THE AMBASSADOR “So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians

5:20).”Volume 12, Issue 9 A newsletter for the Pastors and Lay Leadership of the Charlottesville District September 2014

The Charlottesville District is Raising Money to Build Housing for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Because of the tremendous need, the Charlottesville District has committed to building supportive housing within our district for adults with intellectual disabilities. Our district is partnering with Heart Havens to build a small apartment complex in which adults with intellectual disabilities can receive the support they need to live as independently as possible. This district-wide mission provides the opportunity for you and your church to unite with other people all across our district as we seek to ensure the safety, health, and stability of some of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Fundraising is an important part of this work. All seventy-four churches within the Charlottesville District are hereby invited and encouraged to participate, in both small ways and big ways, as we engage in this kingdom work together.

What is Heart Havens? Heart Havens is a non-profit organization that empowers adults with intellectual disabilities to live and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Originally created by the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in response to a parent’s question: “Where will my child live when I am gone?”, today Heart Havens is a separate 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and an Advance Special of the United Methodist Church. Heart Havens has traditionally accomplished its mission by managing group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. Heart Havens is now taking a slightly different approach by building small apartment complexes instead of individual group homes. This model is being used successfully in other parts of Virginia. It will allow Heart Havens to serve more people while at the same time creating more choices in living environments for adults with disabilities. The Charlottesville District will be Heart Havens’ first apartment complex. How Can I Help?

1. Assist with fundraising. Here are just a few ideas:2. Designate 10% of your church fundraisers (yard sales, fish fries,

etc.) to go toward our Heart Havens complex.3. Skip a meal and donate the money you saved to our Heart

Havens complex.4. Encourage your congregation members to “buy a brick” for $25.5. Conduct a personal “tax assessment,” donating $10 for every car

or boat you own, $3 for every electronic device, $6 for every set of golf clubs, etc.

6. Designate a person from your church to serve on our Charlottesville District Heart Havens Vision Team.

7. Talk at your church about the district’s dream for a Heart Havens complex.

How Much Will It Cost our District to Build a Heart Havens Complex?Although the actual cost of the complex will be higher, Heart Havens has asked the Charlottesville District to raise $400k toward the construction, plus obtain the land for the complex. Heart Havens will obtain the rest of the funding through grants and other sources.

How Can I Make a Donation?Please make checks payable to “Heart Havens,” and be sure to write “Charlottesville District Homes” on the memo line to

ensure that your donation is reserved for our apartment complex. Without this note on the memo line, your donation will go into the Heart Havens operating fund instead of being set aside for the Charlottesville District apartment complex. Then, mail the check either to:

Charlottesville District Office Heart Havens914 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 104 812 Moorefield Park Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5376 #301

Richmond, VA 23236Why is Our District Concerned about Adults with Intellectual Disabilities?

1. Because these people are vulnerable and are at great risk. The Charlottesville District has over 140 adults with intellectual disabilities who are on the state’s urgent waiting list. To be on the urgent waiting list, the person must have an aging or disabled caregiver, be at risk of homelessness, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or present extraordinary challenges to the caregiver due to the extent of his/her physical or behavioral needs.

2. Although seven other districts in the Virginia Conference have a Heart Havens home (and some districts have three!), the Charlottesville District does not contain a Heart Havens home, despite the fact that it is one of the conference’s larger districts.

Where Will Our Heart Havens Apartment Complex Be Located?The location of the home has not yet been determined. However, when the time comes to make a decision about location, we must work within the following parameters:

1. The home must be in an area that is populated enough that we can find people to staff the home.

2. The home must be within a convenient drive to community activities and important services (medical, physical therapy, etc).

3. The home must be in a welcoming community.

How Can I Learn More? Heart Havens is more than just a building. It is a home where people with intellectual disabilities are encouraged to pursue their own interests and to live lives that are fulfilling and meaningful to them. The best way to learn about Heart Havens is to see it for yourself. You may call the Heart Havens office (1-877-442-8368) to request a visit to the Heart Havens home nearest you. You may also visit their website (www.hearthavens.org) or contact Kim Crater (434-296-4764), who is a member of the Charlottesville District Heart Havens Vision Team.

Emanuel Youth MissionP.O. Box 582, Lovingston, Virginia 22949

The mission team of Emanuel Youth Mission

has just returned from the remote jungle village of Taura, El Salvador. We visited homes of sponsored students, checked on all mission projects and attended church services: clean water systems, community truck, corn grinder, irrigation systems, latrines, playground and medical clinic. We also visited homes where self-sustaining food projects are on going to address hunger. And, as always, we played with the children and shared the LOVE of the Lord with the Taura community!

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Emanuel Youth Mission has just returned from Taura, El Salvador after another wonderful trip. We checked on all mission projects and visited homes of sponsored school students. Many people stopped us along the path or visited to thank us, and you, for the medical clinic. They told many stories of diagnosis and treatment that has saved lives and greatly improved the health of babies, children and adults in the community. They, and we, greatly thank all of you who have gotten your church to "adopt" one month or more of medical services for the clinic.

In September, we will celebrate one year of the first medical care for these impoverished native people. We thank you for your continued support. We have had 7 months adopted and need 5 more, and we are praying that those churches who have already adopted those months will commit to that amount each year, so we can assure Taura they will continue to receive medical care. We stepped out in faith when we purchased the land, worked on the building, and began medical care one year ago, praying for provision one month at a time, and God has used many of you to provide this life saving difference to so many.

EYM and the people of Taura are grateful to Central Virginia Churches who have made the medical clinic possible, donating one or more months of medical services, at $600 per month, which pays the doctor and provides vitamins and medicines for 50 families. It is the first access to medical care for these impoverished, native people and has already made a tremendous difference in the health of babies, children and adults. People told us many positive success stories. In September, the clinic will celebrate one year of operation.

Some families are raising goats, cows, chickens, ducks, and

turkeys; they use the milk or eggs regularly or occasionally eat an animal. The goal is for them to be self-sufficient, improve availability of food, and eventually pass along an animal to another family to continue the process to address hunger and malnutrition.

Muchas gracias from the heart of El Salvador! Many thanks from

your Christian brothers and sisters in Taura and those of us at Emanuel Youth Mission. God bless you all!

Quote of the Month“As long as you live, you will be subject to change, whether you will it or not - now glad, now sorrowful; now pleased, now displeased; now devout, now undevout; now vigorous, now slothful; now gloomy, now merry. But a wise man who is well taught in spiritual labor stands unshaken in all such things, and

heeds little what he feels, or from what side the wind of instability blows.” ― Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

News Flash!Charge Conferences this fall. Tired of seeing Rev. Kesner in a shirt and tie at your Charge Conference?

Any church that donates $300.00 to Imagine No Malaria (saves 30 lives) will have the blessing of Danny showing up in '70s clothing for their charge conference!!!   (Maybe something like a tie-dye shirt, pink glasses and a peace symbol on a chain!)Send your check to the District Office marked Imagine No Malaria in the memo section with Attention to Danny on the envelope, so he will know how to dress for your charge conference??? Or let him know you sent the funds to the Annual Conference.

Scottsville UMC The Scottsville UMC participates in the Bread of Life program, supported by the local Scottsville churches. They distribute food every third Saturday of the month at the Community Center in Scottsville. The Mobile Food Pantry, an umbrella organization of the Bread of Life distributes food every second and fourth Tuesday mornings at the Pavillion in Scottsville. Food comes from the Blue Ridge Food Pantry. Bread of Life distributes to about 80 to 100 families each month and the Mobile Food Pantry serves about 250 families each visit.

Scottsville UMC will be hosting a Stop Hunger Now event on Saturday Oct. 25. All churches are invited to participate. It will be held in the fellowship hall in the morning.

Many thanks and blessings,Bruce Lugn, PastorSouthern Albemarle Charge UMC

Prayer Covenant Services at Rodes UMC: “The Priority of Prayer”The Rodes Evangelism Committee will sponsor a series of prayer covenant services with special speakers this fall. The topic is “The Priority of Prayer.” Each evening will begin at 6:00 pm with a fellowship meal provided by a group in the church, followed by a noted speaker at 7:00 pm. These services are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Our first speaker on September 10th will be author Kim Davis, “Voices of the Faithful” September 17th our speaker will be Victor Morris, Advancing Native Missions.September 24th our speaker will be David McCann, Campus

Missionary at Virginia TechOur final speaker on October 1st will be Joan Wasserott, District Mission Coordinator

UMW Calendar of EventsApplications for events can be found at: http://www.vaumw.org/

October 4          Annual District Meeting at Mt. Moriah UMC. Speaker will be Mary Jane

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RawleyOctober 24-25 Virginia Conference UMW Annual

Meeting at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center

December 6       District Advent Breakfast @ Byrd Chapel UMC

Retreats at Westview on the James From the UMW newsletter: The Messenger, August 2014Has your UMW and/or your church discovered Westview on the James? Have you ever visited Westview on the James? If your answers were ‘yes’, you know that Westview, one of 5 United Methodist Camps in Virginia, serves the Charlottesville, Fredericksburg and Richmond Districts. If your answers were ‘no’, you should know that the mission of this fantastic camp is “to offer a place apart for Christian hospitality and learning that helps people of all ages affirm and grow their faith as they experience the wonder of God’s creation.” Did you know that in addition to the wonderful Summer Camp Programs for our children and youth, there are retreat opportunities throughout the year for children, youth and adults? Not only are there specific retreat weekends, your local UMW can plan its own retreat event at Westview during the week or on a weekend. There are a variety of options for space/accommodations, food and activity in this beautiful, spiritually inspiring setting along the historic James River. Westview staff can help your group design a program to meet your specific need(s), provide team building experiences, and make available a range of food service. Spend a “Day Apart” at Westview!! God’s creation will speak to you!!For more information, go to: Westview on the James or contact Krissy Lull at klull0806@gmail.com or 804-380-5522.

Charlottesville District UMW Annual MeetingSaturday, Oct 4, 2014 9:30am (9:00am registration )Mount Moriah UMC 4524 Garth Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901Our guest speaker will be Mary Jane Rawley, the Virginia Conference UMW Membership, Nurture, and Outreach coordinator. The proposed budget for 2015, amended standing rules, and nominees for 2015 District officer positions must be voted upon. These items will be emailed/mailed out 30 days prior to the annual meeting so you may be prepared.NEW THIS YEAR will be a roll call vote on these items rather than a show of hands. One vote per unit – so please have your unit’s representative at the meeting prepared to cast the vote. All

local unit members are encouraged to attend the meeting for fellowship, learning, and worship – just coordinate who will be casting the vote – no speeches or funny hats required!

District Youth Events

Save the Date!District Youth RetreatFebruary 27, 28 and March 1, 2015

Fund Raising for Heart HavensMen of the Charlottesville District, I urge you to respond to the Fund Raising Opportunity for Heart Havens that our District

Superintendent, Danny Kesner is putting before us. Vending at the UVA sporting events is a sure way to raise funds for Heart Havens. It will be hard work, but worth it. My daughter raised funds for the Boy Scouts this past year. I have been ushering at the UVA football games for over 30 years in Portal 530. This year I plan to contribute my earnings for each game to Heart Havens. Let Linda Truslow ( 977-4254 ) know that you can help. Get the youth of your church involved. Just in case we are invited to work at this Fall's Football Games, put these times and dates on your calenders. PITTSBURG, Oct. 4 ; UNC, Oct. 25 ;  MIAMI, Nov. 22. Tommy Clark, Char. District UMM President 

Travel to Israel and PalestineHere's a wonderful opportunity to travel to Israel and Palestine with two clergy leaders from our conference.  I have made two trips there with David Hindman (one of the leaders, below) and can't recommend him highly enough.  Full details below and itinerary attached.Steve Jones (Richmond DS) and David Hindman (Lead Pastor, Duncan Memorial UMC in Ashland and former campus minister at the Wesley Foundation at The College of William and Mary) will lead a 12 day Pilgrimage of Faith to Israel and Palestine January 27-February 7, 2015. Included in this pilgrimage are guided visits to Bethlehem, the Galilee region, the Judean Wilderness (including Jericho, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and Qumran), Jerusalem, and other important Biblical sites. This pilgrimage will include times of worship, as well as opportunities to meet and learn more about the lives of Palestinian Christians and others. The basic cost for the pilgrimage is $3,079.00; three star lodgings operated by Palestinians in Bethlehem and East Jerusalem both reduce the price and offer some support to that economy.  A detailed itinerary is attached; note that there is an early bird discount available, too.  For more information you may also contact David Hindman (david.hindman@duncanmemorialumc.org) or Steve (stevejones@vaumc.org).

VIM Recertification and Team Leader TrainingA Volunteer in Mission Recertification and Team Leader training weekend is set for Friday and Saturday, September 19-20 at Culpeper UMC. Anyone previously trained as a leader more than 5 years ago will need to be recertified to be a leader on future trips. The recertification is on that Friday from 6-9pm in Rm. 203. There is a registration fee of $25, you may also purchase a handbook at the door for $20. The recertification is on Friday, Sept. 19 from 6-9pm in Rm. 203If you wish to be trained as a Volunteer in Mission- VIM team leader, then please attend the Saturday, Sept. 20 training from 9:30am til 3:30pm in Rm. 203. Cost of the training is $55, lunch will be provided. Registration for these trainings must be made in advance by visiting the www. vaumc.org website. Please contact Pastor Art or Karen Bean for more information.Conference EventsMiddle School Retreat, Nov. 14-16High School Retreat, Dec. 5-7For more information on Conference events go to www.vaumc.org/youth

Society of St. Andrew Harvest of Hope 2014 EventsNovember 7-9  Intergenerational  Dahlonega, GANov 14-16 Intergenerational  Kelso, TNFor more information go to www.Endhunger.org/Harvest

Louisa woman named hometown heroBy Christina Dimeo Guseman

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Louisa County has its very own hero. Zion Crossroads resident Rachel Jones was just named one of Allen & Allen’s hometown heroes.

The law firm accepted nominations from across the state for its hometown heroes award, which according to the firm’s website seeks to honor “Virginians who are responsible [for] generating positive change in the community or in the lives of others.” Jones, who was nominated by her coworker, Donna Bowman, was one of the lucky 50 chosen for the honor.

Keeping busy in the community is just part of life for Jones, who works for Zion United Methodist Church (ZUMC) and Zion Christian Children’s Center, a 90-student preschool and kindergarten at the church in Zion Crossroads.

“I kind of wear two hats at ZUMC,” Jones said.  “As the community programs director I bring in lots of programs to the church – things like Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, karate, art classes, women’s self-defense, and Upward Sports.  It’s tiring but rewarding, and it’s given me a platform to bring all these great programs into the community that otherwise wouldn’t necessarily be here.”

Upward Sports, said Jones, is actually a ministry in that it’s more about people than the sports themselves.  “It’s a sports program based on faith and positive relationships with people,” Jones said. “It centers around equality and fairness.  So in another sports program maybe only the best children would get to play, but in Upward all the children get to play.”  Jones was instrumental in bringing the program to ZUMC in 2011.

The other hat Jones wears is her role as facilities and compliance director for the school.  Back in 2010 Jones was one of the folks helping to open the preschool and kindergarten.  As extended care director she oversaw the afterschool and summer camp programs.  And now, as facilities and compliance director, she makes sure that the school falls in line with state requirements and handles the facilities.

But Jones brings a little something special to the school – a therapy dog named Molly.  Jones and her family rescued Molly, a black lab mix, from the humane society in Washington, D.C.  After going through obedience training with Erika Proctor’s Green Dogs Unleashed in Fluvanna, Jones followed Proctor’s advice and took the necessary steps to certify Molly as a therapy dog.  Now Molly and Jones work together as a therapy team.

I take Molly to different nursing homes, 4-H groups, and to the school,” said Jones.  “She and I teach a little program to children about safety around dogs.  Things like not pulling their ears, not putting your face in front of their face, asking permission before you pet – all those safe handlings – in order to help children not to be bitten by strange dogs.”

Jones lives near ZUMC with her children – 9-year-old Brayden and 7-year-old Emily – and her husband, Donny, who works as a first sergeant with the Virginia state police in Albemarle, Nelson, and Greene.  They all keep busy with Molly, a Brittany spaniel named Maggie, 23 chickens, and a pony.

On July 18 Jones attended the Fridays after Five concert in Charlottesville along with about 10 other hometown heroes. “Allen & Allen brought us onstage, announced our names, and talked about the good deeds we had done,” Jones said.  “They had a couple tents set up for us with drinks and refreshments.  It was a lot of fun.”  Allen & Allen will continue to honor its hometown heroes this summer at concerts in Fredericksburg and Richmond.

“The winners of the 2014 Allen & Allen hometown heroes award represent the spirit of community,” said Courtney Allen Van Winkle, partner at the law firm.  “They should be thanked, honored, and celebrated.”

5 Talent Academy The 5 Talent Academy's October 4 Evangelism, Communication, & Church Growth event is rapidly approaching. Here is some information about the event: Sponsored by the 5 Talent Academy and the Bishops’ Foundation, Evangelism, Communication, & Church Growth offers church outreach teams the opportunity to explore the vital relationship between communication and evangelism with Maria Dixon Hall, Associate Professor-Organizational Communication, Division of Communication Studies; Southern Methodist University. This event is designed to help churches with the Vital Congregations goal of Disciples Make New Disciples.

Ideal for those involved in planning worship, those who welcome new persons to your congregation, those involved in areas of outreach and evangelism, and all interested in church growth and renewal, this session of the 5 Talent Academy is designed to help your congregation practice evangelism using solid and fruitful communication strategies.

We encourage you to gather a team from your church and experience this event together at one of ten locations throughout the conference. Registration is open to all Virginia Conference churches regardless of previous membership or affiliation with the 5 Talent Academy. Visit http://www.vaumc.org/5Talent to register today. Individual registration costs $25 per person and includes lunch. Clergy attending can receive .5 CEU. The event runs from 9AM-3PM with registration opening at each site at 8:30 AM. The program will begin promptly at 9. REGISTER TODAY

Registration for the event closes on September 19.We will be broadcasting the event live from Floris UMC in Northern VA to nine additional conference locations so there is a location in or close to your district.Event Locations:• Blacksburg: Blacksburg UMC, 111 Church St SE, Blacksburg,

VA 24060• Eastern Shore: Franktown UMC, 7551 Bayside Road,

Franktown VA 23354•  Lynchburg: Timberlake UMC, 21649 Timberlake Road,

Lynchburg VA  24502• Danville: Fairview UMC, 1013 Westover Dr., Danville Va.

24541• Northern Virginia:  Floris UMC, 13600 Frying Pan Road,

Herndon VA 20171• Richmond: Woodlake UMC, 15640 Hampton Park Dr,

Chesterfield, VA 23832• Shenandoah Valley: Bridgewater UMC, 219 N Main St

Bridgewater, VA 22812• Tidewater: Francis Asbury UMC, 1871 N Great Neck Rd

Virginia Beach, VA 23454• Winchester: Macedonia UMC, 1941 Macedonia Church Road,

White Post, VA 22663• York River: St. Luke's UMC, 300 Ella Taylor Road, Yorktown,

VA 23692I have attached a flyer for your information as well. Please let me know if you need any further information or if we can assist you in helping to get the word out about this important event.Blessings,Kim JohnsonCenter for Congregational Excellence

Shall We Gather at the River?

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By Patty SclaterThe weather held, as nine expectant celebrants, their family members and friends gathered at Rivanna River’s Sandy Beach at Palmyra, VA. Those making the half-mile trek to the site sang, Lord I Want to be a Christian, along the way. The event was the baptism and rededication of members of Palmyra and Haden Chapel United Methodist Churches. Pastor George Gorman, who serves both congregations, welcomed those in attendance, after which we fittingly sang, Shall

We Gather at the River. Pastor George explained the Sacrament of Baptism and then lay leaders, Iscella Wittich and Janice Gunnell for Palymra and Haden Chapel, respectively, presented the candidates - one adult and one child for rededication and seven candidates for baptism. The candidates and the congregation

renounced their sins and professed their faith. The Palmyra choir provided special music, Down to the River to Pray. Called individually by name, most candidates wanted to be immersed not once, but three times - in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Admittedly, the water was cold, but the candidates as well as those sharing this special experience with them, were warmed and moved by a new birth through water and the Spirit. The pastor welcomed our brothers and sisters in Christ, who was Himself baptized. Those gathered sang, I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, and the service ended with the benediction.A reception honoring the celebrants was held after the baptism service at Palmyra UMC.

Ways to Build Relationships with

New People 21st

Century Strategies, Inc. (More ideas will be in next month’s newsletter.)(Bill Easum and Bill Tenny-Brittian put together this popcorn list of ideas used by church planters to reach

new people. What does it say about your ministry? What ideas do you have that might reach new people in your context?)

• Servant Evangelism: Develop the habit of doing servant evangelism in the area every Saturday. Develop it into the primary ministry of the church. It is cheap, doable for anyone, and on top of that it can be fun.

• We use Outreach’s New Movers’ Program. It’s helped us identify and build relationships with folks who are new in the community or are experiencing a transition of moving across town.

• Send personal notes of congratulations to the parents of every child for whom there is a birth announcement and a note to the child welcoming them to our world.

• The next time you see a school play, or a concert, or a game write a personal note to each student offering warmth and praise for their activity.

• We’ve used the Love My Church campaign and got good results.

• Visit the local police department and get to know the officers. Later offer to be available should they need someone in a crisis situation such as delivering a "death notice,” etc.

• We took four hours on four successive Saturdays to call every person listed in the phone book. We had five church volunteers each week to make the calls and tell them about our Easter worship service. Our attendance was up 144 percent this year.

• Ask your congregation to bake cookies and divide up to write a personal note to every public employee in your area letting them know that their service to the community is appreciated. Do the same for educational staff, day care programs, library, garbage service, nursing home staff, etc. taking one group on every other month.

• Have folks bake a pie and bring it to the late shift workers at ... Put a little note with it saying that it is a free gift, just like the gift of God's love... we appreciate all you do while the world is at rest.

• Go into the neighborhood of one of your church members and organize a block party where folks in the neighborhood can get together just to have fun. Block parties work for me – we have one every three months or so. It never ceases to amaze me how many new people there are in my neighborhood every time we have one of these (I live on post and we move a lot). We invite everybody from the neighborhood, and always a couple friends from church, and just have a big potluck/volleyball bash in the yard. Six Families from my neighborhood now attend

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New Hope, and my neighbor Rick, who has always been the guy with the sour face, started asking questions about baptism the other day.

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The United Methodist Church

Charlottesville District Office 914 E. Jefferson St., Suite 104Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 http://CharlottesvilleDistrictUMC.org Email: CharlottesvilleDistrict@vaumc.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Newsletter Deadline - September 15Please send your submissions for the October 2014issue of The Ambassador to Carol Frost at cifrost@aol.com by September 15.

The Ambassador by emailIf you would like to receive The Ambassador by email, or if your email address has changed recently, please send an email to the District Office with your request to CharlottesvilleDistrict@vaumc.org.

Calendar of EventsSeptember 19-20 VIM Recertification and Team Leader TrainingOctober 4 5 Talent AcademyNovember 8 9:30AM-1:00PM District Conference and Training Sessions

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Non-profitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit No. 180Charlottesville Va

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