330 participate in 20th United Methodist Day at General Assembly
Virginia United Methodist
$2.00AdvocateMarch 2012
Will one issue tear us apart?
The United Methodist Church has debated homosexuality for 40 years with no end in sight From the Editor’s Desk AdvocateVirginia United Methodist Vol. 180, March 2012, No. 3 Let’s take a look at what Jesus Single Copy Price: $2.00 ______said about homosexuality “We envision faith communities where all God’s people are can hear it now... “Why do you want to stir up that pot welcomed at table, nurtured again?” Or better yet: “Cancel my subscription!” and transformed to be I You’re right. Homosexuality is an issue that stirs Christ to others in the world.” United Methodists up. So as we investigate this issue again, — Virginia______Conference Vision Statement I did want to start with some biblical teaching. So here’s what Jesus said about the topic of homosexuality: Inside This Issue FEATURES: That (rainbow) line in the sand 3 UMC holds on to traditional Neill Caldwell Church teachings 4 Editor Tired of waiting: Progress will not be made as long as fear domi- nates the conversation 5 There is no unity when anyone is excluded 6 Parents put relationship with God’s son above relationship with their homosexual son 7 General Conference to again take up Discipline ban on gay clergy, officiating at same-sex unions 8 There are deeper issues behind same-sex marriage discussion 8-9 Where does The United Methodist Church stand on homosexuality? 9 SECTIONS: Virginia 10-17 Nation & World 18-21 Local Church 22-23 Annual Conference update 24 Upcoming Events 25 Living the Word 26-27 Letters & Commentary 28-29 Clergy & Diaconal 30 Grace Notes 31
©2012 Virginia Advocate National award-winning newsmagazine USPS 660-740 ISSN 0891-5598 Published monthly by Virginia United Methodist Communica- tions, Inc., an agency of the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Glen Allen, Va., and at additional mailing offices. The Virginia United Method- ist Advocate is owned by Virginia United Methodist Communica- tions, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Virginia United Meth- odist Advocate, P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Editorial and business offices are located at 10330 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen, Va. Mailing address: P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Telephone:1-800-768-6040, ext. 110; local (804) 521-1100. Fax: (804) 521-1173, E-mail:
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The (rainbow) line in the sand K, I knew you wouldn’t let me get away with writing that Olittle on such an important topic ... “What about in Matthew 19?” you say. “What about Mark 10?” Yes, Jesus The Federal Reserve office in Richmond drew criticism for flying does repeat the scripture (Genesis the rainbow Gay Pride flag last June to celebrate LGBT Month 2:24) about a man and a woman being and promote diversity in the workplace . united as one, but it’s in response to a question, and a trick question at gender marriage, as have the New Jersey and Maryland leg- Neill Caldwell that, about divorce, not homosexual- islatures, and an appeals court has struck down California’s Editor ity. (And, by the way, Jesus has quite ban on same-gender marriage as unconstitutional. a lot to say about divorce, money and But Rev. Keith Boyette, who has an essay on the follow- giving away all you have to serve the poor, but where’s ing page, would say that the church should not mirror the the great hoo-ha about all that? Christ even talked about popular culture, but rise above it. “The church stands over eunuchs, for Pete’s sake! So where are all the pro-eunuch and against culture and society when culture and society and anti-eunuch groups?) are moving in a direction or persisting in practices that the My feeling is that if sexual orientation were really as im- church understands to be not biblical,” he said following portant as all that, Jesus would have spelled it out for us. his participation in the 2011 trial of the Rev. Amy DeLong, Instead, we’re left to argue and insult, throwing scripture a Wisconsin elder who admitted performing a same-gender verses back and forth like darts, taking up precious time wedding and was convicted at her church trial. that could be spent doing the work of the Lord. You can make a good argument for striving to be better The Episcopalians have split over it; the Presbyterians than the culture, but if we choose to ignore the culture, are now in the midst of schism over it as well. Are we next? we do so at our own peril. Young people, especially, have It could happen. Liberals continue to see this as a human a much higher level of comfort with all kinds of gender rights issue that they will not let go of. Conservatives have identification. They see the church’s opposition to same-sex drawn a line in the sand: if there is any change in the sta- marriage and homosexuality, in general, as a hypocrisy in tus quo, they’re gone. the face of Christ’s call to love everyone equally. And that As the Rev. Rhonda VanDyke Colby told a group of her turns them off of church (among other things we do). Shenandoah University students a few days ago during a Our church has a history of adapting. The biggest focus discussion on the key issues of General Conference, homo- of the denomination right now is the “adaptive challenge” sexuality “is so divisive that people don’t even want to have of how to make more vital congregations. Even back to the a conversation about it, for fear that if you take a stand on beginning, when John Wesley was asked not to come back it you’ll immediately alienate half of the room.” to preach at churches, he went out to the streets and spoke It’s clear that in America at least, the needle is moving at the factories and prisons to communicate the good news slowly but steadily toward greater acceptance of lesbians, of Jesus Christ. gays and transgendered persons. Recent Gallup and ABC/ So at the risk of alienating half the room… For me it Washington Post polls have shown that more than a major- all comes down to the teaching of Christ about all people ity are in favor being children of God. We are charged to love one another, of same-gender no matter a person’s gender orientation, unusual personal marriage. We now hygiene habits, which football team they pull for, what kind have gays serv- of car they drive, etc., etc., etc. My gay friends — and there ing their country are a bunch — are no less holy than I am. In fact, most are openly in the probably more so. military thanks My friend, the Rev. Mark Barden in the Western North to the lifting of Carolina Conference, says he would like to see his beloved “don’t ask/don’t United Methodist Church go back to pre-1968 Disciplinary tell.” As I write language about homosexuality, which is to say none. Let’s this, Washington just take it all out and move on to other more important has become the subjects like evangelism, mission, helping eliminate hunger, seventh U.S. state poverty, malaria … to approve same- Hmm... You know, that’s not such a crazy idea. ❑
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 3 UMC holds on to traditional Church teachings by Keith Boyette lthough The United Methodist Church confronts challenges to its continued vitality and mission on Amany fronts, delegates to the 2012 General Con- ference in Tampa will yet again be asked to reverse the church’s position on homosexuality. Our Book of Discipline declares that the “practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,” forbids the ordination or appointment of self-avowed practicing homosexuals, and prohibits ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions from being conducted by our celibacy in singleness and fidelity in marriage. Maintaining ministers or occurring in our churches. the current stance in our Discipline keeps faith with the For ten General Conferences (1972-2008), and after supremacy of Scripture and is consistent with tradition, numerous dialogues, two General Church study commis- experience and reason. sions, the development of official study resources, dozens Exposure to contemporary media demonstrates that we of convocations, a plethora of books, demonstrations and live in a hyper-sexualized culture. For more than 40 years, disruptions of General Conference business, and extended there have been those within The United Methodist Church impassioned debate, The United Methodist Church has who respond to events in our culture by arguing that we continued to affirm a holistic position on human sexuality should accommodate to and adopt the ways of the culture in that is pastoral and biblical, compassionate and redemptive. which we live. The existing position of our church, grounded Our denomination’s current statements on homosexual- in scripture and the historic teachings of the Church, is a ity set forth a balanced position that affirms the “sacred statement of clarity in an age of murky morality. worth” of all persons, while acknowledging that as Chris- In an era when far too many know the spiritual devas- tians we cannot affirm every expression of human sexu- tation which comes from sexual brokenness that occurs ality. There are sexual practices that contradict biblical regardless of sexual orientation, our focus as a church standards, and as faithful disciples we must be willing to should be on being prepared to minister to the needs pre- declare them to be incompatible with Christian teaching. sented while uncompromisingly standing for biblical truth Our position does this with mercy and grace, and is consis- and the transformative power of a relationship with Christ. tent with the pronouncements of scripture in both the Old Our current Discipline makes clear that all persons, and New Testaments and 2000 years of Christian history. whatever their sexual orientation, are welcome in The For millennia, biblical and Christian writers have de- United Methodist Church, but is also clear that sexual clared that homosexual practice violates God’s design for relationships outside the biblically and historically defined humanity and the pronouncements of Scripture. Explicit boundary of Christian marriage between one man and one moral references to such behavior in the Christian tradi- woman must be confronted for what they are — sin — and tion have been consistently negative. Every reference to persons who sin must be called to confession, repentance same-sex intercourse in Scripture is negative (see Genesis and transformation. 19:3-8; Judges 19:22-25; Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13; Romans Every four years for 40 years now, as we have ap- 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20; and 1 Timothy 1:8-11). proached General Conference, clergy and laity, regardless The Scriptures and Christian theology have limited sex- of perspective, have approached the debate on sexual prac- ual activity to within the boundary of marriage. Marriage tice with apprehension. While the malaise which is present has been defined by the Church in its orthodox expression in The United Methodist Church is not solely related to this as the covenantal relationship of supreme love between a debate, the contentiousness of this debate has, in my opin- man and a woman. ion, distracted us from the central mission of the church — This definition has been based, in part, upon the teach- to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of ing of Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6 which affirms that gender is the world. And yet we still battle. We will do so yet again in a divine creation, heterosexual marriage is a divine institu- Tampa. May God give us His grace and mercy. ❑ tion, and heterosexual fidelity is the divine intention. Our — The Rev. Keith Boyette is pastor at Wilderness Discipline rightly calls faithful followers of Jesus Christ to Community UMC in Spotsylvania.
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Tired of waiting Progress will not be made as long as fear dominates the conversation by Rob Vaughn e was a good pastor, until he said he was gay.” That headline appeared in The Washington Post about a Hseminary colleague — a talented pastor who lost his pulpit only because of his honesty about his sexual orientation. Because of a typo in the article which added an extra zero, the newspaper said about 450 students at Wesley were gay. Suddenly the questions from the Board of Ordained Ministry representatives were about our sexual orientation as opposed to our preparation for ministry. I then began to get a glimmer of what my LGBT friends went through all the time. I am very grateful for the progress we’ve made as a more accepting and humane society since then but saddened that progress is not reflected in our denomi- nation’s policy. I am saddened because we have lost far too many talented persons who have been called by God to both lay and ordained ministry because of the must remain hidden. And infamous phrase in our Social Principles statement, “The I think there will continue UMC does not condone the practice of homosexuality and to be pain because the considers this practice incompatible with Christian teach- incredible witness and work for God in Christ within The ing.” I am saddened that our position on homosexuality United Methodist Church will not get heard by a genera- has so seriously impacted young adults that our witness to tion who cannot get past our inhospitality toward LGBT God’s magnificent grace and love is impaired. persons. Like a people exiled in Babylon, waiting for a chance to Most folks I’ve encountered who hold a different per- return home, I am hopeful for that day when my United spective have also been concerned about the church’s Methodist faith home is truly open and affirming of all witness in the world and how to encourage holiness in my LGBT sisters and brothers in Christ. My hope for the the lives of others. Yet good, honest, informed dialogue future is a homecoming that welcomes all who have been has been all too rare, and legislative settings like General injured; a homecoming that makes good and full use of the Conference have not been settings for learning about this gifts of our LGBT siblings. I look forward to a day when issue. Progress will not be made as long as fear, in all of its I will not have to travel to Canada to witness a life-long disguises, continues to dominate our conversation. friend’s marriage — she and her partner have been commit- What I also believe will occur, and what brings me hope, ted to each other for over decades. I look forward to when is that a number of LGBT persons will actively remain in our conversations about sexuality will return to what we the church, offering their witness to God’s work in the have a choice over, like other issues of Christian ethics, UMC in spite of our less than gracious attitude. The role rather than what we cannot control. of Reconciling Ministries and their willingness to explore Mary Kraus, a clergy colleague who pastored a reconcil- questions of hospitality will continue to inspire and offer ing congregation, told me about a woman and her partner hope for a changed future for the church. The witness of who, when they found her congregation, both cried tears such groups is like 2nd Isaiah reminding us that all God’s of joy for the whole next month because they had finally children will get home again. But as much as I want an in- found a faith community where they could be affirmed like clusive church today, it will be in God’s time and not mine. any other committed family. What I would like to see is a That’s where I’m impatient. I’m tired of waiting. I’m not time of no more tears, when every Methodist congregation certain how many of my colleagues around the denomina- would be a place of welcome for all God’s children. tion who believe in an inclusive church will continue to What I fear will occur are more tears of pain before choose to live with a policy that is contrary to the gospel. there’ll be tears of joy — pain at another General Confer- That just might be the flashpoint in the next few years of ence leaving our church’s policy as it is — pain at know- our denominational life. ❑ ing the effect on the lives of persons who feel they have — The Rev. Dr. Rob Vaughn is pastor of Community of Faith UMC in Herndon. A Wesley Seminary graduate, his Ph.D. is in Sexuality a secret that they cannot share, a part of their lives that Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 5 No unity when anyone is excluded by Rives Priddy daughter find a church camp for her gay child; the couples who knew each other but just learned both had a gay child; esus loves the little children, all the children of the and lay members who discovered their pastor was an ally. world.” Taught this as a preschooler, I believed it, took I worry about the unity of the church, because it is al- Jit to heart, and have tried to live its truth. It got me ready broken when anyone is excluded. Jesus’ ministry was into a lot of trouble! I have witnessed children welcomed at to all, particularly the marginalized. A split in our denomi- table, women ordained, black and white churches united, nation will not resolve this. As long as we baptize babies “people with a variety of abilities fully engaged in the life of and confirm adolescents, we will have young gay people The United Methodist Church and divorced people allowed among us. to be church leaders. Now 60, I have attended a number of same-sex weddings Sexual minorities have always been among the followers and can speak to the sacramental nature of those worship of Jesus Christ in the congregations I knew, and I don’t services. Afterwards I have been asked: “Can you tell me remember God not being there! At a Women in Ministry about this God you know?” “I haven’t been to church in 20 workshop another attendee said she had known “a Priddy years. Would you help me find a church near where I live?” from Ashland.” I was surprised when she said my recently “May I share pictures and bulletins with my niece and her deceased mother’s name and told me they had been church partner? Maybe it would bring them back to church.” camp counselors when my mother was pregnant with her I believe all are members of God’s family, and agree that first child. My first church camp experience was in utero! not all couples are ready for Christian marriage, and not all I am a life-long United Methodist by choice — God’s and people are called to ordained ministry. We allow our pas- mine! tors to decide who not to include, but do not allow them I find it ironic that as physicians were eliminating homo- the same freedom to officially support those they believe sexuality as a disorder, General Conference was adding “in- are called to membership, marriage, and/or ordination. compatible with Christian teaching” and other prohibitions My hope is that General Conference will finally eliminate to the Book of Discipline. Bishop Jack Tuell was among the “incompatible with Christian teaching” clause and those who added prohibitions and has since admitted his allow all pastors to care for their whole flock as well as error in his book, How I Changed My Mind. permit the appropriate local, district, and conference com- My Methodist Youth Fellowship counselor has reminded mittees to make their decisions based on a person’s call me of my desire to be a missionary. Little did we know I and fitness for ministry. ❑ wouldn’t be heading to Africa, but would be witnessing — C. Rives Priddy, a certified Director of Christian Educa- instead to those already in the fold, encouraging them to tion, is a member of Centenary UMC, Richmond, and an stay, to answer God’s call. Since adolescence I have worked active participant in the Reconciling Ministries Network in churches as a volunteer and paid professional. Early in my ministry a seldom seen 14-year-old attended our bowl- ing party. Helping with the scorecard, she noticed another visitor and said, “Isn’t she beautiful?” Realizing she may have revealed more than intended, she stiffened. “Not that I am gay!,” she said. Noting her fear, I placed my hand on her shoulder, asked God’s guidance, and said, “It wouldn’t bother me. I know God loves His gay children, too.” I felt the weight of the world leave her, and she started com- ing to UMYF. We cannot guide our youth in healthy life choices if they are not present. I am aware of those who had begun the ordination pro- cess and had the rules change mid-course. Some left the Virginia Conference, our denomination, or church com- pletely. Some were removed because of perceived homo- sexuality (how does one prove celibate heterosexuality?), others took their own lives. Few have remained, and that is The United Methodist Church’s loss. Every year I attend annual conference and learn of more Phyllis Siegel, 76, and Connie Kopelov, who have left. I weep hearing about falling numbers know- 84, celebrate as they leave Manhattan’s City Clerk’s office after becoming the ing how many have been forced out. However, joys abound: first same-sex couple to get married in the mother of three, two who met their spouses through New York City last year. (Associated church camps, asked me, with a smile, if I could help her Press photo)
6 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Parents put relationship with God’s son above relationship with their homosexual son by Larry and Betty Baker orty-one years ago we were proud parents of two blond When we asked him, he said yes. We saw and felt his relief curly-headed little girls. We had little money but a great when we told him he was still our son, no matter what; and love for children. We knew we wanted another child F we encouraged him to seek help from many places. For two and felt strongly led to adopt. The Lord in His mercy led us years we cried, were ashamed and kept it a secret. During through mountains of paperwork and the complexities of that time, we read a lot and sought help ourselves. Finally we two governments, one on the other side of the world, to the began to tell family and friends and bring it out in the open. beautiful dark-haired, dark-eyed baby who was to complete There have been painful times since, when the chasm has our family. Friends prayed with us through the long months seemed too deep and broad to hold our family together; but of waiting and when all was finally approved, Larry flew to our family relationships are now solid and close and God’s Seoul, South Korea, and brought our son home. love has brought us through. There was no question he was ours; he was a Baker brother, We have repeatedly, painstakingly searched scripture and son, grandson, nephew and cousin and loved by all. The adop- found nothing to refute the Apostle Paul’s words: “Do you tion process was completed before he turned 2. not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom Most of his growing up was in Madison County. He was bap- of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, tized and confirmed in Mount Zion United Methodist Church nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[1] nor sodomites, nor thieves, and faithfully participated there, as we still do. He went nor covetousness, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortion- through the broken bones, stitches, chicken pox and pranks ers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of most boys do and dealt with the prejudice of being labeled you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justi- “different.” We were continually amazed by his intelligence fied in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our and love of learning and never felt concern about drug or alco- God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, New King James Version.) hol problems. We felt blessed because he was such a great kid! Such were ALL of us until we have accepted Christ. After college he went into computer programming and Our son is a person of sacred worth, as we all are, and it moved away from home. At first he was lonely, so all the fam- would be so easy to follow the path of acceptance as many ily sent silly e-mails and cards and we often treated him to a other parents have done. But our relationship with Christ has meal. Gradually he began to make friends and seemed happier. to be far above our relationship with our son. Our greatest Our house has always been full of kids, so we invited him sorrow is that he and his partner have turned their backs on to bring his new friends home. He told us about their activi- God and refuse to believe in Him. We pray for them to return ties, but we began to realize he didn’t want us to meet any of to Christ, and we know that God can turn them into the men these friends. Having gone through family anguish when my that He wants them to be. nephew announced he was homosexual, the Holy Spirit helped Homosexuality is not sin with a capital “S,” it is simply sin, us discern our son’s fear of telling us he, too, was homosexual. and we as a church have not served the homosexual communi- ty well. But we do not bless alcoholism or any other sin. Why should we bless homosexuality? We thank God almost every day for The United Methodist Church’s stand on refusing to ordain homosexuals or marry them. We thank God for the Council of Bishops’ letter that holds to The Book of Discipline. We thank God for the men and women in Mount Zion United Methodist Church pews and all across the country who are praying for our church to stand firm in this matter. We are among the countless numbers who will leave this church if The United Methodist Church caves in to the world’s social pressure. ❑ — Betty and Larry Baker are members at Mount Zion UMC, part of the Rapidan Charge in the Charlottesville District.
[1.] Footnote in NKJV: That is, “catamites.” (Merriam-Webster defines The Bakers pose for a family picture. “Catamite” as “a boy kept by a pederast for sexual purposes.”)
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 7 Issue remains a flashpoint General Conference to again take up end to Discipline ban on gay clergy and officiating at same-sex unions ince 1972, the topic of homosexuality has sur- faced every four years at General Conference. SDelegates consistently have voted to keep the Book of Discipline’s stance on the issue. The church’s book of law says all people are of sacred worth but also states, “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The Discipline bans “self-avowed practicing homo- sexuals” from being ordained or appointed to serve in the denomination. It also says that marriage is to be between a man and a woman and forbids United Meth- odist clergy from officiating at same-sex unions. But in early 2011, 36 of the denomination’s 92 retired bishops called on the denomination to eliminate United Method- its ban on the ordination of gay clergy. The statement ists Kathy and sparked varied reactions from active bishops as well as Dave England of the denomination’s unofficial evangelical and progres- Nebraska (top) came to the 2008 sive caucuses. General Con- Then, starting during annual conference season, ference in Fort more than 1,000 United Methodist clergy in the United Worth in support States signed pledges to bless same-sex unions, marking of their gay son. a new turn in the long-time debate. At left, others “This is not some insignificant violation of the terms hold a silent pro- of the Book of Discipline,” said the Rev. Thomas Lam- test during the 2008 gathering. brecht, the church’s counsel in the church trial of the Rev. Amy DeLong, who admitted performing a same- gender marriage service. “I think scripture is very clear that our expression of the good gift of sexuality is to be reserved only within heterosexual marriage,” he added. There are deeper issues Lambrecht is pastor from Wisconsin who sits on the board of Good News, an unofficial evangelical caucus by Tim Tennent within the denomination. ast year more than 900 United Methodist clergy pledged to “The church does a good job of saying everybody’s perform same-sex unions in open defiance of the Scrip- welcome and God loves everybody,” DeLong said. “(But Ltures, of our ministerial tradition of holy conferencing, and the church) then spends a whole lot of time and energy of the Discipline of The United Methodist Church. creating rules to define who’s in and who’s out.” In response, a group of pastors of some of the largest church- The summer of same-sex pledges, in turn, sparked a es in America prepared a petition asking the bishops of the countermovement by other United Methodist clergy and United Methodist Church to issue a statement that the Disci- lay people urging the bishops to make clear that they pline will be respected. will enforce the Book of Discipline on this issue. As of What is at stake is more than just a re-affirmation that biblical Feb. 1, more than 2,600 clergy and 13,200 laity in the marriage is between a man and a woman. There are two deeper United States signed petitions to the bishops at
8 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Where does the UMC stand on homosexuality? ince 1972, the Book of Disci- God’s grace. of Irene Elizabeth pline has declared “homosexual While The Book Stroud’s clergy sta- Spractice” to be “incompatible of Discipline sup- tus for disclosing she with Christian teaching.” Following ports the civil rights is openly lesbian. The the 1972 incompatibility clause, other of homosexual council also rendered restrictions have been added at subse- persons and rejects a decision allowing quent General Conferences. Currently the abuse of homo- Virginia pastor the the Book of Discipline prohibits the sexuals by families Rev. Ed Johnson the ordination of “practicing, self-avowed and churches, it authority to deny homosexuals,” forbids clergy from also calls for laws church member- blessing or presiding over same-sex defining marriage ship to an openly unions, forbids the use of its facilities as a union between gay man. The latter for same-sex ceremonies and prohibits one man and one decision was espe- the use of church funds for “gay cau- woman. cially controversial cuses” or other groups that “promote Failed efforts since it appeared to the acceptance of homosexuality.” have been made to contradict both the Despite this language, not all mem- pass resolutions to church’s Constitution bers of the Church are of one mind on “fully include gay. and membership poli- this issue. Preceding the incompatibil- lesbian, bisexual and cies which stipulate ity clause the Book of Discipline clear- transgender persons that membership ly states that “homosexual persons, in the life of the Church” at General shall be open to all persons “without no less than heterosexual persons are Conferences since the introduction of regard to race, color, national origin, individuals of sacred worth.” the incompatibility clause in 1972; del- status or economic condition.” (The Some believe that this “sacred egates from conferences in the North- Judicial Council had previously found worth” clause stands in contradiction east and on the West Coast typically that the word “status” also applies to to the following statement regarding vote to do so, but are outnumbered by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender the incompatibility of homosexual those from Southeast and overseas. persons.) practice with Christian teaching. The Some of these issues have come Decision 1032 created vigorous Book of Discipline affirms that all before the Judicial Council. In October debate on the level of autonomy indi- persons, both heterosexual and homo- 2005, the Council undertook two con- vidual pastors have in interpreting and sexual, are included in the ministry of troversial measures on this topic. First, applying church doctrine. ❑ the church and can receive the gift of the Council upheld the revocation — United Methodist News Service behind the same-sex marriage discussion in our church. For exercise church discipline. This shouldn’t require a petition. It Tennent clergy to do something should be the normal expression of episcopal authority. in open defiance of the A decade ago, Bill Hinson called for a special task force Book of Discipline is a to create a process which would lead to an “amicable separa- serious breach of our tion” between United Methodists. This would not be a defiant unity, regardless of the church split, but a solemn process whereby the church allows issue. There are many those who are committed to historic orthodoxy, the Wesleyan churches whose clergy heritage and secure episcopal authority to live under such a are not under epis- covenant. copal authority and Many faithful Methodists (including me) are not yet ready are not bound to one to pull the “amicable separation” lever, but this is the inevita- another by a covenant. ble trajectory if our bishops will not exercise their God-given, The United Methodist episcopal resolve to enforce our Discipline. We need an affir- church is not among mation that our covenant is still in force and that the “people them. called Methodists” can focus our energies and resources on Bishops must rise up and do what bishops have been spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world. ❑ elected to do. Bishops are called by God, and ordained by — Dr. Timothy C. Tennent is president of Asbury Theological the church, to defend the Gospel, shepherd the church and Seminary in Wilmore, Ky.
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 9 The United Methodist Connection in . . . Virginia Q. What’s black and white and red all over? A. 330 United Methodists at the State Capitol he 20th United Methodist Day our House member or Senator felt a bit Trinitarian, or as Bishop and to share the positions of The TCharlene Kammerer phrased it, a United Methodist Church on a “Methodist trifecta,” with special honors host of issues. The United Meth- for the bishop, for a United Methodist odist Church has been respected congregation, and a United Methodist in this arena for a long time in prayer. Virginia.” During the House of Delegates noon Kammerer said she feels that it session on Feb. 2, Bishop Kammerer is her duty as a follower of Christ was honored by Henrico Rep. Peter to speak out again injustice. She Ferrell, 25 members of Rising Hope mentioned a visit to Candler United Methodist Mission Church were Seminary in Georgia when she introduced, and the Rev. Al Lynch of was asked by a student: “how do St. Andrews UMC in Richmond led the you know as a pastor when to be body’s opening prayer (and prayed over prophetic?” the Senate the following day). “My response United Methodist wore red An overflow crowd of 330 United to the student,” and black to symbolize Methodists from across the conference Kammerer said, the colors of the Cross and gathered at Bon Air UMC for breakfast, “was this: ‘The Flame logo of the church boarded buses to the General Assembly moment will during the 20th United Meth- building and State Capitol in downtown come to you. odist Day at the General Assembly. At left, Bishop Richmond, and then returned to Bon Air You will know Kammerer welcomes 330 for lunch and talks by the bishop and you are being participants gathered at General Secretary of the General Board called again by Bon Air UMC. Below, Wayne of Church & Society Jim Winkler, a lay God. It will be Rhodes of the General Board member of the Virginia Conference. like a divine of Church & Society looks Most everyone was dressed in red and nudge, a fire over materials with Rosa black, representing the colors of the in your belly, a Lewis (center) and Patsy Gochenour. Cross and Flame of The United Method- clarion call, and ist Church. you will want to In celebrating the 20th year of resist it. Most often, in my own experi- United Methodist Day, Bishop Kammerer ence, you will be called to speak and praised the “strong tradition of United act on behalf of those who are voice- Methodist presence and advocacy in the less, powerless, marginalized. And you General Assembly … where we lobby and will be speaking for God. This is a very advocate for positions we support for scary thing, and seems to scare us pas- the good of the citizens of the Com- tors more than the fact that we boldly monwealth of Virginia. Often times, the speak for God every time we stand up to issues are education, affordable housing, preach the Word of God.’” health and dental insurance for the poor, In his remarks, Winkler said he had the practice of payday lending and car been asked to address how participants loans, and the list goes on and on. could take back home to their local “We are always well prepared as a church what they had experienced. group to study the issues ahead of time, “What I really want you to do when to know how to contact and speak with you leave here is to shake the gates (Photos by Linda Rhodes and Neill Caldwell)
10 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Karen Booker (left) and Alneta McCall search for the location of a legislative committee hearing. Below left, General Secretary Jim Winker of the General Board of Church & Society speaks during the afternoon session at Bon Air. Below, Natalie May pushes Bon Air Apple Butter.
of hell,” Winkler ter to Congress, march in a demonstration, reach out to young said. “Because if people, and build relationships and coalitions.” you don’t, things Winkler also had words of praise for Bishop Kammerer: will only go from “At general board meetings I always try to sit next to her, but bad to worse. You everyone else also wants to, so the seat is usually taken.” know the statistics: Rising Hope pastor the Rev. Keary Kincannon said the millions of children congregation was there to make sure “our legislators pass go to bed hungry bills that include and lift up the poor and marginalized and every night, the not exclude them from society. We were there to meet with gap between the rich and the poor grows daily, climate change our delegate, Scott Surovell, and our senator, Toddy Puller, to threatens God’s very Creation, war remains a commonplace oc- let them hear from the voices of some of the least among us. currence, and preventable diseases go untreated. Frankly, we’re We brought 25 predominately low-income members … who are counting on you to be the ones that turn things around. homeless, disabled, unemployed and working poor or on fixed “Making United Methodist Day real in the local church incomes. We were asking them not to forget about us.” means you will need to act strategically ... bring people along Patsy Gochenour, a member of Braddock Street UMC, step by step,” Winkler continued. “You will need to carry out Winchester District, has been participating in United Method- a program of education, witness and action. Education: teach ist Day since it first began. Gochenour said that being part the Bible and the United Methodist Social Principles. Not of United Methodist Day, along with her connections to the everyone will agree with you. If you yourself cannot accept or conference Board of Church and Society, United Method- appreciate disagreement, you’ll find it hard to move forward. ist Women and Caretakers of God’s Creation “gives me the Witness: live out the Word. Feed the hungry and advocate for strength to move forward and do something positive. And affordable housing and a living wage. Action: set up the card that’s all that God requires of us.” ❑ table in the corner of the narthex and ask people to write a let- -Story and photos by Neill Caldwell and Linda Rhodes Virginia Interfaith Center selects new president t United Methodist Day at the General Assembly, gins of their communities,” he said.” AThe Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy Grimaldo has more than 20 years of ex- introduced Marco Grimaldo as the new CEO and presi- perience in politics and non-profit advocacy, dent. including work on national campaigns related Grimaldo most recently served as a Regional to international development assistance, HIV/ Organizer for Bread for the World and previously AIDS, debt relief and a range of domestic served as the Director of the Bread for the World hunger and poverty concerns. Institute and as the National Organizer for the Alli- The 30-year-old Interfaith Center for Public ance to End Hunger. Policy is Virginia’s oldest faith-based advocacy “The Center and its members have a reputation group and works to unite faith communities to for being tenacious advocates for those on the mar- reduce poverty rates in Virginia. ❑
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 11 National PAUMCS meeting coming to Richmond he Virginia Chapter of Profes- The national meeting of sional Association of United the Professional Associa- Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) tion of United Methodist T Church Secretaries will host the National PAUMCS (PAUMCS) will be held Conference April 12-15 at the Hilton at the Hilton Hotel in the Hotel and Spa at Short Pump in Rich- Short Pump area of Rich- mond. mond. Bishop Charlene Kammerer will preach Thursday’s opening worship. Saturday closing worship will take place at historic Trinity UMC, estab- lished in 1790, and the Rev. Myrtle Francis Hatcher will preach. The Rev. Marc Brown, Kathy Merry and the Rev. John Briggs, will present “Does Your Church Have a Prayer: Are You in Maintenance or Mission?” and “How to Recruit and Keep Vol- and be able to tour its world class unteers.” The Rev. Al Horton of First collection, and an optional Monument UMC in Charlottesville will present Avenue/Church Hill/Methodist his- information are available at
engaging in a New denomination-wide mission to God’s creation care ministry creation.” Caretakers of formed at Virginia meeting God’s Creation n late January United Methodists from all over the country carries out gathered at St. Matthew’s UMC in Annandale to found a its mission by Idenomination-wide ministry of caring for God’s creation. equipping and Caretakers of God’s Creation, a ministry of the Virginia empowering con- Conference, hosted more than 30 who attended physically, gregations and and many more who joined by Web-based video conferencing. individuals to live Representatives from all across the out their faith in United Methodist conferences represented were Florida, North nation gather at St. Matthew’s UMC in Georgia, Virginia, Upper New York, Kansas East, Baltimore- Annandale to talk about God’s creation. relationship to Washington, Missouri, Susquehanna, West Michigan, Holston, God and God’s Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa and New Jersey. creation by protecting and healing God’s earth. Caretakers of God’s Creation, under the leadership of the The attendees at St. Matthew’s UMC confirmed that United Rev. Pat Watkins, has been serving the Virginia Conference Methodism world-wide would benefit from a denomination- for the past three years. Watkins is the first Church and Com- wide Caretakers of God’s Creation organization to raise aware- munity Worker in the nation assigned to a mission to raise ness and promote action on behalf of God’s creation. The awareness of the relationship between faith and responsibility attendees discussed the possible goals, operational structure to care for God’s creation. and resources required to make this effort a success, with a “Based on the amazing energy and enthusiasm from all specific focus on the next three years. over the country, the time seems to be right for The United The group authorized a steering committee to be formed Methodist Church to form a denominational organization with plans to meet in the immediate future to move forward of caring for God’s creation,” Watkins said. “Several annual toward the goals outlined in the meeting. conferences and individuals from around the connection are “God created an amazing place and called it ‘very good!’” already hard at work expressing their Christian faith, their Watkins said. “The time has come for us to declare God’s United Methodist theology, and their Wesleyan heritage by creation ‘very good’ as well.” ❑
12 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Big doings at Willis UMC State, national leaders hold town hall meeting at Richmond church tate and federal officials including Gov. Bob McDonnell Sheld a town hall meeting Feb. 1 at Willis UMC to promote tourism and the National Park System. Willis UMC sits on the edge of two Civil War battlefields, Glendale and Malvern Hill, on Willis Church Road near state Route 5 east of Richmond. Church members and pastor Mark Rooks served as hosts for the event. The town hall meeting celebrated an upcoming land transfer from the Civil War Conservation Trust. The group buys up historic battlefield lands for preservation purpos- es, then sells the land to the National Park Service. Much of the land around Willis UMC is now owned by the Park Service, and an additional 365 acres up the road from the church are to be transferred. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced plans for a $4 million park expansion near the Willis church. Vir- ginia is marketing itself as a destination during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. “Tourism is one of the top economic drivers in Virginia and in communities throughout the country,” Salazar said. “These acquisitions … will enable us to preserve two key battlefields of the Civil War and help draw more visitors and jobs to the area. This is a win-win situation.” “In 2010, tourism in Virginia generated $18.9 billion in revenue, provided $1.3 billion in state and local taxes and supported more than 204,000 jobs,” Gov. McDonnell told the audience. “In these difficult economic times, these investments in our history will also pay dividends to our future by putting more people back to work.” The land to be preserved with the new funds lies primar- ily on the Glendale and Malvern Hill battlefields, which played key roles in the unsuccessful summer 1862 cam- paign by Union Gen. George B. McClellan to take Rich- mond. Until now, Glendale has been inaccessible to visi- Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks in the Willis Church sanctu- tors. The Department of the Interior said that, with these ary (top). Middle, a historic marker outside the church. Bottom, Gov. McDonnell and his wife, First Lady Maureen preservation funds, the battlefield will be almost entirely McDonnell, share a laugh with U.S. Secretary of the In- preserved and the area will be made accessible to visitors terior Ken Salazar at the new Visitors’ Center across the for the first time. road from the church. (Photos by Neill Caldwell) McDonnell and Salazar were joined by Jon Jarvis, direc- tor of the National Park Service. Jarvis said the 23 million visitors to Virginia’s National Park Service sites contribute $493 million to local economy. ❑
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 13 Delegation hears from its nominee irginia’s delegation to 2012 General and Jurisdic- tional Conference gathered at the United Methodist VCenter to hear from episcopal nominee the Rev. Young Jin Cho, plus reports on issues that will be impor- tant when General Conference begins April 24. Cho had been traveling with a conference clergy group in Korea when he was selected by the delegation to be promoted as one of the candidates for the five bishop slots that will be elected in July. Cho said he fell to his knees when he heard the news. “It was too much,” he said. “Your Shirley Cauffman is nearing the end of her term as confer- decision came as a surprise, as I was the 12th clergy del- ence Lay Leader. (File photo) egate (selected to go to General Conference). I am a first- generation immigrant and my English is still in the process Nominations open for of sanctification!” The United Methodist Church has elected only three conference Lay Leader Korean-American bishops in its history, and none in the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ). In fact, Cho is the first hirley Cauffman will conclude service as Virginia Korean-American even nominated in the SEJ. Conference Lay Leader at Annual Conference in Before Bishop Kammerer appointed SJune, and the search process for the next conference him to the Cabinet as Arlington Dis- Lay Leader is under way. trict Superintendent seven years ago, The Book of Discipline states that the conference Lay he served as senior pastor at Korean Leader is “the elected leader of the conference laity” who UMC of Greater Washington for 23 has “responsibility for fostering awareness of the role of years. In discussing his years of min- the laity both within the congregation and through their istry, Cho said he has had one simple ministries in the home, workplace, community, and world maxim: “Where the Lord wants me, I in achieving the mission of the church and enabling and will follow.” supporting lay participation in the planning and decision- Cho said that, if elected, he would be making processes of the annual conference, district, and Cho a “praying bishop.” local church in cooperation with the bishop, district super- “The United Methodist Church is at intendents, and pastors” (¶607, 2008 Book of Discipline). a crossroads,” he said. “The one thing lacking … is spiritual Changes will be proposed at this year’s Annual Confer- vitality. Without it, we’re only adding plans and programs.” ence session to increase the term of service of the confer- Virginia delegates also got a list of “talking points” to ence Lay Leader from three years to four years, with a help convince other conference’s delegates of Cho’s wor- maximum of eight consecutive years of service. thiness. “I hope delegates grasp who he is as a person, a Applications are available from the conference Web true humble servant leader,” said the Rev. Steve Jones, the site at
14 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Study guide now available for Berlin and Weems book he authors of Bearing Fruit: The book and Study Guide are de- Ministry with Real Results, the signed to provide church leaders with Farabaugh writes TRevs. Tom Berlin of Floris UMC the tools they need to assess the fruit and Lovett Weems of Wesley Theologi- their ministry bears in the lives of their his first novel cal Seminary, have now created a Study congregation, their community, and Guide to facilitate reflection, discussion the world. The authors ask leaders to he Rev. Tim Farabaugh’s and application of the book. define their ministry in terms of “fruit- Tfourth book is his first of Bearing Fruit was pub- fulness as well as faithfulness,” fiction: a historical novel set lished last spring by Abing- and directs pastors and lay during the time between the don. “We have been pleased leaders to “ask about the out- French and Indian war and to learn of the many ways comes of any given ministry or the American Revolution titled that individual church leaders program, not just its process.” In Search of Revenge and and congregational teams are “This is the one book we’ve Respect, about a young man using the book as a spring- asked our leaders to read named Gus whose parents are board for discussion and plan- together before our strategic killed in an Indian raid. ning. We have prepared this planning process this year,” Farabaugh, a conference study guide … primarily as a said the Rev. Adam Hamilton, elder, is currently the Chief Op- resource for group study,” the senior pastor at United Method- erating Officer at the Vinson authors said in the introduc- ist Church of the Resurrection Hall Corp. in McLean. tion to the guide. in Leawood, Kansas. Farabaugh’s previous books “This guide is intended only as a The study guide is available at Cokes- were professional: Ministry to launching pad,” Weems said. “We know bury and Amazon.com, and available and with the Elderly, Lay Pas- that the richest learning will occur for download at:
Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, is a University Senate approved seminary.
Forming Leaders. Transforming the Church. www.upsem.edu/admissions • 1-800-229-2990, ext. 221
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 15 16 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Disaster Response getting second shower trailer he Virginia Conference Disaster from donations Virginia Disaster Response has had Response Team is getting a sec- from sponsors a tractor-trailer sized shower trailer Tond “shower trailer” as a sort of and national level that since its first deployment has gift when the national Voluntary Or- partners such as been out on the road serving areas ganizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Lowe’s, Home where volunteers are still working Conference is held in Norfolk May 7-11. Depot, UPS and to repair damage from disasters like Each year a service project is com- FedEx. Hurricane Katrina or last year’s string pleted by National VOAD members The Virginia of tornadoes. It’s currently in Tennes- during their conference. This year the Conference Disas- see, but due back to Virginia soon for project will be building and outfitting ter Response coor- some needed updates. two disaster trailers: a tool trailer that Pihlcrantz dinator, the Rev. “This second trailer is going to be will go to Virginia Presbyterian Disas- Bob Pihlcrantz, much more mobile than the tractor- ter Assistance and the shower trailer is also currently trailer-sized version we have now,” for Virginia United Methodists. the vice president of Virginia VOAD said Pihlcrantz. “This one will be able The cost of the shower trailer is (soon to be president) and has been to be towed behind a pickup (truck) about $23,000, of which $10,000 is directly involved in the planning for and will have five shower stalls, two a direct contribution from National the VOAD national conference as the sinks, and washer and dryer units. VOAD; the remaining monies come co-chair of the Host Committee. “The trailer is a much needed piece of ministry equipment which we need here in Virginia,” Pihlcrantz added. “In our conversations about this project it became very clear that we needed to engineer this trailer to our requirements and specifications if it was going to be useful to us. ... I am excited about this project and the op- portunities it will give us to continue to be in disaster mission and ministry not only across the conference but the country.” Pihlcrantz also extended a word of thanks to his predecessor, the Rev. Frank Jennings, “who did an extraor- dinary job of engineering the specifi- cations for the trailer and has done a significant amount of leg work.” “Bob has done a great job of coor- dinating this with VOAD and deserves a great pat on the back when this all comes together,” said Jennings. “It truly is a high honor for us as Virginia United Methodist Disaster Response to be chosen by national VOAD to receive this shower trailer.” For more information about the national VOAD meeting being hosted at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside in May, go to
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 17 Religious News from Around the . . . Nation & World Proposed restructuring becomes hot topic of debate eeks before the 2012 Gen- eral Conference, delegates Wto The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body got a hint of the debate to come regarding restructuring the denomination. More than 300 delegates, communi- cators and agency staff gathered Jan. 19-21 for the Pre-General Conference News Briefing at the Tampa Conven- tion Center, where discussions of the proposed changes dominated conver- sation. The main piece of legislation — the result of the multiyear “Call to Action” process — would consolidate nine of the church’s 13 general agen- cies into a new United Methodist Center for Connectional Mission and Ministry under a 15-member board. The board would be appointed Mary Brooke Casad, chair of the Connectional Table, discusses proposed legislation by and accountable to a 45-member regarding the church’s structure during the pre-General Conference News Briefing advisory board called the General at the Tampa Convention Center. At left are fellow panelists the Rev. Amy Valdez Council for Strategy and Oversight, Barker of the Vital Congregations project and Tracy Merrick representing the Meth- which would replace the Connectional odist Federation for Social Action. (UMNS/Mike DuBose photo) Table that presently coordinates the denomination’s mission, ministry and An overarching question for many at we hope, will be a significant step resources. the briefing: Will the reorganization forward for the church.” Essentially, the proposal would re- achieve its goal of promoting more Brim, lay leader of the South- duce agency boards now governed by vital congregations or have the op- west Texas Conference, said more than 500 people to a group of posite effect? the denomination’s 13 current 60. The legislation would also allow The Council of Bishops and Con- general boards are “in a constant the board of the newly created center nectional Table initiated the “Call push to make sure that local to redistribute up to $60 million to Action” to reorder the life of the churches and annual conferences toward funding theological education, church in the wake of the 2008 global know who they are, what they recruiting young clergy and foster- economic crisis and after decades of have to offer and how to get it ing vital congregations — about 10 declining U.S. membership. The “Call from them.” percent of the amount presently bud- to Action” Interim Operations Team The Rev. Tim McClendon, a geted for general church operations. devised the recommended changes, Connectional Table member and Delegates heard both an overview and the Connectional Table drafted the Columbia (S.C.) District su- of restructuring legislation and con- the legislation. perintendent, explained his worry cerns that the plan would damage the “We do not presume that what that the Connectional Table denomination’s connectionalism, give we are presenting is perfect by any legislation would give too much too much power to the bishops and means,” said Jay Brim, who chairs power to the denomination’s bish- eliminate the denomination’s historic the Connectional Table’s legislative ops. ❑ “separation of powers” between bish- committee. “It is a proposal to move -Heather Hahn, United Methodist ops and General Conference. us toward change, and these changes, News Service
18 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Supreme Court shields churches from bias laws landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision has estab- lished that The United Methodist Church and other A religious groups are free to set their own rules for choosing and dismissing leaders without government inter- ference. The high court on Jan. 11 for the first time recognized a “ministerial exception” to U.S. employment anti-discrimi- nation laws, a rare unanimous decision many legal analysts are calling the most significant in many years regarding religious liberty. One likely result is that church leaders will face fewer lawsuits related to employment. However, the ruling also puts more responsibility on The United Methodist Church to prevent discrimination and do justice in its hiring practices, The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. (File photo) say denominational leaders. had developed narcolepsy. The ruling “affirms the historic separation of church and “The interest of society in the enforcement of employment state by allowing the church autonomy of its religious prac- discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important,” Chief tices,” said Bishop Grant Hagiya of the Pacific Northwest Justice John Roberts wrote in the ruling joined by all nine Conference. “I believe it will help annual conferences avoid justices. “But so, too, is the interest of religious groups in frivolous lawsuits out of greed or self-interest,” he said. “But, choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith, and this means that the onus is on our UMC polity to be fair and carry out their mission.” allow for due process at all costs.” Roberts added that by imposing an unwanted minister, At least one church leader says the court’s decision could the state would infringe on the First Amendment’s right have implications for the denomination’s 2012 General Con- to free exercise of religion and violate its ban on Congress ference, where delegates will weigh whether to eliminate job establishing religion. guarantees for elders in good standing. Church leaders were quick to point out that the Supreme The case before the Supreme Court — Hosanna-Tabor Court’s decision should not lessen The United Methodist Evangelical Lutheran Church and School vs. Equal Employ- Church’s commitment to preventing discrimination based on ment Opportunity Commission — dealt with a teacher at a race, ethnicity, gender or disability. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod school who said she was “If the EEOC guidelines don’t apply to the church, then fired in retaliation for her discrimination claim under the we need to make sure we are advocating for those justice Americans with Disabilities Act. The teacher, Cheryl Perich, concerns within our own structure,” said the Rev. Darryl Stephens, who oversees advocacy and sexual ethics for the Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The Rev. Eric Pridmore, a United Methodist pastor in Mis- sissippi and co-chair of the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities, said clergy must be both physical- ly and mentally healthy to be ordained. But, he added, The Book of Discipline is clear that disability by itself should not be a disqualifier from ministry. “As a denomination, we recognize that those with disabili- ties have something to offer and they can and should be in- cluded in ordained ministry,” said Pridmore. “However, the way in which that gets practiced is sometimes problematic.” He said clergy sometimes struggle with appointments that do not take into consideration their physical challenges or the disability of a family member. For example, a pastor who uses a wheelchair may be appointed to a church with The Rev. Eric Pridmore, who is visually impaired, uses a computer program that displays the pages of books as large, a parsonage that is not handicap-accessible. Pridmore said white type on a black background to help him read. Pridmore bishops and cabinets occasionally do not take into account and his wife, Lisa, pastor a three-point charge in Rolling Fork the importance of accessible public transportation. ❑ and Cary, Miss. (UMNS/Mike DuBose photo) — Heather Hahn, United Methodist News Service
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 19 Ministry transforms the lives of African orphans on’t talk to me about God,” Angelique, a ously tells how God transformed her life, sharing her home and her young Rwandan orphan, sobbed quietly. “If faith with other needy orphans. Dthere is a God, he doesn’t love me.” Greg Jenks, executive director of ZOE Ministry, said his staff In 2008, when she was just a teenager, Angelique developed the illustrations to show their work is mutually beneficial. uttered those words to a member of the ZOE Minis- “Too often, our mission work is one-sided,” Jenks said. “We look try staff. Despite her youth, Angelique had suffered at those to whom we minister as people who are only capable of more than most people do in a lifetime. receiving. Thus, the mission work tends to become paternalistic and At age 15, both of her parents died. Angelique one-sided.” ❑ and her two siblings — a 12-year-old brother and Summer Camp for Grown-Ups -Emily Snell 2012_VA:Layout for United 1 Methodist 2/1/2012 8:44Communications AM Page 1 10-year-old sister — moved in with their grandfather. Within six months, he Suummmerr Caampp fforr Grrowwnn--Uppss also died. By The Sea...By The Sea An- Epworth By The Sea ~ St. Simons Island, Georgia gelique’s The FUN Begins August 13-16, 2012 troubles grew even Who Says Summer Camp is just for kids? larger when Group and Individual Activities Include: Horseback riding on the beach, sweet- the mud hut grass basket weaving, kayaking, paddle- where her boarding, digital photography, fishing, Angelique (center) gathers with two of family lived beach walks, bocce ball, net casting, horse ZOE Ministry’s social workers. collapsed in shoes, sand sculpting, crafts, take an is- a rainstorm. land ghost walk, hear from syndicated colum- Grieving the loss of the closest adults in her life nist, Dick Yarbrough, go on a sunset cruise on a working shrimp boat, bonfires, camp songs, games, s’mores, and struggling to provide for her two young sib- AND MORE! lings, Angelique was now homeless as well. After much searching, Angelique found three separate homes that would each accept one child. This seemingly good news quickly turned ominous for Angelique when she realized she would be stay- Details online: www.epworthbythesea.org or call 912-638-8688. ing in a room already occupied by a 24-year- old man. After months of rape and abuse, Angelique became pregnant, but with limited resources and nowhere else to go, she had to stay put Angelique’s life changed dramatically, thanks to an encounter with ZOE Ministry. With the help of ZOE Ministry’s Orphan Em- powerment Program, Angelique received a new home for herself and her siblings, and began her own busi- ness. This 17-year-old, who once had no hope and no desire to hear about God, now joy-
20 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 New report connects hunger, farmers arin Greear of Riner, near Christiansburg, loves for congregations is the farming so much that he uses income from his annual Offering of Let- Dfull-time job as a real estate agent to subsidize his ters to Congress. passion. This year’s hunger Raised on a family farm, he leases out most of the 450 report calls for improved acres he still owns with his father but cultivates an alfalfa policies that better meet crop with a partner. A few years ago, he bought a one- the needs of farm- pound pack of turnip seeds to plant along with the alfalfa, ers while providing a which led to plenty of turnips and a partnership with the healthy food supply for United Methodist-related Society of St. Andrew. all and making inter- The society uses a volunteer network to glean excess national food aid more and unwanted produce from farmers. “We wound up pick- effective by allowing for Anthony Flaccavento, founder of ing around 60,000 pounds that year and distributing to the more local and regional Appalachian Sustainable Devel- local food banks,” Greear said. purchase of food. opment, sells his produce at the Last year, he decided to devote six acres only to tur- An accompanying Abingdon Farmers Market. nips — for the sole purpose of giving them away. Another Christian study guide (Bread for the World photo) 100,000 pounds of turnips were distributed. allows people of faith to Strengthening the connection between U.S. farmers and discuss how changes to U.S. food and farm policies can af- the need for more nutritious food is the focus of Bread for fect the poor and hungry while viewing the themes of the the World’s 2012 Hunger Report, “Rebalancing Act: Updat- annual hunger report through a biblical lens. ing U.S. Food and Farm Policies.” The Rev. Jim Gulley, advisor for agriculture and commu- United Methodists have worked for years with Bread for nity development, General Board of Global Ministries, said the World, a Christian advocacy group dedicated to educat- the report does a good job of touching on “some of the key ing the public and urging U.S. decision-makers to end hun- issues that can help rebalance our (farm) policy.” ❑ ger at home and abroad. One of the most popular activities -Linda Bloom, United Methodist News Service
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Virginia Advocate/March 2012 21 Faith in action at the . . . Local Church
▲ The Senior Adult group at Farm- ville UMC recently hosted Chris Ma- ▲ The North Amelia Charge (Sa- son as their speaker. Mason presented lem, Epworth, and Jetersville UMCs) a program called “My Dream, A World hosted a drive-through live Nativity War II Museum,” and brought with ▲ Heavenly music filled the room at him many items he has acquired for Dec. 17-18, 2011. The children of the the annual United Methodist Women’s community also participated in an the seniors to view. Pictured (from Advent Prayer Breakfast at Leesburg left): Katrena Young, Marge Fuller, all-day Vacation Bible School focused UMC, Winchester District, on Dec. 3, on the Christmas story followed by Dick Fuller, Chris Mason, Lawrence 2011. Professional musician Madeline Varner, Jimmy Gates and C.T. Crowder. participation in the live nativity. The MacNeil sang and played her ham- town of Bethlehem was re-created mered dulcimer. It was a reunion after around the circle drive of the Salem almost 50 years for Madeline and the Church including a carpenter’s shop, Rev. Dr. Bert Sikkelee, who gave the market and the inn. Members from morning’s message. At right is the the three churches played parts. The church pastor, the Rev. Jim Wishmyer. tax collected by Roman Centurions was a canned food or monetary dona- tion to the local food bank. At least 100 cars viewed the scene over the two evenings.
▲ Laurel Hill UMC youths attended the “Acquire the Fire” event in early ▲ On Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 8, the February. They gave each group the Magi made a stop at Main Street responsibility of coming up with a ▲ As Santa (Carl Burke) and Mrs. UMC in Suffolk. They brought gifts group picture that was anything but Claus (Anne Burke) narrated the for the baby Jesus and, during the normal, as their tag line this year was story of the birth of Jesus, Tuesdee children’s sermon, explained the sig- “Normal’s Not Enough.” This year the Miller (Mary), Cody Jones (Joseph), nificance of each one. Their robes and youth group has also sponsored the Gigi Swyers, Sadie Jones, Avery My- crowns were made by the church’s Valentine dinner and auction on Feb. ers, Doriann Hicks, Sarah Miller (an- Needlework Guild. That group is also 11, held a 30-hour fast, and hosted gels) and other members of Watson responsible for the Prayer Shawl “Spud Sunday” in February in order UMC, Danville District, acted out the Ministry at Main Street UMC and the to raise money for their upcoming Christmas play in December. Chrismon tree that stands in the sanc- adventures. tuary during Advent and Christmas.
22 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Your House...
▲ Fairfields UMC’s 16th annual ▲ Women of Mount Olivet UMC, Staunton District, began a sewing festival raised $7,500 to donate to Celebrating various charities and organizations group to make 40 pillows for the resi- more than 75 years that contribute to the welfare of the dents of Bethel Ridge Nursing Home. of service community. Pictured (from left): festi- They gave the pillows to the residents val co-chairman Jim Holland, Frances as Christmas gifts. They continue to Can become a Hurst and Bob Lumsden, chair of the meet weekly and have made a quilt Covington-Hurst Educational Fund. that will be sold in order to continue very special home The fund is named after Hurst and funding for this ministry. Pictured for retired United Methodist her sister, the late Betty Covington. (from left): Doris Hedrick, Joy Cham- pastors and their spouses in The fund provides financial assistance bers, Norma Friend, Eva Ripley, Dawn the years to come. to local residents to help them pursue Paul, Martha Gray and Barbara Pow- The Retired Clergy Housing their educational goals. ell. (Not pictured: Mary Sue Lester). Corporation of the Virginia Widows and widowers at Tabernacle UMC in Virginia Beach were honored Conference maintains a program with a special luncheon in January. This annual event gives the congregation a to provide retirement homes for chance to recognize and thank these special members for their many years of eligible United Methodist service. pastors who need them. This program has been made ▲ Bethany UMC in Gloucester Point possible by the gift of homes participated in a Stop Hunger Now willed to the Corporation for this meal-packaging program on Jan. 29, purpose. Other contributions come where 125 people gathered to package through the Covenant of Gratitude 10,000 meals in one hour. Bethany also whose members contribute $1.00 had a silent auction prior to the event a year for each person ordained a to raise $2,500 for this project. commissioned probationer at the Virginia Annual Conference. If you would like to consider will- The Advocate is available ing your home to the Retired Clergy Housing Corporation of the Virginia Conference or if you would like to in print or ONLINE or both! share through the Covenant of Grati- tude, please mail in the coupon below For $20 a year, you can purchase with your name and address. a printed copy of the monthly magazine plus have full online access. c/o Tom Coffman, President 4837 Village Lake Dr., For those who just want to Richmond, VA 23234 read the publication on the Internet Phone: (804) 271-7219; Fax: (804) 271-4558 you can purchase an “online only” E-mail:
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 23
2012 Annual Conference Info – June 22-24, Roanoke Civic Center For updates, visit
PACKET MATERIALS — In an effort to as the Shade and Fresh Water model is studies. be good stewards of the environment and adapted and implemented for use in new The third area of support requested financial resources of the conference, the settings. Through the Virginia Conference is for purchase of land in pioneer areas, 2012 Annual Conference “promo packets” partnership with the Methodist Church of building new churches and repairing will again be virtual. Electronic copies of Brazil, good seeds will be planted on fertile old facilities. Cambodian churches are materials previously submitted in hard soil, resulting in a bountiful harvest which designed as multi-purpose centers for wor- copy for the tote bag will be accepted – at transforms lives and makes disciples. ship and as gathering places for all ages. no cost to the organizations submitting From these centers the people move into them – for inclusion in the Virtual Promo Mozambique: Offering seeds of growth the villages and begin new communities of Packet, which will be posted on the confer- and life to laity and clergy by providing believers and disciples of Christ. ence Web site,
24 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Upcoming Events MARCH 2012 and resources. You can register online at Disciple University: Peace With
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 25 Devotions from International Lesson Series Living the Word
March 11, 2012 is for prison ministry. I recall one of The Word Became Flesh the inmates made the statement that John 1:14 he didn’t understand why some people would pray for God to come into their od was not satisfied to pro- midst, because God was already there. claim God’a Message through Hebrews 13: 5-6 gives us the promise Gthe prophets or confine it to that God will never leave us or forsake writing. No, God’s message is found us. in Jesus. In God who came in human I pray that each and every one of flesh to live as one of us. This made you will yourselves open to receive the About the Author: grace accessible, touchable, and avail- grace that only God can give. May you Gene Mims is the experience that God came near. ❑ James River District able to all. God was revealed through Lay Leader and Jesus. God took on human form and has held a number with it the frailties of humans. God’s March 18, 2012 of positions in his glory could not be hidden. Grace and The Wedding at Cana local church, Gary’s truth are revealed in Jesus. God comes John 2: 1-10 UMC. He is a former near. God becomes touchable. God’s district president message becomes real. of United Methodist like to think that passages of Men (UMMen) and For me, God was revealed to me scripture can teach us a multitude has also been a part in ways I never would have expected. I of things. I have found that many of the conference On July 7, 1997, I had a heart attack times it depends on where I am in UMMen’s board. and had to undergo a quadruple heart my spiritual walk though life. In the His current focus is bypass operation. I was 54 years old. on prison ministry. scripture today, one of the things Jesus Up until that time, I was what I would revealed was that he was an obedient He leads a weekly call a “mediocre Christian.” That was Bible study class at son. He revealed his graciousness by Greensville Correc- my wake-up call. God helped me to not allowing the wedding host to be tional Center and realize what was really important in embarrassed. Very importantly, Jesus is active as a Karios my life. “revealed his glory and his disciples volunteer as well. In I would like to tell you that ev- believed in him” (2:11). The passage to- 2011 he was elected erything changed after that, but I chair of the Board day reflects some other things. There can’t. God has made me a work in is an unusual aspect here that is sel- of Directors for progress. One that I expect won’t be the newly formed dom shown in art, movies or literature Disciple Bible Out- completed until God calls me home. about Jesus. I am talking about the reach Ministries of I had friends who sponsored me on a view of Jesus as an outgoing, party- Virginia, Inc. ,which “Walk to Emmaus,” and I will tell you going sort of guy. The gospels pres- takes the Disciple it was a spiritual renewal time for me. ent Jesus as a man who loves a good Bible study series However, it wasn’t until I teamed on a into prisons . He feast or party, yet few ever talk about walk that God was revealed to me in a it. Frequently Jesus is portrayed as a retired as postmas- way I had never experienced. During a ter after 33 years solemn sort who seems aloof from the experience with the communion service, I suddenly under- things going on around him. In an at- U.S. Postal Service. stood that Jesus had died for me. Oh, tempt to capture the divine and “other Gene and Kay, his I knew He had died for us, but now it worldly” aspects of Jesus, the human wife of 50 years, became so very personal. At that mo- and “this worldly” aspect of his life are have four children, ment, I understood Grace like I never eight grandchil- neglected. I guess that is why one of had before. Each time I take commu- my favorite artistic representations of dren, and two great- nion I remember that time, and I hope grandchildren. Jesus is the one with him tilting his I never forget. head back and laughing. God is revealed to us all the time. How many of Jesus’ parables include One of the passions God has given me dinner parties, banquets and feasts?
26 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 His parables are full of celebrations, God’s does not force us into a ously pure than in justice. Let’s say and as in our text today, he is frequent- loving relationship, but instead woos you have to make a decision that has ly in attendance at one. I’m sure that us and invites us. You can accept or two clear probabilities. If you make he was eating, drinking, laughing and reject this salvation. You can accept or one choice, it could boost your career, having a good time. Why else would reject this invitation to spend eternity increase your salary and improve your his detractors have referred to him as with God. It never ceases to amaze social standing. The other choice a “glutton and a drunkard, a friend of and humble me to find that God truly would come at an extremely personal tax collectors and sinners.”(Luke 7:34) is everywhere. Even in a place like cost. Your conscience tells you that You know, there is a distinct possibility prison, God’s presence is so profound- the second choice is the one you he may have even danced! ly felt. Even though some of the men should take. Does that mean that Jesus got I know will probably be incarcerated This is the situation Pontius Pilate drunk or sinned? Not at all. It means for the rest of their earthly existence, was put in. He was given the unenvi- that he loves people, he loves joyous their souls are at peace and they have able job of deciding whether or not celebrations and he loves life. a freedom that many of us outside Jesus deserved death as a threat to God loves us so much that he the walls never experience. To quote Roman rule. became human and came among us in Billy Graham, “I know who I am and I In John 18:38 Pilate asked “What is order that we might be saved from our know whose I am.” They know whose truth?” I believe he already knew that sins. God in Jesus Christ actually loves they are. truth. This was probably the clear- being with us and among us. Think God seeks and finds us. God sent est case ever brought before Pilate. about the many religious events in Jesus, into our world, taking on our But too often self-interest will trump both the Old and New Testaments that flesh as a fully human friend, brother justice. Doing the right thing for center around food and banquets. God and Savior. And purely by grace, with Jesus meant doing the wrong thing wants to commune with us so much no contribution on our part, Jesus for Pilate. Pilate didn’t want anyone that God is planning a huge wedding paid the price for our sins. to think he was weak or indecisive feast in the kingdom to come. I hope May you be overwhelmed with how (which he was). He also didn’t want to see you at the party. ❑ much God loves you. May we grate- Rome to think he was soft on rebels in fully receive God’s gift of salvation, the area he governed. So he took the March 25, 2012 forgiveness, and grace and may we easy way out. He washed his hands of God’s Word Saves pass it along to others. ❑ the matter and handed Jesus over to John 3: 11-21 the execution squad. April 1, 2012 It is easy to condemn Pilate. But ohn 3:16 is one of the most Jesus Testifies to the Truth our self-interest often overcomes the popular and beloved New Testa- John 28: 28-37 right choices in our lives, just like it Jment scriptures. It is one verse did in Pilate’s life. There is good news, nearly anyone who has ever attended s I read this account, I get however. That good news is that Jesus Sunday school or church can quote to the impression that Pilate is went to the cross to carry away that you right away. Equally important is Alooking for a way to appease very guilt. the rest of today’s scripture. This is the everyone. He is afraid of the crowd, May you make the right decision. ❑ heart of the gospel story about Jesus but the more he learns the more he and his mission. “God did not send His becomes afraid of the prisoner. It is Son into the world to condemn the important we understand that long be- world, but to save the world through fore the Jewish leaders arrested Jesus Him.” This whole passage reflects how in the garden, they had planned to kill much God loves you and me. Can you him (John 11: 47-51; Matthew 26:59). completely grasp the implication that However, these same Jewish lead- God loves you so much that God would ers did not have the right to execute send his son to die for you? I’ve said anyone, so it was necessary to get the in previous devotions that the thought approval of Rome. This is why Jesus just totally overwhelms me. is brought before Pilate, the Roman The message of today’s passage is governor (v. 28). all about God’s love for you. You can’t Don’t you think it is interesting earn it and you don’t deserve it, but to note that the Jewish leaders did God loves you anyway. As a friend of not hesitate to condemn an innocent mine puts it, “I may not be perfect, but man, and yet they were careful not God loves me anyway.” God loves you to defile themselves by walking into and there is absolutely nothing you the governor’s palace? They were far can do about it! more interested in keeping ceremoni-
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 27 To the Editor Letters & Commentary
Attack on Occupy movement Arrest shows no real courage was lacking in Christian spirit hose who praise the arrests of United Methodists in our TU.S. Capitol might want to view this through a larger ebate is essential to the development of Christian lens. Any Christian who is arrested in an anti-government Dthought and practice, but it should be rational, protest over deficit spending is part of the problem, not the informed, and accurate. I find none of these attributes in solution. As the saying goes: “your tax dollars at work.” Rev. Bert Duckwall’s “Occupy Movement” commentary Every arrest requires a tax expenditure. [January Virginia Advocate, pg. 28]. Too many sentences For those who advocate more government entitlements, make no grammatical sense, beginning with the first, while please consider how the effectiveness of the United Meth- the basic argument is simply a series of non sequiturs. odist Committee on Relief would be compromised if we had I do sympathize with Duckwall; the socio-economic to filter all contributions through a multi-layer government issues facing the nation are indeed complex. Even the bureaucracy. Republican presidential candidates cannot agree as to There are some things that government should pro- what Capitalism is or in what form it is good or bad. But to vide, such as food stamps for the truly needy, but not the make the astonishing claim that the quest for social justice professional students I knew long ago buying food with is a “nebulous holdover concept from the 1960s” and to our stamps while saving their cash for beer and cigarettes. misrepresent and to ridicule the Occupy Wall Street protest There are some things The United Methodist Church must against the massive transfer of wealth from the many to provide, including a witness for Christ as we seek to lead the few does not clarify any issue or define what it means others to the Lord with our charity. to follow Christ. We must prayerfully prepare for the future remember- —Dr. Richard N. Soulen is professor of New Testament ing that the end of government spending will come by (a) Studies at Virginia Union University, Richmond government shutdown, or (b) reductions in entitlement spending. When that happens there may not be any food stamps. What should be our role to help the needy when this occurs? Matthew would have no part of In Ephesians 3, Paul describes himself as “the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” He was often arrested for preaching the critique of Occupy movement Gospel, not for the politics of government spending. am still weaning from smelling salts after Rev. Bert If United Methodists want to show their courage while IDuckwall’s shocking dissing of the Occupy Movement being arrested, I suggest that they go to Saudi Arabia, Iran [January Virginia Advocate, pg. 28], and citing the Apostle or North Korea and experience prison with courageous Matthew in doing so. Rev. Duckwall oddly couples referenc- Christians enduring persecutions for their unbending faith es to Matthew scripture and Marx socialism to scold Occu- in Christ. An arrest over government spending in our Capi- piers for their non-mannerly camping. Just as baffling is his tol is, as Shakespeare might say: “full of sound and fury, stumping for the stupefying 99 percenters who disavow the signifying nothing”… except political correctness. Occupy cause while also advocating their best interests. —John H. Woolwine, Roanoke The worshiping of gain is hardly a “nebulous 1960s so- cial injustice holdover,” but instead a centuries old paradox for the Church. And defining today’s poor as “only 1 car/LCD-TV/cell- A misplaced search for God? phoners” maps for us all exactly where “misguided theol- eading recent communications published in the ogy” dwells. RAdvocate on the subject of the arrest of Jim Winkler, The God that I believe in is not a laissez faire God, but General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Duckwall’s ode bewails his belief that his God is. Society, the following occurs to me: When Jesus wanted to —Allen C. Story is a member of Courtland UMC, communicate with His God in open prayer, He prayed in James River District the Temple, God’s house. What god was Mr. Winkler seek- ing when he went to pray openly at the U.S. Capitol? —Clifford R. Buys, Charlottesville
28 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Caregivers can benefit from Churches need spirituality new book by Rev. Pratt he commentary offered by Bishop Joe Pennel [Febru- Tary Virginia Advocate, pg. 28] is most appreciated. n one out of three American households someone is a We are called by God into relationship with God and with Icaregiver. Caregivers need daily, practical help in reviving others. Our churches are suffering from a lack of sharing their spirits and avoiding burnout. deep spirituality in a real, non-dogmatic and rigid way. The Rev. Benjamin Pratt, retired Virginia Conference Jesus called all into a life of deep prayer, close relation- pastor, pastoral counselor and a caregiver for six of the last ship with God, and shows us how to bring a centeredness seven years, has just written a 150-page Spiritual Guide for in God forward into daily life. Prayer-without-ceasing, Caregivers: Keeping Your Spirit Healthy When Your Care- cultivating an awareness of the presence of God with us giver Duties and Responsibilities Are Dragging You Down. in the midst of the sorrow, pain, joy, challenges, and even Take “Caregiver” out of the title if you wish, and the book boredom of daily life, brings the fruits of the Spirit to ev- speaks directly to almost all our lives. ery situation as a grace-filled healing balm in our hurting Realizing that all caregivers are grieving, it’s a book world; this is social witness and leads to sacred activism. about loss and fear that progresses to gratitude, hope, All are called to a deeper prayer life and to experience and joy. It underscores the necessity for each caregiver to prayer as a listening-to-God, not just talking to God. We maintain self — body and spirit — in order to care in optimal desperately need clergy to be courageous enough to fashion for a loved one. share deep spirituality authentically and in a way that is Knowing that caregivers have little time for reading, theologically sound, open, and probing. We need clergy to the book’s chapters are short, four to six pages each, with plenty of space to write your own responses to the insight- recognize and help others see God at work in the world, ful questions that Rev. Pratt asks. This book is designed to not just in the church. John Wesley spoke of taking com- let readers jump in almost anywhere and explore at their munion as often as possible. Why don’t all our churches own pace. It is filled with helpful quotes, paragraphs from offer that sacrament, that nourishing means of grace, other caregivers, touching poetry, wisdom from the author weekly? Where is contemplative prayer in the life of our and from the community of helpers. church? People are hungry for more. We need more spiri- Although I am not a caregiver, I have already given this tual sustenance within the church, or people will look book to one friend; and I am grateful to have it for myself. elsewhere to find it. Seekers are hearing God’s call. Can You will be, too. Read more at
Virginia Advocate/March 2012 29 News of Church Leaders Clergy & Diaconal
Deaths helped the college attain university eral judge and member of the Duke status in 1975. He was a graduate Divinity School’s Board of Visitors. Charles “Charlie” H. Johnson of Lebanon Valley College, earning Scott is pastor of St. Mark’s UMC, Jr. died Dec. 27, 2011. Charlie was degrees in English and History. He Richmond District. a member of Community UMC in received a Master of Theology De- Virginia Beach and served at Iron gree in 1947 at United Theological Rhea Kidd, 83, wife of the Rev. Gate Charge, Staunton District, for Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Souders Rudolph Kidd of Williamsburg, died four years as a full-time local pastor. A retired in 1989 from Shenandoah on Jan. 27, 2012. memorial service was held in Vir- University. He received an Honorary ginia Beach at Scott Memorial UMC. Doctorate from Shenandoah in 1996. Gaynelle Williams Lovern died Jan. Among survivors is his wife, Theresa, He attended Braddock Street UMC 20, 2012. She was the wife of the late step-children, Angie and Robbie; his in Winchester. Surviving are his wife Rev. Thomas Young Lovern Jr. sons, Chuck and Douglas Johnson. Patricia Bartles, his son, Gregory A. Souders of Winchester; a sister, Agnes Grace Horsfall Pihlcrantz, 84, of The Rev. Louis Souders of Pennsylvania, and brother, Boca Raton, Fla., the mother of Rev. Alvin Timmons, Ralph Souders of Iowa. Bob Pihlcrantz, died Feb. 23, 2012. 71, retired clergy Bob is the pastor of Mount Pleas- from the Eastern Helen M. Simmons, widow of the ant UMC, Elizabeth River District, Shore District, Rev. Eugene Sowder, died Jan. 7, and the Virginia Conference Disaster died Feb.10, 2012. 2012. Response Coordinator. A native of Dela- ware, Timmons Donald H. Rimer, the father of the was a U.S. Navy Rev. Scott Rimer, died Jan. 24, 2012. Correction Vietnam War vet- Timmons Scott is the senior pastor at Larch- In the death notice for the Rev. eran and a gradu- mont UMC in Norfolk. Eugene S. Condrey (pg. 30, February ate of Virginia Wesleyan College and Advocate), all churches Rev. Condrey Wesley Seminary. As pastor he served The Honorable Hal J. Bonney Jr., served were in the Lynchburg Dis- churches in Delaware, Maryland and father of the Rev. David J. Bonney, trict, including Shiloh and Wesley- Virginia. He also served as co-director died Jan. 22, 2012. Bonney was a fed- bury. of Casa Esperranza in Wachapreague. A celebration of life service was con- ducted Feb. 18 at Oak Grove UMC in Staying cool at Convocation Melfa, with the Rev. Sandra Benson officiating. The Rev. Rachel He is survived by his wife, Sylvia May from Peakland Faye Timmons, two sons, Eric Tim- UMC and retired mons of Winchester and Edward pastor Raymond Wrenn enjoy ice Timmons and his wife, Terri, of cream during a Winchester; one brother, John Robert break at the 2012 Timmons of Brazil, and one grandson, Ministers’ Convo- Jakob Shoe of Winchester. cation at Black- stone. Dr. Bruce Chester Souders, 91, of Frederick County, died Feb. 12, 2012. He was born in 1920 in Pennsylvania. He was professor, director of Public Relations and minister at Lebanon Valley College. Souders came to Win- chester in 1961 to head the Humani- ties, English and Philosophy depart- ments at Shenandoah College. He
30 Virginia Advocate/March 2012 Grace Notes Connecting with the Virginia Advocate Church lives with our differences official newsmagazine of the Virginia Conference of while striving for Christian unity The United Methodist Church P.O. Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058 Phone: 1-800-768-6040 or 804-521-1100 “… perfect love casts out fear.” — 1st John 4: 18 Fax: 804-521-1173 E-mail: [email protected] ver since 1968, with the union of The Method- Web site: www.vaumc.org ist Church and The Evangelical Brethren Church, Detailed guidelines for the following available Eresulting in The United Methodist Church, our Book upon request. of Discipline has addressed the reality of homosexuality Subscriptions Print subscriptions are $15/one year; $25/two within the context of Christian community. Some qua- years; $36/three years. Special bulk rate for five drennial General Conferences have added language to the or more copies going to a single address is $12 original paragraphs in the Book of Discipline. For over 40 each for one year. Subscriptions are $20/year for both printed copy and online access. For online Charlene Payne years, our denomination has struggled with homosexual- only, cost is $10/year. Subscribe online at
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