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News from Community UMC

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March 4, 2021

It was Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus who once said,
"The only thing that is constant is change."



I want to blame it on my pastor. You see prior to coming to Community UMC as the interim senior pastor, my wife and I had been attending Courthouse Community UMC. In January 2020 she began a sermon series, “A New Normal” and just a couple weeks later COVID struck and since then we have been living a “new normal.”

The “new normal” has been hard on everyone. Many of us have not been able to see family and friends, including our church families. Face-to-face meetings, Sunday School Classes, meals, worship services have been moved online. Prior to a year ago I had never heard of ZOOM. Communication of critical information has not reached everyone and has caused some misunderstanding. Try as we may, we have lost contact with some friends and family, including our church families.

In December 2020, Pastor Matt made it known to the SPRC and the District Superintendent of his intention to seek a voluntary leave of absence beginning July 2021. Then an opportunity came for Pastor Matt to take his leave earlier. Our district superintendent, Rev. Wayne Snead contacted me at the end of January asking whether I would be available to serve as interim senior pastor here at CUMC. With that, Pastor Matt and Liz Griffin, Chair of the SPRC made the announcement on January 31st that Matt would be beginning his leave of absence earlier on February 15th.

While it was quicker than expected, Pastor Matt had been making plans to begin his leave, vacated the parsonage and moved into his home.

Miranda Seligman, your wonderful Children’s Ministry Coordinator, completed her college degree recently and made the decision in December 2020 to find a position that aligned with her career goals. The congregation and staff hated to see her leave and we celebrate all that she did to enhance the ministry here at CUMC, particularly with our children.

Now, just two weeks into my tenure as interim pastor, I and the leadership team received notice from Cody Froelich that he for personal reasons has decided to leave his position as modern worship leader.

During this time when COVID has forced us to rely on technology, pre-recorded music components and his computer expertise, Cody’s absence will leave huge shoes to fill. But God is faithful and will provide for us to be able to continue our online ministry. Cody has requested a time of privacy as he continues to work on those issues that brought him to the place of resigning his position. While that is hard, because all of us care so much for he and his family, I pray you can respect his choice.

As previously announced by the SPRC, Rev. Scott Rimer will be assigned by Bishop Lewis as the new senior pastor effective July 2021. Add to this the fact that CUMC is seeking to hire a new facilities technician, a new children’s coordinator as well as some other possible changes, you can see that 2021 continues to be a year of change and transition.

Please be in prayer for CUMC, Pastor Matt and his family, Miranda, Cody and his family, Pastor Scott and his family and me as we work together through the bumps and detours, we have and are facing. God bless all of you.

 
+ Grace and Peace +

Pastor Jim

Join us for Sunday morning worship

Community UMC continues to provide online worship opportunities at our Facebook and YouTube pages:
 
Traditional Sunday Worship at 9:00 AM
Modern Worship at 11:15 AM

       

Your financial gifts also matter. You can give online at cumcvb.org 

Bishop issues changes to in-person worship policies

The workgroup created by Bishop Sharma D. Lewis to help move back to in-person worship safely has issued its first update to its Technical Assistance Manual (TAM) since December 11. The new update from the Return to In-Person Worship Work Group takes into account new research and best practices and provides new guidance in the following areas. Specific requirements are in the latest TAM found on the conference webpage at www.vaumc.org/return.

At Community, the church staff, Leadership Team, and Healthy Church Team (HCT) will review these policy changes. Expect updates to our in-person worship policies soon.

Pastor Jim live-streaming a devotional service Wednesdays at noon

    
Each Wednesday at Noon, Pastor Jim will be live-streaming on Facebook, a brief devotional service, including a virtual Holy Communion. You are invited to share in this devotional moment. If you are planning on participating in Holy Communion, Pastor Jim invites you to have bread and cup with you as you watch. Please feel free to share the post on your social media page.

 


You are invited!

Charles Wesley SS Class begins a four-week study March 14th

You are invited to join the Charles Wesley Class for a four-week study, starting on Sunday, March 14 at 10:00am, by Lee Strobel, The Case for Easter. Join our class as we look at the story of Jesus’ resurrection and reveal how we can know that it actually took place. Please contact Terry Buzzard < tbuzz42091@yahoo.com> or Gary Lupton <GLuptonSR@gmail.com> for Zoom information.


UMCOR announced an advance for Texas weather disaster


The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responds to natural or civil disasters of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Through UMCOR, United Methodists extend loving care to people within the United States. When disaster strikes, it is local churches that provide the first response to their communities. This basic understanding—that disaster response is local—forms the foundation for UMCOR’s U.S. disaster training and response. 
 
You may send a check to the Virginia Conference (PO Box 5605, Glen Allen, VA 23058) earmarked Advance #901670 to assist people in Texas and other states. Or you may make an online donation at https://advance.umcor.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx
 
Specific questions about this Advance project may be directed to Lara S. Martin at lmartin@umcor.org

Lent at Community

We will be offering Lent in a Bag this year.

What is That?

“Lent in a Bag” equips you with symbols of the season of Lent and instructions to help you have prayer or conversation at home.   They will be available for pick up, from a plastic tub, at the tower door Monday afternoon, Feb. 12. There will be a separate sheet for families with young children.  Please take a bag to share with a neighbor.  

What about children?

There is a daily activity for children called Upon this Tree, it comes with a booklet and large sheet with a punch out of a tree, please take one of each.

Lent

The instruction sheet will include an invitation to Sunday night zoom meetings throughout Lent: Sunday Night Devotions and Sharing of Reflections  at  7:00p.m.

Memorial Bricks now available


Do you have someone dear to you in your life whom you would like to honor?  Or perhaps a loved one who has already passed on?  Why not show your love by honoring them with a beautiful imprinted memorial brick? These bricks will be installed in the newly designed Percy Patterson Garden behind the sanctuary under the lovely stained glass window.  Click HERE to print out and complete the form for the size you'd like. There are 3 sizes and prices: 4x8 - $125; 8x16 - $250; and 16x16 - $500.  Let's start ordering and we'll get this garden growing!
Mail the completed form with your check to 1072 Old Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

UMW General Meeting set for March 11

Are you concerned about what steps we can take to help make the world a better place? Please join CUMC United Methodist Women on Zoom March 11 at 7:00 pm as guest speaker Jackie Stein leads the UMW General Meeting Social Action program:  “Hearing God’s Call to See All the People.”  All are welcome to attend and invite a guest. Or two!
 Zoom meeting # 321 172 8153  Passcode 1234.  
Refreshments provided by yourself. Or not. Up to you.
For more information, please contact Sandi Granger grangr5@cox.net or 757-635-6498.

CUMC seeks a full-time Facilities Manager

                                   
Wanted:  Community United Methodist Church, Virginia Beach, is seeking someone to fill the position of Facilities Manager.  The position requires extensive knowledge and skills with electrical and plumbing systems and other knowledge associated with building operation and maintenance. Good interpersonal and communications skills are necessary.  Some computer capabilities will be needed.  Certification in plumbing or electricity a plus.  This is a full-time, salaried position.  Please email leadership@cumcvb.org with a resume or with any questions you may have.

New roof needed on children’s wing

The children’s wing of our building is in need of a new roof. We would like to begin this work in the spring and need your help. The current estimate is close to $180,000. You can give online at Cumcvb.org and designate your gift to the “roof fund,” or you can send in a check with that designated on the memo line. Please prayerfully consider donating to this most important cause.

United Methodist General Conference News


This week it was announced that the United Methodist Commission on General Conference, which helps coordinate meetings for our global decision-making body, has postponed a full General Conference gathering until 2022.
Read more here- Update on General Conference 

A special virtual General Conference has been called to consider several pieces of legislation to support the ongoing United Methodist mission and ministry in the interim. For more information, including dates and legislation, click here. 

Virginia Conference News


 
Earlier this month, Bishop Lewis that the Virginia Annual Conference through the formation of the District Alignment Team (DAT) has explored the question, "How can districts most effectively order themselves for the adaptive challenges  of the 21st century?"  You can read her letter here and watch her video here.  More information and FAQs can be located here.   In July 2021, the conference will build on the success of the Danville/Farmville Districts.  Beginning July 2021, the districts will move to one district superintendent for two districts- 8 district superintendents (DS) for 16 districts.  
Here is the list of projected appointments for DS for July 2021 – June 2022:
• Alexandria and Arlington Districts, Sarah L.K. Calvert
• Danville and Lynchburg Districts, Denise P. Bates
• Harrisonburg and Winchester Districts, Victor R. Gomez
• York River and Rappahannock River Districts, Charles F. Ledlum-Bates
• Charlottesville and Richmond Districts, Hyo J. Lee
• Elizabeth River and Eastern Shore Districts, Seonyoung Kim
• Farmville and James River Districts, Jay Carey
• Roanoke and Staunton Districts, J. Douglas Forrester
More resources about this can be found on the Virginia Annual Conference website here.  
Last Monday, February 15th, Elizabeth River District Clergy gathered via zoom to hear more about this from our District Superintendent Rev. Wayne Snead.  

Please look for opportunities to learn more and dialogue about this. The Conference plans to host six virtual listening posts between April 2021 and February 2022.
Everyone is welcome to participate. You are invited to begin your participation now by following this link where you can provide feedback and ask questions that will help shape the upcoming virtual listening posts.

The Conference has a whole page with information and resources about District Re-Alignment information that can be found here. 

Need a mask?

Virginia Conference UMM face masks
$10 each. They are not embroidered, but are screen printed with a solid, good quality burgundy colored ink. Limited supply, limited offer. Contact Andrew Kissell if interested - andrew.kissell@aecom.com

   

Support UMW missions by buying a mask.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/CUMCVBUMW/photos/3433955436696066 - to see more available masks. $5 for 3-pleat, $7 for beak-style. We are also now accepting Square for credit/debit! Contact Julie Kissell (2sing4you@gmail.com or 757-404-1783) to purchase. 100% of donations made for masks will go to UMW missions.

Upper Rooms

Upper Rooms for March and April will be available outside the tower doors. The box is clear with a blue lid.

Meals on Wheels Update

King’s Grant Presbyterian Church on Little Neck Road is now the new location for Meals on Wheels. Volunteers need to know that the new pickup time is 10:30 AM. They have been extremely accommodating and even provide an office. Chef by Design prepares the meals and they presently serve 140 people. Volunteers are always needed so if you are interested, contact Lou Schroeder at 757-495-1809.

Current CUMC Contact information 

To help keep everyone safe, the church is now working with minimal staff, uncertain office hours, and limited operations. If you have a need during this time, please note the following contact info:
Pastor Jim 757-650-4266
Minister of Congregational Care Jannette: 757-633-1843
Leadership Team Rep. Liz Griffin: 757-621-9795
 
If you need to reach the leadership team, please email them at leadership@cumcvb.org
 
To submit announcements to the e-newsletter please email them to msnow@cumcvb.org or cumc@cumcvb.org thanks!  Follow the link to “How to submit items for this newsletter” for more information.






 

Church Office Business Hours

Office Hours: 9:30am-3:30pm Monday-Thursday
9:30am-12:00pm Friday


To contact a pastor, call the church office at (757) 495-1021

Links to the United Methodist connection

Follow this link to the latest events and announcements from the Elizabeth River District

Follow this link to the latest news from the Virginia Conference

Follow this link to the General Conference for the latest United Methodist News
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Telephone:
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Web Address:
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