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.

Power in the Spirit Events in 2025

Midwinter Power in the Spirit 2025

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.

Summer Power in the Spirit 2025

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)

When we are tired or weary and feel like fainting, God promises to revise us and to raise us up – with strength like that of an eagle’s wings. This hope in God is sure and true because “The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth – who doesn’t grow tired or weary.” (Isaiah 40.28) All of creation – the waters of the earth, the night sky filled with stars, the dust of the earth, the mountains and hills – all creation reflects God’s glory (Isaiah 40.12, 26). In God’s great love and compassion for humanity, God gathers us all in loving arms, lifting us up onto God’s lap (Isaiah 40.11). Who can compare with God!?!
In Isaiah 40, the prophet Isaiah shares a word of hope and promise with God’s people who are living in exile. They were strangers in a strange land, perhaps forgetting the steadfast promises of God to be their God – always! Like God’s people of old, we too sometimes forget God’s abiding promise to be with us in Christ Jesus – always! God is our hope – always!

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! 

Come to Power in the Spirit 2025!

Save the Dates (PDF Downloadable)

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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