BCRC: VUMAC Receives $20,000 Grant

For the third year in a row The Birdsong Foundation has awarded Blackstone Conference andRetreatCent

 

BCRC: VUMAC Receives $20,000 Grant

April 22, 2013 in News

For the third year in a row The Birdsong Foundation has awarded Blackstone Conference andRetreatCenter:VirginiaUnitedMethodistAssemblyCentera $20,000 grant.  The grant will be used in part with the dollar for dollar matching grant challenge of the Titmus Foundation to assist in restoration of the historic building’s front portico; and in part to assist in continued stabilization and renovations of theAssemblyCenter. 

“The Birdsong Foundation has made and continues to make a tremendous difference in our commitment to a refreshed and modernizedAssemblyCenter,” said Executive Director Samuel A. McCracken. “We are not only deeply grateful for this most recent contribution, but we feel exceptionally blessed by the Birdsong Foundation’s longstanding support.” 

 Originally started as a farm supply store in 1914, Birdsong Peanuts has become a world leader in the peanut industry. The company shells raw peanuts (purchased from peanut farmers) and markets them to customers throughout the world. Birdsong Peanuts operates plants inGeorgia,TexasandVirginiaand supplies manufacturers both domestically and internationally.

BCRC / VUMAC Saluted as Blackstone’s Business of the Year

April 22, 2013 in News, SLIDESHOW

Multi-Parish Retreat held at BCRC

February 2, 2013 in News, SLIDESHOW

Ministers Convocation at BCRC

February 2, 2013 in Events, News, SLIDESHOW

 

Finding Hope, Bearing Hope

How can we be witnesses of hope in a changing church and world?

Over 300 clergy, diaconal ministers, and professional church staff attended the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church Ministers’ Convocation at Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center from January 15 through 17, 2013.

 

 

 

Evening at Blackstone the Tradition Continued…

December 29, 2012 in Events, News

For over 20 years, Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center (VUMAC) has celebrated the Christmas season with Evening at Blackstone.  This year was no exception to the tradition.  On December 9over 250 guests enjoyed festive decorations; beautifully adorned trees; a marvelous holiday feast; holiday fellowship and the best of Christmas entertainment.

First to perform their rendition of Jesus’ birth wasRichmond’s dance group His Handmaids.  This amazing group was founded in 1988 and is a liturgical dance troupe for girls ages 7 through early 20’s. Being a handmaid is fertile ground where girls learn many foundational and refreshing life skills. Discipline, relationship building, love for God, and Biblical foundations of dance prepare them to be worship leaders.  

Following the dancers were the renowned fiddlers, The Hunts, a champion fiddling family of nine whose performances cover a wide spectrum of musical genres, ranging from Celtic to country to rock and include a diverse repertoire of original compositions. The Hunts have performed from Scotland to Ireland to Canadaand all over theUnited States. They have opened for the Virginia Symphony and performed for Queen Elizabeth during her most recent visit to theUnited States.

“It was an amazing evening,” said BCRC Executive Director Sam McCracken.  “We were not only pleased that our efforts came together so well, but loved having every guests present.”