Greetings in the name of Christ and of the United Methodist Men (UMM). I’m Richard Bensinger, the new Shenandoah River District UMM District President. I’m a retired UMC pastor, recently returned to Virginia from my last appointment at Rapid City First UMC in Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s good to be back. I’ll be reaching out to Pastors and UMM and men’s ministry leaders throughout the District as we endeavor to pull together in the common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. You can always reach me at my cell 703-402-0287 or my email richardbensinger@vaumc.org.
Upcoming Events:
29 January 2026: United Methodist Day at the General Assembly – The Conference Legislative Network is hosting this event. This is an opportunity to put our faith in action by supporting for the least, the last, and the lost. All are welcome to join in to support social justice. Registration is required.
2 March 2026: District UMM Gathering – Planning is currently underway for a Shenandoah River District UMM Gathering. Save the date. It will be a dinner event hosted by Manor Memorial UMC in New Market, VA. Guest speaker will be our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Kyungsuk Cho. Everyone is invited. More details to follow. REGISTER
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From: The General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM)
How to support GCUMM:
1) Every church should hold a UMM Charter. Chartering is $85.00 annually per fellowship. Chartering financially supports the GCUMM and keeps the listing of fellowship officers updated plus keeps us connected as a church. News & information coming from the GCUMM is only sent to Chartered fellowships.
2) EMS (Evangelism, Mission, Social Impact) is $45.00 per year and each man who participates receives a devotional booklet. EMS funds are distributed as follows:
- $10.00 to Conference UMM
- $20.00 to Micro Grant
- $15.00 GCUMM Admin
The UMM have a new website, www.ummen.org which is a GCUMM supported website.
The United App –
The UNITED Men’s Ministry app is the #1 App on the planet that Christian Guys turn to for their daily faith. No matter where you are on the pathway of faith. UNITED is built for any guy who believes God may have a better way forward. Whether you are looking for a quick pocket guide for yourself or you want to help out a friend in need, the UNITED App can handle it. The app is free for life, with no ads, spam, junk, judgment, or support.
– Daily Devotions Delivered 365 Days per year
– Robust Prayer Engine where you can pray for others and get prayer
– Support Resources for those hidden addictions
– Audiocasts on various topics, and more!
The app is available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
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From: VA Conference UMM
David Collins began serving as Conference President effective July 1, 2024. Gratefully, all Officer positions are filled:
- President – David Collins
- VP, Membership – Matthew Martin
- VP, Spiritual Life – Joseph Moseray
- Chaplain – Steve Spurr
- Secretary – Tyrek Person
- Treasurer – Robert Zarp
The VA Conference UMM has a newsletter, The Beacon. You can subscribe by going to www.vaumc.org. Scroll down to the footer of any page and click the button “Sign-up for Communications.” Jon Simons is the editor.
The VA Conference is developing updated Objectives and Goals. They will be finalized and shared soon. Districts and fellowships are encouraged to join the vision so that the UMM are a united front across the Conference: