Rappahannock River District UMC Update for October 2, 2019

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October 2, 2019

Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC

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A word from our DS

Psalm 95: A Jubilate Discipleship

George Frideric Handel is known for composing many liturgical texts, including Psalm 95. Psalm 95 is known as a Psalm of Jubilate , which is the Latin name for a sacred choral composition. Dictionary.com defines the word Jubilate as the ability to show or feel great joy; to rejoice; to exult.

Handel composed the Jubilate Psalm (Psalm 95) to commemorate the Peace of Utrecht (1713). The Peace of Utrecht ended the war of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). This was an era of a disputed succession to the throne of Spain following the death of Charles II, the last of the Spanish Habsburg rulers, who did not leave any children. It was out of this tragedy that Handel felt great joy and was moved with compassion to compose this sacred choral (Psalm 95).

There is no doubt that we hear about tragedies in our communities each day. The question is, how can we utilize those moments to be more relevant in our communities? How can we utilize each moment to turn our tragedies and travesties into worshipful moments that recognize our LORD who is greater than any circumstance? How can we, amidst our circumstances, see our LORD through the lens of the Psalmist, who began with an invitation: Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord! Let’s raise a joyful shout to the Rock of our Salvation !

God is indeed our Rock of Salvation. But can we come before God with thanks when we are in pain and when we are suffering? Can we shout songs of joy to our LORD? After all, our LORD is a great God , the great king over all other gods . The earth’s depths are in God’s hands ; the mountain heights belong to God; the sea , which our God made, along with the dry ground , which God’s own hands formed, belong to the LORD. The expression of the Psalmist should move us to wonder; it should cause us to bow down ; it should cause us to kneel before the Lord. If only we would listen to the LORD’s voice right now ! Wow!

This message was not intended to address the political experience as it relates to the Spanish Succession; I wanted to look at the Psalm in ways that make practical applications to our current conditions and how we could reclaim our calm repose amidst troubling times.

As Jubilate Disciples, I hope that we will continue to experience God as our Rock and our salvation because this phrase denotes the steadfast character of our God who provides both security and safety amidst challenging times. We can celebrate the LORD’s kingship because our God is the great God who is above all gods. God understands incomprehensible things such as the foundations of the earth and the depths of the sea.

The sea and the dry land belong to God because God created them. The same God who created the world created humanity as well. Therefore, both humanity and the cosmos kneel before their creator. Our God serves a dual role as Creator and Shepherd. Therefore, those who truly belong to the LORD will hear God’s voice and respond accordingly. So, a Jubilate Discipleship is one that calls us to worship and obedience. However, let us be mindful of the trivial things of the day that tend to derail us from truly worshipping and obeying God. Find something good out of the not-so-good things of the day and compose your own sacred choral that blesses others.

Blessings to you!

Charles

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you to Connie Devenport, Office Administrator at Wright's Chapel UMC for stepping in and helping out at the district office. Connie is learning the ropes so she can help cover in emergencies. She has already been a tremendous help in this busy time!

Youth Council Meetings

The Youth meetings occur on the second Sunday of every month. We meet at Hillcrest UMC starting at 2 pm. We have Melrose as a satellite site. If someone is seeking to join Melrose site, please contact me.

Through December the dates are:

October 13th

November 10th

December 8th

T.J. Oliver, District Youth Coordinator

540.840.8750

rrdyouth@vaumc.org

Click here for Nomination Form

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020

We will elect both delegate and alternate lay members-at-large to the 2020 Annual Conference (June 18 – 20, 2020 in Roanoke) at the Rappahannock River District Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2019. Pastors and laity are urged to submit names for nomination to the District Office no later than November 4, 2019 . If you are nominating someone else, please be sure to obtain your nominee’s permission prior to filing out this form. Then complete the form by clicking the button indicated.

Please note that to be elected as a Delegate-at-Large, a person must have been a member of the United Methodist Church for the 2 years preceding their election and shall have been an active participant in the United Methodist Church for at least 4 years preceding their election. This requirement may be waived for nominees under 30 years of age (contact the DS for approval).

Save the date - PPR Training

PPR Training coming in January for any members of PPR committees who would like a refresher course. Training will be offered on two regions of the district on January 11 at Hillcrest UMC in Fredericksburg and January 18 at Tappahannock Memorial in Tappahannock. The training will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm. We will ask for RSVP's at a later date so we can contact you in case of inclement weather.

Send an Email to Lynn to say Yes! I'm Coming

Statistics are Coming!

Don't miss the Statistics Training for Thursday, November 7 at Saint Matthias in Fredericksburg at 7:00pm. Saint Matthias is located at 426 Deacon Road. This will be taught by Carol Draper from the Conference Treasurer's Office and will cover stats tables line by line. This would be beneficial to anyone who enters Statistics in January. Please let Lynn know if you're coming so we have enough hand-outs.

Emmanuel UMC

Pianist:

Emmanuel UMC is 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)

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

Regester Chapel UMC

Regester Chapel UMC is seeking applications for a Music Accompanist . The Music Accompanist shall be qualified to play both the organ and piano for worship. The Music Accompanist shall be skilled in music, including performance and interpretation. This shall include a good knowledge of the function of music in the church service and ability to demonstrate its suitable interpretation. The Music Accompanist should be willing to keep abreast of modern trends in church music and participate in workshops and training events. Contact Barry Dillon at (540) 850-5865 or Ethan Murphy at emurphy@regesterchapel.org for more information and a copy of the position description.

AFTON UMC HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT

October 12 ^th 5-7 PM

We have all seen the devastation caused by recent hurricanes. For most of us, it is now a distant memory. However, for those on the ground, it was life-threatening and life-changing. Please join us to help provide some relief for those who are still struggling and suffering. All proceeds will benefit The United Methodist Relief Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Good News!! Chef Lennie now has Mike D’s Sub recipes . The menu includes: Steak and Cheese- steak and cheese, smothered in green peppers and onions, The Italian – genoa salami, capicola, prosciutto, and provolone cheese, Mama’s Meatball – freshly made meatballs covered with our own special sauce, and Turkey – freshly roasted turkey with cheese . Abundant toppings will be offered to “make it your own”. We invite all to come on out to celebrate Fall with Subs and fellowship . Follow it up with our delicious home-made desserts.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 12th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM and bring your appetites and all your friends to Afton UMC, located at 5130 Hacks Neck Road in Ophelia. If you love Mike D’s Subs, come out and share your love with your neighbors in need; you will not be disappointed! It will be our pleasure to serve you; in return, we ask for your donations.

SEE Y’ALL THERE!!