Upcoming Clergy Gatherings
Who can attend?
All Mission Rivers District clergy (actively appointed, on leave, appointed to school, serving in extension, and retired) are invited and encouraged to attend when you are able.
I have an idea for an event. How do I share it?
We are committed to meeting in various geographical locations around the Mission Rivers District. We recognize that we each have different physical abilities and interests, so we are also committed to offering a variety of gatherings, from hiking, to arts workshops, to retreats… If you have a location or activity in mind, please share these with the Director of Clergy Support, Rev. Deborah Lewis.
What’s coming up this year?
Check back here regularly for new events. Here’s what we have scheduled so far.
30 minutes with Lindsey, 7/7
Spend a few minutes online with District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman. We will meet at 9:30am.
Ask a question, share a concern, and enjoy some time with Lindsey and other district clergy. (Note that this is not an individual meeting with the DS, but an opportunity for a group check in.)
Register here for the Zoom link.
Book Club with Lindsey, 7/13
Join District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman for online book club. Read one or all of the books. This month we meet at 12pm and the book is “Still” by Laura Martin (who will lead our Poetry for Preachers workshop in October). Purchase the book here. Register here for the Zoom link.
Yoga in the Vineyard, 8/24
This all-levels yoga class is designed to gently energize the body, calm the mind, and leave you feeling grounded, open, and ready to savor the day ahead. Expect a thoughtfully sequenced class with options for beginners and seasoned yogis alike, led by registered yoga teacher Brandi Bovell. After yoga, linger at the vineyard (near Tappahannock) for a bite to eat with colleagues in the tasting room or outdoor patio. Come just for lunch, if you prefer, and take this opportunity to meet those new to the district!
Let us know by 8/18 if you’re coming.
Tour of St. Luke’s historic church, 9/17
Visit Virginia’s oldest surviving church building and learn about its role as a symbol of religious freedom. We will meet at St. Luke’s for an 11am private tour, then enjoy lunch in nearby Smithfield. Let us know if you’re coming.
Retirement Checkup, 9/22 (Tri-district)
John Fuller, Executive Director of Virginia United Methodist Pensions, Inc. (VUMPI), is offering a “checkup” seminar for those who are 5-10 years from anticipated retirement, to ensure they are adequately preparing for their transition into the retired status. The session will review various considerations associated with clergy retirement, including guidelines for retirement eligibility, pension and retirement savings programs, health insurance, and Social Security. This interactive gathering will be held in the Richmond area for clergy from the Mission Rivers, Living Waters, and Coastal Virginia districts. Those who participate in the entire seminar are eligible to receive .5 CEU. Register here.
Book Club with Lindsey, 9/29
Join District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman for an online book club. Read one or all of the books. This month we will gather at 6:30pm with clergy AND laity – this month everyone is invited! This month’s book is “Wesleyan Vile-tality” by Ashley Boggan. Register here for the Zoom link.
30 minutes with Lindsey, 10/14
Spend a few minutes online with District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman. We will meet at 12:30pm. Ask a question, share a concern, and enjoy some time with Lindsey and district clergy. Register here for the Zoom link.
Lunch by the River, 10/15
Join us at Merroir in Topping for an outdoor waterside and fireside lunch. This Pastor Appreciation Month, take time to appreciate colleagues, along with the beauty of a leisurely meal. The Mission Rivers District will arrange for a $25 credit toward the cost of your meal. Space is limited. Registration opens July 1.
Poetry for Preachers workshop with Rev. Laura Martin, 10/26 (Bi-District)
Save the date! UCC pastor and writer Laura Martin will lead us in an interactive workshop retreat, exploring poetry as a resource for ministry and for our own spirituality. Poetry lovers and those who don’t “get” poetry are all welcome. Even those who are a little afraid of poetry are encouraged to take part! The workshop will be held at Peace UMC in Fredericksburg. Those who participate in the entire event are eligible to receive .5 CEU. This event is open to clergy from both the Mission Rivers and Northern Virginia Districts.
Registration will open July 1.
VAUMC Clergywomen’s Retreat, 11/9-11/10
Mission Rivers District clergywomen are encouraged to gather with clergywomen from around the Conference, for an overnight retreat celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination. More details forthcoming at vaumc.org.
30 minutes with Lindsey, 1/4/27
Spend a few minutes online with District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman. Today we meet at 11am. Ask a question, share a concern, and enjoy some time with Lindsey and district clergy. Registration link coming soon.
Book Club with Lindsey, 1/12/27
Join District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman for an online book club. We meet at 12pm. Read one or all of the books. Book selection and link coming soon.
30 minutes with Lindsey, 4/13/27
Spend a few minutes online with District Superintendent Lindsey Baynham Freeman.
Today we meet at 2:30pm Ask a question, share a concern, and enjoy some time with
Lindsey and district clergy. Registration link coming soon.
