Thalia UMC, located in the Town Center of Virginia Beach, would love to have you join us as the laity comes together to study and refresh our minds for our Lay Leader and Lay Servant responsibilities.  Please pass this information on to your congregation also.  Everyone is invited.

Thalia United Methodist Church is located at 4321Virginia Beach Blvd, Va Beach, VA 23452

Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. on October 28, 2023, and end at 5:00 p.m.We have restaurants across the street and less than a mile away, or you can bring your lunch.  You have lunch from 12-1:00. You will do three hours of prior reading from the book listed under each class, and when you finish your time with us on Saturday, you will receive credit for taking the class and can use your class for certification or recertification.

Thalia United Methodist Church Lay Ministries Academy

Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage Course) is one of the core Lay Servant Ministries classes where we will explore a basic explanation of the history, heritage, beliefs, missions, and culture of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline.  Students will uncover a deeper understanding and experience of the Christian faith as they embrace the United Methodist way.  No matter what happens at or after the General Conference in 2024, this bedrock of all groups in Methodism will still be relevant. Participants must obtain the book Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Bishop Kenneth Carder before class.  This book can be purchased through Amazon or Cokesbury for $13.00. 

Preaching:  Preparing for and writing biblically based sermons is one of the classes needed for Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers.  All are welcome to take this class.  Students will receive instruction on the process of exegesis, focus and function, basic sermon forms, beginnings, endings, and transitions, and tips for the sermon moment.  You need to purchase the book, The Witness of Preaching by Thomas Long.  This book can be purchased through Amazon for $24 and Cokesbury for $34.

Introduction to Lay Ministry:  The Basics Course is designed to assist laity as they explore and discover their unique call to serve God, neighbor, and the greater church.  Ministry is not just a clergy endeavor as we are all called to serve.  All are welcome to take this class.  Students will receive instruction on how laity can assist our churches in becoming more connectional.  We will explore our spiritual gifts and how servant leadership calls us to holy living, accountable discipleship, and a unity of ministry.  You will need to purchase the book, Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participation Book by Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson.  The book can be purchased through Amazon for $11 and Cokesbury for $9.29.  

If you are interested in any of these classes, please call Gail Von Mosch, Director of Lay Ministries Committee, at 757-481-3304 or email me at gvonmosch@verizon.net with your name, email address, phone number, and class you would like to take, and I will give you a call or email within 24 hours.