A NEW VISION FOR A NEW YEAR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

HOW WE GOT HERE

In 2020, Rev. Douglas Forrester became the district superintendent of the Roanoke District of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, which extended from Buchanan southwest to Christiansburg. In 2021, he was assigned to also superintend the Staunton District, which extended from Buchanan west to the West Virginia line, north to Staunton, and east to the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 2022, the Roanoke and Staunton Districts became what is now known as the Valley Ridge District.

In May of 2025, Bishop Sue Haupert Johnson projected Doug to the position of Assistant to the Bishop and Chief Operating Officer effective July 1, 2025. This webpage exists to serve as a resource for Valley Ridge District clergy and congregations to understand how you will be supported at the district level for the July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 appointment year.

A PROCESS ALREADY BEGUN

Beginning in July of 2024, DS Doug Forrester, DS Sarah Calvert (Mountain View District), and DS Jay Carey (Living Waters District) began to meet to discuss ways to share resources and strategies for supporting ministry in the local churches of south-central and southwest Virginia. In other words, plans were already being made that would support a shared superintending of the Valley Ridge District last year. We just did not yet know God would put those plans to work in this way.

HOW IT WORKS

In addition to his duties as the Living Waters District Superintendent, DS Jay Carey will superintend the northern portion of the Valley Ridge District, excluding Embrace (Waynesboro) and the Covington area. 

In addition to her duties as the Mountain View District Superintendent, DS Sarah Calvert will superintend the southern portion of the Valley Ridge District as well as both Embrace ministries (Waynesboro and Alleghany Highlands) and the Covington area.

You can see a map of all of the districts of the Virginia Conference by clicking here.