The Berglund Center
Roanoke, VA
June 11-14, 2025.
Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson is excited to announce the theme of the 243rd session of the Virginia Annual Conference is A Conference in Three Movements. This theme emerges from the belief that there are three principal movements of the Holy Spirit taking place in the present era of the church:
- The theological movement from prevenient grace to sanctification. This is the movement of the Holy Spirit in the human heart.
- The historical movement of Methodism captured in our past, lived in our present, and pointed toward our future. This is the movement of the Holy Spirit in the church.
- The missional movement from gathered spaces into all the world. This is the movement of the Holy Spirit in community.
These movements build upon each other, intertwining together to demonstrate what has been, what is, and what will be as God continues to move amongst God’s people.
The Annual Conference logo is designed to be an embodiment of this powerful theme. The three flames joining as one light are a reminder of the three movements and the connection they share. The placement of words and font selection are meant to evoke an imaginative sense of movement and the constant motion of the Holy Spirit. The color family of reds, yellows, and oranges is meant to offer a sense of fire that is sparking and burning within the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
As we prepare to gather in Roanoke this June, we hope members of the Annual Conference will begin to consider the role of these three movements in their lives, the lives of their churches, and the lives of the communities we are called to serve.
Annual Conference 2025 Recordings:
June 14: Morning Session
June 13: Afternoon Session
June 13: Morning Session
June 12: Afternoon Session
June 12: Morning Session
• Housing voucher:
Clergy Housing Assistance
⚬ Clergy must register their attendance at Clergy Session on Wednesday, June 12.
⚬ Following Annual Conference, that registration list will be reviewed to verify the church/charge of an appointed clergyperson who was in attendance at Clergy Session.
⚬That church/charge will receive an email from the Conference Office asking if they would need to receive a check for $100 to assist with the cost of clergy lodging at Annual Conference.
⚬ The church/charge treasurer will need to reply affirmatively to that email by June 30 to qualify for this assistance.
⚬ Checks will be sent during the month of July to the church/charge and should be in hand no later than August 1, 2025.
⚬ Please note that this assistance only applies in situations where a clergyperson is appointed to a local church or charge within the boundaries of the Virginia Annual Conference and payment will only be remitted to the church/charge.
• Voting: This year at the Annual Conference session, members will vote on constitutional amendments supported by the 2020-2024 General Conference.
• Badges: Clergy are asked to ensure they have their clergy badges given out at Annual Conference last year. To request a new one, please contact ChrisMalak@vaumc.org.
• Book of Reports: This year, to be good stewards, no copies of the publication will be printed. It will be part of the Official packet. Members can take the electronic file and print it on their own as they see fit.
Theme:
“Movement of the Heart”
The focus on how God transforms us and how God molds and shapes us and allows us to be agents of change in and around our community.
Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Edgardo Colón-Emeric, Dean, Duke Divinity School
Scott Erickson, “Scott the Painter”
Preachers:
Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Opening Worship
Rev. Dr. Charles Ledlum-Bates, Memorial Service
Bishop Ken Carter, Ordination Service
For any questions, email JonathanPage@vaumc.org.
Annual Conference Navigation
(click the icon below)
AC Housing
Clergy Housing Assistance
⚬ Clergy must register their attendance at Clergy Session on Wednesday, June 12.
⚬ Following Annual Conference, that registration list will be reviewed to verify the church/charge of an appointed clergyperson who was in attendance at Clergy Session.
⚬That church/charge will receive an email from the Conference Office asking if they would need to receive a check for $100 to assist with the cost of clergy lodging at Annual Conference.
⚬ The church/charge treasurer will need to reply affirmatively to that email by June 30 to qualify for this assistance.
⚬ Checks will be sent during the month of July to the church/charge and should be in hand no later than August 1, 2025.
⚬ Please note that this assistance only applies in situations where a clergyperson is appointed to a local church or charge within the boundaries of the Virginia Annual Conference and payment will only be remitted to the church/charge.
AC Speakers
AC Preachers
Alternate Lay Member at Large Form
If there is a change to your district’s elected Lay Member at Large, please print out and complete the linked form then bring it to the Registration Help Desk at Annual Conference 2025 in the Berglund Center.
If there is an elected alternate for your church (or charge), please print out and complete the linked form and then bring them to the Registration Help Desk at Annual Conference 2025 in the Berglund Center.
Banquets & Events
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William & Mary Wesley Foundation – Alumni & Friends
5:30 PM @ Thrasher UMC
707 E. Washington Ave., Vinton, VA
Contact: RyanLarock@vaumc.org
Journeys of Paul with Bishop Sue Reunion
5:30 PM @ Twisted Track Brew Pub
523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke
Contact: terririggs@vaumc.org or (757) 329-2513
Randolph-Macon College – Celebration of President Lindgren
7:45 AM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Pocahontas
Contact: kendragrimes@rmc.edu
Certified Lay Ministers Luncheon
12:00 PM @ Bonsack UMC
4493 Bonsack Rd NE, Roanoke, VA
Contact: joannadietz@vaumc.org
Register HERE
Church & Society Luncheon
12:00 PM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Shenandoah
Rev. Dr. Keisha Cook, new executive of Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, will be the speaker.
The price will be $50 for the lunch.
Contact: jaydeehanson@gmail.com
Register HERE
Lunch Lab
12:30 PM @ Berglund Center, Berglund Hall
Contact: amandagarber@vaumc.org
Lunch Lab
12:30 PM @ Berglund Center, Special Events Center
Contact: amandagarber@vaumc.org
VA Conference Clergy Women Luncheon
12:30 PM @ Greene Memorial UMC
402 Second St. SW, Roanoke, VA
Contact: melaniefranklin@vaumc.org and joannapaysour@vaumc.org
Council on Finance & Administration
5:30 PM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Pocahontas
Contact: caroldraper@vaumc.org
VA Conference Diaconate Dinner
5:30 PM @ Thrasher UMC
707 E. Washington Ave., Vinton, VA
Contact: lynharding@vaumc.org
Wesley Theological Seminary Dinner – Alumni and Friends Dinner
6:00 PM @ Greene Memorial UMC
402 Second St. SW, Roanoke, VA
Contact: jdriscoll@wesleyseminary.ed
Register HERE
Asian American Ministers Association Dinner
6:30 PM @ Thrasher UMC
707 E. Washington Ave., Vinton, VA
Contact: jiyeonkim@vaumc.org
Register HERE
Living Waters District AC Dinner
6:30 PM @ The Hatch
32 Market Square SE, Suite 103, Roanoke
Contact: terririggs@vaumc.org or (757) 329-2513
Group Run Meetup
6:30 PM @ Starr Hill Brewery
6 Old Whitmore Ave Roanoke, VA 24016
Contact: andrewware@vaumc.org
An Evening with Scott Erickson
7 PM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke Ballroom CD
Group Run Meetup
6:30 AM @ Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea
117 Campbell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
Contact: andrewware@vaumc.org
Virginia Conference United Methodist Men’s Breakfast
7:00 AM @ Greene Memorial UMC
402 Second St SW, Roanoke, VA
Contact: djcoll@icloud.com |
Register HERE
Union Presbyterian Seminary Luncheon
12:00 PM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Shenandoah B
Contact: nicole.ball@upsem.edu
VAUMC Fellowship of Licensed Local Pastors & Associate Members Lunch
12:00 PM @ Bella Vista Room, 4th Floor, Berglund Center
Contact: nancyjohnson@vaumc.org
Lunch Lab
12:30 PM @ Berglund Center, Berglund Hall
Contact: amandagarber@vaumc.org
Lunch Lab
12:30 PM @ Berglund Center, Special Events Center
Contact: amandagarber@vaumc.org
ARMS Retirement Banquet
6:00 PM @ The Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke Ballroom A-D
Contact: nancyblair@vaumc.org
Duke Divinity School
6:00 PM @ Greene Memorial UMC
402 2nd St SW, Roanoke, VA
Contact: korirobins@gmail.com
Register HERE
Virginia Reconciling United Methodists Dinner
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM @ Bonsack UMC
4493 Bonsack Road NE, Roanoke, VA
Contact: Markuselder@gmail.com
Register HERE
Laity Orientation for Annual Conference
Lunch Labs
As Annual Conference 2025 draws near, the Office of Missional & Community Engagement is thrilled to bring back Lunch Labs again to continue to learn, experiment, and resource members and guests of the Virginia Annual Conference!
Lunch Labs are experiential learning opportunities that will equip and resource participants as they seek to connect with each other, their church, their community, and the world. Participants will engage with seasoned practitioners and hear their stories of joys, failures, and lessons learned. They’ll also have opportunities to dream, experiment and (hopefully) leave the labs feeling more inspired, equipped and encouraged to embody God’s love and hope in the world.
For the 2025 Annual Conference, we are excited to offer two different Lunch Labs each day of Annual Conference, for a grand total of four distinct opportunities to gather together in the lab and experiment together.
Lunch will be provided for Lunch Lab participants at $10/person each day and can be paid online when you register. We strongly encourage paying online if at all possible. If you need to pay via check, please make your check out to VAUMC with “Lunch Labs” in the memo line, and mail your check along with the names of the people you are registering to 10330 Staples Mill Road Suite 100 Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Registration is closed.
Please note, per Berglund Center’s rules, we are unable to have outside food brought in as a lunch alternative.
On Thursday, June 12th:
• Shepherding Through the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care for the Church – Facilitated by Dr. Joy Kreider
• When the Storm Hits: Church, Community, and Disaster Recovery – Facilitated by Rev. Brian Posey and Rev. Bob Pihlcrantz
On Friday, June 13th:
• Ears to the Ground, Hearts Open: Community Listening as Love in Action – Facilitated by Dr. Brittany Bethel
• Click to Christ: Reimagining Ministry in the Digital Age – Facilitated by Rev. Jeremy Steele
To find our more about the 2025 Lunch Lab offerings, see below!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to The Office of Missional & Community Engagement at joannbatteiger@vaumc.org.
Thursday Lunch Labs
 | Shepherding Through the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care for the Church Led by Dr. Joy Kreider, Deliberate Dialogues |
Between COVID-19, disaffiliation, and continual social unrest alongside our personal lives, we are living in the wake of trauma and grief. This lunch lab will provide space to more deeply understand trauma, its effects on the brain, body, and soul, and offer space for participants to more deeply understand the impact of trauma and how local churches can respond faithfully.
 Rev. Brian Posey |  Rev. Bob Pihlcrantz |
When the Storm Hits: Church, Community, and Disaster Recovery
Led by Rev. Brian Posey and Rev. Bob Pihlcrantz
Natural disasters continue to wreak havoc on our communities and the world, and we have felt the first hand effects of that in our responses in the last year to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the wildfires in California. This lunch lab is an invitation for participants to gain a greater understanding of the work of connectionalism through our disaster response and the work of UMCOR. They will also get a hands-on insight into the process of disaster recovery and begin to experiment about how they can mobilize their local churches and communities together when the next disaster strikes.
Friday Lunch Labs
 | Ears to the Ground, Hearts Open: Community Listening as Love in Action Dr. Brittany Bethel, Executive Director of Cross Connection |
Loving God and loving neighbor is one of our primary calls as Christians. But, how do we do that well? In our time together, we will do a deeper dive into the foundations of community listening, and begin to explore our own communities and how we can best listen to the community’s hopes and dreams for the world.
 | Click to Christ: Reimagining Ministry in the Digital Age Rev. Jeremy Steele |
This hands-on workshop will explore how to do actual ministry—not marketing—on social media, transform passive livestream viewers into active participants, and break out of the box to imagine bold, small, new ways of being church in digital spaces. Whether you’re skeptical or sold on digital ministry, we’ll unpack why it matters—and spend time working on our individual approaches.
Offering
Disaster Response Within and Beyond the VAUMC
Half of the Annual Conference Offering will go to support the work of disaster response in different geographical locations recently affected by disasters: the Western North Carolina Conference in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Cal-Pac Conference after the LA wildfires, along with supporting the mobilization and response efforts from within the VAUMC. This portion of the Annual Conference Offering will remain available to help support and faithfully respond within the United Methodist connection when the next disaster strikes.
Partnerships of Hope
Partnerships of Hope is one of the ways we live into our worldwide connection as United Methodists. Partnering with people and organizations based in Brazil, Mozambique, Cambodia, Haiti, Vietnam, and Native American Ministries, we seek to respond to the needs of these communities along with engaging a space of mutual learning and resource sharing, recognizing that we are better and stronger when we work together rather than apart. The other half of our Annual Conference offering will go to support these efforts abroad.
For Retirees, First Time Appointees, Conference Staff, etc.
The Conference Per Deim is for retired clergy, first time appointments, etc per the CFA Policy (page 105-106 of the BOR) below:
1. INDIVIDUAL EXPENSES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE Provided for and managed as follows:
2. Each charge is responsible for the expenses of both the clergy and lay members (including diaconal ministers) from that charge to the annual conference, working out its own plan of compensating for actual expenses.
3. Persons not covered through local church appointment shall receive annual conference reimbursement not to exceed $200 a night for mileage, meals and lodging; the Conference treasurer shall reimburse the claimant through voucher of approved expenses. Coverage under this section extends to:
(a) retired clergy who retired with pension under one of the Disciplinary options and who are not serving full-time;
(b) clergy on medical leave;
(c) clergy on sabbatical leave who are members of the Virginia Annual Conference; 106 REPORTS
(d) retired diaconal ministers who served at least eight years in the Virginia Conference and who are granted a retired relationship by the Conference;
(e) persons expecting their first appointment;
(f) members of the conference who have been appointed to attend a theological school;
(g) those serving as chaplains in Armed Forces;
(h) deaconesses under appointment;
(i) furloughed missionary members of the Virginia Annual Conference;
(j) those on loan to other annual conferences, whose expenses are not otherwise provided for; and
(k) clergy returning from an approved leave of absence receiving local church pastoral appointments.
4. Each district is responsible for the expenses of its district superintendent, youth members and members-at-large.
5. Each board, agency or committee is responsible for the expenses of its chairpersons, if that person is not a clergy or lay member whose costs are covered by their charge or district.
The districts have a voucher for their at-large members, in which the districts reimburse them directly.
Food Trucks
Wednesday, June 11
11 AM – 2 PM
Empanada Nirvana
Big Daddy’s BBQ
Countryman Jamaican Grill
Kirsten’s Kitchen
Thursday, June 12
11:30 AM – 2 PM
Empanada Nirvana
Food On The Go
Countryman Jamaican Grill
El Guero’s
KEFI – Greek Food with a Passion
Thursday, June 12
5 PM – 7 PM
Empanada Nirvana
Food On The Go
A Heavenly Sandwich
KEFI – Greek Food with a Passion
Friday, June 13
11:30 AM – 2 PM
TopDawgs Mobile
Birrieria La Vaca
HotDog Girl
Food On The Go
KEFI – Greek Food with a Passion
Friday, June 13
5 PM – 7 PM
Food On The Go
Birrieria La Vaca
Nana’s Sweets and Treats
Donate Blood with American Red Cross
Don’t forget that you can make an appointment ahead of time to donate blood for the Red Cross Blood Drive at AC 2025 on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13. Please schedule your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and search with sponsor code VAUMC.
RV Accommodation
We have not made any special arrangements for RV accommodation. You are encouraged to explore options based upon your specific needs.
For your reference:
Colonies RV Park at Fort Monroe – https://thecoloniesrvtravelpark.com/
Gosnold’s Hope Park has RV Camping – https://www.hampton.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/2
Video Resources
Video resources are available on the conference YouTube page to help clergy and lay members prepare ahead of the 242nd Session of the Virginia Annual Conference. New videos will be released each week beginning May 13. Access videos…