News and Information
News and Information
Find articles written by our District Superintendents, Lay Leaders, Staff, and more here.
Fearful And Wonderful
“I praise you, [Lord], for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” Psalm 139:14 (New Revised Standard Version) What does it mean to live as people who are made, both...
Entitlement or Blind Spots?
(Adapted from a few recent “Lead Like Jesus” devotions and reflecting on recent events in our nation) The world is obsessed with status and entitlement. It was as true in the ancient world as it is today. Jesus’ choice to lead by serving stood in stark...
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
In like a lion, out like a lamb. Grew up with this expression, describing the month of March. Could it apply to the entire year? 2021 sure came in with a roar! A surging pandemic and political unrest! So much chaos! How do we respond? Hard not to just hunker down and...
Access the BDTD2021 Videos
Our first ever virtual-only Bi-District Training Day was held on January 16. More than 450 persons participated that day or in subsequent days. Because our event was all online, all 25 hours of video content is still available until June 16. In order to access the...
Beloved Discipleship Postponed
Beloved Discipleship Postponed to January to 2022 At our November District Conference, the Bi-District introduced Beloved Discipleship as a new initiative. Beloved Discipleship (BD) is a development opportunity to help congregations design and implement a contextually...
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.--Isaiah 9:6 (New King James Version) I can’t read...
The Weary World Rejoices
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 (New Revised Standard Version) In the wonderful Christmas anthem, “O Holy Night,” there is a line that masterfully captures how I feel...
Bringing Together Voices to Eradicate Systemic Racism and Injustice
Rising Hope was recently awarded a grant from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The grant will support the Build Back – Dream Forward Initiative, which seeks to bring together voices to eradicate systemic racism and injustice and create a more equitable...
It Doesn’t Make Sense… Or Does It?
During the last four weeks, I’ve had the honor and privilege to attend just about all of our Zoom charge conferences (only missed two – sorry!); and I want to share some of the highlights I heard during our time of conferencing and what was covered during your ‘State...
The Therapeutic Value of Being Thankful
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I will give thanks to Him.” – Psalm 28:7 (New Revised Standard)As we pause amid the many troubles and trials that have come to be 2020, it is good for...