Rappahannock River District UMC Update for July 10, 2019

July 10, 2019

Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC

A Word from our DS....

The Journey

When we were growing up, we often took short trips with our father to the farm. Other times we heard our parents say: “The journey was long, but it was a necessary one.” I did not quite understand what my parents were conveying until I got much older. Since then, I have come to understand the difference between a trip and a journey.

A trip is usually covering a short distance. Conversely, a journey is much longer and adventurous. Let me suggest that this statement is not meant to have confusion over words; it is not meant to test our grammar. The paradox is, each of us has experienced a short journey; each of us has experienced a long trip. The implication is this: whether we have experienced a journey or a trip, both may be difficult, and discoveries might be made along the way. However, a trip might be too short for discoveries to be made. Thus, the invitation is to ready yourself for the journey.

As we embark upon ministry together on our district, the journey will be different for each of us depending on our ministry contexts. Yet, I encourage us to consider this new beginning as a journey of faith. Allow the journey to be one of eager anticipation of the unknown. If we knew what the end was, we would not be as eager partners in ministry. Since we do not know what the end is, let us embrace the journey by readying ourselves in our various ministry contexts.

Let us allow the Word of God to be the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Let us begin out time together on our district by trusting the Lord with all our heart and let us not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways let us acknowledge the Lord, and He will make straight our paths (Romans 8:38-39).

To each call there is a response. I am calling upon you as fellow colleagues to join me in leading your laity and by helping us make our district second to none. What is your response?

Blessings to you!

The Heartwood Center will be holding a Youth Mission Camp July 15-19. The day camp begins at 1pm and ends at 7pm each day. Youth may participate one day, 2 days or 5 days. This is an opportunity for youth to learn about the needs in the community and the ways they can help others. Each day we will meet at the Heartwood site to gather our supplies and then travel to the project site. We will work together for 3 hours on a mission project and then share an evening meal, Bible discussion and fun activities at a local church. Brian Smith from New Hope UMC is our Camp Director this year. Registration forms available at the www.theheartwoodcenter.org web site. For more information, email [email protected] .

McKendree UMC

Pianist:

McKendree UMC at 4347 Manfield Road,

Manquin in King William County is seeking a pianist for 9:30 Sunday worship service. Paid position. Call 804 238 8595

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

Regester Chapel UMC

Regester Chapel UMC is seeking applications for a Music Accompanist. The Music Accompanist shall be qualified to play both the organ and piano for worship. The Music Accompanist shall be skilled in music, including performance and interpretation. This shall include a good knowledge of the function of music in the church service and ability to demonstrate its suitable interpretation. The Music Accompanist should be willing to keep abreast of modern trends in church music and participate in workshops and training events. Contact Barry Dillon at (540) 850-5865 or Ethan Murphy at [email protected] for more information and a copy of the position description.