July 2026



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"Rooted in Revival"


As we enter another conference year, I want to begin by lifting up an integral part of our Wesleyan heritage. The Wesley family made their home in Epworth, where Samuel Wesley was serving a local parish, and Susanna Wesley managed the spiritual and daily rhythms of the family home. 


When Samuel was in debtor's prison, the people needed a place to practice their faith, and Susanna held a small group in her kitchen, which extended beyond her window and into the yard. 


This image is a powerful reminder of what it means to be rooted in our scriptures, tradition, reason, and experience while finding a new way of expressing faith. 

This year, we will focus on what it means to be Rooted in Revival through our gatherings, business of the district, training, and more. I hope that you will find ways to connect with others and participate in this collective reflection of how we share our faith beyond the four walls. All for the sake of transforming communities through the love of Christ. 

I look forward to the year ahead and to serving alongside you. 

grace upon grace,

Lindsey

Connecting Churches, Reaching Youth:

What If We Stopped Competing for Kids?

What if the answer is found in building stronger partnerships? Across the Mission Rivers

District, churches share a common desire: to help children and youth experience the love

of Christ. Yet many congregations face similar challenges – limited volunteers, limited

resources, and only a handful of young people. Rather than asking, “How can my church

attract more youth?”, perhaps a better question is, “How can our churches reach more

youth together?”

READ MORE

We Want to Hear from You!

Mission Rivers District is excited to begin planning our 2027 District Training, which will be held on April 10, 2027, and we would appreciate your input as we shape the day's offerings.

We invite you to complete the form below and share your ideas as we plan Mission Rivers District Training. Your feedback will help us shape a meaningful and engaging day of learning for everyone!

OFFER FEEDBACK

The form will accept submissions through Friday, July 24th, 2026

All Congregations invited to take part in the Miracle Sunday Campaign

United Methodist leaders are inviting 30,000 congregations into a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered emphasis to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously, by participating in a global initiative to strengthen theological education worldwide.

Each congregation in Virginia is asked to extend the vision of the church through a six-week worship and small group series beginning September 6 and culminating on “Miracle Sunday” - October 11 - with the receipt of a special offering to help support 500 students annually prepare for pastoral ministry through “The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.” 

In preparation for this campaign, all pastors are asked to appoint a congregational coordinator – ... READ MORE

Book Club with Lindsey – September 29

DS Lindsey Baynham Freeman is hosting an occasional online book club this year with our district clergy. But in September, she’s inviting everyone to join in (not just clergy). Many who attended Annual Conference were inspired to learn more about “Wesleyan Vile-tality” after hearing the author, Ashley Boggan, speak, and this is Lindsey’s selection for September. To participate, simply read the book and register here to receive the Zoom link.

When clergy get together…

Maybe this sounds like the beginning of a joke, but in the Mission Rivers District, we are quite serious about making time for clergy to be together throughout the year, nurturing

relationships, and building community with one another. There are other times to meet and

handle business, but we value these times for the way they highlight our connections and

enable us to prioritize tending to our whole selves—physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial. (To learn more about these 5 dimensions of well-being, visit Wespath.)


Laity: Thank you for encouraging your pastor to spend time joining these gatherings. This is an important way to support your pastor!


Clergy: We hope to see you whenever you can join us. All Mission Rivers District

Clergy—actively appointed, on leave, serving in extension settings, and retired—are invited and encouraged to participate.  


Gatherings later in the year, ongoing updates to the schedule, and more details can be found on the clergy events page on our website. Here’s what’s coming up soon for clergy:

Yoga in the Vineyard, 8/24 - Clergy Welcome Event

This all-levels yoga class is designed to gently energize the body, calm the mind, and leave you feeling grounded, open, and ready to savor the day ahead. After yoga, linger at the vineyard (near Tappahannock) for a bite to eat with colleagues in the tasting room or outdoor patio. Come just for lunch, if you prefer, and take this opportunity to meet those new to the district! Let us know by 8/18 if you’re coming.

Tour of St. Luke’s historic church, 9/17

Visit Virginia's oldest surviving church building for a private tour and learn about its role as a symbol of religious freedom. Stay for lunch in nearby Smithfield. Let us know if you’re coming.

Retirement Checkup, 9/22

John Fuller, Executive Director of Virginia United Methodist Pensions, Inc. (VUMPI), is offering a “checkup” seminar for those who are 5-10 years from anticipated retirement. Clergy from the Living Waters and Coastal Virginia districts will join us and .5 CEU is available. Come with your questions and make sure you are on track for your next chapter. Register here.

For questions, please contact Rev. Deborah Lewis.

Welcome New Clergy

The new conference year has begun and we've got lots of new faces on the Mission Rivers District. We've been collecting some information from them so that you can get to know them better. Meet Revs. Davies, Huh, Sims, Taylor, and Yoon HERE.


This page is a work in progress--we are excited to continue to add more in the coming weeks!

Mark Your Calendars!

• July 23: NEW Clergy Orientation, 1-3 PM (Kilmarnock UMC) (NEW CLERGY)
• August 5, 13, 19: Life After Publisher Training (Richmond, Winchester, Suffolk)
• August 8-9: Cross Racial/Cross Cultural Training
• August 13: Safer Sanctuaries Training (Virtual)
• August 24: Clergy Welcome at the Vineyard, 11 AM-12 PM Yoga Class, 12 PM Lunch (Wind Vineyards Winery) (CLERGY)
• August 30-October 11: Miracle Sunday Campaign
• September 17: Tour of St. Luke’s historic church, 10:30 AM (CLERGY)
• September 22: Retirement Checkup with John Fuller, including .5 CEU
• September 29: Book Club
• November 14: District Conference, 12 PM (Virtual)
• April 10, 2027: District Training Day

Find information about our Summer Lay Servant Training Classes here.

PAUMCS on the Road: Life After Publisher

If Microsoft Publisher is your go-to tool for bulletins and church publications, here's something you need to know: Microsoft is retiring Publisher in October. But don't worry, we've got you covered!


Join Kim Johnson, Director of Resourcing for the Virginia Conference, for a hands-on training session designed to help church administrators navigate the transition and discover the best alternatives for creating bulletins and publications. 

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Safer Sanctuaries Training

Thursday, Aug 13th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

This two-hour training provides a scriptural foundation for safeguarding our most vulnerable populations—children and the elderly. Participants will learn practical steps for creating safe environments and responding appropriately in the event of a safety concern. Designed for immediate application, this course equips individuals with essential tools and best practices. It is especially recommended for those working directly with children.


Recommended Book: Safer Sanctuaries – Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities


Link to sign up: MRD Safer Sanctuaries – August

Mission Rivers District Alliance Collab (Cluster 10) is composed of Colonial Beach UMC, Dahlgren UMC, Fletcher’s Chapel UMC, and Trinity (King George) UMC. The Collab is in the initial planning stages for a Rise Against Hunger Event in the fall of 2027. As we progress through the planning details regarding facility, cost, and volunteers, we welcome participation from other UMCs within the Mission Rivers District. Please contact J.M. Gallier jmcg5580@gmail.com if you would like to partner with us in this event.

VAUMC News

Find links and information from the Virginia Conference and the UMC below:

• Join workshop for children's ministries 
• New Virginia Pay Transparency Law Takes Effect July 1, 2026
• Lay Servant Academy Registration now open
• COB releases pastoral letter following Supreme Court ruling
• Connect college students to campus ministries
  

Ministry Toolbox Articles

• AI Keeps Changing. You Don’t Have to Keep Up With It Alone.
• Ministry With: Partnering with Nonprofits for the Common Good
• Rest Is Part of the Work: Practicing Sabbath Together
• Summer Is Here. Is Your Website Ready?
• Microsoft Publisher Is Going Away

AC 2026 Wrap-Up Links

• Annual Conference Teaching Sessions
• Dr. Ashley Boggan
• Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis
•   View written AC Summary Report
•   View AC summary video
•   Watch AC livestream
•   View photos from AC 2026
•   View the 2026 Appointments
•   Find monitoring report for AC session
•   Give to the AC offering