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News from around Brucetown .....

WINCHESTER, Virginia—12th Annual Golf Tournament, will be held on Saturday, 6 September 2008, at the Bowling Green Country Club at 838 Bowling Green Rd, Front Royal, VA. (map) . The tournament Hole Sponsorship Form and Golf Team Entry Form can be obtained by clicking below..

Combined Hole Sponsorship & Team Registration Form (in .pdf format)

Mr. Jim Green - Greetings again to each of you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Most of you already know by now that our Christian brother, Bill Owen, District Vice President for Membership, passed away on Thursday July 26. And perhaps many of you heard about it through Fred Rathel's email of July 26th from which the following line is taken.

Surely, God has received him with "well done my good and faithful servant"! He was certainly involved with much presence, in many community and church related missions and ministries! And ... the angels are no doubt, wearing some of his many wild and wonderful printed tee and golf shirts!

Please show your support of the Winchester District UMM by sponsoring a hole in the Golf Tournament. You can add to and/or complete your challenge pledge of $1,000 to Heart Haven's as every dollar you use to sponsor a hole in tournament goes to Heart Haven's. We would like to see some show of support from all our Fellowships. You can be a hole sponsor with any amount but it takes a minimum of $100 to get a placard placed on a tee.

Secondly, if you are a golfer, you can enjoy a good round of golf, win a new car (hole in one on a particular hole), have a good meal and lots of fellowship and fun. If you are not a golfer you can still be present at the tournament as we always need good helpers.

If you have a business or know someone that does please extend them the opportunity to participate in our tournament as a hole sponsor or player by giving them one of the flyers.

Aside from hole sponsors and registration please note the following item. And, this would pertain more to those who knew Bill personally and worked with him. I personally only knew Bill in the past few years and was always learning more and more about discipleship. He was a true friend and mentor to all, from the young, thinking of his activities with the boy scouts, and to many of us who were older than he. He not only knew the Word, taught the Word, but he Lived the Word. My life has been blessed by having met and worked with Bill.

Several individuals have already made direct contributions to the golf tournament in memory of Bill. This started with a gift of $100, matched by others, but rather than suggest a designated amount we are giving anyone that may desire the opportunity to make a contribution of any amount in memory of Bill. This can be done by mailing your contribution directly to our District United Methodist Men's Treasurer, Tim Ragaller, 118 Truck Dr, Stephens City, VA 22655. Though the latter has a lot to with our golf tournament it is a gift of love aside from hole sponsorship and registrations. Please do not confuse the two. If any questions, please call me.

Grace and Peace,
Jim Green
President
Winchester District United Methodist Men
17 Jackson Avenue
Winchester, VA 22601-4933
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...
James 1:22

Hands on mission opportunities in our backyard

WINCHESTER, Virginia—The Jeremiah Project, operating out of the Baptist Retreat, off Hunting Ridge Road, is a local mission to assist home owners with needed repairs, and has seen increasing support from local church congregations over the past several years.

Ms. Karen Goin, Project Manager for the Jeremiah Projects explains the mission opportunity like this; we are always looking for site leaders to help out in Winchester during the summer. The role includes being a liaison between the middle school mission team (about 6 students and 1-2 adults) and the home owner, helping teach students about the specific construction project- how to properly hammer nails, how to use a tape measure, etc.

The commitment is minimal- you would come to Hunting Ridge Retreat (up on Rt. 522) the night before you had a site and would meet with our Tool/Site Coordinator to review plans. Then, the next morning the work team could meet you at the site, and you would work from 10am to 4pm (approximately) with a lunch and devotion break. We've had several participants from the local UMMen’s units year after year and truly enjoy it. We will be working in Winchester from Monday, June 23 through August 8, so plenty of opportunity, says Ms. Goin.

Mr. Jim Green, President of the Winchester District, UMMen stated that the Jeremiah Project is similar to ASP (Appalachian Service Project) that we send or have sent mission teams to Southwest Virginia, Southern West Virginia and Kentucky to repair homes and work with the people there. The main difference is the location. The Jeremiah Project takes place in Frederick County for the most part. The work teams are based at the Baptist retreat on Hunting Ridge Road and come from various churches. The team members I have met in years past were from Burke UMM in Burke, VA and they were as excited about the service opportunity and their involvement as our teams were that worked in the ASP, VIM trips to the coast and other parts of the US and the world.

They are in need of adult leaders and as Karen explained it to me and you can read it below you can help them out for a 'day', week, or however much time you have to spare. I am going to try to give it a day or two, says Mr. Green.

How can your respective congregations and fellowships get more information, or volunteer for this exciting mission opportunity? Ms. Goin explains that, if you're interested and available, please contact Todd Freneaux, Executive Director who is already in Winchester. His phone number is 757-342-5757, or you're welcome to email me back if you have questions at karen@jeremiahproject.org . We also have a website at www.jeremiahproject.org .

UMMen's 2008 Golf Tournament to benefit Heart Havens

WINCHESTER, Virginia—The 2008 Winchester District UMMen’s Golf Tournament will again be hosted at the Bowling Green Country Club, off route 522 just below Stephens City. The tournament is held each year during the month of September, and benefits the Heart Havens House, a major benefactor of the charitable work of the United Methodist Men’s Group.

Mr. Jim Green, President of the Winchester District UMMen, indicated that this third and currently last major fund raiser of 2008 for the Winchester District UMMen will be our 12 Annual Golf Tournament. This will take place Saturday September 6, 2008 at the Bowling Green Country Club. To kick it off we are soliciting sponsors for to help underwrite the cost of the tournament. Those who choose to provide sponsorship using this form can benefit in more than one way as it not only allows you wider advertising it also allows the sponsor to enter a foursome into the event which is a saving of $65/golfer for a total savings of $260 for the sponsor if they choose to list the foursome. You do not have to enter a foursome to be a pre-tournament sponsor.
If you have golfers in your Fellowships this would be the time to sponsor as your church/Fellowship will also receive the full amount of the sponsorship as credit toward your $1,000 challenge pledge to Heart Haven's. We would like to have the pre-tournament sponsors by July 15 so we could include them in any pre-tournament advertising.

Some of you will be meeting tomorrow so please present this to your groups. Others may want to bring this up with your men that you meet in church on Sunday so you can act on it before your next regularly scheduled meeting. If you have any questions about the pre-tournament sponsor form please contact Steve Cunningham at 540-667-4851 or email to tamtut@comast.com. You can also contact me but Steve can probably answer your questions more clearly.

Hole sponsorship and registrations forms will be coming soon which will give you and your Fellowships additional ways to support the golf tournament

June 2008's Virginia Conference - Comments of attendees

WINCHESTER, Virginia—The 2008 UMC Virginia Annual Conference is now a thing of the past. Now throughout Virginia churches will begin to hear news of events which took place on the floor of the conference. That news will come from congregation members who attended and each will have something special of emphasis about their own personal experiences. Below are some recent comments collected from various sources across the conference;

I think the "All Things New" initiative is well-grounded theologically and Biblically. I think the limited discussion on proposed amendments presented on the floor of AC was helpful and illuminating. Contrary to what one speaker said from the floor, there is a firm Scriptural foundation for the idea that we can limit (the speaker used the term "box in" I think) the Holy Spirit. Of course, there wasn't time to address that in the moment, but if the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be limited by human beings, then the apostle Paul wasted some ink in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 when he wrote, "Quench not the Spirit." Perhaps the speaker meant to convey the idea that the Holy Spirit works in spite of us, and there is certainly truth to that idea, but the context in which it was spoken seemed to suggest that it is not possible for us to restrict the work of the Spirit even if we wanted to do so. If it's not possible to quench the Holy Spirit (either individually or corporately), then the apostle Paul has led me (and generations) astray. What was disconcerting to me was that many people applauded the aformentioned statement from the floor of Annual Conference. It was a revealing moment.
Nevertheless, I am happy to see that the Conference is moving forward with this initiative. Before the end of the session, well over 100 persons had indicated in writing an interest in their congregation starting a new faith community. I'd say that is a hopeful sign. Sure, some persons can choose to be pessimistic and cynical and say, "Well, that doesn't mean anything." I choose to be optimistic and positive and say, "That is an excellent first step in a long journey." A significant number of persons also indicated in writing their interest in their congregation becoming a 5-Talent congregation.
As to your question about whether or not there is a plan, the "All Things New" report is itself a plan. You can read it online at: http://www.BrucetownUMC.org/newspg/Detailsofallthingsnew.pdf
Secondly, some ideas for youth and young adult ministry were presented during Annual Conference. Significant portions of worship during Annual Conference were led and planned by youth and young adults. What a blessing!
You can access audio portions as well as reports of Annual Conference by going to:
http://www.vaumc.org/index.cfm/fa/content.view/menuID/4745.htm

The sermons and Bible studies were rich experiences. I'd give AC 2008 two thumbs up!! -- George

Youth Videos now on-line- Comments of attendees

Many people who attended this year's Annual Conference session have asked for copies of the Youth Ministry video clips that were shown during Annual Conference. These video clips, produced by Pheath Ram, Conference Videographer, feature 10 exciting youth and young adult ministries that are currently reaching out to young people in the Virginia Conference. Pheath has uploaded the videos to the Internet site, GodTube. You can access them at www.Godtube.com . - Linda

News from around the church .....

Ten Provocative Questions For the UMC

WASHINTON, DC—Lewis Center For Church Leadership Wesley Theological Seminary. The Connectional Table of the United Methodist Church commissioned a major research project in 2006 out of which came their State of the Church Report issued in the spring of 2007. Lovett Weems was asked to review the report and identify interesting findings, emerging questions, challenging contradictions, and other implications resulting from the research for a presentation to the Council of Bishops in November. Mr. Weems assessment transcends the global, national, conference and local levels of the church to present 10 provocative questions that applicable to UM core values. To read his assessment, click here!

Iowa bishop expresses thanks for support

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—Following devastating floods in his state, Bishop Gregory Palmer said the church is focusing on residents who have little resources and are dependent on the government, the church and volunteer organizations for assistance. Most residents displaced by the floods don’t have flood insurance. Three Cedar Rapids congregations—St. James, Salem and Trinity—have buildings that were heavily damaged. The bishop expressed his gratitude “for the ways in which we have felt the support and love, tangibly and spiritually, of United Methodists all over the world.”

UMCOR Sager Brown needs flood buckets

BALDWIN, La.—UMCOR Sager Brown Depot has nearly depleted its supply of flood buckets after shipping thousands in response to recent floods in the Midwest. The five-gallon buckets are filled with cleaning supplies and cost approximately $45 to put together. UMCOR officials are urging congregations and individuals to send completed buckets, bulk materials or money. For a list of supplies, visit http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/. Financial gifts can be sent to UMCOR Material Resources Advance #901440.

Young adults explore social justice

WASHINGTON—Juliana Abe, a native of Côte d’Ivoire, is exploring a different culture and country while she works for the rights of Africans and African-American people around the world. She is also enjoying getting to know her new "family" – The United Methodist Church. Abe is one of 12 young people participating in the United Methodist Board of Church and Society's Ethnic Young Adults Summer Internship in the nation's capital.

Clergy effectiveness study will help training

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—An analysis of what makes an effective pastor will enhance training provided this summer to United Methodist annual conferences. The Rev. Sharon Rubey, with the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the study would provide useful information for those who work with candidates for ministry, assign pastors to churches and do clergy supervision.

Chaplain works on ‘maximum’ ministry

DENVER—After encouraging inmates to write their personal testimonies, the Rev. Yong Hui McDonald, chaplain of the Adams County Detention Facility in Brighton, Colo., saw the prospect of a devotional book to be shared within the prison community as well as beyond its walls. With the help of United Methodist churches, she formed the Transformation Project: Prison Ministry and raised enough funds in 2005 to publish a book of prisoners’ spiritual reflections, Maximum Saints Make No Little Plans. Two volumes followed. “When I say ‘maximum saints,’ that means they are using their gifts to the maximum to serve the Lord and help others,” McDonald explains.

Native American songbook provides gifts

NEW YORK— Singing the Sacred: Musical Gifts from Native American Communities is a new release from the Global Praise program of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. For more information or to listen to music clips, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/resources/globalpraise/.

Free Web Space at GBGM

Web Hosting Program, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church

The General Board of Global Ministries, the global mission agency of The United Methodist Church, seeks to be faithful to God's global mission. Making disciples, building up the church, alleviating suffering, and promoting justice, freedom, and peace are Global Ministries' four goals. We offer free web space to United Methodist churches, United Methodist Women, and other qualified organizations as one way to help "connect the church in mission."

Submitting an application for free web space can be accomplished at http://gbgm-umc.org/churches/freewebspaceagreement.cfm