Yadkin Valley District of The United Methodist Church

09/11/2026

🕊️ Twenty-five years.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were lost. A quarter century later, we still remember — the names, the empty chairs, the first responders who ran toward the danger, and the ordinary people who chose courage.

An entire generation has grown up in the shadow of that day. May they also grow up in the light of what followed it: neighbors caring for neighbors, strangers becoming family, communities refusing to let hate have the last word.

Today the Western North Carolina Conference joins in prayer for the families who still grieve, for those whose health was changed forever by their service, and for a world hungry for peace.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." — Matthew 5:9

However you mark this day — in silence, in service, in prayer — may you know God's presence in it. 🙏

08/29/2026

In response to the catastrophic flash flooding that occurred along the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, UMCOR is awarding a solidarity grant to support United Mission Nepal as they aid impacted communities in Dhading and Nuwakot districts with emergency food and non-food item (NFI) assistance. Alongside this grant, UMCOR is continuing to explore opportunities for further response through our partner networks and local assessments.

Please remain in prayer for these communities as the toll of this disaster continues to worsen. Authorities now report that at least 579 people have died and 1,924 people remain missing, with these numbers expected to grow as some areas remain inaccessible. Search and rescue teams are still working to reach communities cut off by the disaster, with damaged roads, landslides, and communications disruptions hindering relief operations and making it difficult to fully assess needs.

We lift up this call for prayer, presence, and continued accompaniment from the Rev. Jung Eun Grace Moon, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia, ecumenical partner of The United Methodist Church: “In this time of profound loss and suffering, may God’s comforting presence draw near to all those affected, embrace those who grieve, strengthen those who search and serve, shelter those who have lost their homes and kindle a light of hope amid the darkness.”

To support our response to this and other international disasters, give here: bit.ly/umcoridr

08/26/2026

Heaven gained a little more sparkle this week. ✨

Dolly Parton, daughter of the Southern Appalachians, born in a one-room cabin in the Smokies, has gone home at 80.

She was kin to these Blue Ridge Mountains so many of us love. And she was kin to us in spirit: a woman who loved boldly, served joyfully, and led courageously. She never hid her shine because she believed God could use a little girl from nothing to light up the whole world. And she did. She put millions of books into the hands of children. She brought hope to the hearts of strangers she'd never met. And her desire to share the Gospel message of God's vast & inclusive love was at the center of it all.

She once said, "I never had children of my own. God didn't let me have children so everybody's children could be mine." That was Dolly — love with no fences around it, wrapped in a whole lot of glitter.

Shine on, Dolly. Thank you for showing us what joyful, courageous love looks like. 💗✨

08/15/2026

United Methodists are a “singing people”…

United Methodists are a “singing people,” and each generation brings new United Methodist hymn writers who further renew worship. The Rev. Lovett Weems tells the story of Natalie Sleeth, whose “Hymn of Promise” has become a much beloved way to mark all sorts of beginnings. https://lovettweems.substack.com/p/draft-for-august-6-substack

08/13/2026

Learn Canva to make printed flyers & digital media:

https://nccumc.org/leadership/event/canva-training-canva-for-print/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTrM-xwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BJJ3MTFeVSEOV6tIgbdIgEFu8DTdy23czVUdTgxU2bUax-YFgNp6QdXDR2w_aem_l6BSoaLqMk-eNEi6QnQxwA

Many churches have discovered Canva for social media and online promotion, but fewer realize just how powerful it can be for creating high-quality printed materials. With Microsoft Publisher being retired, many congregations are searching for a new solution for newsletters, bulletins, brochures, and...

08/12/2026

"I often wonder if we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of suffering in the world and forget that every human being was once a vulnerable child in need of adults to provide for their needs and safety."
–Bishop Julius Trimble

"I often wonder if we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of suffering in the world and forget that every human being was once a vulnerable child in need of adults to provide for their needs and safety."
–Bishop Julius Trimble

Read the latest edition of Justice Takes Courage. Link in the comments.

08/06/2026

Teams needed…can you plan to help?

20+ Open Weeks. 3 Recovery Regions. 1 Resolute Mission.

Reconstruction takes consistency. We have no intention of slowing down our active builds across Western NC, but we need your hands to keep the hammer swinging. Right now, we have over 20 vacant volunteer weeks through the end of the year—specifically in our AMY and Southern Blue Ridge sites. We are asking local church partners, Sunday school classes, civic groups, and trade volunteers to step into the gap:

👷🏽 Group Size: 4 to 12 people per team.
🔨 Skill Level: From novice painters to experienced contractors—there is a place for everyone on the line.
📋 Logistics: Fully managed construction coordination, clear safety standards, and structured support on-site.

Tap the link in our bio to lock in your dates today!

08/05/2026

🗳️ Faith in Action.

Help protect the integrity of the voting process by becoming a nonpartisan election observer. Learn about the sacred nature of the vote and how you can serve your community.

📅 Tuesdays | Aug. 18–Sept. 22 | 7 PM ET
🔗 Register today!
https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/protect-the-vote-become-an-election-observer-10207?emci=a009e489-498f-f111-b337-000d3a1558ce&emdi=90e33063-548f-f111-b337-000d3a1558ce&ceid=2699399

07/29/2026

"When I was in prison, you visited me." Matthew 25:36 ❤️
On August 23, join churches across North Carolina in supporting Cross and Key Prison Ministries Sunday.
Your generosity helps bring hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ to incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their families through prison ministry, volunteer training, and church resources.
Because no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. 🙏
💙 Learn more

Cross and Key Prison Ministries Sunday will be August 23rd. Learn more and download this year's bulletin insert.