Embrace A Center for Community

A Valley Ridge District Ministry

Embrace currently operates on the property of a closed UM church in Waynesboro. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing everyone a place at God’s table and sharing grace face to face. They view the property from which they serve as a toolbox committed to the wise use of all resources for ministry. Rev. Jenelle Watson serves as the Executive Director.

Looking ahead, Valley Ridge District leaders hope to use Embrace as a model for ministry in other communities of the District. Investment in this type of collaborative mission is something we look forward to exploring, using the lessons and best practices of Embrace, Waynesboro to plant creative ministry in underserved areas throughout the District.

How can YOU support Embrace?

Invite a representative from Embrace to speak with your congregation or small group - reach out to JenelleWatson@vaumc.org to schedule.

Volunteer your time and gifts to the many projects at Embrace. Individuals and small groups (UMM, UWF, Sunday School classes, Youth groups) are welcome.

Give financially through your church or individually. CLICK HERE for those instructions. Embrace has a new mailing address: P. O. Box 1446 Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Share this email and the video found HERE with your friends, family, AND congregation.

At the Valley Ridge District Day on Saturday, November 18, when all churches will join together for Charge Conferences, District Conference, learning, and fellowship, we will be United as One in Mission by collecting winter gloves, socks, and hand warmers to be used in various ministries at Embrace. Your generosity is a blessing!

Just some of the outreach at Embrace

Weekly 

Green Hanger Project Volunteer Workdays: 2 -5 PM every Monday and Wednesday

Veteran's Brunch: every Friday 10:30 AM-noon'ish. Veterans, active military, and their families are welcome.

Nar-Anon Family Support group: every Saturday, 3:30 PM-5 PM

October

October 15: Dinner Church Gathering @ Embrace. 4-6 PM (All are welcome!)

October 28: Embracing Veterans October Family Festival for Veterans and the Military Community

October 31: Embrace Waynesboro Trick-or-Treat Pit Stop. (Volunteers and event organizers needed!) 

November

Saturday, November 4: Kick-Off to Christmas Community Celebration

8 AM- noon: Holiday Market. This market is part of a day-long holiday celebration. In addition to harvest and Thanksgiving-themed items, ready-to-purchase Christmas decor and gift items will be available and orders taken for personalized items. 

6 PM-9 PM: Holiday Village Party. Congregations, clubs, classrooms, and civic organizations are invited to "adopt" and decorate a themed Christmas tree for our decorating competition and silent auction. This event will feature refreshments, and guests are invited to wear their favorite tacky Christmas sweater as they mingle and vote for their favorite tree with their spare change. Participants can also make their own tacky sweaters. Photos of sweaters worn and/or made will be placed on the Embrace website for community voting the following week. Prizes will be awarded.

November 19: Community Thanksgiving Dinner Church Gathering 4-7 PM

November 23, Thanksgiving Day: We would love to be open throughout the day for persons who have no place to go or would otherwise spend the day alone. Volunteers and sponsors are needed to provide food, entertainment, and serve as hosts. Email jenellewatson@vaumc.org for info or to sign up.

November 28: Embracing Veterans Thanksgiving Dinner. Time TBD.

December

ORGANIZERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Help Embrace create a new Christmas tradition for our community. It could be an outdoor concert inviting people to drive around the block while being serenaded by carolers. Or a light display. Or a new Christmas Eve tradition. All ideas that celebrate the true meaning of the holiday are welcome. If this is something that sparks your interest, email jenellewatson@vaumc.org. 

December 2 Brunch with Santa and Family Holiday Workshop

Share brunch with Santa, join our team of elves in making gifts and holiday decorations, and have a family portrait made. Time TBD

December 16: Veteran's and military families' Christmas event

What's been going on at Embrace, Waynesboro

Veterans Event, September 2023

Preparations and Improvement for the Food Pantry, August 2023

A teaching moment in the Community Gardens with a visitor from Ghana

August 2023

Learn more and connect with Embrace:

On the web at: embracewaynesboro.org

On social media at:

Embrace Waynesboro, A Center for Community

Embrace Waynesboro Community Gardens

By email:

EmbraceWaynesboro@gmail.com

JenelleWatson@vaumc.org

By phone: (540) 324-7006

Physical Address: 932 Fir Street, Waynesboro

Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1446, Waynesboro, VA 22980