Q: Who Should Attend?
A: Men of the VA Conference, Laity and Clergy!

When you set foot on the grounds of the historical Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center (VUMAC) in Blackstone, you’ll be making a big step away from the busy mainstream of life providing you with a welcome break that everyone needs from time-to-time. Consider the 2015 UMMen Spiritual Advance as that “welcome break” from the ordinary workings of society … a time of rest and reflection … some personal R&R.

Here’s a Snapshot of Your Weekend in Blackstone

Spiritual Renewal
Make your plans now to hear Rev. Clarence Brown — well-known speaker and evangelist throughout the Virginia Conference — weave together his Scripture-based, Spirit-filled messages into an inspiring picture of God’s word under the special theme for men, “Making A Difference.”

Great Preaching and Acts of Sharing
Each of Pastor Brown’s four sermon-like messages will be followed by Sharing Groups that allows what the name implies for men to form into groups, open up and share their thoughts and understanding of the message just heard. Often, men are inspired to share their testimony and seek intercessory prayer from their Brothers in the group. By the way … Members of each group are randomly assigned to avoid having men from their home church in the same Sharing Group with them.

Special Programs
The Upper Room Prayer Line will be open from 12-noon to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, so volunteers need to be on-hand and ready for people that call, and many will. Please consider being a prayer warrior by committing to at least a 30-minute time slot while the Prayer Line is open. There are usually two men taking the calls at any given time, so perhaps you and a friend would like to work as a team by offering intercessory prayers for people in need. Prayerfully consider stepping forth and saying “Here I am Lord, send me,” then contact Dan Dietze, UMMen Prayer Advocate by phone at 540-735-4361 or by email at cdddr@aol.com to sign-up in advance.

Rev. Lynn Litchfield, Director of Development for GraceInside, Virginia’s prison chaplain service, will be leading a captivating session at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, and a workshop at 2:15 p.m. Rev. Litchfield had a front row seat to some of the most amazing transformations Christ made possible while serving as the original – and sole – chaplain to Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, a maximum-security prison for 11-12 years.

Q&A Time with Rev. Clarence Brown at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday will provide a one-on-one opportunity to get answers to questions like, “What makes a man, a man” or anything of interest to men from “Servant Leadership” to “Opportunity vs. Obligation in the Body of Christ.”

Special Music by "Annie Wade" featuring Rich and Susie Martin at 4:15 p.m. This dynamic duo has been playing together for years and developed a sound all their own. Americana, country, blues and gospel ... they play it all and will get you rockin'!

Fun and Relaxation
Start early by signing up on Friday for the Annual Golf Outing, Pitching for Heart Havens Horseshoe Tourney, or a friendly game of Cornhole (click here for game rules).

After the Spiritual Advance weekend gets fully underway at the supper meal Friday evening, you’ll be looking forward to a break from the active schedule on Saturday afternoon after lunch by enjoying time with longstanding and new friendships OR … participation in varied activities such as: Cornhole Competition, 5K Walk/Run for Camp Rainbow, Swimming, Basketball, a stroll around the beautiful VUMAC campus OR … by simply taking a nap.