OCTOBER DATES TO REMEMBER | | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th each year in the United States. The celebration begins in the middle of the month because September 15 marks the anniversary of independence of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. It is followed by Mexico's Independence Day, September 16, and Chile's September 18.
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We are now accepting nominations for lay District At-Large Members to the 2024 Annual Conference, to be held in Hampton, VA, June 20-22, 2024.
We will elect both at-large and reserve lay members to the 2024 Annual
Conference (June 20—22, 2024) in Hampton at the Mission Rivers District Conference this fall. Pastors and laity are urged to submit names for nomination to the District Office no later than November 17, 2023. If you are nominating someone else, please obtain their permission prior to submitting this form. Please note that to be elected as an at-large member, a person must have been a member of The United Methodist Church for the 2 years preceding their election and shall have been an active participant in The United Methodist Church for at least 4 years preceding their election. This requirement may be waived for youth and young adult nominees.
Forms should be mailed to Lisa Jones by 12:00 pm on Friday, November 17, 2023: Mission Rivers District Office, 6515 George Washington Memorial Highway, Suite 203, Yorktown, VA 23692 or emailed to Lisajones@vaumc.org. We will respond to you with acknowledgment. If you don’t hear from us, please call to check before November 17.
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Bishop Sue to Visit MRD
Please mark your calendars. Bishop Sue is scheduled to visit the Mission Rivers District February 11 and 12, 2024.
We will send out details as they become available.
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2024 Conference & District Apportionments
The distribution of the 2024 Apportionments will be delayed this year due to the Special Called Annual Conference, scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) is focusing on the number of churches in the conference in 2024 and the effect on apportionments to our churches. We anticipate 2024 Apportionments to be distributed by mid-October. District offices can provide information on how this may affect your charge conferences. --from the Conference Treasurer's office
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Save the date! The Conference wants to personally invite you to participate in United Methodist Day at General Assembly. It will be February 1, 2024, in person in Richmond. It’s such an important time for us as Methodists to corporately raise our voices in advocacy for those who are marginalized and oppressed. Bishop Sue will be joining us as well.
There will be an evening for orientation, to answer questions and prepare people to participate. That will be via zoom on the evening of November 30.
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United Methodist Communications offers week-long training
UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS-- United Methodist Communication (UMCom) has announced the return of its week-long ecumenical training opportunity launching this fall for anyone in ministry seeking to enhance their communications skills. Communications Learning Week: Communications that Transform will be held October 16-20, 2023 and is designed with busy schedules in mind. All of the learning week content will be recorded and stored in a learning portal that participants will have access to for six months following the event. Registration is open September 12 – October 12, 2023.
During the learning week, church leaders and communicators will get access to a vast library of on-demand resources including recorded videos, tutorials and podcast episodes and self-guided eLearning modules curated by the UMCom training team. Workshops led by experts on a variety of topics will be presented followed by Q&A sessions with each facilitator. Opportunities for discussion and networking round out the week’s activities.
Sessions will include:
• Tik Tok for Churches
• Personal Branding
• Things I Wish I'd Known About Communications as a Senior Pastor
• Disaster Communications
• Content for Digital Congregations
• Next Level Canva Tools
• Combatting Disinformation
Learn more...
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Annual Conference 2023: Rise Against Hunger update
One of the Mission Opportunities at the 2023 Virginia Annual Conference was packaging 20,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. The meals that the Virginia Conference packaged are now headed to Turkey.
Turkey is a country located in the Anatolian Peninsula in West Asia that borders Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In February 2023, Turkey was the epicenter of two earthquakes measuring over 7.7 on the seismic intensity scale. Turkey and neighboring country, Syria, were deeply affected with tens of thousands killed, large scale destruction of buildings and infrastructure, and millions of people impacted. The Global Hunger Index, which assesses food insecurity based on indicators that measure undernourishment and undernutrition, categorizes Turkey as having a “low” level of hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that due to the severity and location of the earthquake, there have been more than $5 billion in losses to the food sector in the country, impacting the food security of people and communities across the country and region.
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Support U.S. disaster relief efforts
If you’ve been following the news, you’ve surely seen images of the devastation from the recent wildfires in Hawaii, the flooding in California or the hurricane in Florida. Whenever there is a national disaster, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is there on the ground providing food, water and other forms of humanitarian aid to affected communities. When you give to one of UMCOR’s designated funds, you know that 100% of your donation goes directly toward providing relief to those in need. I want to help...
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Initial information shared about Oct. 7 Annual Conference session
September 1--Virginia Annual Conference clergy and lay members were sent an email reminder about the Saturday, October 7, 2023, Special Annual Conference to be held via Zoom Webinar.
- At 8:30 a.m., an optional Q&A will be held for any members who have questions concerning the Special Annual Conference.
- At 9 a.m., the Annual Conference will convene for the sole purpose to consider the ratification of local churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality using Paragraph 2553. This is the last scheduled Special Annual Conference in the Virginia Conference related to the 2553 legislation before the legislation sunsets on December 31, 2023.
Further information concerning the Special Annual Conference session, including an agenda and voting credentials, will be shared later in September.
In the interim, clergy and lay members should ensure their "preferred email" is updated in the Unity Database in order to receive voting credentials to their correct email address later this month.
Clergy are encouraged to check in with their lay members to make sure they are well-equipped to access and engage in the Zoom webinar Annual Conference in October.
Questions concerning the October Special Annual Conference may be directed to Dwayne Stinson, Director of Connectional Ministries for Discipleship & Congregational Vitality, at DwayneStinson@vaumc.org.
Conference clergy members and lay members received an email from Rev. Joshua King, Conference Secretary, on Monday, August 14 as a reminder to share through a Google form if they will be absent from the October 7 virtual Annual Conference. Questions may be sent to Secretary@vaumc.org.
All October Annual Conference-related information will be posted on the Virginia Conference website at https://vaumc.org/ac2023oct/.
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‘Next Steps’ in VAUMC disaffiliations result in creation of Bridge Churches
For those whose congregations have voted to disaffiliate, but who wish to remain United Methodist, the Virginia Annual Conference and the Cabinet offer Next Steps, a web site with resources to remain connected as they discern where God is calling them. At Next Steps, individuals and churches may
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access resources for small group gathering and other means of discipleship;
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learn about Bridge Churches, which offer a safe haven for persons while they discern their next faithful step;
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transfer their membership to the General Roll of the United Methodist Church, held by the annual conference, as a temporary holding space until they connect with a new congregation;
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reach out for additional support from their District Superintendent and District staff.
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Westview on the James seeks an experienced Camp Director, with a passion for outdoor ministry, to provide leadership and direction for the camp. Founded in 1966 by three districts of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Westview is a separate 501c3 non-profit organization that offers summer resident camp and year-round guest services/retreats. If our Mission of “Creating a place apart to grow with God in every season” excites you, then keep reading! We seek an energetic, hands-on leader who will be responsible for the operations, finances, marketing, maintenance, personnel, and facilities of a 780-acre site. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, time management, and organizational skills; proven administrative, leadership, staff management, computer proficiency; and demonstrated financial acumen.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Minimum of five years’ supervisory experience at an organized, preferably ACA accredited camp. This is a year-round, full-time position offering a competitive salary, four-bedroom house, health insurance, and paid time off. If you desire to help Westview achieve its Vision of “Playing outdoors, Building community, Transforming lives,” then apply at westviewdirector@gmail.com. Submit cover letter with specifics of your camp experience, roles and responsibilities, along with resume and compensation requirements. Check out the full job description at www.westviewonthejames.org/employment
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United Women in Faith Sunday at Providence United Methodist Church, Yorktown was held on August 20, 2023. Women Turning Faith, Hope and Love into Action, from the past and up until now, were celebrated! Our members conducted all parts of the service, emphasizing Psalm 119:89-90: “Your word, Lord, stands firm in heaven forever! Your faithfulness extends from one generation to the next!” A display of candles represented the years and the names of this official organization of the United Methodist Church at our church from 1890 until today! Thank you to all of our PUWF members who participated in the service, made our displays and provided refreshments for Sip n Chat, and to all of our PUMC ladies who contribute to the life and ministry of our church! | |
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Braille Hymnals Available
Wesley UMC, 2510 North Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 2366 has both the complete United Methodist Hymnal and the complete The Faith We Sing available in Braille. Local drop off is available. For information or to arrange pickup or delivery, please contact Sylvia Krisnow at secretary@wesleyhpt.hrcoxmail.com or by telephone at 757.838.3044.
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Williamsburg United Methodist Church is seeking a Church Finance Manager (CFM). This is a salaried position working part time 24+hrs/Wk. The CFM is responsible for the day-to-day financial activities of the church. This position has the overall responsibility for the financial management activities of the church, with policy guidance from the Finance Committee and the Church Council. The CFM will implement programs and procedures to ensure compliance with these policies. The CFM reports to the Church Business Manager for general direction and to the Finance Committee chair and/or Church Treasurer for specific direction. The CFM will supervise the Church Bookkeeper.
Preferred education & qualifications include: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; minimum of 5 years in accounting and 3 years in financial management; supervisory experience; knowledge of computerized accounting systems and Microsoft Office; non-profit and fund accounting is desirable; excellent organizational and communication skills; strong attention to detail. Please send resume with references to
This address: vacancy.wumc@gmail.com.
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Liberty United Methodist is looking for a musician for weekly Church Services and Special Occasions, either piano or (and) organ. Liberty is a small country Church located in Bealeton, Virginia. Leave message on church phone 540-439-0267 please. | |
It's that time again to donate to the Henderson Settlement. This year, they are asking for: new toys or other age-appropriate Christmas gifts for children aged 0 -18; new pajamas for children aged 0 - 18; new blankets or throws (everyone loves the soft fleece blankets); new towel sets (a bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth folded as a set); and new or gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves for children and adults. If you prefer to send a monetary donation, the money will be used to purchase Christmas gifts. A check can be made out to Bethany United Methodist Church with “Henderson Mission” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed directly to Bethany UMC, 13088 Mill Swamp Rd., Smithfield, VA 23430. | |
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Mom's Morning In - every first Wednesday of the month (next one October 4th) at 9:30 am. Come for fellowship, hot coffee, and make a new friend. Moms of all stage welcome, toddlers and & babies welcome as well. email Jillian at family@fumcva.org with questions.
Fredericksburg UMC
308 Hanover St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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Fit-Faith & Fun - Every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 9:15 is a combo workout/walk/run plus devotional group! We meet in the Charlotte St. parking lot and journey the streets of Fredericksburg for a workout! Pastor Chelsea will lead us in faithful discussions!
Fredericksburg UMC
308 Hanover St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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Please join us on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. when we will celebrate 75 years of ministry. Following the service we will have a reception with light refreshments where we will share stories, memories, and enjoy time with family, old friends and new friends.
Memorial United Methodist Church
11000 Courthouse Road
Charles City, VA 23030
(804) 829-6411
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UM Men Chili Cookoff & Fall fun - Wednesday, October 18th 5:00-6:30 pm
Do you make the best chili!?
Enter and let the judges decide! Bring your pot on the event night, open to anyone!
Entry fee $5.00 per entry, proceeds go to United Methodist Men
Categories: Texas Style - no beans, Southern Style - with beans, Non-traditional: vegetarian, turkey, white bean, etc.
Takeout containers of chili will be available for sale .
Questions or to Enter email Bob LaChance wlachance@verizon.net
Fredericksburg UMC
308 Hanover St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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Crooks Memorial UMC, 204 Cook Road, Yorktown, VA 23690 | |
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October 21, 2023
Trunk or Treat
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Games, Crafts, Hotdogs and Snacks
Please join us and decorate your car!
First United Methodist Church Hampton
110 E Queen St
Hampton VA 23669
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Warwick Memorial
38 Hoopes Road
Newport News, VA
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A Time to Celebrate YOU
The District Admins were all invited to meet with Bishop Sue at the Conference Center on Tuesday, September 19th. First, we enjoyed a meet and greet with the Bishop. Then we had a question and answer session with Jessie Colwell (Clergy Excellence), Chris Malak (Data Manager) and Maddie White (Communications). Finally it was off to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for lunch and a tour! Many, many thanks to Terri Biggins (Executive Assistant to the Bishop) for organizing such a lovely day.
| Pictured from left to right: Sarah Allen (kneeling, Northern Virginia), Olga Caalim (Coastal Virginia), Cindy Martin (Valley Ridge), Terri Biggins (Executive AA to Bishop Sue), Phyllis Goin (Living Waters), Sandra Fulcher (Mountain View), Tish Borden (Living Waters), Lisa Jones (Mission Rivers), Lynn Manley (Mission Rivers), Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Artabia Campbell-Marshall (Northern Virginia), and Donna Desper (Valley Ridge). | | | | | |
