April 2, 2020
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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC 
From our DS...
This is my message through song, hoping that it will inspire and strengthen our faith as we move into Holy Week and prepare for Easter in unusual ways. Please click link below: 

Conference Center Online Chapel services return April 8
 Though the conference center remains closed until further notice, weekly Wednesday services will start back up on Wednesday, April 8. You can find the services starting at 9 a.m. on the conference Facebook .
Services, Bible Studies, Kids Storytimes, Hymn Sings, etc. available online for everyone
Many of our district churches are streaming more than services - there are Bible Studies, Kid's Sunday School Lessons, Evening Musical Concerts, etc. - and they are open to anyone from any church who would like to join in. The easiest way to stay informed is to follow multiples churches on Facebook. You can also follow the District's Facebook Page at The Rappahannock River District of the United Methodist Church - we try to post as many as we can.

For a list of Churches who are streaming services, please click here.
Please note that the District Office is closed at this time. We are working from our homes. To reach Lynn call 804.304.8566. To reach DS Ledlum-Bates, please call 804.724.0202 or through our email addresses:

DS Ledlum-Bates-


Anxious For Nothing Online Bible Study

Feeling anxious at a time like this is understandable. But there are answers that will help us cope. We are offering an online class based on Paul's letter to the Philippians to help. 
Join Bishop Lewis for a Daily Prayer Time
Join Bishop Lewis at noon each day in prayer
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV) Prayer is essential to sustain our faith and Jesus Christ modeled a life of prayer.... I am very blessed to lead an annual conference that believes in the power of the petitioned prayer!

Please join me at 12 noon every day and pray this  PRAYER . Let us invoke the power of the Great Physician to do a mighty work in eradicating this disease all over the world.
Rappahannock River District Scholarship 2020
Higher Education has always been a hallmark of the United Methodist Church. The value of resources for continued learning and higher education is fundamental to United Methodism. In keeping with our tradition of supporting higher learning, the Rappahannock River District (RRD) of the United Methodist Church has created a Student Scholarship Program.  The program is maintained and administered by the RRD and is not connected with any other United Methodist board, agency, or entity.

Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who meet the program criteria as funding allows. Persons eligible to apply are those who are attending or who plan to attend a college or trade school, persons who are members of a United Methodist Church on the Rappahannock River District, and persons who are enrolled in a program that presents a degree or certification.

Please click buttons below for a complete list of guidelines and requirements and the application form. We understand that GPA's may not be available from schools during this time. Please put your last known GPA with a note indicating the approximate date for that GPA.

Application deadline is 4:00pm on April 15, 2020. If you have any questions, please call 804.448.8326 or email  rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org .

Coronavirus Resources
For updates from the Virginia Conference, visit  https://www.vaumc.org/Coronavirus2020

Resources:
·           The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating information daily at  https://www.cdc.gov/  
·           CDC information for community facilities:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
·           National Institutes of Health:  https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
·           “Guidance for Congregations: In Response to severe infectious disease outbreak” – Resource prepared and shared with permission by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)  https://pda.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/pda/pdfs/preparedness_for_pandemics.pdf
Lay Servant Training Offered May 1 - 2, 2020
Lay Servant Training can help anyone who is interested in learning more in their pursuit of being a better leader and servant for Christ’s church. These classes can be used as tools in discerning God’s call for your personal walk and ministry. 

Classes will include:
  • Basic
  • Leading Public Prayer
  • Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders

Registration Deadline April 17
Warsaw UMC is located at 287 Main Street, Warsaw.
MOCK ANNUAL CONFERENCE - PRACTICE SESSION

Have you ever wondered how Annual Conference seems to flow so smoothly? Practice, Practice, Practice!

This year, we need your help!

Please come to Wright's Chapel UMC on Tuesday, June 9th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm for a Mock Annual Conference to help prepare for the real thing and prepare our Conference Parliamentarians.

Your presence will be a great help. This is open to anyone from our churches - you don't have to be going to Annual Conference.

As thanks for your participation each Church represented will receive a free recording of our "Programs to Disciple Making" Webinar on flash drive. 

Mark your calendars now to attend!


LIVE STREAM AT AFTON UM CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE

We are live streaming! Afton UMC -Ophelia, Virginia will be streaming our Palm Sunday Service live on Facebook this Sunday at 11 AM. Please join us during this hour to hear Rev. John Wright deliver the message.
Your virtual presence will be a blessing to us and we pray this time will be a blessing to you as well. The video will be available shortly after the streaming on our Facebook page, as well as on Fairfields UMC-Burgess, Virginia page. We will continue this streaming ministry weekly until we are able to re-open our sanctuary. Afton is located at 5130 Hacks Neck Road in Ophelia. Be blessed and stay safe. For more information, call our charge office at 804-453-3770.

For a list of our other churches on the district streaming worship services click here.

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) 
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
music. If interested please send your resume to kumc_office@verizon.net or
call 804-435-1797.
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

Director of Music Ministries (DOMM)
Hillcrest United Methodist Church located in Fredericksburg, VA, is searching for an enthusiastic individual with a Christian background to fill the position of our retiring Director of 28 years. The candidate should have excellent organ and piano skills and experience in leading a choir. This is a part time position; the expected commitment is up to 12 hours per week (1.5 hours of weekly rehearsal with choir, 2 hours weekly Sunday service, and additional time for planning, communications, and worship preparations). The Director should be able to work closely with the Pastor to coordinate music for a smooth, orderly, and meaningful worship service. Competitive salary. Send Cover letter, Resume, and references to Hillcrest UMC – Attn. Kevin Northridge, S/PPR Committee, 2208 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or email: kmn0209@gmail.com .  
  CONTACT INFORMATION

District Superintendent: Rev. Charles F. Ledlum-Bates , Ph.D.

2020 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:

2020 District Co-Lay Leader:

Lay Servant Director: Rev. Kevin Elmore kevinelmore@vaumc.org
Heartwood Director: Rev. Gayle Porias gayleporias@vaumc.org
Crossroads Minister: Rev. Mark Roscoe markroscoe@vaumc.org
Youth Coordinator: TJ Oliver, rrdyouth@vaumc.org
Office Manager: Lynn Manley rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org
Administrative Assistant Connie Devenport rappahannockriverdistrict@vaumc.org


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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