Power in the Spirit - Virginia Synod, ELCA

06/02/2026

✨ 40 Years of Power in the Spirit ✨

This year at Power in the Spirit 2026, we’ll gather at Roanoke College, July 16–18, for worship, learning, community, and a special celebration of 40 years of ministry together! 🎉

Scroll through the photos to take a look back at moments from Power in the Spirit across the past four decades. 📸

This year, we’ll also honor the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney and recognize our new commissioned lay ministers as we celebrate all that God continues to do through this ministry.

05/27/2026

🎶 Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: Music Leader Michael Benshish 🎶

We are thrilled to welcome back Michael Benshish as the music leader for Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18.

Michael has been sharing his musical gifts on piano, organ, and synthesizer since 1988 across the U.S. and internationally. He currently serves as Director of Worship and Music at Lutheran Church of the Master in Carol Stream, IL, and also serves congregations in Southeast Virginia while performing and recording as a collaborative musician.

From Bach chorales to contemporary praise music and everything in between, Michael brings a rich diversity of musical expression that helps lead vibrant and Spirit-filled worship. 🎹✨
🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit

05/19/2026

⏰ Early Bird Deadline Approaching for Power in the Spirit 2026! ⏰

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18! ✨ Early bird discount ends May 22 ✨

This inspiring event brings together people of all ages for worship, Bible study, workshops, keynote sessions, and meaningful fellowship across the synod. It’s a time to be renewed, encouraged, and equipped for faithful living and service.

Make your plans now and register before the early bird deadline passes!

🔗 Register today: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

05/12/2026

🔥 Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: The Rev. Drew Tucker

We are excited to welcome The Rev.Drew Tucker as keynote speaker 📣 for Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18.

Pastor Tucker serves as Executive Director of HopeWood Outdoors, an ELCA outdoor ministry in Ohio, and previously served in the Virginia Synod. His ministry has spanned campus settings from Duke University to Virginia Tech and Radford to Capital University.

An author and speaker, Pastor Tucker explores vocation, identity, and formation in his writing, including 4D Formation and the forthcoming Called to Being. When not writing or teaching, he can be found swimming, reading science fiction, or listening to history podcasts.

Join us for keynote sessions that invite reflection, imagination, and deeper grounding in God’s presence.

🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

05/05/2026

📖 Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: The Rev. Susan Briehl 📖

We are grateful to welcome The Rev. Susan Briehl as our Bible study leader focusing on the work of the Spirit in the book of Acts for Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18.

Pastor Briehl serves the wider church as a teacher, writer, and liturgist. She has served in parish, university, and retreat center ministries and has taught worship and preaching at Wartburg Seminary. Her hymn texts and liturgical writings appear in many denominational worship resources, and her work continues to shape the church’s prayer and practice.

Join us as she leads us deeper into Scripture, worship, and spiritual reflection.

🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

05/04/2026

✨ Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry ✨

We are honored to welcome Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry of the ELCA, to Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18.

Presiding Bishop Curry will be with us throughout the event. He will lead a fireside chat on Thursday night, serve as our preacher on Friday night, and also lead workshops. We can look forward to hearing him share his goals, plans, and vision for our church.

Prior to his current role, Bishop Curry served as bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod and as pastor and mission developer of Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Riverdale, IL. He has also chaired the ELCA Conference of Bishops, strengthening connections across the wider church.

Come be part of this time of worship, learning, and renewal with leaders shaping the future of the church.

🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

04/21/2026

A message from Bishop Milton and Power in the Spirit Coordinators, Pastor Wes Smith and Donna Gum, come join us for this exciting summer gathering!

July 16-18 at Roanoke College marks the 40th anniversary of this beloved Virginia Synod event. Rooted in Acts 1:8, this year’s theme, “The Spirit enlightens, empowers, and equips” calls us together for renewal, learning, and community.

Come experience inspiring worship, engaging workshops, meaningful fellowship, and special guests, including Presiding Bishop Curry.

Bring your curiosity, your voice, and your community and be part of what the Spirit is doing among us.

📍 Roanoke College
📅 July 16–18

🔗 Register: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/
📖 Learn more: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/99d5a29bdf.html

04/15/2026

Registration is now open for Power in the Spirit 2026! ✨

Power in the Spirit is an inspiring event for all ages to explore God’s call to service through worship, Bible study, keynote speakers, workshops, and fellowship. It will take place July 16–18 at Roanoke College.

This year’s theme, The Spirit Enlightens, Equips, and Empowers, reminds us of Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen the church in sharing God’s grace with the world (Acts 1:8). 🔥

Featured speakers include Presiding Bishop Curry, the Rev. Drew Tucker, and the Rev. Susan Briehl, with music led by Michael Benshish.

All are welcome to be part of this meaningful time of renewal and connection. Register today at https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

01/14/2025

Registration for Midwinter Power in the Spirit is open!

Get signed up today:

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for people of all ages who wish to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible studies, keynote addresses, workshops, games, and fellowship. In addition, congregational leaders—teachers, music directors, choir members, council an...

12/16/2024

Our fifth annual Midwinter Power in the Spirit online gathering will be held on Monday, February 3-Wednesday, February 5, 2025!

We will learn how the words of I Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” relate to Mary, Mother of Jesus, Abraham, and Mary of Bethany. These three major people in our Bible show how we can apply faith, hope, and love in our lives today. You will have the opportunity to participate in one of two workshops each evening relating to the theme of the evening.

Our Bible study leaders will be Rev. Jessica Darty (Trinity, Pulaski) on Monday night, Edith Blake (St. Andrew, Portsmouth) Power in the Spirit Coordinator on Tuesday night, and Rev. Wes Smith (Zion, Waynesboro) Power in the Spirit Coordinator on Wednesday night. They will lead us to learn more about Mary, Mother of Jesus, Abraham, and Mary of Bethany by looking at their lives and how faith, hope, and love work in their lives.

To participate in the event, you must register by January 29 at vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit. There is no cost to participate.