United Methodist Women Blood Drive, Saturday, March 28 4

Silver Saints Luncheon, Wednesday, February 12 5

Prayer Shawl Ministry, Wednesday, March 11 5

Bible Boot Camp, Saturday, February 29 5

Update on Plans for General Conference, Wednesday, February 12 6

Ash Wednesday Services, Wednesday, February 26 6

Recharge Wednesdays, February 12, 19, & 26 6 & 7

Rise Against Hunger, Saturday, March 21 8

Messy Church, Tuesday, February 11 10

Kid’s Morning Out Teddy Bear Tea Party, Saturday, March 7 10

Bereavement Support Group 12

For more information about each of these events, see their articles inside.

Messenger February 2020

The

February Events at Williamsburg United Methodist Church

Page

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Food for Thought by Senior Pastor Bill Jones

I began my pastoral ministry forty-three years ago in a small church in Arcola, Virginia, just west of Dulles Airport in Loudoun County. In February 1975, I had felt the call of God in my life to pursue ordination as a vocation. I was currently a student at Virginia Tech studying to be a veterinarian. Shortly after discerning my call, I returned home to our family farm in Clarke County for a visit. I shared with my mother how God was working in my life in a new way and that I believed God was calling me into ordained ministry. She wisely said, “I always thought you should go into ministry, but I had not said anything to you, because I believe it needed to come from the Lord.” That was the confirmation I needed to hear. I completed my degree in Ani-mal Science and entered Wesley Theological Seminary in the fall of 1976. One of the scripture verses that was impressed upon my heart while I was attending seminary was 2 Corinthians 5:17 (It has become a life verse for me): So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, every-thing has become new! I began to see that my call into ministry was God’s way of wanting to do a new thing in my life. This new creation, of course, is not the face I see in the mirror nor the perception others may have. It is the life I live as I follow Jesus the Christ. This new creation that I am has allowed me to pray with confidence, serve with enthusiasm, worship with abandon, and live like it doesn’t matter what the future holds, because I know who holds the future. This new creation that I am helps me realize that I may never fully understand what Christ sees in me, but in him I see who I am called to be. In saying yes to the sum-mons to be a servant of God, I began to march to the beat of a different drum – to following a life of uncon-querable love and heeding the voice of this calling every day. It has been a joyful thing to be a pastor for more than four decades. It has been a joy to be expended in some vocation that is greater than oneself.

While at Arcola Church, I found my life partner, Linda, and for nearly 40 years we have experienced to-gether the ups and downs, the joys and burdens of pastoral ministry. Recently, we discerned that God is now calling us to a new adventure in life called retirement. When we were married in August 1980, we trav-eled to Williamsburg to spend our first week of married life together in this wonderful, historic community. We joyfully attended Williamsburg UMC the Sunday we were here. We could not have known then that we would someday serve in ministry in this community. Williamsburg UMC is a great church, filled with people who love the Lord and who love serving the Lord and His Kingdom. The ten years we have been privileged to serve the Lord alongside you have been among the most joyful years of our life together. In June we will be saying “goodbye” to all here who have loved us and ministered to us and with us. We have recently ac-quired a home in Waynesboro, Virginia, where we will continue to be active in ministry. We have not yet ful-ly discerned what new adventure God is calling us, but we believe God will be with us to lead us in our new future. We are blessed that our two daughters will be near us (Sarah lives in Waynesboro and works in Char-lottesville; Christa lives in Charlottesville and works in Fishersville).

In reflecting on 2 Corinthians 5:17, John Wesley said, “Only the power that makes a world can make a Christian.” By the power of God’s love communicated to us through Christ we are recreated – that is, as God’s beloved children we are able to experience new life in Christ and live as his ambassadors in the world. That’s food for thought!

Endowment Notes Did you know you can name Williamsburg United Methodist Church as a charitable

beneficiary in a charitable gift annuity or a charitable trust? Setting up a charitable planned gift can provide income and tax benefits to you and/or your heirs. Be sure to consult with a trusted financial planner. Thank you for including WUMC in your chari-table giving.

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A Message from Our Minister of Congregational Care

As you may have heard, I will complete my time as your Minister of Congregational Care at the end of June this year. I expect to be appointed to Voluntary Leave, effective July 1. I have requested this appoint-ment for my own reasons, not because I have any unhappiness with this congregation or its ministry, and not because of the current challenges in the UMC. I have loved being a part of the ministry of this congregation. I desire to go on leave, because I feel called to further develop and use some of the creative gifts God has given me in arenas beyond the local congregation. I am not retiring. I intend to remain active in the UMC in whatever new ways might present themselves.

But more importantly – I’m not gone yet! I am still one of your pastors, engaged with you in ministry in this place, in this time, seeking with you to bear the good news in this world as we care for one another through all the chapters of life.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee, the senior and associate pastors, the District Superin-tendent, and I have worked out a covenant that will govern my relationship with this congrega-tion once I am no longer appointed to serve here. We all want to make sure that the transition to a new pastoral team goes smoothly for everyone. You will hear more about this covenant closer to the time of transition.

My departure is not the only transition this congregation faces. In many ways, this is a challeng-ing time. But challenges always bring opportunities. And WUMC has the opportunity and the re-sources to offer a powerful witness to the love of God right here in this community. I pray that we will all have the spiritual strength to embrace the possibilities God sets before us to be the body of Christ, given in love for the world.

~ Rev. Helen Casey-Rutland

Sunday Church Closing Due to Inclement Weather

In case of inclement weather or other emergency, the Senior Pastor, Trustees Chair, and Church Council Chair will make the decision to close the church for Sunday morning worship services. The following notifications will be made:

• The Church office telephone will be reset to announce the closing (229-1771).

• WUMC Website (www.williamsburgumc.org)

• WUMC Facebook page

• Area television stations and WMBG radio

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Williamsburg United Methodist Women February 2020 – UMW Circle Meetings

UMW Book Club The next meeting of the UMW Book Club will take place on Monday, February 10 at

7:00 p.m. at the home of Susan Griffin (116 Heathery, in Ford's Colony). We will be read-ing and discussing, “We Shall Not Be Moved; Methodists Debate Race, Gender and Homo-sexuality,” by Jane Ellen Nickell. This is a Bonus Book in the UMW Reading Program and counts as two books. It is found in the Social Action category of the UMW Reading Pro-gram and is from 2016. For more information, please contact Carol Brinkley (258-0617) or cpbrinkley@aol.com.

United Methodist Women’s Service Project – Blood Drive

The Williamsburg United Methodist Women are sponsoring their 2nd annual blood drive on Saturday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WilliamsburgUMC. Our goal is 34 pints of blood. Your single donation can save up to 3 lives. Help us to reach our goal and be in service to our community!

Clark Heritage Circle — Tuesday, February 4 at 9:45 a.m. in Room 309. We will be wrapping Lenten Shoe Box Gifts for the Shepherds Fold Program; please bring paper, tape and scissors. Afterward we will go to lunch at a local restaurant. Everyone is welcome.

Jean Craig Circle — Tuesday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Brookdale Retirement Center.

Suzanna Wesley Circle — Wednesday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 309. Carolyn Munro will host the program.

Friendship Circle — Tuesday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Den. Helen Casey-Rutland will share stories of her grandmother, Olive Casey, and will talk about the work and influence of the United Meth-odist Woman. Guests are welcome.

Carol Scott Circle — Tuesday, February 11 at 1:00 p.m. in the Church Den. Our program will be pre-sented by Vikki DiToto. She will share information about the Shepherd’s Fold Ministry at WUMC.

Sisters in Faith Circle — Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 309. Sara Grace Frary will share her experiences from her mission trip to Palestine. Sara Grace is a recent graduate from William and Mary and has been active in the Wesley Campus Ministry. Please join us.

Important Dates in February

Candle Burning Ceremony — Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. in Wesley Hall

WUMW Board Meeting — Monday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 309

UMW Blood Drive — Saturday, March 28

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Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer Shawls are a wonderful gift our ministers can give to someone who is sick, lonely, or mourning the loss of a loved one. The hope is that the recipient will feel the warmth of God's loving arms wrapped around them when they wear the shawl and know they are not alone.

They meet on the second Wednesday each month in the Church Den from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will NOT meet during the month of February.

The next meeting date will be March 11. All are welcome even if you can only come for part of the time.

Everyone is invited – those who knit or crochet; beginners to experienced. Join us in the Den where we will knit/crochet and pray together. Yarn donations are welcome. Consider picking up a ball or two to help support this ministry.

For more information about our prayer shawl ministry, visit the church website https://www.williamsburgumc.org/connect/adults or contact Wendy Geiger (570-4656) or wendy.geiger@cox.net.

The Silver Saints will meet on Wednesday, February 12 in Fellowship Hall at noon. Please bring a dollar for the chicken and a dessert or side dish to share.

The program will be, “Music by Richard and Dana Newsome.” This couple per-formed for the Silver Saints last year and presented a wonderful musical experience! Please join us, and invite your friends.

For additional information about the Silver Saints please contact Cindy Banek, (229-1771 Ext 258).

Silver Saints Luncheon

Bible Boot Camp:

Understanding & Using the Bible

Saturday, February 29 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 (includes class materials, snacks, and lunch)

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 26

Leader: Rev. Dr. Bill Jones, Senior Pastor of Williamsburg UMC

Join us as we walk (or run!) through the general content and historical context of the entire Bible. Learn why we read the Bible not just for information, but for living a spiritual and ethical life in the way of Jesus. Don’t worry if you know little or nothing about the Bi-ble. Set aside your fears that the Bible is overwhelming and too difficult to understand. No prior experience or special training is needed. Just bring an open mind and heart (and a Bible).

Register online https://www.williamsburgumc.org/grow/christian-education or by contacting Cindy Banek (229-1771 Ext 258) or cbanek@williamsburgumc.org.

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Beginning at 5:30 p.m., and serving continuously until 6:30 p.m., enjoy a delicious dinner and good con-versation with others. Our meals are expertly prepared by a professional chef and yet inexpensive: $6/adult, $3/child (ages 3-12) with a $20.00 family maximum. After dinner, participate in our activities or simply enjoy the rest of your evening. Please make a reservation for dinner by completing a dinner form at Con-nection Corner, in the pew racks, calling the church office, or church website (https://www.williamsburgumc.org/connect/recharge-wednesday). Reservations are due into the church office by Tuesday noon before the Wednesday dinner. Questions, contact Cindy Banek (229-1771 Ext 258).

February 12

Chicken Pot Pie, Green Beans & Dessert

February 19

Chefs Beef Stew with Rustic Bread & Dessert

WEDNESDAYS

Menu for February

February 26

Join Chef, Ms. Kelli and the Boy Scouts for Shrove Wednesday Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage & Fresh Fruit

On February 12 at 6:30 p.m., Bishop Pete Weaver and Conference Lay Leader Warren Harper will contin-ue to share their insights into plans likely to be addressed at General Conference. After General Conference in 2019, much conversation throughout the denomination has led to a variety of ideas and proposals addressing issues of full inclusion of LGBTQIA persons in the church, separation of congregations or conferences from the denomination, revisions to the structure of the UMC and the nature of our connection with one another as United Methodists. You can also find more information by going to www.umnews.org or www.umc.org.

Update on Plans for General Conference 2020

Ash Wednesday Services

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a period of spiritual disci-pline, fasting and prayer, which leads to Easter. On Wednesday, February 26, you are invited to worship at 12:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The service will include the imposition of ashes, a reminder of our mortality and belonging to God, and communion. All are welcome.

Mark Your Calendar

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ROAD OF DISCIPLESHIP: Making Disciples through Nurture and Learning

Wednesday ReCharge Activities: February 2020

Senior Pastor's Midweek Bible Study:Senior Pastor’s Favorite Bible Passages

Begins Wednesday, February 19

& Thursday, February 20

Meets Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall & Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Room 171

Leader: Pastor Bill Jones

Starting Wednesday, February 19, Pastor Bill’s Bible Study will begin an exploration of some of his favorite Bible passages from his 43 years in pastoral ministry. The class will meet on Wednesdays (7:00 p.m.) and repeated on Thursdays (10:30 a.m.) through the end of May.

LENTEN/EASTER STUDIES:

“The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ’s Last Days” by Rob Fuquay

Begins Wednesday, March 4 at 6:15 p.m.

Leader: Rev. Meghan Roth Clayton

You are invited to this 6-part study led by Pastor Meghan on Wednesdays, March 4, 18, and April 1 - 22 from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. With few exceptions, the Oberammergau Passion Play has been presented by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany every 10 years since 1634. The play is a stag-ing of Jesus' Passion story, covering the final period of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to the journey to the cross. Pastor Meghan, her husband Josh and several church members will be traveling to Germany to see the Passion Play this June. This study is open to all interested in the biblical story of the Passion Play. Regis-ter with Pastor Meghan mclayton@williamsburgumc.org or (229-1771 Ext 261) or on the church website https://www.williamsburgumc.org/grow/christian-education.

The Grace of Les Misérables

Begins Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Leader: Rev. David Hindman

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1,400-page 19th century novel, witnessed the Broadway musical, or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of this story. Each Wednesday (March 4-April 8) during the season of Lent, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Rev. David Hindman will facilitate a study of this classic work using Matt Rawle's, The Grace of Les Miséra-bles, which explores six ideals found in the story — grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope—each represented by a character in Hugo’s story. As these imperfect yet readily recognizable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together in the world. The study brings us to the intersection of Church and Pop Culture by drawing parallels between the iconic story and our Christian calling, inviting participants both to understand our faith and live it out in the world. Interested persons should contact Cindy Banek (229-1771 Ext 258) or cbanek@williamsburgumc.org to register or go to the church website https://www.williamsburgumc.org/grow/christian-education.

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Thank You for

Supporting the

Winter Shelter!

In December, we completed a successful week of winter shelter for people experiencing homeless-ness in our community. Beginning on December 15, WUMC partnered with St. Stephen’s Lutheran and King of Glory Lutheran to feed and house be-tween 18-22 guests each night. One evening, we exceeded our capacity by hosting 26 guests. In all, 36 different people spent at least one night with us during the week. During their stay, our guests re-ceived clothing and specially prepared holiday gift packages. We also spent time in conversation get-ting to know each other. To the hundreds of people who volunteered their time to serve in the shelter during the week, thank you! Our guests appreciat-ed the hospitality demonstrated by all of these vol-unteers! Although the winter shelter will not solve our homelessness problem in Williamsburg, it does let people know that we care and that we truly love our neighbors.

Have a blessed New Year.

Winter Shelter Organizing Team

Advent Generosity

During the 2019 Advent and Christmas seasons, Williamsburg UMC raised funds to support six chari-table organizations prayerfully designated by our Local and Global Outreach teams. Your generosity amounted to $11,781.34 which will support many different populations of people in vulnerable situa-tions, including young mothers, children in foster care, those with mental illness, those with dementia or memory loss, those facing the aftermath of natu-ral disasters, and more. The nearly $12,000 will be distributed to the Eastern State chaplaincy, Respite Care, our church Scout troop, United Methodist Family Ser-vices, United Methodist Commit-tee on Relief and Hope Center in Latvia. Your giving reflects what God can do through us working together. Thank you, and thanks be to God!

Kits for Conference

Is Coming!

Williamsburg UMC has consistently been gener-ous in sending Kits (School, Hygiene, and Cleaning Flood Buckets) to Annual Conference, for distribu-tion to areas around the USA impacted by disasters or other needs. Our church continues to amaze when ever a request is made!

In February, our focus will be on washcloths (please no microfiber, cleaning or kitchen cloths) and bath soap (3 ounces or larger, no Jergens or Ivory). Do not remove the soap from the packag-ing. We will be receiving needed items at the church during the month of May, but you can begin gathering supplies now, especially as you see sales or do your regular shopping. Simply keep them in a safe place at home until May.

Watch future is-sues of The Messenger and weekly bulletins as plans develop. Let's Do This, and Make a Difference for Good in God's World!

Save the Date

On Saturday, March 21, Global Outreach will be hosting a food packing event with Rise Against Hun-ger (formerly Stop Hunger Now). We hope to pack 40,000 meals. Put the date on your calendar so you can help hungry people around the world.

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Local Outreach 2019 at a Glance

Thank you, dear congregation, for making all of this possible. Your Local Outreach Team

EVENTS RECIPIENTS PROVISIONS

Community Kitchen January – April 12

Williamsburg/JCC residents Hot lunch every Friday. Melded into Harbor Place program at House of Mercy

Lenten Special Offering March 6 – April 21

Williamsburg House of Mercy; Literacy for Life; Summer Meals for Kids

Funding

Kairos Prison Ministry Retreats

Greensville Correctional Facility Spring & Fall Retreats; Lawrenceville Correctional Facility Spring Retreat

Homemade cookies, spiritual placemats, committed prayer partners, funding

Summer Feeding Program June 20 – August 29

102 WJCC children considered food insecure

Packed hot or cold lunches delivered to residences

School Supply Drive August 1-31

Head Start; Matthew Whaley, Berkeley, Lafayette Schools; Erase the Need; JCC Social Services; Highland Park apartment residents

New backpacks and supplies

Winter Coat Drive October 1-31

Children at Head Start, Historic Triangle Center

108 new winter coats

W&M Campus Food Pantry Began January 2019

W&M staff & students considered food insecure

Implementation of pantry begun by Wesley Foundation students; supported with funding and food

Thanksgiving Morning Ministry

November 28

304 meal recipients named by social service contacts; 175 WUMC volunteers involved in preparation and delivery of turkey dinners, and accompanying activities

Congregation contributed special offering & canned food. Hands-on activities produced 144 toiletry kits; 30 blessing bags for shelter; spiritual placemats for Kairos; 35 fleece pillows for Envoy; 13 filled stockings for Agape School; 200 + ornaments included with meals; 24 ornaments for WUMC Respite Care. Remaining fresh food to W&M Campus Food Pantry; remaining canned food to Salvation Army, FISH, Erase the Need, W&M Food Pantry

Advent Special Offering December 1 - 31

Eastern State Hospital Chaplaincy; Boy Scout Troop 103; WUMC Respite Scholarship Fund

Funding

Alternative Giving Fair December 8 - 15

26 local & national organizations Partnered with Global Ministries $16,295 total donations

Community of Faith Mission Winter Shelter

December 8 - 14

36 individuals who are currently homeless

Security, fellowship, shelter, showers, hot breakfasts & suppers, packed lunches 7 days & nights

Distributed Local Outreach Annual Operating Budget

January - December

20 local service organizations providing shelter, food & clothing, education, security, medical & dental care, recreation, home help for adults, children’s music education, care for dependent adults, transportation for job interviews, temporary housing, home repairs

$21,000

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If you ever have a moment, stop by our website to see what’s going on at our church. The address is:

www.williamsburgumc.org.

Find out about all the ministries and other activities that you or your family may be inter-ested in joining!! We have something for eve-ryone!! If you have any questions about something you see on our website, contact the church office (229-1771).

Have you checked out our Website?

Do you have an article for the Newsletter?

If you would like to submit an article for publication in the Messenger, the deadline for submittals is the 15th of the month. Articles submitted should be typed or neatly printed, limited to a 1/2 page in length and are subject to editing for grammar, spelling and content. Please submit by e-mail to Lianne Koch at lkoch@williamsburgumc.org.

Questions? Please e-mail Lianne or call (229-1771).

Messy Church in February

Our next Messy Church is Tuesday, February 11 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 pm. We will be talking about, “Loving and Serving,” which is a perfect theme for February! How can we love and serve others in a meaningful way? And why was Jesus telling us to build houses on rocks and not sand? Come to Messy Church and discover active love for each other, our church, and our community through crafts, games, and Celebration Time. Our dinner that night will be “Breakfast for Dinner,” featuring pancakes, bacon and sausage. So, c’mon – Get Messy with us!

Register to attend by contacting Cindy Banek (229-1771 Ext 258) or cbanek@williamsburgumc.org or online at https://www.williamsburgumc.org/worship/messy-church.

Save the Date!

Support Kid’s Morning Out this Spring!

You are cordially invited to join us for tea time! Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed friend and enjoy tea, snacks, sto-ries and a special craft. Dress in your tea time best. A photog-rapher will be here, too!

Saturday, March 7 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. $18 - One Child and One Accompanying Adult

$10 - Each additional guest Tickets available at

www.kidsmorningout.org/events/teddy-bear-tea Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, March 5.

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Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have passed away during the month of February:

Elaine Benedict

Bill Chatfield

February is the month we think of LOVE. But have you ever thought of . . .

Loving as He loves from Michael Franklin Ministries

(https://michaelfranklinministries.com/author/michaelfranklinministries/ )

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Disqualify you? Well, if we are honest, it disqualifies most of us. We fail at love because most of us, if not all of us, do not truly understand what God intended love to be.

Love is patient . . .

Paul writes out a list of characteristics of love. I don’t know about you but I’m still stuck on Love is patient.

Did you know patience is a fruit of the Holy Spir-it? The opposite of patience is of course impatience which is the fruit of selfishness and entitlement. Selfishness is one of those characteristics that has its own private party at the expense of others. Love seeks its happiness in the other person not in itself.

Our culture today is all about personal feelings. I remember flipping through the channels and com-ing across a well-known therapist. He asked the question, “And how does that make you feel?” He continued to ask the question over and over again. I wanted to throw the remote! I chuckled to myself because it is the way of the world – we do what we “feel like doing” when we “feel like doing it” without thought of consequences or others. Immediate gratification- It is the “I want it now” mentality and the world has caught on to it very well.

I believe Paul opens with this trait be-cause it is simple really; we must be patient with others because we ourselves have failed many times too. We, ourselves, have sinned; have made mistakes; have hurt others – and God has continued to love and wait on us to come around.

Love is long-suffering – it waits – it listens – it sits beside – it ponders – it says, “I’m here for as long as it takes. As long as it takes?” Sounds like commitment to me. Sounds like the definition of loyalty.

Today think about how you love people in your life. Are you committed or do you quit at the first signs of trouble? Are you a “stand by his/her side” kind of person, or are you more about how the rela-tionship impacts you? I want to challenge you to process what love looks like in your life. If you need to change what and how you act in love, ask God to help you to love as He loves.

Every morning I ask God to allow me to love those I meet as He loves them. I ask Him to allow me to see people as He sees them. I pray for the commitment to be the friend I need to be and have the loyalty of Him. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Love is long-suffering – it waits – it listens – it sits beside – it ponders – it says, “I’m here for as long as it takes.”

“As long as it takes?” Sounds like commitment to me. Sounds like the definition of loyalty.

Think about it as you share the hearts and roses. God’s love for us is there for “As long as it takes”. Pray that you can have that love for God and others.

For more information about our Prayer Ministry, contact Cindy Banek (229–1771 Ext 258) or

cbanek@williamsburgumc.org.

Frances Lois Michael, mother of JoAnn Converse

Joan Porter

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The Messenger

A Monthly Publication of

Williamsburg United Methodist Church

500 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185

Church Office (757-229-1771)

www.williamsburgumc.org

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Bereavement Support Group

“Honoring the Journey”

Meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon - 1:00 p.m. in the Church Den

TOPICS:

February 12

Introductions & Story-Sharing

March 11

The Unpredictable Journey of Grief

April 8

Healing of Mind, Body and Spirit

May 13

Soul-tending Practices

While this bereavement support group is created for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to extended illness, all are welcome. You can come for any session. There are planned topics, but we will keep an open forum: brief devotion, reflections on the day’s topic, open conversation, and a brief closing prayer. We find healing through sharing our stories with one another, but we respect an individual’s desire to listen without sharing. Healing, hope and renewal can be found through honoring each individual’s unique grief process and recognizing that it is a journey that takes as long as it takes.

For questions about the Support Group, contact a facilitator:

• Deacon Francis Roettinger, froettinger@bedeva.org

• Nancy Rivero, (206-1943)

• Pastor Meghan Roth Clayton, mclayton@williamsburgumc.org or (229-1771 Ext 261)