The latest news for you from the district

Mission Rivers District Newsletter

January 2026

See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). As we begin a new year together, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness in the season behind us and look ahead with expectation for what God is bringing to life among us. Happy New Year! This moment invites us to pause, to listen, and to remain open to the Spirit’s leading as we continue the work of Christ across our district.

In this new year, one of the new things we are embracing is how we communicate and stay connected. We are expanding the ways we share district news, ministry opportunities, and important updates through our website. More than a bulletin board, the website is becoming a gathering place for resourcing—a space to plug in, engage, receive resources, and discover how God is at work across our churches and communities.

As we seek to “grow in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15), we invite you to, explore what’s new, and join in the life of the district. May this new year be one in which we stay connected, step faithfully into new possibilities, and rejoice together in the new thing God is doing among us.

Grace upon grace,

Lindsey

Attention: There is a scam email being sent around to local churches regarding a disputed donation.

District Training is Jan. 31!

Upcoming clergy gatherings

As always, all Mission Rivers District Clergy—actively appointed, on leave, serving in extension

settings, and retired—are invited and encouraged to join us! For questions, please contact Rev. Deborah Lewis: deborahlewis@vaumc.org.

Bake & Pray, 2/9/26

Bake & Pray is a unique approach to bread baking that emphasizes the integration of prayer

into the process—viewing it as a liturgy rather than focusing solely on producing a perfect loaf.

Through this practice, participants are invited to deepen their faith, enrich their prayer lives,

and experience God’s beauty in the tangible and delicious gift of bread. The day includes 30

minutes of sabbath time for reflection and rest, which can be on your own or with colleagues.

There are spaces within the church (Memorial UMC, Charles City) to gather and to pray, and we

are mere steps from the Capital Trail, perfect for a walk. More information, including time,

address, and what to bring, at the link below. Let us know if you are planning to come (by 2/1):

https://forms.gle/ZbssbqTthW3A3GFu6

“Rooted in Grace” VAUMC clergy retreat, 3/10-11/26

District clergy are encouraged to gather with our colleagues from around the conference, for

this overnight retreat in Richmond. More info and register here:

https://vaumc.org/clergyretreat/

Clergy, family, & friends baseball game, 5/8/26

*For this event only, clergy are encouraged to bring friends and family.* Mission Rivers District

is subsidizing the cost of tickets, which includes a buffet dinner and a game in the brand new

stadium of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Cost: $25/ticket for anyone 18 or older; $15/ticket

for those 4-17 years old; children 3 and under get in free. Stay tuned for the RSVP link, to

purchase tickets for yourself and your crew.

Changes: Looking for events? Things to do at your local churches? Head to the district website (https://www.missionriversdistrict.org/) and click on the events tab.