Virginia Church of God
2010 State Prayer Conference

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The winter of 2009-2010 has been unprecedented!  December brought major snow storms, January again and now in early February record-breaking snow, ice and wind.  I have been monitoring the weather conditions across the entire state of Virginia as we approach the scheduled 2010 Prayer Conference.  The entire state has weather watches, warnings and advisories discouraging travel.  Virginia Governor McDonnell has issued a state of emergency authorizing state agencies to assist local governments responding to the storms.

Today, we have blizzard conditions in northern Virginia with frigid temperatures and strong winds with chill factors near 0-5 degrees.  While most major interstates and highways are operational, city streets and secondary roads are still covered in snow or ice.  As we expect a little reprieve on Friday, the current snow will melt only a little and refreeze early evening with hazardous black ice.  In northern Virginia, the entire US government employment has been closed for three days.

Our churches have been dramatically influenced by the weather through this winter with the loss of several Sunday services and significant economic impact as well.  As I review the corporate view of the Church of God in Virginia, my personal attention is drawn to "What is best for our pastors and churches!"  Right now, a large majority of pastors and churches are endeavoring to dig out and prepare for Sunday services and minister to their congregations.  My priority must be to support our pastors and churches and their faithful ministry as we look to the future and believe it or not, Spring.

As administrative bishop, the responsibility of decision rests upon my shoulders.  I have talked with numbers of pastors seeking their insights, check repeatedly weather advisories and reports across the state, and pondered in my heart, what is the right decision.  After processing the information very closely, I have decided that it is in the best interest of our pastors and local churches to cancel the 2010 Prayer Conference scheduled for February 11-12, at the Spotsylvania Church of God.  Pastor Donald Jones and his entire staff have worked untiringly to prepare for this Prayer Conference and I want to personally express my deepest appreciation for their servant's heart.

Further, our Next Level Leadership is scheduled in the coming weeks and this will afford an opportunity for our pastors and spouses to gather for personal enrichment, support and fellowship.  I look forward to seeing everyone at Next Level Leadership.

Let me express to everyone my appreciation for your understanding.  This decision is based upon gathering a great deal of information and what I believe to be a decision of wisdom.  Remember, Spring is coming and soon we will see sunshine and beautiful flowers.  May God's divine blessings be with you as we join hearts and hands together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.  Let's move to the next level!