Renovare in Winchester

Thank You For A Wonderful Conference

2006-04-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

We believe our conference was a great success, though a bitter sweet one. It was delight to have Richard Foster, Emilie Griffin and George Skranstad for the few days they were in town. They are genuine people, full of the grace of God, and with an honest and consistent message about God's Grace and how to obtain it.

The one center idea of their message is that Discipleship is not something you try to do, but something you train to do. Whether you attend a conference, or read one of their books, the Renovare group have that one focus.

We know look forward to continue the journey through our spiritual formation small groups.

As I noted in the first sentence, this was a bitter sweet conference for us. On the Saturday night of the Conference we lost on our own to the Lord. Charlie Boetcher was a member of the Steering Committee as a member of the hospitality team. We loved him dearly, as we love his wife, Betty and family. They are in prayers and we hope in yours.

God Bless.

Meeting Richard Foster & the Renvoare team

2006-03-24T03:06:00.000-08:00

Last night the steering committee had an opportunity to meet with the Renovare team and Richard Foster over dessert at the home of one of our members. The room was full of laughter, joy and the Spirit. There is always apprehension when meeting a writer and speaker of Richard Foster's stature. Anyone there will testify that Richard and every member of the team are as genuine and warm as the books he write.

Today, March 24, the Renovare Conference begins. You still have time to register for the conference. Registration begins at 3:30 pm at Braddock Street UMC, the conference opens at 5:00, and Richard speaks at 7:00.

This is a time for the renewal of the Spirit in the body of Christ, the church. It starts here, with you. It doesn't matter what domination you attend, we are all Christians who love all and worship one.

2006-03-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Winchester Star is running a STORY about the Renovare conference that will be held in just another week, March 24, 25 at Braddock Street United Methodist Church. The article includes comments from the conference coordinator Cindy Zirlott, Braddock Street United Methodist Church and George Fletcher, First Baptist Church.

There is still time for you to register. Download our brochure and fill in the registration form, or register at the start of the conference, next Friday, Mar. 24. Early registration begins at 3:30 pm. For more information contact Cindy Zirlott at (540) 662-5367, or by email .

New Sponsor

2006-03-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank Riverton UMC for becoming a sponsor.

The conference will start in just a little more than a week. There is still time to pre-register. You also will be able to register at the door if you would like. We are looking to see you soon.

God Bless.

A Note From Richard Foster

2006-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone, I am delighted to be coming to Winchester, Virginia to be with you for the Renovare Regional Conference being held here at the Braddock Street United Methodist Church. We are looking to God to be with us and do a work of grace in us. Do join me for this time of worship, study and spiritual renewal.

Peace and joy,
Richard J. Foster

Please Pray With Us

2006-02-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

Prayer is communion with God. We ask that you pray with us for the Winchester Regional Renovare Conference, for our speakers Richard Foster, Emile Griffin, and George Skramstad, for those who are seeking a revival in spiritual growth, for the safe journey of those who will come from afar to take part in this wonderful event.

Throughout March we will be praying each day that this Renovare Regional Conference will be pleasing in the sight of God, and it will bless him. If you would like to pray with us, you can download our prayer calendar for the month of March. Click here to obtain the calendar.

More Sponsors

2006-02-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

First United Methodist Church
Emmanuel UMC
Berryville Baptist Church
The Book Shelf, Inc.

We praise to our Lord, our many sponsors who are helping to make this seminar possible. God Bless each one.

We are getting closer to the Conference Dates of March 25, 26

2006-02-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

Only half of February remains, and the conference dates are drawing near. Also, the early registration date is about to close. Save yourself $15 by registering before March 1, 2006. Download our online brochure and register today. Seating is also limited so make sure that you have a seat today.

We also thank a number of new church sponsors, in particular: Greenwood United Methodist Church and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

We also ask that you continue to pray for the success of this conference and that many will feel the Holy Spirit in their lives as they seek a closer relationship to our Lord.

Schedule for March 24 & 25 Event

2006-01-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 24:
4-7 Registration and Check In
7-8:15 “I Love to Tell the Story: The Experience of Grace”
8:15-8:45 Break (Book Table Open)
8:45-10:00 “Growing in Grace”

Saturday, March 25:
8:30-8:45 – Final Registration
8:45-10:15 “A Balanced Vision for Spiritual Renewal”
10:15-12:00 “A Practical Strategy for Spiritual Growth”
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch and Book Table Open
1:00 – 2:00 “Small Group Experience”
2:00 – 2:30 “Question and Answer with Richard”
2:30-4:00 “Jesus’ Grand Invitation to Grace”

Post Conference: Sunday, March 26
Emily Griffin Speaking at 8:30 am; 9:45 am; and 11:00 am

Blessed By Our Sponsors

2005-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

We have a growing list of churches from the Shenandoah Valley who are sponsoring this event. The current list includes:

First Baptist Church of Winchester
First Presbyterian Church
Market Street United Methodist Church
Braddock Street United Methodist Church
Opequon Presbyterian Church
Winchester UMC District Council on Ministries
Winchester Downtown Clergy Fellowship
Round Hill United Methodist Church
Stephens City United Methodist Church
New Hope Alliance Church
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury
Grace Community Church
Grace Lutheran Church
Greenway Baptist Church
Agape Christian Church

To become a sponsor contact Frank Ferguson, Conference Treasurer at 540-869-2348 or email fmf22003@yahoo.com

Online Brochure Now Available

2005-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

If you would like a printable copy of our brochure for the March 24th & 25th event, you can pull a copy from the web by clicking on Download Our Brochure under "Links" on the right sidebar.

Need Your Prayers

2005-12-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

Prayers is a very important part of the Renovare spiritual formation plan. In that light, we are asking for your prayers for the March 2006 Renovare Regional Conference to be held in Winchester, Virginia. Please pray for the following:

that the Holy Spirit will draw churches in Winchester and Frederick county to want to grow spiritually through and participate in the conference
that more businesses, churches and people will sponsor the conference
that the different committee’s preparations will be guided by the Holy Spirit
that 500 people will register to attend the March 24th & 25th regional conference at Braddock Street Church in Winchester, VA
that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes, ears and hearts of the attendees to hear this important message

We need your Prayers and Support

2005-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

God is inviting us to go on a journey into His heart and into the good life made available through Jesus: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). But entering into this abundant life takes more than wishful thinking; it takes a well-thought-out, feasible plan. The first part of this plan is a balanced vision, which we find when incorporating into our lives practices seen in Jesus' life and the history of the Church. These practices, or spiritual disciplines, mature us in traditions of life and faith. During Lent last year, we studied Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster. In this study, we explored the balanced vision for spiritual growth and called people to a prayer-filled life, a virtuous life, a spirit empowered life, a compassionate life, a Word-centered life and the sacramental life. This fall we further explored the meaning of the sacramental life through our This Holy Mystery Small Study Group.
March 24 & 25, we will be turning our attention to the second part of this plan, a practical strategy, through our Renovaré Regional Conference. Braddock Street will be hosting the Winchester Regional Renovaré Conference. Our keynote speaker for the conference will be Richard Foster. This will be an ecumenical event with over 500 Christians from all over Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley attending. It will take a great deal of hospitality for us to give that many people a warm Braddock Street welcome. Our Spiritual Formation Team Coordinator is Phoebe West. She will be calling many to act as host and hostess, greeters and ushers for this event. Don’t wait for her to call you; call her and let her know that you want to be on her welcoming team to help facilitate this two day regional conference.
We also ask that you begin to start praying for this conference, our speakers, and all those who will be in attendance. We need at least 15 people who will make a commitment to pray for the conference every day from January to March. If you would like to support this in prayer, please contact our Prayer Coordinator Jim West.
This size conference also costs a great deal to facilitate. We are now taking donations or pledges for co-sponsorships from individuals, groups, or businesses. The conference booklet and program guide has a large section reserved for patrons, individuals or small groups who would like to contribute to this ministry opportunity. We also have a section for businesses to display a “Business Card” size acknowledgement of their co-sponsorship. Businesses can become co-sponsors for a minimum donation of $200. If you are a business owner and desire to become a co-sponsor of this event, you may speak to Janet Davis or Cindy Zirlott to receive a pledge card and more information.

By Cindy Zirlott as sent to the Braddock Street Congregation

Missed You at the Prayer Brunch

2005-09-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sept. 16, more than 30 people turned out for a prayer brunch with Emilie Griffin from Renovare. We enjoyed a fine meal provided by Westminister Canterbury in Winchester. Everyone also had a delightful time praying together and listening to Emilie as he shared with us the Renovare idea, and some of her experiences as a Christian author and member of the Renovare community.

Emilie told us that the members of Renovare consider it an "infra" church movement. Their goal is to help all Christian denominations strengthen the church by deepening their spirituality. The promote an ecunemical understanding of the "oneness in Jesus Christ", who they see as Saviour, Teacher, Lord and Friend.

She continued by saying that the Renovare program encourages Spiritual Formation Groups that focus on six traditions experienced in every denomination. These traditions include: Contemplative (prayer filled life); Holiness (the virtuous life); Charismatic (the spirit-empowered life); Social Justice (the compassionate life); Evangelical (the word-centered life); Incarnationl (the sacramental life).

The purpose of the March 2006 conference will be to introduce the Renovare program in the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia area, and help establish new programs of spiritual growth for our Christian Community.

We will have a registration form for download shortly. If you would like more information you can contact the Winchester Regional Renovare Conference Steering Committee by email at formationbsumc@adelphia.net

After the brunch more that a third of the attendees reconvened at a local coffee shop to hear more from Emilie about Renovare and her writing about prayers and other Christian subjects. We were all enchanted by the power of the Holy Spirit that seemed to glow from her as she spoke and answered our questions.

You are invited to Prayer Brunch

2005-08-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Winchester Regional Renovare Conference Steering Committee invites you to a prayer brunch for Community Leaders and Clergy.

September 16, 2005. 10:00 to Noon at the Abby at Westminister-Canterbury

Guest Speaker: Emilie Griffin (Renovare Ministry Team Member)

Please come be our guest and learn more about the coming Renovare Conference March 24-25, 2005

RSVP to Rev. Elizabeth Lewis by Sept. 13. Call 540-665-0156 or email elewis @svwc.org

Whys and Whatfors of Renovare in Winchester

2005-08-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

Richard Foster creator of Renovare ( http://renovare.org) is coming to Winchester Virginia March 24, 25 2006. The Winchester Renovare Regional Conference Steering Committee are blessed to have the opportunity to put this conference together. The event will be held at Braddock Street United Methodist Church in Winchester.

Visit frequently to stay up-to-date with developments.

Mr. Foster is also the well-known author of the Christian spiritual classic Celebration of Discipline, and many other wonderful works that speak to our spiritual growth as Christians. We will be blessed in having him in the Shenandoah Valley area.