November 2023

Dates to Remember

Charge Conferences 2023


We are at the halfway point of our 2023 cluster Charge Conferences.



Cluster 1 Tabernacle UMC Fredericksburg:

Cluster 2 Kilmarnock UMC:


Member Forms due November 17th



Grant Applications Due December 1st


Save the date: December 4th:


More information will be sent out soon.

A Little Good News...


Meet Jackson Josiah Parker, born October 14, 2023 at 11:15 AM. He is the first grandchild of Rev. Becca Minor, Tappahannock Memorial UMC. Becca is a member of the Mission Rivers Board of Directors.

VIRGINIA CONFERENCE

Registration

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 preaching, mission work, faith-based non-profit leadership, music ministry, youth ministry, 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 they select 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 at Pre-Ministerial | Randolph-Macon College (rmc.edu). The application deadline for next year’s incoming class is Monday, February 5, 2024. Contact R-MC Chaplain and Pre-Ministerial Program Director Rev. Kendra Grimes at kendragrimes@rmc.edu for more information.  

 

VAUMC Relationship Partner: Help Wesley Housing in their Holiday Help campaign


There are several ways you can help Wesley Housing in their Holiday Help campaign. As the holidays draw near, anticipation and excitement starts to creep in. Many of us are busy planning, shopping, and looking forward to a joy-filled season. But, this isn’t the case for everyone.

For for the low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and chronic illness living in our affordable housing communities, even providing the most basic necessities can be a struggle. They don't have the resources to share in the joy of giving and receiving gifts.


How you can help:

  • Adopt a Family: Adopt-a-family by purchasing two "wish gift" items for each family
  • member and one household grocery gift card. The deadline for this giving option is October 27.
  • Provide a gift of warmth: Provide a Gift of Warmth for adult residents by
  • purchasing "wish gift" items such as a coat, blanket, or gloves. The deadline for this giving option is October 27.
  • Send a teen shopping: Give a donation towards a gift card that Wesley Housing will purchase.
  • Give teens a chance to treat themselves this holiday season.

Find out more...


Relationship Partners of the Virginia Annual Conference are organizations that started as a ministry of the Conference. The partners operate independently but continue to be supported by the local churches. The partnership is essential for all to continue to serve the world together! Every year Relationship Agreements are presented to the Missional Connections Team of the Conference Missional Ministries Board between the Virginia Conference and Heart Havens Inc.; UMFS; Pinnacle Living; Virginia United Methodist Housing Development Corporation; and Wesley Housing Development Corporation.

We are very excited to announce that UM Day at the General Assembly is happening in 2024!


Join us on February 1, 2024 in Richmond with Bishop Sue to advocate together! You can register here


If you aren't familiar with this incredible event we'd love to tell you all about it! Faithful Virginia United Methodists from across our great Commonwealth have gathered in Richmond for over 30 years to advocate for our neighbors. When we gather together we arrange visits with our Senators to discuss issues that are relevant to our faith with direction from our friends and partners at Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and other advocacy groups. If you are interested in putting your faith into action, register today. 


Registration is $25 for early registration and $10 for students.


You can learn more about the event and our schedule on the VAUMC website. Or if you want to learn more about the event before you register you can sign up for our Preview Meeting on Nov. 30 at 7:00 pm. 

All God's Children Camp dates are set for 2024. 


We need 90 folks who are willing to volunteer a week this coming summer and spend time in the great outdoors while mentoring some amazing campers who have an incarcerated parent. So grab your Sr. High youth group, your Young Adult group or any other adult group in you church and join us! This a wonderful mission trip in your own backyard! See dates below and contact Lori Smith at agcc.vaumc.org for more information.


Week 1-June 9-14 at Westview on the James

Week 2-June 16-21 at Camp Chanco on the James

Week 3-August 11-16 and Camp Chanco on the James


Local Churches

The Colonial Beach United Women in Faith took a break from business as usual and met at the home of Joanne Hunter for our October meeting. Attendees from the left and around the table are: Jan Lohr, Joanne Young, Joanne Hunter, Lynn Lincoln, Sandra Hooks, Amy Tabler, CeCe McKeever and Jean Beach.

Church Organist/Pianist Needed Trinity Newport News

To provide pipe organ and piano music for worship services and other church functions which may include weddings, special events, and funerals.


Be able to display a professional level of musical talent from training and experience. Have a thorough working knowledge of pipe organs and a theological understanding of church music. Be able to communicate well and in a friendly manner with the pastor, congregation and SPPR Committee Members.


Job Expectations:

1. The organist shall rehearse sufficiently to maintain a high quality of music.

2. An annual performance review will be conducted.

3. Be available four to five Sundays a month for an 11:00 am Worship Service. Approximately 8-10 hours per month.

Salary: Commensurate with experience


Interested persons should contact Trinity United Methodist Church by calling 757-244-4051.Please leave your name and a good contact number. Or email us at trinitynnoffice@verizon.net.

Spaghetti Dinner On a Monday


Heathsville United Methodist Church, 39 Courthouse Road, Heathsville, Virginia, will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on Monday November 13 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Dine-in or Take-out. $10.00 each.

Menu: Spaghetti with Homemade sauces, Italian bread, Salad bar, Dessert, Tea, Coffee, Lemonade, and Water. Proceeds will be donated to our local Needy Family Fund. All are welcome!!

Christmas Bazaar at Andrew Chapel UMC - Fellowship Hall

16340 Kings Highway Montross, VA 22520 (an elevator for your convenience)


Sponsored by the Busy Bees - with homemade crafts, baked goods, jewelry, soup and more! 


Fri., Nov. 17th at 3:00pm - 6:00pm & Sat., Nov. 18th at 9:00am - 2:00pm



Christ United Methodist Church, 133 Deep Creek Road in Newport News, VA is having a Christmas Market on December 9th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be crafts, quilts, bake sale and vendors. Will have $10.00 luncheon of chicken salad croissants, fruit, cookies, chips and drink. Join us and get some Christmas shopping done! For further questions contact Susie Dorton at 757-930-1125 or Julie Jordan at 757-768-2398.

Sue Haupert-Johnson

Resident Bishop

Bishop@vaumc.org


Rev. Dr. Charles F. Ledlum-Bates

District Superintendent

MissionRiversDS@vaumc.org


Administrative Assistants:

Lisa Jones

LisaJones@vaumc.org

757.596.3476

Lynn Manley

LynnManley@vaumc.org

757.879.9472


District Directors of Connectional Ministries:

Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Brown

ClarenceBrown@vaumc.org


Rev. Dr. James "Jim" O'Quinn

JimOQuinn@vaumc.org


Financial Contacts:

Betty Hill, Bookkeeper

BettyHill@vaumc.org

Pat McGuckin, Treasurer

pmcguckim@ebenezerumc.org


Mission Rivers District

6515 George Washington Memorial Highway, Suite 203

Yorktown, VA 23692-2182