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Weekly News & Updates: September 26, 2024

Sunday Worship Service - 10am


Worship with us at Ghent Church this Sunday, September 29, at 10am. Rev. Ry will be leading the service. Let's reconnect with Jesus together!


After Worship, stay for Coffee Hour. Enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with others.



Please enter the sanctuary through the doors facing Stockley Gardens.

Connection Card:

Click here.

Scripture:

James 5:13-20

Worship Volunteers / Flowers Sign-Up:

Click here.

Children are Welcome


Our Children's Church* takes place each Sunday during worship, following the children's message. Children ages 3 through 5th grade meet down the hall from the sanctuary for an age-appropriate Bible lesson and craft or activity.


Our nursery* is available for children through age 3.


*Our professional workers are CPR certified, and our staff and volunteers are fully background checked.


*Children's church and nursery are optional. You are welcome to keep your child(ren) in worship with you, if you prefer. Activity bags and rockers, if you wish to use, are in the back of the sanctuary. A baby changing station is in the lobby.

What's Happening?

World Communion Sunday, October 6


October 6th is World Communion Sunday. Our music will feature songs of the faithful from other parts of the world. We are able to share a little bit in their lives and cultures because we are from one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Sunday's music is drawn from Asia, Europe, Africa, the US and both Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions.


And David Bonnewell, son of Debbie and Gary, will be speaking. Please come and support him.

Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 13


Furry, feathered, and scaly family members (on a leash or in a carrier, please) are invited to attend our Messy Church at GUMC on Sunday, October 13, at 10a.m.


You can also bring pictures (printed or digital) of your pets who cannot attend. Stuffed animal toys are welcome, too!


Don't forget your chair and meet us outside for worship near our staircase facing Stockley Gardens.

We will celebrate St. Francis and creation and

ask God to bless our extended families.


After our service, there will be treats for the pets plus

refreshments and activities in our garden for humans.

Fall, Used Book Sale


Get ready! Our annual, Fall Used Book Sale and Parking lot fundraiser will be Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20th.


We have had the book sale for at least 12 years. And it is a big hit, generating goodwill with the community! As always, this is pretty much an all-hands-on deck event to pull off. Cajole family, friends, students and booklovers to sign up, too.

Please sign up today. THANK YOU!

Fall Consignment Sale


Our Fall, GUMP Kid's Consignment Sale is coming up! Sale starts Friday, October 4.


Lots of items will be brought in for sale.

Shop for your grandchildren, children, and friends. We will have fall / winter and holiday kids' clothes, toys, books, bikes, strollers, furniture, decor, bedding and more! All proceeds benefit Ghent Preschool.


Visit our sale's Facebook page for hours and updates. www.facebook.com/GUMPConsignmentSale

Attend a small group


One of the gifts the church offers is community, specifically small groups where participants can gather to experience acceptance, belonging, and nurturing, as well as challenge and encouragement, for the journey of faith. Contact the church office for more information on any group.

Children's Church


This group for ages 3 through 5th grade is each Sunday during worship, following the children's message. It includes a Bible lesson, and craft or activity.

Youth Group


Our Youth Group is led by Pastor Ryan. We are a fully inclusive faith community, welcoming to all.

Adult Sunday School


Weekly Bible discussions are in the back of the sanctuary on Sundays, 9 - 9:45am, using the Standard Lesson Quarterly series. Enter through the doors facing Stockley Gardens.

Read with Rev. Ry Time Change


Join Pastor Ryan on Thursdays, 7-8pm, on Zoom for book study. This class will resume September 19. Everyone is invited to join! The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86516483199

Other Spiritual Disciplines


In addition to joining a small group, participating in mission work or music ministry, we are encouraged to pray, care for one another, and read our Bible.


Daily Prayer Starter


"God of Heavenly Glory, You are brighter than the midday sun, may the words of my mouth be acceptable to you..."


Adapted from Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion

Congregational Care


In response to Christ's call to love one another, we want the members of our congregation to care for one another. In-person visits, prayers, phone calls, and mail are examples of the ways we reach out to one another.


To send a prayer request to our pastor and congregational care team, click here to fill in our Connection Card.

 Resources


Re-energize your prayer life with a new practice. Learn more.


Read The Upper Room daily devotional. Click here.


Click here to find the resources you need to explore the Bible.

Music Ministry


All are welcome to join our Music Minister, Nellwyn Beamon, in the music ministry of the church. Contact Nellwyn Beamon for more information.


Worship Singers Singers are always welcome to help lead the songs in worship each Sunday.

Organ Music at GUMC


Our Organist Brad Norris plays for our 10am worship services on Sundays. Next date is November 3 (All Saints Sunday).


Violin Music

Violinist Chris Taylor plays during our 10am Worship. His next date is TBA.

Gathering Jam


Once a month, usually on 2nd Sundays, all ages are invited to bring an instrument or use one of ours and play along during the gathering part of our service at 9:45am. The next one is second Sunday in September.

Get involved with mission work


We seek to live lovingly and justly as servants of Jesus Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, freeing the oppressed, being a compassionate presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel.

Little Library


Do you have a book you're finished with? Are you ready to read a new one? Then check out our book box! Our Little Library is on Raleigh Ave.


Although GUMC will no longer place food in the box, you may see that others in the community continue to do so.

Food Donations


We collect non-perishable food, drinks and hearty snacks to benefit those who are hungry, including those experiencing homelessness, families, or individuals. Some food will be taken to Christ UMC, Norfolk. The rest will remain at Ghent for those who ask us for help. Please place your offerings in the basket by the altar each 4th Sunday or contact the church office to make arrangements for drop off.

Homeless Committee


The Homeless Committee of Ghent UMC meets to coordinate efforts to positively impact those experiencing homelessness.

Preschool Ministry and Leadership Updates

Preschool


Our Fall Consignment Sale is Oct. 4-7.


TIE your Harris Teeter Grocery Store VIC card to Ghent Preschool. GUMP’s number is 5347.


Ghent UM Preschool teaches toddlers to students in Pre-Kindergarten. Learn more about our half-day program by visiting GUMP's page at ghentumc.org/connect/our-preschool/


Questions? Contact Director, Ann Robertson.

Leadership Team


The next Leadership Team meeting is TBA. It will be after worship. All are welcome to attend.


A Zoom link will be made available. Contact the church office if you need the link.

UMC Continues the Call to Dismantle Racism

The United Methodist Church has stated that we will no longer remain silent nor complicit about racist acts against African Americans but we must act now to become anti-racist individuals and churches!


The Long Haul The UMC is committed to the long haul when it comes to anti-racism work. Read the story.


What Can You Do to Help?


  • START with prayer. We are asked to pray for Dismantling Racism efforts, as well as, all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice, oppression, and white supremacy. Click here for the daily prayers.
  • The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has a compiled a list of 8 things church leaders and members can do to help anti-racism progress. One way is to denounce false notions of “two equal sides.” Click here to learn more.
  • Listen to individuals share how they are creating daily life with God in the face of racial injustice and the trauma induced by racial inequity in the U.S. Click here to listen.
  • Click here for resources, events, and more.

Giving News


Our giving represents an act of worship in which we thank God for our blessings and acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God. Click here to learn about the various ways to give.

UMC Market - iGive


Shop thousands of stores, any time, to support Ghent Church. UMCmarket, powered by iGive, helps you generate a donation to Ghent United Methodist Church when you shop online at thousands of retailers. Click here to join and shop.

UMC News: World, VA, and Local

UM News

VA UMC News

Coastal Virginia District News

Church leaders stand with Haitian neighbors. Read story Read Bishop Jung's call to prayer

Read Church and Society statement Read Religion and Race statement


Bishops denounce political violence. Read the statement.


Youth and adults teamed up across South Carolina for Summer Service camps this summer, repaired more than 100 homes. Summer service helps families across state

Advocate releases book on ministry


Big Island, VA's Society of St. Andrew celebrates it has delivered one billion pounds of food to the hungry. Learn more about Society of St. Andrew.


Bishops plan for different kind of gathering, expect the gathering’s participants to be dreaming and praying about what comes next. Read the story.

*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for all in-person Ghent UMC Happenings (Updated March 23, 2022) Our call is to love our neighbors and to do no harm.

Jesus is for everyone. No exceptions.

A Word of Welcome from Ghent UMC 


Ghent United Methodist Church is called to the affirmation of the sacred worth of all people. We embrace as a gift the diversity of our neighborhood and the world. We acknowledge our human family's diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, language, age, faith history, theological orientation, economic status, education, marital status, abilities, and any other defining feature, real or perceived. Click here to read the message in its entirety.


How can I get in touch with church staff and the Pastor?


The church office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to noon. Rev. Ry is in the office 9am-12pm on Thursdays and Fridays. You may also make an appointment, if needed.

 

Click here to access email addresses or call the church office at 757-622-2843.