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Mission Rivers District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Fall 2026 – Virtual Classes
Leading Public Prayer
Dates: August 31, September 7, September 14
Times: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Jennifer Robinson O’Brien, CLM
Book: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey,
Description: This course provides an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading public prayer. Using Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey, participants will be challenged to examine their assumptions, expand their understanding, and deepen their prayer life. Designed for those in the lay speaker track of study, this course encourages thoughtful reflection and practical skill development in leading prayer within the church community.
Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Public Prayer
Accountable Discipleship
Date: Evenings in the fall – September 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Rev David Hindman
Book: Accountable Discipleship: Living in God’s Household by Steven W. Manskar
Description: This course focuses on the concept of the household of God, Scripture as divine revelation, Wesleyan understandings of grace, and the importance of the class leader in the development of the Methodist movement.
Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Accountable Discipleship
Justice in Everyday Life
Dates: September 17, 24, October 1, 8 and 15
Times: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Martha Stokes, Conference Lay Leader
Book: Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church by Neal Christie
Description: From the Upper Room: Justice in Everyday Life, a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course, takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church — the church’s attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. The book covers topics such as the following: Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles. It is not only for Lay Servants but is for anyone interested in studying the Social Principles in greater detail.
Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Justice in Everyday Life
Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
Date: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Carol Merante, CLM
Book: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper
Description: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition is an Advanced Studies course that explores the heart of John Wesley’s vision for the Christian life through intentional, grace-centered spiritual practices. Using Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper, participants will examine how practices such as prayer, Scripture reading, the means of grace, fasting, conferencing, and accountability shape discipleship and nurture holiness of heart and life. The course emphasizes the dynamic connection between personal devotion, Christian community, and faithful living in the world, inviting participants to reflect on their own spiritual practices while gaining tools to model and lead devotional life within their congregations and ministries.
Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
Shenandoah River District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Strasburg United Methodist Church
114 W. Washington Street, Strasburg, VA 22657
Four classes are being offered:
Basic Course (Free!)
Leading Worship
Leading Preaching
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century
The cost for each class is $20, with the exception of the Basic Class.
Those who register for the Basic Class are eligible for a refund with the purchase of their required book. Simply email a copy of your receipt to ShenandoahRiverDistrict@vaumc.org, along with your mailing address, and we will send you a refund.
Lunch will be provided, with a free-will offering.
Register for your class and to learn more about the books or reading materials required for each class.
For registration questions contact the district office at shenandoahriverdistrict@vaumc.org
For training questions please contact Pastor Raini Newman at raini.newman0210@gmail.com
Scholarships are available, if needed.
Mountain View District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Lay Servant Ministry Training Offered
August 22 in Lynchburg
Saturday, Aug 22, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at
Chestnut Hill UMC, 4660 Fort Ave, Lynchburg VA 24502
Classes/Teachers/Texts:
Conflict Transformation, taught by DS Sarah Calvert
Text: The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of Justpeace, by Thomas Porter
A Beginner’s Guide to Preaching, taught by Rev. Clyde DeLoach
Text: From Pew to Pulpit, by Clifton F. Guthrie
Spiritual Growth, taught by Rev. Leigh Anne Taylor
Text: Grow Spiritually Through Daily Discipline: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
by Steve Harper
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Leigh Anne Taylor leighannetaylor@vaumc.org.
Valley Ridge District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
SHENANDOAH RIVER DISTRICT
Lay Servant Training (In Person)
September 26, 2026
The next Shenandoah River District Lay Servant Ministry Training will be held September 26th at Strasburg UMC (114 W. Washington Street, Strasburg, VA 22657). The training will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley will be teaching and serve as our keynote speaker. Pastors, we would love your help in encouraging the youth and young adults to take the Basic Course.
Read below each course description and requirements beforehand. The cost for each class is $20. Please note the Basic Class is free! Lunch will be provided and a free will offering taken for the meal. Payment can be made in advance below with your credit card or on the day of the event with exact cash only. Scholarships are available, if needed. Contact Raini Newman at the email address below.
Please complete the registration form below to secure your spot.
For registration questions contact the district office at shenandoahriverdistrict@vaumc.org
For training questions please contact Pastor Raini Newman at raini.newman0210@gmail.com
COURSES OFFERED
- Basic Course $0.00
- Leading Worship $20.00
- Leading Preaching $20.00
- Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century $20.00