Listening Posts Announced

Hello Rappahannock River District!  

We invite you to participate in any of the upcoming bi-district District Initiative Listening Posts with District Superintendent Charles Ledlum-Bates. 

These town hall-type meetings will be held virtually and will allow all members of the bi-district of the Rappahannock and York Districts to ask questions and express any concerns regarding this vital proposal. Click here to see the Bishop’s September 23, 2021 announcement on the District Initiative for your information.  

Please help spread the word to any of your small groups, committees and other church contacts. 

If the dates for our district don't work for you, it's fine to attend the York River dates. The Zoom link is the same for all meetings. 

York River District:

Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3:00pm

Rappahannock River District:

Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7:00pm

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3:00pm

Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3:00pm

The Zoom information is below:

York River District - Lisa Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Bi-District Listening Post for the Rappahannock and York River Districts

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/99880382188

Meeting ID: 998 8038 2188

Passcode: 822187

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,99880382188# US (Washington DC)

8558801246,,99880382188# US Toll-free

Dial by your location

       +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

       855 880 1246 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 998 8038 2188

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acmK5lDsR5

Heart Havens’ month is February and we can't wait to celebrate

with you. The Virginia Conference has designated February as Heart Havens Month, one of six special offerings throughout the year. There are six Heart Havens homes across the Conference, where men and women with a developmental disability are empowered to be full members of the body of Christ, and active participants in their communities.

The theme for Heart Havens Month this year is "A New World." Please visit hearthavens.org to see our video and additional electronic resources to share. You can also find Heart Havens month posts on social media – sharing will help us spread our message of empowerment. Thank you for your continued support of Heart Havens!

Online Training Opportunities

Several Districts are offering online training this month and have invited other districts to participate. Please click on the links below and review the courses available at each.

We have recorded sessions available for Lay Leaders, Finance Members and Trustees. If you would like a link, please contact Lynn

Bi-District (Roanoke and Staunton) Training Day

January 22, 2022  9:00 AM - noon  Online

with Bishop William Willimon

The Roanoke and Staunton Districts will host their first Bi-District Training Day of 2022 on January 22. All clergy and laity in the Virginia Conference are welcome to participate. This virtual event will be free, registration is required. CEUs have been approved by the VAUMC Office of Clergy Excellence.

Training will feature two presentations by Bishop William H. Willimon on the topic "Preaching and Hearing Sermons in a Polarized Age." Also offered will be workshops for clergy and laity on topics relevant to a wide range of ministry settings. Bishop Willimon will open the training at 9:00 AM followed by breakout workshops at 10:15 AM and conclude with part two of Bishop Willimon's presentation.

More information is available at: https://roanokeumc.org/page.php?pg=training

News Alert! VA United Methodist Day at the General Assembly goes virtual!

January 27, 9 am – 1 pm.  Reduced Registration Fee 

 $10

We had hoped to be in person this year, but with limited in-person access at the General Assembly and the increased infection rates, we are moving to Zoom.

We are adjusting our hours and schedule to improve your experience and will be offering virtual meetings with your senators during the following week, and a mid-February follow-up event to all registrants.

Join us to learn how your Christian faith, our Methodist Tradition, and our government interact and intersect. Our keynote will address practical examples of faith and tradition leading to impactful change and improved justice. 

We will also celebrate our 30 years of encouraging advocacy and celebrate some of our victories. We will have time for worship and for networking with other United Methodists in your region. 

Register today!

Phishing attempts continue to plague Virginia Conference

January 15, 2022

Phishing emails continue to be sent out purporting to be from Bishop Sharma Lewis and clergy from around the Virginia Conference (see sample below).

Phishing is when an email is sent using words in the email or pretends to be from an account they are not. Usually, they are asking for action from you, such as sending funds, purchasing gift cards, sending an email, your credentials, etc. These are almost always sent from criminal organizations. You will also notice it contains improper English.

If you recognize a phishing email, DELETE it. Please know Bishop Lewis and our clergy would not issue this type of request.



Please share this information with members of your congregation as you are able.