Happy October, everyone!
This month is a busy time in the church, especially with Charge Conference upon us. A huge thank-you to our committee members, Pastor Lori Valentine-Martinez and Pastor Deb Washer, for putting together and presenting a Lunch & Learn on How to Complete a Lay Servant Report during our most recent Fall Lay Servant Ministries Training Day.
On September 26, 2026, we gathered at Strasburg UMC for a wonderful day of learning and fellowship. Our morning began with a delicious breakfast prepared by the men’s group. We certainly enjoyed it and want to thank all the men who worked so hard to prepare breakfast for us!
Our District Lay Leader, James Robinson, opened the day with prayer. We were then blessed to have Jason Stanley from the Virginia Conference as our keynote speaker. Jason shared a powerful message about change and transitions, giving us much to think about as we continue to serve in our churches and communities. We closed our day of learning by sharing together in Holy Communion.
On October 4, two Lay Speakers delivered sermons at Montague UMC in Winchester. We will share more about that experience in our next newsletter, so stay tuned!
As we look toward spring, we encourage anyone who has completed all the required classes and would like to become certified to contact me. We are here to support you and encourage you in your ministry!
Our next Lay Servant Ministries Training Day will be in February, with more information coming in the next couple of months.
We also need your help! If there is a class we have not offered recently, or if there is a particular class you still need before you are ready to preach your trial sermon, please let me know. We would also love to hear about classes you would like us to offer that we have not offered in the past.
Remember to check the Conference website to see what Lay Servant Ministries classes are being offered in other districts. You can also visit BeADisciple.com to find additional courses and opportunities for learning.
Have a wonderful October, and don’t forget to turn your clocks back on November 1!
Raini Newman
District Lay Servant Coordinator