Happy New Year! We've had a great 2019 here in the Virginia Synod and we wanted to share a brief look back on the many great ministry moments we've shared together. Thank you Virginia Synod for responding to God’s love with faithfulness, boldness and a servant’s heart!
|
|
Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story idea? Send it to Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org
and make sure to follow our
|
|
Winter Celebration is our annual weekend retreat for youth in grades 9 through 12 and their adult advisors. We have Large Group and Small Group gatherings that consist of singing, comedy, worship, faith sharing and presentations on our event theme. On Saturday afternoon during Free Time we will also hold out annual Talent Show and in the evenings you will have time to relax in your Cottage and talk with other youth and adults from your congregation and other congregations about how Winter Celebration is going.
December 16th is the deadline for early registration! For more information and to register,
click here.
|
|
EPIC in Harrisonburg and Roanoke
|
You and the leaders from your congregation are invited to be a part of the E.P.I.C, the Effective Practice for Innovative Congregations conference, happening around the state of Virginia in 2020.
E.P.I.C is an opportunity for leaders to gather together for a day of inspiration, learning and networking.
E.P.I.C will begin at 9 AM and conclude by 2 PM. The cost per person will be $15. Lunch will be provided. Below you can download two documents to help you invite leaders to E.P.I.C.
|
|
Renew 145 is an intentional effort to strengthen congregational vitality in the Virginia Synod by helping individuals and congregations focus on growing deeper in relationship with God, in relationship with one another and in relationship with their community.
In Renew 145, four to six lay leaders and a pastoral leader from a congregation will covenant to spend a year learning, practicing and experimenting to help strengthen the marks of congregational vitality in their context. The teams will participate in a series of retreats and dispersed learning opportunities and will work with a coach to help plan for action. The Cohort will launch with a retreat at March 6-7 at Eagle Eyrie. Other dates to be announced. Thanks to grant money from a Churchwide Congregational Vitality Grant, the cost per team will be $600 (which includes 2 overnight retreats for your team).
|
|
Three Holy Days Event January 30-31, 2020
|
The Metro DC Synod invites the Virginia Synod to come and learn Christ in worship together, for a time of learning and active participation in the global restoration and updating of the Great Three Days.
All rostered ministers, worship ministry chairs, and musicians involved in Holy Week preparation
that have been nominated by their pastor to attend.
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, Dr. Gail Ramshaw, and Mark Mummert will guide us through the ancient and contemporary way for the worshiping assembly to keep the death and resurrection of Christ. You are invited to be part of worship, discussion, singing, workshops, and reflection to further worship practices in your own context for the upcoming Easter season.
Come and learn Christ in worship together,
January 30-31, 2020
at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center; Marriottsville, MD. Cost is $380 individual / $480 Couple and includes Includes Thursday night overnight accommodations in private room with private bath at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference center, 5 meals – Thursday lunch & dinner, Friday breakfast, lunch & dinner, and certificate for Continuing Education unit (CEU) credit.
For more information and to register for this event,
clic
k here
.
|
|
Spring Adult Faith Formation Retreat
|
Biblical Models of Leadership with presenter Dr. Jill Crainshaw March 20-21 at Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond More info coming soon!
|
|
Updates and Upcoming Events at Caroline Furnace
|
Summer Camp 2020
Good indeed is the Lord, whose steadfast love endures forever. God's faithfulness continues for all generations. -Psalm 100:5 Get ready for another amazing summer! Registration is now open for Summer 2020 camps at Caroline Furnace. Sign up for your week by December 10 and receive a special Christmas gift!
Learn More and Register
BeerReformation Retreat, January 24-26
Join us for a weekend of faith, education, fun, and fellowship, paired with the history and art of brewing. We'll follow our "Earn Your Beer" prayer hike with a visit to a local brewery, then bottle a special Caroline Furnace recipe (this year we have a Persimmon Porter!) to take home. BeerReformation includes scratch-made meals, lodging, and Saturday transportation. Cost is $115 for the weekend or $30 for Saturday.
Pre-Lenten Retreat, February 4-6
All are invited to join us for a time of discussion, preparation and fellowship before the Lenten season. Join us at Buttonwood Lodge to take a look at the Matthean gospel texts for the Sundays of Lent. Pastors and lay leaders are encouraged; all are welcome. Cost is $125 and includes two nights at Buttonwood Lodge, seven meals, and resource materials.
|
|
Stay Connected with the Virginia Synod:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
