January 16, 2020
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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC 
UMW Recognizes Outgoing President JM Gallier
Saturday , January 11th, at Tabernacle UMC, we had an Officer Renewal gathering. During the opening  ceremony, our new District UMW President, Penny Kelly, along with Maria Fortune Vice President presented outgoing President JM Gallier with gifts and fond words of thanks.

JM”s support of her District UMW sisters was and is ongoing. We appreciate her leadership and knowledge.

JM has now accepted the position of UMW District Historian.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen W Robison
Nominations Committee , Chair
Youth Retreat 2020
Fellow soldiers! 

The Rappahannock River Youth Council wishes to invite you to the annual District Youth Retreat at Camp Piankatank on April 24th-26th!

Our theme, "Battle Ready", aims to train the youth about the Armor of God so that they can take their "stand against the devil's schemes." Through activities, worship, and fellowship with one another, the youth will experience God in a way that empowers them to go into the world. 

The retreat is a blast! Every year we gain new friends, we explore exciting opportunities, and we grow closer to God. A place free from the strains of society, the retreat allows us to be ourselves and to learn in our own way. Some may find their new best friend. Others may find the answer to a question burning in their heart. And still others will find the love and support they need to make it through everything the world is throwing at them. The possibilities are endless and God never ceases to provide and amaze.

Click below for the information sheet on the retreat. For the parental consent form, t-shirt order form, code of conduct form and Lip-Sync battle registration and rules or any questions, please contact TJ Oliver at  rrdyouth@vaumc.org .

We hope that all of you can make this wonderful event! We are excited and cannot wait to share this experience with you!

Over and out, 

TJ

TJ Oliver
Rappahannock River Youth Director

Applications and Nominations for Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute Are OPEN!
Do you have a current high schooler in your life who is ready to learn about how their faith in Jesus Christ calls them to live and be in the world in a way that seeks justice? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute! SUYTI is a two-week, credit-bearing program for any young person who is currently in high school (that is, any student who will be a rising sophomore through recent high school graduate this summer). Students spend one week on SU’s campus in Winchester and one week on the campus of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, and (of course) sabbath rest, learn to become stronger Christian leaders in their local communities. The 2020 Institute will run from July 19-August 1, 2020, and thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, we are able to give your student all that SUYTI has to offer (room and board, program expenses, and three college credits) to our cohort members at a cost of only $200 per student. To nominate a student or to apply, visit our website at  www.su.edu/youththeology . For more information, contact Ian Urriola, Director of the SUYTI, by calling (540) 665-5453 or e-mailing  yti@su.edu .

Harry Denman Award for Discipleship
Is anyone in your congregation someone who goes above and beyond when it comes to discipleship? Perhaps they are involved in youth or family ministry and have helped many people to have a relationship with God or they are involved in a local mission that has influenced lives for Christ. They can be clergy, laity and/or youth. Each year the Board of Discipleship recognizes one person in each category who displays discipleship in their lives. Nominations are due no later than midnight on March 2, 2020. Go to  https://www.vaumc.org/Denman  to get a nomination form (or see attached) and send it to Becky Tate at  beckytate@vaumc.org  or mail it to her attention at VAUMC, PO Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058. 
One Matters Award

Are you a church that has experienced a positive turnaround in professions of faith and/or baptisms? Has your church gone from zero Professions of Faith in the past to a positive number of Professions of Faith in 2019? If so, you may be eligible for the One Matters Award. Churches are chosen by a process that looks at the past four years and the most current year for positive changes in Professions of Faith. The church that is chosen will receive a One Matters plaque and $1,000 to continue their ministries of intentional discipleship. The intent of this award is to lift up churches who have moved from zeros in Professions of Faith and/or baptisms to positive numbers in recent years due to their renewed focus on intentional discipleship. Their story of renewed transformation will be shared during the annual conference session, and we will share their stories across the connection through Discipleship Ministries website and publications.  
Applications are due no later than midnight on March 2, 2020. Applications may be obtained at  http://www.vaumc.org/ncfilerepository/Forms/OneMatters2020.pdf   or see the attached.  They should be sent to Kathy Gochenour at  kathygochenour@vaumc.org  or Becky Tate at  beckytate@vaumc.org  or mailed to her attention at VAUMC, PO Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058.
 
Laity Re-Connect Event

Saturday, February 8, 2020 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis is inviting laity from around the conference for a time of connection following her return from medical leave. The event will be held February 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Woodlake UMC in Chesterfield. 

"It is my deep desire to reconnect with you in a personal and special way having been away from you for six months on medical leave,” Lewis said. “Let us come
together both in person and through satellite locations to have a time of worship, fellowship, anointing, sharing our hearts, and reconnecting. I want to hear from you and I want to share my journey with you.” 

Location for the event will be at Woodlake UMC (15640 Hampton Park Dr, Chesterfield, VA 23832).

There will be five satellite locations for the event as well:
Pender UMC, Arlington District;
Bridgewater UMC, Harrisonburg District;
New Creation UMC, Elizabeth River District;
Thrasher Memorial UMC, Roanoke District;
Adams-Bloxom Mission Cooperative Parish, Eastern Shore District.
 
The event is free and open to all laity. Lunch will be served.


Questions may be directed to the Rev. Dr. Ted Smith, Director of Connectional Ministries, (804) 521-1133.  TedSmith@vaumc.org
.
2020 Mission Trip Announced
2020 Mission Trip
El Salvador (UMVIM) Mission Trip
 June 21-27, 2020

We are excited to reconnect with our International Methodist Mission Partner—The Evangelical Methodist Church in El Salvador. In 2020, we’ll send a District team to continue our relationship-building, food distribution and VBS.

Applications are available from the District Office, the District website, or by contacting Rev. Robin BeMiller (robinbemiller@vaumc.org), Team Leader.

Trip Cost: Expected to be in the $850-$950 range, including airfare. A limited number of $300 scholarships are available to persons under 30 years of age.

Application and Deposit Deadline: February 29 th, 2020 - $250 deposit is due with your application. Make checks payable to “Rappahannock River District UMC”, memo: El Salvador Trip and mail to:
Rappahannock River District Office
PO Box 100
Ladysmith, VA 22501

Final payment will be due at the second team meeting – April 18 th. The application fee is non-refundable after airline tickets are bought.

March 21 st , April 18th, May 16 th , & June 6 th , 2020 from 9:30-11:30 am
Location TBD. 

Team Meetings – are mandatory (or must be made up) – March 21 st, April 18 th, May 16 th and June 6 th at a location to be determined, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
S/PPR Training Offered
  S/PPR Committee Training will be offered at:

January 18 at Tappahannock Memorial in Tappahannock 

The training will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

This class is great for new committee members and anyone who would like a refresher course or who has questions.

Please RSVP so we have adequate handouts and can contact you in case of inclement weather.

RSVP to Lynn Manley or call 804.448.8326
Church Finance - Answering Your Questions
David Dommisse and Carol Draper from the Conference Treasurer's Office will offer a free training opportunity to our churches!
This is ideal for Church Treasurers, Finance and Stewardship Members, Church Secretaries, etc. 




Topics will include:

Local church accounting practices
Proper Internal Controls
What does a Church Audit Mean?
Financial Reporting & Transparency
Unrestricted, Board Designated & Donor Restricted Gifts
Stewardship Ideas
Record Keeping
Question & Answer Session


7:00pm - 9:00pm

February 6 at Saint Matthias UMC, Fredericksburg
and
February 20 at Tappahannock Memorial UMC

Please RSVP to Lynn Manley at rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org . We need to have 15 people to hold the classes.

Emmanuel UMC

Pianist:
Emmanuel UMC is searching for a pianist for their 9:30 am service. The pianist would play hymns and lead the choir anthem. 

There is no choir practice during the week. 
 
All those who are interested in may contact us via  beumcva@gmail.com and 804-462-7376 (Geri Vick, Worship committee chair) 
Liberty UMC

Seeking a Pianist/keyboardist (Organ too if possible) to play at Sunday morning church service. Part time position for small vibrant church. Opportunity for growth in the position.
To find out more details, please call 540-439-0267 or message us through our facebook page: Liberty UMC-Bealeton
Youth Council Meetings
The Youth meetings occur on the second Sunday of every month. We usually meet at Hillcrest UMC starting at 2 pm unless otherwise indicated below. We have Melrose as a satellite site. If someone is seeking to join Melrose site, please contact me.

Next Meetings:
 All Meetings are at Hillcrest at 2pm
Feb. 9th
Mar. 8th
Mar. 22nd
Apr. 19th

Follow us on Facebook for up to the minute news and announcements: Rappahannock River District Youth

T.J. Oliver, District Youth Coordinator    
Upcoming Meetings this month

January 18 PPR Training, 10am - noon (Tappahannock Memorial)
January 28 Connectional Ministries, 7 pm (Wright's Ch)
January 30 UM Day at General Assembly

  CONTACT INFORMATION

District Superintendent: Rev. Charles Bates, Ph.D.

2019 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:

2019 District Co-Lay Leader:

Lay Servant Director: Rev. Kevin Elmore kevinelmore@vaumc.org
Heartwood Director: Rev. Gayle Porias gayleporias@vaumc.org
Crossroads Minister: Rev. Mark Roscoe markroscoe@vaumc.org
Youth Coordinator: TJ Oliver, rrdyouth@vaumc.org
Office Manager: Lynn Manley rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org
Administrative Assistant Connie Devenport rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org


Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone   804.448.8326     FAX        804.448.8328 
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)
 
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