Pastors to take Sabbath Rest, May 17 --DS to preach!
This has been an extraordinary period for all of us as we are adapting to the new realities of the COVID-19 response. For clergy this has meant a rapid period of adaptation in which they are offering worship in new ways as they learn new technologies. They are also working to prepare for the new landscape that will follow this period.
In recognition and gratitude for the service of our clergy, the Bishop and Cabinet of the Virginia Conference are asking clergy to take a Sabbath rest for a Sunday. On Sunday, May 17, I will be offering a worship service, in which I preach, for use by the whole Eastern Shore District.
Stay tuned for the links, but it will be offered at least via YouTube and Facebook.
If you are an SPPRC chairperson or lay leader in your church, I hope you will support your clergy leader in inviting her or him into this rest. Thank your for all your work in creating a healthy partnership in ministry with your pastor.
If you are a clergy person on the Eastern Shore, thank you for all of the continuing and additional ministry you are doing during this time. You are important to many people, including me. May God continue to bless you and use you for the work of God’s Reign.
Stand firm (and wash your hands),
Alex
Report Shared with Conference on In-person Worship (DS Alex Joyner and Rev. Brenda Laws will be participating in the Workgroup)
A "Back to In-Person Worship Workgroup" was created to oversee how churches would safely return to in-person worship following the stay-at-home order. The workgroup shared a report detailing this work following Governor Northam's message on May 4 that Virginia will soon head into Phase 1 of reopening...
“How do we embrace the now and get ready for the next?”Join DS Joyner and Rev. Taylor this Saturday in Zoom Gathering
"How do we embrace the now and get ready for the next? That’s the theme of this week’s Saturday Zoom with DS Alex Joyner for Eastern Shore clergy and Laity. DS Joyner will be joined by The Rev. Leigh Anne Taylor, Lynchburg District Church Revitalization Coordinator, for the talk and we’re likely to get into the future of singing since Leigh Anne is also a gifted music leader.
The Zoom will begin at 11 AM. DS Joyner will also offer some time of centering prayer and time for questions and answers about being conference and district matters. Please join him at the link below:
or Phone in:
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 842 4263 6467
Password: 028576
DS to lead Polity Course for Lay Servants
Ever wonder why United Methodists do things the way that they do? Wonder what structures make up the United Methodist connection? Wonder where we’re headed as a denomination? And what’s our role in the connection anyways? Maybe there’s a course for you nearby. In fact, it’s as close as your computer.
DS Alex Joyner is leading a course (virtually via Zoom sessions) for lay servants or anyone interested, titled “Life Together in the United Methodist Connection.” The course will be offered for 5 sessions beginning Saturday, May 30 at 10 AM. Classes will be for 2 hours each. Participants will receive credit toward the renewal of their lay servant certificate. Courses will be at 10 AM on Saturdays and 6:30 PM on Tuesdays on the following dates: 5/30, 6/2, 6/6, 6/9, 6/13.
Summer Camps to begin 2 weeks later!
Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center is gearing up for Summer Camps which will begin the first week in July this year. Policies regarding CDC regulations will be followed to make our facility safe for campers. Go to www.ootbay.org for registration and more information.
Note to Local Church Camp Representatives: Now, more than ever, the Camp needs our support and attention. As a member of the General Board for the Camp, your presence is requested for our spring meeting. Because of the current conditions, the General Board will meet virtually via Zoom onThursday, May 28 at 7 PM. (Information regarding the meeting has been mailed to you.)
Bishops told connection key in pandemic fight
United Methodist bishops initially expected to spend this year’s spring meeting preparing for a General Conference that possibly would split the denomination.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed the denomination’s lawmaking assembly and put any plans for separation on hold. For the time being, United Methodists are doing ministry together even as quarantine requires they worship apart.
That global church connection could be critical in overcoming the hardships brought on by the disease, Bishop Kenneth Carter said during his final address as Council of Bishops president. “One of the implications of COVID-19 is that we are indeed together as a connection,” said Carter, who also leads the Florida Conference. “And in a season of trauma we claim our strengths — connection, mission, good news of grace.” More...
FREE COVID-19 Testing Clinic WHEN: May 8, 2020-10 am-6 pm and May 9, 2020-9 am-4 pm
WHERE: Eastern Shore Community College, 29300 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA
Details: Free drive-thru testing will be available this Friday and Saturday at Eastern Shore Community College. While we will not turn people away, we are really targeting testing toward those who have had direct close contact exposure with a positive COVID-19 individual. Close contact is defined as less than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes. The main objective of this testing is to identify individuals who have been exposed but remain asymptomatic so they know of their positive status and can properly isolate themselves from others to prevent further spread. If you have already tested positive, please follow the instructions you were given for isolation and do not seek to be re-tested. This testing will not reveal whether you previously had the virus and have recovered.
Resources at our District Website
Check out our District webpage dedicated to Covid-19 What to Know, How to Help! Find churches offering on-line worship services, links to online giving , and more! https://www.easternshoredistrictumc.org/corona-virus-2020.html
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
Jennifer Hume, District Lay Leader
Connie Owens, District Administrative Assistant
This has been an extraordinary period for all of us as we are adapting to the new realities of the COVID-19 response. For clergy this has meant a rapid period of adaptation in which they are offering worship in new ways as they learn new technologies. They are also working to prepare for the new landscape that will follow this period.
Report Shared with Conference on In-person Worship
“How do we embrace the now and get ready for the next?”
DS to lead Polity Course for Lay Servants
Bishops told connection key in pandemic fight
FREE COVID-19 Testing Clinic
Resources at our District Website