November 15, 2018
NEWS SECTION

Welcome to The Bridge News Section, a weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the United Methodist Church 
From our DS
Renewing Your Spirit,
Renewing Yourself

I wrote this brief article in response to a question asked by our Conference Communications Director.  I don’t know if the Advocate will use it, but I thought I’d share it here as well.
 
  In 1996, I hit the proverbial “brick wall". I thought about turning in my Elders Orders and I began exploring a different vocation.  I came to the point of realizing that I simply couldn’t keep going as I had when ordained as a Deacon in 1986.

A year of deep prayer, discernment, exploring options, soul searching, and consultations with trusted friends revealed that the problem was the way I was living my call - not the call itself.   I came to the understanding that my call was solid and still a driving force in my life. I came to clarity regarding the changes I needed to make in order to sustain my call and continue in ordained ministry. 

In 1996:

  • I started taking a Sabbath day without exception or excuse;
  • I started taking my vacation days and stopped the poor practice of returning home for emergencies;
  • I decided that every few years I should try a new hobby;
  • I began taking a quarterly Prayer & Study Retreat – meaning I go away every quarter for 48-72 hours to engage in more intentional & extended prayer, exercise, sleep, ministry visioning, and program planning.  This is not vacation, so the family doesn’t get to go along.  When I go, I create an agenda, I plan my food menu, and usually do a full year of worship & preaching planning.  

This is how I keep my call sustained and remain renewed in ministry.  Most of the time I use my RV camper to get away, but there are times when I'll use free or low cost lodging to get away.
 
Whether you are laity or clergy, Christ calls us to be ministers.  Every minister needs to be refreshed at some point in serving Christ.  I’ve seen far too many laity and clergy who were tired, worn out, and becoming bitter in their ministry.  So, I encourage finding ways to be refreshed and renewed.

Pastor Ted
 
  
S/PPR Training for 2019
Please mark your calendars:

Saturday, January 12, 2019
10:00am—11:30am
Trinity UMC
9425 King’s Highway,
King George
 
All committee members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to District Office before January 1, 2019.
Grants for Youth Groups

If your church youth group is raising funds for   special projects or mission trips ,  The United Methodist Credit Union(TUMCU) wants to help. Each quarter TUMCU will be awarding a grant for up to  $500 to a United Methodist youth group within the conferences we serve . Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall grant and the deadline to apply is November 30, 2018. Visit  www.tumcu.org  to apply
 
Youth Embracing Service (YES!)
Youth Embracing Service (YES!)
The Heartwood Center is organizing and sponsoring a monthly day of service and team building during the school year for Middle School and High School students. 
Every third Saturday of the month a service project, team building activities, recreation, Bible study and lunch will be scheduled. The first event will be Saturday, October 20 th  10am-3pm at 64 Hartwood Church Road, Fredericksburg 22471 ( behind the Hartwood Fire Station ).
Future dates: November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18.
All youth need to complete a registration. Go to:  www.theheartwoodcenter.org/registration-info/. Adult volunteers are welcome.
Need more information? Email  youthcamp@theheartwoodcenter.org  or call 540.788.9838.  
Rev. Gayle Porias
Pastor Mount Horeb UMC
The Heartwood Center Director 
Rappahannock River District
District Youth Retreat 2019
Schulmerich Handbells for SALE

The Andrew Chapel UMC has two Octaves – 25 hand-bells with cases that were purchased on 9/16/85. They will need to be refurbished. Schulmerich will do a complete refurbishing of the bells at $2,800, plus shipping the bells to them at $180 round trip.
Since we do not have an active club who would be interested in playing the bells, we are willing to sell them for $900 (we paid $2,272 in 1985). The cost of 2 octaves today with cases would be $6,300.
Contact Sue Oliveri at oliveri1240@hotmail.com
Thank you. Sue Oliveri, Worship Committee at Andrew Chapel, UMC in Montross, VA.
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Rehoboth United Methodist Church – Beaverdam, VA
At Rehoboth we are investing in our children and youth. We are looking for someone who is interested in teaching children and youth about the love of God.
This is a great part time-flexible schedule role for a faithful disciple to have an impact on children and their families. Our goal is to work with someone who can improve and build upon our existing children’s and youth ministries.
Schedule:  Part time, flexible hours. Sundays required. Participation in the full life of the church.
  • At home flexible preparation and planning time for events and curriculum preparation
  • Flexible schedule for stay at home parents, teachers or other professionals who have experience working with Children.
For more information
Music Director
Wright’s Chapel UMC, Ruther Glen, is looking for a part-time Music Director. Key duties include leading two Sunday morning traditional services and one contemporary service. To recruit, develop and engage members and musicians to be involved in the worship experience. Piano (Keyboard) and Singing skills are required. For details, visit the Virginia Conference website at www.vaumc.org/jobs
Upcoming Events & Meetings:
November 21 -23 Office closed for Thanksgiving
November 29 Heartwood Board, St. Matthias
December 1 UMW Advent Prayer Breakfast, Fredericksburg UMC
December 3 Connectional Ministries, Wright's Chapel, 7:00pm
December 10 District Scholarship Team, Wright's Chapel, 7:00pm
December 11 Ordained Ministry, Wright's Chapel
December 12 Full Clergy Meeting, Wright's Chapel
December 13 ChurchLocation & Building Committee
  CONTACT INFORMATION

District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Theodore Smith
DS Email:   rappahannockriverds@vaumc.org Cell: 540.419.5131

2018 District Co-Lay Leader:
Debbie Dietrich      debbiedietrich6@gmail.com

2019 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:

2019 District Co-Lay Leader:


District Lay Servant Ministry Director  Dottie Garrison dottiegarrison@yahoo.com
Heartwood Director: Rev. Gayle Porias gayleporias@vaumc.org
Crossroads Minister: Rev. Mark Roscoe markroscoe@vaumc.org
District Secretary: Lynn Manley rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org
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)