The Quadrennial Theme: "The A.M.E. Zion Church-- Serving This Present Age:
Committing to Our Mission, Being Creative in Our Methods, Concentrating on Our Ministries, and Connecting Through Our Membership"
Richmond, VA. - The 159th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference was held June 26 - 28, 2025, at the Hilton Richmond Short Pump Spa and Conference Center in Richmond, Virginia. Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr. serves as the Presiding Prelate, and Rev. Felica R. Thompson serves as the Missionary Supervisor. There are three districts under the Virginia Conference: The Newport News District, led by Host Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Vincent Jones; The Norfolk District, led by Presiding Elder Rev. Kenneth Crowder; and the Petersburg District, led by Presiding Elder Rev. T. Kenneth Venable.
The conference began with a powerful Communion Service that ushered in a special anointing. Bishop Eric L. Leake, Presiding Prelate, South Atlantic Episcopal District, delivered the communion meditation, “Enough to Go Around” (John 6:1-12).
The Lay Council Luncheon was held in the afternoon hour and Mr. William English, the Virginia Conference Lay Council President, led the Stoling Ceremony. Three members of the conference were honored as Laity Legend:
The Virginia Conference Lay Council 2025 Scholarship recipients were also celebrated for their academic achievements:
During the Episcopal address, Bishop Brian R. Thompson shared Romans 12:1-2, and reminded us that we have the same God who raised Harriett, spoke to Frederick, and walked with Sojourner Truth and the hall of faith filled with many of them who were a part of The A.M.E. Zion Church who refused to bow down, break, and be silent.
The Christian Education Service was held on Thursday evening. Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., Senior Pastor of The Bethel Church, delivered the sermon - “When the Fire Falls Right.” (Acts 2:1-16 ). The stoling ceremony was held for Christian Educators led by Rev. Dr. Sandi B. Hutchinson.
The conference and the Petersburg District honored the retirement of Presiding Elder T. Kenneth Venable. A heartfelt video tribute featured remarks from family members and a special presentation by the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. The emotional celebration reflected his faithful years of service to the Petersburg District.
The Missionary Convocation led by Missionary Supervisor, Rev. Felica R. Thompson, was held on Friday morning. She shared John 12:24; “Leadership and Legacy, Sowing for the Future.” She invited us to reflect on this truth: Kingdom legacy is not built on platforms, but it’s built on planted seeds.
Mrs. Sandra B. Crowder, the International President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, shared a powerful message during the Missionary Luncheon focused on Legacy Walk. She reminded us of the greats who came before us and the legacy that is still with us today.
The Missionary Candlelight Service was held on Friday evening. Rev. Dr. Vanessa Hicks delivered a powerful message. She shared Mark 14:3-9; “Pour It All Out.” She asked, “Have you ever given from a deep place, when you didn’t have much but you gave it anyway?” She reminded us that this is what missionaries do.
Saturday morning, the Christian Educators hosted the Christian Education Convocation led by Rev. Dr. Sandi B. Hutchinson, Mid-Atlantic Co-Episcopal Director and Virginia Conference Director. Each district came together to welcome the Bishop and Missionary Supervisor and the 2025 graduates.
Bishop Thompson shared a powerful message during the Sunday worship service. “Access Granted,” (John 9:1-9). He shared that once you find out you have access to God, can’t nobody pull your joy from you, can’t nobody take your peace from you. He reminded us that you can’t curse what God has blessed. The whole church shouted, “I’m blessed.” The 159th Session closed with the reading of pastoral appointments, sending forth leaders equipped and renewed to serve this present age.
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