Lynchburg District Clergy Retreat

Lynchburg District Clergy Retreat

Last week, our district clergy spent twenty-four hours together at the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center in Blackstone, VA. Our retreat focused on the theme: “How big is your dream? How good is your team?” The theme was originally conceived with-in a clergy leadership group that meets every Thursday morning. Over the last six months this group has witnessed great improvement in our leadership skills and several remarkable transformations.

The main speaker was Rev. Peter Moon of Woodlake UMC, which is one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the Virginia Conference. Using the seven letters within Revelation as a guide, Rev. Moon led us to consider: “How big is your dream? How good is your team? All in the midst of these difficult financial times.

Lynchburg District Clergy Challenged to Follow Bishop’s Call to Fasting and Prayer

At the closing worship service, Larry Davies, the District Superintendent issued a challenge to the clergy. He said: “Something happened at our cabinet meeting that I believe is God’s way of shaking us up from our routine and daring us to dream bigger dreams.”

“Bishop Kammerer called for all of us to join her in a weekly time of fasting and prayer through Dec. 31, for God to work within us for the future of the church. Bishop Kammerer will be fasting and praying each Thursday evening through Friday and she invited us to join her at that time or another time of our choosing. This will be a time when we ask God’s Holy Spirit to work within us and provide direction. “

“Mindful of health concerns, fasting must be done carefully so it is left to the individual as to how the fast should be followed but it’s not as much about the way we fast as it is about our willingness to spend time listening for God’s direction. If we do this together, I believe we will hear God’s voice and receive the guidance and direction we need.”

“Basically I’m asking you to use your creativity and spiritual resources to join the Bishop and the Cabinet as we dare to dream big dreams and form good teams. I have no idea what will come of this but I trust that God will be giving us a bold vision and will be guiding us to a future where the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church will make a bigger difference in our community and in our world for Jesus Christ.”

As our clergy considers their response to Bishop Kammerer’s call to fast and pray I offer the same opportunity to everyone on our district: To pray and fast as you are able for the future of our church. May we receive guidance from God.

Lynchburg District Clergy take up an offering for roof repair for Jackson Street UMC

During the final worship service, Rev. Bonnie Pizzeck, pastor of Hurt UMC suggested we take up an offering to help Jackson Street UMC repair and replace the shingles on their roof. Jackson Street UMC is one of the oldest churches on our district and has a rich history of providing spiritual leadership within the African American community as well as the city of Lynchburg. With the help of volunteer labor, district funds and a continued offering from the clergy and other members of our district we are already close to having the necessary funds. If you would like to add your support to this project please call Fran Briley at our District office – 434-832-0401.

Stop Hunger Now Packaging Events for Pakistan

So far several churches asked to be considered as possible locations for our 100,000 meals for Pakistan. The list is below. If you want to be added or have questions, please let me know. We hope to be able to set up our packaging events in October.

Epworth UMC – Rev. Joe Shoop

Mount Hermon UMC – Rev. Allan Murphy

Chestnut Hill UMC – Rev. Becky Cloud

Timberlake UMC – Rev. Rob Colwell

Centenary UMC – Rev. Rick Ecklund

Rustburg UMC – Rev. Liz Ecklund

Fort Hill UMC – Rev. Phil Waltz

Important Dates to keep on your Calendar

October 5: 7:00 PM - Common Table, Fort Hill UMC

October 12: 9:00 - District Clergy Meeting, Court Street UMC

October 21: 9:00 - District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Court Street UMC

October 22-23       Lay Speakers Training, Location Fort Hill UMC

October 30: 9:00 - Staff/Pastor/Parrish Relations Training, Court Street UMC 

November 2           Common Table, Fort Hill UMC, 7:00 pm

November 24-26   Thanksgiving Holidays, District Office Closed

December 5            District Conference, Amelon UMC, 3:00 pm

December 11-12     Lynchburg District hosting Cabinet Meeting

December 23-28     Christmas Holidays, District Office Closed

January 29, 2011    Leadership Training Event, Heritage UMC 8:30 am - 2:00 pm