Mission Rivers District Newsletter

February 2026

"Blessed are the Peacemakers"

Many of us are carrying a quiet heaviness as we look at the state of the world. Ongoing conflict, deep divisions, and uncertainty about the future can leave us wondering how to live faithfully in such a time. Into that reality, Jesus speaks a steady and demanding word: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

In Matthew’s Gospel, this blessing is not offered as an abstract ideal. It is spoken to disciples who knew fear, hardship, and disagreement. Peacemaking, in Jesus’ vision, is not passive or polite. It is an active participation in God’s work of reconciliation—choosing wholeness over harm, relationship over rupture.

For several weeks now, monks have been walking for peace from Texas, with their final destination being Washington, D.C. All across news feeds, social media, and personal communication, folks are gathering to bear witness to this pilgrimage. And I cannot help but think, they are joining in the presence of peace-making themselves. Folks from Grace in Newport News joined the march. Wright's Chapel in Ladysmith hosted one evening, and many more have come alongside. What a powerful witness to choosing peace over violence and love over hate.

Their witness reminds us that Christian peacemaking is often quiet and faithful rather than loud and forceful. It takes shape in small, courageous choices: listening when it would be easier to argue, extending grace across difference, and staying rooted in hope when peace feels distant.

To be called “children of God” is to reflect God’s own reconciling love. As a district, we live into this calling not through grand gestures alone, but through daily practices of prayer, hospitality, justice, and compassion.

Blessed are the peacemakers. May we have the courage to take the next faithful step together.

grace upon grace,

Lindsey

MRD Grace Filled Invitation and Hospitality Workshop

Grace-filled Invitation and Hospitality is a hands-on workshop and coaching experience designed to help churches connect with new people, offer a genuine welcome, and accompany them on a meaningful journey of faith.

On March 21, 2026 (10:00 AM–2:00 PM), church teams—pastor plus three laity—will learn practical strategies for invitation, first-time guest hospitality, and faithful follow-up. Each team will leave with a customized Action Plan and receive six months of group coaching to support implementation.

The workshop will be led by Rev. Paul Nickerson, a nationally recognized trainer and coach for churches across the United Methodist connection.

Team cost: $250 per team by February 28th and $300 after March 1st

Lunch is included and the location is New Song UMC,7450 Colts Neck Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Date: Saturday, March 21

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

My name is Robin BeMiller and I am the co-chair of the VA Board of Discipleship. I am writing to ask for your help in sharing an important opportunity to recognize churches and individuals in the Missions River District who are making a difference.

We are currently receiving nominations for two conference awards that celebrate faithful, creative, and life-giving discipleship happening in our churches and communities: The Wesley Flame Award and The One Matters Award. These awards honor both clergy and lay people of all ages, as well as congregations that are helping new life take root.

Many of the most powerful stories of ministry happen quietly. We do not want them to go unnoticed.

Would you please help us spread the word by:

• Encouraging pastors to include this announcement in their church newsletters

• Sharing the nomination link with church leaders, ministry teams, and lay members

• Reminding congregations that anyone can nominate someone

The deadline to submit nominations is March 1, and the nomination form is simple and accessible.

Nomination link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTEbmF6SI55yb2GSe5UxkIP1HyDec17MsGN5fje5nCRB9B2w/viewform?usp=header

Thank you for helping us lift up and celebrate the ways God is at work through faithful people and communities across our district. Your partnership makes it possible for these stories to be seen and shared.

Please feel free to reach out to me at Robinbemiller@vaumc.org if you have any questions.

With gratitude, Robin

Discipleship Awards

Upcoming clergy gatherings

As always, all Mission Rivers District Clergy—actively appointed, on leave, serving in extension

settings, and retired—are invited and encouraged to join us! For questions, please contact Rev.

Deborah Lewis: deborahlewis@vaumc.org. Check the new page on our website for ongoing

updates to upcoming gatherings: https://www.missionriversdistrict.org/clergy-events

“Rooted in Grace” VAUMC clergy retreat, 3/10-11/26

District clergy are encouraged to gather with our colleagues from around the conference, for

this overnight retreat in Richmond. More info and register here:

https://vaumc.org/clergyretreat/

Fort Monroe visit, 4/16

Meet at the Fort Monroe Visitor Center & Education Center in Hampton to explore the site,

including Point Comfort (where the earliest documented enslaved Africans entered Virginia in

1619). Learn about the convergence of Indigenous, African, and European cultures in this

location, and the role of the Fort’s role in changing the direction of the Civil War. There will be

time to take a tour and walk in and around the Fort at your own pace. We will end our time

with a Dutch treat lunch in a nearby restaurant. Let us know if you’re coming:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/VAUMC/MRDFtMonroeClergy

Clergy, family, & friends baseball game, 5/8/26

*For this event only, clergy are encouraged to bring friends and family.* Mission Rivers District

is subsidizing the cost of tickets, which includes a buffet dinner and a game in the brand new

stadium of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Cost: $25/ticket for anyone 18 or older; $15/ticket

for those 4-17 years old; children 3 and under get in free. Purchase tickets for yourself and

your crew by 3/26: https://www.cognitoforms.com/VAUMC/Squirrels

The following items are now available on the district website:

District Scholarship Applications

https://www.missionriversdistrict.org/scholarships

2026 Charge Conference Schedule

https://www.missionriversdistrict.org/charge-conferences

Lay Servant Training Registration

https://www.missionriversdistrict.org/lay-servant-ministries

Discernment Day

Friends,

The next Discernment Day will be Saturday, March 21 at Larchmont UMC in Norfolk, and hosted by the Coastal Virginia District.

The information and registration can be found here: https://vaumc.org/discernment-day/

RJ, Director of Church and Community Relations at Pinnacle Living, set up a display table to share that Pinnacle Living and its six senior living communities are available as partners with our churches and are willing to become the main resource for aging ministries for the local church.

About Pinnacle Living Pinnacle Living, formerly known as Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc., was founded in 1947 and began serving residents in 1948 as part of the church’s mission to serve seniors. Since then, it has grown from a single senior living community to six Life Plan communities that offer Independent Living cottages, villas, and apartments, Assisted Living suites, Memory Care suites, and private and semi-private health care rooms. Pinnacle Living, guided by its mission, Enriching Life’s Journey, continues to honor its faith-inspired roots and welcomes residents of all faiths. Pinnacle Living communities are home to more than 1,200 residents and employ more than 1,000 team members.