The Virginia Campaign for

Love Boldly
Serve Joyfully
Lead Courageously

Uniting United Methodist Congregations Worldwide
United Methodist leaders are inviting 30,000 worldwide congregations during 2026 into a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered six-week emphasis to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. The emphasis will equip congregations through worship and small group study to extend the vision of the church and receive a special offering to help support 500 students annually to prepare for pastoral ministry across Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
In Virginia, the six-week series begin September 6 and culminates on Miracle Sunday, October 11 with a special offering. By equipping pastors, teachers, and lay leaders, the Church invests in leaders who will guide communities with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

Every church is encouraged to receive an offering on October 11, 2026 to support theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

To support this journey together as Virginia United Methodists, congregations will find in the Worship & Small Resources for Virginia:

• A thematic introduction for worship
• Scripture summaries for preaching and teaching
• Meditations and prayers from Global Leaders
• Sermon preparation points
• A small group leader’s guide with discussion questions
• A video testimony of a graduate from a theological school

Together, these resources help churches of every size and culture grow spiritually, deepen their witness, and join in God’s mission with bold love, joyful service, and courageous leadership.

Resources to prepare for the 6-week study and worship series

Virginia Dates & Timeline

6 week campaign for “Forming Trusted Leaders: Endowing Theological Education in Africa, Europe & the Philippines”

September 6, 2026 – Week 1

This week’s small group focus is on “Disciples formed by Jesus Christ” with videos and prayers by global leaders

September 13, 2026 – Week 2

This week’s small group focus is on “Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit” with videos and prayers by global leaders.

September 20, 2026 – Week 3

This week’s small group focus is on “Love Boldly” with videos and prayers by global leaders.

September 27, 2026 – Week 4

This week’s small group focus is on “Serve Joyfully” with videos and prayers by global leaders.

October 4, 2026 – Week 5

This week’s small group focus is on “Lead Courageously” with videos and prayers by global leaders.

October 11, 2026 – Week 6
Miracle Sunday Offering

This week’s final small group focus is on “Disciples Transform the World” with videos and prayers by global leaders.

Donate Today. Make a Difference.

Donate to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously

United Methodist leaders are inviting 30,000 congregations and their pastors worldwide into a God-led, Holy Spirit–empowered six-week emphasis: Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.

This global emphasis will equip congregations through worship and small group resources, extending the church’s vision and inviting a special offering to support the next generation of leaders.

Your gift will help provide theological education for 500 students each year, preparing them for pastoral ministry across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

Donations can be made through your local church, or you can make an individual donation using the “Donate Online” link above, by mail, or through a gift of stock.

Mail your donation by mail:
Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences
Virginia Conference of the UMC
10330 Staples Mill Road, STE 100
Glen Allen VA 23060-3251

Gifts of Stock
Gifts of stock are gratefully accepted. To arrange for stock gifts, please contact Courtney Howell (Virginia United Methodist Foundation) at 804-521-1159 or CourtneyHowell@vaumc.org.