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Welcome to the weekly update of the Rappahannock River District of the UMC
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Advent Greetings
The word Advent comes from the Latin word
Adventus
. Adventus is the translation of the Greek word
Parousia
. Parousia is commonly used to refer to the S
econd Coming
of Jesus. Christians throughout the world celebrate the season of Advent as a way of anticipating the arrival of Jesus. The anticipation of Jesus’ coming involves expectant waiting and preparation for two reasons. First, for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus’ birth at Christmas, and second, for the return of Jesus’ second coming. But what does Advent mean? Let us explore further.
Advent is the coming of Jesus into the world. It is four weeks of preparation leading up to Christmas. But is four weeks sufficient to prepare for Jesus’ coming? How do we prepare for His coming? What does preparation look like for each of us? The answer to each of the above questions will vary depending on each individual’s level of spirituality. However, regardless of how deep our spirituality is, I would like to recall our memory to the following three facts during this Advent season:
1.
Remember that it was over 2000 years ago when the
sinless
baby Jesus entered into a
sinful
world to live among us. He lived among us as a man and as a fulfillment of God's promise to all humanity. His living among us was to correct our wrong so that instead of spending eternity with Satan, we could spend eternity with Him (John 6).
2.
Remember that Jesus still wants to dwell within our hearts. So, as part of our expectant waiting and preparation, I encourage us to find the time during what seems to be a hectic time of the year, to light a candle and place it in our midst each time we gather as a family for prayer, dinner, or other gatherings. Let this candle be for us, a reminder that Jesus is in our midst. Jesus is with us,
if today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts
(Hebrews 3:15).
3.
Remember that Jesus' coming is a future reality, the
Second Coming.
This time when Jesus returns, He will return not as a baby as He did at Christmas but as a
King and Judge
(Isaiah 9:6-7; 33:22; Revelation 11:15)
.
Each of us will have to give an account of our life. The question is will we be ready to stand before our Lord and King?
During this Advent season, I invite us to have an introspection of what it means to embody a time of expectant waiting and preparation. Have a wonderful Advent season.
Blessings to you!
Charles
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Many of you know
Julie & Larry Tubbs
. We ask that you pray for them during this season as Julie is seriously ill.
Thank you.
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Rev. Ted Smith, now serving as the Director of Connectional Ministries for the Virginia Conference, needs our help. He has begun a process of Conference alignment with the Conference Vision and will be hosting two one-hour Zoom conversations on
Tuesday, December 10
(12:00 noon and 7:00 pm).
Rev. Smith would like feedback on two questions:
1) Is there a disconnect between our Virginia Conference Office and our local Churches, Districts, Laity and Clergy? If so, say more.
2) Do you know what resources the Virginia Conference provides to Local Churches, Districts, Laity and Clergy?
To join the ZOOM meeting, call in by phone at 877-369-0926 or sign in by video to
https://zoom.us/j/876599433
at 12 noon or 7 pm on Dec. 10. The meeting id is 876 599 433. Please mark your calendar and join in.
View last week’s call for input
at the link
. Additional feedback on vision alignment can be shared anytime by emailing
vision@vaumc.org
.
Blessings,
Charles
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Christmas Blessings Food Packing and Delivery
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Every year at Christmas the Heartwood Center provides “fill-in-the-gap” food for children who rely on the breakfast and lunches provided at school. During the long break many children are at risk of inadequate food supplies. This year, that number has increased significantly. The Heartwood Center will be holding food packings and delivering food to the schools.
Fauquier County 96 children. December 16
th 9am at Mount Horeb UMC 10867 Elk Run Road, Catlett.
Stafford County 366 children. December 17
th 9am at St. Matthias 426 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg,
Caroline County 153 children. Rev. Chris Watson, Rev. Mark Lawrence, Rev. Carol Seeley and Rev. Lou Woolner are coordinating this event.
Two-Day Bags: Single-serving lunch entrees (2) Variety is helpful! Easily prepared by a child.
Single-serving breakfast items (2) Oatmeal envelopes or cereal
Single-serving snacks (2) Child friendly
Single-serving beverages (2) Shelf stable milk would be a great gift !
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Job Opening: DAHLGREN DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Part time salaried position: Director of Music, responsible for overall leadership of the music program at Dahlgren United Methodist Church, to include traditional, contemporary, and children’s music. Candidate should be a Christian with a strong commitment to Jesus Christ, have a demonstrated capability or experience in directing a music program, be able to maintain a positive, professional atmosphere in all aspects of the music program, be able to work well with others, exhibit good communication skills, and have an ability to read music, as well as an understanding of the function of music within the overall worship program and life of the congregation.
Please mail resumes to Dahlgren United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1797, Dahlgren VA 22448 or emailed to
office@dahlgrenumc.org
by 15 November 2019.
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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 Meeting:
Jan. 12th at Hillcrest at 2pm
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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AFTON UMC HOMEMADE SUB FUNDRAISER
DECEMBER 6
th
5-7 PM
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Back by popular demand, Afton United Methodist Church has planned a wonderful community dinner, featuring Afton’s Homemade Subs. Chefs Lenny and Mike D. will be in the kitchen, along with a wonderful support staff ready to serve you
– eat in or take out!
The menu includes:
Steak and Cheese-
steak and cheese, smothered in green peppers and onions,
The Italian –
Genoa salami, capicola, prosciutto, ham, and provolone cheese,
Mama’s Meatball –
freshly made meatballs, covered with our own homemade marinara sauce, and
Turkey –
freshly roasted turkey with cheese
.
Abundant toppings will be offered to “make it your own”. We invite all to treat yourself and your family with Subs and fellowship
.
Follow it up with our delicious home-made desserts. Let Afton do all the cooking and all the clean-up!
So, mark your calendars for
Friday, December 6th, 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 support our parking lot re-paving project
;
you will not be disappointed! It will be our pleasure to serve you; in return, we ask for your donations.
SEE Y’ALL THERE!!
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Upcoming Meetings this month
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December 5 Clergy Christmas Event
December 7 UMW Advent Prayer Breakfast, Regester Chapel, 9:00am
December 12 (if needed) Church Location & Building
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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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