To include your announcement or event on this page, send details to Kelley Hope. Include text for the announcement in the body of your email. A link to more information on your website also is helpful. Please do not send graphics.
SDOP Grant Workshop
September 21, 11:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Self-Development of People (SDOP) Ministry funds projects and activities to eliminate injustice and powerlessness among disadvantaged people. A unique aspect of the grant program is the organizations chosen as partners. SDOP seeks groups organizing to do something about their own conditions. Therefore, funded groups must include project beneficiaries as stakeholders. Join SDOP September 21 at the presbytery office to learn about SDOP’s grants and how grassroots organizations can receive funding for their community projects.
Bluegrass Jam at Camp Hanover
September 21, October 19, 7 p.m.
Common Chords is Camp Hanover’s monthly music fellowship. Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass and gospel or join in by playing your guitar, fiddle, bass, or banjo. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. in Wise Lodge. This open jam is a free event held on the third Thursday of each month. Donations are always appreciated.
Older Adult Ministry Event
September 23
Learn about important issues facing older adults and their caregivers: spirituality, bereavement, and end-of-life choices. The Older Adult Ministry of Presbytery of the James brings you this free event on September 23 from 9:00 to 12:30.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope
September 25-27
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions.
Disaster Relief Ministry Trip
September 30-October 7
Join the presbytery's Disaster Relief Ministry in helping people in Florida as they continue to recover from 2022's Hurricane Ian. Volunteers are needed for the next trip September 30-October 7. Projects usually involve carpentry, drywall finishing, plumbing, and painting. Any skill level is helpful, including someone who can prepare the group's meals. To volunteer for this trip or ask questions, contact ministry leader Brown Pearson (preferably before September 5).
Dementia Friendly Congregations Webinar
October 3
Practical Resources for Churches and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network bring you this free webinar. Explore the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as normal aging vs. dementia. Look at the 5 key messages about dementia and how to communicate with someone who is facing the challenges of having dementia. Finally, delve into how your congregation can support people with dementia and their caregivers, and create a welcoming environment.
UR Forum on Faith, Ethics, and Global Society
October 9
The Office of the Chaplaincy welcomes Robert D. Putnam for the 36th annual Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum on Faith, Ethics, & Global Society. Robert is the author of 15 books, including his latest, The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again. The book's study of broad 20th-century American economic, social, political, and cultural trends will serve as the focus of his keynote lecture for the 2023 Forum. Reception and book signing to follow.
Learn more >
Holy Shift Conference
October 9-12
Are you having trouble "doing church" in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic? Returning to our places of worship, we discovered a world fundamentally changed. This fall, Montreat hosts an event on navigating seismic changes in the church. At Holy Shift, begin to identify ways that we can see these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities.
Youth Retreat
October 13-15
Youth ministry leaders, bring your middle and high schoolers to Camp Hanover for the weekend. With retreat leader Rev. Mike Burcher, youth will explore the idea of belonging and fitting in by not fitting in. There is no one more important to God than you are. God has called you by name to be part of the biggest adventure ever! Youth will grow their faith through keynote presentations, small group discussion, and other activities. This event is for youth groups of all sizes.
Youth Group @ Pace, VCU
October 15
On October 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., the Pace Center for Campus Ministry at VCU will host area youth groups and their leaders for a special “Youth Group @ Pace” event. Middle and high school students will enjoy dinner and games, learn about a mission opportunity, and meet other youth from the area. Activities will be led by Rev. Russ Kerr and Pace’s college-aged students. A donation of $5 per person to offset the cost of dinner is appreciated. Youth leaders, please RSVP to community@thepacecenter.com by October 12. Include the number of participants and dietary restrictions. Can’t make this event? Pencil in March 24 for the next opportunity.
Newcomers Retreat
October 17-18
If you are a minister who has attended the presbytery's orientations for new professionals in 2023, you are invited to the Newcomers Retreat. This overnight event continues to develop the connections of newer ministers in Presbytery of the James to each other and the presbytery.
Women's Retreat
October 20-21
Get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Spend a night at Camp Hanover with someone else doing the planning and preparing. Relax and enjoy yourself. The retreat consists of a planned program, quiet time, activities, and worship.
Fall Mini Camp
October 27-29
Youth in grades 5-12 can explore Camp Hanover in the cooler temperatures of fall. Spend time outside enjoying creation and nature through favorite camp activities.
Celtic Wisdom Events
October 27-28
St. Stephen's and St. Paul's Episcopal Churches and First Presbyterian Church (Richmond) invite you to experience Celtic teacher John Philip Newell in October. Choose from three events, one at each church. On October 27, Newell will share his own spiritual journey in relation to the great search for new beginnings today. On the morning of October 28, Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling will explore Celtic wisdom through the sacredness of earth and soul. That evening, enjoy a screening of Hebridean Treasure: Lost and Found with time for reflection and conversation.
100th Anniversary of Colonial Heights Church
October 29
Save the date. More info to come.
Keep Awake Event at Massanetta
November 17
In November, Massanetta Springs hosts Keep Awake! a retreat for high school students and their leaders. The event is centered on worship, leadership development, and PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 initiative. The 2023 event focuses on congregational vitality and will include preaching by Rev. John Molina-Moore (National Capital Presbytery).
Hanover Christmas
December 8 & 9
Enjoy a magical night of music and drama celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Travel a candlelit trail through the woods, meeting, shepherds, kings, and angels. Immerse yourself in the greatest story ever told in this wonderful night event. Reserve lodging and enjoy a holiday brunch the following morning.
Winter Camp
December 28-30
Winter Camp, like Camp Hanover’s popular summer offerings for youth, is filled with fun, faith, and fellowship. There are just a few differences in the packing list! Even with coats and hats, youth will enjoy camp favorites such as archery and campfires. Share this opportunity with the families in your congregation.
Matthew 25 Summit
January 16-18, 2024
Over Martin Luther King Jr weekend, January 16-18, PC(USA) hosts the Matthew 25 Summit. Bringing together mid-councils, churches, and individuals this event will explore the Matthew 25 vision. What does it mean to eradicate poverty; how can we begin dismantling systemic racism; how will we know if we are building a vital congregation? Featuring innovative speakers, thriving ministries, transformative workshops, and space to imagine what’s next!
Christian Education Conference
January 24-27, 2024
Association of Partners in Christian Education hosts their 2024 conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Join in person or online to sharpen your professional skills, gather with new and old friends, and grow in your faith. Each day will focus on how God renews us as we thirst for justice, thirst for life, thirst for kindness and joy.
Confirmation Retreat at Massanetta Springs
February 2-4, 2024
The confirmation retreat at Massanetta Springs will focus on broad questions of why we join the Church, what we want our churches to be like, and how we can actively engage in that work. The retreat will be led by Rev. Leigh Anne Ring, POJ’s presbyter of relational care.
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Hanover
February 23-25, 2024
At Camp Hanover's confirmation retreat, youth will explore the ideas of being made in God’s image, seeing God’s image in others, and imagining a world of justice and righteousness. Rev. Adam Bowling, pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City in Northern Virginia, will lead this retreat.
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.