If you're unable to join us for the orientation and would like the handouts, just contact Lynn Manley.

You are invited to participate in a virtual singing of “And Are We Yet Alive” for the 2021 Virginia Annual Conference, June 18-19. Music Director Gerald Ricks has shared the following instructions to participate. Questions should be directed to him at music@vaumc.org

Instructions (jpg) and sound track (mp3) from the vendor for recordings

1.    Record in a quiet room and away from all extraneous noises (e.g., running ceiling fan, animal noises, refrigerator humming, etc.).

2.    Use a separate device to listen to the guide track preferably with bluetooth earbuds or headphones to avoid cable drapings. Use earbuds or headphones in only ONE ear to listen to the guide track.

3.    The guide track will have a two-measure count off in the tempo and meter of the song. At the downbeat of the second measure of count off, please CLAP TWICE IN FRAME. Clap on and in rhythm.

4.     

1.    Record your video in LANDSCAPE and at eye level.

2.    Make sure your phone can record with at least: Dimensions 720 p (1280×720 pixels). Larger dimensions (1080p, 4k) are welcome and preferred. Frame rate: 30fps is preferred but 24fps is acceptable.

3.    Stand at least 2 feet from your phone when recording and use a tripod, shelf, or object at eye level.

4.    Remove your phone’s case (if applicable). This is for audio purposes.

5.    Good lighting (sunlight through a window, lamps, etc).

6.    Sing your heart out!

7.     

Send your video or audio recording to Gerald Lee Ricks at music@vaumc.org. Please use the subject: “And Are We Yet Alive.” If the file is too big to attach, use a file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Firefox Send.

As we approach gathering on June 18 and 19, we want to remind you of the Mission Opportunities during the Annual Conference. Each District will hold a Community Cans and Kits drive through/drop off event at 2:00 PM, simultaneously with a webinar that broadcasts the drive through event along with special guests from the food banks in Virginia. This webinar is available for both watching and listening. For more information, please visit www.vaumc.org/kits and your district webpage for specifics.

The Annual Conference offering will be evenly distributed to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and Partnerships of Hope countries. Our goal for this year’s Annual Conference offering is $200,000. If every church contributes $200, we will easily reach this goal. The offering will be dedicated during the closing worship on June 19 at 10:00 AM. For more information, visit www.vaumc.org/ACoffering.

Serving ministries has created a three-part video explaining the Mission Opportunities during the Annual Conference. We are providing this in a downloadable format so churches can share it with their congregations during worship. Go to this link: https://we.tl/t-LeLZcXa0I7, click “I Agree” and you will see the three files to download. You may also include this information for the video in your newsletters or simply like and share the video posts we have on the VAUMC Facebook page.

Do you know a rising 10^th, 11^th, or 12^th grader who would love to explore the intersection of Christian faith and Science? Please tell them about Convergence: A Youth Theology Institute on Faith and Science at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. This year’s event will be via virtual format where participants can sign up for the sessions/themes that interest them OR for the entire event. Themes are listed below and registration details are at convergence.rmc.edu. Each session is limited to 30 participants. Those who participate in the full event can earn a $1,000 scholarship to R-MC. Questions? Contact the Rev Kendra Grimes, Chaplain at Randolph-Macon College, at kendragrimes@rmc.edu. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/convergencermc. 

Regester Chapel UMC in Stafford is seeking a Director of Music Ministry. Please click here for a complete job description.