It was approximately 45 years ago that I went through confirmation classes, learned about John Wesley, embraced United Methodism, was confirmed, and joined Central United Methodist Church.

 

During the confirmation classes the teachers emphasized that each confirmand should prayerfully make a choice regarding the commitment of joining the UMC. The teachers had us look at the membership liturgy to be sure we were willing to uphold the membership vows. By the end of the confirmation sessions I was absolutely sure I wanted to take and uphold the membership vows.

 

Some United Methodists are worried and anxious about the upcoming General Conference,  some are feeling lost in the “what ifs” of the three plans and 70 petitions, and I'm glad to hear that some are working to stay focused on making disciples.

 

I don't pretend to know if any changes will be made to the 2016 UM Book of Discipline, but I know one thing; after the February Called General Conference, I will remain faithful to my vows of supporting the UMC by my prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

 

If you feel like you've lost sight of the vows you've made and the meaning of the commitment, let me recommend the helpful study and video called, “A Disciple’s Path.” This resource emphasizes the membership vows of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This is a six-week study but can also be stretched a little longer. This first session is available for free. This resource is available at https://www.cokesbury.com/product/9781501858055/a-disciples-path-dvd/?rank=11&txtSearchQuery=discipleship. I think rediscovering basic spiritual and theological commitments could be a path to hearing God's will for the UMC.

 

The Rappahannock River District Board of Missions is an incorporated elected body of laity and clergy providing leadership and support for a variety of mission opportunities. Our focus areas include The Heartwood Center, Crossroads Mission Center, El Salvador UMC along with Volunteers in Missions, the Builder's Club, support of new faith communities and expansions of existing faith communities are our main ministry areas. We also maintain grant money to support local church mission outreach events.  



Youth Retreat Registration

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit - Afton UMC February 9 ^th

Betty Smith Gaskins Scholarship Fund

                                                                                                     

A ll are invited to Afton UMC on Saturday, February 9 ^th for an Early Valentine’s Day Spaghetti Dinner from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The church is located at 5130 Hacks Neck Road, Ophelia, VA.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs, served up with fresh salad, Italian garlic bread, and beverages. Top off your meal with Afton’s tempting homemade desserts. Bring the whole family and your sweetheart. 

The fundraiser will support the Betty Smith Gaskins Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund awards a scholarship a nnually to a deserving second-year student, attending Rappahannock Community College. 



Please come out to enjoy wonderful food and fellowship; all while supporting this worthwhile cause. Eat all you care to eat and give all you care to give. Your support and all donations will be greatly appreciated.  

Registration

Register for this 2-day event by February 1, 2019 .

Marg Kutz

804-305-6100

[email protected]

Registration fee: $75 (includes lunch both days but not your purchase of the book)

Make checks payable to:

Margaret T. Kutz and mail to: 13709 Sandy Oak Road

Chester, VA 23831

Or pay through Venmo:

margaret-kutz-1

ASSISTANT NURSERY CAREGIVER WANTED

St Matthias UMC , 426 Deacon Rd, Fredericksburg, is in need of an assistant nursery caregiver every Sunday morning, 8:30-12:30, and occasional hours during special events. Minimum qualifications are: you must have experience working with toddlers and infants; have a Christian spiritual foundation; be dependable, trustworthy, patient, and flexible; be able to cooperate with parents and church members; present a good personal appearance; be at least 21 years of age; and, at a minimum, have graduated from high school. A criminal background check is required for employment and you must be able to be CPR and First Aid certified (cost for certification will be paid by St Matthias). For further information, please contact Pastor Bert Cloud, 540-373-8759, or Peg Jones, 540-775-5729. The deadline for application is 30 January 2019 .

The Council of Bishops has called a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to act on a report from the Council of Bishops based on the recommendations of the  Commission on a Way Forward . The 32-member Commission was appointed to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and exploring options to strengthen the unity of the church.

You can follow the event from the conference website by clicking this link:

https://www.vaumc.org/GC2019

Youth Embracing Service (YES!)

The Heartwood Center is organizing and sponsoring a monthly day of service and team building during the school year for Middle School and High School students. 

Every third Saturday of the month a service project, team building activities, recreation, Bible study and lunch will be scheduled. The events will be on Saturdays 10am-3pm at 64 Hartwood Church Road, Fredericksburg 22471 ( behind the Hartwood Fire Station ).

Future dates: February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18.

All youth need to complete a registration. Go to:  www.theheartwoodcenter.org/registration-info/. Adult volunteers are welcome.

Need more information? Email  [email protected]  or call 540.788.9838.  

Rev. Gayle Porias

Pastor Mount Horeb UMC

The Heartwood Center Director 

Rappahannock River District

Jan. 30 Finance Committee, FUMC

Jan. 31 Heartwood Board, New Hope

Feb. 4 Connectional Ministries, District Office

Feb. 5 Ordained Ministry

Feb. 14 Church Location & Building

Feb. 21 Heartwood Board, New Hope

Feb. 23 - 26 Called General Conference