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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC
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View livestream on Jan. 13 concerning "Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation
"
An unofficial group of representatives from various United Methodist advocacy groups and bishops from across the world has agreed on a proposal that would provide a pathway for separation of churches or annual conferences that wish to leave the denomination to start a new denomination(s), but only if approved by the United Methodist General Conference in May. Read more about
this proposal and others
coming before the General Conference.
United Methodist News will conduct a live-streamed interview with a panel of group members at 9:30 a.m. ET on Jan. 13 on
www.UMNews.org
. Bishop Sharma D. Lewis encourages the Virginia Conference to read
this proposal
and the
FAQ sheet
provided and to remain prayerful for the denomination.
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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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Laity Re-Connect Event
Saturday, February 8, 2020 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
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Bishop Sharma D. Lewis
is inviting laity from around the conference for a time of connection following her return from medical leave. The event will be held February 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Woodlake UMC in Chesterfield.
"It is my deep desire to reconnect with you in a personal and special way having been away from you for six months on medical leave,” Lewis said. “Let us come
together both in person and through satellite locations to have a time of worship, fellowship, anointing, sharing our hearts, and reconnecting. I want to hear from you and I want to share my journey with you.”
Location for the event will be at Woodlake UMC (15640 Hampton Park Dr, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
There will be five satellite locations for the event as well:
Pender UMC, Arlington District;
Bridgewater UMC, Harrisonburg District;
New Creation UMC, Elizabeth River District;
Thrasher Memorial UMC, Roanoke District;
Adams-Bloxom Mission Cooperative Parish, Eastern Shore District.
The event is free and open to all laity. Lunch will be served.
Questions may be directed to the Rev. Dr. Ted Smith, Director of Connectional Ministries, (804) 521-1133.
TedSmith@vaumc.org
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AFTON UM WOMEN CELEBRATE WITH GIFTS OF LOVE TO CHILDREN IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND LANCASTER COUNTY
Once again, this Christmas season, Afton UMW has partnered with the Prison Ministries Fellowship Program to bring joy to children who have a parent incarcerated at this time. Christmas wishes of toys and clothes, along with a note from the parent, were delivered in gift bags to fifteen children who reside in Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. A total of nine families were served this year.
Betty Appleby, chairperson of the Angel Tree ministry at Afton, added that members of the congregation helped to fulfil these wishes. Each member picked their “angel” from the tree, then shopped and wrapped the gifts, which were delivered prior to Christmas Eve. The picture shows members of the Afton UMW, along with the bags full of gifts ready to be delivered!
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AFTON UM WOMEN DELIVER CHRISTMAS FRUIT BASKETS, POINSETTIAS, AND SMILES TO THEIR COMMUNITY
In the spirit of the Christmas season, Afton UMW prepared and delivered lovely Christmas baskets, filled with a variety of fruits and candies. Poinsettias were also delivered to their special friends just in time for Christmas. This was a wonderful opportunity for members of the group to visit and provide some Christmas cheer to their friends and neighbors. Some of these folks are in assisted living or nursing homes and others are at home, and deserving of a little special attention.
The members, as well as the recipients, all reported a blessed time of visitation and fellowship.
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2020 Mission Trip Announced
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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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S/PPR Committee Training will be offered on two regions of the district in January:
January 11 at Hillcrest UMC in Fredericksburg
January 18 at Tappahannock Memorial in Tappahannock
The training will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
This class is great for new committee members and anyone who would like a refresher course or who has questions.
Please RSVP so we have adequate handouts and can contact you in case of inclement weather.
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Church Finance 101 - 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
7:00pm - 9:00pm
February 6
at Saint Matthias UMC, Fredericksburg
and
February 20
at Tappahannock Memorial UMC
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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)
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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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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
Jan. 12th
Feb. 9th
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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Upcoming Meetings this month
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January 11 PPR Training , 10am - noon, (Hillcrest)
January 13 Board of Missions, 7 pm (Tabernacle)
Janaury 15 Superintendency, 7 pm (Tabernacle)
January 18 PPR Training, 10am - noon (Tappahannock Memorial)
January 28 Connectional Ministries, 7 pm (Wright's Ch)
January 30 UM Day at General Assembly
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CONTACT INFORMATION
District Superintendent:
Rev. Charles 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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