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.
Bake & Pray, 2/9/26
Bake & Pray is a unique approach to bread baking that emphasizes the integration of prayer into the process—viewing it as a liturgy rather than focusing solely on producing a perfect loaf. Through this practice, participants are invited to deepen their faith, enrich their prayer lives, and experience God’s beauty in the tangible and delicious gift of bread. The day includes 30 minutes of sabbath time for reflection and rest, which can be on your own or with colleagues. There are spaces within the church (Memorial UMC, Charles City) to gather and to pray, and we are mere steps from the Capital Trail, perfect for a walk. More information, including time, address, and what to bring, at the link below. Let us know if you are planning to come (by 2/1): https://forms.gle/ZbssbqTthW3A3GFu6
“Rooted in Grace” VAUMC clergy retreat, 3/10-11/26
District clergy are encouraged to gather with our colleagues from around the conference for this overnight retreat in Richmond. More info and register here: https://vaumc.org/clergyretreat/
Clergy, family, & friends baseball game, 5/8/26
*For this event only, clergy are encouraged to bring friends and family.* Mission Rivers District is subsidizing the cost of tickets, which includes a buffet dinner and a game in the brand new stadium of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Cost: $25/ticket for anyone 18 or older; $15/ticket for those 4-17 years old; children 3 and under get in free. Space is limited. Purchase tickets for yourself and your crew by 4/26: https://www.cognitoforms.com/VAUMC/Squirrels
