Weekender has a new name!

Shine is based on Philippians 2:12-16, where we are commanded to “shine like stars in the universe.”

WMUV invites you to learn more about Shine, an experience for all middle and high school girls across Virginia!

We really want you to join us for Shine (Weekender) 2010!!!

Here is the Updraft South Africa application.

Still looking for 4-6 college-aged young women to participate on this team.  We’ll be serving at Door of Hope in Johannesburg.

The dates of the trip are August 2-12, 2010.

Applications are due January 15, 2010.

Have you ever been hungry?  I mean really hungry?

There are people all over the world – including right here in Virginia – who are truly hungry.  As followers of Christ, you and I can take steps to alleviate the physical and spiritual hunger they face.  Here are a few upcoming opportunities:

1.  10-11-12 noon — On October 11, 2009 (a Sunday) at 12noon, you and your church can join together in praying for those in Virginia who are hungry.  Look here…

2.  Encourage your church to participate in Bread for the World Sunday on October 18.

3.  Make plans now to attend Weekender 2010 – our focus will be on hunger.

Recently WMUV revealed its new logo, the first since 1913!

Fellowship Community Church in Salem, VA is hosting a free DecembeRadio concert for high-schoolers.  Check out the link below.

http://www.rvba.org/free-decemberadio-concert-for-high-schoolers-only

Youth Specialties, which provides tons of guidance for those who minister among students, sponsors a conference specifically for youth workers.  There are three scheduled for this Fall.

Check it out!

http://www.nywc.com/attend

Hard to believe that students and teachers are returning to school already!

Summer 2009 was filled with students from across the state being on mission with God in numerous ways.  It was also spent looking ahead to the future of WMUV as it relates to teenagers.  I am excited about some big new developments that are coming in regard to this age group!

I remember my Papa (my grandfather) telling me when I was younger that time seems to go faster and faster the older we get.  He was absolutely right.  As I reflect on how quickly time seems to be going – these three months of summer, the first (almost) seven months of being a mommy, these eight months of the year 2009 – I am challenged to ask myself the question “How effectively am I living each day?”

The theme for the 2009 Alma Hunt Offering is “Today.”  You will hear stories of how God is at work today and how individuals are following his call today.  As time flies by, we need to be intentional about using Today effectively and boldly following Jesus.

Scripture tells us that THIS is the day the Lord has made.  What are we going to do with THIS day to make a difference for Christ in the world?

Blessings to each of you in this new school year.

Updraft (sm) was developed (and continues to be tweaked) based on the idea that spending one week on a mission trip is not enough.  Too often, teams are sent out to do short-term missions without the necessary pieces of preparation and reflection.

Stage One of Updraft (sm) gives team members the chance to prepare their hearts, minds, and hands for the task ahead of them.  Students have conversation about why we do missions.  The team looks to Scripture to see that Christ has called each of us out to serve Him and to love others.  Time is spent looking at the logistics of their trip and planning any necessary pieces.  Team members learn about cultural differences they may encounter, discuss team dynamics, and also discover gifts and passions that God has given them.  This stage of Updraft (sm) is rather involved, but we believe it is essential to being well-prepared for the task at hand.

Stage Two is simply the experience itself.  The team travels to their location and carries out whatever tasks they have been given.  Some on-site reflection happens at the end of each day, where the team discusses their highs and lows, and answers the question “Where did you see God today?”

Stage Three comes after the team returns home.  There is an evaluation that each member is asked to fill out to help process their individual thoughts and experience.  Then the team comes back together to reflect more on what they experienced and, more importantly, to think about the question “So What?”  The experience (we hope!) does not end when the team leaves to return home.  We want them to find creative ways to incorporate what they learn into their daily lives.

For example, a student who spent time talking with folks in line at a food ministry during Updraft (sm) may look for a food ministry she can serve with in her town.  A student who played basketball with children during the Updraft (sm) week may look for ways to mentor children through sports upon returning home.

The tagline of Updraft (sm) is “a powerful movement with big results.”   Our goal with it is to set the stage for God to work mightily in the lives of students who serve on Updraft (sm) teams so that they can be used in big ways to further His kingdom.

Contact WMUV about upcoming leader training sessions for those adults who want to lead Updraft (sm) teams!

Plans are underway for Collide 2010, which will be held in New Mexico.  Ooooh!

Wouldn’t it be awesome to get a large group from Virginia together for this week of missions?

Be on the lookout for more details!

*Collide is a hands-on mission experience for students (male and female) in grades 7-12.  It is sponsored by National WMU.

A team of students and their adult leaders from Massaponax Baptist Church attended Collide in Savannah, GA during the last week in July.  Collide is a hands-on mission experience for students in grades 7-12 sponsored by National WMU.

The girls spent their week leading Vacation Bible School at a local Savannah church, serving in a nursing home, doing yardwork, and working at a food bank, just to name a few of their activities.  The busy week also included an unexpected celebrity meeting with Paula Deen.  Three team members even starred in a commercial she was filming!

“I saw God working in my girls like I have never seen before,” reported the team leader.

Thanks, Massaponax BC, for representing Virginia at Collide 2009!

Pictures will be posted soon.