News and Events
From the Ashland District Lay Leader
Julie and I are back from the Annual Conference in Roanoke feeling energized by the Bible study, worship services and challenges set before us. Annual Conference adopted the “All Things New” planting seeds for 250 new faith communities over the next 30 years. The 250 Task force has been working 2 years on this proposal and the members of Annual Conference were asked to sign a commitment card of support for the “All Things New” plan. The Ashland District, being one of the fastest growing Districts, will have many opportunities to plant seeds of faith over the next 30 years.
Deech Kirk, executive director of the Center for Youth Ministry Training in Nashville, told us young people are not being “touched by our faith in a way that makes a difference in their lives.” As a result, he said they are inarticulate about their faith. What young people do want is an authentic faith community. “It’s time for the church to reclaim testimony.” Young people want to hear “this is how God changed my life,” or “I experienced God this week by”….
What a segue into what the Ashland District has planned for Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th at Duncan Memorial in Ashland. Please mark your calendar now for these two dates. Stuart Holt from The Evangelism Institute will be leading us through a style of sharing our faith in Christ in a way that is non-threatening, non-argumentative, and builds true friendships. This course, Authentic Outreach, was held last fall at VUMAC and was well received by those who attended. Clergy and laity are both encouraged to attend this training. Please call Lyn at the district office to sign up for this course. (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Go Fish
How about a beginners’ mission trip?
A week-long mission trip is being organized to Statesville, NC, the week of August 3-9, 2008, to help with the building of new homes that are sold to deserving families at a low cost. The construction projects are the work of the Wesley Community Development Corporation, an arm of the United Methodist Western Conference.
The construction is done by volunteers, working with professional oversight. No experience is needed—just a willing heart and helpful hands. Each team member will be asked to contribute $150.00 to cover the cost of transportation and living expenses for the week. Housing will be provided. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. A team planning meeting will be held at Fredericksburg UMC on Sunday, July 13th, at 2:00 pm. Anyone interested in taking advantage of this mission opportunity should contact Gary Gross (540-786-8060) or Phil Haynes (540-891-8849).
Another Training Opportunity
To help your congregation find more ways to welcome everyone, consider
attending the “Living Our Promise” Igniting Ministry training on Saturday,
September 20th from 9 am to 3 pm at Shady Grove UMC,
“Pastors, church leaders, laypersons — anyone interested in reaching out to
the unchurched in your community – should attend this training,” said Linda
Rhodes, Conference director of Communications. “If you’ve never participated in
Igniting Ministry training, this event will help your church get started in
reaching out to the unchurched in your community. If you’re already involved
with Igniting Ministry or have attended a training session, this event will
provide opportunities to learn additional welcoming and marketing techniques
plus ways to develop an image identity for your church.”
Cost is $40 per congregation, regardless of how many attend from a single
church, plus $10 per participant to cover lunch and snacks.
To register online, visit the Conference Web site,
www.vaumc.org, click on “events” and then
the date. Or download the registration form, complete it and mail it with a
check or credit card information to the Communications Office, Virginia United
Methodist Conference,