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WESLEY MEMORIAL'S MINISTRIES THRIVE DURING PANDEMICBY THE REV.
RODNEY HUNTER AND CHERYL CARTER
On March 8, 2020, we celebrated our 139th anniversary just
before the COVID-19 pandemichalted all in-person worship, meetings
and activities. This pandemic changed the wayWesley’s ministries
would be accomplished. As the pandemic restricted our physical
in-person worship, God provided a new way for us to worship through
livestreaming. TheSunday morning video livestreaming allowed us to
reach more of our members and friendsthroughout the U. S. as well
as Bermuda, Cuba, and Belize. In addition to broadening
ourviewership, our financial blessings increased. God was revealing
God's Majestic Divinepower in the midst of the human disaster we
call COVID-19.As the pandemic immobilized our movement, God
mobilized us to find ways to continueour ministries and outreach.
Our service to our church and the community has beenphenomenal. The
United Methodist Men and Women have found ways to carry out
theirgoals and objectives electronically. We have continued to
provide church school materialsand teachings through our weekly
newsletter which provides updates on church events,community, civic
and social issues, general assembly events and links for
communityZOOM meetings. As the members have continued to pray and
financially support thechurch, we have been blessed to remain
current on our expenses while being able toprovide support for
individuals and families in need.We have supported ACTS (rent and
mortgage assistance), Virginia Poverty Law Center’spush against
evictions, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s advocacy
for paid sickleave, and abolishing the death penalty. We also
labored with VPLC to bring fairness to thepredatory lending laws,
resulting in Governor Ralph Northam’s signing of the bill at
Wesleyon Aug. 3rd. We have also provided financial assistance to
more than 150 families in needof food, rent, utilities, and
spiritual support. We were able to assist 25 families with
turkeysand food for Thanksgiving, as well as assist 50 families
with funds for Christmas. Inaddition to the domestic ministries, we
have continued to reach out worldwide through oursupport of
churches in Cuba, Belize, Ghana, West Africa, and the Democratic
Republic of theCongo, Central Africa.God has supplied for our needs
just as God did for Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (IKings:17).
Nothing can stop God’s work and mission to God's people. Through
thispandemic, we have witnessed the mighty power of God.
THE RICHMOND DISTRICT DISPATCHFEBRUARY 2021
A Newsletter of the Richmond District - Virginia Conference
Good words for Great Souls
PAGE 01
PAGE 01
In memory of Father Smith
PAGE 02
Pertweeville Chorale singsand wins for go
PAGE 03
Upcoming Projects
PAGE 05
Food for the Soul
PAGE 06
Announcements, Events,and Updates
PAGE 07
GOV. NORTHAM SIGNING NEW LAW REV. HUNTER LIVESTREAMING
RICHMOND DISTRICT FEBRUARY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
Wesley Memorial UMC- p. 1
Heart Havens Month,Scout Sunday, LayServant MinistriesCourse,
Collecting Kitsfor Conference - p. 2
District Training PartTwo, UMW Healing ofthe Hearts
Program,Women's Retreat,Bailey ScholarshipProgram Deadline,Annual
ConferenceJune 2021- p. 3
COVID Mission TaskForce, A Word fromour DS - p. 4
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BRIGHAM YOUNG
SCOUT SUNDAY February 14 by Bill Chaffin
In 1920 the United Methodist Church looked to the Boy Scouts of
America and notonly liked what they had going but offered a
partnership, an allegiance. The UnitedMethodist Church is the
number one sponsor of BSA units in our country.Many churches
celebrate Scout Sunday the first Sunday of February. Most of us
inthe United Methodist Church wait until the second Sunday so we do
not conflictwith communion. Also many support Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts together andsome honor the Girl Scout programs on March 7th.
Regardless of the month ordate we should be in celebration of these
programs affiliated with our local church. When you encounter a
scout introduce yourself to them and thank them for being ascout.
If you know a Scouting adult in your church or neighborhood simply
thankthem for serving our youth. That is a gift itself. And may our
omnipotent andeverlasting God bless and keep you and your families
in all you do.
HEART HAVENS MONTH by Sara Becker
Heart Havens’ month is February and we can't wait to celebrate
with you. TheVirginia Conference has designated February as Heart
Havens Month, one of sixspecial offerings throughout the year.
There are seven Heart Havens homes acrossthe Conference, where men
and women with a developmental disability areempowered to be full
members of the body of Christ, and active participants intheir
communities. The theme for Heart Havens Month this year is "A
DifferentPerspective." Heart Havens' goal is 100 monthly Heart
Havens donors. Please visithearthavens.org to see our video and
additional electronic resources to share. Youcan also find Heart
Havens month posts on social media – sharing will help usspread our
message of empowerment. Thank you for your continued support
ofHeart Havens!
KITS FOR CONFERENCE COLLECTION by Rev. Josh McCauley
The long awaited time has come! COX Trucking has agreed to
transport our kits toPA for free! Duncan Memorial has offered the
use of their fellowship hall as thedrop-off location for the kits.
Kits can be dropped off 10am-4pm, Monday Feb. 15 –Friday Feb. 19,
and Monday Feb. 22 – Thursday Feb. 25. Please ensure your kits
arelabeled correctly. Find the information needed for shipping
herehttps://umcmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UMCOR-Sager-Brown-Relief-Supply-Shipping-Label-and-Packing-List_August-2019.pdf.
To schedule a drop off please email [email protected].
RICHMOND DISTRICT FEBRUARY 2021 PAGE 02
LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES COURSE OFFERED - February 27The Lay
Servant Basic class is being offered virtually by James River
District Saturday,February 27, 8:00am-3:00pm. Richmond District Lay
Servants who need the Basic class forcertification should go to the
Virginia Conference website for more information aboutregistration
and class requirements. Deadline for registration is February 14,
2021. Pleasenote that there is a limit on the number of
participants. To register, please
visithttp://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=fzyct6pab&oeidk=a07ehh3adto0eaabd68021
PAGE 02
http://hearthavens.org/https://umcmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UMCOR-Sager-Brown-Relief-Supply-Shipping-Label-and-Packing-List_August-2019.pdfhttp://vaumc.org/http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=fzyct6pab&oeidk=a07ehh3adto0eaabd68
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UMW HEARTS FOR JUSTICE PROGRAM - February 27
The Richmond District UMW will present "Healing of the Hearts"
on Sat. Feb. 27, 10am-12noon. This program completes Section 3g of
the "Living Into Our Purpose" form. RSVP isrequested but not
required. To join the program, please use this
link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85303500115?pwd=K0xIQnJwYmdLMVdOWi9JdHEzUTdLUT09
For more information, please contact Linda Porter,
[email protected].
WOMEN'S RETREAT - February 27Spiritual Adventure for Women
Retreat - Are you ready for a new adventure in 2021? Areyou looking
for ways to travel during the wilderness of Lent? If so, join
others on a SpiritualAdventure for Women on Saturday, February 27,
9 a.m. to noon via Zoom. The retreat ishosted by the Spiritual Life
Center of Virginia with Spiritual Director Joy Crawford, Rev.Kelley
Lane, and Rev. Lisa McGehee as your guides. The cost is $20 per
person.Registration is available at
https://www.spirituallifecenterva.org/spiritual-adventure-for-women.htmlFor
more information, contact Joy at [email protected],
Kelley [email protected], or Lisa at [email protected].
The adventure awaits!
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP EVENT - PART TWO -February 21
The Rev. Jorge Acevedo is presenting on "VitalCongregations"
again this month. Everyone is invited tojoin the Zoom training
4:00-6:00pm on Sun. Feb. 21. Thismonth's training will cover
understanding your contextand having a crystal clear focus.If
registered for the event, we will send a reminder onFeb. 18. If you
would like to register, please
visitwww.richmonddistrictumc.org/leadership-training-with-jorge-acevedo.
RICHMOND DISTRICT FEBRUARY 2021 PAGE 03
BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM DEADLINE -February 8Do you know a
high school senior discerning a call toministry? Whether they feel
called to be a pastor, youthminister, music minister, religious
studies professor, faith-based non-profit leader, military or
hospital chaplain,Randolph-Macon College’s Bailey Scholars Program
couldhelp them (a) afford college and (b) find a
supportivecommunity for vocational discernment as they grow
incollege and prepare for seminary. Randolph-Macon College is the
oldest continuouslyoperating United Methodist college in the U.S.,
and we'recommitted to nurturing a new generation of leaders both
inthe UMC and across denominational lines too. Applicationdeadline
is Feb. 8, 2021. If you have questions,email Kendra at
[email protected].
2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELDVIRTUALLY JUNE 18-19
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis , together wi th the AnnualConference P
lanning Team, announced the 2021Virginia Annual Conference wi l l
be a v i r tual eventheld June 18-19 . Business of the Annual
Conferencewi l l be l imited , due to economic constra ints , only
toFr iday , June 18 . Worship services and t ime fordis tr ic t
-based service opportuni t ies wi l l be conductedon Saturday ,
June 19 . The theme for the conference is"Uni ted as One" based on
John 17 :20-23 .
P lease note that the Richmond Distr ic t has tenopenings for la
i ty to serve as delegates to AnnualConference. Interested persons
should contactMaryKaye at RichmondDistr ic [email protected] to receivea
nominat ions form. Al l forms must be submit ted byMarch 1 to be
considered.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85303500115?pwd=K0xIQnJwYmdLMVdOWi9JdHEzUTdLUT09http://gmail.com/https://www.spirituallifecenterva.org/spiritual-adventure-for-women.htmlhttp://spirituallifecenterva.org/http://vaumc.org/http://vaumc.org/http://www.richmonddistrictumc.org/leadership-training-eventhttp://rmc.edu/
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COVID MISSION TASK FORCE
February 17 @ 12noon, TOPIC: Leading consistent food drives at
your church,
March 3 @ 12noon, TOPIC: Learning from our Food Pantry Guests:
What isgoing on in our communities? Reviewing the status of the Oct
2020-Jan 2021Focus Missions
We have some exciting meetings coming up over the next few
months. Churcheshave been hard at work collaborating to feed
thousands of people a week. Join usto learn how you can get
involved! Please take a minute to fill out this googleform so we
can connect with you about ways you can
help!https://forms.gle/PB7QuEEWtYJBkd1N9. See what we have been
doing by visitinghttp://www.richmonddistrictumc.org/. The Task
Force meets the first and thirdWednesdays of each month. Please
feel free to share this with anyone in yourchurch who you think
might be interested (especially Mission chairs, etc.).
ZoomInformation for each meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3796423694or Call: (312) 626-6799 Meeting
ID: 379 642 3694
Reviewing the status of the Oct 2020-Jan 2021 Focus Missions
A WORD FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
A while ago, I was on a short-term mission trip to Haiti, to the
Island of Lagonave.The island was about a four-hour boat trip away
from the mainland. On ourreturn trip to the mainland, we left early
while it was still dark and the sea wasrough with strong winds and
waves. The small boat we were in was tossed leftand right, and the
sea was spraying over us, soaking us completely. I wondered--Are we
going to die? It was truly scary. I almost asked the captain to
turn back tothe Island. But then I noticed that the captain was
calm as if that rough weatherwas a routine thing. I gritted my
teeth and held tight on the rail to the point ofmy arm aching.
Amazingly, about an hour later, the water was calm and the sunwas
rising from the east like a blazing furnace. What a scene!As we go
through this pandemic, a prolonged one, and now with new
fast-spread-ing variants, I often think about the boat ride from
the Island Lagonave to PortPrince. The good news is, according to
Mark 4:35-41, when we were in the dark,when we were scared and
worried whether or not we would make it, Christ whohad been with
the disciples at the sea of Galilee, the creator of heaven and
earth,is also with us, now and beyond this pandemic season. With
this, let me share with you what Susan Beaumont said about Leading
withPresence, “Leadership, particularly in today’s environment, is
often an exercise inhard work and striving towards an idealized
future…Surrender is a conscious actof acknowledging and welcoming
our present reality, for all that it has to teach usand for all of
the ways it can mold us.” (NOVA Bi-District training, Jan. 16) Mark
4:40, “Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are youso afraid? Do you
still have no faith?” Would you have faith in Christ with me that
he is with us always, and that he guides us to our destiny safely
as we surrender and follow Him? In this faith, would you continue
the hard work of leading, though you are tired and scared, to God’s
exciting future?
In the Lord,
Hyo J. Lee
RICHMOND DISTRICT FEBRUARY 2021 PAGE 04
Richmond DistrictVirginia Conference
The United Methodist Church10300 Staples Mill Road
PO Box 5606Glen Allen, VA 23058
804.521.1124FAX: 804.521.1175
EMAIL : R [email protected]
Sharma D. Lewis - Area BishopHyo J. Lee - District
SuperintendentMaryKaye Cochran - Executive AdministratorMaria
Maxwell - Coordinator for ChurchRevitalization and Leadership
DevelopmentTina Gudgel - District TreasurerSusan Custer - District
Lay LeaderLinda Porter - District Missions CoordinatorScotty Doyle
- District UMW PresidentDann Ladd - District UMM PresidentBill
Chaffin - Coord. District Scouting MinistryBessie Owens - Dist.
Director Lay Servant Min.Pam Hill - District Youth Coordinator
SHIFT
Shift.A fine word that 2020 reminded me of.Shift.. towards each
other.I actually think this is the act ofcompassion. To be with and
for each other. Shift... towards each other.I actually think this
is the act ofunderstanding.To be with and for each other.Shift...
towards each other.I actually think this is the act ofappreciation.
To be with and for each other. Shift... towards each other.I
actually think this is the act of love.To be with and for each
other. Shift... towards each other. I actually think this is the
act of unity.To be with and for each other. May the Holy Shift...
God's dream that we would be with andfor each other...find more
traction in 2021.
-by Melissa FretwellLiberty HomeCare & Hospice Services
Durham, NC
https://forms.gle/PB7QuEEWtYJBkd1N9http://www.richmonddistrictumc.org/https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3796423694http://vaumc.org/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uqsJNgsad3vOZQvoOfnPMl8C9dqKaVYy/view?usp=sharing