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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC
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As human beings, we all want our lives to matter, and we believe that they only matter if they are noticed and affirmed by others. At times, however, our desire for affirmation fuels false attention. In one of his writings, Eugene Peterson recounts the story of the fourth-century church father, Gregory of Nyssa, whose brother Basil had arranged for him to be made bishop of Cappadocia. “Gregory rejected,” Peterson writes. “He did not want to be stuck in such an out-of-the-way place. Basil told Gregory he
did not want him to obtain distinction from his church but to
confer distinction upon it
.”
Basil’s gesture was a noble one; he wanted his brother’s life to impact the church. Gregory, however, did not see it that way. Would not it be great if each person’s goal was to let her or his life impact the church?
If we consider the presence of God to be a fact of life, then conferring distinction on a person or a place is just a matter of being noticed or affirmed by others
. Our rationale is grounded in what Paul said of the Lord, “In Him, we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:18 NJKV). Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21 NKJV).
With the above scripture references in mind, we may, by defying the purpose of God, insulate ourselves from God’s presence. We may, by un-repented sin, cut off the sense of God because we are clouded by a sense of guilt.
We may, by seeking human affirmation, lose sight of God's watchful eye following us
.
In Psalm 139, the Psalmist wonders mentally through every conceivable location, expressing amazement that God’s watchful eye follows her or him at every turn. In contrast with the foolishness of one who wishes to escape from the eyes of God,
the Psalmist rejoices and willingly takes refuge in God’s sight
.
As we continue to live out our faith in a challenging and complex world, let us take refuge in God's sight. Let us be mindful of our actions because they are not beyond God’s sight. God sees everything we do and knows the contents of our hearts.
Let us realize the fact that God’s knowledge and love are inseparable
. We cannot hide from God but do not want to hide from God either. Let us become aware of the mask that we wear when we try to create impressions for other people.
Let us keep in mind that God sees behind our masks
. Yes, we want to be recognized and affirmed, but if we live in the Lord then our ultimate recognition comes from Him.
Therefore, let us take refuge in Him
, especially during these uncertain times.
Blessings to you!
Charles
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Helping our District Churches
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The Committee for the Rappahannock
River
District Builder’s Club is pleased to announce our 9th call. This is for Galilee United Methodist Church located in Edwardsville, Virginia. The links below include a Pastor's Letter of Description, Finance Information Sheet, and pictures of work recently completed. The request is for funds to help with completion of renovations to the septic and sewer system for the existing facilities. The work included removal of trees, sidewalks, old septic and sewer and the installation of new septic, leach field, and sidewalks.
This Call is issued to anyone who would like to make a donation. The Call will close on September 15.
Galilee is one of our smallest churches to request assistance. We are asking that you support this Call by sending a check payable to: “
Rappahannock River
District Builder’s Club” to the district office at PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 before September 15
th
.
We currently have 138 members in our Builder’s Club. We would love to have additional members who help God’s Kingdom grow by supporting district churches. Become a member today by sending $ 10.00 or greater to the above address and tell a friend about the Builder’s Club. All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for being a partner with Galilee U.M.C.
For more information on the Builder's Club and how we can help your church, please contact me.
Working in His Kingdom
Dave
David A. Kellison, President
Rappahannock River District Builder's Club
540.786.3930
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Thanks for all your continuing prayers for baby Jacob McGuckin (3 month old grandson of District Treasurer Pat McGuckin). He is responding well to chemo and is halfway through his initial treatments.
We will find out at the end of the month if the chemo has put him in remission. If it has, he will continue chemo for 8 months and be monitored very closely for 2yrs. If he is not in remission at the end of this cycle, they are thinking about a bone marrow transplant. Please pray for him to go into remission.
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Due to the Covid-19 virus; the
Distinctive Bazaar
held at Irvington United Methodist during the months of October, November, and December has been cancelled for 2020. The risks are too high to hold the event this year. We do plan to hold the bazaar in 2021 but it will be scaled back to only the month of December.
There may be a take out soup fundraiser this year during the month of November and/or December.
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Micah is organized volunteers for a School Lunch Program food distribution in Fredericksburg City..
Volunteers duties include:
1. going to disclosed location,
2. receiving food that will be delivered by another driver
3. handing out food to kids in the neighborhood(s) for about 45 min to an hour.
4. Bringing any remaining food back to James Monroe High School.
For more information contact:
Rev. Chelsea A. Morse
Community Engagement Navigator
Micah Ecumenical Ministries
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All God's Children Camp Virtual 5k Fundraiser
:
Join us for a Virtual 5k fundraiser for All God's Children Camp. You can run/walk this race anytime on August 15 or any date and time that suits you! Don't forget to take a picture of yourself and share it on our All God's Children Camp Facebook page with the hashtag #agcc5k. We hope you will take this opportunity to support camp as we help break the cycle of incarceration. Click the link below to register:
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/GlenAllen/AGCC5K
. If you have any questions you can email Lori Smith at
lttlelori@gmail.com
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Emmanuel UMC
Pianist:
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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Ebenezer UMC,
Stafford, VA, is seeking a part-time
Assistant Property Manager
to assist the Property Manager in maintaining the church building and grounds to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that supports Ebenezer’s strategic vision. The selected individual will complete routine tasks on Sunday morning prior to worship, such as Café set up and breakdown, sidewalks and parking lot clear of debris, vacuuming, windows, trash removal, bathrooms, etc. as needed; ensure facilities are in good working order for worship services; perform basic repairs and maintenance to the various areas of the church building to include, but not limited to, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and lighting. For details, visit the Virginia Conference website at
www.vaumc.org/jobs
Fredericksburg UMC Worship Leader
Fredericksburg UMC seeks a part-time, skilled worship leader for contemporary worship ministry. Quality vocal skills required, as well as knowledge of contemporary worship arts and streaming ministry.
Join a dynamic team to carry the message of Christ forward!
For a job description, contact our Music Director, David Kirven at:
davidkirven@fumcva.org.
Resume and video recording required.
Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
540-373-9021
Director of Music Ministry
Regester Chapel UMC
is seeking applications for its Director of Music Ministry. The purpose of the Director of Music Ministry is to help musicians and our congregation grow as disciples of Jesus Christ through our worship and music. A Bachelor’s Degree in Music is preferred with previous experience and leadership in Music performance and direction. The candidate must have knowledge of and experience with traditional music and possess the leadership qualities to inspire and lead a Chancel Choir, musicians and the congregation. This is a part-time position. To apply, send a letter of interest and a copy of your current resume to Office@RegesterChapel.org. For more information, contact Barry Dillon, SPRC, Regester Chapel UMC, 85 Bells Hill Rd., Stafford, Virginia, 22554.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
District Superintendent:
Rev.
Charles F. Ledlum-Bates
, Ph.D.
DS Cell: 804.724.0202
2020 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
2020 District Co-Lay Leader:
Cell 804.304.8566
Mailing Address: PO BOX 100, Ladysmith, VA 22501 Phone 804.448.8326
Office Location: Inside Wright’s Chapel UMC at 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA (do not use for mail)
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