Rappahannock District - UMC
P.O. Box 1145Saluda, VA 23149
804-758-3686
e-mail: rappdistrict@vaumc.org
GOOD NEWS….GOOD NEWS….GOOD NEWS!!!!
Tappahannock Memorial UMC...A 15 member team from Tappahannock Memorial UMC
traveled to the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky to work at the Red Bird Mission.
The team waterproofed a roof, installed doors and locks, and renovated the bathroom on
one trailer and completed many other tasks as assigned.
In addition to the work, team members were responsible for paying all personal
expenses; the church raised $1,500.00 for building supplies. “I am always overwhelmed
with the generosity of Tappahannock Memorial Church”, said Pastor Mike Payne.
While the purpose of the mission was to lend a helping hand to the Appalachian community,
it was also a time for making friends and experiencing the joy of sharing time, energy,
skills and the individual’s personal walk of faith. Our church’s emphasis on mission became
alive when a 10 member team traveled to Honduras last November. Our church is
excited about the plans being made for our next mission adventure!
MATTAPONI HEALING EAGLE CLINIC
Reconciliation is the Goal - You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him
the other also. – Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:38-39 NIV)
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation… – 2 Corinthians 5:18
American Indians fought for survival; and they refrained from fighting for the sake of survival.
The Native Peoples in America did not surrender. Instead, they stopped fighting.
At times, the long suffering of non-violence appears to be fruitless. As long as the Native people
have refrained from fighting it still has not put them in equal standing within mainstream
America. Ultimately, physical survival is not the goal; reconciliation is. Violence is in
opposition to reconciliation.
The efforts by numerous United Methodist Churches and members have been
contributing towards promoting that reconciliation. UMC has supported the
medical care, the civil rights and the cultural expression of Virginia Indians.
Recent UMC donations to the Mattaponi Healing Eagle Clinic have purchased
flu shots, padded chairs for the clinic’s waiting room, and $500 worth of
over-the-counter supplies. Various members of the Virginia Indian community
were invited to speak at the Bishop’s Convocation on Religion and Race,
Celebrating Native American Tribal Rights. The UMC Virginia Conference
granted $5,000 to restart the Powhatan heritage classes held in the historic Mattaponi
school building. Thank you, UMC, for your efforts towards reconciliation.
By Angela L. Daniel “Silver Star”
–––––
The late Chief of the Mattaponi tribe, Webster “Little Eagle” Custalow, honored
Angela by giving her the name “Silver Star” in 2000. She is currently working on
her Ph.D. degree in Anthropology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.
Here is the latest Disaster Response report from the Rappahannock Distirct.
Please check the Virginia Conference website regularly for current information. Notices will also be sent through the Virginia Conference Communications Office on ClergyNet and LaityNet. To subscribe to these e-mail users’ groups, visit www.vaumc.org, click on “Resources,” then “E-Mail Groups.” These updates are being provided by Martha Stokes, Conference staff person working with Disaster Response and Recovery, and Rev. Frank Jennings, Conference Disaster Response and Recovery Coordinator.
May God Bless each one who may have the opportunity to give assistance and support to this greatly needed effort.
For additional information, you may contact Rappahannock Disaster Response Coordinators,
Fred Lentz at 804-758-2231, or Tom Meier at 693-9775.
Grace and peace,
The space for this WEB Site has been
provided courtesy ofThe General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church