"In our Hispanic-Latino countries, every day is a celebration of our respective cultural heritages. We live daily the richness of our countries and our history, our customs, the concept of unity in the family, and everything that is part of our daily lives. It is not until we migrate to the United States that we become aware of the diminishing or lack of these elements that form our being. In some places, we have access to the music, the products to prepare our typical dishes, and the opportunity to mingle with people who speak our language. However, there are some who feel somewhat isolated from all that has formed and developed their existence.
Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) celebrates the contributions of Hispanic-Latino people to this nation. This month is not only so that we may celebrate who we are, but also for the whole nation to celebrate with us the fact that we can be part of this nation without abandoning or diminishing our Hispanic-Latino culture."
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
School age children of Spanish-speaking migrants and immigrants often come from families who do not speak English sufficently to help them with their homework. Please prayerfully consider volunteering. Make this a church group outreach!
Currently, volunteers for Una Familia are needed on Tuesdays at Onley Baptist Church in Onley, VA. Times are 3:30-5:45 pm. Contact Rev. Veronica Barrell for more information at unafamilia2013@gmail.com or 804-304-0646.
Eastern Shore Clergy Event, Sept. 24!
Tuesday, September 24, 9:30-11:30 am, at Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center, all ES clergywill gather with District Superintendent Alex Joyner for an interactive discussion on "Clergy Connection" --clergy health and effectiveness. Peer Groups will be introduced (new and active) as well as the current "Lectionary Study". We will conclude with worship. The camp is located: Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 9403 Camp Lane, Belle Haven, VA 23306. Registration is not required. There is no fee for this event. I hope you will join me on Sept. 24 --Alex
Five Talent Academy event, Thurs. Nov. 14, 8:30 am-4 pm, at Woodlake UMC and 11 satellite sites. Eastern Shore satellite site is Adams UMC on Leemont Road in Parksley.
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., highlights some of the findings in the Lewis Center for Church Leadership's annual Clergy Age Trends report. Of note is a major downturn in the number of elders under 35. He also identifies the United Methodist conferences that are attracting larger numbers of young clergy. Virginia is noted as having the second highest number of young clergy!
Exploration 2019, Nov. 1-3, is an event for college students who are exploring a call into ministry. Exploration creates sacred space for young adults, ages 18-26, to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship,theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response. For more information, go to Exploration 2019 or contact Joanna Dietz in the Center for Clergy Excellence at JoannaDietz@vaumc.org.
Valuing the Voices in Our Church is an opportunity for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to come together to explore their own gifts and graces for leadership, consider what vocation God is calling them to and to hear and grow in appreciation of a diverse chorus of voices who are leading in the church today. Participants will gather at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The remaining meetings will be virtual throughout the year. For more information, go to Valuing the Voices in Our Church. Scholarships and Loans are available for seminarians. For more information, contact Joanna Dietz in the Center for Clergy Excellence. Or fill out the application and return it to the Center for Clergy Excellence. Due date is Oct. 13. More...
Swain Memorial featured in DEVCO News!
In this month's feature story the Virginia U.M. Development Co., tells the story of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church located on Tangier Island. Read more about this unique community during DEVCO's annual site visit to Swain UMC.
The Rev. Dr. Ted Smith, Virginia Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds specifically for new local church ministries. The grant is a Special Ministries Grant for the 2020 calendar year. Fund eligibility includes: ministries that are specifically through local churches, ministries that began in the 2019 calendar year or proposed 2020 ministries, ministries that have not previously been funded by any conference funding organizations. Funds are also limited below the normal $10,000 grant level. Applications are available at www.vaumc.org/CommonTableGrants and should be submitted by November 1st to be considered.
Goodson Preaching Academy one-day event!
The Goodson Academy of Preaching presents a one-day event “Preaching Through Troubling Times,” with keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney. The event will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Providence UMC in Chesterfield. Cost for the day is $35, which includes lunch; 0.5 CEU is available. Contact the Rev. Mandy Newman at mandynewman@vaumc.org or (757) 630-6518 with questions. More...
2019 Charge Conference Information
Find out which school you'll be attending this fall! I'm pretty sure you're going to learn something new! Go to https://www.easternshoredistrictumc.org/
charge-conferences.html
District Events:
Local Church Events
Sunday, September 22, 2019, 1-3 pm Adams UMC on 23532 Leemont Road in Parksley invites you to join them for their Community Church Picnic. Free food and games. Rev. Gregory L. Duncan, Pastor. Come fellowship and fly high with the Lord!. For more Information call, 757-665-4483 or 757-387-9175.
Saturday, September 28 from 8 -12 noon, Epworth UMC is having their annual Fall Bazaar with a Farmer’s Market. Featuring fresh produce, baked goods, chicken salad and seafood salad, plants, frozen meals, plants and so much more! Epworth Church is located at 4158 Seaside Road, Exmore. Come on out!
Saturday, October 19, 8 am - 12 noon, Market Street UMC is sponsoring another UMW Fall Food Fair. Featuring the fabulous frozen items --casseroles, soups and chili--back by popular demand! There's also a bake shop, jams & jellies, pickles and chicken salad for purchase. Market Street Church is located at 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417. For more information, contact the church office at 757-787-4873.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9:30-1 pm, Fall Bazaar at Trinity United Methodist Church, 109 Plum Street, Cape Charles. Bake table, Pocketbook/Jewelry (gently used) table, Silent Auction, local crafters, chicken salad by the pint, hotdog lunch with chips and drinks, Call Kathy Griffith with questions 757 647-1842
Friday, November 8, serving at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, Travis Chapel UMC in Oyster will host a Spaghetti Dinner. Tickets will be pre-sold. More information will follow later.
Saturday, November 16, Grace UMC on 18484 Wilson Ave. in Parksley will hold a "Food Fest" in LeeMont Hall. Featuring homemade frozen casseroles, baked goods, soups and more.
Sunday, December 8th at 3 pm, Travis Chapel UMC will host an old-fashioned holiday hymn sing. Please join us to enjoy some wonderful local talent. Reception will follow.
DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES: "The Shoreline" is a weekly newsletter. Submit brief articles to Connie Owens at easternshoredistrict@vaumc.org by Wednesday morning, 9 am.
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
Tuesday, September 24, 9:30-11:30 am, at Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center, all ES clergy will gather with District Superintendent Alex Joyner for an interactive discussion on "Clergy Connection" --clergy health and effectiveness. Peer Groups will be introduced (new and active) as well as the current "Lectionary Study". We will conclude with worship. The camp is located: Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 9403 Camp Lane, Belle Haven, VA 23306. Registration is not required. There is no fee for this event. I hope you will join me on Sept. 24 --Alex
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., highlights some of the findings in the Lewis Center for Church Leadership's annual Clergy Age Trends report. Of note is a major downturn in the number of elders under 35. He also identifies the United Methodist conferences that are attracting larger numbers of young clergy. Virginia is noted as having the second highest number of young clergy!
In this month's feature story the Virginia U.M. Development Co., tells the story of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church located on Tangier Island. Read more about this unique community during DEVCO's annual site visit to Swain UMC. 
The Goodson Academy of Preaching presents a one-day event “Preaching Through Troubling Times,” with keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney. The event will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Providence UMC in Chesterfield. Cost for the day is $35, which includes lunch; 0.5 CEU is available. Contact the Rev. Mandy Newman at 
