Congregational Vitality Workshop – Save The Date

Saturday, Dec. 5 at All Saints, Richmond

An important part of congregational vitality is helping our churches live into the special calling that God is inviting us to embody in this moment. Knowing and loving our neighbors is central to this calling. Our neighbors are people in proximity to our church buildings, which serve as the homebase for our ministries.

The work of discovering who our neighbors is the beginning of loving them as we love ourselves. When we take the time to engage with the community in proximity to us, the relationships that are formed help us imagine new ways of service and ministry, enabling us to meet actual and current needs around us. These new relationships and new outreach in turn renew us and our parishes. This life is what we mean when we speak about congregational “vitality” — new life in Christ as we engage with and begin to love our neighbors as Jesus loves them.

This two-session workshop on Dec. 5 helps lay people and clergy think about how to get to know who the neighbors are around their church and how to meet their neighbors and build relationships in ways that feel natural in our Episcopal tradition. Energizing presentations and conversations will provide practical and helpful information. This workshop is offered by our diocesan Committee for Congregational Vitality, a group of experienced lay and clergy people who are passionate about helping churches be faithful, effective, and joyful.

Another workshop will be offered in Spring 2027 in Northern Virginia. A link is coming soon for registration. The $20 per person fee will cover lunch. If you need financial assistance to participate, please contact Canon Shirley Smith Graham Ssmithgraham@episcopalvirginia.org.