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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC
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A word from our DS....
Lent: A Time of Reflection, Preparation, and Change
When we think about Lent, we often think about a season of reflection, preparation, and change. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs through Easter, a period of forty days. The number forty has a significance in the religious spheres. For example, the great flood lasted forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12); the Israelites wandered the desert for forty years (Exodus 16:35); Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2). His wilderness experience was a time of sacrifice and withdrawal; it was a time of preparation for His crucifixion and burial. However, His death was not the end; scriptures teach us that on Easter Sunday morning, He resurrected from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:4). It was forty days from the resurrection to His ascension (Acts 1:3).
Lent is also a time of fasting, prayer, and abstinence. The word Lent derives from the English word meaning, Spring. When we think about Spring, we often think about change. A change that allows for the dry grass to become greener again. Change that enables fresh leaves to sprout on the trees. Change that turns wintery skies into blue, spring-like skies. Change that welcomes back the birds and allows us to listen to their songs. Change that permits us to see blooming flowers and reminds us of springtime. Change that enables farmers and gardeners to plant their seeds. Change that allows us to experience temperatures slowly rise. Change that permits us to sees fresh buds bloom, animals awaken, and the earth come to life again.
From the above explanation, we can see that Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal of growth. Thus, Spring is a time of new beginning. Considering all of what is happening today in our world, nation, communities, families, and churches, wouldn’t you agree that it is time that we give thoughts to capturing the essence of Spring in our lives, hence change? We believe this is the appropriate time to begin the reflection and preparation for change.
Research suggests that Spring is the most delightful season of the year (Science, 2018). According to the study, temperatures are moderate; there is more daylight; the birds return; people are more creative; it is easier to find fresh produce; people can routinely take their exercise outdoors; people can get their vitamins naturally; people can complete Spring cleaning. If there is one thing we can choose from the study, we should consider choosing Spring cleaning. Why Spring cleaning? The reason is that Spring cleaning has a biblical connotation. So, let us explore a few of the scriptures that point to this analogy.
First, we invite each of us to cleanse our Spiritual closets, our hearts, so that we can become spiritually healthy (Psalm 51:10; Hebrews 10:22). Second, we invite each of us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5) by replacing the worldly garbage that separates us with words of comfort, peace, and love. Third, let us agree like brothers and sisters, to release unforgiveness and bitterness because these behaviors will weigh us down and further divide us (Hebrew 12:1; Ephesians 4:31-32). Forth, let us, at least, involve Jesus in our daily lives during these forty days of reflection and preparation (1 Corinthians 1:9; Psalm 56:13). And lastly, let us permit ourselves to laugh at ourselves and life (Psalm 28:7; Psalm 126:2). Let us enjoy life as Jesus meant for us to enjoy it. But first, we must embrace a time of reflection, preparation, and change. That is what Lent is all about.
Next week, we will return to our series, Frame of Reference, and we will discuss types of worship music. Happy Lent!
Blessings to you!
Charles
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The Scammers are active on our district!
Some of our church members have received fake texts and emails from people impersonating their pastor asking for gift cards or other assistance. They are using the pastor's name and title but it is coming from an incorrect email address and phone number.
Don't fall for this - your pastor won't ask for donations in this manner.
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Attention Laity!
Presentation regarding Protocol of Grace & Reconciliation through Separation for our District
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Rappahannock River District Laity,
As you may be aware, a
Protocol of Grace and Reconciliation through Separation
was brought forth as a plan to be presented at General Conference 2020 in May. There have been so many questions regarding what this will mean for the denomination, the conference, the local church, laity, and Clergy.
We, the Clergy Association along with our District Superintendent Charles Bates, want to make sure that you have accurate information, and can have as many of your questions answered as possible.
We will be hosting a laity session with presentations and Q&A with Ms. Martha Stokes and the Rev. Keith Boyette.
The meeting will be Sunday, March 22 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Wright's Chapel UMC. Wright's Chapel is located at 8063 Ladysmith Road in Ruther Glen 22546 (Ladysmith Exit 110 off I-95).
If you are unable to attend this event on our district, we invite you to attend one at another district. You can find a list
here
.
Grace and Peace,
Becca Minor
Clergy Association President
Rappahannock River District
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2020 Mission Trip
Deadline Approaching!
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2020 Mission Trip
El Salvador (UMVIM) Mission Trip
June 21-27, 2020
We are excited to reconnect with our International Methodist Mission Partner—The Evangelical Methodist Church in El Salvador. In 2020, we’ll send a District team to continue our relationship-building, food distribution and VBS.
Applications are available from the District Office, the District website, or by contacting Rev. Robin BeMiller (robinbemiller@vaumc.org), Team Leader.
Trip Cost: Expected to be in the $850-$950 range, including airfare. A limited number of $300 scholarships are available to persons under 30 years of age.
Application and Deposit Deadline:
February 29
th
, 2020 - $250 deposit is due with your application. Make checks payable to “Rappahannock River District UMC”, memo: El Salvador Trip and mail to:
Rappahannock River District Office
PO Box 100
Ladysmith, VA 22501
Final payment will be due at the second team meeting – April 18
th. The application fee is non-refundable after airline tickets are bought.
March 21
st
, April 18th, May 16
th
, & June 6
th
, 2020 from 9:30-11:30 am
Location TBD.
Team Meetings – are
mandatory (or must be made up) – March 21
st, April 18
th, May 16
th and June 6
th at a location to be determined, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
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Church Finance - Answering Your Questions
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David Dommisse and Carol Draper from the Conference Treasurer's Office will offer a free training opportunity to our churches!
This is ideal for Church Treasurers, Finance and Stewardship Members, Church Secretaries, etc.
Topics will include:
Local church accounting practices
Proper Internal Controls
What does a Church Audit Mean?
Financial Reporting & Transparency
Unrestricted, Board Designated & Donor Restricted Gifts
Stewardship Ideas
Record Keeping
Question & Answer Session
NEW DATE NEW DATE NEW DATE NEW DATE NEW DATE
March 12
7:00pm - 9:00pm
March 12 at Tappahannock Memorial UMC, 345 Earl Street, Tappahannock
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Youth Retreat 2020 - March 27 Deadline
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Fellow soldiers!
The Rappahannock River Youth Council wishes to invite you to the annual District Youth Retreat at Camp Piankatank on April 24th-26th!
Our theme, "Battle Ready", aims to train the youth about the Armor of God so that they can take their "stand against the devil's schemes." Through activities, worship, and fellowship with one another, the youth will experience God in a way that empowers them to go into the world.
The retreat is a blast! Every year we gain new friends, we explore exciting opportunities, and we grow closer to God. A place free from the strains of society, the retreat allows us to be ourselves and to learn in our own way. Some may find their new best friend. Others may find the answer to a question burning in their heart. And still others will find the love and support they need to make it through everything the world is throwing at them. The possibilities are endless and God never ceases to provide and amaze.
Click below for the information sheet on the retreat. For the parental consent form, t-shirt order form, code of conduct form and Lip-Sync battle registration and rules or any questions, please contact TJ Oliver at
rrdyouth@vaumc.org
.
We hope that all of you can make this wonderful event! We are excited and cannot wait to share this experience with you!
Over and out,
TJ
TJ Oliver
Rappahannock River Youth Director
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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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Kilmarnock UMC
Seeking an Organist/Choir Director, to share their faith through music to the glory of
God. We are looking for a musician with organ and piano skills who also has
experience conducting a 15-20 person adult choir. We have two traditional
worship services on Sunday morning and Choir Practice on Wednesday
evenings. This person would be responsible for planning and selecting choir
call 804-435-1797.
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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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Tabernacle UMC, Fredericksburg, is seeking a part-time church secretary who serves as the assistant to the Pastor in all areas of ministry, acting as the voice and face of the church in all of its public encounters. This part-time position serves to manage all activities of the church office and to perform administrative duties related to the church’s mission and ministry. For details, visit the Virginia Conference website at
www.vaumc.org/jobs
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The Youth meetings occur on the second Sunday of every month. We usually meet at Hillcrest UMC starting at 2 pm unless otherwise indicated below. We have Melrose as a satellite site. If someone is seeking to join Melrose site, please contact me.
Next Meetings:
All Meetings are at Hillcrest at 2pm
Mar. 8th
Mar. 22nd
Apr. 19th
Follow us on
Facebook
for up to the minute news and announcements:
Rappahannock River District Youth
T.J. Oliver, District Youth Coordinator
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Irvington Upcoming Events
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March 29
covered dish lunch after service with the movie 'Staircase' to follow at 1:00.
Good Friday service
April 10
at 7:00 p.m.
Sunrise service
April 12
at 7:00 a.m. in front of church with light breakfast to follow.
Baked spaghetti dinner
April 17
4:30-6:30. It will be eat in or take out. We are only printing 100 tickets, so buy yours early. Cost is $12.00 and it includes dessert
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Upcoming Meetings this month
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March 8 Youth Council (Hillcrest, 2 pm)
March 10 DCOM (Wright's Chapel)
March 12 Church Location & Building (Wright's Chapel)
March 12 Financial Training (
new date), Tappahannock Memorial, 7:00 pm
March 14 - UMW Spiritual Day Apart
March 22 - Protocol Presentation for Laity (Wright's Chapel, 2 pm)
March 22 - Youth Council (Hillcrest, 2 pm)
March 25 - Full Clergy Meeting (Wright's Chapel, 10 am)
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CONTACT INFORMATION
District Superintendent:
Rev.
Charles F. Ledlum-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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