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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC
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Hopeful Expectation
To have a hopeful expectation is to have an aspiration, an ambition, or a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Psalm 33:22 (ESV) states: “Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we
hope
in you.”
I often hear people say: “I hope that things will get better or improve.” What “things" could they be talking about? We sometimes make
assumptions
of what they are saying to us. However, until we explore further and inquire what they are really trying to convey to us, we might never know exactly what they intended to convey to us.
In our society today, people are
grasping
for something to give them hope. The fact is we can find these people in our churches and communities. Some of them are struggling to put a child through school. Some are working two and three jobs. Some have lost their jobs. Some are struggling with illnesses. Some are struggling to provide care for an ailing family member or friend. Some are struggling financially. Some are changing careers at a time in their lives when they least expected, just to meet up with the demands of life. Some are going through bitter divorces. Some are marginalized and ostracized. Many of these people simply cannot play the hand that life has dealt to them. So, when someone says: “I hope that things will get better or improve,” we need to find out exactly what they are talking about so that we can channel our thoughts to their needs.
Whenever I think about the above issues, they immediately beckon my attention to a very critical time in the life of the church. These critical times provide opportunities for us to be the
catalysts to leverage change
and
offer hope
to a desperate and hurting world. Mr. Wesley's reflections on works of piety (prayer, searching the scriptures, holy communion, fasting, Christian community, healthy living, etc.) and works of mercy (compassion and justice) are two compelling elements of our Christian journey. If we have not already done so, we should embody the works of piety and works of mercy. By so-doing, we will then hold within our hearts the
rule of life
as we strive to live out the mission of the church.
At a time in the life of our beloved United Methodist Church when
apprehension about our unity
is driving us further away from the mission of the church, I call on each of us to embrace and embody a
hopeful expectation
of Jesus’ steadfast love. I urge us to remain focused and serve as the
compass
to guide each other in our obedience to Jesus’ teachings. Let us move ahead with a hopeful expectation “To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow His teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Amen!
Blessings to you!
Blessings to you!
Charles
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
If you don't see several Fall Festival flyers at the end of this newsletter, you may need to click "View Entire Message" at the bottom of your page.
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020
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We will elect both delegate and alternate lay members-at-large to the 2020 Annual Conference (June 18 – 20, 2020 in Roanoke) at the Rappahannock River District Conference on Saturday,
November 16, 2019.
Pastors and laity are urged to submit names for nomination to the District Office
no later than November 4, 2019
. If you are nominating someone else, please be sure to obtain your nominee’s permission prior to filing out this form. Then complete the form by clicking the button indicated.
Please note that to be elected as a Delegate-at-Large, a person must have been a member of the United Methodist Church for the 2 years preceding their election and shall have been an active participant in the United Methodist Church for at least 4 years preceding their election. This requirement may be waived for nominees under 30 years of age (contact the DS for approval).
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Builder's Club Call Continues
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The Rappahannock River District Builder’s Club Committee has approved our eighth Builder’s Club Call. We are pleased to announce that this call is for
Hillcrest United Methodist Church
.
The request is for remodeling of the existing facilities for more space and more accessibility. The work includes installing a handicap lift so the second floor of the church is accessible, enlarging the fellowship hall, relocating the Pastor’s office and administration office, and building a new space for the church choir. Please see the letter from Hillcrest UMC Pastor Justin Williams below for more details.
Financial Information:
Estimated Cost of Project $ 275,000
Funded by church $ 215,000
Estimated debt upon completion $ 60,000
We are asking that you support this call. If you'd like to contribute to this effort, please make a check payable to “Rappahannock River District Builder’s Club” and mail to:
Rappahannock River District Builder’s Club
PO BOX 100
Ladysmith, VA 22501
Donations are tax deductible and must be received by September 30, 2019.
We currently have 147 members of the Rappahannock River Builder’s Club who have committed to support the Builder’s Club calls. When a church is expanding its facilities, it means something exciting is happening at the location. Help God’s kingdom grow by supporting the Rappahannock River Builder’s Club today.
Thank you for being a partner with Hillcrest UMC.
Working in His Kingdom,
Dave
David A. Kellison, President
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2020 UMVIM to Brazil
“Shade and Fresh Water” Project
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2020 UMVIM to Brazil
“Shade and Fresh Water” Project
Includes: Construction and Children’s Ministries
June 26 – July 7, 2020
PRICE REDUCTION:
Cost: $2700
(includes international and domestic airfares, local room & board, ground transportation, interpreters, sightseeing, project costs. This price requires a minimum of 10 participants).
This reflects a savings of $400 from the original announcement!
Payment Schedule:
$200 deposit
with application
(deadline 1-4-2020)
2
nd
Payment: $1300 by March 14, 2020
Final Payment: $1200 by May 2, 2020
Not included: costs of passports, child protection background checks if needed, immunizations (check with your family doctor/ CDC website), food while traveling, lunch and dinners during sightseeing, and souvenirs.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Continuing the work with this Initiatives of Hope Project, we will work with Teca and Gordon Greathouse—“Shade and Fresh Water” Directors for the Methodist Church of Brazil.
Gordon describes this project:
“
Let me say something about the
Roncador project
. The Central Methodist church of
Teresina
has a congregation in a more rural type location just inside the state of
Maranhao
. A number of years ago I took several teams to Teresina and we helped build the Central Methodist church which was a missionary church. That church took hold and has developed well even having members become pastors of other churches. A family had some rural property and they began a project with children a few years ago. The Teresina church got excited by this project and invested energy. The group grew and the church acquired land. The church is well established and has had a team from Athens Georgia go there twice to start the building. They now need some help in finishing. The congregation has a lively children's and teen group and shows good signs of becoming a vital church.”
Need: 10-12 Team members
willing to work on this project.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS 12 DAY VOLUNTEER IN MISSION TRIP:
6 work days, joining with the locals in their priorities.
2 culture/enrichment days in Fortaleza, a coastal city and capital of Ceara including a colonial tour, folk dancing show, and famous beaches.
1 day of worship and fellowship with the local church.
3 days travel.
TO ACCEPT THIS VIM OPPORTUNITY
FILL OUT AN APPLICATION and $200 deposit
by Jan. 4, 2020
FILL OUT NEEDED FORMS:
Medical, insurance, background check, Safe Sanctuary Training on the UMVIM website (
www.umvim.org
), VIM Covenant at 1
st
Team Meeting.
VALID PASSPORT
: must be good until January 7, 2021 (at least 6 months on visa after the trip).
ATTEND TEAM MEETINGS
March 14, 2020 (Saturday): 10:00 am-12:00 pm
May 2, 2020 (Saturday): 10:00 am-12:00 pm
June 13, 2020 (Saturday): 10:00 am-12:00 pm; Commissioning Service
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The Campus Christian Community
at the University of Mary Washington
presents
Benefit Golf Tournament
Building Strong Leaders
for Tomorrow’s World
Fredericksburg Country Club
October 7, 2019
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McKendree UMC
Pianist:
McKendree UMC at 4347 Manfield Road,
Manquin in King William County is seeking a
pianist
for 9:30 Sunday worship service. Paid position. Call 804 238 8595
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Emmanuel UMC
Pianist:
Emmanuel UMC is searching for a pianist for their 9:30 am service. The pianist would play hymns and lead the choir anthem.
There is no choir practice during the week.
All those who are interested in may contact us via
beumcva@gmail.com and 804-462-7376 (Geri Vick, Worship committee chair)
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Liberty UMC
Seeking a
Pianist/keyboardist
(Organ too if possible) to play at Sunday morning church service. Part time position for small vibrant church. Opportunity for growth in the position.
To find out more details, please call 540-439-0267 or message us through our facebook page:
Liberty UMC-Bealeton
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Regester Chapel UMC
Regester Chapel UMC is seeking applications for a
Music Accompanist
. The Music Accompanist shall be qualified to play both the organ and piano for worship. The Music Accompanist shall be skilled in music, including performance and interpretation. This shall include a good knowledge of the function of music in the church service and ability to demonstrate its suitable interpretation. The Music Accompanist should be willing to keep abreast of modern trends in church music and participate in workshops and training events. Contact Barry Dillon at (540) 850-5865 or Ethan Murphy at
emurphy@regesterchapel.org
for more information and a copy of the position description.
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Bishop's Convocation on Prayer
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Saturday, September 21, 2019
Trinity UMC
903 Forest Ave., Richmond, VA 23229
Both laity and clergy are invited to attend (450 limit).
Registration Cost: ($10 – includes lunch)
For Details and to Register, click
here.
Convocation participants may attend two of these workshops. Please indicate workshop preferences with registration.
Deadline to register is September 13
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Upcoming September Meetings
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September 20-21, 2019
Lay Servant Training
, Regester Chapel UMC
September 21, 2019
Bishop's Convocation on Prayer,
Trinity Richmond UMC
September 28, 2019
UMW Annual Meeting
, 10:00am, Trinity King George UMC
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AFTON UMC – HAND-TOSSED PIZZA NIGHT
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Saturday, September 21
st
5 – 7 P.M.
Back by popular demand, Afton UMC announces PIZZA BUFFET NIGHT; Chef Mike DeGaetani will
be hand-tossing pizzas in the kitchen. Chef Lenny Gaskins and his crackerjack staff will be
helping with all the fixin’s and the serving! Afton invites all to come on out to celebrate Fall
with ALL YOU CAN EAT HAND TOSSED PIZZA. Delicious salads and tempting home-made
desserts will accompany the pizza.
To make things EVEN BETTER, Afton is excited to announce the addition of a brand-new PIZZA OVEN to the kitchen! This will help to keep up with the huge demand for the mouth-watering pizza pies.
Your donations for the pizza buffet will help us pay for the new oven! Once we cover the cost of the oven, all additional donations will benefit the Afton United Methodist Women’s Missions!
So, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. and bring your appetites, along with all your friends to Afton UMC, located at 5130 Hacks Neck Road in Ophelia.
If you love NY style pizza, you will not be disappointed! Don’t miss this chance to support two very worthy causes and enjoy the fellowship of the good folks in our community. It will be our pleasure to serve you.
SEE Y’ALL THERE!!
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It's that time of year! Fall Festivals & Homecomings are coming!
If you don't see the flyers at the end of this message, you may need to click "View Entire Message" on your browser.
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Join us on Sunday, September 22nd, for a Homecoming Event. Zion will hold a service at 11a.m. with special music and featuring the Reverend Barbara Jacobs as guest speaker. Following the event, you're invited to a luncheon provided by the best cooks in Spotsylvania County!
Please join us for a spirit filled celebration!
Text Karen at 540-538-8010 with any questions.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
District Superintendent:
Rev. Charles Bates, Ph.D.
2019 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
2019 District Co-Lay Leader:
Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone 804.448.8326 FAX 804.448.8328
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)
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