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- From the DS
- AC 2026 Recap
- Celebrations
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District News
Charge Conference Dates, PAUMCS on the Road
- Clergy News
- Important Dates
- VAUMC News
- Ministry Partner Updates
Lay Servant News, RMN, Camp Overlook, UMM, Kingsway, UWF
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A Message from Rev. Dr. Kyungsuk Cho
Watch this month's video from our District Superintendent.
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Thank you, Shenandoah River District!
The 244th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference met June 17–20, 2026 at JMU's Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, and we are so grateful for the volunteers and churches of the Shenandoah River District who helped make it all happen. More than 150 volunteers served in roles from parking and transportation to ushers and hospitality, nearby churches opened their doors for meals and gatherings, and neighboring districts stepped in to help recruit support, a true reminder of what it means to be connectional. SRD churches also delivered more than 2,500 Kits for Conference, including 1,691 health kits, 157 cleaning buckets, and 845 feminine hygiene kits, resources that will reach people who need them most across the connection.
While our volunteers were busy with behind-the-scenes work, the conference itself centered on the theme "Reclaiming the Heart of Methodism," with teaching sessions from Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis and approval of the 2027 budget, Equitable Compensation recommendations, and the Single Party Clergy Pay recommendation.
From the volunteers who parked cars to the churches who covered the week in prayer, the Shenandoah River District showed what it looks like when a community comes together in service. Find AC wrap up links below.
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AC 2026 Wrap-Up Links
Annual Conference Teaching Sessions
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Welcome, New Clergy
Twenty persons attended the New Clergy Orientation on Saturday, July 11, at Braddock Street UMC. District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Kyungsuk Cho introduced the unique ministries, characteristics, and opportunities within the Shenandoah River District, helping familiarize our newest clergy with the communities they will serve. The gathering concluded with Holy Communion and lunch, providing a meaningful time for fellowship and relationship-building as these pastors begin their ministry in our district.
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Congratulations, Mount Herman UMC!
Congratulations to Mount Herman UMC, recipient of the Wesley Flame award for young adult ministry at Annual Conference 2026! The Wesley Flame awards celebrate ministries that are warming hearts, transforming communities, and spreading the love of Christ in innovative ways, and Mount Herman's Young Adults Rise program does exactly that. Founded by Rebecca Harrigal, YAR helps 18 to 24 year olds build confidence, community, and practical life skills through weekly 90-minute gatherings covering topics like finances, career, relationships, and wellness, along with a monthly social activity like game night or bowling. For more information, contact Rebecca Harrigal at MHUMC.YAR@gmail.com or visit YoungAdultsRise.org.
| | Bishop Sue with Rebecca Harrigal at Annual Conference. | |
Charge Conference Dates
SAVE these dates! Locations and additional information to come!
October 24th and 25th
(East and Central)
November 21st and 22nd
(North and South)
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PAUMCS on the Road: Life After Publisher
If Microsoft Publisher is your go-to tool for bulletins and church publications, here's something you need to know: Microsoft is retiring Publisher in October. But don't worry, we've got you covered!
Join Kim Johnson, Director of Resourcing for the Virginia Conference, for a hands-on training session designed to help church administrators navigate the transition and discover the best alternatives for creating bulletins and publications. The Winchester session will be Thursday, August 13, from 10-12 at Kernstown UMC.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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Mountain View District Summer Book Club
The Mountain View District is hosting a summer book club series and has extended an open invitation to Shenandoah River District clergy to participate.
The Mountain View District Second Annual Summer Book Clubs brings together pastors for a series of Zoom conversations on books worth reading. Each session is led by a district colleague and, in several cases, features the author as a special guest. CEUs are available: 0.5 for every two books read, up to 1.5 if you read all seven. LEARN MORE
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Poetry for Preachers
The Mission Rivers District is hosting its fall clergy gathering on October 26 and has extended an invitation to Shenandoah River District clergy to join them. The featured presenter is Rev. Laura Martin, poet, pastor, and author of Breaking Into Light and Still. Her session, "Poetry for Preachers," explores how poetry can enrich and deepen preaching.
October 26 | 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Peace UMC, Fredericksburg
LEARN MORE
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August 1: Cross-Cultural Training
- August 13: PAUMCS on the Road- What Comes After Publisher?
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August 15: Children's Ministry Lab
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September 2: UMM Rally (Keezletown UMC)
- October 24-25: Charge Conferences (East & Central)
- October 26: Poetry for Preachers (CLERGY)
- November 21-22: Charge Conferences (North & South)
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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!
RMN: Stories of Becoming
Stories inform, reform and transform both tellers and hearers. To be given the opportunity to tell one’s story can be life-changing. Listening to those stories is to receive a very special gift. How often do we on the Shenandoah River District, find ways as LGTBQ+ individuals, Allies, the Reconciling Community, and our faith communities to live into those stories? Although the 2024 General Conference legislative changes to ... READ MORE
Camp Overlook Summer Update
We are now more than halfway through another exciting summer at Camp Overlook! This year's theme follows the missionary journeys of Paul as we explore his travels and the letters he wrote to the early churches.
Each morning during Morning Watch, campers learn ... READ MORE
UWF: Faith, Action, Sisterhood
Faith. Action. Sisterhood. These words caught my attention in a recent issue of RESPONSE magazine. As women of faith, we continue to be Christ's sisterhood in action. The ministry taking place through our district units is truly inspiring.
Every day, women across our district are serving others through food pantries, clothes closets, meal ministries for those experiencing homelessness, childcare assistance, and countless volunteer opportunities within their local communities. Many also ... READ MORE
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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.
NOTE: Debbie is working on a special assignment from the conference office and will not be able to answer emails or phone calls on Wednesdays for the foreseeable future. Please feel free to call or email on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday until 1 pm.
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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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