VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014

The Mission of the Virginia Annual Conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a

connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God.

(Virginia Conference Mission Statement)

Join Us for a Staunton District

Celebration of Ministry Banquet and Fellowship

Friday, March 14th ~ 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.

The Virginia Horse Center,

Lexington VA (487 Maury River Road)

Special Guest Speaker

Angie Williams from United Methodist Family Services

Order Tickets for $12 by March 7th

stauntondistrict@vaumc.org or 540-932-1055

Awards will be presented for a great year of Discipleship!

Menu: Salad, Orange Glazed Chicken or Marcela Roast Beef,

Red Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy, Rolls,

Cobbler: Apple, Blackberry, and Peach with Ice Cream

Page 2 Staunton District Voice

FROM OUR DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Data We Like: Some Encouraging News!

Some rather wonderful news has come across the wire to start the New Year: for the first time in more

than a decade, the United Methodist Church in the US has recorded an increase in total professions of

faith – from 123,986 in 2011 to 124,635 in 2012. Although that is a gain of less than one percent, it is also

a move in the right direction! Every one of those digits represents a heart claimed for Christ, and we pray also a church

committed to intentionally discipling that new convert or former confirmand.

But are we becoming too fixated on numbers? Certainly one can grow weary of statistical data – especially in having to

tabulate and input it. Pastors can be forgiven for diminished enthusiasm for crunching numbers, in the spirit of John

Wesley’s dictum that “you have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. … It is not

your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to

bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance.”

But what we love, we study, and what we esteem, we measure. Vital Congregations is an effort to refocus our

attention on the areas that enable our churches to do what Wesley saw as their fundamental work: to save souls from the

wrath that is to come. Our initiative to implement the Vital Congregations measurement system, called “Equipping

Vital Congregations,” involves the entry of data regarding five key areas of congregational health, via the new Virginia

Conference Equipping Vital Congregations website, www.evc.vaumc.org. (Weekly e-mail reminders that include a link

to the website are sent from the conference data office to all those who enter VitalSigns for their churches.)

Simply put, the requested data reflect not only worship attendance, but have implications for strengthening the energy

and vitality of our worship; the numbers of those participating in small groups show the ways in which our disciples are

moving from Grace to Grace, growing in holiness of heart and life. Those engaged in missional outreach and growing

in generosity also give evidence of our maturation of followers of Jesus who understand our responsibility to make

disciples, reflected in the good news of professions of faith.

So if your church is not presently ensuring that VitalSigns data is reported regularly and accurately, you do need to

begin doing so! Collaboration, support and continued improvement among all our churches depend on knowing where

our efforts should be directed, and what the record of our effectiveness suggests about trying new strategies and

ideas. Our shared goal really is measurable: to reach hearts for Christ and spread the Good News of the Kingdom come

among us. Let us then spend and be spent in this work, one heart at a time.

Peace of Christ, and his Passion,

Dave

THANK YOU TO OUR 100% CHURCHES: The following Churches paid 100% of both District and Conference Apportionments: Alleghany UMC, Asbury UMC (WS), Ashwood UMC, Augusta Street UMC, Basic UMC, Bethlehem UMC, Blue Grass UMC, Burnsville UMC, Calvary UMC, Central UMC (CF), Collierstown UMC,

Community UMC, Doe Hill UMC, Ebenezer UMC, Eden UMC, Elliott’s Hill UMC, Emory UMC (HS), Fairfield UMC, Fishersville UMC, Glossbrenner UMC, Glovier Memorial UMC, Goshen UMC, Granbery Memorial UMC, Green Hill UMC, Greenville UMC, Hightown UMC, Jollivue UMC, Lyndhurst UMC, Main Street UMC, Marvin UMC, McDowell UMC, McKendree UMC, McKinley UMC, Mint Spring UMC, Monterey UMC, Mt. Carmel UMC, Mt. Horeb UMC, Mt. Moriah UMC, Mt. Olivet UMC, Mt. Zion UMC (MS), Mt. Zion (Rb), Mountain Valley UMC, Oak Hill UMC, Pinnell Chapel UMC, Randolph Street UMC, Rankin UMC, St. James UMC, St. Mark’s UMC, Starr-Bolar UMC, Sherando UMC, Stonewall UMC, Totten Chapel UMC, Trinity UMC, Virginia Chapel UMC, Wesley Chapel UMC, West Augusta UMC, and West View UMC. The following Churches paid 100% of District Apportionments: Asbury UMC (M), Augusta Springs UMC, Beth Horon UMC, Christ UMC (Cov), Epworth UMC, Fletcher Chapel UMC, Humphreys Chapel UMC, Longdale UMC, Mt. Pleasant UMC, Persinger Memorial UMC, St. John’s UMC (St), St. Paul’s UMC (Crgvl.), South Covington UMC, Walton Memorial UMC, and Wayne Hills UMC.

Page 3 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5

Would your church like to host a Helping Hands event?

This is a 2-day (summer) mission event for rising 4th-6th graders

from churches all over the Virginia Conference. Beth Christian will manage the

event and all the details. What we need from the partner church is help

locating local mission work and space in the church where we can sleep, serve

meals, and have worship for 60-100 people.

This is a fun and easy way to be in ministry in the community and to teach our

young missionaries the blessing of serving others. Contact Beth to discuss the

details today!

bethchristian@vaumc.org 540-932-1055

February Is Black History Month

The Staunton District is blessed to have

several churches with African-American roots. Each has a unique story to tell that goes back many

generations. Many of these churches are in ministry with a diverse population

while staying true to rich traditions

in worship and witness.

The Virginia Conference supports diversity

in our churches through the

Commission on Ethnic Minority

Concerns and Advocacy. (CEMCA)

The Staunton District hopes to begin a conversation among these faithful congregations

and those who love and serve them.

If you are interested in joining this new team please contact

Beth Christian by February 21st!

bethchristian@vaumc.org 540-932-1055.

Page 4 Staunton District Voice

FROM OUR UNITED METHODIST WOMEN PRESIDENT, BETTY HAIRFIELD: There is a commercial that begins something like, ‘The holidays are over and we can

settle down to the doldrums of winter.’ How can winter be “doldrums” when no two days are the

same: Yesterday I rejoiced in a glorious 50+ day of blue skies and bright sunshine. Today I look

amazed as the whole hill on which I live is being covered in the beauty of pure white snow. No day is spent in

the doldrums that begins with, “This is the day the Lord has made.”

Perhaps you didn’t know United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for

women in the US, with approximately 800,000 members! Our mission is to foster spiritual growth, develop

leaders and advocate for justice. United Methodist Women is on Facebook and has 13,817 likes. Each year the

UMW publishes a Prayer Calendar that features daily lectionary readings, holidays and special days, and lifts up

mission projects, advocacy issues and birthdays of people in mission. Photos, stories, meditations and

celebrations of global partnerships inspire and inform.

In April UMW from all over the world will gather in Louisville, KY for Assembly 2014 to:

experience powerful worship, dynamic speakers, and amazing music.

celebrate our Wesleyan heritage and to shape our future together.

talk about challenging and complex issues in a real way Locally the Staunton District UMW will support Kingsway prison ministry; care of the environment through green meetings where possible; and care of children through Children's Sabbath, Casa de Amistad, and Henry Fork Service Center. You are invited to join with us in these activities.

NEWS ON BLACKSTONE CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER: In answer to several inquiries concerning an update on the heating at BCRC and the Titus Challenge, I have just received a note of interest from Sam McCracken: "Our Annual Appeal campaign is nearing completion and has been successful with contributions exceeding that of last year, with nearly 20% being first-time donors. As of January 15 we are short of our $50,000 by about $2,500; I am confident of another $5,000 coming to us." We are praising the Lord for this and thankful to all who contributed to this campaign. "The boiler is working well now that the air is out of the system. Conference BOM was here most of the week and I believe we showed that BCRC is here to stay. The whole building was warm, the meals were good and yes, we have the pool to 80+ degrees." We hope you will continue to promote BCRC and encourage our districts and local units to make plans to RETREAT, RENEW, AND KNOW CHRIST'S PEACE in 2014. Blessings.

Dolly Porter, UMW VUMAC Rep.

FEBRUARY IS HEART HAVENS MONTH Information packets on HH were recently mailed to your church. If you would like to schedule a speaker or receive more information please contact our office at 1-877-442-8368. We’d welcome your prayers for all of our brothers and sisters with disabilities during this month. Prayer for Hearts Havens: God of Creation and God of Love, we thank you that you created us, male and female, and all in your image. We give you thanks and praise that you sent Jesus Christ who demonstrated to us your unreserved love in His life and ministry. Thank you for calling us to love our neighbors and to be in ministry with our brothers and sisters who have intellectual disabilities. By your grace, Loving Lord, empower us to take part in ministry with our brothers and sisters who reside in our Heart Havens homes, through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. Bless those who staff these homes and all who give of their heart, so that our brothers and sisters with intellectual disabilities may have a place they can call home. We pray this in the name of the one who loved us all the way to the cross, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Young Jin Cho, Resident Bishop

Page 5 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5

COMMUNITY UMC invites you to join us for a VALENTINE TEA on Saturday, February 15,

at 2:00 p.m. Inclement weather date is Saturday, February 22. There will be heartwarming

fellowship and a menu of good food to include: chicken salad, buttered peas, deviled eggs,

assorted desserts and of course a variety of teas. Put on your fancy hat, take your valentine by

the hand and enjoy an afternoon of Christian fun. Free will offering to benefit the work of the

Missions Committee.

Glovier Memorial's United Methodist Women will be hosting a Valentine's dinner and

musical program February 15th at 5:00 pm. The menu will consist of baked chicken, mac n

cheese, green beans, slaw, rolls, dessert with tea and coffee. The cost of dinner and show is $10

per person and all proceeds go to the UMW Ministry Outreach. Reservations are required and

can be made by calling Glovier Memorial UMC at 540-943-3071. Reservations must be made no

later than February 12th.

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH-CELEBRATE SPRING-HIGH TEA at CHRIST

UMC, MARCH 15. This TEA, from 2:00-3:00 p.m., will lead into the UMW's Prayer and Self

Denial program. Universal theme: Sound Foundations/Sound Missions. We’ll reflect on the

more than 100 university and mission buildings, some as much as 100 years old, that were

founded by women! (One with a grant of only $500.00.) Many of these buildings now need

repairs to expand, restore and update for safety purposes, to house children, elderly and

disabled individuals. This will be a huge undertaking, financially. 100 tickets will be offered to this community

event. For more information, contact Isabelle Hutson at 886-1373 or Norma Sumner at 885-2177. Come enjoy

a relaxing setting of gourmet foods, specialty teas, lovely hostesses, spring time songs and door prizes. View a

map and read names of all such UM institutions here in the United States. (Spring begins March 20th). Come

and wear your EASTER BONNET!!

A “THANK YOU” FROM CASA DE AMISTAD:

Thank you to everyone that purchased a gift or sent money to buy a gift for the children of Casa de Amistad. It was a great Christmas for 125 children. Also, the stuffed animals that the United Methodist Women provided added a special touch. A good time was had by all the night of December 22 and the refreshments were wonderful. All of you are such a blessing.

God Bless, Andrea Riegel, Basic UMC

CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. J. LYNN AND MICHELE WRIGHT! Rev. Wright serves the Hot Springs Charge. “Rev. J. Lynn and Michele Wright are excited to announce the arrival of their first grandchild, Reagan Tessa Wright. Born to parents Ashley and Jarret Wright Wednesday at 5:28 a.m.

Reagan weighed 6 lbs 2 oz and is 19". All are doing excellently and are at home in Christiansburg, VA. Lynn said it was love at first sight!”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY – On The Road will

be held on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Greenville UMC. Cost is

$20 which includes lunch. To register contact Becky Tate in the Conference Office (804)

521-1139 or beckytate@vaumc.org. For more information check the website vaumc.org under events or

contact Beth Christian at the District Office.

CLERY SPOUSES RETREAT The Clergy Spouses Retreat will be held February 27 through March 1 at the Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. The theme of this year’s Retreat is “Faith, Family and Forgiveness”. The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Carol A. Fletcher. Deadline to register is February 24th.

3014 Camp Overlook Lane

Keezletown, VA 22832

Feb-March 2014 Become a fan on facebook:

Overlook Retreat & Camp Ministries, Ron Robey, Director, 540 2MY-CAMP, CampOverlook@gmail.com, CampOverlook.org

Confirmation Camp Bringing our youth into the church!

Mark your calendars for Camp Over-look’s annual Confirmation weekend, April 11th and 12th (the Friday and Saturday of Palm Sunday weekend). The pastor and/or mentors from your church travel with your young confirm-ands to spend almost 24 hours with youth from several districts as they prepare to be confirmed into their home congregations. Program in-cludes sessions by Rev. Gary Heaton, Rev. David Rochford (Staunton Dist. D.S.), missionaries, and lay people. Worship will be in true Overlook fash-ion with creative and experiential ele-ments. There will be plenty of time for fun and fellowship! Registration material and fees will be sent to the churches after the first of the year.

Invest in keeping the “I DO” in

a new marriage!

Rev. Glen and Tara Langston will be guiding young engaged couples (or those considering engagement) through an exploration of what it means to love their spouse for a LIFETIME...and how to keep God in the center of it all! The retreat will be held on February 14-16 at Blessings Lodge. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to share this experience with your sweetie?! Visit the Overlook website to see ad-ditional information and program bro-chure.

Have a

“GRAND Time at Camp” (An overnight experience for a

grandparent and child) Children who are enrolled in grades K-3 can enjoy a first-time camp overnight experience with a grandparent! Join us May 9-10 on Agape Hill to share this unique time of fun and fellowship with the special little grandchild in your life. More details at our website

www.campoverlook.org

Thank YOU! Many of the ministries at Camp Overlook are made possible by the generous giving from churches and individuals.

COURAGEOUS DADS RETREAT

June 13-14 Father’s Day is June 15th. Make this Father’s Day more than a day of celebration, make it a day of re-newed commitment to your family. Fellowship with other dads and dis-

cover a new enthusiasm

for being a father.

I’ll be at The Shack

July 11-13 Read the book!

Experience it at Overlook!

Love, Papa

Visit www.campoverlook.org for details.

Coming Soon! Men’s 4th Day Jan 31—Feb 1 Engagement R.I.N.G. Feb 14-16 Women’s 4th Day Feb 21-22 Confirmation Camp Apr 11-12 Courageous Dads June 13-14 The Shack Retreat July 11-13

Paul Armentrout Minnie Carr Circle David Bruce Lewis & Phyllis Campbell Andrew & Kay Collier Laura Douglass Dale & Sandra Cupp Janice Drechsler Terry & Kathy Denton Clayton Emery Thomas & Doreen Devore Recordo & Crystal Ford Warren & Patricia French Jarman & Martha Fretwell Nina Goodridge Eric & Christine Gregory Jay & Sheryl Grigg Susan Hrbek Eugene & Janet Knott Naomi Leeth Robert & Robin McKenzie Leo Lewis Franklin & Betty Moomau Karl Mohle Harry & Reba Rawley Betty Phillips Robert & Lee Smith Judy Phillips Gary & Melissa Steele Fred Rathel Raphael & Jennifer Steinbach Jerry & Debbie Stroop Cherry Grove UMC H’burg District UMC Mt Herman UMC Wesley Chapel UMC Mt Sidney UMC Stanley UMC First UMC - Lamplighters Otterbein UMC - Open Door Fellowship H’burg District UMM Sunset Drive UMM H’burg District UMW Bridgewater UMW Page UMW Market Street UMW Larry & Kathy Whitten Joan Wise Robert & Donna Windle Henry & Dorice Graham Verona UMC Sherri Fowler Charles & Dawn Kern Ben & Bernice Hottel Shannon Grabich Rebecca Grabich Holly Baker Dr. Willard & Lorna Lutz Ken & Phyllis Reeves Janet Swartz John & Linda Everett Doug & Paige Purdham Jeffrey Robb Larry & Carol Miller Otterbein UMW Louise & Billy Wright Laura Harris - Chwastyk

Camp Grands

Jeff & Gretchyn Germroth Tommy & Carolyn Herndon

Dennis & Norma Lee Warren & June Mathias

James River Equipment (Whitesel Brothers Equip.)

Catherine Zickafoose in memory of Jack Robey Susan Hrbek in memory of David and in honor

of Chadwick Hrbeck

Your support of this event will help ensure that financial hardship will not prevent someone from taking time apart with God at Overlook Retreat and Camp Ministries!!

www.campoverlook.org / 540.269.2297 / CampOverlook@gmail.com

Saturday, May 17th,

Proceeds to benefit children of all ages

Antique/Classic Car Cruise-in at Light the FireFest!

All cars welcome! Admission is free! Arrive as early as 9:15am to beat the traffic. Parking will be available in a grass lot just off the main road. Spread the word to your car club or friend with classic/antique vehicles.

Food, Food, and MORE FOOD!

Churches from Harrisonburg, Win-chester, and Staunton will be hosting food booths with everything from sand-wiches to baked goods. Come for lunch, take a plate home for dinner, and stock up on goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth!

NEW this year at LtFF!! Pastors from our three districts will be stepping up to the plate to help us raise money for the scholarship fund. You are cordially invited to “encourage” YOUR pastor to volunteer...and then be sure to come take a shot at him or her! And don’t stop there! Just before the festival closes at 2pm, Ron, Kelli, and Gary will share the “pie chair”. The per-son with the most pies chucked their way will KISS the neighbor’s goat! $5 per pie or 3 for $12 so save your change and choose your targets!

Pie

Your

Pastor…

and

Door prizes will be available from busi-nesses near and far! Receive a prize tick-

when you register at the gate. Re-ceive an additional ticket every time you make a purchase at a booth. Drop your ticket in a container next to the prize of your choice and wait for the drawing at the end of the day!

RAIN LOCATION: In the event of

rain, LtFF will be held at the Keezletown Ruritan Park!!

Also...

-LIVE MUSIC

by local artist all day long!

Including:

FADE &

SCATTER

LOVE

- Games

and activi-

ties for chil-

dren and

youth...with

prizes!

-Event t-shirts will be available

with the lovely color logo

from the top of the page.

-Corn Hole Tournament!

-AND MORE!

STAUNTON DISTRICT PROGRAM CALENDAR 2014

THE STAUNTON

DISTRICT VOICE

The Staunton District Office

26 Orr Drive, P. O. Box 1048

Fishersville, VA 22939

Phone: 540-932-1055

Email: stauntondistrict@vaumc.org

Web Site: www.stauntondistrict.org

Bishop Young Jin Cho...............................Area Bishop

Rev. Dave Rochford.................District Superintendent

Beth Christian...Director of Congregational Resources

David Mawyer...................................District Treasurer

Donna Desper............District Administrative Assistant

Next Newsletter Deadline:

March 20, 2014

NONPROFIT ORG.

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 178 Return Service Requested

FEBRUARY 4 District Committee on Ordained Ministry, 9:00 a.m., Calvary UMC 10 District Finance Committee, 7:00 p.m., District Office 12 District UMM Meeting, 9:00 a.m., Cherryvale UMC 14-16 Engagement R.I.N.G. for couples considering marriage or engagement, Camp Overlook 17-20 Cabinet Meeting March 4 District Committee on Ordained Ministry, 9:00 a.m., Calvary UMC 6 District Board of Missions, 10:00 a.m., District Office 10-13 Cabinet Meeting 14 Staunton District Banquet, 6:00 p.m., VA Horse Center in Lexington 29 Bishop’s 2nd Convocation on Prayer, Trinity UMC, Richmond April 7-10 Cabinet Meeting 11-12 Confirmation Camp for Middle School Youth, Camp Overlook