Webinar Recording with Bishop Sue

On the second Saturday of each month, Walker Chapel and Mount Olivet provide our friends and neighbors with much-needed food. The next food distribution will be on Saturday, May 11 , and will be hosted at Mount Olivet.We will be providing the following items to approximately 250 families: - 5 pounds of potatoes - 5 pounds carrots - Rice - Beans - 5 pounds of onions - Cabbage - $10 Giant Gift Cards If you could please sign up to volunteer through the below sign up genius it would be greatly appreciated.

On May 1, 2024, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church struck down a 40-year-old ban on gay clergy without any debate. The vote on the consent calendar was 692-51, with approval at 93%. Delegates and observers applauded after the vote. Delegates also voted that superintendents are not to penalize clergy or churches for holding — or refraining from holding — same-sex weddings. Another change that was approved encourages the Council of Bishops to consider gender, race, ethnicity, age, people with disabilities, sexual orientation, and economic condition when naming representatives to ecumenical organizations. More work is still to be done by the General Conference as it relates to the removal of harmful language in The United Methodist Church's Book of Discipline, but this is a historic day in The United Methodist Church. Please continue to be a prayer for the church, the General Conference, and all of our delegates. Unlike the Worldwide Regionalization Plan, the removal of this language from the Book of Discipline does not need to be ratified by annual conferences. The changes to the United Methodist Church’s polity on gay ordination and marriage becomes official with the close of General Conference later this week. Following the vote, Bishop Sue of Virginia said: “I am grateful that The United Methodist Church has removed provisions from church law that have done great harm to a group of people made in the image of God and called by God to ministry. I am also grateful that our Book of Discipline is now written in a way that includes and welcomes all people, whether they characterize themselves as progressive, centrist, or traditionalist. We remain one in service to Christ, sent forth in mission in his name, as agents of his amazing grace and sacrificial love.” Here is a summary of today’s voting and its implications for The United Methodst Church from the office of Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson's office: This is a historic change in The United Methodist Church that allows the Church to be a more welcoming space. All are welcome. This change allows clergy and local churches the freedom of conscience. A clergyperson can choose whether or not to perform any wedding. Local church trustees will be given authority to decide about whether or not their building can be used for weddings on a case by case basis. All are welcome. It is significant that 93% of the body approved this change as a part of a consent calendar that had no debate in plenary session. This vote means that differing opinions within The United Methodist Church feel comfortable making this choice for the Church. This provides latitude around the world for space for individuals called to ministry. All are welcome. The United Methodist Church is made up of progressive, moderate, and traditionalist viewpoints, with many people not living in one space exclusively. All are welcome. United Methodists leaders and United Methodists realize this news brings great joy to persons and groups who have been greatly harmed by the Church for decades and with the passing of the Traditional Plan at the 2019 Special Session of General Conference. There is also a recognition that United Methodists who hold more traditionalist viewpoints of Scripture may be experiencing some uncertainty right now. All are welcome. This change will not make local churches or clergy go against their conscience or understanding of Scripture. All are welcome. This does not change the mission of the local church that is serving the needs of their communities. This change allows the Church to live more fully into its mission of welcoming all people. All are welcome. This is not the last piece of legislation related to human sexuality that the General Conference will consider this week. The body will take up the revised Social Principles tomorrow. All are welcome.

Join Us For Lunch Walker Chapel Lunch Adventures are held at local area restaurants for fellowship and to explore different cuisines. Adventures are held a few times a season, usually on Sundays following worship and fellowship hour. Everyone welcome! Upcoming Adventures: Sunday April 21 - Aracosia, 1381 Berly Rd, McLean, VA 22101 We meet at the restaurant around 12:15 PM. For RSVP and more information, please contact Christiane Roehler, croehler@gmx.net .

On May 9, 2024, Bishop Sue recapped the 2020/2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. Bishop Sue, along with members of the Virginia delegation answered questions about what is next and what congregations can expect as The United Methodist Church becomes a more inclusive and welcoming denomination. 

Volunteers are needed for Community Assistance in April. On the second Saturday of each month, Walker Chapel and Mount Olivet provide our friends and neighbors with much-needed food. The next food distribution will be on Saturday, April 13 , and will be hosted at Mount Olivet. We will be providing the following items to approximately 220 families: 5 pounds of potatoes 5 pounds carrots Rice Beans 5 pounds of onions Cabbage $10 Giant Gift Cards Please get in touch with Tom Kilkenny if you have any questions.

Blessing of the Cleats Join us on April 7th at 10:30 AM for a special moment of blessing as we honor the start of spring activities. Whether it's cleats, gloves, bats, or any other symbol of your favorite pastime, bring it along to receive a heartfelt blessing. Let's gather as a community to seek blessings for safety, joy, and camaraderie in our sporting endeavors.