Happy March and Lenten season, friends of the Shenandoah River District!
We are just a few days away from our Lay Servant Training at Otterbein UMC in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and I am so excited to see you there! First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to Otterbein for their gracious hospitality in welcoming us. (Directions for entering the parking lot are provided at the bottom of this article.)
The morning of March 14 will begin with breakfast, fellowship with friends, meeting new faces, and in-person registration. Worship will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a warm welcome from me, followed by music and an opening message from our amazing Conference Lay Leader, Martha Stokes. After worship, we will dismiss to our classes for the day.
We are especially grateful to our teachers who will be leading classes: Pastor Stephen Creech, Bill Braddy, Martha Stokes, and Dwayne Stinson. Thank you all for sharing your time and gifts.
As I mentioned at the beginning, we are now in the Lenten season. This is a particularly busy time for pastors as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter services. Like me, many pastors across the District lean on their Lay Servants and Lay Speakers during this meaningful and demanding season.
Becoming a Certified Lay Servant or Lay Speaker does not automatically place you in the pulpit—if that thought feels intimidating! Instead, it means you are equipped to assist with reading Scripture, helping serve Holy Communion, offering leadership in worship, and providing support when your pastor needs you. It also helps you better understand your role within the church, especially if you serve on a committee, and deepens your knowledge of our United Methodist heritage.
Next month, I will feature an interview with one of our District’s Certified Lay Servants, so be watching for that. We are also already planning for our fall Lay Servant Training. If someone you know was unable to attend this time, please let them know another opportunity is coming this fall.
Have a joyful March and a blessed Easter season!
Raini Newman, Lay Servant Coordinator
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
Enter from West Elizabeth Street (which is a two-way street). All of this parking lot is available on a Saturday. Enter the church through the double doors, which is direct entry to Memorial Hall. (Easily seen from the parking lot.)