Copy
Weekly E-News, Eastern Shore District United Methodist Church
View this email in your browser
ISSUE: Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Beauty of Inefficiency
--
A Conversation with Winn Collier

Small churches are inefficient and that’s their beauty.  That’s the assessment of the Rev. Winn Collier, a Charlottesville pastor who has just written a new book called Love Big. Be Well.: Letters to a Small-Town Church.  Winn is going to be with us on the district February 19 for a clergy Lenten day retreat with a focus on ministry in small towns.  I hope you’ll put that on your calendars.

I had the chance to interview Winn last month and I asked him if he saw new opportunities in small churches.  His response was so good that I’m quoting it at length: 

Absolutely!  I absolutely do.  In fact I think in some ways these small, rural churches are actually on the front lines of what’s happening because it’s a place where we are grappling with the most human realities that we are struggling with.  Sometimes in massive churches with massive resources that are run in many ways like a Fortune 500 corporation, they are actually more disconnected from some of the harsher struggles that our communities are facing.

I’m not trying to paint one as bad and the other one as good. I think these large churches also are able to amass energy and resources towards large questions and they are able to ignite some kind of movement and responses to things.  Sometimes it’s really helpful and sometimes it’s very short-sighted.

In some of our larger expressions of faith it’s just very difficult to keep the human at the center and if the incarnation tells us anything is that this joining of humanity with God is at the very heart of what God’s doing in the world.  To be large and efficient you have to, in some ways, reduce the inefficiency of what comes from human relationships.

In the smaller churches that’s not even a question.  Everything is inefficient. And that’s seen typically as a real negative and I want to say: Let’s flip that story because it’s not.  It has its own struggles.  It has its own questions about sustainability and we have to be creative about those sorts of things, but there are things a small church is attuned to and can respond to and be for people that a large church absolutely never can.

In some ways, lots of small churches spread all over the vastness of our country is actually our hope way more than a growing handful of massive churches.  So I think that there’s actually a lot of hope there and in lots of churches where people are.

What I find most encouraging and interesting and hopeful is those small churches that really are reflections of their community.  They really are a part of the fabric of the life of that community.  They’re living out a parish model that most of the rest of us are doing our best to try to fabricate and so were left at the end of the day doing the best we can.  We do have to do the best we can but doing the best we can is trying to fabricate something.  That’s why we have things such as small group ministry.  It’s important because where else are you going to get connected?  But we have to be honest and say were having to do this because we are so uprooted and because our lives are no longer bound together.

You can read my review of Winn’s book here: https://alexjoyner.com/2017/12/14/the-greatness-of-the-small-a-review-of-love-big-be-well/.

Stand firm,

Alex

All is Calm – Yeah, Right!
Excellence in Ministry Coaching...

Having written last week about the value of strategic stress within an organization, I realized how ironic it was to be writing such an article at exactly the moment that most ministries are experiencing some of the most stressful weeks of the year (the other time, of course, being the run-up to Easter). There are numerous events and special activities, and there is always the debate about how to handle the influx of “chreasters.” The Advent/Christmas season particularly stands out as a source for frazzlement, because unlike Lent/Easter...
Read More
Donations Needed for Children's Gifts!
Una Familia is celebrating “Día de los Reyes” (Epiphany) on January 6, 2018
 
We need YOUR help in providing the gifts that the Kings (or Wise Men) will bring to the children.  The “Kings” need to provide over 150 gift bags.  Churches, Church groups or individuals are invited to give a financial contribution.  One gift bag = $20. That's $3,000 for 150 children. Currently we've only received $340. 

Please send gift contributions marked “Reyes” to Una Familia, P. O. Box 317, Parksley, VA  23421.  May God bless you in your giving!

To learn more about Una Familia, please visit our website at www.unafamiliaesva.com


Quadrennial Clergy Ethics Training: The Minister as Moral Theologian, with Dr. Sondra Wheeler--a world-class scholar and a notably engaging presenter, is coming to a church near you!

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 training will be held at Great Bridge UMC on the Elizabeth River District.

Click here for more information or to register. The events begin at 9:30am and conclude at 3:00pm. The registration fee of $20 includes lunch ($10 without the meal), and participants are awarded 0..5 CEU.

If this date is not convenient, additional trainings will be held on every district (plus a Saturday session for our bivocational clergy and others) over the next four years. Any clergy or church professional may attend any training session. All appointed clergy are required to attend one advanced ethics training each quadrennium of their appointment; those under their first appointment are only required to attend Ethics 101 and 102.

Don't remember if you've registered or attended yet?  Click here for a registration listing

2018 Summer Camps!

Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center in Belle Haven have announced their 2018 Summer Camps!  And it's just in time for Christmas!  What a wonderful gift to your child, grandchild, niece or nephew, or a child in your community.  Click here for special offers and more!
Migrant churches provide piece of home
Even as new immigrants from the Middle East and Africa struggle to find a place in German society, many from Ghana and Vietnam have been in Germany for decades. Those who are United Methodist worship mostly in their own language at their own churches. More…
United Methodist Day at General Assembly
Ever wanted to know how to create real change in our state government?  Or wanted to know more about real issues facing our legislature? United Methodist Day at the General Assembly is the place for you! This is our opportunity to help faith communities become empowered to serve as missionaries of justice, as well as the more traditional missionaries of mercy. This yearly event will be held Thursday, Feb. 1 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Due to construction at capitol square this year and the relocation of the General Assembly Building, space will be more LIMITED this year. Registration for event is now open. Click HERE to register with your credit card ($30 each). A briefing will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Bon Air UMC in North Chesterfield at 7:30 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Rev. Barbara Lewis at BarbaraLewis@vaumc.org or (434) 594-6241.
Conference offers Lay Servant courses March 2-4
Registration for the 2018 Lay Servant Academy, Mar. 2-4, is now open. Event will take place at the 4H Educational Conference Center in Wirtz. The Lay Servant Academy is about equipping laity (those who are not clergy) to carry out the mission of the church. All of the courses are open to anyone who would like to take one. Each course is designed to help those serving the local church learn more about leadership, personal faith development and a deeper understanding of The United Methodist Church. The courses are also designed to support those seeking to become Certified Lay Servants and Certified Lay Speakers. More… 

The Paradox of Perfection -our Wesleyan Heritage
This year's Ministers' Convocation will once again offer a time for renewal, relaxation, and learning.  As we prepare to enter this new year in ministry together, consider registering now!  

Theme:  The Paradox of Perfection:  Our Wesleyan Heritage 

April 23-25, 2018 at Virginia Crossings Conference Center in Glen Allen

Event details and registration: www.vaumc.org/MinistersConvocation

We'll explore Christian Perfection through the teachings of Dr. Rex Matthews, Professor in the Practice of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Candler School of Theology.  Workshops, Panels, and Fellowship Time will enhance our time together.  Bishop Lewis and Rev. William Lamar (pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C.) will lead us in worship. 

The deadline for In-residence Registration is Monday, April 2, 2018. 
Continuing Education Funds are available at: vaumc.org/clergycontinuingeducation. 

All clergy, diaconal ministers, and professional/paraprofessional certified ministers in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church are invited.

....................District Events
(These upcoming events should be on every church calendar. These events should be announced in every local church. These events should be included in every church newsletter and Sunday bulletins!)

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 pm, Pittsville UMC (4550 Holland Rd., New Church, VA 23415) invites you to join them for their Christmas Program.
Franktown UMC's Children’s Christmas Program on Saturday, Dec. 16, 9:30 am-1:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 17, 10 am will be The Party from the book of One Rehearsal Christmas Plays. The Party is a play designed to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. 
Sunday, Dec. 17, 10:30 am, Market Street UMC's Chancel Choir will perform a Christmas Cantata at a special worship service. Following the service, there will be a luncheon in the Social Hall. Market St. Church is located at 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA  23417. For more information, call the Church Office at 757-787-4873.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 7 pm, Candlelight Service at Wattsville UMC (7423 Fleming jRd., Wattsville, VA  23483. A covered dish Christmas Dinner begins at 5:30 pm.   
Sunday, Dec 17 , 9:30 am Assawoman UMC (12034 Atlantic Rd., Assawoman) and 11:15 am Downings UMC will present their Christmas Cantata.
Thursday December 21 from 7 to 8 pm, Blue Christmas Service at Grace United Methodist Church, 18484 Wilson Avenue, Parksley, VA 23421. Feeling blue this Christmas? You are not alone. This is the season of bright lights and festive parties, of "Joy to the World." But if you have lost a loved one or are just feeling lost, the holidays can be a difficult time. On Thursday, December 21, the longest night of the year, Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley is offering a Blue Christmas service for the community. Worship will be gentle - soft on the spirit, comforting for the soul. If you or someone you know is feeling blue, we welcome you.  For more info, call 757-665-4783.
Thurs., Dec 21, 7 pm, Assawoman UMC, (12034 Atlantic Rd., Assawoman) Longest Night.  Service for those who have lost loved ones.
Fri., Dec. 22, 6:30 pm, Candlelight Communion Service at  Pocomoke UMC located at 24406 Saxis Rd., Temperancefille, VA  23442. Refreshments served after the service.
Sun., Dec 24, 8 pm, Downings UMC, 7261 Lankford Hwy., Oak Hall , will hold a Christmas Eve Service
Sun., Dec. 24, 7 pm, Christ UMC invites you to their Christmas Eve Candelight Service. Christ Church is located at 6253 Church Street, Chincoteague, VA  23336. For more information contact the Church Office at 757-336-6394.
Craddockville UMC is hosting a Financial Peace class starting Sun., January 7th at 6 pm. The class runs for 9 weeks. Class kits can be purchased through the church for $93. This includes a one-year subscription to online budgeting tools and online access to all class videos. If your New Year's Resolution includes getting your finances back on track, if you want to learn how to better manage your money, if you are living paycheck to paycheck, or if you want to learn about financing your retirement then maybe this class is for you. Contact Stephanie Pierce at 710-7360 or at sspierce1@gmail.com.
Assawoman United Methodist Church has a wonderful new cookbook for sale just in time for the Holidays.  We have reprinted our original cookbook (circa 1955) in  its entirety, including original recipes, membership roll, preface and advertisements, but that's not all! Behind this heirloom section, we have added old photos. The second section contains new recipes compiled by our members along with reminiscences by Grayson Chesser, including his favorite recipes.  This is more than just a cookbook.  It is a celebration of the way we used to live.  Price is $15.  Email: rebeccaboggs@verizon.net or call (757) 824-3560
The United Methodist Women of Market Street United Methodist Church, Onancock is distributing the 30th edition of their desk calendar.  The calendar consists of pen and ink drawings of various landmarks in the Onancock community. Calendars are for sale the beginning of November and may be obtained through the Church Office (757-787-4873) and June Evans (787-1114) and Mary Lou Podelco (757-787-2984).  It's a wonderful stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or friendship gift.  The complete calendar is $6 and refills are $4.  
Calendar
For district meeting dates and more, check out the Calendar at http://www.easternshoredistrictumc.org/calendar.html 
Wednesdays 12 pm is the deadline to submit short articles for the Weekly Shoreline E-News!  Send your articles to easternshoredistrict@vaumc.org 
Eastern Shore District
Virginia Conference of
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
E-mail: easternshoredistrict@vaumc.org
Web: www.easternshoredistrictumc.org 
Phone: 757-665-6295
Rev. Alex Joyner, District Superintendent
Iris Smith, District Lay Leader
Connie Owens, District Administrative Assistant
Share
Tweet
Forward
Copyright © 2017 Eastern Shore District United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp