We are starting a new month and getting closer to Springtime! I don’t know about you all, but I will be happy when I don’t see snow outside my door. However, snow does teach us to slow down and remember who we belong to, and it is peaceful.
Springtime also brings the month of our Lay Servant Training Day. I’m excited, along with the Lay Servant Committee, to see you on March 14th, 2026, at Otterbein UMC in Harrisonburg, VA, at 9 AM. We extend special thanks to our district administrator, Debbie Creech, for sending the class registration form. REGISTER
We have a new class this time, which our Conference Director of Lay Leadership Development will teach. It will focus on providing insights and practices to help churches connect with youth and young people. We are thankful for his leadership and his willingness to serve. We also have a special guest, our Conference Lay Leader, Martha Stokes, who will deliver an opening message that morning and teach the UMC Polity class. Our other two classes are the Basic Course, taught by Rev Stephen Creech, and Leading Prayer, taught by William Braddy.
We have over a dozen signed up for classes, and there’s room for more! We have about another month left with the registration. Just a reminder: the classes are open to all ages. If you are signed up for a class, maybe you can share the news with someone in your church who might want to join you. It is an excellent opportunity to learn how you can help your church and pastor, and your fellow laity. REGISTER
I pray the month of February opens you up to new opportunities and possibilities for serving our Lord in all the ways he calls you to be.
Blessings,
Raini Newman