Road Bumps, Steep Mountains Climbs, and Joyful Mountain Top Days

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Without going into great detail, let me say my first 7 days of 2019 have come with some minor and major challenges. Speaking metaphorically, we are in the first 10 days of the 2019 year, and it has begun with road bumps and steep mountain climbing. I’m also aware that this is the case for many others I know. Speaking only for myself, when the first days of a new year are challenging, it makes me wonder if the rest of the year will be better, will it become more challenging, or are there days of joy, celebration, and wonderful mountain top experiences ahead in 2019?

In one moment of reflecting on these first days of challenges, it occurred to me that my first 2019 days are typical of the human condition. Life is full of spiritual, emotional, and even physical ups and downs.  In a moment we can experience deep mood altering joy and moments later face heartbreaking pain. It’s as if our lives become the embodiment of the words from the book of Ecclesiastes. 

In my most recent 5K event, the words of my trainer came to me all throughout the walk/run. If you’ve ever participated in an athletic event you know it can be a mixture of feeling great and feeling lousy. During the event the signals from the brain will send mixed messages telling you everything from "your body is feeling great" to saying "you must stop immediately". In fact, a running coach of mine told me “try to enjoy the emotional highs because they will pass; and try to endure the moments of agony because they too will pass.”

If the first weeks of the year 2019 have taught me nothing else, they have reminded me that it’s God who knows my future, and that God’s plans for my future are not 365 days of misery and anguish. While the words from chapter one of Ecclesiastes may speak to momentary daily experiences, I believe the words from Jeremiah best reveal God’s plan for all humanity. Whatever 2019 brings, I know this one thing to be true: With God’s help, with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and with the presence of the Holy Spirit, I will not walk alone in 2019. I’ll face the road bumps, mountain climbs, and enjoy the mountain top moments when they come. I wish for each of you the same.

Pastor Ted

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

Thomas Jefferson

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 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: January 19, 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

Afton United Methodist Women, working with the Prison Ministries Program, sponsored an Angel Tree once again this year. All of the children on the tree have a parent who is incarcerated. On December 17th, the Afton Angel Tree coordinator, Betty Appleby, along with Pastor John Wright and Kay Wright delivered gifts to six families, which included nine children in Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. Each child received two gift bags filled with clothes and toys purchased by UMW members and members of the church congregation. This ministry is a blessing to both the community and the Afton church family.

Pictured standing among some of the gifts are from the left: UMW members Betty Appleby, Linda Gallihugh, and Judy Jett.

Wilderness Community Church located in Spotsylvania, VA is seeking a part-time Financial Administrative Team Leader. Duties include working with church finances in consultation with the Finance Committee and senior pastor. Must have at least two years experience with financial management in a profit or nonprofit setting. The position is for daytime working hours. Must show proficiency with computers including experience with Quickbooks. For consideration, send resume to  [email protected]  by January 15, 2019. 

 

Jan. 10 Location & Building, District Office

Jan. 11 Lay Servant Committee, Warsaw 10:00am

Jan. 12 PPR Training, Trinity KG



Jan. 14 Scholarship Committee, District Office

Jan. 16 Northern Neck Way Forward Update, Warsaw 6:30pm

Jan. 17 District Superintendency, FUMC

Jan. 19 Fauquier Region Way Forward Update, Trinity Catlett, 10:00am

Jan. 19 Youth Embracing Service! Heartwood Center

Jan. 28 Fredericksburg Way Forward Update, Tabernacle, 7:00pm

Jan. 30 Finance Committee, FUMC

Jan. 31 Heartwood Board, New Hope

Feb. 4 Connectional Ministries, District Office