Learning how to cope is not just an emotional journey, it is also an educational and spiritual journey. The process involves the recognition of our anger, anxiety, depression, desire to have a conversation, emotional numbness, fatigue, fear, loneliness, poor concentration, and negative reaction, just to name a few. Have we experienced the above symptoms lately? If so, how have we reacted to them? Our reaction may vary from denunciating others to rejecting them. However, owning our feelings and finding solutions to our emotional outbursts are our responsibilities.  

First, if we have not already so, let us self-select a support group, whether we are clergy or laity. In this group, we will be able to share common interests and listen to stories of how our peers have coped. We will build authentic trust that will help alleviate isolation. We will learn how to be accountable. We will learn how others have overcome similar emotional challenges, and we will realize that we are not alone, which will allow us not to feel guilty.

Second, let us learn how to express ourselves. Remember that parts of the journey are educational. Let us permit ourselves to learn something new each day. For example, artwork and/or journaling. Understand that it is okay to be frightened by the outcome of our artistry or the product of our writing. Understand that it is okay to be skeptical about our ability to do these things. The product is ours; it is an expression of our feelings and emotions. As long as we express them, we may be on the path to wholeness.

Third, let us take care of our emotional and physical health. We can take care of our emotional and physical health by minimizing our anxiety and stress. If exercising works best for you, engage in a deliberate routine exercise program. For others, it might be eating nutritious meals and observing a balanced diet. Others might simply need sufficient rest. Do what is needed.

Finally, let us embrace the spiritual disciplines of personal devotion, meditation, and prayer. Even though it is sometimes challenging to navigate our emotions or find the right words to utter, spending quality time with the Lord during these challenging times cannot be overemphasized. The gift of “quiet” is a virtue, embrace it. We hope these strategies help.

A huge thank you to the District Nominations Committee for their hard work. Thank you to everyone who has agreed to serve on a District Board or Committee for 2021. We appreciate you!

To watch the District Conference recording, please click below:

Please send all checks to the CCC (1213 Dandridge Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401, and if you need more information please contact us at the CCC and we would love to help you.You can visit our website at campuschristiancommunity.com to learn more about our ministry. Once again, we are so thankful for you and the way you have financially supported the CCC in the past.

Irvington UMC Fall Bazaar open by appointment only following social distancing guidelines. Please contact Audrey Lowery at (804) 438-6122 or alowery1012@gmail.com

Scripture, prayer, and some questions will help get your family talking about adopting an attitude of gratitude. Read more at www.umc.org/en/content/get-them-talking-gratitude.

Congregations will be able to use the video in their Christmas worship services and post to social media. For More Information go to Christmas Virtual Choir

Click here to register or email aaasupport@loudoun.gov

DISASTER RELIEF BENEFIT NOVEMBER 29^th  6 PM

Please send your name and phone number via text to 804-724-0706 or via email to matthew.ewoldt@yahoo.com. You are kindly asked to submit all requests by November 18^th. Someone will contact you to collect details of your request and donation.

So, mark your calendars for Sunday, November 29th, 6:00 PM and join them in person or streaming on Afton’s Facebook Page. What a wonderful, blessed way to glorify God at the end of Thanksgiving weekend! All donations for this worthy cause will be appreciated and will bless those affected by these disasters. Mother Nature’s devastation is always difficult, but especially so during this time of Covid-19. Afton is following all CDC guidelines and requires that all persons entering the sanctuary wear masks and practice social distancing.

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, please visit the conference website jobs listing here