The traditional spot of Jesus’ birth is hardly more than a cleft in a rock. The cave beneath the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem preserves the location with a silver star that pilgrims kneel to kiss as they filter through the hot, crowded space that would have served as a stable. But for Joseph and Mary, it was shelter from the night.
As we see the devastating images from California in the wake of the Camp Fire, maybe you wonder like I do—what would we do if we lost the place we call home? How would we even start to rebuild? How could those many, many thousands of people rebuild?
A few years ago, Robert Bridges, a member of Franktown UMC, and his working partner, Bill Young,put together a design to create a safe, secure, shelter that anyone could construct with basic tools. Over the years they have perfected the design and now they have a model that could be set up anywhere in about 30 minutes. It’s so simple, children have been able to do the construction.
When Robert heard about the fires in California, he immediately wondered if his shelters could help. He invited others to partner in the project and they are planning a delivery as soon as possible.
I’m proud to be part of this effort. A model shelter is currently touring the Shore to help Robert tell the story of offering shelter. Though it would be important any time of year, it seems particularly appropriate to be offering shelter at a time of the year when many of us are thinking about the shelter used by Jesus’ family in their time of need.
Simply Christmas
Advent and Christmas are upon us – one of those “Superbowl seasons” in the life of the local congregation. We are caught up in a flurry of events and activities which mirrors the societal chaos of the holidays. On the one hand, there is a natural hunger for reconnection to the church this time of year, a perfect platform for inviting people in and giving them opportunities to engage. On the other hand, we can end the season exhausted and unfulfilled (a counterproductive result of overfilling the tank). We can even be just one more part of the overextension that distracts people from the impact of a thoughtful, restorative Advent (for which the season was originally purposed). it’s classically comical that this sacred interlude of anticipation and waiting collides with our cultural imperative of hectic everythingism). Continue Reading
Polar Duck Dip, Sat. Jan. 26! Contestant Sign In: 11:00am
Photo & Judging: 11:30am
Parade: 11:45am
Polar Duck Dip: 12:00pm
Registration Fee: $20 per person includes lunch (Register by January 15th to receive a free commemorative long sleeved shirt)
Don’t delay. Register today for the Polar Duck Dip and continue to help this wonderful ministry reach our community, youth, and everyone far and near. The Dip will be followed by a lunch from the Camp's loving supporters. There will be a “Best Dressed Dipper” Contest so be creative in your dipping costume.
Make sure you have all your "Ducks" in a row before joining us. Start early on getting folks to sponsor you for your dip in the Occohannock Creek.
Don’t want to dip? You can always sponsor someone or simply give a donation. Everyone is welcome to show up and cheer the fearless dippers on!
Register: United Methodist Day at General Assembly
Now that the election is over. . . Would you like to continue to make an impact in having your voice heard? Then register today for United Methodist Day at the General Assembly! Register by December 28 and pay $30 early registration. After December 28, pay $40 until January 11 when registration closes. Hotel reservations can be made for January 30 at the Hyatt Place, 201 Arboretum Place, Richmond, 23236, near Bon Air UMC. Call 804-560-1566 to make your reservation and mention “Virginia United Methodist Conference” to receive a special room rate of $109/night (single or double). Hotel reservation deadline is Dec. 31, 2018. Contact the Rev. Barbara Lewis to registrar and with any questions at BarbaraLewis@vaumc.org. More…
Pics from our churches during Advent Season! Top picture: St. Thomas UMC in Bloxom, 2nd row left: Melfa UMC in Melfa; 2nd row right: Epworth UMC, Exmore; Bottom row left: Grace UMC, Parksley; Bottom row right: Swain Memorial on Tangier Island. Send us your pics and we'll share them in our Shoreline! Send to easternshoredistrict@vaumc.org
District
Saturday, December 8, 2018, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm Live Nativity and Nativity Displays with light refreshments after each showing. Hosted by Capeville UMC, 4410 Capeville Dr., Capeville, VA. (Rain/Snow date Dec. 15).
Tuesday, December 11, 2018,12 Noon Union UMC will host the December Community Lunch at 1491 Stockton Road, Greenbackville, VA. Ham will be served. Side Dishes or dessert is appreciated but not required. All are welcome to attend.
Sunday December 9, 3pm, Downings UMC will host In His Name Ministries presents FREE Christmas music performed by the Coastal Charge Choir (Assawoman, Atlantic, Downings). The church is located at 7261 Lankford Highway, Oak Hall, VA 23416
Sunday, December 16, 3 pm, Travis Chapel UMC will host an old-fashioned hymn sing. Talented local children and youth will perform.
Thursday, December 20, 6 pm, Grace UMC will host a Christmas Pageant Dinner Theatre. Experience the Christmas story as never before! Grace Church presents an imperfect performance of a less-than-ideal birth story. It's Dinner Theatre in Parksley. Dinner is free, and so is the show. In Lee Mont Hall.
Friday, December 21, 7 pm, Grace UMC will host a Blue Christmas Worship on the Longest Night of the Year. Grace Church is located at 18484 Wilson Ave., Parksley, VA 23421.
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
Jennifer Hume, District Lay Leader
Connie Owens, District Administrative Assistant
If you’d like to participate or invite Robert to come talk to your church and bring the model you can reach him at 
Simply Christmas
