The Gathering at Washington Street (The Gathering) is funded by a 2021 to 2024 Church Development grant from the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC).
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.
– Unknown
For two years, under the guidance of Sylvia Meadows, District Superintendent for the James River District, a discernment team formed to re-imagine a dormant 40-year district and conference dream for a unique faith community in Petersburg. Several United Methodist pastors along with ecumenical, nonprofit, educational, and city partners met weekly to discover what has and has not been fruitful in Petersburg and to discern ways God invites us to be in relationship with residents that honors the dignity, value, and gift of each human life. We stand in solidarity with these friends and acknowledge their contributions which have moved us to a unique mission congregation in Petersburg. We are grateful to have joined them where they were already at work in ministry.
Why We Exist
Purpose (why do we exist): To work alongside the community to empower individuals and the community to thrive.
Mission: To empower residents to build positive relationships that transform their lives and the community.
The Gathering has been working hard within the community to develop partners to help. Team members of The Gathering are engaged in ministry with various groups:
- The Open Table is working with The Gathering as a local community engagement partner to build relationships and social capital
- Computer engineering students at Virginia State University (VSU) are creating a Petersburg Community Resource Hub online
- Westview Early Childhood Education Center
- Petersburg YMCA “Breath is Life” small group begins September 2022 in partnership with The Petersburg YMCA and Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2)
- Engaged with Faith Leaders in Petersburg on the issue of violence
- Petersburg Youth Intervention Task Force
- Supporting the Petersburg Housing Outreach with Commonwealth Charities of Virginia
- Southside Trauma Informed Care Network
- Crater Area Coalition on Homelessness
- Lakemont Community Workgroup through Petersburg Healthy Options Partnerships (PHOPS)
- Communities In Schools Petersburg – Summer Feeding Program
- Feed More distribution at Good Shepherd Baptist Church
- Petersburg Community Organizing & Development through the Legal Aid Justice Center
Team Members of The Gathering at Washington Street
Audrey Smith, Lay Supply Pastor
The Rev. Canon Willis Foster, Canon for Diversity
Southern Diocese of The Episcopal Church, Newport News, VA
Rev. Tom Lester, Pastor
Washington Street United Methodist Church, Petersburg, VA
Dr. Audrey Todd, Resident
Director of Educational Ministries, Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA
Dr. Rosezelia Roy, Resident
Chairwoman, Anti-Poverty Commission, Petersburg, VA
Kelly Evans, Resident
Housing Outreach Specialist, Anthem
Rev. Ray Watson, Resident,
Pastor, South Dinwiddie Charge, United Methodist Church
Fancie Terrell, Resident
Petersburg Healthy Options Partnerships (PHOPS)
Rev. Sylvia Meadows, Retired District Superintendent, James River District
Dr. Joseph Shelton, Associate Professor, Engineering and Computer Science,
Virginia State University, Ettrick, VA
Nancy Ross, Community Advocate, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Petersburg, VA
Shirley Brown, CaseWorker, Commonwealth Catholic Charities of Virginia, Petersburg, VA