Valley Ridge District

Virginia Conference

United Methodist Church

Newsletter

January 2, 2024

Contact Robin Barge, Valley Ridge District Director of Communications and Programming, at RobinBarge@vaumc.org or 540-989-3335 for registration assistance.

Wesley at Virginia Tech is excited to announce that the Annual Valley Ridge District Youth Retreat will be held at Wesley (on the Virginia Tech Campus) February 9 - February 11.  

This year's theme is “Construction Zone: A Work in Progress”! This weekend will be filled with fun games, worship, small groups, and wonderful fellowship with youth from across the District.  

Valley Ridge District Celebrations

Two churches in the Valley Ridge District will receive the Samaritan Award from Pinnacle Living for their support of the work of the Samaritan Program and the older adult ministries of Pinnacle Living (formerly United Methodist Homes).

Congratulations to Saint Mark's UMC- Daleville and Trinity UMC-Lexington! Learn more about how you can support the four communities of Pinnacle Living CLICK HERE.

On Sunday, December 10, Mint Spring UMC celebrated their 90th anniversary of serving in their community. Rev. Steve Propst, pastor from 2000-2009, brought the morning message and joined current pastor, Rev. Spencer Black, faithful members, friends, and supporters for a day of worship, food, and fellowship.

Many of our Valley Ridge District churches are involved in sheltering the homeless, especially during the winter season. Two examples are To Our House (in the New River Valley area) and Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM). Click on the links to learn more about these ministries, the people they serve, the churches involved, and how you can be a part of this caring ministry.

Lay Servant Ministry Training in 2024

You are invited to participate in the Equipping Laity Opportunities offered by the Mountain View District. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Find upcoming Learning and Equipping opportunities for Clergy and Laity on our website.

The Virginia Conference Treasurer's Office provides a monthly newsletter, Dollar and Sense, to support our local churches' work. Find the latest issue HERE which includes guidance for year-end payroll reporting and other financial matters.

2023 apportionment payments must be received in the conference office no later than noon on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. 

UM Day at the General Assembly is February 1, 2024 in Richmond You can register here.

Faithful United Methodists from across Virginia have gathered in Richmond for over 30 years to advocate for their neighbors. Individuals arrange visits with their Senators to discuss issues that are relevant to the UM faith with direction from partners at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and other advocacy groups. If you are interested in putting your faith into action, register today.

Find job openings with our local churches and ministry partners, on our website HERE.

Upcoming Important Dates

Saturday, January 6 at 10 AM: United Women in Faith (UWF) Valley Ridge District leadership team will meet at Trinity UMC, 19637 Main Street, Buchanan.

Wednesday, January 10: Year End Statistics Table 1 in Unity deadline

Thursday, January 11, at 9 AM: 30 on Thursdays with Rev. Mike Derflinger and Rev. Doug Kanney from St. Paul UMC, Christiansburg, will discuss their nurturing ministry team, which provides a structure for comprehensive congregational care. Contact Rev. Dale White at DaleWhite@vaumc.org for the Zoom link.

Monday, January 15: District offices closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Thursday, January 25 at 9 AM: 30 on Thursday with Rev. Jeff Wilson, Rev. Warren Carswell, and Wanda Martin of Genesis UMC, discussing the new church formed by merging two churches. Contact Rev. Dale White at DaleWhite@vaumc.org for the Zoom link.

Wednesday, January 31: Year End Statistics in Unity Tables 2 and 3 deadline