Church and Community Events
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April 2024
Awkward Silence Anti-racism Workshop
April 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ginter Park Church hosts a workshop on Awkward Silence: Practical Activities for White People to Confront Antiracism. Whether your goal is simply to listen or you have grander aspirations to rid the world of hate and intolerance, this faith-based workshop will inspire you to take the next step toward your true heart transformation. Author Shani McIlwain leads the workshop on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration ends April 20. The $10 cost includes lunch and a copy of the book.
Global Ministry Update
April 30, 8 p.m.
Frontier Fellowship hosts a global ministry update via Zoom. This date marks Richard Haney’s official retirement after 10 years with Frontier Fellowship. Richard will share his thoughts on frontier mission today and some insights from our global partners. Executive Director Ethan Collins will also share exciting things ahead as Frontier Fellowship goes wider, deeper, and farther to new frontiers.
reKindle Grant
April 30
The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary is accepting applications through April 30 for its rekindle grant program. Awards of up to $10,000 are available to help congregations become thriving communities and focus attention on a mission priority. The funds can be used consultations, new program development costs, stipends for program participants and/or program leaders, retreats and events, and resources and travel in support of the grant activity.
May 2024
Mental Health Grants
May 1
May 1 is the deadline to apply for a Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry grant. The funds can help Presbyterian congregations, mid councils, and seminaries to initiate or advance mental health ministries. An application guide is available.
Older Adult Sunday
May 5
The first Sunday in May, May 5, is Older Adult Sunday. Many congregations celebrate older adults for the full week following Older Adult Sunday; others make this a monthlong event. Check out these resources, including a worship service, to plan your activities.
Camp Hanover Fun Day
May 5, 2-5 p.m.
Visit Camp Hanover for a great afternoon of camp activities. At this free event, guests of all ages can experience fun in nature. Invite another family to come with you and explore together!
Small Church Leaders Gathering
May 8, 1 p.m.
Small church leaders, you are invited to a virtual networking gathering from the Office of Christian Formation. These online gatherings will be held six times in 2024. The times and dates vary. Participate when you can to share in conversation and learn, ask questions, receive and share resources for ministry and support one another. Each gathering will start with a question or topic related to Faith Formation leadership in small churches, then discussion can go from there.
PW Book Discussion
May 13
The Presbyterian Women Churchwide’s Justice and Peace Committee is hosting book discussion groups again in 2024. The next event is May 13 to discuss Transforming: the Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians. The discussions will be held on Zoom on the second Monday of every other month.
Family Camp
May 17-19
Family Camp is fun and fellowship for all ages. At Camp Hanover, everyone is family: parents and kids, multiple generations, and groups of friends. The agenda is flexible; you to do what you want and what is helpful for you and your loved ones. Participate in as many or as few activities as you desire.
Ceremony for Rev. Shady Clark
May 18, 10 a.m.
A ceremony will be held at Eastminster Church to designate the street outside the church in honor of Rev. Shady Clark. A sign will be placed at the corner of 1601 Littlepage Street and Mechanicsville Turnpike labelling it as “Rev. Shady Clark, Jr. Way”.
Children and Youth Ministry Summit
May 20-24
Rethink Children & Youth Ministry Online Summit is a unique opportunity for congregational leaders, educators, parents and caregivers, and anyone passionate about nurturing the spiritual growth and faith formation of children, youth, and their families. Learn from renowned experts and practitioners in the fields of spiritual formation, intergenerational ministry, and ministry to children, youth and families. Gain valuable perspectives, practical tips, and innovative approaches while debunking common myths about young people to make spiritual education engaging and impactful.
Substance Use Prevention Training
May 23, 9:30 a.m.
VIPCare invites clergy of all traditions to a no-cost, interactive seminar facilitated by VIPCare counselors and substance abuse specialists. In this workshop, you will develop an understanding of addiction as a prevalent social issue, including in religious communities, and learn strategies for substance use prevention in your congregation. The workshop takes place at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S Crater Road, Petersburg. Another session is planned for September.
Reflective Leadership Grants Deadline
Applications open May 28
Duke Divinity's Leadership Education program offers grants of up to $15,000 to help Christian leaders reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives, and discern next steps. Applications open March 18. Join a Q&A session via Zoom to learn more.
Summer 2024 and Beyond
100th Anniversary Celebration
June 9, 10:30 a.m.
Forest Hill Church invites anyone with a connection to the church for a 100th anniversary and homecoming celebration. Join the celebration in worship on June 9 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a catered lunch.
Youth Servant Leadership Institute @ Pace
June 17-21
The Pace Center at VCU hosts this immersive experience for middle and high school-aged youth. Youth will stay overnight in downtown Richmond and participate in mission and service opportunities throughout the Richmond area. Mission partners include Shalom Farms, the Richmond SPCA, and Friends of the James River Park. Youth will learn Servant Leadership principles and reflect on their experiences through the lens of Servant Leadership.
226th PC(USA) General Assembly
June 25-July 4
The theme of GA226, “Live into Hope”, is based on the hymn of the same name by Jane Parker Huber. Daily themes have been chosen based on verses of the hymn. Committees will meet online June 25-27. In-person activities begin June 29 in Salt Lake City.
Bible & Church Music Conference
July 21-27
Registration for Massanetta’s Bible and Church Music Conference 2024 is open. Come together July 21-27 with fellow clergy, lay leaders, staff, volunteers, and congregants to learn, practice, and worship. The 2024 theme is “A New Creation,” examining visions of hope in Revelation and beyond. Register by March 25 to receive a $40 discount.
Clergy Couple Retreat
July 29-August 1
Attention clergy couples! Registration for Called Together 2024, July 29-August 1, is now open. Called Together is a retreat at Massanetta Springs for couples in any stage of professional ministry. Whether you're a family of 2 or 6, all are welcome!
Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Grants
August 1
Synod of the Mid-Atlantic awards grants for projects that support disaster relief, hunger action, presbytery initiatives, African American initiatives, new and small churches, peacemaking, and more. Applications are reviewed twice per year, in August and February.
Small Church Leaders Gathering
August 6, 3 p.m.
Small church leaders, you are invited to a virtual networking gathering from the Office of Christian Formation. These online gatherings will be held six times in 2024. The times and dates vary. Participate when you can to share in conversation and learn, ask questions, receive and share resources for ministry and support one another. Each gathering will start with a question or topic related to Faith Formation leadership in small churches, then discussion can go from there.
PW Churchwide Gathering
August 8-11
Presbyterian Women’s 2024 Churchwide Gathering will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, August 8–11, 2024. The 2024 PW Gathering will be an exciting, faith-filled time to renew our connections within and across PW groups from across the country. Join us to be invigorated, equipped for your PW life, welcomed into community by hundreds of other PWs, and empowered to “Do everything in love.”
Camp: A Planning Retreat for Clergy
August 13-17
Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation invites pastors to a nurtured retreat in Colorado in August. Enjoy time and space for private or collaborative planning, worship and music guides, and field trips. Camp for Clergy takes place at the YMCA of the Rocky Mountains Estes Park Center. Spouses, partners, friends, and children are welcome.
Camp Hanover Homecoming
August 30-September 2
Tour of Scotland
September 13-23
Three Chopt Church invites you to join them on a tour of Scotland September 13-23, 2024. Learn about the history and events which heralded the founding of the Presbyterian denomination. The motorcoach tour includes stops in the Isle of Iona, Loch Ness, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Leadership in Ministry Richmond
September 16-18
Leadership in Ministry is a twice-a-year, peer-based, clergy leadership development program. It is part of the Pastoral Excellence Programs of the Center for Lifelong Learning of Columbia Theological Seminary. Many participants have attended for several years, with some participating for over a decade, reaping the benefits of long-term commitment to personal and professional growth.
Young Adult Advocacy Conference
October 18-20
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Young Adult Advocacy Conference will take place this fall on the Charlotte campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary in North Carolina. The “Jesus and Justice” gathering on Oct. 18-20 will be the second in a series of young adult conferences that are designed to provide advocacy and leadership training to college students, seminarians, and young adults in general.
2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium
July 28-31, 2025
Save the date! The next Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be in July 2025.
Recurring Events
Grief Support Groups for Spanish Speakers
Monthly
Legacy Hospice and Full Circle Grief Center offer free bilingual grief support groups for Spanish-English speakers. The groups will meet on the last Tuesday of each month and has flexible times and multiple locations in Richmond. Please share with Spanish speakers in your community.
Church Disaster Preparedness Calendar
If disaster struck your community or congregation/ministry, would you be prepared? Check out this monthly calendar from Synod of the Sun that has small, but important, tasks that will build invaluable skills, plans, and procedures for your congregation and your partnering communities.