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Church Conference
November 1 2020
Culpeper UMC held our annual church conference on November 1, 2020 at 1PM . The meeting was virtual, and the link to the conference was published prior to the conference.
At the church conference, professing members attending the conference approved several items, including the incoming Leadership Team members (view the 2021 Leadership Team packet here) and the proposed 2021 budget.
The 2021 Budget can be viewed here. This budget reflects at 2.48% decrease from the 2020 budget. An overview of how the money is allocated is shown below.
Property Inspection Report 2020
The 2020 Property Inspection Report was distributed at the Church Conference. Many of the top priority facilities needs were addressed this year, but there are many other facility needs.
Message From Pastor John Regarding Cancellation of Church Services
Grace and Peace,
Bishop Lewis made an announcement today (March 13, 2020) that all United Methodist churches in the Virginia Conference will cancel worship for March 15 and 22 - due to health precautions regarding COVID-19. That being said, we will livestream worship during these Sundays in order for people to participate remotely. If you would like to read further details from Bishop Lewis, please follow this link: https://www.vaumc.org/closechurches.
We are planning only one 10:00am worship service on March 15 and 22. During that time, I want to invite all church staff and members of the leadership team to be physically present in the sanctuary. This will allow the congregation to know there are some people who are worshipping in person. It will also allow Pastor Lauren and I to have a congregation to participate in our sermons. Please do not bring family members to worship. With only staff and leadership team members we will keep the group to 20 or less people. Again, this is an invitation - not a requirement - for all staff and members of the leadership team to be present at worship on March 15 and 22. It is okay if you are not able to physically attend these times. One final detail. If you are battling a sickness, please stay at home.
Let me offer this prayer as we continue to rely on God during this time of uncertainty:
Father God, come. Lord Jesus, come. Holy Spirit, come. Be among us now. Pour out your grace upon us during this anxious time. Our routines are getting changed so much, as more and more things are getting cancelled. Free us from the fear that desires to set into our souls. Open our eyes to the needs of others. Help us to be cautious and yet actively living out our faith. We love you God. Make sure that is demonstrated in what we say and do in these uncertain times. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
Lord Bless,
John
Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation
January 11, 2020
On January 3, 2020 a diverse group of United Methodists released an agreement to the public. This document, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was signed on December 17, 2019. If you would like to read further details, please follow this link:
https://www.vaumc.org/SeparationAgreement.
This proposal is simply one of many options being sent to the 2020 General Conference happening in Minneapolis, Minnisota from May 5-15. This world-wide legislative body of the United Methodist Church is the only group who make decisions for the denomination. That being said, nothing has been decided at this point. The unique difference with the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation is unanimity. People from many (not all) theological perspectives in the United Methodist Church unanimously believe this is the best way forward for the denomination.
In the press release dated January 3, 2020 (from the link above) there is a very helpful section entitled FAQ document. Here is the link that goes directly to that information:
A live-stream event is also happening on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9:30am at www.UMNews.org. United Methodist News will interview a panel of people who helped create the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.
All that being said, nothing has been decided at this point. However, we know 2020 General Conference is coming. So, we need to pray.
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us. 2020 General Conference is on the horizon and anxiety is increasing within our denomination. Help us bring our concerns to you. Hear our words. Hear our tears. Give us strength for these uncertain days ahead. We love you Lord. Help us to show that love through our words and our actions - today, tomorrow, and the days after that. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Amen.
Still praying,
Pastor John
Reserve a Date on the Flowers on the Altar Calendar
This program is a way for congregants to help make the church beautiful while remembering and honoring your loved ones. Those who participate in this program reserve a date, purchase/make the arrangement and select the wording of choice which will be placed in the bulletin and announced during the services.
If you would like reserve a date, please call the church office at 540-825-0764 or signup online.
