School of Christian MissionThe School of Christian Mission is one of the best kept secrets of our conference. It is a cooperative school offered by the Virginia Conference Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Women (UMW). It offers a wonderful opportunity for your whole congregation to come alive to mission by participating in a weekend or week "school" held each year at the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center (VUMAC) in Blackstone, Va. It is an excellent "mission trip" for your youth. They have a fun time together as they learn about what we United Methodists are doing around the world to alleviate suffering and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. They participate in hands-on mission projects, ranging from gleaning to work in a battered women’s shelter. There is also an intergenerational study for adults and children. During the weekday session, there is a class for children (ages 5-12). The participants participate in hands-on mission activities that make mission real for them. There are also classes for adults where men and women (young and old alike) come to learn and become involved in mission groups through one of the three courses from which they choose. Each year there is a Spiritual Growth, a Geographic, and a General issues course offered. Each course helps us understand God’s work in our world, how we are involved as United Methodists and challenges us as individuals in our personal life and local congregations. Meeting and sharing with United Methodist missionaries is also a highlight of the school. After attending a school, we encourage you throughout the year to help share your newfound knowledge of mission with your congregation and across the conference. Below are the courses being offered for the next several years. For more information about the school, contact the conference mission office at 1-800-768-6040, (804) 521-1100, ext. 144; e-mail: mission@vaumc.org. 2009 Course Dates 2010 Course Dates
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