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.
Annual Conference Social, 6/17
Join us at Pale Fire Brewing Company for light snacks and soft drinks, hosted by the district. Stop by for any amount of time between 7-9pm. All Mission Rivers clergy and laity who are attending Annual Conference and their family/guests are welcome. Let us know you’re coming by 6/10.
Trivia Night, 7/23
Following the District orientation for those newly appointed within Mission Rivers (3-5pm at Kilmarnock UMC), all district clergy are invited to join us for pizza dinner and trivia night at That Damn Mary Brewing Company in Kilmarnock, from 5-7pm. Bring your welcoming hospitality as we get to know those new to the District, and your competitive spirit for a feisty trivia match. Let us know by 7/9 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.
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
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. 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.
