Virtual Annual Conference June 18-19, 2021
The theme for 2021 Annual Conference is “United as One” with the guiding Scripture of John 17:20-23 (NRSV).
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Virginia United Methodists will be ‘United in Mission’ in June to collect Cans4Community to support the mission of our local ministries. Our Rappahannock River District Missions Committee is asking for your help!
We are asking churches to please collect non-perishable foods, diapers and personal items from the list below. Drop off sites will be available around the district on Saturday June 19th.
Look for more information in the coming weeks!
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What is ministry going to look like as we move out of the pandemic? |
Click here to view a webinar event hosted by the Back to In-person Worship Work Group (led by the Rev. Alex Joyner) and Mission and Ministries Work Group (led by the Rev. Doug Forrester) on April 26, 2021.
Post-COVID Re-entry Group (PRG)
Click here to see the newest information from the newly-formed PRG group
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Listen to Connectional Ministries podcasts including the brand new “Audio Advocate”
There are new VAUMC podcasts. Both available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
“The VAUMC Connection” is a series of standalone projects that will include news from the conference center, “The Audio Advocate” and a collection of resources and conversations shared by the Connectional Ministries Office. Available on Spotify and Apple.
“1000 Question Christian” is a weekly podcast where clergy are asked off-the-wall questions–anything from weird stories in the Bible to pastoral advice.
Episodes include
Dinos, Donkeys, & Doubts
Teenage Jesus, Bears, and Prayer
Death, Unicorns, and Bible Reading
Angels, Alcohol, and Anger
Available on Spotify and Apple.
To view all podcasts available from Virginia Conference Connectional Ministries, visit the Digital Hub on the conference website at https://vaumc.org/digitalhub/
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May 15 Spiritual Life Retreat via Zoom
June 5 UMW Day at Ferrrum College, Ferrum College
Summer Mission Encounter via Zoom TBD
September 10-11 UMW Young Women's Event, Camp Overlook, Keezletown
September 25 RRD UMW Annual Meeting
October 23 UMW 48th Annual Meeting- 4H Camp at Smith Mountain Lake
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Register for May 17 listening post about district alignment |
Bishop Lewis formed a work team in May 2020, after being asked by the conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) to evaluate the Virginia Conference’s district structure, to consider this important question: “How can districts most effectively order themselves for the adaptive challenges of the 21st century?”
If you haven’t already heard about the work of the District Alignment Team (DAT), you are encouraged to go to www.vaumc.org/dat and view all the resources including the first video from February 8, 2021 with Bishop Lewis and the most recent video from April 5 concerning the position of district developers.
The District Alignment Team (DAT) and the subsequent team called the Implementation District Alignment Team (iDAT) have been diligently deliberating the question posed by Bishop Lewis over the last 12 months. The teams are now inviting all clergy and laity in the Virginia Conference to two opportunities to learn more about district alignment and take part in this ongoing conversation.
A listening session will be held Monday, May 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. The session will be held through Zoom with registration. Visit this link to register.
Once you register, you will receive both a Zoom link as well as a conference call number, giving participants a choice on how they want/need to interact in the session.
The listening session will begin with a short update on the efforts thus far, a few discussion questions, and a period of Q&A. Recordings of both sessions (the other session was offered May 3) will be shared following the May 17 listening session. To view current district alignment information and resources, visit www.vaumc.org/dat.
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Although All God's Children Camp will be canceled this summer, we will be reaching out and ministering with our camp families by sending resources and care packages. If you would like to get involved check out the list below.
Care Package List: All packages are due by June 1
Jump rope
Hand size nerf ball of your choice
Sidewalk chalk
Crayons
Activity paper/construction paper
Kids puzzle book/workbook/coloring books
Individual size snacks of your choice-no chocolate candy or peanuts
$25.00 grocery gift card
You or a group of people can put together one or more care packages for our All God's Children Camp campers. You may also send monetary donations to the address below to help support this ministry. If you live in the Richmond area, contact Lori Smith at lttlelori@gmail.com to make arrangements for delivery. If you live outside the Richmond area, please mail care packages to:
Virginia United Methodist Conference Center
All God's Children Camp
10330 Staples Mill Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
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Clergy Evaluations Due June 1
Parsonage Reviews Due May 3
Scholarship Applications Due May 17
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Regester Chapel UMC in Stafford is seeking a Director of Music Ministry. Please click here for a complete job description. |
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District Scholarship Applications Now Available
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. Please see the guidelines & intructions and applications below.
Deadline for applications to be in the district office is May 17, 2021.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
District Superintendent: Rev. Charles F. Ledlum-Bates, Ph.D.
DS Cell: 804.724.0202
2020 District Co-Lay Lay Leader:
2020 District Co-Lay Leader:
Cell 804.304.8566
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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