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 2026

This year’s gathering will take place on the campus of Roanoke College July 16-18, 2026. We are excited to have the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Yehiel Curry, attending and speaking at Power in the Spirit.

The Rev. Susan Briehl will be our Bible study leader this summer, focusing on the work of the Spirit in the book of Acts. She has served the wider church as teacher, writer, and liturgist, and she has taught parish worship and preaching at Wartburg Seminary. Her hymn lyrics and liturgical texts appear in several denominational worship books. Among her books are Holden, Prayer Around the Cross: Handbook to the Liturgy, and On Our Way: Christian Practices for Living a Whole Life.

The Rev. Drew Tucker will be the event’s keynote speaker. He is the Executive Director of HopeWood Outdoor Lutheran Camp on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. Before this calling, Tucker served as University Pastor, Director of the Center for Faith and Learning, and part-time faculty member at Capital University. Tucker is the author of 4D Formation: Exploring Vocation in Community.

Michael Benshish will return as the event musician for Power in the Spirit. Benshish serves as music director at Lutheran churches in Chicago and Portsmouth. He has performed in concert around the world and has written numerous compositions, including a Jazz Mass. He is a gifted, collaborative musician and hopes that you will participate in our worship this summer by joining the choir or playing an instrument.

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Previous Workshop Presentations and Recordings

The sixth annual Midwinter Power in the Spirit online gathering will be held on February 2-4, 2026!

Foundations of Faith – Midwinter Power in the Spirit

During our online gathering on February 2-4, 2026, we will learn how the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”, relate to Foundations of Faith in the Lutheran Church, particularly in the Virginia Synod. As each night progresses, development of our faith begins with Who am I? and Why Am I Here?; 2nd night Is How We Got Here?; and ending on the last night with Where Are We Going?

Our Bible study leaders will be The Rev. Jessica Darty (Trinity, Pulaski) on Monday night, Dr. Bill Franz (Christ, Richmond) on Tuesday night, and The Revs. Wanda Childs (Floyd-Willis Parish) and Marty Wagner (Chaplain for the Lay Ministry Academy), on Wednesday night. They will lead us to learn more about how power, love, and self-discipline work in our lives.

For more event information, including the workshops offered, click here.

Summer Power in the Spirit

Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Roanoke College

Wings of Hope

“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NRSVUE)

Come join Maryn Olson, Director of Lutheran Disaster Response for the ELCA, as the keynote speaker, Rev. Bobby Morris, Pastor of St. Matthew’s in Pomaria, South Carolina, as our Bible study leader, and Michael Benshish, our music leader.

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

Notes from Workshops

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Emails and Worship Bulletins

Wednesday, July 16

Thursday, July 17

Friday, July 18

Saturday, July 19

The fifth annual Midwinter Power in the Spirit online gathering will be held on February 3-5, 2025!

We will learn how the words of I Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” relate to Mary, Mother of Jesus, Abraham, and Mary of Bethany. These three major people in our Bible show how we can apply faith, hope, and love in our lives today. You will have the opportunity to participate in one of two workshops each evening relating to the theme of the evening.

Our Bible study leaders will be Rev. Jessica Darty (Trinity, Pulaski) on Monday night, Edith Blake (St. Andrew, Portsmouth) Power in the Spirit Coordinator on Tuesday night, and Rev. Wes Smith (Zion, Waynesboro) Power in the Spirit Coordinator on Wednesday night. They will lead us to learn more about Mary, Mother of Jesus, Abraham, and Mary of Bethany by looking at their lives and how faith, hope, and love work in their lives.

For more event information, including the workshops offered, click here.  Click the dates below to watch the workshops offered.

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.

Stay connected with the Power in the Spirit community at www.facebook.com/powerinthespirit