 Orientation session for your upcoming Charge Conference
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 10 am
Charge Conference Orientation will be on Tuesday, August 31 at 10 am via Zoom. Pastors, EVC Administrators, and others who prepare for Charge Conference should plan to attend. IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER.
Click here to register.
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The Black Church Now
A Candid Conversation on the Unique Opportunities
in a Post-Pandemic World --Tuesday, August 31, 1 pm
The Pandemic has opened doors for churches to explore new ways of joining God's mission. Every tradition has unique abilities that they can use to love our neighbors in this complicated season. In this candid conversation, you'll learn more about how the Black Church has responded to the pandemic, and why all kinds of congregations can learn from the Black Church tradition. This live discussion is important for all churches to consider. The webinar is free.
Register Here
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Virginia United Methodists urged to pray, give and serve during humanitarian crises
 The Virginia Conference asks United Methodists to continue in prayer as the tragedies caused by the humanitarian crises in this world are witnessed. Use the prayer resources during worship that were shared through the recent statement by Bishop Lewis. Offerings can make a direct impact in the relief effort and discover ways to serve by helping people in crisis as the hands and feet of Jesus. Learn more... |
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Prayer Concern:
Rev. Waverly "Smitty" Smith, Pastor of Indiana UMC in Chesapeake. Rev. Smith was release from the hospital on Friday and convalescing at home.
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Birth Announcement:
We are pleased to share the announcement of the birth of Maren David White, daughter of Madeline and B White. Madeline is the Virginia Conference Director of Communications. Maddie shared: Welcome to the light, Maren David. 7 pounds, born August 27, 2021, at 8: 54 a.m. Right now, we are just basking in awe of our sassy, smart, miracle girl.
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Healing Past and Present Trauma
an Elizabeth River District Clergy webinar!
In the past year and a half, many have experienced multiple layers of trauma. The “Healing Past & Present Trauma” webinar will equip clergy to lead both themselves and their congregation. The webinar will be Tuesday, September 21 from 10 am to 1 pm. The cost will be $10. .5 CEU has been approved for full participation in this event. Us the link below for more information and registration!
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 Virtual Lay Servant Training!
The Rappahannock River District is pleased to offer another Virtual Lay Servant Training this fall. These classes are held via ZOOM and are open to all districts. The classes will be held on consecutive Saturdays (September 18, 25, & October 2). The classes offered include: Basic (8:30am - 12:00pm); United Methodist Heritage (1:00pm - 4:30pm); Called to Preach (8:30am - 12:00pm)
Click on the link below for more information and registration!
https://www.rappahannockriverdistrict.org/resources/summary/6-flyers/684-rrd-lay-servant-fall-2021-training-zoom
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Scholarships Available for A. Purnell Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry
 Do you know a bright, inquisitive high school senior who is sensing a call to ministry? Help us spread the word about the A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. As the oldest continuously operating United Methodist College in the United States, Randolph-Macon is committed to nurturing young adults who are sensing a call to Christian vocation. Weekly meetings allow students to more deeply discern their calling prior to selecting a seminary and to gain valuable leadership experiences in ministry during the undergraduate years. This scholarship offers half-tuition during a student’s freshman and sophomore years and full-tuition during the junior and senior years along with two internship experiences (one for academic credit and one with a $3,000 stipend.) We hope to remove the financial obstacles from those who are seeking to follow God’s call and prepare for a life of ministry. This unique program is entering its eighteenth year of supporting a new generation of Christian clergy. Find out more and apply at: http://www.rmc.edu/academics/pre-ministerial .
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 New Curriculum and Videos Available
The Race and Race Relations Team introduced the Virginia Roots, Race, and Discipleship curriculum and videos in 2020. The team extends its thanks to laity and clergy who have engaged in dialogue with small groups and gave feedback on the format, information that has been acquired, and questions about the next steps. The upcoming three segments are centered on segregation and desegregation in the Methodist Church and public schools, and nonviolent protests. The topics include:
- The Central Jurisdiction (a racially segregated body of the Methodist Church from 1939 to 1968)
- Massive Resistance in Farmville, Virginia
- Bloody Monday, nonviolent protests and police brutality in Danville, Virginia in 1963
For more information and to view the videos and curriculum currently offered, visit the Virginia Conference website at https://vaumc.org/racerelations/
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 Saving Grace!
a personal money-management course meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values
Jesus talked a lot about money. So did John Wesley, Methodism’s founder. Now there’s a money-management program meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values, one that draws on the expertise of a diverse group of United Methodists. It’s called Saving Grace, and advocates say it fills a niche in the Christian personal finance advice field, which includes superstar Dave Ramsey.
Learn more...
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 Special and Sustaining Grant Applications Available!
Applications are now available for the 2022 Common Table Special Grants and Sustaining Grants for local churches and ministries. Forms may be found at https://vaumc.org/special-and-sustaining-grants/ The deadline to receive complete applications (must include all supporting documentation and be signed by the District Superintendent) is October 15, 2021. Questions may be directed to Bev Myers at BevMyers@vaumc.org
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Lots of new job openings at churches on the Elizabeth River District have been listed on the website. If your church has an employment opportunity or if you have placed a job opening and it is no longer needed, please email elizabethriverdistrict@vaumc.org.
Check out the Job Openings on our Elizabeth River District!
https://elizabethriverumc.com/job-openings/
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e-Advocate, August 24, 2021
For past issues and to subscribe to the weekly E-Advocate Conference News go to: https://vaumc.org/e-advocate/
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 Conference Email groups:
There are several avenues for clergy and laity to stay connected with conference news. Clergy Net and Laity Net and other conference email groups are avenues for clergy and laity, conference districts and the conference to share information and events that may be pertinent to contexts around the Virginia Annual Conference. Posts are moderated to prohibit any harmful language or posts that are for-profit promotion. Learn more…
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