July 21-27, 2024
A conference for all ages of worship leaders.
Whether you are ordained or a layperson, staff or volunteer or congregant,
there are plenty of opportunities to learn, practice, and worship together.
The 2024 theme is “A New Creation,” looking at themes of hope in Revelation and beyond.
Questions? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Registration for the 2024 conference is open!
Participants register for the program, housing, and meals separately. Register online (below) or contact Sarah Grace Hall, Program Assistant, at 540-434-3829 for assistance registering.
Group registration (such as for a church choir—must be 6 or more people) instructions below. Discount $35/person.
$40 discount for all who are fully registered by Monday 3/25/2024—fully registered means all forms have been filled out and the $150 deposit has been made for the person(s) or group. Full payment for the conference is required before the start of the conference on 7/21/2024.
For Homecoming Day only, see that tab on this page.
Program Fee
Adult Participants: $245
Youth and Children: $200
Refund Policy
Folks that cancel before May 15 will receive a full refund less a 3% processing fee. After May 15 will receive a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the start of the conference start date. Generally, there are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the conference start date.
Housing options (prices per room, not per occupant) Hubler Lodge is full.
Hubler lodge Single Occupancy (full room to yourself) $840 (no longer available)
Hubler Lodge Double Occupancy (sharing the room with someone else) $420 per person (no longer available)
Richardson Single Occupancy (paying for the bed—sharing the full suite with others) $366
Richardson Double Occupancy (room to yourself, but sharing the bathroom) $534
Richardson Private Suite (room and bathroom to yourself) $729
Richardson Full Suite (full suite in Richardson, typically reserved for families) $924
Cabin (renting full cabin—8 beds, shared separate bathhouse) $600
RV site (electric and water available, no dumping, shared bathhouse) $228
Tent site (shared bathhouse) $108
Meal options
Lunches only (suggested for commuters): $70.00
All meals for 13+: $235.00
All meals for 6-12 year olds: $142.50
All meals for 3-5 year olds: $106.25
No meal charge for guests 2 and younger.
HOW TO REGISTER
Individual Registration (group registration below)
1. Log into OR create a Participant Profile on Campwise: Participant Link
2. Click “Register New” button
3. Click NO for “GHD ID” if you are coming as an individual.
4. Choose Bible / Church Music Conference Attendee. (This helps us plan music purchasing, but does not restrict participants from attending any sessions or workshops offered during the week!)
5. Enter the number of attendees for each category (if you’re not coming with children, type 0)
6. Either check “pick from contacts” OR write in the information prompted at the bottom of each category.
7. Review and accept the charges for each of the following:
Registration/ Per Person Fees
Lodging
Meals
Other
Please choose EITHER church music or Bible conference, which helps us with music ordering but does not limit participation in any offered programing
Select whether or not you would like a conference t-shirt
8. Review your registration fees and details
9. Complete the following forms:
Media Release
Camper Profile
Participant Form
10. A $150.00 deposit is required when registering. You will not be considered registered for the conference until the fee has been paid. Payment can be made online through Campwise OR by sending a check to Massanetta Springs with “Bible Church Music Conference 2023” in the memo line. If your church is paying for the conference, please have them send a check with “Bible Church Music Conference 2024” and your last name listed in the memo line.
If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact Sarah Grace Hall at sarahgraceh@massanettasprings.org or by calling 540-434-3829.
Group Registration
Step 1: Your church/group leader must fill out this form with general group information and estimated numbers to reserve spaces for your group. We will then generate a “group hold code” and send it to your leader. If you have questions, please call 540-434-3829 to speak to our registrar.
Step 2: Once your church/group leader has the “group hold code,” they will distribute it to your group. Parents/guardians will be able to register their youth (completed 5th - 8th) and adult advisors will be able to register themselves using that “group hold code.” They will not pay individually online. The church/group leader will pay for everyone registered at once through the separate leader account.
Step 3: For church/group leaders only. Leaders will be able to log into their separate account to view who has registered and the remaining bill for the group. This is where the full group payment will be made.
Step 4: Your church/group leader will receive an information packet. It is also linked below. The church/group leader and all adult participants and parents should read this information packet in FULL. It contains critical information about the conference and registration.
For questions or to request a scholarship, contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
first time attendees
We are pleased to waive the program fee for first time conference attendees. Just notify Colleen that you’re joining us for the first time so we can apply this discount to your registration!
UNDER 40 CROWD
We have a special scholarship fund to support 20- and 30-somethings attending the conference. The fund is limited and will be shared on a first-come, first-served basis.
Not available the whole week but still want to join in on the fun, fellowship, and learning? Come home to Massanetta Springs on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 and celebrate all things Massanetta! We enjoyed hosting the Centennial Day so much in 2022, we decided to make it a permanent part of the Bible and Church Music Conference.
$40 includes programming for the day as well as lunch and dinner.
Program highlights include:
drop into Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount, former president of Union Presbyterian Seminary
try out a vocal or handbell choir for a day
Adult choir reading session
Forum with Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk of PC(USA)
Workshop with Katherine Peiper Hall on welcoming children into worship and the Reformed tradition
Join in with the Union Presbyterian Seminary lunch to hear remarks from President Dr. Jacq Lapsley
worship at 7PM with Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner preaching
and more!
You can register for Homecoming Day 2024 using the link below:
Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk
The Rev. Bronwen Boswell is the Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) and is the first woman appointed or elected to lead the denomination in its more than 300-year history in the U.S.
Boswell is a graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She has served in a number of presbytery and mid council leadership roles, as well as interim pastorates within the PC(USA). She was serving as General Presbyter and Stated Clerk for Shenandoah Presbytery in Harrisonburg, Virginia when she was called to her current position.
She is married to the Rev. Dr. Howard W. Boswell, Jr., pastor of Buena Vista Presbyterian Church in Buena Vista, Virginia. They have four adult children; Kate, Ian and wife Katie, Jamie, and Rhett.
Rev. Boswell will share her experiences during the morning forum.
Below is a tentative, detailed schedule. A lot happens during Bible & Church Music Conference!
Preachers
Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia
Executive DIrector, NEXT Church
preaching Sunday, July 21
Rev. Dr. Megan Fullerton Strollo
Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages, Union Presbyterian Seminary
preaching Monday, July 22
Rev. Reed Hopkins
Pastor, Loch Willow Presbyterian Church, Churchville, VA
preaching Tuesday, July 23
Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner
Speakman Chair of Preaching
Pastor and Head of Staff, Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
preaching Wednesday, July 24 and Friday, July 26
Rev. Jerrod Lowry
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, Coastal Carolina Presbytery
preaching Thursday, July 25
WORSHIP LEADER
Rev. Andrew Frazier
A Georgia native, Andrew earned a degree in music performance (voice) from the University of Georgia in 2009 and graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2019. While in Austin, he worked closely with Eric Wall and focused his studies on worship, liturgy, music, and pastoral care. He graduated in 2019 and took a two-year pastoral residency at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, MI, and in 2021, he followed a call back to Austin Seminary to serve as a recruitment associate in the Admissions Office. He enjoys spending his free time baking, reading, playing tabletop games, crafting (particularly pottery and fiber arts), and listening to music.
Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner
Rev. Johnson Kershner serves as the Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. She has previously served at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL, and Black Mountain Presbyterian Church in Black Mountain, NC. Rev. Johnson Kershner believes “the church is called to be genuinely welcoming to all God’s people, in lived action and not just with lip service.” She is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.
Rev. Johnson Kershner is originally from Texas. She’s been married to her husband, Greg, for almost 30 years. Together they have two children, Hannah and Ryan.
She will be preaching Wednesday, July 24, and Friday July 26.
HISTORY OF THE SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING
Frederick B. Speakman began coming to Massanetta Springs in 1953. Over a forty year period, he inspired young ministers and ministered to many while on the platform at the Bible Conference. Fred graduated from the University of Oklahoma, Harvard University (M.A.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (B.D.), and in 1950 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. He served three churches: Central-Brick in East Orange, NJ, Third Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and Westminster Church in Dayton, OH. Fred was also an author and wrote three books of sermons: The Salty Tang, Love is Something You Do, and He Dwelt Among Us.
In 1957 Fred purchased a home in the Cottage Community, on the Massanetta Springs grounds, and in 1983, he and his wife, Zoe, retired and moved to the Cottage Community. With Fred in mind, a family in the Cottage Community began an endowment to which others have added, to ensure that the quality and name recognition of preachers for the Bible Conference will continue to be of the highest quality as has been in the past! This endowment supports the Fred Speakman Chair of Preaching. Each year one or more outstanding preachers are brought to Massanetta during the Bible Conference by the proceeds from the endowment.
PREVIOUS SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING RECIPIENTS:
2023: Rev. Dr. Roger Nishioka
2022: Rev. John Bell
2021: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2020: Speakman Online Series: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2019: Bishop William H. Willimon
2018: Rev. Drs. Kimberly Bracken Long and Thomas G Long.
2017: Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
2016: Rev. Dr. Steve Eason
2015: Rev. Michael Lindvall
2014: Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford
2013: Rev. Dr. James C. Howell
2012: Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount
2011: Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes
2010: Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams
2009: Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III
2008: Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence
2007: Rev. Thomas G. Long
2006: Rev. Dr. Frances Taylor Gench
2005: Bishop William H. Willimon
2004: Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
2003: Rev. Dr. William Powell Tuck
2002: Dr. Ben Lacy Rose
2001: Dr. Jerold D. Shetler
2000: Dr. Paul T. Eckel
1999: Dr. Myron Augsburger
1998: Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell
1997: Rev. Dr. Ernest Campbell
1997: Rev. Dr. Ernest Campbell
Bible Study will be led by Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, recently retired President of Union Presbyterian Seminary. The theme is drawn from Revelation 21:5, “See, I am making all things new.” and will focus on hope.
Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount
Rev. Dr. Blount retired in 2023 after over 15 years serving as President of Union Presbyterian Seminary, with campuses in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC. As President, he led the institution to more fully develop its two campuses, as well as establishing multiple centers to extend the reach of the seminary, a financial aid program for full time students, a successful capital campaign, and the recruitment of diverse and talented faculty.
With a BA from William & Mary, M. Div from Princeton Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. from Emory University, he has written numerous essays and books on cultural interpretation of Biblical texts, especially commentaries on Mark and Revelation.
Before serving at Union, Dr. Blount was pastor of Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News, VA an was Richard J. Dearborne Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. In his retirement, he and his wife Sharon are enjoying spending more time with family and traveling.
Bible Study Outline:
General Theme: Can I Get A Witness? A Study of the Book of Revelation
Chapters 1-3: You Can’t Witness From the Closet
Chapters 4-5: The Lamb is a Witness for My God
Chapters 6-10; 16: Witness to the Seventh Power
Chapters 11-17: Can Witness Prevail?
Chapters 18-22: Witness What God Can Do.
In preparation for Bible Study, we suggest reading Chapters 1-3 BEFORE the first session.
Adult choirs: Dr. Jonathan Q. Berryman
Dr. Berryman is the Director of Music for Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT, the Founder/Director of The Heritage Chorale of New Haven, and an Assistant Principal in the New Haven Public Schools. He holds music degrees from Princeton University and Yale University, and a Doctorare in Educational Leadership and Policy from Southern Connecticut State University. As a career church musician and music educator, Dr. Berryman firmly believes that singing is for a lifetime as he focuses on helping individuals and ensembles discover what that philosophy looks like in practice, at the intersection of liturgy and living.
Youth Choir and Handbells: Zach Bowyer
Zach Bowyer serves as director of music and organist at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. He finds the most joy in leading God’s people-whether they are in our choirs, handbell ensembles, or congregation-in praise and joyful song. Using his immense talents and musical gifts, Zach leads an inclusive and exuberant Music Ministry at SMPC.
He is originally from Roanoke, VA, and received a Bachelor of Music Performance in organ performance and a Bachelor of Music Performance in sacred music from Appalachian State University.
In his free time, Zach loves to hike with his fur-baby, Winston, and lay in his hammock. He also enjoys photography, thrifting, and cooking.
Children’s Choirs: Giovanna Reyes-Mir
Giovanna Reyes-Mir is an accomplished professor of voice, choral conductor, and professional singer with over 15 years of experience in the Greater New York and Washington DC areas. Ms. Reyes-Mir is a native of Puerto Rico. Currently, Giovanna serves as Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University, School of Music and teaches courses in singing at Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama. She also serves as Professor of Musical Theater Voice at Brenau University in Gainesville, GA. She is Music Director and Professor of Voice at Keystone State Music Theater Academy. Before moving to Manhattan, Ms. Reyes-Mir was the Assistant Director of El Coro de Niños de San Juan. Formerly, she was the Director of Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Winchester, VA, where she founded the Children’s Choir Church Music Festival, the First Friday Recital Series, and was the co-director of Sing Camp.
Handbells: Carol Feather Martin
Carol is Director of Music and Arts and Organist at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia where she works with all ages of singers, handbell ringers and instrumentalists. She also is an Artist instructor of piano for Mason Community Arts Academy. For 10 years, Carol was the Artistic Director of Virginia Bronze, an auditioned community handbell ensemble. A native of North Carolina, graduated from Oberlin Conservatory with a BM in piano performance and MM degree in Organ Performance and Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying Performance from Catholic University.
Percussion for all ages: Zach George
After last year’s excellent work with the children and youth of the conference, we invited Zach and will include opportunities for adults in the schedule! Zach received his BM in Instrumental Music Education from West Virginia University in 2002 and has worked as a teacher and performer since early adulthood. Of his numerous influential teachers, he is a student of Dr. Paschal Yao Younge, and has performed with drumming and dance groups led by Dr. Younge in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, and multiple times in Taiwan and South Korea. He has also studied with Dr. Younge in Cuba and on many different occasions in Ghana, West Africa. Zach’s appreciation of various cultures and language as well as his passion for teaching helped to inspire an MA in TESOL from West Virginia University in 2011, where he taught English in the Intensive English Program for more than 5 years. He currently lives most of the year near Barcelona, Spain, where he teaches and plays.
Bible COMMITTEE
Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan—First Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN
Rev. Shannon Waite Hendricks—Executive Director, National Campus Ministry Association, Fredericksburg, VA
Church Music COMMITTEE
Doug Brown—Music Director, Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
Tucker Samuelian—Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, NC
Jennifer Volkman—First Presbyterian Church, Winchester, VA
Dr. Jacq Lapsley
Dr. Lapsley, Union Presbyterian Seminary’s President, will be speaking at the luncheon.