Program Coordinator... 3 as he asked Peter, "Do you love me? " "Do you love me more. United Methodist WOMEN... 4 than these? "

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1 From our DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT I love the resurrection story where Jesus is sitting at the seashore. He provides a miraculous catch of fish, and later as they are sitting around the breakfast fire, Jesus challenges Peter with this statement, "Peter, do you love me more than these?" I always wondered about what "these" were. It came to me not too long ago that "these" are anything that might get in the way of loving and serving Jesus fully and richly. For Peter "these" were probably his career as a fisherman. Until he met Jesus, Peter put fishing above everything else. He lived and breathed fish. For Peter, it also might be the fact that his earlier denial of Jesus weighed heavily on his heart. His fear of rejection was preventing him from loving and serving Jesus fully. He was focused on things that kept him from loving and following Jesus. Jesus, however, wants our full love and our attention. For Peter, that meant receiving Jesus' forgiveness restored to a right relationship with Jesus. For Peter, that meant placing Jesus before fish. Peter affirmed and accepted Jesus love. Jesus asked Peter not once but three times if he loved him. Three times Peter affirmed his love and commitment. Peter was restored and it changed his life forever. THE RIPPLE CHANNEL AFFECTS MARKER A Publication of the TIDE-ings ELIZABETH RIVER DISTRICT Virginia Conference United Methodist Church M A R C H 2014 Bishop s Convocation on Prayer Saturday, March 29th 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Trinity UMC 903 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA $10 per person (includes lunch) The Rev. Tom Albin, Dean of the Upper Room Ministries and Ecumenical Relations, will be the plenary speaker. There will also be small group learning opportunities in the areas of prayer and Wesleyan spiritual disciplines. Laity and clergy are invited to attend. Register online at Click on Conference Calendar, go to March 29 and click on Bishop s Convocation on prayer. There will be a link to register. You will be asked to choose one workshop from the following: Sharing and resourcing of Virginia Conference prayer covenant congregations Upper Room Resources and Ministries Centering Prayer Contemplative Prayer Attending to God in silence and using silence Contemplative Prayer in Worship Body Prayer Art Journaling Journaling for the Whole Congregation Wesleyan Spiritual Disciplines Means of Grace and Acts of Mercy How to Pray with Children and Youth I N S I D E this Issue: What about us? What are the "these" in our lives? What keeps us from loving Jesus fully and richly? Is it our profession that sometimes works us day and night, like Peter? Is it the loud Page # busyness of life that drowns out the soft loving voice of God 2014 Annual Conference... 7 urging us on to come closer to him? Is it the fear of change; to Camp GOTCHA... 3 Clergy CEU Event... 2 take risks to bring about fresh newness to life and faith? District Associate Lay Leader... 2 Lay Servant Training We will soon be in Lent again. What a fresh time to take stock Job Opportunities... 9 in this season to check on the "these" in our lives. Jesus asks us Program Coordinator... 3 as he asked Peter, "Do you love me? " "Do you love me more United Methodist WOMEN... 4 than these? " United Methodist YOUTH... 9 Stewardship Event... 8 Love, PAUMCS Spring Retreat... 2 Various Church Events & 11 Elizabeth River Brad Channel Marker District Calendar... M A R C H Back 2014 Page

2 OUR ASSOC. DISTRICT LAY LEADER Gary Denette Assoc. Lay Leader (757) Where is God? This may seem like a strange question from a lay servant. If we re honest though, it s a question most of us have asked at one time or another. I know I have. Although this question has crossed my mind many times since my youth it was really brought to the forefront about twelve years ago. I was in a meeting of Empower Hampton Roads, a social justice group, there was some tension going on. You know that feeling... when the in-fighting comes up in any large planning session. Just when it was about to boil over someone asked where is God in this? We all stopped and had that stunned look all around. What seemed like such a simple question became our defining call whenever anything got too personal instead of spiritual. It really was awesome! So I began to seriously contemplate this on a personal level. I looked at how I was doing ministry, personal relationships, my church life and every other aspect of myself. Try it you ll like it! We all know the road is not always easy, but with God we know it s always worth it. Amazingly, the answer was so simple I just didn t see it. Where is God? HE s EVERYWHERE!! God was with me when my late wife was ill and taken to heaven for eternal life. God was and is with me and my wife Donna. God was definitely on my Walk to Emmaus and continues to be by my side on my faith journey. In fact, because God is everywhere, it has led me to my prayerful way of looking at life. God is my Creator, Jesus is my Savior who gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit, my strength and light. We as disciples have the responsibility of letting the Holy Spirit shine through us always. So where is God? GOD is EVERYWHERE!! In the Light, Gary Gary Denette Associate District Lay Leader Phone garysmiles@ymail.com 2014 CONTINUING EDUCATION Seminar for Clergy March "Sanctified Laughter: A Theology, History and Practice of Humor and Satire" will be the topic for the 2014 Continuing Education Seminar for Clergy on March 17-18, 2014 at Virginia Wesleyan College. This continuing education seminar aims at probing the place and functions of laughter in the life of God s people. In particular, it studies biblical and historical perspectives, theological implications, and practical benefits of laughter not only in the pews, but from the pulpit. Dr. Terrence Lindvall, Professor of Communication and C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair in Communications and Christian Thought at Virginia Wesleyan College will be the presenter for the two-day seminar. Participants receive one continuing education credit. The seminar begins at 8:30 a.m. on March 17 and concludes at noon on March 18. The cost is $75 including lunch on Monday. The seminar is open to lay persons, as well as clergy. Registration may be completed by mailing payment to: Office of Advancement, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA or online at For further information, call Jodi Bryant at (757) Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries VIRGINIA CHAPTER Spring Retreat for Church Secretaries (and other support persons!) WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF PAUMCS? United Methodist Church administrative assistants, secretaries, financial directors, office managers and newsletter editors, full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer, local church or conference agency personnel - all make up PAUMCS. WHAT IS THE MISSION OF PAUMCS? The mission of PAUMCS is to provide a supportive base for the unity and fellowship of its members, individual growth, professional development, continuing education and spiritual enrichment. Get Away from it All... Sunday, April 27- Monday, April 28, 2014 Led by Rev. Roger Dowdy at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center in Lynchburg, Virginia For more information, contact Bev Myers, Virginia Chapter President, BevMyers@vaumc.org or elizabethriverdistrict.org/paumcs Elizabeth River Channel Marker 2 M A R C H 2014

3 Ellen Clements District Program Coord. These words of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi are at the heart of the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. This is a testimony to the love and loyalty present in their relationship. Together they embark on a journey as widows, not knowing what the outcome will me. Even when Naomi doubts, Ruth steps out in faith and God blesses them both with hope and a future. The Lenten journey has highs and lows. It is a time when we reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross. Christ s ministry is one of healing and hope through preaching, teaching and his miraculous presence among the people. Love and loyalty are essential to the relationship he shares with his disciples. Holy Week is marked by deep sorrow followed by the joyous victory of Easter. Lent begins on March 5 with Ash Wednesday. The Virginia Conference has a variety of resources to encourage reflection through worship, devotions and family studies. Go to for worship resources. An article by MaryJane Pierce Norton at planning-calendar/lent/resource/2014-family-study-for-lent highlights ideas for family devotions beginning with Ash Wednesday. Each week there is a Scripture and symbol with discussion starters, activities and prayer. Society of St. Andrew offers the Create in Me a Clean Heart Lenten devotions to download at Even though we take time to reflect during Lent, we live as Easter people. At the Annual District Board of Mission Dinner in February, we celebrated mission activities that are reaching out to our local communities and around the world. Thank you to Wesley Memorial for hosting the event and to Rev. Joe Torrence and Angie Williams of United Methodist Family Services who shared about their work with children and families. We appreciate all who are involved in mission and thank those who shared God at work in their ministries: Wesley Memorial s community outreach through their afterschool program, community dinners and clothes closet; St. Paul s food pantry, Bible studies, worship and clothes closet; The Gathering s move to a new location, neighborhood outreach and preschool; and a teacher training and mission trip to South Sudan by Ellen Cummings, Jan Hurd and Karen Roberts. Thirty people representing 13 churches attended the VBS previews held at the District office in February. Congratulations to Princess Anne Plaza UMC who received the Workshop of Wonders kit from Cokesbury and Community UMC who received the Weird Animals kit from Group Publishing. There was a wonderful spirit of cooperation and a desire to share resources and ideas among the participants. Please send me your VBS information: church name; program; dates; time; and contact information so that I can compile a Vacation Bible School list to send out to all the churches. This will assist you in knowing who to contact as you partner in this great summer ministry. Keep in touch. Shalom, Ellen DISTRICT PROGRAM COORDINATOR God s Outdoor Training Camp Have an Adventure! Camp GOTCHA 2014: July 28 August 1 The Planning Team will meet on March 20, 3:00 pm At Elizabeth River District Office, 815 Baker Road, Suite 301 Virginia Beach. Come and join the team as we look at Tweens Being Green in Camp GOTCHA is for rising 3 rd through 6 th graders. Bible stories, mission ideas, craft projects, science experiments and camping skills that are all related to caring for the earth and recycling are on the agenda. Publicity and transportation will also be explored. Contact Ellen, eclements@elizabethriverdistrict.org if you have questions. Elizabeth River Channel Marker 3 M A R C H 2014

4 U n it ed M ethodis t W o men FAI TH + HOPE + LO VE IN AC TION Fri. March 14 th Prayer Luncheon/Call to Prayer & Self Denial, our host is the UMW Unit of St. Andrews, (Po). Order of the day is: 10:30 Call to Prayer and Self Denial Program in Sanctuary, with lunch in Social Hall to follow. Cost $4.00 MARCH 9, 2014 MARCH 22 nd 9:30am Gather/Coffee 10am-3:30pm Program MARCH 22 nd 9:30 am Gathering/Coffee 10am-3:30pm Program SAVE THE DATE JUNE 8, 2014 FAREWELL Worship & Reception for BRAD & KAY PHILLIPS It s hard to believe it s time to bid farewell to our District Superintendent Brad Phillips and his wife, Kay. Please join us Sunday, June 8, 3:00 p.m. at Ebenezer UMC (1589 Steeple Drive, Suffolk) for a time of celebration and appreciation as they complete their journey on the Elizabeth River District. A worship service followed by a reception will be held in Ebenezer s Family Life Center. A basket will be available for your cards of appreciation for Brad and Kay, and we will also receive a love offering for them. We will also be accepting photos of Brad and Kay from their years on the Norfolk and Elizabeth River Districts. More details on that in the near future. Elizabeth River Channel Marker 4 M A R C H 2014

5 2014 Annual Conference June The Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton, VA The 2014 session of the Virginia Annual Conference is being held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Va., Friday, June 20, to Sunday, June 22. Laity and Clergy sessions will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday. First plenary session begins at 3 p.m. Ending time should be around noon on Sunday. Housing Information was mailed out from the conference office mid-february. You can access it on the conference website: vaumc.org / resources / 2014 Annual Conference. Orientation will be held on June 1st at Memorial UMC in Virginia Beach. Kits for Conference The depot at Sager Brown has indicated that all types of kits are always welcome but there is an increased need for: Sewing Kits ~ Layette Kits ~ Bedding Kits Kit instructions & patterns can be found on the UMCOR website: Relief-Supplies Kit updates: 1) If the American flag is depicted on any item (and we're told it is on boxes of Crayola crayons) that flag has to be removed simply by tearing it off of the box. Do not simply mark it out: physically remove it. The issue lies with foreign customs and especially the fact that some of our kits are going to Syria and Lebanon. If an item says "Made in America," it is okay because many overseas kit recipients don't read English but are familiar with our flag. 2) For Health Kits: Cost for shipping and toothpaste is now $2.00. This will be reflected on the next itemized list that gets sent out. As a reminder: ALL KIT MONEY IS TO BE SENT TO THE CONFERENCE TREASURER. 3) For all other kits, especially School Kits: please pack ONLY the requested number of items: pencils, rulers, etc. UMCOR is looking at EXACT numbers of items and we can assist in their efforts by following all packaging instructions to the letter. Time and money is lost in repackaging efforts. Elizabeth River Channel Marker 5 M A R C H 2014

6 Lay Servant Training R E G I S T E R A T I O N FORM PG 7 When: Friday, April 4th (6-9:30 PM) & Saturday, April 5th (8:30 AM 4:30 PM) Where: Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, VB Cost: $12 Registration Register online: Elizabethriverdistrict.org/Events Here s your opportunity to attend a Lay Servant Training Event without having to leave Tidewater Area and with a minimal investment. All interested LAY PERSONS, LOCAL CHURCH LAY SERVANTS, and CERTIFIED LAY SERVANTS are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Certified Lay Servants must take an advanced course every 3 years to maintain certification BASIC COURSE: The Basic Course is for individuals new to Lay Servant Ministry. This course is designed to help participants discern and respond to God s call on their lives, to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership and growing in discipleship. It offers guidelines to promote constructive communication in leadership and outlines the various types of ministries lay servants may be involved in through their local church. Please bring your Bible. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant s Book will be available for purchase at the class. Led by Drew Lankford ADVANCED COURSES: SPIRITUAL GIFTS 2 God s Operating System for the Church God has created each of us for a unique yet connected purpose. This class brings understanding of ourselves and others as we look through the lenses of spiritual gifts to discover how, where & why we serve in the church. This course helps members identify their gifts for ministry and the places and ways they can serve in and through a local church. Through Bible study members will discover the meaning of church, ministry & gifts. Bring your Bible and Each One A Minister Using God s Gifts for Ministry (Revised and Expanded), by William J. Carter. Led by Rev. Linda Young THE ART OF STORYTELLING Scripture comes alive when we tell Bible stories. Long before Biblical stories were written down, they were shared in oral form in the early church and passed down from one generation to another. In our changing world, learning Scripture by heart deepens our relationship with God and reminds us of what is important in life. Come and explore ways to learn Scripture and other inspirational stories, how they can be used in different settings and resources for this ministry. Please bring your Bible. Led by Ellen Clements FROM YOUR HEART TO THEIRS Delivering Effective Sermons Giving messages and preaching is rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Go forth and be fishers of men, spreading the Good News of Jesus as savior. The art of preaching can also be an integral part of leadership, teaching, evangelism, and counseling. Bring your Bible and From Your Heart to Theirs pariticipant book by David Carroll and Tony Franks. There will be ample opportunities for you to tell the class, a small group, or an individual your message. It will be your choice which method you use. Providing feedback to others will be expected. Led by Arnie Lindblad EVANGELISM Wesleyan evangelism reaches out, welcomes, invites, and nurtures through the head and the heart. We will study Salvation, Cheap Grace, Social Holiness, Wesley s Rules, Faith Actions, the Role of Scripture, and Relational Evangelism. Bring a Bible and a copy of Transforming Evangelism, The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith by Henry H. Knight and F. Douglas Powe, Jr Led by Charles C.G. Miller PRAYER 101 Cornerstone of Relationship Have you ever wondered what God is thinking? What His plans are for you? Your church? Communication is vital to any relationship. It is the give and take that enables partnership to grow, strengthen, and succeed. This is designed to help you better commune with the Lord. As a result you will be empowered to hear more clearly, love more deeply and fight more victoriously. John Wesley said, God does nothing apart from prayer, and everything through it. Jer 33:3 (NIV) Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Recommended Book: With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray. Led by Lisa Hunt. PRISON MINISTRY Our Response to Prison Ministry: Prayer first; Seeing the need; Opportunities; Team Approach. Resource management: Kairos of Virginia; Prison Fellowship International; International Network of Prison Ministries; Leadership Call; Freedom on the Inside, Inc: Denim Express, Connecting one-to-one: volunteers to inmates, Building relationships in the family of God, Prepare to Re-enter society, How essential is the welcome back: adding to your church to build disciples for Christ. Led by Arthur Devine POLITY OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH To enhance usage of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church; To gain a working knowledge and understanding of the polity of The UMC in its various forms as practiced in the life of congregations, conferences, and the connection; To explore the theology, history, disciplines, and social principles of United Methodism in relation to the ministry and mission of the church in the world. Required texts: Bible, *Book of Discipline, Book of Resolutions, Book of Worship, the UMC Hymnal. Bring a Wesley quote to share with the group. Led by Barbara St. Jean. For additional information contact: Barbara St. Jean CLS, Co-District Director LSM, Cell: bstjean@cox.net Elizabeth River Channel Marker 6 M A R C H 2014

7 R E G I S T R A T I O N > LAY SERVANT TRAINING April 4 th & 5 th, 2014 Community UMC (Va Beach) Lay Servant Ministries ONLINE Lay Servant Ministry Online Advanced Courses: BeADisciple.com will be hosting three online courses in March and April which have been approved by the General Board of Discipleship as advanced courses in Lay Servant Ministries. In addition, these courses each meet one of the requirements for Lay Speakers. BeADisciple.com is one of several programs of the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, a United Methodist institution in Winfield, Kansas. For more information and to register, visit The following courses have been approved by the General Board of Discipleship as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries. Biblical Storytelling I April 8-22, $55 Biblical Storytelling II [Fall 2013 dates to be determined] $80 Come to the Table April 8-22, $55 Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts * April 15-28, $60 Green Church March 7-22, $75 Life Together in the United Methodist Connection * April 22 to May 6, $55 Living Our United Methodist Beliefs * April 22 to May 6, $55 Multimedia Technology in Worship for the Church Volunteer 101 May 6-17, $60 Leading Worship 101 for Lay People* $75 ($10 refund given to each if two or more members of the same congregation enroll together.) [Possibly offered again in Fall 2013] *This course also meets one of the requirements for Lay Speakers R E G I S T R A T I O N LAY SERVANT TRAINING April 4 th & 5 th, 2014 Please return this form to: Barbara St. Jean, 1453 Bartow Place, Va Beach later than March 28 th PLEASE PRINT: NAME: CHURCH: UMC $12 check enclosed (made payable to: Elizabeth River District UMC) ADDRESS: CITY: ZIP: PHONE: ( ) - [If books are required for the course you choose, you are responsible for purchasing them ahead of time with the exception of the Basic Course. Basic will have the book available for purchase at the class] Basic Course Pastor s approval signature: (1 st time attendees Basic Course) ADVANCED COURSE: (Indicate preference: 1-2-3) Spiritual Gifts 2 Storytelling From Your Heart to Theirs Evangelism Prayer 101 Prison Ministry Polity of the U.M.C. Participant s Signature: For additional information contact: Barbara St. Jean CLS, Co-District Director LSM Cell: bstjean@cox.net All are invited you can take the class even if you do not wish to be a lay servant. There are a number of eating establishments near Community UMC for Saturday lunch. Elizabeth River Channel Marker 7 M A R C H 2014

8 Tackling the Money Issue! Why? -Adapted from Stewardship Central used by permission If talking about money is a fight waiting to happen for some couples, we can imagine how tough it might be to broach that same subject within a church congregation. That s because you re not dealing with one individual you re facing many unique personalities. Talking about money is bound to excite all kinds of emotions. It s no wonder many pastors shy away from it altogether and that s an unfortunate conclusion. You see, money has the potential to be our greatest blessing or our greatest curse. The church is looking to the pastor for guidance. Just like talking with someone about a dangerous habit, your willingness to tackle the topic of money ultimately results in huge benefits for your congregation. Of course, that doesn t make it any easier. Here are some tips below to help you get started: Acknowledge discomfort right away. Have you ever sat through a meeting or family dinner where tensions are high but everyone acts like everything is normal? Those are some uncomfortable moments! Often, simply stating the obvious puts others at ease. The next time you re bringing a message on money whether it is through a sermon or during the offering go ahead and say what s on the minds of people in your congregation. This might sound something like, Guys, I know money is a touchy subject. We all come at it from different backgrounds and viewpoints. The great thing is God has a lot to say about how we handle money. If we focus on what He says instead of what our world thinks we might be able to learn something new and grow in the process. Talk about yourself. One of the reasons people hate hearing about money is because it s so personal. As a pastor, your vulnerability in other areas of life encourages your church to open up their minds and hearts to what you teach. Money is no different. Be brave. Share your own story when it comes to money. Don t worry, we re not talking specifics. There s no need for anyone to know how much your car cost or what you put in the offering plate last week. But you can be honest about your own struggles or successes with tithing and giving. Talk about the fact that your money is really God s to begin with that He owns it all. Hearing this perspective from you will help your church depersonalize the subject of money. Remember that money is only one part of a generous lifestyle. Matthew 25:35 36 says, For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. When Jesus talks about what we can do for the least among us, He doesn t just mention money. We are able to make a difference with what we have time, treasure, talents and touch. Remind them that generous giving doesn t start and end with money. We give out of what we have. As Dave Ramsey teaches in Financial Peace University, it doesn t matter if we sit in a corner office or clean a corner office we re called to manage our resources for God s glory. Take a bold step today toward making the topic of money a welcome point of discussion in your church. If you are looking for assistance in your local church in addressing the stewardship and/or gift planning issue, please feel free to contact Dave Thompson or Stephen Clark - and the Virginia UM Foundation office Elizabeth River Channel Marker 8 M A R C H 2014

9 Upcoming Deadlines: CLERGY & SPRC Annual Clergy Evaluation June 1st TRUSTEE, SPRC & CLERGY Annual Parsonage Review June 1st ELIZABETH RIVER DISTRICT YOUTH meeting at Oak Grove this year! Second Monday each month 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. See you there! (427 N Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake) CHURCH POSITIONS AVAILABLE BOOKKEEPER / ACCOUNTANT [VA Conference] full-time Bookkeeper / Accountant to work in the Treasurer s Office in Glen Allen. Responsibilities include accounting entries, account reconciliations, working with churches, and other administrative work. This position requires attention to detail and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills in a team environment. Experience with accounting software and Microsoft Excel is required. Membership and/or knowledge of the United Methodist church is beneficial but not required. Great work environment and benefits. Applicants should have experience or education in bookkeeping or similar office work. Interested candidates should send a resume to Jobs@vaumc.org. Deadline: March 3, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR [Virginia Beach UMC] Part-time, 20-hrs. Effectively create, facilitate, edit, strategize, and streamline two-way communication from the church office to the congregation and wider VBUMC community. If interested, jobs@vbumc.org. OFFICE CLERICAL SUPPORT [Virginia Beach UMC] Part-time, 20-hrs (M-F 8am Noon). operate behind the schenes supporting communications and adminsitrative processes for the staff, the congregation and wider VBUMC community. jobs@vbumc.org. NURSERY ATTENDANT [Centenary UMC, Portsmouth] Centenary UMC is in need of a Sunday paid nursery worker. Every Sunday from 8:30-12:30. Please post this information as you are able. If interested, call the church at PIANIST/ORGANIST [Heritage UMC, Virginia Beach] More job opportunities go to Conference website Elizabeth River Channel Marker 9 M A R C H 2014

10 Finances out of hand? It's Time to Take Control! Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University is coming to Baylake UMC in March! The free preview session is Sunday evening, March 2 at 7 PM. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning March 12 at 7 PM. For more information or to register, please contact Rev. George Neas at Childcare available upon request. Baylake UMC 4300 Shore Dr, Va Beach Prayer Service from IONA Sunday, March 30 St. Nicholas Catholic Church 712 Little Neck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 6:00 pm Join us for this ecumenical Lenten service to hear the Scriptures of Holy Week come to life. For all ages, with some stories especiallyfor children. Participating churches: St. Nicholas Catholic, St. Aidan s Episcopal, Lynnhaven UMC, King s Grant Presbyterian, and King s Grant Baptist. Open to all. Elizabeth River Channel Marker 10 M A R C H 2014

11 Small Group Workshop Presented by Rev. Greg West Hosted by Haygood UMC Saturday, March 8, :30 am 1:30 pm Haygood UMCwould like to invite the churches in the Elizabeth River District to a Small Group Training Workshop held on Saturday, March 8th from 8:30 to 1:30 pm. The church is located at 4713 Haygood Road in Virginia Beach. The workshop is led by Rev. Greg West; he will be sharing with us his insight into the Wesleyan understanding of small groups which will include opportunities to put the information into practice during the day. This workshop is designed to educate and empower those considering the idea of bringing small groups into the church dynamics as well as to offer ideas for growth to those churches that already have small groups. The cost for this workshop is $15.00/person which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Space is limited, therefore please *PRE-register via the district website. You can download the registration form or call and speak to Mrs. Meyett or Pastor Lisa. Should childcare be needed please indicate the number of children and any special dietary needs or allergies. *Because of limited space your check payment will guarantee your registration (not just pre-registering). * Your registration will be confirmed upon receipt of your check. For more information, contact the church office at or haygoodumc@verizon.net. SAFE SANCTUARY FOR Children, Youth, & Vulnerable Adults The United Methodist Church has adopted a policy for the protection of children, youth & vulnerable adults involved in its ministries and for the protection of workers against frivolous accusations known as the Safe Sanctuary policy. Anyone working with children or youth, or being involved in any children s or youth ministry must be Safe Sanctuary certified annually. Sunday, March 23 rd pm to 3pm Deep Creek UMC 141 George Washington Hwy. N. Chesapeake R.S.V.P. (757) $10 each includes Safe Sanctuary Certification If you have ever thought of connecting with intellectually disabled adults now is your chance. The United Methodist Conference supports Camp Rainbow Connection held every summer at beautiful Blackstone Retreat Center in south central Virginia. Each year a large number of volunteers ages 16 and up are needed to provide the campers with a much anticipated week long experience of fun activities and Christian growth Camp Rainbow will be held July 5-11 and August Please consider giving a week of your summer to "go camping " with these very especial adults. For more information call Janice or Alice or contact the Conference office in Richmond. & Baked Potato Bar Lunch. Deep Creek UMW fundraiser Elizabeth River Channel Marker 11 M A R C H 2014

12 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit No. 332 Return Service Requested In the Virginia Conference United Methodist Church P.O. Box Norfolk, VA VA Conference Bishop... Young Jin Cho District Superintendent... Bradford L. Phillips District Office Manager... Deborah L. Hanson District Finance Secretary... Tammy A. Waters District Program Coordinator... Ellen J. Clements District Treasurer... Mary R. Stroh District Lay Leader... Keith E. Willyard District Associate Lay Leader... Gary Denette District Webmaster... Dominica Dee Guagliardo DISTRICT CALENDAR Send your request to Newsletter Articles Deadline is the 15th of every month All articles should be submitted BY to address below. Job Announcements should be 60-words or less. Events 100-words or less or 1/4 page flyer-format District Officers try to limit to a half-page ElizabethRiverDistrict@vaumc.org 5 ASH WEDNESDAY 8 5-Talent Academy: Stewardship, Francis Asbury,8:30am 10 District Youth, Oak Grove, 7 pm 11 District Board of Discipleship, district office 10am 14 UMW Prayer Luncheon, St. Andrew s (Po), 10: CEU Seminar for Clergy, Virginia Wesleyan College 20 Camp Gotcha Planning, 3:00pm district office 20 District Historical Society, West End, 6:15pm 22 UMW Tri-Dist Mini Mission Encounter, High St UMC, Franklin 26 Clergy Meeting, Foundry, 8:30am 27 District Committee on Ministry, district office 9am 29 Bishop s Convocation on Prayer, Trinity UMC, Richmond, 9:30 am 4 Lay Servant Training Part I, Fri. 6pm-9:30pm 5 Lay Servant Training Part II, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm 8 District Youth, Oak Grove, 7pm 17 District Historical Society Community-VB 6:15pm 24 District Committee on Ministry, district office, 9am VA PAUMCS Spring Retreat, Eagle Eyrie SAVE THE DATES: June 1 - Annual Conference Orientation, Memorial June 8 - Farewell to the Phillips Office Location: 815 Baker Rd. Suite 301, Virginia Beach Phone: Fax: Elizabeth River Channel Marker ElizabethRiverDistrict@vaumc.org District Website: ElizabethRiverDistrict.org 12 M A R C H 2014 Conference Website: vaumc.org