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- From the DS
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District News: Charge Conference Dates, Important Reminders & Resources, Lay Servant Training, Hatching Faith, Discernment Day
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Celebrations: New Clergy, Student AC 26 Reflection, Downriver Devotion
- Important Dates
- VAUMC News
- Ministry Partner Updates
UWF, Brotherhood Mutual, RMN, UMM, Equipment 4 Caring
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A Message from Rev. Dr. Kyungsuk Cho
Watch this month's video from our District Superintendent.
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Charge Conference Dates
SAVE these dates!
Eastern Location – (Loudoun & Fauquier Counties)
Saturday, October 24th - 10:00 a.m
Round Hill United Methodist Church, 11 West Loudoun Street, Round Hill, VA 20142
Northern Location – (Clarke & Frederick Counties and the City of Winchester)
Sunday, November 22nd - 3:00 p.m.
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 210 E. Main Street, Berryville, VA 22611
Central Location – (Page, Shenandoah & Warren Counties)
Sunday, October 25th - 3:00 p.m.
Manor Memorial United Methodist Church, 9320 North Congress Street, New Market, Va 22844
Southern Location – (Augusta, Rockingham & the City of Harrisonburg)
Saturday, November 21st - 10:00 a.m.
Vision of Hope United Methodist Church, 1723 Port Republic Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
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Important Reminders and Resources
You've likely already seen some of these items come through district or conference channels, but they're important enough to highlight again here. Please take a few minutes to review and make sure you're up to date on the following:
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Our Mailing Address has changed! ALL Shenandoah River District mail should be sent to PO Box 1995, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Please do not send mail to the old Toms Brook address.
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Accountable Reimbursement - Review the updated policy for how churches reimburse pastors and staff for ministry-related expenses. LEARN MORE
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Micro Communities - Curious about micro communities and how they might fit into your church's ministry? Watch this short conference video to learn more. WATCH VIDEO
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Centralized Payroll - Learn about the three approved options for Clergy Payroll, including how the conference's centralized payroll system works and what it means for your clergy and staff. LEARN MORE
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Clergy 1-1 Meetings - Clergy need to sign up for their annual 1-1 meeting with the DS. That signup form came from Debbie this week.
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District Conference will be December 5 from 10-12. More details to follow- save the date!
Training Opportunities
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Do No Harm Registration - Register for this important training on healthy boundaries and safe ministry practices. REGISTER
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Congregations of Call - Interested in helping raise up the next generation of clergy? Learn how your church can become a Congregation of Call. LEARN MORE
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FX Rural Church Gathering - Join this Fresh Expressions gathering focused on rural church ministry. LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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Lay Servant Training Day - September 26
Lay Servant Training Day is Saturday, September 26, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Strasburg UMC in Strasburg, VA. Registration is now open, and the Basic Course is being offered free this time. Click here to register; required books and reading materials are listed at registration.
Our keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley, who will also teach Leading Worship. Rev. Alexis Owens will teach the Basic class. Rev. Tommy Stelzl will teach Preaching, and Rev. Denise Childers will teach Aging in the 21st Century. Pastors, please help us encourage youth and young adults to take the Basic Course.
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Discernment Day
Is God Nudging You to Do More? Do you think God is calling you, but you’re not sure how to answer?
Discernment Day is an opportunity for you to explore your sense of call alongside others who are discerning. Join us Saturday, September 12, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Braddock Street UMC. The event is free and meals are provided. When you register, you’ll be invited to choose two discussion groups to join. LEARN MORE
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Hatching Faith
The Hatching Faith Cohort program is designed to help churches more fully engage and include children in worship and prayer. Registration is open now for Cohorts 4 & 5, which will run simultaneously, joining together in a Kick-off Event in Spring 2027. The registration link as well as FAQs, cohort timeline, and contact information, can be found at vaumc.org/hatchingfaith.
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New Clergy Introductions
We invited clergy serving new appointments as of July 1 to introduce themselves so that we can get to know them and welcome them to the district. You can see those introductions on our Welcome New Clergy page.
Of the five we've received, one was once in the CIA, one spent some time as a tourguide at Luray Caverns, one has climbed Mt. Fugi, one is a pilot, and one was once a farmer. Find out who is who and learn more about them all HERE.
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AC 2026 - A Student Perspective
From June 17th - 20th, I had the privilege of attending the 244th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference (VAUMC) for my fourth year in a row. This year the Annual Conference was held at JMU in Harrisonburg (in our own Shenandoah River District!). Once again, it has been an honor to serve my church and my district by representing the youth inside the youth cohort.
Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions, observe the conference proceedings, and witness how important new decisions are made for the church. Each year, this opportunity gives me a greater appreciation for hearing all voices and thoughtfully considering every topic that comes before the conference.
Once again, I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to attend, and I would love to attend next year for the fifth and final time (as a youth delegate)!
Joshua Foster
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Downriver Devotion - Celebrating Ministry on the Water
Each Wednesday morning this summer, Rev. John Haynes, Jr. (Strasburg UMC) and Rev. Gary Heaton (Kernstown UMC) have been gathering with fellow ministry leaders on the Shenandoah River for Downriver Devotion, a time of prayer, collegial connection, and encouragement on the water. What a gift it is to see our clergy pause together in God's creation and be renewed for the work ahead! If you'd like to join in, meet at the Strasburg Town Park Boat Ramp at 8:00 a.m., just check with the hosts first since it depends on river conditions. LEARN MORE
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Find links and information from the Virginia Conference below.
VAUMC News
Find links and information from the Virginia Conference and the UMC below:
Ministry Toolbox Articles
Miracle Sunday Coming this Fall
This fall, Virginia United Methodists are invited into a six-week worship and small group series called "Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously," beginning September 6 and culminating on Miracle Sunday, October 11. The emphasis supports theological education for 500 pastoral students annually across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Every congregation is encouraged to receive a special offering on October 11; worship and small group resources are available at vaumc.org/miraclesunday.
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Find the latest news and information from our Ministry Partners using the links below!
Brotherhood Mutual: News & Updates
Inflation & Property Values: Keep Your Property Inventory Up to Date
With inflation driving up property values, now is a good time to make sure your church's property inventory is current. An up-to-date inventory helps your ministry know what to replace and how much contents coverage you need in the event of a disaster or damage. Read the full article here for tips on getting started, and reach out to church insurance agent Herb Bennett at herb@sanfordinsuranceva.com with questions. You can also visit our Ministry Partner page for more resources.
RMN's "Tent, Table, Wonder" Playlist
Don't miss the follow-up list of favorite "tent," "table," and "wonder" songs, along with YouTube links to accompany us on the journey of building relationship. Please continue to send your contributions to lauradouglass@vaumc.org, and they'll be added to the playlist. See what we have so far here: READ MORE
UMM Fall Rally & Conference Retreat
Keezletown United Methodist Men are planning a September Rally September 2, 2026 (Wednesday) at 6:30 PM with a Low Country Boil and guest speaker from the JMU Suitcase Clinic. Rev. Richard Bensinger plans to share about upcoming UMM ministry/opportunities as well.
The VAUMC UMM will hold a Spiritual Retreat September 18-19, 2026. REGISTER
Equipment for Caring
Equipment for Caring is in need of hospital beds. The supply has been depleted and they are in need of them for their community needs.
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Office On The Move
We continue to offer our services to the churches in our district. Please note the days of the week our staff are available to serve you in your area.
Kyungsuk - Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
Tommy - Monday, Friday
Debbie - Monday through Thursday
Kim- Availability varies weekly
Staff members' calendars are linked to their names above. Click the name to schedule an appointment.
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If you would like to include an article in this newsletter, please email Debbie Creech, District Administrator, at DebbieCreech@vaumc.org by the 25th of each month. |
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