The Way

This Sunday, March 8, our guest preacher will be Rev. Lan Davis Wilson. Rev. Wilson was appointed the Director of Belonging and Advocacy of the Virginia Conference on July 1, 2025. In this role, Wilson will lead the charge in developing and implementing accountability structures for intersectional justice, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the Virginia Conference as well as define and direct advocacy and intersectional justice and equity initiatives across the Conference, at all levels, doing so in leadership and partnership with the Bishop, Cabinet, Conference Office, Districts, local churches, general agencies, and the connectional structures of The United Methodist Church.

‍“I believe the work of belonging isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about transformation — and that’s what I believe keeps us near the cross,” Wilson said. “When every person is seen, heard, and valued, the Church becomes more like the kin-dom God calls us to build.”

‍Wilson is a Kentucky native who has been serving in ministry since the age of 10. He most recently served as Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion in the Indiana Conference. Wilson comes from four generations of pastors and preachers and has traveled the world doing ministry. He is not only a minister and educator, but a trained coach and consultant. He is also a proud father and husband.

Invite family, friends, and neighbors for the Live Nativity on the Green with live animals – including a camel – and a real baby! 🐪 Start your Christmas week with the Christmas story and hear about the true meaning of Christmas at this beloved tradition. 👼 Join the angels singing on high during interactive carol singing. 🌟 Hot chocolate makes this event great for children and families of all ages. Rain or shine. ALL are welcome!

Looking for ways to serve as we enter the holiday season? Here are a few opportunities:

Supper and Service
November 5, 2025 6:00 PM
Join us on Wednesday, November 5 from 6-7 PM for Supper and Service in the Youth Area. We will begin with supper followed by a service activity (packing kits for Community Assistance). Our Community Assistance numbers have increased, so we need lots of help to pack kits.
⭐️ Register | signupgenius.com/go/4090A4CACAF2CA13-54746865-supper/4710073 #/

Candy Collection for Community Assistance
Looking for a way to get your leftover Halloween candy out of your house? If you have an abundance of individually wrapped sweets and snacks, the Community Assistance program welcomes donations to support our November event. Drop your treats in the collection bin in the preschool lobby through November 5th.

Food Drive
During this difficult time for many of our neighbors, help put food on their tables by donating canned goods. Place your items in the basket in the Preschool Lobby. The following low sugar and low sodium items are needed:
Canned fruits
Canned tuna
Canned soups
Canned vegetables
Canned tomatoes
Peanut butter (in plastic jars)
Cereal

Just Neighbors In-person Volunteers Needed
Just Neighbors, who provides legal services to our immigrant neighbors is in need of volunteers for the month of November! For all in-person clinics, volunteers will assist attorneys with filling out intake packets with clients as well as gathering documentation from clients to make copies for attorneys. For our bilingual speaking slots, we do request a high level of fluency in the specific language. In-person training will be provided at each clinic. Please make sure to arrive on time for the scheduled clinic you register for. ‍
⭐️ Learn more and register | mountolivetumc.com/announcements/just-neighbors-in-person-volunteers-needed