Bishop, Cabinet announce new district names, boundaries
Virginia United Methodist
$2.00AdvocateJanuary 2011 From the Editor’s Desk AdvocateVirginia United Methodist ‘The few in the pew’: Vol. 179, January 2011, No. 1 We must embrace young adults Single Copy: $2.00 ______before they’re all gone Importance of equipping young adult leaders “We envision faith communities where all God’s people are couple of weeks ago I was talking to one of the most welcomed at table, nurtured faithful young Christians that I know. But his dedication leads to new initiative and transformed to be A seems a little “cooler” now. Maybe it’s because he’s Christ to others in the world.” about to graduate from college and unsure of what his future by Jessie Squires — Virginia______Conference Vision Statement holds, but he’s no longer playing in his church’s praise band and has decided not to go to seminary — at least for now. One of the questions being asked at United Methodist Inside This Issue Some rough experiences with church people and the churches across Virginia is a demographic one: “Where Features: organized church “structure” have not yet driven him away are all the young adults?” ‘The few in the pew’: Importance completely. But these experiences have definitely reduced his If you go to a coffee shop, concert or college of equipping young adult leaders enthusiasm. football game you will see a plethora of young adults, “Young people love Jesus,” he told me flatly, “but they don’t but when it comes to Sunday morning worship, atten- leads to new initiative 3 Neill Caldwell O VocationCARE practices help Editor love the church.” dance is sparse. To counteract this reality and “make young people find their paths Yikes! That notion does not bode well for the future of our disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the into leadership 4 church. world,” our conference adopted the “All Things New” Greenhouses of Hope: Congrega- Young people of a certain age drifting out of church has been strategy in 2008. By developing new faith communities tions learn how to grow young common for years. I was guilty of that while I was a college student. that are relevant and practical to the lives of young leaders 5 Research has shown that more than two-thirds of young adults adults, the hope is that they will return to church or go for the first time. Conference implementation team who attend a Protestant church stopped attending church regularly is ‘re-thinking’ campus ministry 6 for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. This is a great idea, but what about the young adults ence by Alan Combs, chair of the Young Adult Council. But this trend seems more than college freshmen exercising who are still present in the pews on Sundays? What can we This initiative is spiritually grounded though the sacra- Campus ministry at Virginia State their freedom to sleep through Sunday mornings. It’s a real do to equip and empower them? ment of baptism. When children are baptized, the church has impact on the community 6 growing disconnect between churches and young people who The excitement of getting young adults back into church promises, with God’s help, to “surround this person with Engaging in ‘faithful grappling’ at are not feeling spiritually fed inside those churches. blinds us to young adults who are still in our midst offer- a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow the University of Virginia 7 Your Virginia Conference is working to do something about ing themselves and their gifts to God. An important part of in their trust of God and be found faithful in their service ‘The Gathering’ offers transforma- that problem, or at least to listen to the causes and offer “All Things New” which is often overlooked is to “strength- to others.” The Young Adult Leadership Initiative is an tive experiences for young adults 8 churches some ways to reverse the trend. en the ministries of existing churches.” We cannot move intentional way to call Virginia Conference members to On the RISE: new faith community And just in time, too. According to the 2010 State of the forward and start new faith communities if we do not have live out their baptismal vows and create opportunities for in Harrisonburg takes flight 9 Church report, the median age of the population in the United effective leaders to start them. The main focus of this ini- young adults to “grow in their service to others.” It is also States is 35, but the median age of attendees in The United tiative is really about leadership development. a strategic plan to empower and equip young adult laity SectionS: Methodist Church is 57. And while 13 percent of the U.S. Many churches do not know what to do with the young and clergy for mission and ministry. Virginia 10 population is between the ages of 18 and 24, the denomination adults they have. They are excited to have them, but they The Young Adult Leadership Initiative calls every confer- Upcoming Events 19 can claim only 5 percent in that age bracket. do not know how to equip and empower them. To confront ence agency and board to action by asking them to “in- Nation & World 20 The Young Adult Leadership Initiative is designed to nurture this, Virginia Conference staff, in partnership with the tentionally engage in the calling, forming and sending of Clergy & Diaconal 27,34 On the Cover: and lift up our young adults rather than let them drift away. It’s Young Adult Council, took action. They joined forces a year Christian young adult leaders for the transformation of the Local Church 28-29 A “Wordle” is a time to give our younger members more voice in what happens ago to hold three focus groups on leadership development. church and world.” Through this initiative, lay members Letters & Commentary 30-31 cloud of text cre- in our churches, and to listen and respond to their suggestions. Groups met in the northern, southeastern and western re- have the opportunity for spiritual formation and discern- Living the Word 32-34 ated from a spe- We’re also looking at how we can do a better job of gions of Virginia in order to foster young adult clergy and ment through mentoring relationships and leadership posi- Classifieds 34 cific set of words, supporting our very crucial campus ministries in a time where laity participation. A conference staff member and a Young tions at the local church and conference level. Clergy are Grace Notes 35 in this case from financial resources are reduced. Adult Council member facilitated each group. given even more resources to build a vital support system all the articles The resounding theme from these young adults was that will equip them to participate in healthy self-care on young adult It’s up to us as the church structure to offer more points leadership and of entry for young people who have never known a world that they are still in ministry and service today because habits, including opportunities for spiritual nourishment ©2011 Virginia Advocate campus minis- without personal computers and MTV. That’s a big part of the someone believed in them and saw their gifts for ministry. and Sabbath. Through this initiative, the Young Adult National award-winning newsmagazine tries found in this denomination’s “Rethink Church” effort. Young people are Someone gave them a chance and mentored them so that Council will provide adequate assistance, resources and USPS 660-740 ISSN 0891-5598 month’s issue. Published monthly by Virginia United Methodist Communica- drawn to a church that is authentic about being in mission, they could be formed into spiritually grounded, confident partnership to the conference boards so that together they tions, Inc., an agency of the Virginia Annual Conference of The The design gives says the Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean, associate professor of youth, and effective leaders. After the focus groups met, a discus- can empower and equip the young adults in our midst. United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Glen Allen, greater promi- Va., and at additional mailing offices. The Virginia United Method- church and culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. “Young sion about the results was held by the Young Adult Coun- The hope for the Young Adult Leadership Initiative is ist Advocate is owned by Virginia United Methodist Communica- nence to words cil and other focus group participants in January 2010. Fol- that our conference will make a concerted effort to nur- tions, Inc. that appear people don’t care if we [the church] are more Methodist; they POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Virginia United Meth- lowing that meeting, members of the conference staff met ture, receive and take seriously the gifts for ministry and odist Advocate, P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Editorial more frequently. care if we are more authentic,” she says. “Wesley didn’t set out and business offices are located at 10330 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Visit
2 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 3 VocationCARE practices help young people Greenhouses of Hope: find their paths into leadership Congregations learn how to grow Make green a desert place. What does your Greenhouse by Alan Combs Take something barren, young leaders of Hope look like? Think lifeless even, and slowly tend about the ways your congre- Every single one of us has a good work to do in life. One of the points of the Virginia Confer- space with the goal at the end of taking tential to transform the life of a church. it with the right amounts of gation is creating space for ence’s Young Adult Leadership Initiative particular actions as a result of what Creating spaces for persons of different water, sunlight and nutri- This good work not only accomplishes something the dreams of young people M needed in the world, but completes something in us. about which the Young Adult Council they have discerned in the experience. ages to share their stories with one an- ents. Watch life return. In to be grafted into God’s has been the most excited is the charge The beauty of VocationCARE is other creates opportunities for churches time, green shoots emerge. When it is finished, a new work emerges that will help dreams for the world. to “resource local churches on ways to that it is adaptable to many different to discern new directions to which God We’ve been looking for us make green a desert place. At Calling Congregations, incorporate young adults in leadership, contexts. We are already working to might be calling their church. It also cre- green shoots lately. We’ve — Elizabeth O’Connor, Cry Pain, Cry Hope an initiative of the Fund Oincluding mutual mentoring.” introduce these practices in many differ- ates opportunities for mutual mentoring been scanning congregations for Theological Education, Our understanding is that all Chris- ent areas in the life of the conference. where younger folks learn from more for where youth and young we are convinced that such tians have a call from God that is VocationCARE is not an initiative or experienced folks as well as the experi- adults want to be, where congregations spring up grounded in the baptismal grace that program that we are trying to impose enced folks learning from their younger young people are heard from an intelligent aware- draws us into Christ’s Body and follows upon the conference. Instead, it is an brothers and sisters. to say “If this is church, ness of their particular us our whole lives being nourished by invitation. To truly get a sense of Vocation- bring it on!” In the midst of context, history, people, the grace we receive in Holy Commu- We are beginning by exploring par- CARE’s worth is to go through the somber news about mainline resources and crises. Each nion at the Lord’s Table. ticular contexts that we believe would process. Imagine a culture in your con- denominational instability, by Dori Baker one looks different; there’s In our search for material to help be fertile ground for VocationCARE gregation that creates space for young we hear whispers of other re- no kit to buy, blueprint to resource local churches, we were practices. We are working to intro- adults to connect with God in ways that alities, of a renewed imagination for the role of young leaders. copy or curriculum to adopt. A “Greenhouse of Hope” may especially concerned that such mate- duce VocationCARE practices into the make a real difference in their lives and Where young people want to be, young leaders will arise. be a local congregation, a campus ministry, a spirit café or a rial be applicable to as many people as conference’s Calling 21 program, the their desire to make a difference in the We tell the story of seven of these churches in thick, rich house church. But there are specific communal practices at possible. With the Fund for Theological mentoring process for those seeking to world. Imagine what it would look like detail for a book called Greenhouses of Hope: Congregations work in communities of faith that nurture vocation. We call Education’s VocationCARE, we believe discern whether they are called to enter in your church to have a growing num- and the Practices that Nurture Young Leaders (2010, Alban these practices VocationCARE (see article on pg. 4). we have found just what we were look- into the ordained ministry candidacy ber of folks who are actively considering Institute). A “Greenhouse of Hope” is a congregation freeing We see these practices at work in vastly different ways in ing for. process, and we are also in the process the ways that their own passions con- itself to experiment both with newly imagined and time- each of the “Greenhouses of Hope” we researched, and we en- What compels the Young Adult of identifying churches and other min- nected with God’s larger story. Imagine honored ways of following the path of Jesus. Its members re- vision a greenhouse movement as more congregations become Council about VocationCARE is that it istries with potential or existing young the ways committee meetings could be spond to God’s love through practices that genuinely embrace intentional about engaging in these practices. To seed this gives people space to consider potential adult ministries. transformed for folks with a common the gifts of youth and young adults. movement, we are sharing these practices through the Voca- answers to the question “Is there more VocationCARE can be transformative language working to discern God’s call Our researchers paint pictures of these greenhouse church- tionCARE approach, which is flexible, adaptable and highly to life than this?” VocationCARE is a in any context that takes it seriously, on their lives and on the lives of the es — not as sterile, tidy hothouses — but more often as messy, context-sensitive. VocationCARE involves forming a team of journey with young people to identify even in churches that currently have congregation as a whole. organic, creative, intentional and sometimes even seemingly leaders who genuinely enjoy each other’s company and the their deepest passions, to discover how few young adults. Intergenerational Vo- If you are interested in learning more chaotic places that in richly varying ways cultivate just the practices that lead to deeper knowledge of ourselves and those passions intersect with the needs cationCARE experiences have great po- or even being trained in this process, right nutrients to sustain and strengthen emerging young one another. In the midst of this kind of space, we envision of the world, and then to respond e-mail me at
4 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 5 Conference implementation team Engaging in ‘faithful grappling’ is ‘re-thinking’ campus ministry at the University of Virginia Sometimes change is good. Sometimes deep by 2. Objectively and consistently evaluate the best change is necessary. Campus ministry is an stewardship of campus ministries property. Jeff Harlow How does campus min- by Deborah Lewis the busy week and exciting and complicated expression of God’s 3. Determine the most effective campus ministry istry look like ministry also as an outreach Sreign on campuses across our Virginia Conference. The Board organizational structure (in the context of all conference in other faith com- initiative. We have met of Higher Education Ministries is proactively preparing for a ministries), including the clarification of reporting relation- munities, like the local new students, staff and new generation of students on our campuses by engaging in ships. church? faculty who’ve made an intentional process of deep change. The CMIT is focused on a response to the three recommen- H Every week at The this a regular part of About 18 months ago, the Common Table requested that dations that helps conference campus ministries improve their Wesley Foundation at their week and their a Campus Ministry Discernment Team be formed to evaluate effectiveness. This has led to extensive review of the confer- the University of Vir- spiritual practice. current models of campus ministry as practiced in the Virginia ence’s shared vision for campus ministries in the context of ginia (UVA), we worship After hiking • As part of our ecu- Conference. This discernment team identified and recommend- our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the and celebrate Commu- Humpback Rocks menical work with ed a set of changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency transformation of the world. nion, gather for dinner for worship at the top this past Easter, the other campus faith of campus ministries in our conference. The nature and form of campus ministry program, leader- and a discussion on is- group of 85 points to organizations, we The first step was to highlight where change is needed. ship and funding are being reviewed. Ultimately, a compre- sues and events, spend the beautiful sunrise. sponsored two events The second step is to make the change happen. A follow-up hensive set of effectiveness measures will be identified for use time in Bible studies this fall to promote un- Campus Ministry Implementation Team (CMIT) was formed to across all campus ministries. The measures will be used by and other small discipleship groups, and blow off steam play- derstanding between people of differing religious views: assess the initial recommendations and launch a correspond- local campus ministry boards and staff, along with the Board ing intramural sports (aka “Methodists with Muscles”). “God on Grounds: A History of Religious Life at UVA” ing set of implementation strategies. of Higher Education Ministries to make changes that will We reach out to the Charlottesville community and and “Conversation, Conversion, and Coercion: Interfaith Since June, CMIT has been reviewing the following recom- improve local effectiveness. beyond, in mission with the PACEM (People and Congrega- Relations at the University.” mendations identified by the discernment team: The CMIT will continue its work in order to submit a report tions Engaged in Ministry) rotating homeless shelter, the • After reading Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for 1. Objectively and consistently evaluate the effectiveness and to the Common Table by the spring. ❑ women incarcerated in Fluvanna prison, and in various far- Everyday Life by Abbot Christopher Jamison, students fruitfulness of campus ministries, including the develop- — The Rev. Jeff Harlow is pastor at Brosville UMC, Danville District, flung places on our spring break mission trips. in our Wesley Residential Community are challenging ment of a ministry assessment tool. and a member of the Campus Ministry Implementation Team. Like all faith communities, we are called to grapple with themselves by going on a two-day silent retreat at Holy our faith and our location, called to be involved in the issues Cross Abbey monastery in Berryville during Christmas and concerns of those around us, called to let the love of break this winter. (Just think of the true challenge this is Campus ministry at Virginia State Christ shine through our lives and our congregational life and to the ultra-connected Facebook generation!) by out beyond the walls of the church into the life of the world. • Last winter we brought pastor/artist/writer Jan Rich- Delano Douglas For us, in our location at UVA, this means being active ardson to town for a retreat-workshop that gathered 35 has impact on the community participants in a diverse, academic, fast-paced community people from around the conference and beyond. United Campus Ministries at Virginia vided a lunch per month for the home- of students, scholars, staff and local folks. In addition to • We recently offered our building for a memorial service State University (VSU) is committed to less citizens of Petersburg. In September our regular dinners, worship, small group studies, mission held for a longtime 12-step member who felt most at spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ on and October, students ventured to Safe opportunities and fellowship events, here are a few ways our home in the Wesley Foundation, where he had come for Ucampus and beyond through worship Haven of Richmond, partnering with vol- faithful grappling has taken shape recently: meetings every week for years. and Christian education, fellowship and unteers from the city of Richmond and • For the past three years students have gotten up in the • We donated 50 candles to the Accept vigil at the Rotunda community service. VSU’s ‘Men of Troy’ serve as men- Union Presbyterian Seminary to pre- wee hours of the morning (this year we began at 2:30 last month, organized to remember and call attention to Worship has been enhanced by new tors to youths of the community. pare, serve and share a meal with the a.m.) in order to cook breakfast for students in the Mus- the recent spate of suicides by young gay/lesbian/trans- partnerships and offerings. In Septem- residents. Since June, VSU faculty, staff lim Student Association during the month of Ramadan, gender students across the country. ber, the music ministry was placed under Trombones to VSU in August, and more and students have been in relationship the Muslim religious holiday when students who rely on • A Wesley student concerned for a friend involved in a co- the leadership of two VSU students who than 700 people were in attendance for with the Dinwiddie County Department dining halls would have to skip breakfast because of their ercive religious group invited the friend to Thursday night arrange songs of praise and worship for this presentation of the James Weldon of Social Services to provide assistance requirement to eat before the sun rises. dinner so she could talk with me and ask questions. our 2 p.m. Sunday services (with an aver- Johnson classic. On Dec. 3, we sponsored for USDA commodities distribution. • In an effort to address the tragedy and the issues sur- Even in these difficult economic times, your campus min- age attendance of more than 100). Musi- Gospel Jam, a Friday night open mic On Oct. 18, a mentoring ministry rounding the death of Cavalier lacrosse player Yeardley istry is thriving, reaching out in love, making disciples of cal groups from area churches in Peters- praise and worship celebration. During called “Men of Troy” began at Ettrick Love last spring, along with campus ministers and other Christ and transforming lives. Though Virginia Conference burg and Richmond have also visited. We the Wednesday of midterm and final Elementary School. Twenty-one male local faith leaders, I led an interfaith worship service for funds for campus ministry have decreased in the past few have a Praise Dance team of 17 students, exam periods, members of the United students were trained by the Virginia the community. years, I know our conference’s strong support for campus and on Wednesday nights we have a pow- Campus Ministries’ board prepared a Mentoring Partnership to serve as • Each Easter morning we hike Humpback Rocks for our ministry has not diminished. Continued conference support erful prayer and Lectio Divina-centered free fellowship meal for 300 students. mentors. “Men of Troy” meets Mondays sunrise service. Last spring, 35 Wesley families, church is vital to creating and sustaining faithful, effective cam- devotional hour, “Speak Lord: A Time to Our campus ministry has engaged in after school and focuses on the devel- members, alumni, students and another 50 friends from pus ministry. Your support is crucial to this mission of the Hear from God.” outreach to the cities of Petersburg and opment of a healthy mind, body and two other UVA Christian groups joined us at the top for church. You make it possible for people in this wide, diverse Campus ministry partnered with sev- Richmond, and the counties of Dinwid- spirit through study groups, exercise worship. community to see the face of the church as a kind one and eral departments of the university, a die and Chesterfield. Campus ministry and physical fitness activities and social • We offer a free drop-in yoga class on Wednesday nights to trust it. ❑ member of University Relations and St. staff, along with Bermuda Hundred UMC skills workshops. which is open to the university community. We began this — The Rev. Deborah Lewis is campus minister and director of the Joseph’s Catholic Church to bring God’s of Chester and VSU professionals, pro- (Continued on pg. 9, VSU) hoping to offer a place of respite and holy space during Wesley Foundation at the University of Virginia.
6 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 7 ‘The Gathering’ offers transformative On the RISE: experiences for young adults new faith community by Rachel Gilmore in Harrisonburg takes flight In the summer of 2009, I arrived in Virginia Beach to start my first appointment as Young adults are longing for a a Provisional Elder. My appointment was slightly unorthodox: I was being called by place to belong and serve, but are “Last fall there were a lot of miracles going on in Har- God and the Virginia Conference to plant a new faith community for young adults not necessarily drawn to a traditional risonburg,” says the Rev. Amanda Garber, and she’s not with the help of Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, the Norfolk church setting. So, at The Gathering, talking about James Madison University’s football upset (Above) Young adults join the RISE District, and the Church Development Team. The Rev. Fran Cooper had a vision for I’ve preached a sermon on foot wash- of Virginia Tech. leadership team for Ireaching young adults in the Tidewater area and her church served as fertile ground ing while washing the feet of others It’s the successful start of something new: a faith a worship service to begin this new ministry. in a kiddie pool. We’ve broken tiles to “community birthed out of the old campus ministry at in the parking lot to At the start, there were 10 young adults who were active in a small group at Court- make mosaic crosses in worship. We James Madison University (JMU) by Garber and her celebrate the former house Community UMC, but by September there were 40 young adults involved with write letters to God after listening to team. campus ministry’s four weekly small groups. God was moving in this new faith community, which was the sermon. We sing modern songs and Like many church-related things, the idea started as new identity. named “The Gathering” United Methodist Church, and we held our first monthly wor- ancient hymns to modern tunes. We a small mustard seed: In this case, the need for more ship service in November 2009. celebrate Communion every week parking at the Wesley Foundation. As the community grew, we de- ‘The Gathering’ holds its Sunday morning and pray the “Lord’s Prayer,” but I “There was tremendous potential that was not being (Above) Julie Yannuzzi, Brittany Conley and cided to move our Sunday morning worship services at a performing arts cen- wear jeans with my clerical collar. realized,” said Garber. “We realized God was calling us the Rev. Amanda Garber greet passersby in worship services from Courthouse ter in Virginia Beach. to do a new thing.” In the last four months we have downtown Harrisonburg as part of their out- Community UMC to a local per- rejoiced in two adult baptisms A year ago a leadership team was formed as the first reach to get to know people in the community. forming arts center in the heart of and an infant baptism as we see step in establishing a new faith community that would Virginia Beach. We launched our the Holy Spirit continue to move be more than expanded campus ministry. “We needed a com- around 60 children and 75 young adult mentors. public worship service in that new in this faith community. We’ve munity that would connect with adults age 18 to 30-ish,” said “We’re seeing a huge variety of people coming through the venue on Sept.12, 2010, and had Garber, 36, “but welcome everyone with open arms.” doors,” said Garber. “We’re connecting with a lot of people 132 in attendance. The name RISE says different things to different people, who were disconnected.” While worship attendance has she says. “To me it is resurrection imagery, a verb instead of a Garber said there’s already a perception around town that dipped to around 90 people a week, noun. We wanted something with passion and vibrancy. ‘Wes- RISE is “that hippie church.” It might be because RISE’s lead- there are weeks when we have ley Foundation’ just didn’t have a lot of meaning, even for our ers don’t take themselves very seriously, she says. “We do take 50-70 people attend a small group. This demonstrates a principle deep at the heart United Methodist students.” following Jesus very seriously. We just have a playful way of of our ministry: the Wesleyan model of small group formation and accountability is Garber says RISE extends beyond the university community communicating where we are.” crucial in the discipleship process. We began by offering small groups that targeted Pastor Rachel Gilmore (right) and but is still very much connected to JMU. In fact folks from The end result is “so much more incredible than anything I young adults in various stages of life. For instance, the YUMs were Young Un- others from The Gathering UMC give three other area colleges — Eastern Mennonite, Bridgewater can imagine,” Garber says. Married adults, while the YAMs were Young Adult Marrieds and the Pregs and some hands-on assistance with a and Blue Ridge Community College — have been involved. For more information, visit
8 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 9 The United Methodist Connection in . . . Dean of Duke Chapel, GBGM General Secretary to speak at 2011 Annual Conference Virginia eing Christ to Oth- Thomas “The building is older and was not ers: Snapshots of the Kemper (left), built to current ADA (Americans with “BKingdom” will be the GBGM Gen- Disabilities Act) codes,” Stokes said. theme when 2011 Annual Confer- eral Secre- “We have many of the same concerns ence convenes June 15-19 at the tary, and Sam as are usually heard from our older Bishop Kammerer, Cabinet announce new Roanoke Civic Center in June. Wells (below), local churches.” The focus of the gathering will be dean of Duke Recently, a team that included per- 16-district configuration for Virginia Conference Chapel, will on mission . . . as well as electing speak at this sons from the Blue Ridge Independent ishop Charlene Kammerer and The reduction won’t officially take the current Rappahannock District will delegates to 2012 General and year’s Vir- Living Center and Lisa Moorman from the Cabinet have announced effect until July 1, following 2011 An- form the new York River District. Jurisdictional conferences. ginia Annual the Civic Center, did an audit of the Bnew boundaries, district names nual Conference. This is the first time The new James River District will Bishop Charlene Kammerer Conference in facility’s handicapped accessibility. and local church district assignments district lines have been redrawn since be slightly larger than the current has invited the Rev. Sam Wells, Roanoke. “As a result of the audit, the that will reduce the number of districts 1972. Petersburg District, mainly from the dean of Duke Chapel in Dur- Civic Center has scheduled sensi- in the Virginia Conference from 18 to addition of churches from the current ham, N.C., to be the conference tivity training, which made a big 16, effective July 1. Portsmouth District. preacher. difference between the two years Three districts — Ashland, Ports- Seven Mecklenburg County church- A native of England, his we spent in Norfolk,” said Stokes. mouth and Rappahannock — will be es and 11 Brunswick County churches, experience includes working in eastern Ju- “This will benefit not only our discontinued, and a new Fredericks- all formerly on the Petersburg District, inner-city Liverpool and service at risdictional conference, but all who use the burg District created. Three other dis- help expand the Farmville District four parishes as a Church of England Conference Civic Center.” trict names will be new, all named for from 92 to 109 churches. priest from 1991-2005. He has an and also The staff at the facility is work- major waterways in the corresponding The Winchester District, which M.A. in Modern History from Oxford, will serve ing to correct what it can, but parts of the Commonwealth: the James currently has the largest number of a B.D. in Systematic Theology from as reserves problems will likely persist. The River District, the Elizabeth River Dis- churches with 99, will lose 13 churches Edinburgh University and a Ph.D. in for General only fully accessible restroom trict, and the York River District. The graphic illustration above is part in the realignment. Christian Ethics from Durham Uni- Conference available is in the Special Events “The Cabinet has unanimously ap- of the official logo for the Virginia Alexandria, Arlington, Harrison- versity. He has published six books, delegates. Center lobby; other restrooms are proved the new names and is pleased Conference of The United Methodist burg, Lynchburg and Charlottesville including Community-Led Estate Another 10 not wide enough for wheelchairs. to share this information with ev- Church. The section in white repre- districts will see only minor changes, Regeneration and the Local Church clergy and There is no access between build- eryone across the conference,” said sents the area that contains the 18 while the Roanoke, Eastern Shore, (2003), Improvisation: The Drama of 10 laity will be elected jurisdictional ings without steps without having districts that make up the Virginia Bishop Kammerer. “We are grateful to Conference. That area has been re- Staunton and Danville districts will Christian Ethics (2004) and Speak- conference reserves. to go outside. The only accessibility all those persons who suggested names configured to 16 districts, effective not be changed at all. ing the Truth: Preaching in a Plu- Because it’s a voting year, Annual is through the staff lounge — which for consideration.” July 1, 2011. The gray area represents For a complete list of new districts ralistic Culture (Abingdon, 2008). He Conference will start on Wednesday Civic Center representatives have Work was finalized at the Cabinet’s the southwestern portion of the state and the charges/churches within them, also teaches Christian Ethics at Duke night with the separate clergy and agreed to open for this purpose. December meeting. included in the Holston Conference. visit the conference Web site
10 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 11 ‘Together we can’: United Methodist Church Jim Bergdoll stepping aside as Virginia United puts new emphasis on connectional giving Methodist Foundation president, executive director s the national economy con- Because people are more likely to open money received, $845 is returned to ames R. Bergdoll, president and the Jurisdic- Conference to make presen- tinues its sluggish recovery, their wallets when there is an emotional the local church in various services and executive director of the United tional Confer- tations on endowment and Aconnectional giving is receiving component, United Methodist church programs; $124 goes to the conference, JMethodist Foundation of the Vir- ence of The planned giving and investment new emphasis in The United Methodist members are always quick to give for district and jurisdiction, $22 goes to ginia Conference, Inc., announced his United Meth- of local church funds. Church. special needs, such as Hurricane Katrina apportioned funds including places like retirement at the meeting of the board odist Church “We are grateful for the dedi- “When we give, great things hap- relief along the Gulf Coast, or following Africa University and the Ministerial of directors on Dec. 9 to take effect this from 1980 until cated service Jim has provided pen,” said Mary Lynn Holly of United the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. In Education Fund, and $9 goes to the spring. 2004. He also to the Foundation,” said Lorilei Methodist Communications. “We can do 2008, the 34,000 churches and 45,000 general fund. Bergdoll has served as president and served terms Roberts of Purcellville, chair together what otherwise we cannot do clergy in the denomination gave a total of Clergy leadership on giving is impor- executive director of the conference on the Gen- of the Foundation. “Jim has separately.” $6.3 billion. That’s $121 million a week, tant. The church conducted research Foundation since 1999, following 41 eral Board of nearly doubled the Foundation’s Church resources are focusing on the or about $12,000 per minute! from 2006-2010 and found that many years in college administration, first at Higher Educa- managed assets despite two commands of Christ and our Wesleyan These gifts to the Advance and other church members say they seldom Randolph-Macon College in Ashland tion and the significant market down-turns in heritage as the basis for a worldwide designated areas are considered “second receive information on giving from their and 32 years at Virginia Wesleyan Col- Lake Junaluska the past decade and has worked network of transformational ministries. mile” giving. The apportioned funds are pastors. The research identified a 16 lege in Norfolk. He was serving as vice Assembly tirelessly around the conference “A network of interconnected rela- “first mile,” or the first priority of mem- percent increase in participation when president for development and college Center. promoting, teaching and facili- tionships — from local church, district, bers and churches. These funds provide conferences made a point of asking its relations when he retired from Virginia The assets of Bergdoll tating the values of Christian conference and general church mission the framework of the entire denomina- ministers to emphasize a Special Sunday Wesleyan in December 1998. the Foundation stewardship.” and ministry — are essential to fulfilling tion, and enable us to help more people offering or other specific area. Bergdoll is a member of the Virginia have grown A search committee has been Jesus’ Great Commission,” Holly added. in more ways. United Methodist Communications Conference Board of Laity, secretary from $19 million in 1999 to $34 million formed and the process is under way to Rising health care costs, insurance Some members grumble that ap- has developed DVDs, posters and bro- of the board of the Preachers Relief as of November 2010. More than $3 hire a new executive director. The board costs, utilities and building maintenance portionments are a “tax” or even a chures on giving. Look for “Together Society and vice chair of the Norfolk million in new funds have been invested hopes to name a successor by the Foun- costs are all putting additional pressure “franchise fee.” There’s also misconcep- we can,” the theme for 2009-2012. Visit District Board of Missions. He was a with the Foundation in 2010. dation’s board meeting in May. (See ad on churches. tion that the general church receives
12 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 13 Joint Holston-Virginia conferences ministry Petersburg and Hungary districts will bring Disciple Bible Study into prisons are ‘In Mission Together’ fficials from the Virginia and Holston conferences and Chaplain Service wealth, and 40 within the boundary of he Petersburg and the Hungary church in another coun- Prison Ministry of Virginia met Nov. 30 with the executive director of Dis- the Virginia Conference. Plus there are districts have completed their try — and experience that Ociple Bible Outreach Ministry (DBOM) to develop a working agreement for three juvenile facilities, all located in Tfirst year In Mission Together, the faith stories of the expanding prison ministry within the Commonwealth of Virginia. central Virginia. a program of the General Board of people in this church are Meeting at Bonsack UMC in the Roanoke District, United Methodist Men presi- The plan is to offer Disciple Bible Global Ministries (GBGM). This mis- an encouragement for their dents Jim Green of the Virginia Conference and Mike Smith own faith. The Rev. Istvan sion partnership links churches and Csernak and his of the Holston Conference signed the agreement along districts in Central and Southern Eu- “I am very grateful wife, Eva, from with prison chaplains from both conferences and the Rev. rope with the churches of the Peters- that you decided to be In Hungary visit the Mark Hicks of North Carolina-based DBOM. burg District in the Virginia Confer- Mission Together with the Vietnam Veterans United Methodist Men on the denominational level has ence for the purpose of friendship, members and friends of the Memorial Wall in targeted prison ministry as one of its primary focuses. mutual understanding and support. UMC in Hungary, and I do Washington, D.C. Gene Mims, a lay person from the Petersburg District, is GBGM is encouraging these rela- hope that your relation- the chair of the task force that is creating a new entity, to tionships in order to strengthen the ship will bear fruit in the be called Disciple Bible Outreach Ministry-Virginia. A more work of The United Methodist Church Petersburg District, in Hungary and Theological Seminary, and tour our official affiliation document should be ready in January in these areas where the church has wherever people may hear about it. nation’s capital. Lay persons of the after the new board applies for 501.C.3 nonprofit status. had to struggle with the long-term “It is a happy fact that every church district hosted our esteemed guests in Responding to a call from Gil Hanke, president of United effects of secularization, atheism, or charge in the Petersburg District is their homes, enjoying table fellowship, Methodist Men, Hicks said he began looking at how the cynicism and political prohibitions contributing to this Advance Special. and helped them travel to their next ministry he’s led since its inception might grow from a one- that came against the church during While the individual churches or destination. state, two-conference partnership to something that could the Communist era when they were charges were not asked for large mon- The Csernaks, along with Bishop happen across the connection. Gene Mims (seated), a lay person from the Petersburg District in controlled by the Soviet Union. etary gifts, the important thing is that Streiff, invited me to attend their next “We’ve decided to establish affiliate organizations in the Virginia Conference, signs an agreement to establish a new It was an exciting moment in every church responded affirmatively. Annual Conference in Budapest in their own areas,” said Hicks, “since prison systems are prison ministry in the Commonwealth of Virginia with Disciple November 2009, during the Eastern The churches of Hungary are small- April, to preach and to share the sig- somewhat different in each state, and people like to sup- Bible Outreach Ministries. Standing, from left are: Mike Smith, Europe and Balkans Consultation in membership churches and the same nificance of the In Mission Together port ministries in their own area.” president of UMMen in the Holston Conference; the Rev. Paul Greensboro, N.C., when the Petersburg holds true for many of the Petersburg partnership from an American point DBOM began in 1999 as a joint ministry of the North Beighley, chaplain at Greensville (Va.) Correctional Center; District signed the document to be- District churches.” of view with their pastors and lay the Rev. Randy Myers, vice president of Chaplain Service Prison Carolina and Western North Carolina conferences to Ministry of Virginia; the Rev. Mark Hicks, executive director of come a partner with the Hungary Dis- A wonderful solidarity has taken members. Plans are also in the mak- promote the popular Bible study series in prison settings — Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries; the Rev. Glenn Rowley, direc- trict during a live, worldwide stream- place between the two districts in ing to send a Volunteers In Mission and in all local churches. The ministry has grown to more tor of Mission and Global Justice for the Virginia Conference; ing computer broadcast, made possible finding that we have much in com- team to Hungary during the sum- than 300 volunteers involved in 70 correctional centers and Virginia Conference UMMen president Jim Green. by GBGM. Following that event Urs mon. Our district-to-district outreach mer to participate in a joint mission across North Carolina. In 2002, the organization was al- Schweizer, assistant to Bishop Patrick has done much to help our Hungarian project, intended to meet human need lowed to also enter the state’s juvenile justice system and developed its own youth Study groups in women’s facilities as Streiff, bishop of Central and South- partners to extend their work with the and to deepen the relationship with curriculum, “Rings of Fellowship,” which is based on Disciple Bible Study. well as men’s, and the “Rings” course in ern Europe, sent the following mes- Roma people, as described by the Rev. our new friends. Carty is coordina- Retired Bishop Richard Wilke, author of the four-part adult Bible study series, is juvenile facilities. sage to Linda Carty, former missionary Istvan Csernak and his wife, Eva, who tor of this effort and can be reached an active member of DBOM’s ministry. “We don’t want to forget our United to the Czech Republic, and to me as visited the district this past Septem- through the district office at
14 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 15 Small Church Leadership Initiative task force Youth retreat participants celebrate God’s creation icture this scene from the to begin meeting this month Eastern Shore District Youth he Small Church Leadership ity UMC, Lynchburg District; Mike how to move forward. PRetreat this fall: Seventy-five Initiative (SCLI) will be the Mayton — Wesley UMC, Winchester Also, the bishop, Cabinet and youths and adults noisily emerge Tnext component in a series of District; Hyung Il Moon — Epworth Board of Ordained Ministry will devel- from the forest to find a quarter conference-sponsored initiatives focus- UMC, Norfolk District; Jan Prentice — op a plan to do cross-cultural training moon hanging over the dark water ing on leadership in similarly sized Bermuda Hundred UMC, Petersburg as part of the leadership excellence of the Chesapeake Bay. The moon congregations. District; Gail Thornberry — Crimora focus of the conference. Missional illuminates, with the stars, thick, The SCLI follows the large and UMC, Harrisonburg District. churches is yet another area that the moist streams of fog that have settled mid-size church initiatives, which In addition, several other confer- conference is talking about for future around them in a wide field. Many were begun under the leadership ence initiatives are in the works. The initiatives. kids are awestruck. Some have never of Bishop Charlene Kammerer as a Associate Pastor Initiative is in a very “We want to be able to move been to camp or witnessed this beau- partnership that included the Leader- early development state, as part of with the needs of the moment with ty. A circle is formed and we receive (Above) A group picture of ship Development Institute, the Board the Young Adult Leadership Initiative. people who are passionate about that the gift of bread and grape juice. the youths and adults who of Ordained Ministry and the Cabinet. Clara Gestwick has agreed to serve particular subject area,” said Beth A significant migration of “Earth- attended the retreat at Camp The first two initiatives focused solely as chair of a task force that will study Downs, conference director of Minis- keepers” gathered at Camp Occohan- Occohannock on the Bay. on the role of the lead pastor. The the issues relating to associate pas- terial Services. ❑ nock, on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, in (Right) Part of the group SCLI, however, will acknowledge the tors and make recommendations on November to glorify God and learn cleans up the garden, getting it ready for next season. vital importance of the clergy-lay part- to become more attentive stewards nership and leadership in the small of God’s creation. The annual retreat church. The task force will be com- attracted youths, ages 11-17, who ar- busy in the kitchen making posed of both clergy and lay members rived from as far away as the southern chicken vegetable soup from from across the conference. tip of the Shore and beyond its north- scratch to serve participants. The task force will serve as the ern boundaries into Maryland, to a After lunch, a handful study team to develop a strategic plan large group who traveled by boat from of youths stayed in the kitchen to led by 17-year-old Daniel Hiler and for leadership excellence. The first their homes on Tangier Island. learn how to make jam while others two younger participants: Caroline meeting has been set for Jan. 25 with In addition to an adult support chose from the variety of “break- Hiler, 13, and Rachel Joyner, 14. As Julie Kuhn Wallace, formerly with the team of 20 local youth workers, out” sessions offered. These included the weekend progressed, others joined General Board of Discipleship. including Camp Director Jerry Mobley basketball, outdoor games, archery, the band, and lots of joyful noise was It is anticipated that the task force and his wife, Debbie, the Rev. Pat Wat- bicycling, repurposed art projects made with musicians sharing the will meet for 1-2 years before an kins, executive director of Caretakers and a musical jam session (not to instruments available. implementing body moves forward of God’s Creation, served as the wor- be confused with the “jelly” session As a way to keep the cost of the re- on recommendations that would be ship leader throughout the weekend above). An “Interplay” workshop was treat more affordable, organizers Peter approved by the bishop, Cabinet and experience. Watkins is a Church and also offered where storytelling, move- Surran and Karen Hatch identified Common Table. The work of the task Community Worker through the Gen- ment, silence and music were used to churches to provide and supplement force will focus on churches within eral Board of Global Ministries in the build spontaneity, self-awareness and meals with volunteers and donations. the conference that have an average Virginia Conference. collaboration with others. Crews arrived from Painter Garrison, worship attendance between 50 and As Christians, these young Earth- The evening hours became more Market Street and St. Thomas UMCs 150. This is a total of 487 churches. keepers were called to examine introspective, with a testimony from to help with lunch and dinner — and Bishop Kammerer has named mem- through Scripture, conversation and one of the adult youth workers and donations from the youth partici- bers of the task force. Lay members action, the three most important and the query of how we can redeem our pants, and from Swain and Franktown are: Susie Wolf (chair) — Kenbridge interconnected relationships in their relationships with each other and with UMCs — kept the breakfast and snack UMC, Farmville District; Laura Bab- lives: their relationships with God, one creation. Part of the discussion consid- tables well-stocked. An offering of bitt — Community of Faith UMC, another and the earth, understanding ered how we are called, as part of $202 was collected at worship Sunday Arlington District; Stacy Gilman — St. that the earth belongs, not to us, but creation, to practices of good self-care. for Caretakers of God’s Creation. Peter’s UMC, Ashland District; Ron- to God. We were asked to identify our unique The weekend culminated with nie Justice — Asbury Memorial UMC, Much of the weekend was spent gifts, no matter what they are, and worship, prayers, hugs, laughter, Richmond District; Rosabeth Kissman outdoors. Early Saturday morning af- recognize that God can use them to be goodbyes, then standing at the foot of — Lower UMC, Rappahannock Dis- ter worship, teams worked to clean up who God created each of us to be. the cross in solidarity with Christ and trict; Dan Lovern — Central UMC, Ro- the shoreline and to remove invasive Strong student leadership provided all creation for a group photo. The anoke District; Alice Richardson — St. saltwater bushes to make room for role models for participants. Joel moment was captured after great fun James UMC, Peninsula District. Clergy indigenous plant life. While a group Joyner, 17, a student intern at Frank- and the planting of many seeds, with members are: Mike Davis — North prepared a garden for next season, an- town UMC, led ice-breakers Friday confidence in the harvest to come. ❑ Amelia Charge, Farmville District; other picked up litter on the roadsides evening and was also audiovisual — Karen Hatch, the Eastern Shore District Alex Duncan — Jackson Street–Trin- outside of camp. A final group was technician for the event. Music was youth coordinator
16 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 17 All Things New strategy bearing fruit in conference Upcoming Events – for all ages! ll Things New is bearing fruit in aging 120 young adults at worship with as they discern how they may respond FEBRUARY this book before the academy event. It To download a brochure and registra- the life of the Virginia Confer- an average age of 23. Since the annual faithfully through the gifts with which may be ordered through Amazon.com. tion form, visit
18 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 19 Religious News from Around the . . . Appalachian Ministry Network draws attention to increasingly overlooked rural poverty Nation & World he people of Appalachia are The network was designated in 22 Annual Conferences resilient — a quality the United and 1972 by the General Conference to TMethodist Appalachian Minis- Red Bird Missionary Conference work with local, district, conference try Network (UMAMN) must have to in 3 Jurisdictions and church leadership to coordinate United Methodist Women register to vote in Sudan continue its work in a church that United Methodist ministries in Ap- is moving away from programs that palachia. Bob Wilkins, the part-time nited Methodist women in (Below) Sarasia Emilio many believe the address rural poverty, members of the executive coordinator of UMAMN, said Southern Sudan are joining Anisie puts her finger- LRA is currently network’s advisory board said at its that grants, which in the past have Utheir neighbors in enthusiasti- print on a registration being encouraged most recent meeting. focused almost exclusively on hunger, cally registering to vote in a January document as citizens by the northern “We are a disparate group, but we are being shifted toward mentoring referendum on whether their war-torn of Southern Sudan government to represent all of Appalachia. We feel programs and poverty initiatives that lined up to register to land will split off from the north of the launch a series of the passion for the hands-on work address the systemic causes of poverty. country. vote in the January referendum on seces- attacks in early that we do; we are all about having You can support this ministry by When a 17-day registration period be- sion from the north of January with the ministry in Appalachia,” said the Rev. giving to the Appalachian Hunger and gan, United Methodist Women members The poverty-stricken Appalachian area the country. At right, goal of disrupting Chuck Jack, a pastor in the Redbird of the United States in need of your sup- Poverty Advance #982039. ❑ were among the first in line. she shows her new voting. Missionary Conference, who was port covers 22 United Methodist confer- — Vicki Brown, “We all registered early the very first registration card and “The LRA is elected chair of the advisory board. ences within three jurisdictions. General Board of Higher Education & Ministry day. We are excited to be able to vote to a finger she dipped ready to disrupt Jack, who was the vice chair of the ad- separate ourselves from the northern in ink as part of the the elections visory board, replaced Bishop Thomas registration process. government, because for years and years because they don’t Bickerton, who now heads the Global (Photos by Paul Jef- Virginia-based teacher ‘Skypes’ it has oppressed the south,” said Cecilia frey/response ) want the Sudanese Health Initiative for The United Meth- Akuyu, a United Methodist Women to vote for separa- odist Church. member in the village of Pisak. tion,” said Sebit, In addition to electing a new chair, Bible class to students in Russia The referendum on indepen- who is the associ- the network approved a $58,428 n 1993, the Rev. James dence is scheduled for Jan. 9, ate district superintendent of budget for 2011, began planning for I“Jerry” John made a trip and Cecilia Asha, another United The United Methodist Church the 2011 assembly, approved grants to Russia with four mem- Methodist Women member in in Southern Sudan. for new and ongoing programs and bers of his Court Street Pisak, said she knew no one who Given the fears that a peace- toured the cannery and home-building UMC, Lynchburg, congre- planned to vote against secession. ful referendum is unlikely ministries of the Upper Sand Moun- gation. This led to many “Everyone in this village is voting here, Christian leaders inaugu- tain Parish, a cooperative ministry of other trips by Virginians to yes,” she said. rated in September the cam- eight local United Methodist churches Stavropol and Pyatigorsk The Rev. Isaac Sebit, a United paign of “101 days of prayer serving 1,000 square miles of Jack- and other trips of Russians Methodist pastor in nearby Yei, for a peaceful referendum son and Dekalb counties located to Virginia. Two churches said people were enthusiastic in Southern Sudan.” A joint in the foothills of the Appalachian slowly grew in those two about the opportunity to partici- effort of churches in Southern Mountains. Their projects aim to help cities. pate in the referendum. for both dragging its feet on key provi- Sudan and abroad, the ecumenical ef- families living in poverty reach a level Many Virginia Conference “We’ve lived with war for too long, sions of the CPA while at the same time fort has brought together people around of sustainability. teams have visited Russia and it’s our destiny to be independent. allegedly working to destabilize the the world to pray that no matter the to hold Bible studies, do Jerry Johns teaches a Bible study class with God wants us to be free,” he said. south in the run up to the vote. Members . . . shared concerns students in Asbury UMC in Harrisonburg and in outcome of the vote, peace will prevail. special ministries in orphan- Stavropol, Russia, who participate via Skype. Registration is taking place at more In several villages around Yei, United United Methodists in Yei participated that rural poverty and partic- ages, share with business than 2,000 sites across the country and Methodists and other residents have in an ecumenical service in the Roman ularly poverty in Appalachia personnel, relate to a university and be supportive to the Russian Orthodox in eight countries abroad. In order to suffered from repeated attacks by the Catholic cathedral, joining people of are being forgotten. churches and a seminary in Stavropol. pass, the January referendum will need Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a brutal other denominations in specifically Johns taught Bible classes every year from 1994-2001. This year, the retired at least 60 percent of those who regis- Ugandan rebel group that has morphed praying that the registration would be Members of the advisory board said elder returned to teach by Skype, a software that allows free computer-to-com- tered to actually cast a ballot. into a transnational terror squad. successful and peaceful. they believed networking is a vital puter international calling. There is a class in session at Asbury UMC in Harri- The vote on independence was man- Although mostly quiet for the past In the United States, Sudan was role for the group. They also shared sonburg and one in the church in Stavropol, Russia. At the end of the class, one dated by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace two months, the LRA has especially dis- a special focus of United Methodist concerns that rural poverty and par- of the participants in each place introduces him/herself. A feeling of spiritual Agreement (CPA) that ended nearly five rupted life in Western Equatoria State Women–sponsored schools of mission ticularly poverty in Appalachia are be- kinship is developing out of these sessions. The Saturday class meets at 9 a.m. decades of conflict — including two civil along the border with the Democratic during the past two years. ❑ ing forgotten. The Rev. John Baney, a in Harrisonburg and 5 p.m. in Stavropol. wars — between the north and south of Republic of the Congo, which the LRA — Paul Jeffrey, senior correspondent of pastor in Austin, Pa., said part of the The class is using the Survey of the New Testament by Frank Warden, which Sudan. Yet implementing the peace deal is currently using as a base. Given the United Methodist Women’s response role of the advisory board is to get the highlights the facts, meaning and application of the Bible. The materials have hasn’t been easy, and many observers LRA’s use as a proxy militia for the magazine; currently on assignment word out about the work being done been translated into Russian and an interpreter translates the lecture for those criticize the government in Khartoum government in Khartoum in years past, in Southern Sudan by ministries in Appalachia. in Russia who do not know English. ❑
20 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 21 Disconnected connection? ings and other requests for donations, and are now serving as leaders of the “There’s no mandate to col- an added burden when many congre- congregations and the annual confer- laborate,” Harrison said. “As you can Are general agencies a long way from the pews? gations are already struggling just to ence,” said Sharon Rubey, GBHEM in- imagine, where your accountability meet their budgets. terim associate general secretary. The is to a third party that only meets few weeks ago, United Method- the church’s effectiveness, and you’ll many United Methodists as possible,” “I don’t think it’s a matter of just agency connects directly with United once every four years . . . that’s a fairly ist lay person Richard Hearne get a wide range of answers. The is- Winkler said. “If the pastor at the lo- information,” Bouknight said. “If the Methodist students who receive schol- weak accountability system.” A faced a group of 25 angry, sue is complex, and that’s part of the cal church level chooses not to inform people in the pews knew more, I think arships and with young people who So what needs to be done? frustrated people at a church meeting problem. his or her congregation, they are at the opposition would be even greater.” attend the biennial Exploration events “In a time of shrinking financial in Wichita Falls, Texas. And at a time when apportionment the mercy of whatever they happen Hearne, the GBCS board member, as they consider a call to ministry. resources, I think most of the general Their beef: Why had The United payments are falling short — in 2009, to hear from whoever they happen to calls himself a “Bubba,” a political Beyond that, the agency depends boards need to be sharply reduced, Methodist Church endorsed the Octo- they came in at $24 million less than hear it.” conservative. Hearne said he’s a on its Web site and e-mails to its con- and some need to be eliminated,” said ber “One Nation Working Together” the $150.3 million budgeted at the Winkler said GBCS’ work follows minority voice on the board. He said stituents, such as its board, bishops, Bouknight. rally in Washington, D.C., along with 2008 General Conference — the ques- the mandates of the denomination’s he believes diverging political differ- campus ministers and other church The Rev. Riley Case, another groups like the Communist Party? tion is more than just academic. Social Principles. ences between the people who staff leaders, to get out the word. member of the Confessing Movement Hearne, a member of University Four general agencies handle the Wayne Rhodes, GBCS director of the agencies and people who sit in the And Rubey said they have good sto- and a retired United Methodist pastor, Park UMC in Dallas and a member of church’s program and ministry func- Communications, serves as desig- pews is part of the problem. wants to disband the General Board of Church & Soci- tions: GBCS, the Board of Discipleship nated listener for angry phone callers, “Jim Winkler is a personal friend,” most of the gen- ety (GBCS), explained that the social (GBOD), the Board of Global Minis- mostly lay people who don’t like the Hearne said. “The people on the eral agencies, with action agency, not the denomination, tries (GBGM) and the Board of Higher agency’s stance on issues. board are committed and compassion- the exception of had endorsed the rally. GBCS even- Education & Ministry (GBHEM). “What I find, and I can say this un- ate, but most of them are progressives. UMCOR. He pro- tually withdrew its support as rally Each has a staff as well as its own equivocally, is that 100 percent of the The general boards all need to have poses turning over organizers issued increasingly politi- board of directors, ranging from 60-90 time the person calling does not know more voices on their staffs that are a GBOD’s function to cal statements and as more extremist members. The boards’ quota systems that The United Methodist Church has little more conservative. We need to the United Meth- groups signed on. ensure ethnic, age, racial and geo- a Social Principles statement,” Rhodes have more ‘Bubbas’ represented.” odist Publishing In turn, Hearne urged attendees said. He added that it’s the Many United Methodists aren’t House and moving not to demonize agency staff and to Jim Winkler, GBCS mandate to speak chief executive familiar with the alphabet soup of GBHEM’s seminary get informed on the workings of the of the General out on those principles. acronyms that represent the denomi- affiliation authority general church. It’s a conversation Board of Church The Call to Action study nation’s general agencies and commis- to the annual con- Hearne said he has had many times. & Society for The noted, however, that pas- sions — with the possible exception of ferences and local The issues change, but the conflicts United Method- tors receive an overabun- UMCOR, the United Methodist Com- churches. are symptomatic of a bigger issue. ist Church. dance of communications mittee on Relief. UMCOR is an agency The Rev. We Chang, pastor at First United Methodist Church “If the church Hearne said there’s a “disconnect” from the general agencies, within GBGM that handles disaster of Manchester, N.H., participates in a 2010 immigration desires to be a move- between the people in the pews and more than they could pos- relief. rights march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. ment again instead the general agencies of The United sibly pass along to their That’s because most people can ries to share about people who found of a dead institution, then it must Methodist Church. flocks. easily see what UMCOR does: helping a life of faith through campus minis- structure itself so that local churches Hearne’s not alone in that observa- “What I was told was, people affected by disasters like the tries or benefited from the scholarship can be freed to follow their passion tion. Reducing “the perceived distance when you stand at the Haiti earthquake. They understand and loan program. “Sometimes our for ministry without hindrance from between the general church [including level of the local church, the need for a central organization stories are some of the best stories institutional distractions,” Case said. the general agencies], the annual con- it’s a cacophony of voices,” with infrastructure and expertise to that do not get widely read or shared And for good measure, he’d like to ferences and local congregations” was graphic diversity. But it’s costly to fly said study investigator Mark Harri- help in that kind of situation. or heard,” Rubey said. toss out the 1,084 page United Meth- a key recommendation in the recently in board members for meetings, some son, principal of the Apex Healthcare The broader role of GBGM is more In their interviews with bishops, odist Book of Resolutions, too. released “Operational Assessment of from overseas. These four agencies Group. “Many of the agencies have complex but just as crucial, said jurisdictional and local church leaders The Call to Action report’s recom- the Connectional Church,” commis- have had total combined budgets of their own ‘brand’ and their own Thomas Kemper, its general secretary. for the Operational Assessment, re- mendations were less draconian: Con- sioned by the denomination’s Call to more than $127 million in 2010. communications team, even though He described it as to set up the kind searchers repeatedly heard comments solidate the general church agencies Action Steering Team. Two other general boards handle there’s another agency that’s solely of long-term, ongoing partnerships that the general agencies “dictate to better align their efforts with the “Many people in the pews do not pensions, health benefits, finance focused on communications. Those between churches and missions that rather than serve” and “compete with mission of the denomination see how the work of the general and administration. In addition, eight brands and those communications effect lasting change. the annual conferences” for resources and reorganize the agencies’ boards boards relates to our mission of mak- commissions address specific areas at compete with one another. “A global church needs a global and attention. with smaller, competency-based ing disciples for Jesus Christ,” said the the denominational level, including “So you have the agencies saying, agency to send missionaries from ev- Theoretically, the agencies collabo- boards. Rev. Bill Bouknight, a retired United communications, publishing, interfaith ‘Here’s our portfolio of good things erywhere and to everywhere,” Kemper rate, but in practice, each agency has Whether these recommendations Methodist pastor and associate direc- concerns, racial and gender issues. that we want to do,’ and the local said. its own operating board, Harrison can be executed is another question; tor of the Confessing Movement, an Jim Winkler, GBCS’s chief ex- churches saying, ‘Wait a minute, we GBGM has a natural “entry point” pointed out. Agency staffs are account- as is the nature of entrenched institu- unofficial evangelical caucus within ecutive, believes the “disconnect” is can’t do it all, we’re forced to priori- in UMCOR that connects the agency able only to their boards, and each tions, no one’s likely to vote them- the denomination. largely perception, and he’s frustrated tize.’” with folks in the pews, but not all the board is essentially only accountable selves off the island. ❑ Most church leaders agree that at by it. Many of the direct communications agencies do. to the General Conference. That fos- — Mary Jacobs is a staff writer for the United least a perceived distance exists. But “We publish a weekly (electronic) from the general agencies to the local “Our services go more directly to ters territorialism and internal compe- Methodist Reporter
22 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 23 Transgender pastor urges church United Methodist bishops face to continue sexuality debate challenges on same-sex unions Your House... he Rev. David Weekley thinks like the church wants to avoid conflict he legalization of same-sex gregations that welcome homosexual it’s difficult for the church to and discomfort” on issues of sexuality, marriage in some states and members are debating how to handle Thave meaningful conversations he noted. Tcountries is complicating a long- marriage requests. On Sept. 26, mem- about sexual and gender identity. Such discomfort is familiar to simmering debate on how the church bers of Foundry UMC in Washington, So, for years, the Portland, Ore.,- Weekley, one of the few transgender ministers to gays and lesbians. D.C, voted 367 to 8 to allow same- based United Methodist pastor, hus- pastors in The United Methodist The challenge, say bishops from areas gender marriages to be performed in its band and father of five kept his own Church. The denomination’s book where same-sex marriage is legal, is en- building. Celebrating more than 75 years secret about having been born a girl of law currently has no prohibitions couraging dialogue and mutual respect Following Foundry’s vote, Washington of service but never feeling like one. Then, on against ordaining transgender per- among all parties in the debate in the Area Bishop John R. Schol released a Aug. 30, 2009, he decided it was time sons, and Weekley remains in good pews while at the same time upholding statement to clergy and lay leaders in Can become a to start telling the story of his experi- standing with the Oregon-Idaho church law. the Baltimore-Washington Conference. ence as a transgender man, beginning Conference. “Even though people are coming “In the midst of these difficult matters very special home with his own congregation. His own transformation — from from across the theological spectrum, of the church,” he wrote, “I will do all for retired United Methodist Now, Weekley wants to widen the female to male and from alienated I can to be fair and compassionate as I we trust that they are willing to engage pastors and their spouses in discussion about sexuality through- Christian to ordained pastor — began in conversation with integrity, respect work to maintain the unity and witness out the denomination, despite what in 1972, when the 21-year-old started and sensitivity,” said New York Area of the church.” the years to come. he perceives as an increasing reluc- the gender-reassignment process at The Rev. David Weekley prepares the Bishop Jeremiah Park, whose episcopal But as a bishop, he noted, he is re- The Retired Clergy Housing tance to discuss such issues. The University Hospitals in Cleveland. elements for Holy Communion on his area includes Connecticut. “And that’s sponsible for upholding church law and Corporation of the Virginia recent refusal of the United Method- After completing the medical transi- first Sunday morning at Sellwood something we can celebrate. We are “will process and follow through with Conference maintains a program United Methodist Church in Portland, to provide retirement homes for ist Judicial Council to reconsider its tion in 1975, he attended graduate Ore. (Photo by Tina Todd) not in a perfect place, but at least I see any complaint or charge against a United 2005 decision upholding a pastor’s school at Miami University of Ohio a sincere intention to have holy confer- Methodist clergyperson of the Baltimore- eligible United Methodist right to reject someone as a member and started searching for a faith com- seemed to complain more often to encing on an issue like this.” Washington Conference who performs a pastors who need it. of his church is an indication of the munity. him. “I was never sure whether it At present, Connecticut, Iowa, Mas- same-gender wedding or holy union.” This program has been made urgent need for conversation, he said. Walking into a United Methodist had to do with my being transgender sachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont At the Council of Bishops meeting, possible by the gift of homes He has even written a book about congregation in Oxford, Ohio, and, and sharing that . . . but it eventually and Washington, D.C., grant civil mar- Schol reiterated that stand. “The Book willed to the Corporation for this his own experience, now in the final like John Wesley, finding “my own led to my decision that it was best to riages for same-sex couples. Outside the of Discipline is very clear.” purpose. Other contributions come editing stages, which he hopes can be strange warming of the heart experi- move,” he said. United States, 10 countries also offer The subject of same-sex unions has through the Covenant of Gratitude used as a conversation starter once ence there” on World Communion Today, Weekley appreciates being legal recognition to same-sex couples. sparked debate every four years at the whose members contribute $1.00 it is published by Wipf and Stock of Sunday was the first step in Weekley’s in a two-point charge — Sellwood and During the most recent Council of gathering of General Conference, the a year for each person ordained a commissioned probationer at the Eugene, Ore. faith journey, he recalled. Capitol Hill churches in Portland — Bishops meeting, bishops from areas denomination’s top lawmaking body. Virginia Annual Conference. Some church members believe The journey took him from serving where members were aware of his where same-sex marriage is legal met Delegates have consistently voted not to there has been more than enough If you would like to consider will- as a volunteer at the campus ministry transgender identity right from the to discuss how their congregations are change The Book of Discipline. But nei- ing your home to the Retired Clergy conversation on the topic. The Rev. center to studying at Boston Univer- start. dealing with the issue. ther supporters nor opponents of same- Housing Corporation of the Virginia Thomas Lambrecht, a United Method- sity School of Theology to beginning While he understands not wanting “The conversation was centered sex marriage expect the debate to end. Conference or if you would like to ist pastor from Wisconsin and a repre- the ordination process in 1982. He to usurp the authority of the pastor, around that as more states make it le- In the United States, public support share through the Covenant of Grati- sentative of Good News, an unofficial became an elder in the Oregon-Idaho “when I think about the bigger pic- gal, more congregations will be involved for same-sex unions has been growing tude, please mail in the coupon below United Methodist evangelical caucus, Conference in 1984. ture, I wonder if the case would have (in the debate), and we need to find a over the past decade, but that support with your name and address. said “the continued focus on sexual- Weekley said he never buried his been the same if it had been about way to respond,” Park said. is still in the minority. This year, a Pew ity issues” is a reflection of western former identity, but often wrestled ethnicity or race or gender,” he said. The United Methodist Church op- Research Center poll found 42 percent c/o Tom Coffman, President culture rather than a theological 4837 Village Lake Dr., with the issue of when and how he “As a pastor, I can’t imagine telling poses same-sex unions and forbids its in favor of same-sex marriages and 48 Richmond, VA 23234 imperative. should share his story. someone who wants to be part of our pastors from performing such ceremo- percent in opposition. That marks the “What we need to focus on is be- “One of my hopes was by working faith community that they weren’t nies or allowing them to take place in first time in 15 years of Pew Research Phone: (804) 271-7219; Fax: (804) 271-4558 coming disciples of Jesus Christ and quietly with people, trying to be a welcome.” United Methodist churches. polling that fewer than half opposed E-mail:
24 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 25 News of Church Leaders Dallas church tending to flock using Facebook, Twitter he Rev. Mark Craig was about to loved it when Craig, the church’s senior The church’s Facebook page lets Clergy & Diaconal address hundreds, possibly thou- minister, did a recent video teasing an people check church activity schedules, Tsands of his flock at Highland upcoming sermon that referenced the preview Sunday services, see photos Park UMC in Dallas, the denomination’s Food Channel series Chopped. of sponsored events and submit prayer Teresa is wife of the Rev. Jim Radford, second-largest church in the nation. “We never think of him sitting down requests. Deaths The Rev. Her- who is pastor of the Singers Glen bert Pollard Hall, “Let me think about this a second,” he and watching reality TV,” she said. “With a church this large, there’s The Rev. James Charge, Harrisonburg District. 88, retired elder, said. And while there is no real evidence no way we can put in our bulletin all Mason Cosby, 81, died Dec. 14, He collected his thoughts — and to back it up as yet, such outreach can the prayer requests we have,” Gifford retired elder, died The Rev. Carl W. Ulrich, 66, elder 2010. He began then, with furrowed brow and folksy bring more faces to the aisles. After said. “This makes a giant church seem Nov. 15, 2010. He in full connection, died Dec. 4, 2010. his ministerial candor, began speaking to a lone Craig’s Chopped video, Gifford said, small.” ❑ began his minis- He began his ministerial career in career in 1947 camera in the calm of his office. The “membership jumped.” —Mark Ramirez, The Dallas Morning News terial career in 2000 as a student local pastor at with Gordons- church’s “Communion Sunday” was 1957 as a student Accotink, then Silverbrook (both in ville. He went on approaching, he said — a monthly occa- associate in the the Alexandria District). He went on Hall to serve Melfa- sion that sees regular attendance drop Louisa Larger to serve Central, Keller-Locustville, 30 percent. Why? It was a mystery. Parish. He went Cosby Rappahannock Pocomoke, Whaleyville, Bethel- “I suspect that it’s because it forces on to serve the District, then Bel- St. Matthews (Richmond District), us to look inward and be more intro- Daleville Charge in Roanoke (now St. mont, Richmond Atlantic, McCanless Memorial, New spective about our lives,” Craig said Mark’s UMC), as associate at Dulin District, where he Hope (Fredericksburg), Lebanon into the camera, urging churchgoers to UMC, as pastor of Watson Memorial was serving at the (Ashland District) and Memorial (Rich- brave the task and show up. UMC, Herndon UMC, Dunn Loring time of his death. mond District). He retired in 1987. Welcome to ministry in the age of UMC, Warrenton UMC, Burke UMC, Survivors He was preceded in death by his social media, as religious leaders nation- Leesburg UMC, Great Falls UMC and include his wife, wife, Roberta Dunaway Hall. Survivors wide realize that in order to reach their Arlington Forest UMC. He retired in Ulrich Christine R. Ulrich; include three sons, Herbert Pollard Jr., flocks — and to thrive, if not merely 2000. two daughters, Rev. Wesley Hall and Kenneth Hall; survive — they have to go where the Survivors include his wife, Clair; Susanna V. Ulrich and Catherine L. and five grandchildren. people are. daughters, Sarah McGiverin and Sal- Ulrich; a grandson, Cassius Corey; Craig’s video was posted on the lie Hess; son, James Cosby; and grand- and two stepsisters, Juliette “Archie” Ellen Rebecca Yow, 91, retired lay church’s Facebook page, where 1,000- daughter, Hannah McGiverin. He was Cooper and Helga Reaves. supply pastor, died Dec. 3, 2010. In plus “friends” will be able to see and looking forward to the birth of two The Rev. L. l940, she founded Becky’s Kiddie Kol- share it with others. grandsons in December. Also surviv- Lawson Byrd, lege in Danville, which is still in opera- According to a recent Nielsen study, ing him are two sisters, Alma Pope 84, retired elder, tion, and has been involved in The Americans spend nearly a quarter of and Margaret Higham; and numerous died Dec. 9, 2010. United Methodist Church throughout their time on social-media sites such as nieces and nephews. He began his the Southeastern Jurisdiction, train- Facebook and Twitter — a 43 percent ing teachers and officials for many The Rev. Earl S. ministerial career increase over the year before. years. She served on the Virginia Tyson, 82, retired in 1972 with the Gradually, churches, synagogues and Conference staff and taught at Lake elder, died Nov. 27, Gretna Circuit. He mosques have planted their flags in Junaluska. She was coordinator of 2010. He began went on to serve cyberspace, with profile pages teasing Ministries at Mount Vernon UMC, his ministerial Chatham Heights, Byrd upcoming sermons, noting meetings Danville, from 1973-1979; served as career in 1953 in High Street in the and special events, culling for volun- lay supply pastor of the Danville Cir- the North Carolina Portsmouth District, Asbury in New- teers or posting a verse of the day. cuit from 1979-1985, before retiring. Conference. He port News, Zion in the Peninsula Dis- Such strategies are espoused by even She worked under the District Board transferred to the trict, Burkeville, Providence-Woodland, Pope Benedict XVI, whom digital news of Missions in the conception and Virginia Confer- Tyson and New Hope in the Rappahannock source Mashable dubbed “the social chartering of Trinity UMC, Danville. ence in 1957 District. He retired in 1988. media pontiff” for urging priests to use After retirement, she served as Visit- where he served Surry, as associate at Survivors include his wife, Ann. new technologies to bring people to the ing Minister for Main Street UMC, Centenary in the Richmond District, church. Cecil Martin Camlin Jr., 76, died Danville. as pastor of Smith Mountain, Central Social media’s casual and interactive Nov. 18, 2010. Rev. Camlin was a Survivors include two sisters, Chapel in Richmond, Huguenot Road nature is especially well-suited to pur- retired member of the South Carolina Juanita Yow Holloway and Carolyn in Richmond, and West End in the poses such as establishing community Conference who served Boulevard Yow Cuthill; nine nieces and nephews; Roanoke District. He became a confer- and conducting outreach, especially in UMC, Richmond District, as pastor of 20 grand-nieces and nephews; and 10 ence evangelist in 1971, a position he bigger congregations where one can be visitation for a number of years. great-grand-nieces and nephews. lost amid the crowd. served until his retirement in 1993. Survivors include his wife, Sara At Highland Park UMC, spokes- Survivors include his wife, Betty, Greer Camlin; three daughters; and woman Kim Gifford said churchgoers and his daughter, Teresa Radford. four grandchildren. (Continued on pg. 34, Clergy)
26 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 27 Faith in action at the . . . ‘Burning bush’ transforms Immanuel UMC and other Local Church congregations using its facilities he most astonishing thing hap- ary — because there the fire did not pened at Immanuel UMC in consume. Culpeper UMC, Charlottesville T Alexandria District. On July 24 last This is also a call story. God spoke District, has felt called to assist those ▲ Kenbridge UMC, Farmville District, summer, when the temperature was out of the holy fire in the bush and people within the church and the recently celebrated homecoming. Many a record-setting 102 degrees, bushes called Moses to allow God to trans- community who are seeking jobs due gifts given to the church over the past beside the sanctuary ignited on their form him so that he could free God’s to the high unemployment in the several years were dedicated. In the last own and began burning. The fire people from slavery. God is also area. The church is maintaining a job year, Kenbridge completed a major con- quickly leapt up to the edge of the speaking out of the church, calling board in the Fellowship Hall, and for ▲ United Methodist Women (UMW) struction and renovation project, and roof, raging out of control, yet the its members to be transformed and those who leave resumes, volunteers of Assawoman UMC of the Oak members were excited to share all the sanctuary itself never caught fire! empowered to serve. In his sermon, call to let them know when a possible Hall Charge, Eastern Shore District, new amenities with many of the out- A worship service was held on Oct. Pastor Huaringa challenged the job match is available. “We ask those which includes several members of-town visitors. The project included 31 to celebrate this “Holy Fire” story. people to hear God’s voice calling who have received a job due to our from Downings UMC, wanted to a new kitchen, an elevator, new carpet There are three congregations them to preach the gospel in the postings to let us know so that we send love to college students from ▲ St. Mark’s UMC, Petersburg District, in the sanctuary, new heating and air that worship in the building: Sharon neighborhood. can rejoice with them,” writes Linda the churches and community and had its first “Trunk or Treat” event on systems, and all classrooms renovated. Korean Baptist, Iglesia Adventista de The worship was a fitting service Lamb, church receptionist and volun- to their shut-ins. Members met over All Saints Day eve. Many members par- Kenbridge also celebrated a mission Annandale, and Immanuel UMC. Mem- of celebration, with pews filled with teer coordinator. “We have had quite several weeks and made 19 “no-sew” ticipated in this “radical hospitality” team trip (pictured) this past summer bers from all three churches came Hispanics, Anglos, Koreans, Africans a few who have told us they have fleece throws, laid hands on each event. Petersburg District youth were in southwestern Virginia at Project together to give witness to God’s and Pakistanis all praising God and received employment due to our Job one and prayed for the recipients, also there to help hand out candy and Crossroads, where more than 20 people mighty action. Pastor Pedro Huar- giving thanks in one Spirit and with Board.” The church also has “Bucket mailed them to students away at goodies to more than 100 children and traveled to Saltville and repaired a inga (Adventist Church) preached on one voice. Sister Sunday” on the third Sunday school, and personally delivered adults. The Petersburg Elks’ Lodge No. woman’s home. Kenbridge UMC’s Food Exodus Chapter 3, the story of Moses This was quite a mysterious event. of each month where loose change those close to home. Throws in 237 also gave out candy, coloring books Pantry, which was started in the last and the burning bush. He told how he It seems to be a confirmation of God’s is collected from the congregation to school colors were distributed to stu- and drug awareness information. Pic- two years has been a successful project. came to the church on July 24 for a 3 great desire to work through the help church and community members dents at Virginia Tech, ODU, UNC, tured, Eric Hamilton, a member of St. Williams and Antioch UMCs have also p.m. meeting and he saw the burning church. Since this event, Immanuel with electric and heat bill assistance. Towson and Frostburg, and several Mark’s and the Elks’ Club, gives treats started supporting the food pantry, bushes and phoned the fire depart- UMC has seen its outreach ministries “We continue to live out our mission community colleges. Assawoman to some of the children. along with Kenbridge Baptist Church. ment. It took the fire truck about newly blessed by the Holy Spirit. statement ‘Focusing on Jesus and UMW also provides Christmas gifts seven minutes to arrive. Meanwhile, Members of Immanuel UMC won- making him known’ within the Cul- for residents in a nursing home The 15th Annual Fairfields UMC Fall Adventist Church members ran to get peper community,” said Lamb. and cash assistance to a family with water and a fire extinguisher. The fire Festival Arts and Crafts Show was a financial needs. great success, according to Jim Hol- was gaining in strength moment by land, the festival chairperson. “We moment and the people quickly real- were able to donate $7,500 to various ized that they could do nothing with charities and other organizations that their own hands to affect it. So they contribute to the welfare of our com- lifted their hands in the air and called munity.” Recipients were: Covington/ ▲ Salem UMC, Ashland District, out to God. They knew that if the Hurst Education Fund, Northumber- sponsored its first Community flames made contact with the hot roof land County Sheriff’s Safe & Secure Thanksgiving Dinner, which was held tiles, the tiles would certainly ignite. Program, Mid-County Rescue Squad, at Widewater Fire Department. The The people were praying for God’s Northumberland Rescue Squad, Callao event was a joint effort by members protection and the fire was roaring Rescue Squad, Northumberland Coun- of Salem UMC, Falmouth UMC, Oak right at roof level and even higher in The burned bushes beside the sanctu- ty Elementary School Discretionary ▲ Old Bridge UMC in Woodbridge Grove Baptist Church and the choir at a nearby spruce tree when the fire ary of Immanuel UMC. No damage was found on the building. Fund, Northumberland County Middle held its 16th Annual Community St. William of York Catholic Church. truck pulled up. The fire was put out ▲ School Discretionary Fund, Northum- Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving At Burnt Chimney UMC, Dan- Volunteers began arriving at 4:30 in 30 seconds and amazingly there der if there are other congregations berland High School Discretionary Day, serving 240 people and provid- ville District, “Bags of Thanks” were a.m. to smoke the 10 turkeys for the was not one black mark to be found in our Virginia Conference having Fund, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, ing a place for those without family collected by the congregation to be meal, while others arrived to prepare on the building! any experiences similar to this, of Northumberland High School ROTC, to gather with others for a traditional given to Heavenly Manna, an emer- traditional side dishes. Members of the Jesus teaches that holy fire does God calling the church. Churches and Interfaith Service Council, Northern meal and a place for single parents to gency food pantry in Rocky Mount. community were invited to either dine not consume or destroy; it purifies individuals are invited to send their Neck Free Health Clinic, Fairfields Fire bring their children. The goal for the The final total was 30 of these “Bags at the firehouse or to call in for deliv- and cleanses. In Exodus 3, the holy thoughts through e-mail to
28 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 29 To the Editor Mission without a budget Small, medium or large… week ago, I was asked to make a brief presentation thought I could put the [November 2010] Advocate [on small A to our multi-church Charge Conference high- I churches] aside like a mail-order catalog, but churches and congre- Letters & Commentary lighting some aspect of our church’s programming. gations are my passion. Although we are in the midst of a building program, We have served them all — sometimes three on a charge. My I chose to talk about our missions programming Methodist journey began in two large churches: Washington Street (interestingly, each church there chose to discuss a in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Washington Street in Alexandria. But in mission-related activity). 1957, I became preacher’s wife to a student pastor appointed to the The perils of ‘Wannabe Cool’ Christianity In January of 2010, we introduced a new missions Lynchburg District. This wonderful congregation mentored me in chairperson who had transferred to our church from a the skills I was lacking: canning beans, cooking ham, drying apples by Brett McCracken for The Wall Street Journal United Methodist church in New England. Anne’s first and enjoying a “pounding.” Church members wanted the best for question to me as lay leader was, “What is my budget?” their young couple. Joe Moses’ cows came to the fence almost every I hemmed and hawed and finally said, “Well, Anne, we Sunday to hear this young man preach, with no complaints from the ow can we stop the gusher?” may have been the methods of making Christianity don’t have a budget for missions.” preacher or the cows. question of 2010. Yet for many church leaders, hip is to make it shocking. What “H Hardly had those words left my mouth before Haiti Each week I gathered the neighborhood children and had choir the leaking oil well in the Gulf was nothing compared to better way to appeal to younger had an earthquake and UMCOR (United Methodist practice in the parsonage. All-day church and dinner on the grounds the threat posed by an ongoing gusher of a different sort: generations than to push the Committee on Relief) requested a massive shipment of was heavenly. Hymns had a tendency to get slower on the fourth or Young people pouring out of their churches, never to envelope? health kits. The missions committee went into action fifth stanzas because the pump organ was slowing down. return. Sex is a popular shock tactic. and 90 kits were procured without a missions budget. Then one day a member became upset with me over a simple sug- As a 27-year-old, I understand the concern. My peers, Books like Sex God (by Rob One month later, UMCOR requested layette kits and gestion I had made. The children were taken out of choir, the family many of whom grew up in the church, are losing interest in Bell) and Real Sex (by Lauren 15 were taken by our committee to the Merci Center in left the church and a new church was built down the road using the the Christian establishment. Recent statistics have shown Winner) are typical. At the same Goldsboro, N.C. I am told 400,000 health kits were sent same plans as our church. an increasing exodus of young people from churches, espe- time, many churches are finding McCracken by United Methodists to Haiti. Church “hurts” came on other occasions and my heart was cially after they leave home and live on their own. A 2007 creative ways to use sex-themed Later, Anne learned that our previous fall school kit broken, but if I had left my calling as a preacher’s spouse I would study determined that 70 percent of young Protestant marketing gimmicks to lure collection month provided 75 school kits for Annual have missed Mrs. Perdue’s big bowl of potato soup that she would adults between 18-22 stop attending church regularly. people into church. Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville, Ga., Conference and for 10 years the children of High bring when anyone was sick. I would not have met Joan Quass, who Statistics like these have created something of a mania created a Web site called
30 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 31 Devotions from International Lesson Series Johnny Cash might have been in the vant,” an instrument of God’s witness, January 30, 2011 crowd who heard the prophet Isaiah who has a distinct message. Third-class tickets speak God’s word concerning their cap- What is the “suffering servant” Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-12 tivity and release from Babylon (Chap- calling God’s people to do? There are ter 48). Isaiah makes two important three points to his message here in n early American stagecoach opera- Living the Word points: (1) God is our true Redeemer. Chapter 49. tions there were three ticket types: God forgives sin. God restores people (1) God has saved you to be a ser- first-, second- and third-class riders. vant, not a sensation. The Lord has I to righteousness. In other words, God In case of an accident or breakdown, January 9, 2011 over time the people drifted from heals us and allows us to begin over. blessed you with new beginnings, with first-class passengers could remain in Time-out God’s plan of responsibility. They fol- Powerful! talents and resources that need to be place. Those occupying second-class Isaiah 45:18-24 lowed their own paths. God needed to (2) God reassures God’s people of shared with others. They are not to be space were expected to leave the coach, reaffirm God’s rightful claim of power God’s love and continuing presence. kept for yourselves, but lovingly given but not to work. Third-class travelers believe in time-out. My parents and glory. The Lord knew the Israelites were slow to the least, the lost and the lonely. were not only expected to leave the were strong advocates of time-out. God’s order was not that the peo- to understand God’s purposes and This sacrifice of love and service is stage, but also to help with repairs, or to II had a time-out chair — with my ple were to live in constant fear and even slower to respond. The Jews were to be done by everyone. It is not the lift the vehicle out of the mud. name on it. (My sisters didn’t believe worry, but that they turn from their not sure of their present or future. responsibility of just the pastor(s) or In my ministry, I have observed three they deserved one.) My sons were own patterns and make a conscien- Yet, God’s guiding spirit would be with paid staff. (Oh, my goodness!) types of church members. Some have not regular visitors to the time-out corner. tious, consistent effort to rely on God them now and forever. That promise (2) God calls you to raise up, to wanted to give of themselves in any way. About the Author: Do you believe in time-outs? The daily. Verse 24 is central: “Only in the still holds true today! Listen to verse restore the survivors of Israel. Notice They simply sit and complain about the Edward M. Garrett Bible does. Lord are righteousness and strength!” 17: “I am the Lord your God, who the call is not to “put down,” but church and do not lift a finger to help in Jr. retired in 2007 Our challenge is to discern if God’s teaches you for your own good, who “raise up” those in need. Too often with 42 years of The biggest time-out experience in ministry — first-class ticket holders. Next the Old Testament is the Babylonian truth and order are being lived out leads you in the way you should go.” in the church we “put down” without are those who consider themselves “too service in the Vir- daily. And if they are not, we must We all need redemption and reassur- even realizing it. Our stares, sneers ginia Conference. exile (c.597–c.533 B.C.). God had good” to participate in real service. They and sarcasm cause damage that is He graduated from had enough of the Hebrews’ three turn to God and to whomever we may ance. These essentials can be under- are on the sidelines, not wanting to get the University of S’s: selfishness, self-centeredness and have offended, and say, “I’m sorry.” stood in our “letting go and letting hard to overcome. Let’s work on our their hands dirty — second-class holders. Richmond (B.A.), sin (“missing the mark”). God sent Then we also must adjust our atti- God.” There are definite places in our smiles, support and sacrifices instead. Then, there are those who eagerly Duke Divin- them hundreds of miles from their tude. We are to live as if we are truly personal and congregational lives (3) God sends you to be a light to volunteer in teaching, cleaning, giving of ity School (B.D.), God’s children. where the Lord challenges us. the nations. You have been rescued. Union Theological homeland for more than 50 years. It themselves, helping in every way pos- was a serious consequence for their Now, no more temper tantrums or To “let go” is to admit I am power- Now you are being released to be sible. No task is too demeaning. They Seminary (M.A.), we will end up in time-out, just like less over many things and God is in God’s witnesses and to serve others and St. Mary’s disobedience and lack of faith. The feel privileged to be assisting in God’s ❑ in a positive, loving spirit. You are to Seminary and Uni- people had received warnings from the Israelites. control. It is: work — third-class ticket holders. Which versity (D.Min.) He the prophets for decades. Their time- – not to change or blame another; I empty yourselves in caring and shar- are you? is the author of two out was a period for self-examination, January 16, 2011 can only change myself; ing and not expect others to wait on Observe the sensitivity and compas- books on Christian reflection and repentance. Redemption and reassurance – not to judge, but allow another to you. You are to share God’s salvation sion of the “suffering servant” in Isaiah worship and he still be a human being; of love with everyone you meet. conducts numer- Two key themes concerning time- Isaiah 48:14-19, 21-22 53. In verses 4 and 5, six verbs are used out are in Isaiah 45: truth and order. – not to be overprotective. It is to Businessman Harvey MacKay, who to describe the nature of the servant. ous leadership permit another to face reality; wrote Swim with the Sharks, tells training workshops Let’s consider each. We believe in n the cover of Johnny Cash’s He took up our infirmities, carried our about the importance of leaders being across the confer- truth, but we don’t always practice it. album, American Recordings, – not to nag, scold, or argue, but to diseases, was struck down, afflicted, ence. Currently he We don’t like really facing ourselves. is a picture of two dogs. One search out my own shortcomings willing to do any kind of work. As wounded for our transgressions, and O an example of being willing to serve, is teaching at the Truth requires honesty and sin- dog is black with a white stripe. The and correct them; crushed for our iniquities. Also, notice L.L.I. (Life-Long cerity. When workers in marble in other is white with a black stripe. – not to adjust everything to my MacKay mentions Philip Pillsbury of the summary of his humbleness and Learning Institute) desires, but to take each day as it the Pillsbury milling family. Mackay in Richmond and ancient Rome accidentally chipped In an interview with Rolling Stone compassion in verse 12. their statues, they would fill in the magazine, Cash explained what the comes; writes: “The tips of three of his fingers In his autobiography, All Rivers Run is on the Board – not to be frightful of the future, were missing . . . That’s the unmistak- of Directors for chipped places with wax of the same two dogs mean: “Their names are to the Sea, Professor Elie Wiesel, a able mark of a grain miller . . . Philip CCHASM (Ches- color as the marble and then sell their Sin and Redemption. Sin is the black but to grow and live for the future. survivor of Hitler’s concentration camps, terfield, Colonial work as perfectly made. Other statue one with the white stripe; Redemp- “Letting go” is to fear less and live Pillsbury had an international reputa- reflects on the Nazi years. Living under Heights Alliance makers, wishing to sell honest prod- tion is the white one with the black and love more. ❑ tion as a connoisseur of fine foods and cruel demands, denied basic rights of Social Ministry). ucts, stamped their product sine cera stripe. That’s kind of the theme of the wines, but to the troops, his reputa- and daily staples, Wiesel praises the He has contributed (without wax). From this custom has album, and for me, too. When I was January 23, 2011 tion as a man willing to do a hard, character of their housekeeper, Maria. numerous articles dirty job was the one that mattered.” for the Advocate come the word “sincere.” God wanted really bad, I was not all bad. When I Called to what? This courageous, uneducated, Christian the Hebrews to stop parading around was trying to be good, I could never Isaiah 49:1-6 The best Christians and leaders in woman continued her service to the over the years. the church see themselves as servants. He and his wife, as perfect, when in fact there was still be all good. There would be that family. She not only took great risk by Marian, are active construction work to be done in their black streak going through.” Cash’s od’s message spoken through The people who are greatest in the bringing them food, but also offered to in Chester United faith and daily living. message is: no one is all bad; no one Isaiah now moves from a kingdom of God are those missing the hide them in her mountain cabin. Her Methodist Church Order was what God promised from is all good. We are all sinners who strong proclamation of redemp- tips of their fingers. loyalty was humbling — definitely a third- in Chester. G Are we willing to serve others as a the beginning of creation. Originally need to be redeemed. We all need tion and reassurance to a personal God put things in perspective, but God. messenger. Isaiah is a “suffering ser- “suffering servant” or do we just want (Continued on pg. 34, Living) others to wait on us? ❑
32 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 33 Grace Notes Clergy & Diaconal Living the Word Connecting with the (Continued from pg. 27) (Continued from pg. 33) Classifieds Virginia Advocate A gift that keeps on giving official newsmagazine of Isaac E. “Ikie” Pridgen, father of class ticket holder. POSITIONS AVAILABLE want to lift up a unique and transforming ministry with- the Virginia Conference of Janet Hopkins and father-in-law of the Wiesel concludes that help came not in the conference that directly engages young people in The United Methodist Church executive director of virginia exploration of ministry and service in the church. It is P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058 Rev. Edward A. Hopkins, died Nov. 6, from the intellectuals, dignitaries or united methodist foundation — I Calling 21, now several years in existence. Phone: 1-800-768-6040 or 804-521-1100 2010. Edward is pastor of Wellspring community leaders. It came from a peas- Applicant should have strong public rela- Fax: 804-521-1173 UMC, Peninsula District. ant woman. This distinguished world tions and marketing skills with demonstrated The purpose of the summer Calling program is for E-mail: [email protected] citizen raises a pertinent question: “Of ability in development, fundraising and congregations to be paired with young people wanting to Web site: www.vaumc.org Lyle Zimmer, father of Katheryn solicitation of major gifts in the nonprofit what value was their faith, their educa- explore ministry. The goal is preparation for young people Detailed guidelines for the following available Driscoll and father-in-law of the Rev. sector. Should be familiar with principles and upon request. tion, their social position, if it aroused instruments of planned giving and be able to be engaged in ministry for the 21st Century. So far, we Jim Driscoll, died Dec. 17, 2010. Jim have offered congregations of different sizes across differ- is pastor of Baylake UMC, Norfolk neither conscience not compassion?” to articulate principles of Christian Steward- Subscriptions My question is: “What good is it to ship along with a commitment to the mission ent districts the opportunity to be matched with explor- Subscriptions are $15 for one year; $25 for two District. of The United Methodist Church. Must be years; $36 for three years. Special bulk rate for call ourselves members of a congrega- Charlene Payne ing young people. This team of Calling 21 interns comes fve or more copies going to a single address is Juanita Thorpe, mother of the tion if it does not make us third-class able to tell the story of the Foundation to Kammerer together in the beginning of the summer for preparation $12 each for one year. Subscribe online at
34 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 Virginia Advocate/January 2011 35