From our District Superintendent:

"I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut” (Revelation 3:8a, The Message). “When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open: God had opened the door; all I had to do was walk through it” (2 Corinthians 2:12, The Message).

Grace to you, and peace, in these waning summer days. Though vacation time remains, my thoughts, like yours perhaps, have already turned to autumn, school days, apple butter and bazaars, and, of course, Charge Conferences! The theme for this year is “Opened Door.” The theme reflects our mission statement: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs” ( The 2004 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, ¶120). It also reflects our Virginia Conference vision statement: “We envision churches where all God’s people are welcomed at Table, nurtured and transformed to be Christ to others in the world.” And it certainly echoes our United Methodist slogan “Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors.” As you shape your ministry for the next year through visioning, planning, and goal setting, discernment and election of leadership, adoption of budgets, I invite you to stand in the doorway of your church…and look out and look in…

• Who and what do you see as you look out? What needs and hurts are in your community and world? Is Jesus visible? Is Jesus inviting your witness to be more visible in the community? Do you see strangers? Neighbors? Friends in Christ? Are there signs of transformation?
• Who and what do you see as you look in? Do you see vital worship? Engaging Bible study? Invitational small groups? Opportunities for mission and involvement? Seniors? Youth? Children? Women? Men? Young Adults? Are there signs of transformation?

Then, when you have observed where God has opened the door for your congregation...begin to walk through!

• Dream expectantly
• Plan passionately
• Budget boldly
• Pray constantly

So that God’s work for the salvation of the world will be done through you.

I will look forward to learning more about your view, your vision, and your plans as we conference together. I am excited that the District Lay Leader, Carl Mann, and Associate District Lay Leaders, Larry Creamer and Susan Obaugh, plan to attend many of the Charge Conferences. Martha Reynolds, District Program Director, will also continue to attend many. We will again, after conferencing and conducting the necessary business, conclude by celebrating the Eucharist together. I will provide the juice, bread, chalice, paten, and worship order. One with you in Christ,

Kathleen Overby Webster

Staunton District
August 2006

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To download copies of the below forms, right click on the link and click on "save as" then select where on your computer you desire to save a copy.

Below are copies of the District Forms for your 2006 Charge Conference

• Letter from the DS to all:(pdf)

• Charge Conference Schedule (pdf)

• Explanation of District Funds (pdf)
• Notes from the District Stewards (pdf)
• Apportionment Assignment Formula Explanation (pdf)

• Example Form for Changing the Trustees with the Court System (MS Word)

• Instructions to the PPR on Pastor's Compensation Decisions (pdf)
• Information from the Conference Treasurer (consumer price indexing) (pdf)
• Form 26 - Pastor's Compensation Spreadsheet - (MS Excel)
• Form 26 - PDF Version for those without MS Excel - (pdf)

• Church Leadership Info Form (for the District Office) (MS Word)
• At-Large Delegate to Annual and/or Jurisdictional and General Conference Form (MS Word)

• Cover Letter

• Charge Conference Schedule
• Apportionment Sheets
• Apportionment Formula
• Information for Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee
• Explanation of the District Apportionments
• Notes from the District Stewards
• Officers Worksheet
• Nomination Forms Cover Letter
• Nomination Forms for Annual Conference and Jurisdictional Conference
• Nomination Forms for District At Large Members and District Officers
• Trustees Change Court Form
• Interpreter magazine forms and letter
• DVD with a Power Point presentation interpreting the District Apportionments
• DVD Katrina Church Recovery Appeal
• District Directories

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