September 2026

In this issue:

• From the DS
• DS Installation Service Sept. 20
• District Nominations due Oct. 19
• AI & Cybersecurity Zoom Sept. 16
• Lay Servant Ministries Training Sept. 26
• Leadership Institute Watch Party Oct. 1
• Celebrating Trinity UMC's MJ Kim Fund Donation

Gratitude

I want to start with a word of gratitude. I just completed my fourth On-boarding session with the lay and clergy leaders of the Three Notch’d District. On-boarding is a facilitated “get to you know you” process to learn about each other, discuss hopes and dreams for the district, share concerns, and identify areas for future focus. Thank You to so many of you who came out to share honestly and humbly your prayers and concerns for our churches and communities in the Three Notch’d District. Thank you for your warm welcome and prayers, and thank you for the many ways you faithfully serve! I left the sessions encouraged and energized about the good and faithful work of the Holy Spirit in the Three Notch’d District, and I’m looking forward to our shared ministry in the months and years to come! A very special thank you to Aldersgate UMC and Trinity UMC (Richmond) for your hospitality, and to Rev. Kathleen Overby Webster for facilitating our sessions! 

The conversations that we shared will be compiled into a report, which will be a guide and resource for me and for our Three Notch’d District over the next year. My goal is to have these conversations frame our next steps together, including priorities for clergy meetings, charge conferences, and district gatherings. 

You may have noticed that we have a new format for our District newsletters! We are experimenting with how best to communicate with our clergy, churches, and community. Please be patient with us as we try some new things and make a few changes. We are learning as we go along, and we appreciate your understanding if things look a bit different than they used to. As always, if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

I am praying for students, families, and educators as we begin a new school year. I pray for new rhythms and schedules, new friendships and relationships, and new opportunities to grow and learn for us all! Blessings to you all and see you at charge conference!

Peace,

Rev. Grace Han

District Superintendent

Three Notch'd District

threenotchdds@vaumc.org

(804) 521-1124 (office)

PAUMCS is offering a free Zoom meeting on Wed. Sept. 16, 7:00pm, about AI and the local church. Rob Jett, GCFA Technology Services Manager, will present "A Church's Survival Guide for a Cybersecurity Journey". This event is free and open to all interested persons.

Cybersecurity Zoom Registration

In-person Lay Servant Ministries training is being held Sat. Sept. 26, 9:00am-4:00pm, at Strasburg UMC, 114 W. Washington St, Strasburg, VA. Courses offered are: Basic Course, Leading Worship, Leading Preaching, and Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century.

Lay Servant Training Day Registration

Pinnacle Living is making it possible for the first 20 persons to attend, at a very reduced price, the Leadership Institute Watch Party on Thurs. Oct. 1, 9:00am-4:00pm, at the Conference Center, 10330 Staples Mill Rd, Glen Allen, VA. All clergy and laity are invited.

Leadership Institute Registration

On August 23, Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and DS Grace Han were presented with a $5000 check to the MJ Kim Fund from Trinity UMC (Richmond) and senior pastor Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud. The MJ Kim Fund supports the needs of VAUMC immigrant pastors and honors Rev. Kim's lifetime of service to the UMC.