000 and enlist over 100 volunteers. We are stepping out in faith and reaching out to our District for support.
If your congregation has yearned to provide international missional support, this is a great way to make that step. We are seeking monetary support for this day, (Chestnut has already secured $4,000.00) and personal support in the form of volunteers. If you have, or know of student groups that need volunteer hours, this is a wonderful opportunity to join with United Methodists in serving our world.
For information please contact Pastor Ken Waclo at kenwaclo@vaumc.org. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity.
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We had a tremendous Easter Sunday service at New Hope UMC, Saluda. Six young men baptized and one set of parents joined through reaffirmation of faith. Blessed with a guest speaker, Cornelius the Centurion (actually just Pastor John doing a monologue). | |
Are you a musician and would love to use your gifts to glorify God in a Christian band in Fauquier County? Remington UMC is looking for musicians to form a contemporary band for worship. Once the band is formed, they are planning on relaunching a contemporary service featuring modern music for worship. Please contact Linda McClanahan at (540) 439-2579 if you are interested. | |
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Blood Drive: May 6, 2024, 1:00-6:00 PM, in the Fellowship Hall
Wesley UMC
2510 N. Armistead Ave.
Hampton, VA 23666
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Get Healthy Fauquier: 3d annual event on 11 May 2024, 10-2pm. Approximately 37 vendors with medical/health information to help keep you healthy; screenings for hearing, vision, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and more. Patrons will find free giveaways, information and expertise ranging from cardiac health, women's health, dental health, mental health, spiritual health, aging services and much more! Lots of Door Prices, you can’t miss those. RUMC volunteers, lead by our Pastor Don will be serving hot dogs, and hamburgers, chips and water. Come out and join us .
Remington UMC
150 West Bowen St.
Remington, VA 22734
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Mount Vernon UMC, 7801 Church Lane, Toano, VA 23168 will be having its Spring Yard & Bake sale, Saturday, May 18th 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. | | | | |
