February 29, 2020

Friends,

We would like to thank the 2020 Virginia Conference Lay Delegates to General Conference for their leadership. This week’s letter to laity across our Conference demonstrates their commitment to supporting the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace through Separation and to being sure that everyone across our vast Conference understands the content of this legislation. Watch for ongoing monthly communications from your Lay Delegates as they work to keep everyone informed and up-to-date as we navigate this season of uncertainty. Thank you, Virginia GC2020 Lay Delegates, for your leadership and welcoming spirit.  All across our Conference, this is a time for all of us to be in open and honest communication. 

On this last day of February, we are happy to share another story on the #ResistHarm theme of LOVE. This beautiful reflection from an "Ordinary Couple" shares their journey as they planned their 2005 wedding. Rives Priddy and her partner Nancy weren’t sure “we would live long enough to see legal marriage in the USA or the UMC,” so they headed to Canada for a destination wedding. Fifteen years later, Rives is still “hopeful for a future where those who choose to officiate weddings or to be married themselves will not need to worry about anything other than ‘Do we have the rings in our pockets?’” CLICK HERE to read their love story.

Thanks for being a part of this movement of the Holy Spirit in Virginia and beyond.

Grace and Peace,

Josh Blakely
Rev. Beth Givens
Rev. Kendra Grimes
Alison Malloy
Rev. Jonathan Page
Ashley Parker