Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for people of all ages who wish to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible studies, keynote addresses, workshops, games, and fellowship. In addition, congregational leaders—teachers, music directors, choir members, council and committee members, family life consultants, deacons, pastors, and others—will find Power in the spirit nurturing and challenging as they consider their mission and ministry.

Summer Power in the Spirit 2024

Summer Power in the Spirit

Thursday, June 13, 2024 to Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Esther the Risk-Taker

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4.14 NRSV)

The story of Esther is one of God’s faithful presence, deliverance from oppression, and bold service to the neighbor. God calls Esther – a Jewish queen in a foreign land – to join in God’s plan to save God’s people. God gifts Esther with leadership, strengthens her in those gifts, and calls her to take risks – all for the sake of her own safety and that of her people. Like Esther, we can be assured of God’s holy presence and deliverance. Like Esther, we can choose to act for the deliverance of others.  

Come join Pastor CeCee Mills, the keynote speaker, as she highlights the risk demanded by discipleship – bidding us to consider how God might also be calling us “for such a time as this.”

Come join Pastor Heidi Neumark, our Bible study leader, as she celebrates Esther’s leadership growth, inviting us also to recognize the gifts which God has given us.

Come join Michael Benshish, our music leader, as he invites us to live into the theme musically as we sing together: “Perhaps you have been chosen for such a time as this!”He will lead us once again in a Jazz Mass for Friday evening worship. If you are interested in singing in a choir please indicate on the registration form.

Come and learn! Come for fellowship! Come to serve your neighbor! 

Come to Power in the Spirit 2024!

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Upcoming Deadlines

  • Early Bird Registration Closes April 29
  • If you want a T-shirt, Register by May 22
  • General Registration Closes May 29
Register Now for 2024 Summer Power in the Spirit
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Previous Workshop Presentations and Recordings

We will learn about Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith, who are commemorated in the church on January 27. Women as well as men were important Christian leaders from the beginning, as demonstrated by these coworkers of the apostle Paul. Lydia, a seller of purple goods, lent her home for a church; Dorcas was known for charitable works; and Phoebe was a deacon in the church at Cenchrae. These three women represent different Christian ministries. Their names can stand for the many other women who shared generosity, who served, who led, and who bore witness to the faith. Their examples of living can lead us to serve Christ and to bear witness to the faith in varieties of ways today.
Our Bible study leaders, Pastor Phyllis Diamond, Pastor Jessica Darty, and Sylvia Miles (VA Synod commissioned lay preacher) will lead us in learning more about Lydia, Dorcus, and Phoebe by looking at their lives of witnessing and serving the early church.
For more event information including the workshops that will be offered, click here.  Click the dates below to watch the workshops offered.

The Rev. Brenda Smith, 1517 Media & Book of Faith, joined us as our keynote speaker! Come, and explore how you can bring the Beatitudes into the modern world with a fresh look at Jesus’ words for you today through the morning devotions, digital workshops, and worship. Explore how God’s people can reach out to all with the love of God.  For more event information including the workshops that will be offered, click here.  Click the dates below to watch the workshops offered.

Power in the Spirit: July 14-16, 2022 

What does it mean to be a leader in the Church and a follower of Jesus? The words of Saint Thomas reveal a disciple whose faith in Jesus makes him willing to go where Jesus goes, even when danger and death are real possibilities. For Thomas, it’s better to be unsafe with Jesus than to stay behind as Jesus heads into dangerous places. For the Church today, we just may be called to a similar faith that goes with Jesus—even into danger

Power Points by Beth Lewis
Beth Lewis has graciously made her PowerPoint presentations available to us for later review. These slide include many links to additional resources. We thank Beth for sharing her work with us!
The Rev. Kevin Strickland, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, joined us as our keynote speaker! Bishop Strickland brings a wealth of knowledge regarding worship practices and how our worship forms us for mission.  For more event information including the workshops that will be offered, click here.  Click the dates below to watch the workshops offered.

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