Conference Vision: "to be disciples of Jesus Christ who are lifelong learners who influence others to serve." |
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A Message from your
District Superintendent
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Let’s read these words from Psalm 51 together:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgression, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
Perhaps, we should each read it through several times and then sit in silence to reflect on it. What resonates with you and me?
When I read, “Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight,” I realize the importance of striving to live a Godly life. When I miss the mark in my life, it is against God.
Regardless of what someone else may say is true, it is Jesus Christ who is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6a). Jesus’ life modeled for us what that looks like. It is often not the way of the world or even those we love. When the Word became flesh, the world saw the extravagance of a love that would leave 99, in search of the one lost. How are we loving God, our neighbors, ourselves? How is Emmanuel, God with us, being revealed in us? We have work to do!!!
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40). Think about everything that you have said and done to another person in the last day, week, month, year, etc. Would you have said or done that to Jesus?
As we begin Lent together, let us return to the Lord, for confession and repentance. Let us invite the Lord, to create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. May we intentionally move closer and deeper to our God, who is still creating, still redeeming, and still empowering. May we yield our hearts, minds, and souls to the will of God!
If we want to give up something for Lent this year, what about grumbling, complaining, judging, unforgiveness, etc.?
Together may we grow in grace. May we be co-creators of the Kingdom of God here and now. Let us be open to the Spirit of God to speak to us and through us. Let’s not miss this opportunity! God is counting on us!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers…In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Sylvia
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News from your
Director of Congregational Excellence
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The 2021 James River and Elizabeth River District Training Day will focus on equipping clergy and laity for ministry during and beyond the pandemic. Check out our video preview: https://vimeo.com/500114740
Rev. Andrew Book
Director of Congregational Excellence
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Updates from the Virginia Conference
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Inaugural Prayer and Healing Service Video Available |
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A recording of the Inaugural Prayer and Healing Service that aired on January 20, 2021, is available to view at https://vimeo.com/500174442
The service features Bishop Sharma Lewis, James River District Superintendent Sylvia Meadows, and the Virginia Conference staff members.
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Conference Nominations Team Seeking Applicants |
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The Conference Nominations Team is seeking Lay and Clergy applicants for the following Boards and Committees: Common Table, Church and Society, Church Development Team, Board of Discipleship, Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries, Missional Ministries Board, Board of Communications, Commission on Disabilities, Equitable Compensation Commission, Commission on Ethnic Minority Concerns and Advocacy, Council on Finance and Administration, United Methodist Foundation, Virginia United Pensions, Inc., Committee on Rules, and Annual Conference Site Selection.
The VA Conference must have your application by March 1st and signed by the District Superintendent. Click on the link for further information and an application:
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Is Your Church Planning Vacation Bible School? |
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The Bishop’s Mission and Ministry Workgroup continues to diligently meet to develop policies and guidance to help Virginia Conference faith communities do ministry in this time of COVID.
A new document, “A Guide for Developing a Plan for Vacation Bible School 2021” has been added to the Virginia Conference website at
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Virginia Roots, Race, and Discipleship
A video series designed to engage clergy and laity in authentic conversations about race and reconciliation
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This series includes videos and interviews that acknowledge and document Virginia’s role in forming and continuing race prejudice and racial discrimination embedded in law, customs, and institutions, including the Church.
Our lived experiences shape the stories we tell about ourselves and others. In this curriculum, videos expose and encompass narratives from the indigenous peoples in America to present-day migrant workers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This guide unearths and acknowledges the stories of multi-ethnic and multi-racial voices in Virginia. Their perspectives impact our acceptance of the Church’s role in racism in Virginia and racism’s effect on discipleship among members of the Virginia Annual Conference.
The small group study encourages participants to listen, learn, and engage in healthy dialogue about history, race, and discipleship. The goal is for all clergy and laity to acknowledge racism as a sin and take action to dismantle racism in our families, houses of worship, our community, and the workplace.
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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 seven 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 Different Perspective." Heart Havens' goal is 100 monthly Heart Havens donors. 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!
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The James River District United Methodist Women's Mission Team reaches out to you for your prayers at this time. We are rebuilding and looking for officers, program chairs, and branch leaders to do the work God is calling us to do for His glory. The Covid 19 pandemic has hit every aspect of our lives over the past ten months, and this includes the James River District UMW Mission Team.
Our financial status is strong at the end of 2020, and we have seen excellent mission work in our local units. Without a district slate of officers, we are concerned that we can no longer offer the programs to our local UMW units.
Author Rick Yancey said, "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. And you have been called." Where is God calling our Sisters in Christ to serve on the James River District United Methodist Women's Mission Team?
If God is speaking to you in any way, please stand up and contact the James River District UMW Secretary, Candee Speirs at candee.speirs@gmail.com or call (804) 834-8905.
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Bethia UMC receives Pinnacle Living Award |
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Pinnacle Living recognizes the congregation of Bethia UMC and Rev. Jacob Sahms as one of ten churches in the Virginia Conference to receive the 2020 Pinnacle Living Samaritan Award. The recognition is awarded to churches with the highest level of giving to the Samaritan Program. The Samaritan Program provides financial support to residents of Pinnacle Living communities who have been blessed by longevity and, through no fault of their own, become unable to meet the full cost of services. Congratulations!
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Lay Servant Training (Basic Course)
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Training will be led by
VA Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries
Richard Speirs
Click here and register today
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Prayers of Comfort
The Family of Lyle Easter (Rev. John Hall's stepfather)
The Family of Nick Smith (Rev. Shaun Smith's father)
Prayer Requests
Revs. Clara & Doug Gestwick
Rev. Garland Hines
Rev. Rich Meiser
Rev. Lisa Meyers
Rev. Penny Rasnake
Bishop Sharma Lewis and Cabinet
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Next Newsletter Deadline
February 19, 2021
Send your news and pictures to
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Rev. Sylvia S. Meadows, James River District Superintendent
Keith Jordan & Gerry Fuss, Lay Leaders
Tish Borden, Administrative Assistant
Rev. Andrew Book, Director of Congregational Excellence
Audrey Smith, Petersburg Project Coordinator
Ronnika Davis, Communications Coordinator
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