December 13, 2018
NEWS SECTION

Welcome to The Bridge News Section, a weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the United Methodist Church 
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 is a wonderful teaching verse. There's a lot to be learned from the one verse. It was in reading and re-reading the verse that I began to see more clearly the many giving connections of
  • heart driven giving
  • joyful giving
  • giving as a spiritual act
  • giving that brings delight to God 

How amazing it would be if every Christmas gift I give this year actually fulfills each of the above categories and also demonstrates a recognition of the salvation the Christ child affords humanity.  

The practice of the Virginia Conference Extended and Appointive Cabinet is to give one gift to a charitable non-profit in honor of the Bishop and all Cabinet members. This year my family's Cabinet gift went to a Uganda school called Divine Hearts. My family selected Divine Hearts because the organization works to help and heal injured children, because the level of poverty in Uganda exceeds most U.S. communities, and the U.S. dollar goes much farther in Uganda than in many places. Last, but not least, we truly feel that Jesus is best honored through gifts that respond to the worst of human suffering. 

In re-reading the 2 Corinthians 9:7 verse and thinking through what I've learned, I do believe the Divine Hearts gift was heart driven giving, was joyfully given, was a spiritual act, and was giving that is a delight to God. The continued application is to try and meet these goals in every 2018 Christmas gift. 

Maybe I'm overthinking gift giving, but that's ok if God is glorified.  

Merry Christmas Friends!!
Ted
Builder's Club Presented to Eastland UMC
Presentation of check to Eastland UMC in the amount of $ 4,235.00 to Eastland’s Building Committee President, David Vaughn (center), Vice President, Bill Todd (left) and Pastor Craig Muffley (far left).

The check was presented on behalf of all 147 members of the Rappahannock River District Builder’s Club.
If you'd like to join these 147 members from all across the District by agreeing to contribute $10 (or more) to approximately 1 or 2 calls a year, please contact Lynn at the District Office.

Anyone can contribute to this Eastland project: simply make your check payable to Eastland UMC and mail to 10718 Courtland road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
S/PPR Training for 2019
Please mark your calendars:

Saturday, January 12, 2019
10:00am—11:30am
Trinity UMC
9425 King’s Highway,
King George
 
All committee members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to District Office before
January 1, 2019.
Youth Embracing Service (YES!)
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 first event will be Saturday, October 20 th  10am-3pm at 64 Hartwood Church Road, Fredericksburg 22471 ( behind the Hartwood Fire Station ).
Future dates: December 15, 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
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Rehoboth United Methodist Church – Beaverdam, VA
At Rehoboth we are investing in our children and youth. We are looking for someone who is interested in teaching children and youth about the love of God.
This is a great part time-flexible schedule role for a faithful disciple to have an impact on children and their families. Our goal is to work with someone who can improve and build upon our existing children’s and youth ministries.
Schedule:  Part time, flexible hours. Sundays required. Participation in the full life of the church.
  • At home flexible preparation and planning time for events and curriculum preparation
  • Flexible schedule for stay at home parents, teachers or other professionals who have experience working with Children.
For more information
Music Director
Wright’s Chapel UMC, Ruther Glen, is looking for a part-time Music Director. Key duties include leading two Sunday morning traditional services and one contemporary service. To recruit, develop and engage members and musicians to be involved in the worship experience. Piano (Keyboard) and Singing skills are required. For details, visit the Virginia Conference website at www.vaumc.org/jobs
Upcoming December
Events & Meetings:
December 16 Youth Council meets (two locations - see above)
  CONTACT INFORMATION

District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Theodore Smith
DS Email:   [email protected] Cell: 540.419.5131

2018 District Co-Lay Leader:
Debbie Dietrich      [email protected]

2018 & 2019 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
Terry Bain [email protected]

2019 District Co-Lay Leader:
David Berry [email protected]


District Lay Servant Ministry Director  Dottie Garrison [email protected]
Heartwood Director: Rev. Gayle Porias [email protected]
Crossroads Minister: Rev. Mark Roscoe [email protected]
District Secretary: Lynn Manley [email protected]
Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone   804.448.8326     FAX        804.448.8328 Cell: 804.304.8566
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)