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James River District E-Newsletter
January 2018
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A View from the Balcony
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A message from the District Superintendent
Ok, so I may be quoting Oprah out of context (see her Golden Globes speech), but what a fitting epitaph for 2017. Finished, ceased, ended, curtains, kaput! Of course, when the time is up for something, whether it is a year, an era, or a misogynistic culture, then something new and improved had best be beginning.
Now, complete with an arctic blast of snow and Ice, a new adventure entitled, "2018" is upon us. And what better way to be reminded of who is in charge of this New Year than for a heavenly, "bomb cyclone," to descend upon the frozen tundra of the James River District.
In general, a new year comes with great expectations of fresh starts promising new possibilities and challenges, along with some obligatory resolutions. Sure, January 1 is simply another day on a calendar, but what pastor can resist the temptation to utilize the New Year's themes of cleaning the slate, forgetting what lies behind, pressing on toward the goal and other biblical imperatives? Whether it's with a traditional Wesley's Covenant Service or the Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we liturgically announce that something old has past and something new is beginning. Move over 2017, because your time is up a new thing has begun!
And what exactly is this new thing? I haven't a clue.
What I do have is a deep sense of hope coupled with a cautious optimism. In spite of the challenges of church growth, relevance, and larger denominational issues, I have experienced a great sense of peace among you in trusting God for an unknown future. We may have troubled waters to navigate through but I am learning more each day who we can trust to calm both sea and soul. Thank you for all you are doing to grow the kingdom of God by staying focused on Jesus and letting God direct your path.
Speaking of trusting God for an unknown future...
After much prayer and soul searching Mary Alice and I believe God is calling us home.
No, not metaphorically, but home to be with our broken family. I have officially asked Bishop Lewis to accept my resignation from the Cabinet of the VUMC effective June 30, 2018. This has been a very difficult decision as we are both enjoying our current ministry settings. Personally, I will always consider serving as your District Superintendent over these 5 years as one of my greatest privileges.
The announcement of your new DS should come soon. However I still have much to do before Annual Conference in serving as the mission strategist of the James River District including opportunities to share with you more about this direction.
For now, I want you to know about where our hearts, and more importantly, where we believe God is leading us. I have no clue as to what exactly that will be other than being with our family through challenging days ahead. As always, when God calls us, it will be an adventure!
Mary Alice and I have been so blessed by your offerings of comfort and love during these difficult days. We cannot begin to count the cards, prayers blankets, shawls, and other expressions of your presence in the loss of our son, Christian. This Advent has taking on a whole new meaning as we have watched, waited and wrestled with God. Through it all we are grateful for the many ways we have seen Christ in you.
Grief has been an unwelcome guest that is leading us to a new place. This is not the script we have written and we are still discerning our roles in this drama and covet your prayers for our hurting family. Whereas our time may be up here, we still believe God has a new role for us in serving others for the glory of God.
After all it is God's future. So if we truly trust God to lead us to where wants us to be then all will be well, and the best of all, of course, "God is with us!"
What matter now is that we be with God.
Grace and peace for 2018
Rob
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Clergy and Laity may register
here
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Clergy Study
The clergy will study the book, The Anatomy of Peace, beginning the week of February 20th with 3 locations around the District (locations TBA). If you need a book, please contact Tish Borden at the District Office.
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Treasurer Needed at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church
A qualified Church Treasurer is needed to fill a part-time position at St. Mark's UMC. Incumbent will work 1 to 2 hours weekly. Candidate must have a background in finance or a related field. Duties will include church payroll and monthly record keeping, among other duties. If interested, please contact Jerry Wicker at pastorjerrystmarks@yahoo.com
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Convergence High School Program
Convergence: Where Faith and Science Meet is a 9-day program (June 23-July 1, 2018) that allows rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to come to Randolph-Macon's campus in Ashland, Virginia and learn about the intersection of science and Christian faith. They will dive deeper into their religious beliefs, deeper into the study of science, and will meet other high school students and Randolph-Macon College student leaders with those same interests. There will be time in the classroom and outdoor experiences throughout the region. The cost to participate is only $100 for this 9-day program. Upon high school graduation, if a Convergence participant chooses to attend Randolph-Macon, they will receive a $1,000 annual scholarship for each year they participated in Convergence.
Please visit the website to learn more
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If you would like to nominate a participant,
click here
to fill out the nomination form, and the Convergence staff will contact your nominee with further information. The application form for participants is available
here
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For questions about the program, please email
convergence@rmc.edu
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Williamsburg UMC presents 2018 Faithful Aging Conference: Always a Place at the Table
As society ages, so do our congregations. For a denomination where our average age is already somewhere between 58-60 and an estimated 1/3 of our membership is 65+, it is even more important to focus on
the new opportunities and challenges that arise with growing numbers of senior
adults in our churches and communities.
Join us on April 24th to network with other faith communities, share ideas, and talk about how to address these opportunities and changes. And yes, unfortunately, we realize this conference falls during Ministers' Convocation but what an opportunity that creates for you to empower a team of folks to participate from your church who are passionate about Older Adult Minis
tries. Send them to be equipped with a variety of new resources and ideas that will help the church best meet the needs of older adults, inside and outside your church walls.
Consider being an exhibitor or sponsor. We need ministry and service providers on hand to share information and help others understand the different levels of services and resources availab
le, as well as the needs and issues older adults face. We anticipate 200 - 250 attendees for this conference so this is a great way to get the word out about your ministries while making a difference.
Please share this opportunity - both the "Save the Date" flyer and sponsor/exhibit forms with others. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Ministers' Convocation
This year's Ministers' Convocation will once again offer a time for renewal, relaxation, and learning. As we prepare to enter this new year in ministry together, consider registering now!
Theme: The Paradox of Perfection: Our Wesleyan Heritage
Date: April 23-25, 2018
at Virginia Crossings Conference Center in Glen Allen
We'll explore Christian Perfection through the teachings of Dr. Rex Matthews, Professor in the Practice of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Candler School of Theology. Workshops, Panels, and Fellowship Time will enhance our time together. Bishop Lewis and Rev. William Lamar (pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C.) will lead us in worship.
The deadline for In-residence Registration is Monday, April 2, 2018.
All clergy, diaconal ministers, and professional/paraprofessional certified ministers in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church are invited.
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UMC Distinguish Retirees
Two of the earliest clergy women served right here on the James River District. Rev. Lillian Russell served Blandford from 1944 until her retirement in 1979 (35 years). Rev. Mildred Long served Kenwood from 1973 to 1979. Rev. Dr. Margaret Kutz is researching the ministry and lives of these two pioneering women in hopes of writing and publishing their stories. If you knew them, knew someone who knew them, or have information about them please contact Rev. Kutz at
804-305 6100
or
margaretkutz@vaumc.org
. They were amazing women whose stories deserve to be told.
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The Commission on a Way Forward
In the Nov. 9 press release from the Commission on a Way Forward and the Council of Bishops, there was a promise to provide a booklet that listed some of the resources that the Commission has been using as part of its preparation for an interim report to the Council of Bishops. The press release has been updated with the link to the booklet. Here is the link to the press release (the link to the booklet is in the fourth paragraph from the last).
Here is the direct link to the
booklet
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The booklet also contains a page on the three proposed sketches of the models that bishops are using to have conversations in their respective areas.
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Lay Servant Academy
March 2-4, 2018
Registration is now open the the 2018 Lay Servant Academy, which will be held at the 4H Educational Conference Center (775 Hermitage Rd, Wirtz, VA) Click on the link to sign up early and get the class you want!
https://www.vaumc.org/2018LSA
We are excited to be offering some new classes this year and fantastic worship as we fellowship, worship, pray, and Learn & Love like Jesus!
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Baby on Board!!
Congratulations to Andrew and Joy Book on the birth of their daughter, Maria Noelle, born December 23, 2017.
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Prayer Requests
Alexander David
The Family of Lynn Fuss
Gene Tatum
Michael and Debbie Baugham
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Rob Colwell, James River District Superintendent
Keith Jordan & Gerry Fuss, Lay Leaders
Tish Borden, Administrative Assistant
James O'Quinn, Director of Congregational Excellence
Ronnika Davis, Communications Coordinator
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