Weekly Announcements
​Church Happenings
2020 Statistical Tables ~ Deadlines ~ Below you will find essential Dates related to Church Statistics Data Entry.
Please Note: The Appointment Workbook contains data from Table I on Lines 2a through Line 7, so it is essential that you complete this data on time.  Blank data in the Church Members column reflects the Church has yet to enter 2020 Statistics. 
Midnight Friday, January 15, 2021 – Completed Data Entry Table I
Midnight Sunday, January 31, 2021 – Completed Data Entry Table II and Table III
 
 Today, January 13th ~ Clergy/SPPRC Preference Forms are due.
 
 Sunday, January 17th - Monday, January 18th ~ Eastern Mennonite University invites you to participate in our Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration to be held Sunday, January 17th - Monday, January 18th.  Our theme this year:  “No Love without Justice: No Justice without Truth”.  All events will be virtual this year due to COVID-19.  Please join us on Facebook Live or via zoom.  All events are posted at www.emu.edu/mlk.  
  
January 18th ~ Conference and District Offices closed for Martin Luther King Day.
 
 
 
January 18th at 12:00 p.m. through January 22nd at 5:00 p.m. ~ United Methodist Day at the General Assembly 2021 ~ John Wesley encouraged members of the early Methodist movement to be life-long learners and to do no harm.  As United Methodists today, we continue to learn new things and build up our communities, protecting the most vulnerable whenever possible. This year, United Methodists will learn to expand United Methodist Day so that we are not advocating just one day but learning and working many days to protect the vulnerable of our state and nation. United Methodist Day at the General Assembly will look a little different this year.  Some changes are required by the safety protocols employed by the state due to Covid-19.  Other changes are so that we can best use and share the resources we have.  We want you to have the best experience possible and be best equipped to continue the work throughout the year. No parking issues, No long walks in the COLD, NO getting up before dawn for a long drive! We are going VIRTUAL (mostly)! January 18th, 2021 12:00 PM through January 22nd, 2021 5:00 PM We will begin by sharing various resources including videos, book and movie suggestions, websites, and other resources during early January.  We are partnering with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and their “Day for All People 2021 Advocacy Week” for a week of workshops, services opportunities, prayer vigils, and so much more! Join us on Monday morning, Martin Luther King Day, for time with the Virginia United Methodist Conference Bishop Sharma Lewis as the Guest Speaker, and then spend part of the afternoon in service. Tuesday through Thursday will include workshops, meeting with your State Senators and Delegates, and more. Tuesday will feature Governor Northam as the Guest Speaker.  Friday, January 22, is United Methodist Day at the General Assembly.  We are planning opportunities for sharing and reflection, an opportunity to take part in a Prayer Vigil (both in person and virtual opportunities), and more. Register Now! To streamline registration and make sure you have access to all the resources and opportunities, please register at: www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/get-involved/2021dfap/  Cost: $10 through Dec. 31, 202; $5 Student Pricing; $20 beginning January 1; Scholarships available for those who cannot pay.
 
Wednesday, January 20 ~ Inauguaral Prayer and Healing Service at 9:00 a.m. ~ Joing Bishop Lewis, the Virginia Conference Cabinet and the Connectional Ministries office staff in a time of prayer for our nation and our leaders on January 20, as President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are inaugurated.  The event, “Inaugural Prayer and Healing Service,” will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Rev. Sylvia Meadows, James Rived DS, and members of the Connectional Ministries staff in a time of centering. Join the event at this link: https://vimeo.com/500180032 . 
  
January 20 ~ Pastor, Church and Community Profiles are due.
 
 Heart Havens Month (February) will soon be here! We can't wait to celebrate with you. The Virginia Conference has designated February as Heart Havens Month, one of six special offerings throughout the year. There are seven Heart Havens homes across the Conference, where men and women with a developmental disability are empowered to be full members of the body of Christ, and active participants in their communities. The theme for Heart Havens Month this year is "A Different Perspective." Heart Havens' goal is 100 monthly Heart Havens donors. Online donations can be made here https://heart-havens.networkforgood.com/ and donors can choose monthly under the frequency drop down menu or click here to learn other ways to give. https://hearthavens.org/media/1462/recurring-giving-flyer-form-2021.pdf. Please view and share our annual Heart Havens Month video by clicking here: https://youtu.be/4cEfx0XyavQ. Additional Heart Havens month resources are also available for download here: http://www.hearthavens.org/resources/worship-resources/. If you would like a virtual speaker for Sunday morning worship or a UMM/UMW or other small group meeting, please contact Jennifer Boyden at 804-506-8667. You can also find Heart Havens month posts on social media – sharing will help us spread our message of empowerment. Thank you for your continued support of Heart Havens! https://www.facebook.com/heart.havens        https://twitter.com/HeartHavens            https://www.instagram.com/HeartHavens/
 
February 27, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ~ A Virtual Lay Servant Basic Course "It's All About Lay Servants!" sponsored by the James River District will be held. This is a virtual training event. Basic Course only.  There will be a half-hour break for lunch. Check in is Saturday 8:00-8:30 a.m. A Registration form is attached.
  
The Rev. Gene William, Retired Clergy on our District, has written a new book called “David and the Politicians”.  It is available on Amazon and is available in print or on Kindle. 
  
 Plan your Winter Getaway at Lake Junaluska ~ Come stay at Lake Junaluska for your winter getaway and find renewal for your soul as we head into the first few months of 2021! While you are here, dine with us at our new Lakeside Bistro serving up delicious modern Southern cuisine. We are taking extra health and safety measures to protect our guests and staff. Check out our health & safety page to know what to expect during your stay.  Stay at The Terrace Hotel or our many Vacation Rentals!
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Staunton District
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