Welcome to Rectortown UMC

Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and all people. On Laity Sunday, we lift up the vocation of all (lay and clergy) to follow Jesus Christ and lead others to him. As we welcome and offer the good news of Jesus’ love for all, we know that the most engaging opportunities to grow deep and wide in our faith come from relationships with those beyond the comfort and security of our church walls. The stories and situations of those struggling with fear, loss, trauma, and injustice – as well as freedom, joy, and delight – become altar calls for the wholeness and holiness work of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. This is the ministry of the “all called,” the laity. This is relational discipleship and participation in the mission of God. Therefore, we will go (with hope) through engagement!

Laity Sunday - Laity Engaged

Traditionally Rectortown UMC celebrates Laity Sunday by leading the worship service. This includes greeting attendees, lighting the candles, leading prayer, reading scripture, taking up offering, joys and concerns, and other activities. Worship Committee and Pastor Steve have discussed this year’s Laity Sunday and agreed that RUMC will again celebrate by having laity lead and participate in service, in-person and on-line.

The below list for laity participants is divided into assigned activities and volunteer activities for 17 October Laity Sunday. Please review the list of volunteer activities that you would be willing to perform during the worship service. Click the button above, call the church office at 540-364-1066, or email secretaryRUMC@gmail.com to let us know if you would like to volunteer:

Assigned:

• Music – Karen Chase
• Videographer – Tammy Frazier
• Media – Carl Carter
• Lay Leader – Larry Scheuble
• Greeter – Linda Rose

Volunteers:

• Opening Prayer
• Prayer for Illumination
• Scripture Readings
• Witness/Affirmation of Faith
• Offertory Prayer
• Blessing of the Food
• Prayer of the People
• Acolyte 

Laity Sunday - Tell Your Story

During the Winchester-Harrisonburg District Conference Orientation, DS Victor Gomez asked that each church (Lay Leader or designated person) share their answers to 2 questions:

• What have we learned in the past year about our church?
• What is the vision of RUMC as we move forward, post pandemic?

Worship Committee would like to hear from participants, in lieu of a sermon, what your experiences have been during the past 20 plus months of pandemic. How has the pandemic, resultant new guidelines and processes, impacted your lifestyle, family, social engagement, emotional and spiritual life activities? Just a few minutes to share with our church family how you have been impacted, good, bad, unknown. 

Click the button above, call the church office at 540-364-1066, or email secretaryRUMC@gmail.com to let us know if you would like to share your story.

Laity Sunday – Sharing a Meal

Join us immediately following worship service for a church picnic! To ensure an accurate headcount for catering, please RSVP by clicking the button above, calling the church office at 540-364-1066, or emailing secretaryRUMC@gmail.com. Friends and family are welcome!