A Special Annual Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. The only purpose for this Special Session Called Annual Conference is to vote on the funding mechanism for the Virginia Annual Conference’s commitment to the Boy Scouts of America settlement. Additional information about the session will be forthcoming. Information about the Boy Scouts settlement can be found in the Monday, Jan. 10, announcement here. For questions, contact the Rev. Dr. Steve Summers, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries at SteveSummers@vaumc.org.
All are welcome to participate in this Bi-District Training on January 22!
The Roanoke and Staunton Districts will host their first Bi-District Training Day of 2022 on January 22. All clergy and laity in the Virginia Conference are welcome to participate. This virtual event will be free, registration is required. CEUs have been approved by the VAUMC Office of Clergy Excellence.
Training will feature two presentations by Bishop William H. Willimon on the topic "Preaching and Hearing Sermons in a Polarized Age." Also offered will be workshops for clergy and laity on topics relevant to a wide range of ministry settings. Bishop Willimon will open the training at 9:00 AM followed by breakout workshops at 10:15 AM and conclude with part two of Bishop Willimon's presentation.
Camp Occohannock invites Youth from the Virginia Conference to their March 25-27 Youth Retreat! Beat the Game is the theme of a March 25-27 Youth Retreat at the Eastern Shore’s Occohannock on the Bay. Spend a weekend with your peers growing in Christ and learning about overcoming the challenges of social media and the overconsumption of technology. There will be lots of opportunities for fun, fellowship, and amazing activities the camp has to offer! Youth from around the Virginia Conference are invited to attend.
Cost
Registration and participation, including all expenses, is $55.00
Contact Rev. Joel Coleman, Executive Camp Director at campootb@gmail.com or call 757-442-7836; 973-224-4672
Conference Kits! Cleaning and Hygiene Kits only!
The Conference will only be accepting Cleaning and Hygiene Kits this year. The requirements for each are on the VA Conference website. It is important that directions concerning the kits and how they are to be packaged are followed.
Churches may bring their kits to Mears Memorial (18186 Second Street, Keller). The social hall is directly behind the church building. This collection will be between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on May 14, 2022. Please bring a list of the number, type of kits with the church name. Kits will be picked up from that location.
We will again be collecting food for the local food bank and pantries on the Shore. I will need a total amount (in pounds) of food collected by each church. Those items can be taken directly to the food distribution sites.
Any questions, contact Eastern Shore District Missions Coordinator Rev. Kendra Powell at kendrapowell@vaumc.org
Students can apply now for Convergence
Don’t let your rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students miss out on this phenomenal opportunity to explore the connection between Christian faith and mainstream science in classroom, laboratory, and outdoor experiences with Convergence. Convergence 2022 will be held July 15–17. With a grant from the Lilly Endowment, all participants will benefit in a reduced cost of $75 per camper. Additionally, Convergence participants who are accepted into Randolph-Macon will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college. Though the 2020 in-person Convergence program was cancelled due to COVID-19 and the 2021 program was held virtually, the program brought 92 outstanding students from Virginia Conference congregations to Randolph-Macon’s virtual classroom. Convergence leaders said they are excited return to an in-person camp for 2022. Parents and youth, to apply for Convergence, please click here. Or to nominate a participant, please click here to fill out the nomination form. When the nomination is received, the Convergence Staff will contact your nominee with further information. For questions or additional information about the program, please contact the Rev. Kendra Grimes or Jamie Grant at convergence@rmc.edu or (804) 752-7374.
UM Day is now moving to virtual format on Jan. 27
Leadership for United Methodist Day at the General Assembly had hoped to be in person this year, but with limited in-person access at the General Assembly and the increased infection rates, the event is moving to Zoom. Join to learn how your Christian faith, the Methodist Tradition, and the government interact and intersect. The keynote will address practical examples of faith and tradition leading to impactful change and improved justice. Register here.
The Innovation Center at United Theological Center is offering outstanding learning opportunities through webinar short courses. CEUs are available for clergy. You can learn more about these opportunities here: https://united.edu/leading-voices/
UMFS opens New Child & Family Healing Center Building
Phase 1 of the Be a Champion Capital Campaign has been completed at UMFS (United Methodist Family Services) with the construction of the new UMFS Child & Family Healing Center building. This new facility will serve youth ages 11 - 18 who are struggling with acute mental health challenges. Youth live on campus for 3 - 18 months while participating in customized therapeutic treatment to help them heal. This state-of-the-art facility provides many meaningful upgrades to both the living space and therapy space. Each child has a private room which includes a private bathroom. Group and family therapy spaces are dramatically expanded, and all spaces have modern, soothing décor. Phase 2 of the campaign will help expand the UMFS Charterhouse School. Learn more...
Johnson's UMC in Northampton County is seeking an experienced pianist and/or an organist for our Sunday Worships, and special services and events. There would be practice during the week for special services. Responsibilities include serving as accompanist for the choir in regular weekly services, special rehearsals and performances. Sunday Services at 10 am. Please email your name and phone number to CurtisLucy@vaumc.org.
Conference Kits!
UM Day is now moving to virtual format on Jan. 27
BeADisciple.comoffers a wide range of Lay Servant Ministry courses online. You can learn more about them at 
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