March 2016

$2$2 Vol. 184 • March 2016 • No. 3

Connecting with the Virginia Advocate The official magazine of the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church

PILLOW TALK P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058 Phone: 1-800-768-6040 or “I have to try, but I do not have to succeed. Following Christ has noth- 804-521-1100 ing to do with success as the world sees it. It has to do with love.” Fax: 804-521-1174 E-mail: [email protected] – Madeleine L’Engle, Walking on Water Website: www.vaumc.org Detailed guidelines for the following At the end of January, I, along with our Communications director available upon request. and videographer, traveled to Portland, Ore., for the United Method- ist Association of Communicators meeting as well as the Pre-General Subscriptions Print subscriptions are $15/one year; $25/ Conference Briefing. It was a good time to meet people in the com- two years; $36/three years. Special bulk munication industry, learn more about what to expect at General rate for five or more copies going to a single address is $12 each for one year. Subscrip- Madeline Pillow Conference and explore Portland. tions are $20/year for both printed copy and Editor I admit that in planning for this trip, I knew that visiting Voodoo online access. For online only, cost is $10/ year. Subscribe online at www.vaumc.org, Doughnut was high on the priority list. But I also wanted to go where under “Resources>Publications.” the locals were, to see the places they have carved out for them- selves. Something I wasn’t prepared for were the number of homeless Deadlines The Advocate is published once a month. that we saw on the streets. The deadline to submit news and ad copy In talking with a pastor from the Pacific Northwest Conference, she for the April 2016 issue is March 1. For more information on future deadlines, contact the said that this is due in part to the lack of churches and shelters in the Advocate office or visit the website. city. But it is also because Portland is a large hub for victims of human Advertising/Tributes trafficking. Rates for advertising and tributes are avail- Clutching my bag of doughnuts (you can’t have just one) and being able upon request. asked by person after person for money, I asked myself not to forget Local Church News Missing the faces. There’s a part of me that wants to. The part that wants Items should be typed (preferably sent via to pretend that we don’t live in a world where people are homeless, e-mail) or printed legibly, no more than the 100 words, and of conference-wide interest. hungry and taken against their will. The part that reminds me that no Complete names of individuals, churches and matter where I am, there is hurt all around. districts should be included. Because of space landmarks limitations, the Local Church section prohib- But it’s true. It’s such a common way of life for many people that its news items related to church members’ it seems so overwhelming to resolve. In 2014, Seattle, Wash.; Los An- birthdays (of less than 100 years), wedding anniversaries, receptions for moving and/or geles, Calif.; and Portland each declared a state of emergency in terms retiring pastors, photos of traditional Chris- of homelessness. According to the Portland Housing Bureau, around mon trees or Easter trees/crosses, and any 4,000 persons spend the night in shelters or on the street every night. item over two months old. Color photos are encouraged. Photos returned only if And while I’m left with the sweet thought of doughnuts in Port- submitted with a stamped, self-addressed land or the great food and fellowship we experienced, I also brought envelope. Photos included on a space available basis. The editor reserves the back other landmarks. For me these landmarks weren’t just statues. right to edit all copy or refuse publication. They are real people. The people living in tents under bridges or Letters standing on street corners by food trucks with their children and pets. Letters to the Editor are printed on a space- It makes me think about my own, relatively new home of Rich- available basis. Letters should be limited to mond. What people and situations do I pass by on a regular basis 150 words for space reasons. The Advocate will not print letters addressing a topic beyond because I just get used to their presence? What do visitors who come two months of the publication of that issue. to the city see as landmarks that maybe aren’t so pretty? The Advocate editor reserves the right to edit all letters. This is present in every town and city, state and country: the things that we think are too big to overcome, the problems we don’t ©2016 Virginia Advocate USPS 660-740 ISSN 0891-5598 think we can help or the problems that overwhelm us into submis- Published monthly by Virginia United Meth- odist Communications, Inc., an agency of the sion and defeat. So it’s not just a problem for Portland. I saw home- Virginia Annual Conference of The United less persons every day when I lived in D.C. and now in Richmond, but Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at sometimes by going to see the “sights” in another city, I see the true Glen Allen, Va., and at additional mailing of- fices. The Virginia United Methodist Advocate landmarks of our city landscapes that we may forget about. is owned by Virginia United Methodist Com- Here’s to not missing the landmarks but finding a way to meeting munications, Inc. them head-on. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Virginia United Methodist Advocate, P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Editorial and Until our next issue, business offices are located at 10330 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen, Va. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTIONS FEATURE 18-25 Improving Global Health: A focus of The United Methodist 4-7 Letters & Commentary Church 8-17 Virginia News NEWS 26-27 Events 8 Candidates endorsed for bishop 27 Local Church News 10 Davis named new Lynchburg District superintendent 29 Technology Tips 12 United Methodists advocate key issues at General Assembly 30-31 Living the Word 15 New program helps church ministries grow Wesley Seminary student experiences cultural immersion 32 Clergy & Diaconal 16

34 From the Bishop

35 One Last Word Above: Cataract surgeon Isatu Sesay examines Aminata Bangura’s eyes at the Lowell and Ruth Gess United Methodist Eye Hospital in eastern Freetown. Bangura is an Ebola survivor receiving free treatment. Photo by Phileas Jusu, UMNS

On the cover: Fatmata Samu worships at the United Methodist church in Kortihun near Bo, Sierra Leone. Several villages in the Bo district received new, insecticide-treated mosquito nets from The United Methodist Church’s Imagine No Malaria campaign. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

The Virginia Advocate Staff Linda S. Rhodes | Virginia Conference Director of Communications Madeline Pillow | Editor Cathryn Huff | Graphic Designer Pam Culler | Administrative Secretary

Scan this code to go to the Board of Directors of Virginia United Methodist Communications, Inc.: Keri Marston, chair. The Virginia United Methodist Advocate uses the services of United Methodist Communications and United Methodist News Ser- conference website: vice. The reporting of news regarding any person or event, or the placement of any advertisement within these www.vaumc.org pages, does not constitute endorsement by the Virginia Advocate or any entity of The United Methodist Church. Opinions of writers are solely those of the authors and not necessarily those of this publication.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 3 LETTERS Need for lasting the UMC has adopted on young people such as those change these issues at the General in the audience to carry Conference. At the Febru- out God’s purposes — it ighty three years ago, I ary 4 United Methodist Day is improbable that all dis- was born into a family E at the General Assembly, ciples were teenagers when with a history in Method- what will the UMC mem- called. Peter was mar- ism going back to Francis bers seek to accomplish? ried (Mat 8:14) and payed Asbury. Most of my adult Will local pastors and lay taxes (Mat 17:26-27) which life I have been blessed to leaders tell their congre- would almost certainly be a member of St. Luke’s gations about the event? mean he was over the age UMC in Falls Church. Mine never have. Will there of 20, Matthew was a tax Though small, St.Luke’s be follow-up and legislative collector which would also is a diverse congregation alerts sent out following make him a good candidate with members of different the event? for being over 20 years old. races, nationalities, ages, I thought the January A compelling case can economic standing, politi- issue of the Advocate was be made that most — if not cal views, and yes, we even excellent. It just did not go all — of the other disciples have a few with a different far enough. It gave national were, indeed, teenag- sexual orientation. Like figures on poverty, not ers when called by Jesus. the churches you featured state. None of the issues However, the truth is that in the January Advocate, that deal with poverty one cannot assert this. My our members spend much and other human needs statement at our confer- of their time supporting that are being addressed ence middle school retreat programs for the needy in at the state government should have sounded our area. For this and many level were even mentioned. more like this: “There’s a other reasons I am thank- These are nonpartisan is- good chance that several ful God made The United sues, and to be an advocate of Jesus’ disciples were Methodist my church for action is a nonpartisan teenagers.” My hope is that home. process as well as a Chris- my mistake did not take My concern is that tian responsibility. Please, away from the important the temporary relief we let us treat them as such point that must be made to give through our charity and use all opportunities young Christians. Namely, does not contribute to a available to us to bring that we are never too more “lasting change” in them to the attention of young to hear God’s voice the lives of those we are our members. and to respond to God’s helping. Some of the most awesome call to each and needed changes such as – Doris Langland, St. Luke’s UMC, Arlington District every one of us. My prayer health care and fair wage is that our young people laws require legislative Teenage disciples will learn to hear God’s action at the state level. n the January edition voice like Samuel, to be Our conference leaders of the Advocate I was faith-filled like David, to and our local pastors seem I correctly quoted as stating be courageous like Esther, unwilling to speak on these that “…when the disciples and to have character like subjects for fear of of- were called — all of them Joseph (of Egypt). fending someone in their were teenagers…” While – Paulo Lopes is Virginia Con- Letters to the Editor are printed on a congregation. I wonder in context the statement ference director of Ministries with space-available basis. Letters may be if many of our members was meant to prove a point Young People . e-mailed to [email protected] are aware of the positions by the first of the month. — that God often chooses

4 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 COMMENTARY Faith still essential part of Scouting program By Bill Chaffin that a boy within a given do ask each Scout to reflect any around the U.S. age range could be a Scout. on their own belief. The Mhave watched in the That has always been the Scout leader is not ask- last several years as the case, but another agenda ing the Scout to dialogue Boy Scouts of America made it seem otherwise. with them about religion in have struggled with many There are long-standing their life or to proselytize of the social issues that Scouters (adult leaders) or explain their opinion the rest of the nation who left the program when whether his duty to God has. Many in The United this happened. I am sure meets the leader’s personal Methodist Church have that more than a few left standard. The requirement wondered where Scouting thinking that faith and a clearly states, “Tell how is and where it is going. We belief in God was not far you have done your duty United Methodists rival the behind. Well, not true. to God.” It doesn’t ask for Mormon Church as the top “Duty to God” has been a rote answer back to what supporter of the Boy Scouts part of the BSA from the a manual says or to prove in America. Scouting IS the onset. The first Boy Scout anything. The first word, youth program in the Latter handbook, published in the verb, says it all: tell. Day Saints (LDS) church, 1911, says, “No boy can There is no canned answer. but the United Methodists grow into the best kind of The Scout is challenged to have more Scouting units. citizenship without rec- tell about his relationship The position of Scouting ognizing his obligation to with God. It can be a short and what the organization God.” The PRAY organiza- response or a long, detailed is has not softened but re- tion, known to many Scouts one. mained true to the core of as God and Country, has The requirement, at Scouting. If anything, they offered excellent programs each rank level, is com- have strengthened them- to help our youths identify plete once the Scout has selves moving into the 21st and understand who God is explained how he has done century. in their lives. his duty to God. The leader Surely many have The program develop- is there to listen, not to thought that the Boy Scouts ment team of the Boy evaluate the Scout’s expres- are no longer the youth Scouts of America has been sion but to hear and accept program they knew when working for several years the Scout’s journey with they were young. In many to make sure the statement God. Many Scouts will have ways the Boy Scouts you from the original handbook different religious beliefs see today could be the was still used and relevant and that is healthy and ac- young men you knew 30, in the 21st century. cepted. 50 or 70 years ago. Camp- As of January 1, 2016, Each of us has traveled ing, hiking and first aid every rank from Tenderfoot our own journey to faith. merit badges are still there, to Eagle Scout, includ- We know it is not necessar- but they are met today with ing the Eagle palms, has a ily an easy journey. Faith is geocaching, web design “Duty to God” requirement. a complicated subject, but and more. It is important to know it remains an essential part Several years ago, Scout- what this means — and of the Scouting program. ing modified the youth what it doesn’t. – Bill Chaffin is Virginia Confer- application to simply state The new requirements ence Scouting Coordinator

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 5 COMMENTARY It’s time to end bigotry in church By Tammy Estep

he SPRC (Staff/ Pastor- woman still has no place in glass gate into large church TParish Relations Com- the pulpit. Even as U.S. con- leadership. Why is this so? mittee) chair looked at me gregations become more Who are the gatekeepers? across the table and said, ethnically diverse, a new How can these gates be “No offense, but we do analysis of Duke University’s opened to all who are called not want a woman pastor.” National Congregations and gifted by God? What is it I did take offense. I am a Study shows that women going to take? clergywoman, and I was his hold only a small minority Women have been district superintendent. He of those faith communities’ ministering in the way of was asking his woman DS top leadership positions. Christ since Mary Magdelene, to tell his woman bishop Women serve as senior or Mary, Martha and Lydia; yet not to send a woman to his solo pastoral leaders of just it wasn’t until 1956 that the church. 11% of U. S. congregations Methodist Church approved In each of my eight — indicating essentially no full clergy rights for women. years on the Bishop’s overall increase from when The United Brethren Church Cabinet, at least one district the study was first done in had ordained women much superintendent reported at 1998.” earlier (since the 1880s). appointment time, “This Of the Virginia Annual Even decades after full clergy church refuses to accept Conference 992 clergy (lo- rights, women continue to a woman.” Worse yet: cal pastors, deacons, provi- encounter opposition to ful- “This church has done the sionals, elders and associate filling their divine calling to 'clergywoman' thing; now members): 33 percent are serve God and God’s people they want a man.” In a women; 67 percent are as pastors in the local church Church committed to open men. How are they ap- and beyond. itineracy, how are such pointed? * Often quoted are two statements tolerated in any Even though clergywom- biblical verses in the epistles local church and/or at the en are serving ably at every instructing women to be Cabinet table? level of the church, there silent in church. No such UMC.org recently continues to be a stained- admonition is found in the featured Heather Hahn’s gospels. In the gospels, Jesus’ article, “How Thick is the Stained-Glass Ceiling?” which reveals the find- Of the 111 clergy serving 45% are women; ings of a study on clergy- as associate pastors: 55% are men. women’s advancement in Of the 83 serving in 37% are women; the Christian denomination. extension ministries: 63% are men. Hahn begins: Of the 16 serving as 25% are women; “A woman’s place can district superintendents: 75% are men. be behind the wheel of Of the 48 large church 8% are women; racecars, at the front of lead pastors with an 92% are men. corporate boardrooms and average worship along the U. S. presiden- attendance of 350+: tial campaign trail. But for *Statistics come from The Center for Clergy Excellence and The Center for many U.S. congregations, a Congregational Excellence in the Virginia Conference

6 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 COMMENTARY longest theological conver- are churches that are still hand in hand with youths sation is with a woman. That allowed to say, “we don’t and children, middle-aged woman became the first want a woman,” “we don’t and young adults, infants evangelist for Jesus Christ want a person of color,” or and elderly. We do not have (John 4:1-39). In each of the “we don’t want someone the luxury of lingering in the gospels it is to women the who is single,” we have lost sin of bigotry and sexism, risen Christ first appears. The our call from Christ to trust rejecting the leadership of good news of Easter was in God’s Spirit at work in the those God has called and entrusted first to women. world and in others. equipped for ministry. The Perhaps the SPRC chair This said, I still believe church is in need of faithful would have preferred to hear that the underlying reason leaders. We need all those the resurrection news from women cannot break the whom God is calling, not just someone else. No offense. stained-glass ceiling is a the male half. If ever there learned, nurtured, hidden, was a time to join hands, deep and long-tolerated live the faith and put an end How can bigotry in our church and to the bigotry and hate that in local churches. Sexism continues to divide people these gates be (like other viral “isms” of rather than unite, that con- systemic ecclesiological tinues to judge rather than opened to all bigotry) invade and infect to love, that continues to say every branch of the church. “no way” when with God all who are called Yet, the root of the Gospel of things are possible. . . that Jesus Christ is love . . . love time is now. and gifted by of God with all one’s heart, I pray for boldness in our God? What is it soul, mind and strength and churches and the Cabinet of the love of our neighbor as the Virginia Conference to going to take? ourselves. With love at our move beyond bigotry and root, there is no place in into the abundance of love our church for the refusal to and the fullness of leadership So in 2016, what is at receive anyone in leadership God is calling and equip- the heart of the continued based solely on gender. The ping. As we know, bigotry is discrepancies between bigotry has to stop. learned. The church should clergywomen and clergymen At a recent United Meth- never be its teacher. church, regarding appointments, odist Men’s dinner, the speak- listen instead for the voice of salaries and acceptance in er began saying, “I am here the woman saying, “Come. leadership roles within the to speak to the men tonight, See the one who told me church? Like clergymen, cler- because men are the only everything I have ever done. gywomen are not all alike. ones who can reproduce and Is this the Christ?” Some make decisions about we need men to reproduce – Rev. Tammy L. Estep is the appointments based on to bring more men into the lead pastor of Haygood UMC, Elizabeth River District. Estep served family needs, some leave the church.” There is so much eight years as superintendent of local church for extension wrong about this state- the Eastern Shore District and is ministries, some feel called ment, I hardly know where an elected clergy delegate to the to the small church and most to begin. Here is the bottom 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. are never given the opportu- line. If we, the church, are nity to serve larger churches. going to be a witness in the Likewise, not all churches world, we have got to do it are alike, but when there together: men and women,

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 7 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA candidate from Virginia for of the Virginia Conference Tom Berlin, Ted Smith episcopal service. BMCR. Of the many votes In considering a motion that came in, an over- endorsed as candidates to reopen the discernment whelming majority voted to process, Martha Stokes, endorse Ted for the episco- for bishop chair of the delegation, not- pacy.” ed that her desire was “to Official nominations for By Linda S. Rhodes honor the integrity of the episcopal service may be process and recognize the made by any annual or mis- wo clergy members serious discernment that sionary conference in the of the Virginia Confer- each person whose name jurisdiction, by any delega- Tence – Tom Berlin was lifted by the delegation tion to jurisdictional confer- and Ted Smith – have been entered into between July ence or by another group endorsed as candidates for and October.” in the life of The United bishop. But she also noted that Methodist Church. Virginia Conference the delegation was given an Delegates surround delegates to General and opportunity to allow for the candidates with Jurisdictional Conferences work of the Holy Spirit. voted to endorse Berlin, se- “We can each give prayer nior pastor of Floris UMC in examples from our own The Feb. 6 delegation Herndon, as a candidate for lives of how the Holy Spirit meeting closed with a time bishop during a delegation moves, often when least ex- of worship and celebra- The Rev. Tom Berlin meeting Saturday, Feb. 6. pected and in unique ways,” tion of Holy Communion Members of the Virginia Stokes said. “This is nothing during which Berlin and Conference chapter of Black we can hold to a deadline Smith were surrounded and Methodists for Church Re- or schedule, nothing we can prayed for by the delegates newal (BMCR) had voted the make fit into even the most and guests. previous week to endorse well established formal Tom Berlin bio Smith, Fredericksburg Dis- process.” Berlin has been lead pas- trict superintendent. BMCR votes to en- Five bishops will be tor of Floris UMC in Herndon dorse Smith elected at this year’s since 1997. During that Southeastern Jurisdictional Following the October time, Floris has grown from Conference to be held July announcement that Virginia an average worship at- 13-15 at Lake Junaluska General/Jurisdictional Con- tendance of 400 persons in Conference and Retreat ference delegates would 1997 to an average of 1,300 Center in western North not endorse a candidate in 2015. Under Berlin’s lead- Carolina. for bishop, the Rev. Debra ership, in 2006 the church Straughter, Virginia BMCR purchased land and built its Delegation votes to president, said she and current facility. In January The Rev. Ted Smith endorse Berlin some members of BMCR 2015, Floris established a The conference delega- engaged in holy conferenc- satellite congregation, Res- tion vote to endorse Berlin ing regarding endorsing toration Church, in Reston. came after a number of del- Smith for bishop. Berlin has also served egates expressed a desire “After several conversa- Toms Brook UMC, Bruce- to reconsider an earlier de- tions and prayer,” Straughter town-Welltown Charge in cision made in October that said, “I sent out an e-mail Frederick County and was they would not endorse a on Jan. 27 to the members assistant pastor of Duluth

8 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA UMC in Duluth, Ga. Berlin was elected a del- egate to General Conference in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 and was clergy leader of the delegation in 2016, 2012 and 2008. He has written six books, including Defying Gravity: Breaking Free From the Culture of More; The Generous Church: A Guide for Pastors; High Yield: Sev- en Disciplines of the Fruitful Leader (co-authored with Lovett Weems), 6 Blocks Small Group Studies – 6 Decisions That Will Change Your Life, 6 Things We Should Know About God, 6 Ways We Encounter God; Virginia Conference delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences form a prayer circle around Tom Berlin and Ted Smith, candidates for bishop. Photo by Madeline Pillow. Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance and Bear More Fruit (co-authored with disciple of Jesus Christ.” come “greatly disturbed by Lovett Weems); and Bear- Berlin attended Vir- the constant hell, fire and ing Fruit: Ministry with Real ginia Tech (1981-1985) and brimstone messages.” Results (co-authored with received a BS in business “Central UMC, combined Lovett Weems). with a major in public ad- with the pastoral and Raised in the Shenan- ministration. His Master of fatherly mentoring of the doah Valley, Berlin has lived Divinity is from the Candler Rev. Gary Shelton, nurtured, in Virginia most of his life. School of Theology at Em- formed, and shaped [me] “I was raised in The ory University (1985-1988). in the mold of Methodism,” United Methodist Church He was ordained an Elder Smith said. by parents that regarded in the Virginia Conference Smith went on to attend church attendance and par- in 1990. He and his wife, three United Methodist ticipation as a highly valued Karen, have four daughters. schools: Virginia Wesleyan aspect of family life,” Berlin To view Berlin’s detailed College (1980-1984, Bachelor said. “I enjoyed growing up resume, go to http://www. in Religious Studies), Candler in a congregation that was vaumc.org/ncfilereposito- School of Theology (1984- conscientious in its desire to ry/NewsRelease/TomBer- 1987, Master of Divinity) and live out the baptismal vows lin.pdf. Wesley School of Theology that they undertook with Ted Smith bio (1993-1995, Doctor of Min- children and adults. My ex- istry in Evangelism). He was perience of Sunday school, Born and raised in ordained an Elder in the confirmation, UMYF and Hampton, at the age of 10 Virginia Conference in 1988. numerous other ministries Smith left his family’s Bap- Smith was appointed was a means of grace that tist church to go to Central Fredericksburg District UMC because he had be- God used to form me as a (Cont. on pg. 11: “Candidates.”)

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 9 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA on the district’s work in Scott Davis named new Lynchburg training and equipping clergy and congregations, District superintendent something he sees as a vital ministry in today’s changing culture. ishop Young Jin Cho Davis said he was “There are many gifts announced Feb. 9 “surprised, humbled and on the Lynchburg District. that he is appointing honored” to be asked to B The Rev. Larry Davies, the the Rev. Scott Davis, senior serve as a district superin- current DS, has done a pastor of Aldersgate UMC in tendent, “especially know- fantastic job in partnering the Charlottesville District, ing Bishop Cho’s careful, with the clergy and laity to to be Lynchburg District intentional practice of dis- put those gifts to work in superintendent, effective cernment.” He added that new and effective ways,” July 1. Davis will replace he would like to apply the said Davis. “The district has the Rev. Larry Davies who same practice in his role as a deep sense of mission as will leave the Cabinet after district superintendent. evidenced in the Park View serving as Lynchburg DS “I want to listen well,” Community Center, home since 2008. Davis said, “help discern not only to the district “I have discerned that God’s vision for our next office but also to nine the Rev. Scott Davis, senior steps in ministry together, The Rev. Scott Davis outreach ministries. The pastor of Aldersgate UMC discover and develop the congregations have been in the Charlottesville gifts of the clergy and laity, organized into six cluster District, has the gifts and and to think strategically groups to facilitate learning graces needed to serve the about how to make dis- together and gathering for Lynchburg District,” Bishop ciples of Jesus Christ.” charge conferences.” Cho said. “Scott has dem- Having served in a Bishop Cho also offered onstrated effective and variety of positions both praise for Davies and his faithful ministry in each within and beyond the service on the Cabinet. of his appointments and local church in urban, “His love for both clergy has a strong commitment suburban and rural areas, and laity and his positive to his spiritual disciplines. Davis, in his new position, attitude and leadership He has the gift of bringing will fall back on habits that skills have been great as- out the best in people and have served him well. sets to the churches on the possesses a compassion- “In each setting I’ve Lynchburg District, Cabinet ate heart. Scott is also a tried to build trust, develop and our Annual Confer- life-time learner and knows leaders and plan the next ence,” Bishop Cho said. “Ad- how to manage change. I steps together in response ditionally, he has provided pray that this new appoint- to God’s calling,” Davis exemplary leadership as ment will be a blessing said. “I’m always looking chair of the steering com- to the churches on the for insights and resources mittee for our All Things Lynchburg District and to that arise from conversa- New-Equipping Vital Con- the entire Virginia Annual tions with a great variety gregations program. May Conference. Your prayers of people from across the the Lord continue to bless for a smooth transition for spectrum of faith.” Larry and his family as he Scott, his family and Alder- In preparing to serve returns to his beloved par- sgate UMC will be deeply the Lynchburg District, ish ministry.” appreciated.” Davis said he plans to build

10 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA Scott Davis bio Davis said he enjoys run- (“Candidates,” cont. from pg. 9) General/Jurisdictional Con- ning, hiking the Appala- ference in 1996, 2004, 2012 Davis is a native of superintendent in 2011. chian Trail and surrounding and 2016 and a delegate Davis Wharf on the Eastern Prior to that, he was pastor environs, scouting out to Jurisdictional Confer- Shore. He spent his child- of Regester Chapel UMC in great coffee and sharing ence in 2000 and 2008. He hood on the water and on Stafford. He also served St. date nights each week has served on a number the family farm where they Stephen’s UMC in Burke, with Laurie. of conference and district specialized in sweet pota- Good Shepherd UMC in boards and agencies and toes and pork production. Woodbridge, Roberts Me- led several United Method- He completed his edu- morial in Alexandria, Asbury ist Volunteers In Mission cation at Virginia Wesleyan UMC in Christiansburg and teams. College (1984, Bachelor Fowler Memorial (formerly He is married to the Rev. of Arts in Humanities), Leesville) Charge in the Teresa Signer Smith, and Candler School of Theol- Lynchburg District. they have one adult daugh- ogy at Emory University He has also been ter, Helen. (1987, Master of Divinity) director of Ethnic Minority To view Smith’s de- and through continuing Ministries at Virginia Tech tailed resume, go to www. education which included in Blacksburg and adjunct vaumc.org/ncfilereposi- the Reynolds Program in faculty Humanities instruc- tory/NewsRelease/Ted- Church Leadership (2013). tor at Strayer University’s Smith.pdf. Davis was appointed to Woodbridge campus. He -Linda S. Rhodes is Virginia Confer- Aldersgate UMC in 2010. was elected a delegate to ence director of Communications. Prior to that, he served at Trinity UMC, Alexandria Dis- trict; Nimmo, Norfolk Dis- trict; Broomwood-Clapham Circuit, Central London, British Methodist Church; Emmaus UMC, Lynchburg District; and as chaplain at Virginia Wesleyan College. He has served in a vari- ety of conference leader- ship positions, including Board of Ordained Minis- try, chair of the Board of Church and Society, chair of the Annual Conference Site Selection Committee and Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. He and his wife, Laurie, an art teacher at Nelson Middle School in Nelson County, are parents of Sarah and Jordan, young adults who live and work in Charlottesville.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 11 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA

threshold from a value Virginia United Methodists of $200 to $1,500. In addition, Bishop Cho advocate at the General Assembly urged lawmakers to sup- port “Breakfast after the participants before they By Linda S. Rhodes and Bell,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s left for Virginia’s Capitol Madeline Pillow 2015-2016 budget pro- Square in downtown Rich- posal of $537,000 funding Exclusive bout 150 United mond. Once at the capitol, content for this to provide schools with article available to Methodists traveled United Methodists met in online subscribers. an additional $0.05 per in buses to the Gen- the offices of their legisla- A breakfast served when eral Assembly on Feb. 4 to tors, were debriefed about breakfast is made a part call on Virginia lawmakers the status of some impor- of the school day served in and advocate for social jus- tant legislation and viewed the classroom or through tice during the 24th annual opening sessions of the other models outside of United Methodist Day at Senate and House before the cafeteria. the General Assembly. heading back to Bon Air “More than 300,000 Attendees gathered UMC for lunch. children in Virginia come early in the morning at Bon Bishop Young Jin Cho to school with a hungry Air UMC, Richmond District, told participants that About 150 United Methodists stomach,” Bishop Cho told where United Methodist what they were doing is traveled to the General Assembly on his own representative, Feb. 4 to advocate for justice. Men cooked breakfast for an important part of our Hyland “Buddy” Fowler Jr. church’s commitment to (R-55th). “We need to do social holiness. something.” “We not only pray The Rev. Barbara Lewis, that ‘thy will be done on pastor of Laurel Park UMC earth’,” Bishop Cho said, and Greenwood UMC, Rich- “we are also called to mond District, was most live out that prayer.” He interested in Medicaid noted that one way United expansion. Methodists do that is by “The senator that we “meeting with the legisla- talked to is not really in tors and sharing with them favor of it,” Lewis said. “He our hopes and dreams and is really concerned about prayers.” how it might impact our Key issues that United budget long-term. But he Methodists focused on was willing to listen to us included: and to hear our ideas and v Providing driving privi- to talk about the pros and leges for immigrants; cons of Medicaid expan- v Expanding Medicaid sion and some of the other to provide health care health-related issues like to more than 400,000 mental health care and the Virginians who now needs for that.” fall in the health care Rick Pillow, a United coverage gap; and Methodist who is presi- dent of the Virginia Credit v Raising the felony

12 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA they are unable to influ- ence legislators. “All of us have to realize that we have each other,” Swadley said, “and lean on each other and encourage each other” as we work for justice for the least of these. The Rev. Dan Kim, pastor of Kenwood UMC, Richmond District, said he believes that United Methodist Day is not just important, but necessary. Panelists (left to right) Lana J. Heath de Martinez, Becky Bowers-Lanier, Jesse “In Scripture it says Frierson and the Rev. Charles Swadley spoke to UM Day participants about we’re not of this world but immigration, Medicaid expansion and criminal justice. we’re in this world, and being in this world means Union League and works on a lot of issues, there on advocacy strategy we have the responsibil- as a lobbyist for credit are hundreds of issues and grassroots advocacy ity to engage this world,” unions in Virginia, saw the every session, and it’s re- development. Heath de Kim said. “Coming from a United Methodist group at ally important for them to Martinez is an M.Div. stu- western tradition as United the capitol and stressed hear from groups in their dent at Union Presbyterian Methodists, there is no reli- the importance of United districts on issues that are Seminary in Richmond gion without social religion. Methodists coming to the important to them,” said and president of the Vir- There is no holiness with- General Assembly. Bohannon. “You don’t want ginia Chapter of American out social holiness. This is “It is extremely impor- them to assume anything, Families United, a national exactly what it means to tant, because if you are not you want them to know 501c4 for mixed status be called to social holi- here your message never what’s important to you, families. Frierson is execu- ness. Changing policies that gets heard. So you have why it matters and why tive director of Virginia Alli- fit our faith background. to stand up for what the they should care and why ance Against Mass Incar- Working and advocating Methodists believe in, and it’s important to the district ceration, a direct advocacy for the last, the least and they need to communicate for them to vote a certain organization that analyzes the lost.” that to their state legis- way.” and provides education – Linda S. Rhodes is Virginia latures and their federal After lunch, a panel about Virginia laws that Conference director of Communications. legislatures on laws that composed of Becky Bow- lead to excessive incarcera- – Madeline Pillow is editor of the have a good effect,” said ers-Lanier, Lana J. Heath de tion of many Virginians at Virginia Advocate. Pillow. Martinez and Jesse Frierson great cost to taxpayers. Robb Bohannon, who further discussed issues Calling discouragement works as a contract lobby- of immigration, Medicaid “the devil’s perfect tool,” ist with Hunton & Williams expansion and criminal the Rev. Charles Swadley, in Richmond, said it is justice. United Methodist pastor Positions and key important for United Meth- Bowers-Lanier is serving as interim director points of The United odists to share their points president of B2L Consult- of Virginia Interfaith Center of view. ing which specializes in for Public Policy (VICPP), Methodist Church “Delegates get a lot consulting with health care told participants not to get in Virginia on the of information, they vote and educating non-profits discouraged even when following page.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 13 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA

Bishop Young Jin Cho (right) visits with Del. Hyland “Buddy” Fowler Jr. (R-55th).

sentences as long as 12 years. With a recidivism rate of 82 Positions and Key points percent, most of those entering the prison “system” stay for their lives. Driving privileges for immigrants Closing Virginia’s health care coverage gap Position: We support SB 390 that would allow the DMV to create a system for immigrants getting driving privileges. Position: We support the part of the Governor’s budget that will allow the Commonwealth of Virginia to close its Key point: Driving is a necessity in most parts of Virginia health care coverage gap and help up to 400,000 uninsured given limited access to public transportation. Virginians have access to health care through pulling down available Federal funds. Raising the felony threshold Key point: Virginians’ health would improve. More (approx. Position: We support the Commonwealth of Virginia raising 400,000) working parents, children, veterans and students its $200 felony threshold to a minimum of $500, while we would get early care for preventable conditions and reason- strongly prefer raising it to $1,500. ably priced primary care instead of costly emergency room care. Key point: Virginia’s legal threshold for felony robbery charges has not changed since 1980, when it was raised Delegate Mark L. Keam (D-35th) from $100 to the current level of $200. Virginia’s felony welcomes United Method- threshold is the lowest in the nation. Thirty states have set ists to General Assembly and their felony larceny threshold at $1000 or more, including shares his faith story. Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Missis- sippi and North Carolina; 46 states have set their threshold at $500 or more. Having such a low felony threshold results in severe punishments for young people who steal sneakers, jackets or other tempting items. Felony convictions can result in jail

14 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA Ministry Accelerator designed to help local church ministries grow

By Madeline Pillow

inistry Accelerator, starts and realized their a new program of similarities offered opportu- Mthe Virginia Confer- nities to church ministries. ence Common Table, took “About 18 months back, its first steps at the Virginia a good friend of mine had United Methodist Center started his own business Jan. 28-29. Through this here in Richmond and he new program, the Common was telling me about the Table is providing addi- entrepreneurship culture tional support, other than and the startup culture just financial aid, to local here, and I was fascinated ministries in order to help by it,” Bennett said. “I start- them grow and be effective ed doing some reading, and impactful ministries. and it sounded a lot like Seven local church min- church culture and startup istries that were recipients church culture. It also got of 2016 Special or Sustain- me thinking about how ing Program Grants from there are organizations the Common Table, ac- out there that exist to help cepted an invitation to par- small businesses accelerate ship with our partners we As part of Ministry Accelerator, busi- ticipate in the pilot. They and start to be more ef- are giving money to? And ness consultants and mentors met with representatives of local church met with mentors from the fective, and I thought what what would it look like to ministries to give them advice on Richmond area, including would that look like in the help them be more effec- how to grow and be more effective. leaders from local consult- church?” tive?” ing firms, at the conference As a member of the With the Grants Com- center in Glen Allen for the Grants Committee of the mittee and Common Table two-day event to identify Common Table, Bennett in agreement, Bennett action steps required to thought the committee contacted local startups make the biggest improve- should do more than just and local incubator ac- ment in their organizations give money to these minis- celerator groups, including over the next six months. tries. “We were handing out John Sarvay of Floricane The idea for the pro- money to ministries doing Zone Strategic Consulting gram started when the Rev. good work,” Bennett said, Business and Todd Knuck- Chris Bennett, Common “but we were just giving les of Lighthouse Labs Table member and pastor them money. So we had a Small Business Accelerator, of St. Matthew’s UMC in conversation as a team to who helped resource the Mechanicsville, compared say, what would it look like program with mentors. startup business cultures to do more? What would it with that of new church look like to be in relation- (Cont. on pg. 28: “Accelerator.”)

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 15 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA trailer park. I spent the two their organizations and Cultural immersion weeks racking my brain resources that they can be trying to figure out how the most helpful to those helps Wesley Seminary such a large disparity was in the community. able to occur between the At the halfway point of student find reasons to socio-economic classes. To our immersion, we went give you a sense of what to the Alexandria/Arlington change the world we did, I want to share Bi-District meeting, where with you several moments the keynote speaker was Melissa Lee, food pantry manager By Emma Johnston and days that spoke to the Rev. Joe Daniels of the at Rising Hope, proudly displays Na- who I am as a child of God. Baltimore-Washington tional Geographic’s newly released his past January, I had Feeding America publication. The I struggled to find Annual Conference. While book documents the community the opportunity to my place in the group there is much to be said involvement and feeding ministries spend two weeks on when I first entered this about the day, Daniels at Rising Hope. Photo courtesy of T the Route One corridor of experience. Some people gave us three questions Monica Reynolds. Fairfax County. I was part find it natural to quickly to ruminate on as we of a group of 10 students lead and jump headfirst begin or continue to from Wesley Theological into things. I like to be in ministry: 1) What Seminary participating in observe. I like to see where does your heart break our Intercultural Immersion people are in their journey, for? 2) What does your requirement for a Master to hear their stories and church’s heart break for? of Divinity. I, along with get a sense of where I am and 3) What does your nine of my peers, were and where I fit in before community’s heart break partnered with Rising diving into something. The for? Hope UMC in Alexandria, problem is, when you have Those questions and we were led only two weeks to be as became the turning point by our partner fully present as possible, for me in the immersion in ministry, the you cannot take your time experience. They allowed Rev. Keary to adjust as you might me to see the work of Kincannon, wish. Rising Hope UMC in a new as we spent During the first week, light. They allowed me to two weeks we met with Ventures in see the intersection of the learning Community (VIC), which work of the Holy Spirit, the about the is composed of non- community and the church hidden profits, educators, law and where their hearts culture enforcement and local break for the same things. within churches. They meet They gave me room to the once a month to discuss see the transformational Route One upcoming events, planning work of the church in the corridor. and envisioning what the lives of people who are Fairfax future of the Route One considered to be the least, County has the corridor looks like and how the lonely, the lost and second highest they can be catalysts for the left out. The people at median income in change. They understand Rising Hope UMC take you the entire nation. what the phrase “it takes in and make you feel like But just behind a village” means — they family. No questions asked. the Costco, there know that it is through No pretenses about who I is an 800-unit the combined efforts of was or who they were. Just

16 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 The United Methodist connection in VIRGINIA April 10 to be conference-wide day to pray for General Conference

he United Methodist Council of Bishops has invited each annual conference to designate one day to hold Ta 24-hour prayer vigil for General Conference. These prayer vigils began on Jan. 1 with the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and are continuing through the 131 days from Jan. 1 to May 10, the opening day of General

A group of 10 students and ministers from Wesley Theological Seminary gather Conference. Because The United Methodist Church has 131 at the Eleanor Kennedy shelter to learn and to serve. Kennedy is a 50-bed shel- annual conferences throughout the world, each annual ter for 38 men and 12 women, located on Fort Belvoir grounds. Photo courtesy conference is able to take one day. of Monica Reynolds. Bishop Young Jin Cho selected Sunday, April 10, to a group of people coming made me want to reach be the day for the Virginia Conference prayer vigil. Each to the Table to gather out and hug the people district is invited to plan activities using resources being and worship the God that we were with. I was able developed on both the conference and general church works through our mess to have very frank and levels. (For more information, go to http://www.vaumc. and our pain. open conversations with org/2016GeneralConference.) The highlight of my the officer, and we were Organizers are encouraging districts to use a Prayer experience was on the last willing to explore different Wheel to allow all congregations on the district to sign up night of the immersion. ways in which we see for half-hour or one-hour increments so there will be 24 We were all encouraged to the Holy Spirit at work in hours of continuous prayer beginning at 12 a.m. April 10 sign up for a police ride- our different fields. My and continuing until 12 a.m. April 11. As part of this initia- along and to spend at most evening inspired me to tive, the chapel in the Virginia United Methodist Center in four hours with our officer want to be part of the Glen Allen will be open for prayer. In addition, all congre- and experience an average long-term change in my gations are asked to include the prayer initiative in their night of life on the Route neighborhood. The people Sunday services on that day. A common prayer that can be One corridor. I was the last I met are the people my used in all services will be part of the resources offered. person to take this on. heart breaks for, these My friends experienced women and men and their moments when they had children — they are who I to deal with someone want to change the world we had met at Rising for. Hope, or they had quiet – Emma Johnston attends nights when they were Wesley Theological Seminary. She is a certified candidate for part of a traffic stop. graduation in May 2016 and is on Somehow, I drew the the deacon track. She is a staff lottery when it came to member at the office of Spiritual my ride-along. I was able Life at Shenandoah University and is currently exploring ministry to experience every kind opportunities in the non-profit, of call possible, and they community organizing sector. were heartbreaking. They

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 17 Curious schoolchildren crowd one another for a glimpse of a delegation from Saving Lives in Sierra Leone, part of the Imagine No Malaria campaign in the Gbo Chiefdom outside Bo, Sierra Leone. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

18 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 he United Methodist Church has estab- lished Four Areas of Focus to express the vision and yearnings of United Methodists. Narrowing our focus to these four areas allows churches to use their resources effectively as they live out God’s vision for the church. The Four Areas of Focus are: 1) Engaging in Ministry with the Poor 2) Improving Global Health 3) Developing Principled Christian Leaders and 4) Creating New and Renewed Congregations. In this month’s issue of the Advocate, we look at the second area of focus: Improving Global Health. Seeing a connection between poverty and health, The United Methodist Church has been working toward fighting diseases such as AIDS and malaria as well as promoting initiatives that improve well-being. For decades, The General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Women’s Division have responded to three diseases of poverty: malaria, tuberculo- sis and HIV/AIDS. In launching the Global Health Initiative in 2006, a major education and fundraising focus was begun for one disease: malaria. Now in 2016, the church is close to completing its goal of rais- ing $75 million to combat the disease. As part of that effort, last year the Virginia Conference met its goal to raise more than $1 million for Imagine No Malaria. In beginning this initiative with malaria, it was hoped that the campaign would create a power- ful foundation and infrastructure to help fight other diseases. Read on to find out how The United Methodist Church is fighting these diseases of poverty.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 19 Mothers with sick children wait to see a doctor at the San Pedro Health Center near Huambo, Angola. Photo by Mike DuBose, UNMS.

By Olusimbo Ige Tuberculosis and Malaria. The United Methodist Church is he United Methodist Church has had a long-standing the largest faith-based contributor to the Global Fund. and active engagement in global health efforts for The remainder of the funds are expended by the General over a century. In 2007, the church identified four Board of Global Ministries through its Global Health Unit in initiatives to address and guide mission and ministry, one collaboration with health facilities and annual conferences of which was global health. When the 2008 General Confer- in Africa. Some 194 health facilities and 12 annual confer- ence elected to name global health as a strategic area of ences or episcopal area-defined health boards are involved focus for the UMC, Imagine No Malaria (INM) became the first in the hands-on work of INM. The malaria control projects expression of that focus. INM is part of a coordinated inter- of the UMC health boards in Africa, funded through the INM national effort to wipe out a disease that can be prevented campaign, reached over 4 million beneficiaries between but still kills someone every 60 seconds, especially in Africa. 2012 and 2015. Within these four years more than 1 million In 2009, The United Methodist Church, leveraging on the mosquito bed nets have been purchased and distributed success of the Nothing But Nets partnership with the United and 252,851 persons successfully diagnosed and treated Nations Foundation, officially joined the global effort against through UMC clinics and hospitals supported by Imagine No malaria, defining Imagine No Malaria as the church’s effort Malaria. More than 2,000 health workers have been trained to address malaria. The $75 million fundraising campaign and 29 health facilities renovated. officially launched in 2010. By the end of 2015, over $68 mil- This extraordinary effort of The United Methodist Church lion had been raised in cash and pledges. has helped avert more than 6.2 million malaria deaths be- The dollars provide mosquito nets and other malaria tween 2000 and 2015, especially of children under five years control services in affected areas. To maximize the effort, 51 of age in sub-Saharan Africa. The global malaria rate fell by percent of funds raised go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, an estimated 37 per cent and mortality rates by 58 per cent

20 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 in this time frame (WHO, 2015). of mothers, children and families and improving health INM received a Superhero Award from the Rotarians Ac- systems. This focus on child health responds to the sacred tion Group on Malaria at the 2015 annual meeting of the calling of the church and is a full expression of the vision Alliance for Malaria Prevention, a coalition of government, of abundant health for all. This focus was also supported nonprofit, humanitarian and faith-based organizations work- by findings from a recent survey by Global Ministries with ing for malaria control. INM, the only faith-based awardee, over 6,000 respondents which identified maternal and child was honored for grassroots efforts to extend its prevention health as a key need and the desired program area focus for methods into rural and hard-to-reach areas. Celebration and global health. In addition, evidence shows that health inter- formal culmination of the Imagine No Malaria fundraising ventions in childhood offer a unique window of opportunity campaign will take place at 2016 General Conference. to shape healthier and more prosperous communities. Global health focus for 2017-2020 The goal is to reach 1 million children with life-saving interventions and health promoting measures by 2020, The success of this malaria effort has led to a palpable thereby achieving 25 percent relative reduction in negative United Methodist desire to “do more” in the realm of health. child health outcomes in the communities where we work. As we celebrate the remarkable declines in death rates of HIV and malaria in developing countries, we are also aware Global Health Unit created that many global health challenges remain. We continue In response to enthusiasm within the church for the to focus on sustaining current gains in infectious disease Imagine No Malaria campaign and the assignment of the prevention and control efforts, ensuring equitable access health focus area to Global Ministries by the Council of Bish- to quality health care services and addressing the growing ops, a separate Global Health Unit was created by Global global burden of non-communicable disease. We recognize Ministries in 2014 to lead the global health program of the that nearly 6 million children under age five continue to church. The new unit is composed of existing health-related die, mostly from preventable and treatable diseases like ministries and new initiatives. The unit has a mandate to pneumonia, diarrhea and complications during childbirth. support projects to improve health globally. Goals are to Yet practical, low-cost interventions exist to prevent up to scale up existing programs on community health educa- two-thirds of child deaths. tion, to improve the quality of health care services through This staggering fact provides incentive to a new United church-supported hospitals and clinics, to increase the Methodist signature health effort. The church has a sacred scope of such programs and increase mission service oppor- calling to ensure abundant health for all children. “I have tunities in health. The Global Health Unit will be responsible come that you might have life and have it abundantly,” for coordinating the UMC global health initiative for the new Jesus says in John 10:10. In this campaign, United Method- quadrennium. ists will seek to reach one million children with life-saving Other program areas of the Global Health Unit interventions by 2020. Goals and means include education on safe births for mothers and babies, addressing nutritional Global AIDS Fund and its inter-agency committee were challenges and promoting breastfeeding, advancing preven- established by the 2004 General Conference as a United tion and treatment of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea and Methodist response to the AIDS pan- promoting child health. This campaign is a United Methodist demic. It was readopted with contribution to an extensive global effort to improve health changes in 2012, moving to for all by 2035 and is expected to be kicked off at the 2016 an emphasis on preven- General Conference. tion of mother-to-child As a sign of our commitment, Global Ministries joined transmission of the “Every Woman, Every Child,” a global initiative to reach HIV virus, with the 15 million children by 2020. This initiative is supported by slogan “Just Save government, private sector, non-profit and faith-based or- One.” From 2004 ganizations that are committed to realizing healthier, more to 2012, grants productive futures for children, their families and communi- went primarily ties across the world. to grassroots The Global Health Initiative will focus on saving the lives projects

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 related to United Methodist congregations or organizations, partner ecumenical groups and other recommended organi- zations. Over 66,000 pregnant women were screened for HIV to prevent transmission to their unborn children between 2014-2015 through UMGAF grants. The Global Health Unit of Global Ministries is responsible for managing grants to sup- port clinics and community based HIV programs. “Healthy Congregations, Healthy Communities” is a new initiative for churches, primarily in the U.S., but potentially also in Europe, which was introduced in September 2015 at the U.S. Health Forum in Houston, Texas. The goal is to equip and empower churches, districts and conferences to nurture spirit, mind and body in holistic ways and to encourage By Maria Maxwell health ministries in a range of contexts, including medical institutions, schools and seminaries and local churches. hat a difference! I often find myself The goal is to have churches provide opportunities for thinking about the significant difference we physical activities, promote healthy diet and nutrition, made as a conference in the fight against ma- encourage prevention and recovery from addictive sub- laria (saving 100,000+ lives), and the difference we continue stances and promote the mental well-being of members to make as a global church (we have currently raised $68 of their congregations and communities. The U.S. programs million toward our $75 million goal). also includes the Special Program on Substance Abuse The newest malaria report from the World Health Orga- and Related Violence (SPSARV). Once a General Conference nization (WHO) shows a dramatic decrease in the number special mandate program, SPSARV is now a regular part of of deaths caused by malaria. When The United Methodist the mission program and budget. Objectives are to equip Church began its Imagine No Malaria campaign in 2010, a congregations to respond effectively and compassionately child under the age of five died from malaria every 30 sec- to those affected by substance abuse, promote the recovery onds. Today, the number of deaths has decreased to one of families and loved ones trapped in addiction and pro- child every two minutes. That news is still heartbreaking, mote prevention ministries for comprehensive education of but what we know is that our strategy is effective. children and youths. Here are two points from the 2015 World Malaria Report issued in December: Africa Health Boards The network of annual conference or episcopal area From 2000-2015 malaria incidence fell by 37 United Methodist health boards in Africa continues as Imag- percent globally, 42 percent in Africa ine No Malaria moves toward formal conclusion. The boards continue efforts to train and organize for community-based From 2000-2015 malaria mortality fell by 60 primary health care and to respond to emergencies, such as percent globally, 66 percent in Africa the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The health boards In 2006, when the United Nations Foundation began a represent important steps toward the annual conferences new effort in the fight against malaria called Nothing But of the central conference in Africa assuming oversight and Nets (NBN), the UMC was invited to become a founding ownership of expanding health ministries represented by member. NBN became an instant success, raising more the almost 200 United Methodist health facilities and the ex- than $7 million to provide insecticide-treated bed nets to panding number of community-based primary health care Africa. programs. During this quadrennium, representatives of the In 2010, building on the success of NBN, an intentional board met periodically in an Africa Health Forum to share shift was made toward a more comprehensive approach in information and coordinate ministries. the fight against malaria. We believe it is this approach that – Dr. Olusimbo Ige is director of Global Health with the General Board of Global Ministries. is making a huge impact in the fight against malaria. The approach includes four key areas: prevention, edu-

22 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 cation, communication and treatment. medical posts operated by the UMC in Africa. RDTs have Prevention generally means the use of insecticide- made it easier to determine if a patient has malaria and treated bed nets (ITNs), although draining standing water gets the proper medicine. Today, 65 percent of suspected and improving sanitation are also included. In 2000, less cases are tested by RDTs in Africa, compared to 36 percent than two percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa in 2005. Procurement of ACTs increased from 11 million in slept under ITNs compared with 55 percent of the popula- 2005 to 337 million in 2014, 98 percent delivered in Africa. tion in 2015. Of those, 68 percent are children under age During my trip to Mozambique, we stayed in the communi- five. ty of Cambine. We found that the Cambine health outpost Education continues to be effective. Thousands of saw 1,200 cases of malaria during the month of February, local people in African communities have been trained to the height of their rainy season, and had enough medica- deliver and install bed nets as well as teach their com- tion to treat almost all of those cases. Good news! munities about avoiding malaria. Last March, while visiting An estimated 663 million cases of malaria have been the community of Chicuque in Mozambique, we met with averted in sub-Saharan Africa since 2001 as a direct result the staff of The Center of Hope which was given a grant of the work of initiatives like the Global Fund, the Presi- through the Imagine No Malaria Initiative. They conducted dent’s Malaria Initiative and Imagine No Malaria. Of those surveys in neighboring communities to discover what cases, 68 percent were due to the use of ITNs and 22 per- people knew about malaria prevention. Their next step cent due to the use of ACTs. was to educate the communities regarding misconceptions My time spent working with Virginia Conference church- about malaria to help reduce the number of cases in their es was encouraging and filled with hope. The energy area. This type of grassroots network will be valuable as around saving lives was contagious and spread throughout we move past malaria and onto other diseases of poverty. the districts. Churches saw giving exceed their greatest Communication becomes a valuable tool when expectations; district superintendents did crazy chal- emergency situations arise, like the recent Ebola outbreak. lenges; kids sold lemonade in the rain and cold; and church INM helps upgrade communication networks throughout groups baked, educated and crafted to raise funds for an the continent. Building new radio stations and provid- incredible cause. Our efforts together made a difference in ing hand-crank and solar-powered radios ensures we are 100,000+ lives an ocean away. We worked hard and now reaching larger numbers of people with life-saving informa- can share in the joy of watching children grow up to be tion about malaria and other life-threatening situations. teachers, pastors, health care workers and any number of Treatment includes, but is not limited to, improving other occupations. What a gift! Matthew 25:40 says it best, infrastructure, making sure treatments like Artemisinin- The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for based combination therapies (ACTs) and rapid diagnostic one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you tests (RDTs) are made available to hospitals, clinics and did for me.” — Maria Maxwell was Virginia Conference field coordinator for Imagine No Malaria 2014-2015.

Cabinet members of the Virgin- ia Conference prepare for the Imagine No Malaria Lemonade Challenge for World Malaria Day. Photo by Kay Panovec.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 23 St. Germain is also an international missionary through the Western North Carolina Conference and Dream Ministries. She just returned from her latest mission trip in January when she spent a week in the Dominican Republic setting up a clinic in a new village every day. The conference sends both a clinical and surgical team to the country four times a year and seeks to provide a continuity of care by shipping supplies between mission trips. While there, St. Germain and her team saw 800 patients and performed 100 surgeries.

“In the mission field, there’s a sense that God is working through us, and we are going to pray that God is going to be faithful and provide. God always is.”

Having traveled to the Dominican Republic and Haiti and lived in East Africa for a time as an HIV missionary, St. Ger- main sees many similarities between Virginia and the world outside the U.S. “You don’t have to go far to be in the mission St. Germain meeting the residents of Batey 7 in the field,” she said. Dominican Republic. The Dream Ministries Team set up a In Virginia, she has even seen similarities between chil- new Batey each day of their mission trip. Photo courtesy dren in Africa and those in rural areas of Virginia. “I have seen of Katie St. Germain. malnutrition and low access to health education in rural parts of our country,” she said, “and it can look like a third world country.” But there are also differences. “Certainly when I’m home, I’m a lot more grateful in terms of the ability to provide continuity of care,” St. Germain said. “It’s also nice to go there and not have the kind of headaches that we have in medi- cine here — like productivity and things like that. You kind of just get to go and love people and I’m finding in my job now, it’s very similar to that.” Both mission fields provide opportunities for God to step in and work. “In the mission field, there’s a sense that God By Madeline Pillow is working through us, and we are going to pray that God is going to be faithful and provide. God always is,” St. Germain atie St. Germain, a member of the Virginia Confer- said. “To see the miracles that happen in the mission field, ence Missional Ministries Board, works as a nurse abroad and at home, miracles are definitely happening every practitioner for Crossover Ministry in Richmond day, they just look different.” where most patients do not have access to Medicare or Global health issues she sees in her work are hyperten- Medicaid. Many are immigrants or fall through the health sion and diabetes. “Before I got into medicine, I wouldn’t care coverage gap. have thought they were disease states,” she said. “But they

24 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 are there, and they impact people’s daily lives because of the complications that arise.” St. Germain says it is important that the church partner with groups outside the UMC as part of its global health initiatives. “The good thing about this is that these are emerging pathogens that are changing all the time, and it would be harder for the church to do it directly,” said St. Germain. “So to partner with community partners who are focused on and are experts in this — that is going to make our effort much more productive.” Local churches offer health care to communities The way health is viewed is changing at the global and local church level. At St. Germain’s home church of Welborne UMC, Richmond District, a congregational health initiative is beginning as a pilot program for the conference. Known as “Healthy clergy, healthy congregations, healthy community,” the initiative launched in January will include members of the congregation measuring outcomes with the hope that this program will spread to other congregations around the conference. This is part of the UMC’s health initiative called the Global Health Initiative provided through UMCOR. Internationally, Welborne UMC is mission-focused on meeting the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals. Learn more at www.undp.org. Another church focused on health is New Life UMC, Richmond District. At the start of 2015, church members began a year-long initiative on global and local health in conjunction with Matthew 25. In doing this, they participated in a number of ministries, including Imagine No Malaria and Focusing on saving lives of mothers and children as well as improving health assembling Health Kits for United Methodist Committee on systems, the “Every Woman, Every Child” global initiative hopes to reach 15 Relief. million children by 2020. On a mission trip to Henderson, Ky., church members brought school supplies for an after-school program and baby supplies for the Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker (MIHOW) program. After learning about this program, mission trip participants shared information about the program with their congregation, and a Christmas offering of $4,000 was raised for MIHOW. Another facet of their ministry efforts was for Sole Hope for Uganda Africa. Forty shoe patterns were cut out and shipped along with money for a shoemaker to create shoes. These shoes will ensure the prevention of diseases as well as provide employment. Learn more about the program at www.solehope.org. – Madeline Pillow is editor of the Virginia Advocate. The UMC’s Ebola Response Team talks about children’s health to women of Moyolla, Sierra Leone. Photo by Phileas Jusu, UMNS.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 25 EVENTS

March worship, and then the Rev. Barbara in theological and academic conversa- Day Miller, associate dean for Worship tion, and a time to be re-inspired for and Music at Candler School of Theol- ministry. All clergy, diaconal ministers Clergy Spouse Retreat ogy, will lead a reflection on worship and professional/paraprofessional cer- March 3-5, Virginia United Method- using the POWR model, a conversa- tified ministers in the Virginia Confer- ist Assembly Center, Blackstone tional model of worship planning and ence of The United Methodist Church Clergy spouses from around the Vir- leadership. Miller will be speaking are invited. For more information or to ginia Conference will retreat with key- live from Floris UMC in Herndon. The register, visit the conference website note speaker Lee Anne Orndorff, wife event will also be live streamed to at www.vaumc.org under “Events” of the Rev. Randy Orndorff, March nine satellite locations throughout the and the date. 3-5 at the Virginia United Methodist conference in order to bring this event Assembly Center (VUMAC) in Black- close to your church home. For more Clergy Ethics II Training – Roanoke stone. On Aug. 29, 2008, the Orn- information or to register, go to www. District dorffs’ daughter, Kelsey, was killed in a vaumc.org/5TalentAcademy. April 21, Thrasher Memorial UMC, car accident while heading to a Chris Vinton Sligh Christian concert. Subsequently, All clergy and church professionals are Lee Anne suffered overwhelming grief April required to attend an Ethics II Train- that led her to the depths of despair Ethics 102: Clergy Reporting of ing event in the current quadrennium but, with God’s help, she began to Child Abuse & Neglect Training (2012-2016). Registration is required make a turn around. Out of her experi- April 18, Virginia Crossings Wyn- 48 hours prior to the event in order to ence with a parent’s worst nightmare, dham Hotel & Conference Center, ensure sufficient materials are avail- she began speaking at engagements at Glen Allen able for all participants. Refunds will churches and other groups encourag- For newly-appointed clergy and inter- not be processed once registration ing others battling despair and grief. ested church professionals, this event closes 48 hours prior to the event. For more information or to register, meets the commitment to require For more information or to register, visit the conference website at www. mandatory sexual ethics training for visit the conference website at www. vaumc.org under “Events” and the the Virginia Conference. Registration vaumc.org under “Events” and the date. for this event is required 48 hours date. If you do not have a credit card prior to the event to ensure sufficient to register online, e-mail Kristen Seib- Bishop’s Convocation on Prayer materials are available for all partici- ert in the Center for Clergy Excellence March 5, Trinity UMC, Richmond pants. For more information, contact at [email protected]. For The Bishop’s Convocation on Prayer the Center for Clergy Excellence at more information, contact the Center will be held Saturday, March 5, at Trin- (804) 521-1126 or 1-800-768-6040, for Clergy Excellence at (804) 521- ity UMC, 903 Forest Ave., Richmond. ext. 126; e-mail ClergyExcellence@ 1126 or 1-800-768-6040, ext. 126. Theme is Deepening Discipleship: Piety vaumc.org. and Mercy through Prayer. Plenary speaker will be Dr. Frederick Schmidt, May Ministers’ Convocation Reuben P. Job Associate Professor April 18-20, Virginia Crossings Wyn- Virginia PAUMCS Retreat of Spiritual Formation at Garrett- dham Hotel & Conference Center, May 15-16, Camp Overlook, Keezle- Evangelical Theological Seminary, Glen Allen town Evanston, Ill. 2016 Ministers’ Convocation, “Come Virginia chapter of PAUMCS retreat to the Table: Bringing Food and Faith will feature Dr. Sandy Gramling, asso- 5 Talent Academy Together,” will be held April 18-20 ciate professor in Clinical Psychology March 8, Floris UMC, Herndon at Virginia Crossings Wyndham Hotel at Virginia Commonwealth University, Join the 5 Talent Academy on Tues- & Conference Center, 1000 Virginia where she teaches “Stress and Its day, March 8, for “POWRful Worship: Center Parkway, Glen Allen. This will Management.” She will discuss how Transforming Worship Planning and be a time of Sabbath retreat, fellow- to stay centered in Christ while meet- Leadership.” The event will begin with ship of ministry leaders, engagement ing the needs of our congregation and

26 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 DISCIPLES HELPING TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD

Whaleyville UMC, James River community members. Held at Camp ▲ Overlook in Keezletown, this event is District, created this Advent ban- an opportunity for church secretaries ner (made of felt) with symbols that and administrators to learn, network, were attached to the banner for each fellowship and relax. Breakfast and Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve and lunch on Monday are included in the two Sundays after Christmas (Epiph- cost of registration. The fee for this any). Members of the congregation event is $88 for PAUMCS members; took turns placing the symbols. This $98 for non-members. Register online was a special program that included at www.vaumc.org/PAUMCS by May Scripture reading, invocation and 2. first hymn (Christmas carol) and was accompanied by lighting the Advent Five-Day Academy for Spiritual wreath. Formation May 22-27, Roslyn Retreat Center, The United Methodist Women’s Richmond Teen Circle at St. Stephen’s UMC, Al- The rescheduled Virginia Five-Day exandria District, met to discuss and Academy for Spiritual Formation will be informed about human trafficking. be held at the Roslyn Retreat Center, The UMW are opening umbrellas as Richmond, May 22-27. Registration is an awareness and protest of these currently full, but to be placed on a crimes. They hope to prevent more waiting list, contact Dot Ivey, Regis- trafficking and intend to be supportive

trar, at [email protected]. of the survivors. Supporters pictured below are Sara, Matt, Margaret, Quinn,▲ Katie, Beth, Michael and Bradley.

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 27 pecial and Sustaining move out of poverty. Impact: Program Grants are 15 families (projected) per Sdesigned for programs cohort. outside of normal conference 3. Tuesday’s Table of Sta- and local church funding nardsville UMC, Stanards- processes. Funds are provided ville from conference apportion- Mission: To reach out to ments and contributions from the financially struggling in Virginia Conference United their community by offering (“Accelerator,” cont. from pg. 15) continue beyond just this Methodist Women. a weekly community meal Special Program Grants “We offer grants through process.” free of charge. Impact: 400 provide startup funding for up the Common Table called For Bennett, the pro- people. to three years to innovative Special Grants and Sustain- gram offers opportunities programs of tangible and car- 4. Neighbor Helping Neigh- ing Grants,” Bennett said. in a number of ways. “I’m ing outreach that is beyond bor of Kenbridge UMC, “Instead of just handing out so thankful to be able to a local church’s current Kenbridge money, we wanted to see serve in a conference where financial resources. Sustaining Mission: Assist low-income this is a possibility,” Ben- what we could do to help Program Grants are available owners with home repairs in these ministries grow. So nett said, “that a new idea for ministries that received one of the poorest counties in we’re offering the Accelera- can come and emerge and three years’ worth of Special the state. Impact: 18 individu- tor [program] as a way to get energy and traction Grants in the past and still als, 7 homes. accelerate their ministry, and there’s the safe space need financial assistance to 5. Food Pantry at Heritage accelerate the great work to try it. I’m excited about continue. UMC, Virginia Beach they are already doing and the intersection between In 2016, 16 Special Mission: To build lasting help them make a greater our culture and what’s go- Program Grants and 14 relationships with people in impact in their local com- ing up in startup culture. Sustaining Program Grants the community by feeding munities.” I’m also excited because were awarded for a total of needy families in the commu- Participants from this it is bringing in new, fresh $115,100. nity. Impact: 2346 individuals event will meet again in Au- way of looking at how we Ministry Accelerator annually. gust to share their progress do ministry and how we participants are: 6. Food Pantry at Calvary and examine successes and move from just serving UMC, Stuarts Draft failures. Until then, a private meals to how we transform 1. Community Garden of Basic UMC, Waynesboro Mission: To offer food to Facebook group will help people’s lives. I’m excited community members in need these ministries share ideas, about the possibilities and Mission: Create a com- munity garden to supply a through a food pantry at the and Bennett will check in how that can transform weekly meal offered to local local church. Impact: 32,000 periodically with all partici- not just these local church under-resourced residents; individuals annually. pants. ministries but also, perhaps, offer residents healthful food 7. Agape Christian Chil- Already the Ministry local churches and, perhaps, choices. Impact: Serving 60 dren’s Community Center, Accelerator program has conferences. It’s exciting to people/week and resourced Horntown caused the growth of a see that God’s redemptive 840 meals. Mission: To break down small community. “We’ve work is moving through the racial barriers and promote take seven groups who people who are The United 2. Circles Ashland of Dun- economic justice and self- didn’t know about each Methodist Church.” can Memorial UMC, Ashland Mission: To work with fami- development of peoples in other, didn’t know about To view video about the community spreading the each other’s ministries, and the Ministry Accelerator lies below the poverty line in Ashland to help them build an love of Jesus Christ by offering who are now invested with program, go to https:// economic stability plan and programs for children, two each other and are going to www.youtube.com/ identify financial, emotional nutritional meals and two continue to follow up with watch?v=FvvPTC3Ifkw. and social resources avail- nutritional snacks daily, and a one another,” Bennett said. – Madeline Pillow is editor of the able to them as they work to safe place for children to play. “Those relationships will Advocate. Impact: 364 children per year.

28 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 TECHNOLOGY TIPS Engaging online followers with Lenten ideas

By Gavin Richardson

ent is a time of reflection. It is also a time when individuals seek Lways to deepen their spiritual relationships. With technology, it is easier for people to connect with one another in order to learn more and further their spiritual disciplines. Read on for creative ways churches can engage members and potential visitors during Lent.

Photo-a-Day Meditation: To provide an easy entry for seekers at Lent last year, Rethink Church created a photo-a-day meditation that invited participants to submit their photos on social media that related to the word of the day. These words followed the designated time, giving them more a capsule of a prayer can encourage lectionary and were accompanied by time to read or pray during their “fast.” others. They might also seek their own a brief devotion. It resulted in interna- Challenge members to engage by dif- daily prayer based on your text. tional participation and reached people ferent means, perhaps a hand-written from different denominations as well. note, thank you card or letter for their Online Missions Experience: Think about collecting images from children or spouse. This might be a 40-day period of your members that you can use as ser- fundraising for a particular mission of mon illustrations, slideshows or even a Stories of Faith: What is your the church (Imagine No Malaria, Global photo book of devotionals. favorite Scripture and why? Ask mem- AIDS Fund, an Advance project, etc). It bers if they would be willing to answer could also be a daily or weekly effort Online Study: Since people are gen- this question on video. Create sim- to raise awareness within your congre- erally open to new ideas during Lent, it ple one- or two-minute videos using gation. might be the perfect opportunity to try a digital camera or smartphone. You something new. You could create an can expand the scope of the videos to Go On Pilgrimage: Set up a blog online study in a very traditional sense allow people to tell a significant story for those who might want to go on an by utilizing Skype to connect partici- in the life of their faith. Post the videos actual pilgrimage in or out-of-town. pants in a virtual class meeting. each day online on a social media plat- Tumblr is easy to use and mobile- form or your church website. friendly. Share daily experiences, Online Fast: Invite congregants to photos and videos. If you can’t make a unplug from cell phones, email and Text Prayers: If you have a text physical trip, go virtually using Google social media for a day a week or other message system plugged into your Earth. For example, you can download community, ask one of your pastors or Google Earth coordinates to “walk” lay leaders to share a significant word the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the “Technology Tips” is a new section of the Virginia or phrase from their daily prayers. Cross). Advocate. Here you can learn more about how to You generally cannot capture a whole use technology to convey God’s message on every prayer in a text message, but sending level of the Church. (Cont. on pg. 33: “Technology.”)

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 29 Devotions from International Lesson Series LIVING THE WORD March 6, 2016 and take those experiences to God in prayer, Taking Time to Listen trusting that there, in conversation with God, we Mark 9:14-29 will find the power to cast out our demons.

s this story begins, Jesus, Peter, James and March 13, 2016 John walk onto the scene just after the Spiritual Hoarding ATransfiguration—just after they have seen Mark 10:17-31 Jesus in all of his glory. They’ve had this amazing spiritual experience, and then they slam into a mong the explosion of television shows Beth Givens is in wall of arguing. Talk about coming back to real- focused around homes in recent years her fourth year of ity. have been several shows on hoarding. serving as the pastor A at Welborne Church, It seems that a father has brought his son for Hoarding, loosely defined as the over-accumu- Richmond District, healing, and the disciples who remained down off lation of stuff, is fascinating to many of us—and st and in her 21 year of the mountain have been unable to deliver. What those of us it does not fascinate, it convicts. ministry in the Virginia Conference. She is a precisely they are arguing about with the scribes Professional organizers make a nice living help- graduate of the Uni- is not clear—other than their failure to exorcize ing hoarders clean out and simplify. Arguably versity of Virginia and a demon, something they have done before in we have been a society obsessed with stuff for received her Master of most of our lifetimes. Whether we lived through Divinity from Candler Mark’s story (6:13). School of Theology at Jesus is a little exasperated with their failure the Great Depression and that motivates us to Emory University. Beth to do something he knows they can do. We can hold on to things, or we are pre-Internet kids has served the Virginia who remember saving every National Geographic Conference in a num- see him shaking his head as he asks the father to ber of capacities and bring the son to him. The father does, and Jesus is magazine in case we needed it for a project, we currently serves as a able to cast the demon out. know what it is to have a love affair with stuff. member of the delega- What makes the difference? Other than the One of the great dangers of our new reality is tion to the Southeast- ern Jurisdictional Con- obvious, that Jesus is the actor? Notice what that now we can hoard stuff without it actually ference for the fourth Jesus does when the boy comes to him. He begins taking up physical space in our home. Rather it time. Her passion in to ask the father questions. He gets curious. He takes up space on our hard drives, in the Cloud life, second to faith, is or in data limits. Recently, we phased out an old seeking to faithfully seems to really, genuinely want to know this co-parent, with their boy’s story — and his father’s. He witnesses the computer at our house that held most of our father, two daughters boy’s “fit,” seeking to know what is really hap- digital family photos. I can attest to the fact that in middle school and it takes a while to back up over 32,000 photos to high school. pening, not just relying on the father’s descrip- tion. He asks how long this has been happening. the Cloud! Yet, did I take the time to go through Jesus takes the time to listen to this father them, select the one that needed to be saved and and son, to welcome their story, to wonder about move the rest to the trash? No. It was easier to their lives. It seems that this is important—or hoard, just to back them up and deal with them even the missing piece. Perhaps the disciples later. Whenever later is. were unable to heal the boy because they failed In a digital world, we can hoard friends on to really listen, to fully experience his truth. Per- Facebook, likes on Instagram posts and com- haps it is the willingness to deeply engage with ments on blog entries. These things don’t take up one another that will be the key for healing. space in an unlabeled box in the attic. They don’t As we confront brokenness in our lives, in fill up the junk drawer until it won’t close. They our church and in our world, may we follow the don’t even clutter our hard drives any longer. lead of our Savior and take the time to listen to But they do take up spiritual space. They take up the real stories around us. May we listen without space in our thoughts and in our hearts. Space judgment and listen for the Holy Spirit to speak that needs to be more open to the Holy Spirit. through the story of a companion on the journey. Jesus challenges us, in the guise of the rich Then may we follow Jesus’ directive in verse 29 young man. He challenges us to stop hoarding

30 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 and let go. Let go of the things that loyal to Jesus, but he will value disciples. we think are treasures. Cling only to self-protection more. Thank goodness we don’t measure Christ. The verses left out of this the “success” of our Easter by those reading include the betrayal in standards. No, we measure it in how March 20, 2016 the garden and Jesus’ arrest. By the loud the music is, how many people Finding Courage to Show Up time we find Peter in the courtyard in are packed into the pews, how many Mark 14:26-31, 66-72 verse 66, he has gone from wary and lilies release strong fragrance into the unsure as they entered the garden to air, how many sausage biscuits the ince 2012, I have been doing a frightened and hiding. As the situation United Methodist Men make for break- lot of work with the Center for has grown more and more predictable fast…..Wait. That somehow doesn’t SCourage and Renewal, founded and more and more out of control, seem right either. by Quaker writer, speaker and activ- Peter is not thinking about courage. Looking back at the Scripture, we ist Parker Palmer. The mission of the He is thinking about saving his life. He discover that something happens that Center for Courage and Renewal is “to is afraid of being mortally hurt—either morning to Mary Magdelene, Mary the create a more just, compassionate and physically or emotionally—and so he mother of James and Salome. They healthy world by nurturing personal denies Jesus. approach the tomb with burial spices, and professional integrity and the The temptation to be Peter rests grieving, worried about who will roll courage to act on it.”1 The focus of within each one of us. The ability to away the large stone; similar to the my work with the center has been on live as people of integrity, people who concerns of us “church folk” who integrity and authenticity—connecting show up with our whole selves, re- approach Easter morning, carrying our what I do (professionally, as a parent, quires us to fight that temptation. No music, making sure the communion as a friend, etc.) with who I really am matter how much we think it won’t be elements are prepared, worrying that on the inside, my true self, as defined us, the fear takes hold when we least there won’t be enough and checking by the Holy Spirit at work within me. expect it. May Peter remind us, when and double checking the AV system. I have learned that it does take a we start to build walls and deny the Then they are suddenly confronted by tremendous amount of courage—and truth of our hearts, that there is a cost the terrifying and amazing truth that vulnerability—to show up as my true to such denial. he is not there, he has been raised. All self in the midst of difficult conversa- their worries about stones and spices tions. This is even more challenging in March 27, 2016 have vanished, and they are complete- the current climate of pastoral leader- Easter Metrics ly overwhelmed by this new truth. So ship in The United Methodist Church, Mark 16:1-8 overwhelmed that they go into hiding. where anxiety about the future is fairly This response is so disconcerting that high. In that climate, people (includ- f that first Easter morning, as Mark ancient copywriters edited the ending, ing me) become reactive and want describes it, had been about metrics adding later bits about Jesus appearing to build a wall of protection around Iit would have been a miserable to the disciples. ourselves. Our instinct is not to show failure. Only three people showed up What if…what if we measured up with our whole self. Our instinct is for the sunrise service, and they were the vital signs of Easter morning by to be Peter. of the same gender and ethnicity. They the number of people who were so That was, after all, a pretty anx- weren’t even professing their faith in overwhelmed and amazed when ious night. What started out as a nice Jesus. In fact, they were coming with they heard the story that they were Passover meal had very quickly gone the attitude that it was all over. They tempted to go into hiding? For they bad. Jesus was starting to talk about were finishing up the formalities of won’t stay there long—the promise of betrayal and death. Peter insisted he death. When they found something the resurrection is simply too power- would stand by him. But Jesus seems they weren’t expecting, the news that ful to leave us in our hidden places. It to know that Peter will not, that as the Jesus was risen, they didn’t even wit- compels us to move out into the world situation unfolds, Peter may still be ness to anyone about it—even though to share the news: Christ is Risen. He is the angel told them to go and tell the Risen, indeed! 1http://www.couragerenewal.org/about/mission/

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 31 CLERGY & DIACONAL DEATHS Keller, and they remained close friends The Rev. William Jeryl “Jerry” Fink, the rest of Helen Keller’s life. Mrs. Porter 86, of Henrico County, died Dec. 28, Jerry Francis was preceded in life by her husband, 2015. Jerry is survived by his wife of Weigel, 71, died Rev. Joseph A. Porter D.D., who served 62 years, Ann Eckman Fink; daughter, Dec. 29, 2015. A 14 parishes in America, including the Ellen Walsh; grandsons, Brandon Walsh Navy veteran and Virginia Conference. Lillian is survived and Grant Walsh; great-grandchildren, resident of Virginia by Joseph David Porter, Agent/Officer John Thomas Walsh, Emily Margaret for over 25 years, Thomas Alexander Porter D.P.O.; L. Mary Walsh and William James Walsh; Jerry served as a Keith Porter; Jacquelyn Ann Hennessey and several nieces. Jerry was a retired United Methodist Donovan; Kevin McKeon; Wanda Kane United Methodist minister and served local pastor for 21 years in five Virginia Andrews; and Joan Kane Kelly. churches in Northern Virginia, Lynch- churches: Grace UMC in Rollins Fork; burg and Richmond as well as serving as Zion UMC in Spotsylvania; Greenwood Ken NeSmith, father-in-law of the Rev. district superintendent in the Petersburg UMC in Winchester; Wesley Chapel Rick Bucher, pastor at Thomas Chapel and Roanoke districts. For 21 years, he UMC in Cross Junction; and Pine Grove UMC, died Jan. 14, 2016. His funeral served as President of Virginia United UMC in Winchester. Jerry is survived by was held at Hobson’s Chapel UMC in Methodist Homes, Inc. A memorial his wife, Barbara; three children: Lisa Powhatan, VA. service was held Jan. 6 at the West Barham, Gary Weigel and Jeffrey Wade Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, Glen Weigel; his sister, Betty Ann Adamson A Service of Death and Resurrection Allen. The Rev. Ray W. Chamberlain Jr. and brother, Robert Stanley Weigel; his was held for Charlene Hogue, wife of officiated. step-children, Darlene Ohlenbusch and the Rev. Wayne Hogue, retired UM Dan Foote; and his grandchildren, T. pastor from Central PA Conference, on A Service of Death and Resurrection Baxter Barham, Zane and Ayla Ohlen- Jan. 4, 2016, at St. Matthias UMC, Fred- was held for Dorothy H. Bennett, busch. The Rev. Mike Mayton and the ericksburg. Charlene is also survived by mother of the Rev. Pat B. Tony, pastor Rev. Jason Duley officiated a service of her children Carolyn Jones of Manassas, at St. Matthias UMC, Fredericksburg, on celebration at Macedonia UMC, Ste- David Hogue (Rosa) of Fredericksburg Dec. 27, 2015, at Chatham Presbyterian phens City, on Jan. 3, 2016. and Lori Hogue (Leigh) of Charlot- Church with burial in Hillcrest Cem- tesville; three grandchildren, Natasha etery in Pittsylvania County. Dorothy Al Davis, retired Grant, Kara Hogue and Bryce Hogue; is survived by four children and their local pastor, and and brother, Wesley Taylor (Rosemary) spouses: Pat B. Tony and husband, husband of the of Cowlesville, N.Y. Dean, of Fredericksburg; Jan B. Hamilton Rev. Marsha and her husband, Tom, of Palm Beach Davis, pastor of Jack Eugene Neal Jr. died Dec. 29, Gardens, Fla.; Fred R. Bennett and his Centenary UMC in 2015. President of the United Method- wife, Brenda, of Blacksburg; and David Chase City, died ist Men, Jack also was a church trustee R. Bennett and his wife, Karen, of Dan- Jan. 16, 2016. His at Phoebus United Methodist Church, ville; as well as seven grandchildren and Service of Resur- Hampton. Jack is survived by his wife four great-grandchildren. rection was held Jan. 19 at Beulah UMC Joanne Neal; mother, Ida Armel; chil- on the Prince Edward Charge in Abilene. dren, Corey Preston, Matthew Preston, BIRTHS Daniel Neal, Jennifer Upton and Jer- Lillian Caroline Kane Porter, 90, died emiah Neal; sisters, Catherine Neal and The Rev. Kurt Ludwig is the proud on Jan. 25, 2016. Lillian served in the Patricia Neal; grandchildren, Cody Up- grandfather of his second grand- U.S. Navy during World War II as a Phy- ton, Alexis Upton, Bryson Upton, Harlow child. His son, Sherman, and wife, Liz, sician’s Assistant in the Hospital Corp Neal, Alyssa Preston, Hunter Preston welcomed their first child, a daughter, serving on many bases saving the lives and Tristan Preston. A funeral service Georgianna Rose Ludwig, on Jan. 2, of hundreds of fellow American soldiers was held Jan. 2 at Phoebus UMC. 2016. Kurt is pastor of St. Mark’s UMC during the war. It was during this time in Manassas. she met and became friends with Helen

32 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 (“TECHNOLOGY,” continued from pg. 29.) The Virginia United Methodist

40 Days Meditation: For each day of Lent, share a visual meditation via email or social media. Consider using stock photographs that go along with a daily meditation. Using an email service or third party social media platform, you can pre-post all these daily images and meditations to send to your community. www.vaumc.org/Advocate

Gracious Giving: The idea of giving graciously and generously is a core tenet of our faith. Encourage 11561 Edmonston Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705 your congregation to give generously, in a different way, throughout Lent. The people of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church participate in their own version of this each year as part of their “Christmas is Not Your Birthday” effort. The idea is showing grace in such a generous fashion it is hard for people not to share it. Consider how these ideas may deepen your congregation’s faith and extend the mission of your church and what additional ideas may grow. – United Methodist Communications

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VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 33 FROM THE BISHOP sion and ministries. We also want to issue of human sexuality. We see and spread the culture of deeper prayer in hear warning signs for the future of our churches. I am deeply grateful to our denomination, those team members who planned I believe this is the time to pray, and prepared this convocation and to the time to humbly seek the will and all who will participate in it. guidance of the risen Lord. This year we invited Dr. Frederick Please pray that only the Holy Schmidt to be our plenary speaker. Spirit will lead and guide our GC. Pray He is teaching at Garrett-Evangelical for all delegates to lay down their Theological Seminary as the Ruben agendas and open their hearts and Job Professor of Spiritual Formation. minds to the head of our church, Many of you may know that the late Jesus Christ. Pray for God to give them Bishop Ruben Job was one of our humility, wisdom and depth of spiri- great spiritual leaders in The United tual vitality to discern our Lord’s will Methodist Church and challenged and follow it. Fill their hearts with love and awakened us to the importance for our churches that their decisions of a deeper spiritual life. Garrett- may build up our churches. Evangelical Seminary founded this Without seeking God’s help and professorship in honor of Bishop Job’s guidance, I think our upcoming GC ministry. Dr. Schmidt was chosen as will face many difficulties, frustrations the first professor to fill this impor- and disappointments. Many people Two tant position. We are very excited are worried about the future of our about having him with us on March UMC. Now is the time to convert invitations 5. Please, not only join this event, but these worries and fears into prayer also spread this news and encourage and trust in God. Do we really believe Friends, others to participate in this convoca- in the power of prayer? Do we have tion. This is my first invitation. an assurance of God’s answer to our t is spring! Trees and flowers are Another invitation is to the Con- prayers? celebrating the arrival of this new ference-wide Day of Prayer/24-hour So, this is my second invitation. I Iseason. We see new leaves and Prayer Vigil for General Conference invite you to join our day of prayer flowers everywhere. May the grace (GC). We used to have our Conference- on April 10. Each district will soon and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ Wide Day of Prayer for a church develop a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for GC. be with you in this season of hope. renewal around May 24, Aldersgate I invite you to join this prayer move- This month, we will continue our Day, but this year we set April 10 as ment. Please choose a time and Lenten journey of reflection on the our day of prayer. We want to pray devote some time to praying for a suffering and death of Jesus Christ. before General Conference in May renewal and revival of our churches, But this is not the end of our journey. and respond to the call for a 24-hour especially for the upcoming GC. Let God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Prayer Vigil for GC from the Council of us seek signs that prayer is making The power of sin and death was de- Bishops. I am very happy that each differences! Prayer can bring a new feated, and the tomb of despair and annual conference chose or was as- future in our churches. fear was broken and opened to new signed one day for prayer for our up- I am grateful for your consider- life. Christ is risen! Yes, Jesus Christ coming GC. This prayer movement will ation of these invitations. May our our Lord is risen, indeed!! Hallelujah! last for 131 days, from Jan. 1 to May Good Shepherd continue to lead all In this Lenten month, we will 10, the opening day of GC. The entire our journeys. have the 2016 Bishop’s Convocation United Methodist Church (UMC) in the on Prayer on March 5. This will be world has 131 Annual Conferences. In Christ, our fourth convocation on prayer. In Our beloved UMC is facing seri- this convocation, we want to equip ous challenges. While our church the clergy and laity to move into a has been declining and becoming an deeper prayer life and transform our aging church, the world, our mission field, is changing rapidly. We are also churches by opening ourselves to God Young Jin Cho and seeking God’s will in our mis- struggling and being divided over the

34 VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 ONE LAST WORD

Bible story caption challenge

e asked our readers and Noah: “We’re getting THIS much our social media followers snow!” to share their thoughts and W Woman: “Clearly, you forgot the fill in the bubble about this graphic of bread.” Noah and the reactions of the crowd. Whether serious or funny, thought- Man: “Not according to the GFS provoking or philosophical, we Model!” wanted to know whether Noah was really talking about the ark or talking Noah: “I feel like I’m talking to my about that fish he caught last week. kids!” Here are the top responses! Woman: “Look! He sounds like my Noah: “THIS is the length of a cubit!” father!” Woman: “He finally tells us…” Man: “If you texted, you might get their attention!” Man: “I think he’s off — just a bit.”

Like us on Facebook (Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church) to join the fun!

VIRGINIA ADVOCATE | MARCH 2016 35