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Welcome to The Bridge, a weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the United Methodist Church
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Is it Accidental or Intentional?
A question for every Rappahannock River District (RRD) congregation:
Is your church’s Disciple Making Ministry accidental or intentional?
If you don’t know the answer to this question, the likely answer is accidental. But together, we are going to change that! In order to help every church get closer to intentional disciple making, the RRD has entered into a great partnership with the General Board of Discipleship. The Board is called Disciple Ministries. You might remember our district wide “See All the People” kick off led by Rev. Jeff Campbell on March 24, 2018. Rev. Campbell inspired us with a vision to guide people into deeper relationships with Jesus Christ. This month, a team will travel to the Disciple Ministries offices in Nashville, Tennessee to take the next step in partnership strategies. Our team will talk through resources for intentional disciple making.
A great example of a resource is the book “
Stride: Creating a Discipleship Pathway for Your Church”
by Mike Schreiner and Ken Willard. In defining intentional disciple making, the book says,
“A discipleship process is an intentional method created to help individuals continually grow closer to the full likeness of Christ in all areas of their lives. We cannot do it for someone else. However, we can partner with them on the journey and provide teaching opportunities as well as opportunities to apply what they learn through doing. We can give encouragement and offer real-life examples to keep them moving and growing as disciples. Today churches of all sizes are mainly driven by structure and programs, not by making disciples.”
Schreiner and Willard take the discussion one step further with 16 signs of church challenges that prevent intentional disciple making:
Turnover
- Does your church receive a lot of first and second time guests, but then never see them again? Is the back door of the church as large as the front door?
- Losing people after a major event. Sometimes people come to a baptism, wedding, confirmation, VBS, mission trip, new facility opening never to return once that event is over.
- New members who are excited to join. They initially get involved in various ministries, and then suddenly stop coming.
- Long-term members who leave over some minor issue. “How dare they change the color of the carpet without consulting me!”
Service
- Inability to fill volunteer positions. The church finds itself resorting to begging people to serve and, in some cases, even threatening, “If no one steps up to serve, then we will have to stop this ministry.”
- New members and attendees coming to worship, but not serving anywhere.
- Established members reporting ministry “burn-out.”
Missed Connections
- Members and attendees not in worship regularly, not engaged in bible study, and not inviting others to worship or other faith development opportunities.
- Church events that are only fellowship gatherings instead of “bridge events.” Bridge events allow new people to experience the church in a safe, nonthreatening way and receive an invitation to attend a worship service.
- Ministries not producing new fruit. Instead, these just move people from group to group or study to study.
Church Finances
- The church lives from offering to offering and always talks about how to raise money and cut expenses.
- Members and attendees do not grow in their financial giving from year to year.
- Too much dedicated giving. The church finds itself emphasizing funding specific ministries instead of focusing on the general ministry fund.
- Church ministries being funded by selling items or holding special fundraising events. For example, the youth ministry is totally dependent on selling cookies. The annual white elephant sale is the only funding for the women’s ministry.
- Leaders not setting the example of tithing.
- The congregation’s discomfort with money. Members do not want the pastor to talk about money or know how much each person or family gives your church.
Friends, if you see your church in these 16 situations, maybe your church is ready to change. We, the RRD leadership hope and pray that you’ll make every effort to shift from accidental disciple making to intentional disciple making. The Disciple Ministries team will be in touch very soon with more resources and opportunities to help in this important spiritual transition.
Stay tuned.
Pastor Ted
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Mooers to receive Harry Denman Award for Laity
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Each year the Virginia Annual Conference lifts up one clergy, one adult laity and one youth as examples of extraordinary evangelism. We recognize those who have shared the faith of Christ with the world around them and have found ways to bring others into relationship with God. This award is based on the work of Harry Denman, an evangelist who lived 1893-1976 and spent time with some of the great evangelists of his day.. It is said that he shaped the evangelism of the United Methodist Church.
We are pleased to announce that Kevin and Judy Mooers of our own Fairfields UMC will receive the award this year!
As they spent time in the school system, Kevin & Judy began to develop a heart for the evangelism of children. In 2013 Fairfields’ then pastor, Rev. Seonyoung Kim introduced them to Child Evangelism Fellowship and they have been working with that organization since January 2013. The very first Good News Club (GNC) was held at the Heathsville YMCA in the spring of 2013, on Wednesdays. During the fall of 2013, the GNC moved to Northumberland Elementary School (NES) as an after-school program. Each week (11 weeks each semester) during the school year with the help of volunteers from churches in the county, the Mooers engage 50 – 60 students (grades K-5) in an after-school program that clearly presents the Gospel message to the children. The typical meeting for the club will begin with a time of gathering and connection with the children done in a small group format. This is followed by a group session where all of the students come together to hear a Bible lesson and mission stories of real missionaries that have been called to share the Good news with the world. The children also participate in songs, prayer, and Scripture memorization. The students then play games that reinforce the teaching of the day and finally return to their small groups for additional time of teaching and nurture in the word and fellowship. The format alternates between an evangelical lesson presenting the Gospel to new believers and growth lessons discipling those that have accepted Christ as their savior.
During the summer months the Mooers participate in street events in large cities, Good News Across America, where they work with other Christians across the country to contact children and families with the Good News of Jesus Christ, presenting three 5-Day Clubs per day for one week in local parks (where the children hang out). The 5-Day Club is the same as a GNC, except it is presented five days in a row. The Mooers are also involved with several 5-Day clubs in the local area during the summer at churches and the YMCA.
To date the Mooers have been able to work with over 650 elementary aged school children with over 180 professions of faith. Children who express an acceptance of the love and salvation of Christ are connected with a church family, where possible.
The Mooers are also trainers for those interested in leading Good News Clubs in their communities. Kevin serves on the State Board of Virginia helping to guide and develop child evangelism throughout the State of VA. Judy and Kevin serve on the local committee for CEF of Peninsula developing new GNCs from Hampton, VA to King George county. They are ready and willing to teach interested people to share the Gospel with children.
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Please Support the El Salvador Mission Trip
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The 2018 District Mission Team is set and we are seeking your support.
How can you help?
1.
PRAY
… for each team member as they make their preparations for the trip … for safe travel to (July 2) and from (July 6) El Salvador … that
our presence in El Salvador will continue to build and strengthen our relationship with our international mission partner, the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador … and that our hearts will be open to being blessed and transformed by our gracious hosts.
2.
DONATE
any of the following items: Spanish language bibles and
hymnals, basic school supplies, used laptops, soccer balls, and
toothbrushes & multi-vitamins (for adults & children).
3.
DROP OFF
your donations at any of these locations by
June 21
st
:
(
Please
call or email
each location in advance to make drop-off
arrangements to be sure that someone is there to accept the donation
.)
We are thrilled to have a team of 12 representing the District this year and 6 of the 12 are age 20 or under! Praise God!
Again,
please pray for our team members
:
Eastland UMC - Rev. Craig Muffley, Team Leader, Judy Muffley, Bill Todd,
Sarah Cole, and Chloe Quaye
White Stone UMC – Rev. Bryan McClain and family: Stephanie, Nancy, Erin,
and John
Bowling Green UMC – Rev. Carol Seeley & Melrose UMC – Lucinda Wigfield
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Invitation for ALL Laity,
All are welcome to attend one of the two laity cluster group meetings on June 2 or 3. We expect at least one lay person from each church to attend this important gathering.
Everyone is welcome!
The purpose of the laity cluster meetings will be to bring together lay leaders, certified lay servants, and other interested lay persons so that we can learn from one another, share ideas and resources, and partner together as we begin our journey toward intentional discipleship. Each meeting will open with introductions and devotions, followed by updates from your district lay leaders on various topics. There will be time for you to share with one another as well.
Our first meeting agenda is:
· Welcome/Introductions/Opening Devotion
· Update on Commission for the Way Forward
· Intentional Discipleship
· Future cluster meeting topics
· Closing Prayer
We will be using the same regional groupings that we are using for our district fall celebrations. If you cannot attend your church’s assigned meeting time, please feel free to attend the other one. Here’s the schedule:
Saturday, June 2, 2:30-4:00 pm, Regester Chapel UMC sanctuary: All churches in Fauquier, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania
Sunday, June 3, 2:30-4:00 pm, Tappahannock Memorial UMC fellowship hall: All churches in the counties of Caroline, King George, King William, Essex, and King and Queen, as well as Colonial Beach and Grace (Oak Grove) churches.
Please RSVP to either of us at least one week prior to the meeting date so we can make sure we have enough handouts.
Blessings,
Terry Bain Debbie Dietrich
804-761-1625 804-769-3730
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Peace United Methodist Church has the following office equipment for sale:
Riso EZ 221U duplicator- $700
The following items are a “make an offer”
Kyocera Ecosys FS1028MFP table top multi machine (copier, printer, fax, scanner)
Brother Intellifax 820MC fax machine
HP Color LaserJet 3600N printer
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DATE:
September 29
th
, 2018
TIME
: 10 am to 12 Noon
EVENT
:
General Conference 2019 Conversation: Review the Council of Bishop’s Recommendation to the 2019 General Conference.
LOCATION
: Trinity, King George, 9425 King's Highway, King George
BACKGROUND INFO
: When the 2016 General Conference reached an impasse in discussions and Book of Discipline legislation regarding human sexuality, we asked the Council of Bishop’s to create the "Commission on the Way Forward." The Commission has completed the assignment of recommendations and the Council of Bishop’s hope to release a full report by July 8, 2018. The plan is that the full report will include a recommendation, options beyond the Council of Bishop’s recommendation, the implications of the recommendations, and additional information.
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Missionary Clara Biswas speaking on our District
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Clara Mridula Biswas is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries serving as a community worker in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She works with the ‘poorest of the poor,’ especially children, in slum areas and garbage dumps to facilitate their transfers to relocation and rehabilitation centers.
“To bring hope to the hopeless, bring light to those who are in the dark, bring Christ to the poor, and share the love of God,” (Luke 4:18-19) summarizes Clara’s understanding of her service.
Tappahannock Memorial UMC will be hosting Clara Biswas June 20th 10:30 - 1:00 covered dish lunch included. All are invited to welcome Clara with us as she shares her adventures and mission. Tappahannock Memorial is located at 345 Earl Street, Tappahannock. For more information, call 804.443.2278.
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Bethel UMC (Lively)
in Lancaster
is seeking a Director and Teacher for their Preschool. Salary will range from $16 - $20 per hour for the Director and $15 - $18 per hour for the teacher. The exact amount will be determined by the level of expertise. Applicants need to submit their applications by June 15, 2018 to
beumcva@gmail.com
.
Wilderness Community Church
in Spotsylvania, VA is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry. Primary responsibilities are to coordinate along with a team of youth ministry volunteers Christ-centered ministries that serve Youth (6th to 12th grade). This is a part-time, salaried position. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to
pastordenise@wildernesschurch.org
. For more information on the position,
wildernesschurch.org/job
opening.
Part-time Organist/Pianist wanted for
Tappahannock Memorial United Methodist Church
, Tappahannock, VA. This person will be responsible for providing music for two Sunday worship services, choir rehearsals and special worship services of the church. Salary negotiable. For more information, please contact the church office at
tappmethodist@gmail.com
or 804-443-2278.
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Fletcher's Chapel Church
in King George County is looking for a
pianist/organist
for two Sundays in June -- June 17 and June 24. If you know someone who is available and willing to play, please contact Rev. Michael Reaves at
michaelreaves@vaumc.org
or call (540) 775-7247.
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Please visit the conference website
Annual Conference Offering
Bishop Lewis has announced the annual conference mission offering goal of $200,000 to focus on the following missional priority projects:
Cambodia: $50,000 - Church Growth and Development and Community Health & Agric. Development
Brazil: $25,000 - Shade and Fresh Water Ministry with Children
Mozambique: $25,000 - Lay Leadership Development
Native Americans: $10,000 - Support for Volunteers in Mission teams working with Native American Ministry and Tribal Youth
Cuba Recovery: $25,000 - Hurricane Recovery for Churches in Cuba
Haiti: $25,000 - Funds to support Volunteers in Mission teams to Haiti
Puerto Rico Recovery: $25,000 - Hurricane Recovery support for Puerto Rican churches
Moscow Seminary: $15,000 - Support for student scholarships
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Kits for Conference
As your church begins preparation for collecting items for kits, there is currently an appeal from UMCOR for Hygiene, School, and Cleaning Kits only.
Click here for the complete list of items and instructions on packing each kit
. Collection times will be from Thursday, June 14 from noon to 8 p.m. and on Friday, June 15 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For questions, contact the Kit Collection Coordinator, the Rev. David Magruder at Zion UMC in Seaford (York River District) at (757) 898-7417 or
davidmagruder@vaumc.org
. Money for the kits should be sent to Conference Treasurer, Virginia Conference UMC, PO Box 5605, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Checks should be made payable to Virginia Conference UMC.
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Crossroads Mission Center
is looking for volunteers who can help package and deliver food to the children of King William County who are participating in the Summer Food Program. The program provides “2-Day Bags” consisting of 4 meals for 2 days for 1 child. The bag contains 2 breakfast, lunch, snack and drink items. The program runs from
June 16 – August 25
. We need drivers (background check is required and will be provided) and packagers
. Training will be held on June 5, at 6:00, at Crossroads Mission Center
,
694K Sharon Road, King William, VA
. We are also looking for individual and corporate sponsors. If you or your organization would like to collect items needed for the bags, please visit our web site at
crossroadsmissioncenter.org
for a complete list of needed supplies. Monetary donations received will be used to purchase food and can be mailed to Crossroads Mission Center. If you have any questions, please call
804-769-2139
or email us at
crossroadsmissioncenter@gmail.com
.
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Upcoming Events & Meetings:
June 1
Lay Servant Committee Meeting
, 11:30am, Warsaw UMC
June 2
Laity Cluster Meeting
, 2:30-4:00 pm
,
Regester Chapel UMC: All churches in Fauquier, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania
June 3
Laity Cluster Meeting
,
2:30-4:00 pm, Tappahannock UMC: All churches in the counties of Caroline, King George, King William, Essex, and King and Queen, as well as Colonial Beach and Grace (Oak Grove)
June 4
Connectional Ministries Meeting,
7:00pm, Wright's Chapel UMC
June 7
Heartwood Board
, 7:00pm, St. Matthias UMC
June 15 - 17
Annual Conference
, Hampton
June 19
Church Building & Location
, 7:00pm, Wright's Chapel UMC
June 21
District Superintendency
, 7:00pm, Tappahannock Memorial
June 25 - 29
Parking lot at Wright's Chapel will be paved the week of June 25.
June 30
Episcopal Residence Dedication & Open House
, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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District Superintendent:
Rev. Dr. Theodore Smith
2018 District Co-Lay Leader:
2018 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone 804.448.8326 FAX 804.448.8328 Cell: 804.304.8566
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)
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