2008 Conference-Wide Events

The following events will be available to clergy and laity in various locations of the Virginia Conference. Each workshop will be held 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and will offer ½ CEU. Registration fee per workshop is $49* and includes agenda/workbook, resources and lunch. Registration may be completed using the form below or electronically. (*Early registration 6 weeks in advance of the event is discounted to $44.) Group rates for three or more from the same church are provided. For more information, or to apply for partial scholarship assistance, contact Dr. Franklin Gillis, Director, at 804-272-3313 or email fgillis@fourseasonsministry.org

Click here to download a printable brochure of our 2008 Educational Events, with mail-in registration form.

Event # 1: Effective Transition to a New Appointment: A Workshop to help prepare pastors for moving to a new church

This workshop will address the challenges of transition that come with moving, and will provide insights for developing a strategy for moving, including how to say “goodbye” and “hello.” Insights and practical suggestions for developing an effective start-up strategy for a new appointment will also be provided.
Resource Leader: Franklin Gillis, Ministry Consultant.
  1 A – April 21 – Magnolia UMC – 1764 Wilroy Rd., Suffolk
  1 B – April 22 – Mount Pisgah UMC – 1100 Mount Pisgah Dr., Midlothian
  1 C – April 29 – Crozet UMC – 1156 Crozet Avenue, Crozet

Event # 2: A Day Apart with Our Lord

This spiritual life retreat is for clergy and laity. In the midst of our busy and stressful lives, it is imperative that we make time to be still in the Lord’s presence. The retreat will provide a day, in the words of Brother Lawrence, “to practice the presence of God,” using an adaptation of the Benedictine pattern of silence, reading, and praying scriptures for spiritual guidance and renewal.
Resource Leader: Mike Shirley, Ministry Consultant.
  2 A – July 12 – Camp Overlook – 3014 Camp Overlook Lane, Keezletown
  2 B – July 15 – St. Matthew’s UMC – 1706 St. Matthew’s Lane, Richmond

Event # 3: Let’s Get Growing

In response to multiple requests, this workshop offered last year is being repeated. Designed for laity and clergy who have a passion and responsibility for evangelism, it will examine biblical mandates and motivation for reaching out to potential new members. Resources, including Igniting Ministry media, to help reach the un-churched will be shared.
Resource Leaders: Franklin Gillis, Glen Langston, and Mike Shirley, Ministry Consultants
  3 A – August 2 – Front Royal UMC – 1 W. Main St., Front Royal
  3 B – August 5 – Centenary UMC – 3312 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth

Event # 4: Reaching the Un-churched

An increasing number of youth and young adults no longer find church relevant to their lives. They also increasingly believe that the church is no longer what it was intended to be. This workshop will explore this growing attitude of disinterest among the un-churched, its origins and causes, and ways to make church meaningful to the missing generations.
Resource Leader: D. Glen Langston, Ministry Consultant.
  4 A – September 23 – Chestnut Memorial UMC, 1024 Harpersville Rd., Newport News
  4 B – October 4 – Fairfield UMC – 5622 Lee Hwy. (Rt 11), Fairfield (Staunton District)
  4 C – October 18 – Culpeper UMC – 1233 Oaklawn Dr., Culpeper

 Online Registration Form

The cost of each event is $49. (Early registration: 6 weeks in advance, $44.) We will contact you upon receipt of your online registration to arrange payment. Reservation confirmation will be e-mailed upon receipt. Check-in for all events is 9:00 a.m. Events will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. Lunch and printed resources are provided.