Living Stones: Building a Strong Foundation in Christ
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, welcome to our new beginning! The Virginia Provisional Annual Conference of the GMC is delighted to announce we will be holding our Convening Conference from May 31st to June 1st, 2024. Rev. Don Gibson and our Methodist family at Beulah Church in Chesterfield have graciously agreed to host our gathering. We look forward to meeting our new President Rev. Greg West and Vice President Rev. Brandon Nichols , our new Leadership Team and taking care of the business of officially convening our annual conference and electing delegates to the GMC General Convening Conference coming up in September in Costa Rica.
We are excited to offer multiple training breakout sessions in three tracks: Firm Foundations, Building Living Stones, and Being Living Stones. Firm Foundations will focus on the administrative, technical and essential ministry needs for churches. Building Living Stones will focus on discipleship training to equip church leaders and members to develop a strong culture of discipleship in their congregations. Being Living Stones provides training and innovations for mission and community engagement for your churches. There will be three training time slots, and we hope you’ll sign up for a variety of trainings.
Lastly, but most importantly, we cannot wait to come together for celebration of the building our great and gracious God is doing. We will open our GMC Gathering with a time of prayer and worship. Friday evening, we will have a time of slowing down for extended praise, prayer, and waiting on the presence of the Lord. On Saturday, we will close our time together by celebrating the ordination of the new deacons and elders God has called to serve in the GMC here in Virginia and join together in Holy Communion.
Delegates, members of the GMC, and all those who want to come and see what God is building in the GMC of Virginia are welcome. Visit our Registration Page now to reserve your space.
Where
Beulah Church 6930 Hopkins Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234
When
Friday to Saturday
May 31 - June 1
![stack stones with the text Living Stones: Building a Strong Foundation in Christ. GMC Virginia Annual Conference Convening Conference 2024](img/Living-Stones-social.png)
Provisional Annual Conference Speakers
Prepare to be uplifted and inspired with various Virginia leaders joining us for our provisional Annual Conference. Explore the diverse perspectives and spiritual insights shared by our lineup of respected clergy and laity.
![David Bean headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/david-bean.jpg)
David Bean
Virginia GMC Gathering Team Chair
![John Bright Headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/john-bright.jpeg)
John Bright
Presiding Elder
![Bishop Young Gin Cho headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Bishop-Cho.png)
Young Jin Cho
Bishop Emeritus - GMC
![Tera Ertz](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/tera.jpg)
Tera Ertz
Virginia GMC Committee Member
![Todd Freneaux headshot](img/speakers/toddf.png)
Todd Freneaux
Jeremiah Project
![Amy Gearhardt headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Amy-Gearhardt2Crop.jpg)
Amy Gearhardt
Virginia GMC Leadership Team Member
![Mike Huff headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/mike-huff.jpg)
Mike Huff
Virginia GMC Finance Team Chair
![Brandon Nichols headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/brandon.jpg)
Brandon Nichols
Virginia Vice President Pro Tem
![Speaker 1](img/speakers/mark-webb.png)
Mark Webb
Bishop
![Speaker 3](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/greg-west.jpg)
Greg West
Virginia President Pro Tem
![Sung Yoo headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Sung-yoo.jpg)
Sung Yoo
Virginia GMC Leadership Team Member and Presiding Elder
Event Schedule
2024 Virginia Provisional Annual Conference Schedule
Our Schedule includes insightful speeches, interactive trainings, Provisional Annual Conference Business and fellowship opportunities for you at the 2024 Virginia Conference.
![Orange on a table](img/breakfast.jpg)
Breakfast and Registration Covered Breezeway
We will be having Donuts, pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice
![Brenden Legros](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/john-bright.jpeg)
Concert of Prayer: Holy Spirit Focus Sanctuary
John Bright
![Greg West Headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/greg-west.jpg)
Building Living Stones: Classes and Bands Sanctuary
Greg West
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Building Living Stones: Classes and Bands Session Description
The heartbeat of Methodism that generated the one of the greatest expansions of the kingdom of God across two continents was the structure of covenantal discipleship groups instituted by John Wesley and propagated in America by Francis Asbury. We in the GMC are earnestly praying for awakening in our day, and we need a revival of this practice of watching over one another in love. Virginia Conference President Reverend Greg West will share the vision for small group revival covering:
- The purpose and structure of class meetings
- The purpose and structure of band meetings
- Why we need both in our churches
- How to start classes and bands in your congregations
![Cole Emmerich](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/tbd.jpg)
Building Living Stones: Family and Children's Discipleship TBD
TBD
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Building Living Stones: Family and Children's Discipleship Session Description
Some of God’s earliest commands to Moses involved teaching the children to know Him and to follow Him. John Wesley famously commanded his preachers to teach the children wherever they went. In an age where the world wants to shape children in its image it is essential to provide children and their parents with the tools and training they need to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We will be covering:
- Reimagining children’s ministry as discipleship
- The importance of a holistic approach to family discipleship
- Best practices and resources for safe sanctuary policies and procedures
- Curriculum and resource ideas for ministry
![Cole Emmerich](img/speakers/toddf.png)
Building Living Stones: Youth Discipleship TBD
Todd Freneaux
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Building Living Stones: Youth Discipleship Session Description
The teen years are a challenging time in the modern age, and much like in the first century, our youth are being pressured to make life-changing decisions at younger and younger ages. Scripture provides a model of discipleship for youth that focuses on helping them see themselves as fully responsible, maturing followers of Jesus, engaged in evangelism, discipling, and fully participating in the life of the church. Todd Freneaux is the co-founder of The Jeremiah Project, a student ministry based out of Williamsburg, VA that provides mission trips, weekend retreats and conferences for middle and high school students, as well as a year-long leadership development experience for high school students. He will share his vision for:
- Developing holistic discipleship for youth that includes mission and ministry
- Exploring what it means to have a resilient faith and identifying practices that are helpful in establishing resilient disciples.
- Suggested resources
- Ways to engage youth in leadership and the broader life of the church
![Chicken sandwich](img/chicken-sandwich.jpg)
Lunch Fellowship Hall
Chick-fil-a box lunches - Chicken sandwich or 8 piece chicken nuggets.
![Brandon Nichols headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/brandon.jpg)
Being Living Stones: Creating a Faithful Local Church Culture for the Future Sanctuary
Brandon Nichols
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Being Living Stones: Creating a Faithful Local Church Culture for the Future Session Description
God is doing a new thing in the GMC. As Wesleyans we believe in cooperating with the work God has begun. To do that we need a renewed and refreshed culture in the church that turns us from the worldly concepts of consumeristic, market driven metrics and the social club mentality toward a dynamic, gospel centered understanding of Christian community. Virginia Conference Vice President Brandon Nichols will share his passion for gospel-centered church life by exploring:
- Biblical foundations of connectional living
- Practical ways to connect disciples
- Shifting from a program centered to a Gospel centered church
- Discover the core, gospel focused metrics by which our fruitfulness should be measured.
- Exploring models for a faithful local church culture.
![Tera Ertz](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/tera.jpg)
Being Living Stones: Passion for Prayer TBD
Tera Ertz
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Being Living Stones: Passion for Prayer Session Description
Prayer is the heartbeat of Christian life and community. We are called to pray without ceasing, pray for all things, and pray for each other. It is in prayer the Lord reveals Himself as Comforter, Advocate, Father, and Guide. It is in prayer that we see miracles, healing, and awakening around the world. Tera Ertz is a member of the New Room Conference Prayer Team and will lead a time of learning to:
- Prepare to pray
- Listen for the Holy Spirit during prayer ministry
- Understand the presence of the Holy Spirit
- Implement best practices for altar and prayer ministry
![Sung Yoo Headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Sung-yoo.jpg)
Being Living Stones: Who Are We? TBD
Sung Yoo
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Being Living Stones: Who Are We? Session Description
What makes us Methodist? What differentiates Methodists from other believers? Are we Wesleyan enough? The exodus from our previous denomination was painful, and many of us grieved. But our pain was not wasted, because it was a birth pang as God was birthing a new church movement, the Global Methodist Church, through a faithful remnant of God. We are regrouping ourselves as Global Methodists. What an opportune time to revisit who we are and to re-clarify what makes us uniquely Methodist. We will explore eight main features of Wesleyan theology.
![people worshiping with hands raised](img/worship.jpg)
Worship Sanctuary
Greg West
![icon of a person in a business suite](img/business.jpg)
Business Meeting Sanctuary
Greg West and Brandon Nichols
Supper Local Resturants
Find a friend to have supper with! Eat there or bring it back for evening worship!
![people worshiping with hands](img/worship.jpg)
Worship Sancuary
Daybreak Worship Band
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Evening Worship Description
Join us for a powerful worship experience where we come together as a community to lift our hearts and voices in praise. Our service will feature inspiring testimonies from members across Virginia, sharing stories of God's faithfulness and provision in their lives. We'll also engage in heartfelt prayer, both individually and corporately, seeking God's guidance, comfort, and strength.
During our worship time, we'll be led by our talented musicians and singers in songs of adoration and gratitude, while we enter into God's presence.
This special worship service will also offer a special moment of anointing, we'll invite those who desire to receive a touch from God to come forward. This time is an opportunity to surrender our burdens, fears, and hopes to the Lord, trusting in His grace and healing power.
Finally, we'll have a dedicated time for healing prayer, where our members will be available to pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Whether you're in need of physical restoration, inner healing, or simply a renewed sense of God's presence, we invite you to come and receive prayer.
Join us as we encounter the love and power of God in worship, prayer, and fellowship, and experience His transformative presence in our midst.
![Orange on a table](img/breakfast.jpg)
Breakfast and Registration Covered Breezeway
We will be having Donuts, pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice
![Hubert Hirthe](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Bishop-Cho.png)
Bible Study Sanctuary
Bishop Cho
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Bible Study Description
There are many questions that challenge us after the disaffiliation:
- Why have we left the United Methodist Church?
- What is next?
- What kind of church are we going to be?
- We want the GMC to be a movement renewing the churches. What is the essence of this movement?
These questions are related to the foundation of our churches. We will wrestle with these questions through studying together, Acts 16: 6-10.
![icon of a person in a business suite](img/business.jpg)
Delegate Elections to General Conference Sanctuary
Bishop Mark Webb
![people worshiping with hands raised](img/worship.jpg)
Worship Sanctuary
Brandon Nichols
![BBQ sandwich](img/bbq-sandwich.jpg)
Lunch Fellowship Hall
Brocks BBQ - Your choice of pulled chicken or pork BBQ.
![Bishop Webb Headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/conference-gathering/img/speakers/mark-webb.png)
Question and Answer Time Sanctuary
Bishop Webb, Greg West, and Brandon Nichols
![Amy Gearhardt headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/Amy-Gearhardt2Crop.jpg)
Firm Foundations: Let's Get Social TBD
Amy Gearhardt
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Firm Foundations: Let's Get Social Session Description
In our digital age online presence is an essential element of providing connection for your congregation, reaching people in your community, and sharing the gospel of Christ. For new or small churches all the options can seem overwhelming or out of reach. Social media is a simple and inexpensive way to help people find and connect with your church. The amazing Amy Gearhardt, Chair of the Virginia GMC Communications team will walk through:
- Building effective Facebook Pages and Groups
- Best practices for managing social media posts and interactions
- Developing a social media policy for volunteers responsible for social media accounts
- Other social media options beyond Facebook
- Developing a strategy for using social media to increase your church’s visibility and engagement
![David Bean headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/david-bean.jpg)
Firm Foundations: Planting a Lay Led Church TBD
David Bean
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Firm Foundations: Planting a Lay Led Church Session Description
From the days of Paul churches have grown up under the leadership of laity as people come to know Jesus, break bread, pray, and learn together. In the days of early Methodism churches gathered first in homes and meeting houses, under the direction of lay teachers. Today, God is doing a new-old thing as the GMC begins planting new churches around the world. David Bean will share what he’s learned as a lay leader launching a church here in VA covering topics like:
- Finding gathering spaces
- Drawing people into community together
- Leading and organizing volunteers and services
- Developing a vision for the church
![Mike Huff Headshot](https://gmcvirginia.org/images/team/mike-huff.jpg)
Firm Foundations: Foundational Finances TBD
Mike Huff
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Firm Foundations: Foundational Finances Session Description
Jesus teaches on finances all over the New Testament and reminds us that all we have belongs to God. As His people we are blessed with both the resources and responsibility to grow the church and serve the people God loves. Administration and stewardship are good gifts from God that He provides to the churches to help guide how we use His abundance well. Mike Huff of the Virginia Conference Finance Team will share practical and God-honoring practices around:
- Biblical budgeting
- Connectional giving
- Salaries, benefits, payroll and auditing practices
- Program recommendations for various size churches
![Red GMC Stoles on kneeling rail](img/ordination.jpg)
Ordination Sanctuary
Bishop Webb
![Cake being frosted](img/cake.jpg)
Ordination Reception Fellowship Hall
Ordinands and their family and close friends are invited to the fellowship hall for a celebration with cake and beverages.
May 30
![icon of a person in a business suite](img/business.jpg)
Ordinands Gathering TBD
Bishop Mark Webb, Tom Thomas, Greg West, Brandon Nichols, and Presiding Elders
June 1
Ordinands and Leaders Gather TBD
Info Coming Soon
June 1
![Red GMC Stoles on kneeling rail](img/ordination.jpg)
Ordination Sanctuary
Bishop Webb
June 1
![cake being frosted](img/cake.jpg)
Celebration Fellowship Hall
Ordinands and their family and close friends are invited to the fellowship hall for a celebration with cake and beverages.
Event Venue
Beulah Church, Chesterfield, VA
Located in Chesterfield Virginia Beulah is the location of this years Provisional Annual Conference Gathering! There are many hotels and local restaurants located near the church. The church has adquate parking and accessibility for everyone to attend the Provisional Annual Conference.
Event Accessibility Accommodations
If you are in need of accommodations for the 2024 VA provisional Annual Conference Gathering please contact us at bbailey@gmcvirginia.org.
Accessibility at Beulah
- Accessible Restrooms
- Elevators
- Ramps
- In ear William Sound Fm transmitters - will be handed out on a first come first serve basis
- Digital large print version of the bulletin accessible via a QR code
Parking at Beulah
There is plenty of parking at Beulah Church.
![Parking Map](img/parking-beulah.jpg)
Convenient parking facilities are available onsite for all conference attendees, ensuring hassle-free access to our event. We have access to 190 regular parking spots and 22 accessible parking spots. Additional parking is available between us and St. Augustine Catholic Church.
There is a drop off and pick up zone near the registration area for those with limited mobility. If you need additional assistance to and from the parking lot please contact us.
Hotels
Here are some nearby hotels
Restaurants
Friday Supper is on your own! Consider trying one of these local places.
Gallery
Check our gallery from the recent events
Volunteer at the provisional Annual Conference
Volunteering at the VA GMC provisional Annual Conference offers a unique opportunity to play an integral role in fostering a sense of community and service within the Global Methodist Church right here in Virginia. As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to contribute to the smooth operation of the conference, whether it's by assisting with registration, guiding attendees to around the building, or providing logistical support behind the scenes. Your dedication and commitment to service will not only enrich the conference experience for all participants but also embody the spirit of Wesleyan hospitality and fellowship. Join us in making a difference and shaping the future of the Virginia Global Methodist Church provisional Annual Conference.
To volunteer complete the form below or contact David Bean today!
F.A.Q
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How do I nominate a Delegate for the GMC General Conference?
Clergy delegates will recieve a form to complete to nominate themselves or someone else as a delegate to the GMC General Conference. If you are Clergy delegate and you do not receive an email by May 1st please contact Brooke Bailey.
We are in the process of gathering Lay Delegate information to be able to email out the lay nomination form. Once we have this information from churches we will email the lay nomination form out at a later date. Please be in prayerful consideration on who you wish to nominate.
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Who is allowed to vote for Delegates to the GMC General Conference
Only church delegates (laity) and GMC clergy are allowed to vote. If you are a clergy and have questions about your specific voting status please contact us as soon as possible.
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Who is allowed to come to the VA GMC Ordination on June 1st?
Anyone who wishes to attend the Spring 2024 Ordination class of the VA GMC can be present. We encourage all conference attendees to stay for the ordination service if they are able to celebrate the ordinands for answer the call God has placed on their lives.
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I am being ordained, who am I allowed to bring up with me?
Each ordinand may have up to two elders as sponsors, and their spouse and children, if applicable, to stand with you for the laying on of hands. Of course, please invite your family, friends, and church folk to the service.
Families of ordinands will not have reserved seating so please have anyone coming up with you come early to get a seat that will work for them.
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I am in need of a disability accommodation for this event how can I make my request?
If you have an accommodation need please contact Brooke Bailey. We will try to accommodate your needs with a reasonable accommodation.
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Is there a designated section for voting and non-voting members?
Yes. There will be a designated section that will be roped off for voting members to sit. Other attendees are welcome to be present during the vote in other areas of the sanctuary.
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What food is going to be available at the GMC provisional Annual Conference?
The Virginia GMC will be providing the following food and beverages at the 2024 VA GMC Provisional Annual Conference Gathering:
- Breakfast both days
- Lunch both days
- Snacks both days
- Drinks for meals and snacks
- Ordination Reception food and drinks
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I have a food allergy what are my options?
If you have a food allergy that will need to be accommodated please contact Brooke Bailey.
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I have a child being brought with me will childcare be provided?
Yes! Childcare will be provided at the conference event, HOWEVER all children must be pre-registerd on your registration form in order for you to use childcare. All children who are not pre-registered will NOT be allowed to use the childcare option.
This is so that we have the proper number of attendees in the childcare for the children that will be there.
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What hotel arrangements are available?
The conference has not made any arrangements with hotels however Beulah has provided us with a list of hotels that are nice and cloe to the hotel to meet your needs!
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I only want to come for one day is that possible?
Yes! You can register for just 1 day of the conference, of your choosing. If you need assistance registering please contact the gathering team today!
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Is Supper being provided at the conference?
Supper is not being provided by the conference. A plan meal break is being scheduled between 5-7pm for you to go out and get food. You can bring food back or enjoy it at the restaurant. We encourage you to fellowship with conference attendees!
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Am I allowed to bring food or drinks into the conference?
Yes! You are allowed to bring in outside food and drinks as you wish. We require that you do not bring glass into the facility for safety and that you dispose of food and drink containers in the recycle bins as needed.
Registration Options
Look at our registration options based on your role at the conference and how many days you wish to attend!
Non-Delegate
$30
- Breakfast Both Days
- Snacks and Beverages Both Days
- Lunch Both Days
- Name Badge
- Bag of information
- Trainings
Church Delegates & Clergy
$30
- Breakfast Both Days
- Snacks and Beverages Both Days
- Lunch Both Days
- Name Badge
- Bag of information
- Trainings
- Voting Information
Registration and Checkin At The Event
Once you arrive at Beulah you will go to the registration desk that will be located in the breezeway at Beulah. At the registration table you will recieve your name tag and all materials you will need for the conference day(s). Once registered you can proceed into Beulah to get adjusted to the building, eat some breakfast, and fellowship with others until the days events begin.
Contact Us
Need assistance with something, please contact us today!