VOL 9, ISSUE 1
WINTER 2024
Celebrating
BGAV celebrates 200th anniversary at annual meeting in Richmond // pg 6
Years
Photos and More Photos!
Rejoicing in Hope
View photos and recaps of this year’s annual meeting 6
Attendees are inspired at annual Virginia Baptist Pastor’s Conference 11
Offering for Missions Get details and resources to promote the new BGAV International Missions Offering in your church
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“CALLED TO BE” FOR 200 YEARS by Wayne Faison
WAYNE FAISON is the Executive Director of BGAV.
“Called to Be…” A Celebration of 200 Years of the Baptist General Association of Virginia 1823–2023
Presented at the 200th Annual Meeting of the BGAV November 13–15, 2023 Richmond, VA
I would like to personally thank you for joining us for our 200th Anniversary Celebration at this year’s BGAV Annual Meeting. Virginia Baptists have such a rich history spanning not only two centuries—but also across the globe. From the very beginning, important values like missions, freedom, and a heart for the not-yet were at the forefront of our divine calling. Those values still ring true as we forge ahead into the future. Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, what great things God has in store for us as Virginia Baptists. For our 200th Anniversary Celebration, Fred Anderson presented us Called to Be…, a magnificent 110-page souvenir book chronicling our journey as Virginia Baptists from 18232023. It is a wonderful piece of art not only to cherish, but to read from cover to cover. I encourage you to take the time to travel down memory lane with this book and discover how God has been with us every step of the way. I am personally halfway through reading it and I’ve been encouraged, energized, and excited beyond measure. The one thing that is becoming increasingly clear to me as I continue reading is that Virginia Baptists since our inception have always been “Called to Be….” As we look ahead to the future, I am overjoyed to stand on the shoulders of some wonderful trailblazers who thought it was not robbery to cooperate together to advance the Redeemer’s Kingdom. Cooperation and collaboration are key to our future because of their proven track record of yielding great results. We often say, “We can do more together than we can do separately.” I don’t know about you, but I want to see God do some amazing things through us and with us over the upcoming centuries. Let’s make ourselves available to God! Let’s allow ourselves to be activated by the Holy Spirit! Let’s receive God’s anointing for the journey ahead!
IN THIS
Celebrating
4 // BGAV News & Notes 6 // Photos from BGAV Annual Meeting and 200th Anniversary Celebration 8 // BGAV Celebrates 200 Years at Annual Meeting in Richmond, November 13–15 10 // Task Force Approved to Explore How to Support Women in Leadership
Years
// pg 6
11 // 2023 Pastor’s Conference Inspires Attendees 12 // More Photos and Links from BGAV Annual Meeting and 200th Anniversary Celebration 14 // Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples with BGAV International Missions Offering 15 // Latest Ministry Jobs
ISSN 2573-5101 (print) ISSN 2573-511X (online) A publication of the Baptist General Association of Virginia Volume 9, Issue 1 Winter 2024 BGAV Express is published seasonally by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA 23294.
Send subscription requests and address changes to: Jennifer Law jennifer.law@bgav.org 800.255.2428, ext. 1223
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: Gary M. Long, Jr.
BGAV Express Baptist General Association of Virginia 2828 Emerywood Parkway Henrico, VA 23294 toll-free 800.255.2428
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Meghan Wilson
Or visit BGAV.org/Express.
BGAV EXPRESS EDITOR: Jennifer Law
NEWS + NOTES More Than 200 Young Adults Attend Kairos Initiative Fall Gathering
BGAV Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds Applications Open
BGAV’s Kairos Initiative held its annual Fall Gathering in October 2023 at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center with more than 200 in attendance—praying, worshiping, learning, and fellowshipping with each other. For more information about Kairos Initiative and the Fall Gathering, visit kairosinitiative.org.
BGAV is committed to the educational and vocational development of emerging leaders of all ages for advancing the Redeemer’s Kingdom and to building ongoing relationships. The BGAV Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds financially assists eligible Virginia Baptist students seeking to earn an academy degree at a BGAV-partnered academy, to obtain an undergraduate degree, and to pursue an undergraduate or graduate education in preparation for vocational ministry. Funds are also supplied for non-degree applicants who desire access to training and continuing education opportunities for ministry development as well as grants for those who want to explore Christian ministry prior to seminary training. The BGAV Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds Committee oversees these funds and makes awards to Virginia Baptist students who meet all established criteria.
Students pray during worship at the Kairos Initiative Fall Gathering.
The following applications are available in January, with a deadline of April 1: • College Scholarships • Academy Scholarships • Ministerial Education Funds
Eagle Eyrie Hosts Special Needs Retreat
The annual Special Needs Retreat took place in October at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg, VA. This event serves as a fun and inspiring experience for youth and adults with special needs.
Visit bgav.org/scholarships for more information about how to apply.
Staff Changes We welcome: • Greg LeMaster, who began his position as Virginia Catalyst for Fresh Expressions US on October 1. • Heather Evans, Coordinator of Community Development, Dinner Church Collective, for Fresh Expressions US. She began her position November 1. We will miss: • Jacob Ryan, Retreats Director at Camp Piankatank, who resigned effective November 19.
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Event Calendar January 2024 29-31
Empower 501: Foundations of Christian Coaching
February 16–18 22 28 29
Camp Piankatank Winter Blast, Hartfield, VA Church & Clergy Tax Seminar, Henrico, VA Digital Church Proficiency Workshop, Charlottesville, VA Digital Church Proficiency Workshop, Woodstock, VA
March 11-13 22–24
April 1–5 14-17
June 3–5 16–21 16–22 17–21 23–28 23–29 24–28 30–7/5
Empower 502: Establishing a Dynamic Coach Relationship Base Camp Youth Retreat, Lynchburg, VA
Impact Missions Spring Break Camp, Mecklenburg, VA Chaplain and Pastoral Care Training, Henrico, VA
Empower 501: Foundations of Christian Coaching Camp Piankatank Coed Camp, Hartfield, VA Impact Missions Camp, Mecklenburg, VA Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Coed Camp, Hartfield, VA Impact Missions Camp, Danville, VA Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Coed Camp, Hartfield, VA
July
1-5 5–7 7–13 15–19 21–26 22–26 28–8/2 29–8/2
Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Mini Adventure Camp, Hartfield, VA Impact Missions Camp, Roanoke, VA Music and Worship Arts Camp, Lynchburg, VA Camp Piankatank Coed Youth Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Coed Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA
August 3 4–9 5–9 26–28
Church Weekday Education Conference, Richmond, VA Camp Piankatank Coed Camp, Hartfield, VA Camp Piankatank Day Camp, Hartfield, VA Empower 501: Foundations of Christian Coaching
September 17–20
Chaplain Training, Dallas, TX
October 7–9 18–20
Empower 502: Establishing a Dynamic Coach Relationship Special Needs Retreat, Lynchburg, VA
November 11–13
BGAV Annual Meeting, Alexandria, VA
1st Annual
BASE CAMP
March 22-24, 2024 Eagle Eyrie Lynchburg, VA
Youth Retreat for Grades 6-12 featuring Joel Elmore and YouthQuest!
High Energy Praise + Worship Services Breakout Sessions for Middle School and High School Adventure Recreation, Field Games, Night Life Activities plus Much More!
Only $129 per person! MORE INFO AND REGISTER AT: EagleEyrie.org/base-camp/
Celebrating
Years
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BGAV Celebrates 200 Years at Annual Meeting in Richmond, November 13–15 BGAV commemorated its 200th anniversary with a three-day celebration of history, thankfulness, and diversity at its 2023 Annual Meeting, which took place November 13-15 at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond. Highlights of this year’s business proceedings included passing a motion to support and advocate for women in ministry and utilizing for the first time an electronic voting method, which enabled all messengers to vote—whether they attended the event in person or via livestream.
money given will support BGAV and its ministries. The other three options split churches’ gifts between BGAV and other ministry partners, allocating 72% for BGAV ministries and 28% for the other groups as specified in each plan. Tuesday morning’s business session also included a motion from the floor regarding women in ministry. Kristin Adkins Whitesides, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Winchester, presented the motion, which read, “I move that the Executive Board of the Baptist General Association of Virginia appoint a seven-member task force to explore programs, resources, policies, initiatives and relationships which further support and advocate for women in pastoral, ministerial, and leadership roles among Virginia Baptists.” Dozens of supporters approached the microphone, prepared to speak in favor of the motion, but when no messengers spoke in opposition, President Herbert Ponder closed the motion for discussion and called for a vote. The motion passed with 84% voting in favor of it.
More than 1,000 people attended this year’s event, including 578 registered messengers, 286 guests, and 153 exhibitors and staff members. This year’s annual meeting was the second year in a truly hybrid format, in which messengers and guests could participate in person or online. In 2022 messengers voted to pass an amendment to the constitution and bylaws that allowed for remote voting in subsequent years, so electronic voting took place starting with this year’s business sessions. Messengers in all locations participated in voting using their smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers; those in person who needed or preferred paper ballots were issued those on site. To represent online messengers who had questions or comments during discussion, a designated proxy was present to bring those statements to the floor verbatim in person.
Themed “Called to Be,” the meeting highlighted the rich history of Virginia Baptists and demonstrated the wide scope of its reach throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. During the Monday night worship service, before the meeting was officially called to order by 2023 BGAV President Herbert Ponder on Tuesday morning, the featured group of musicians was the Virginia Agape International Church Choir from Springfield. The talented group sang in Latin, Korean, and English.
BGAV Treasurer David Washburn presented the 2024 budget during the Tuesday morning business session. Next year’s budget total is $7,061,860, and messengers approved it with no opposition on Wednesday. Before his initial presentation, Washburn explained that BGAV has a surplus of $235,566 for the current year.
On Tuesday morning, the worship band from Primera Iglesia Bautista Maranatha from Culpeper opened the worship service, leading most of the music in Spanish while the congregation followed English translations on screens. The second musical group featured was the Anniversary Festival Choir, a multichurch, intergenerational group of musicians from Richmondarea BGAV churches.
Washburn also introduced four revised giving plans for BGAVparticipating churches. The first plan is BGAV only, where all 8
In Tuesday’s executive director’s report, Wayne Faison introduced Renew Virginia, a new initiative that will launch in January 2024. For 40 days, Virginia Baptists will pray together for the future of the BGAV and its churches—focusing in 10-day increments on renewal, revitalization, progress, and fulfillment. Tuesday evening’s music leadership was the Virginia Baptist Women’s and Male Chorales plus the handbell choirs from Richmond’s First Baptist Church, Grandin Court Baptist Church from Roanoke, and the handbell group from Bon Air Baptist, the host church. Among other selections, the group led in the first public performance of “The Same Christ Calls,” a commissioned anthem composed by David Schwoebel and Terry York in recognition of BGAV’s 200th anniversary. Wednesday morning worship featured the Community Voices Choir, the Miller Family, and Phillip Brown, associate pastor at Richmond’s Huguenot Road Baptist Church. During Wednesday’s business session, messengers elected BGAV’s officers for 2024: Becky McKinney of Chatham Heights Baptist Church, President; Shelton Miles of Kedron Baptist Church, 1st Vice President; Alan Miller of Orange Baptist Church, 2nd Vice President; and Nathan Taylor of River Road Church, Baptist, Clerk. Brooke Holloway Blake of Memorial Baptist Church was elected to serve a second year as chair of the executive board. On Wednesday evening, a special worship service was held to conclude the 200th anniversary celebration and kick off BGAV’s 201st year as a network of churches for missions and ministry, a place where like-hearted Baptists can come together to do Kingdom work. BGAV’s 201st Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 1113, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, VA. 9
To learn more about BGAV’s new giving plans, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 800-255-2428.
Kristin Adkins Whitesides presents a motion to create a task force for supporting women in leadership roles as part of the Tuesday morning business session on November 14, 2023. Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry (VBWIM) hosts a breakout session.
Task Force Approved to Explore How to Support Women in Leadership For 200 years, the autonomy of the local church has been a hallmark of BGAV. At the 200th annual meeting in November, messengers voted to pass a motion approving the creation of a task force to explore further ways to support and advocate for women in leadership roles among Virginia Baptists. All BGAV-participating churches exercise their autonomy in many different ways, including whether they choose to hire and/or ordain women as clergy and lay leaders. A primary way BGAV churches unite is in their willingness to work together for the Redeemer’s kingdom, with regard for each church’s autonomy and governance.
Two other state-level Baptist entities also recently addressed the issue of women in ministerial leadership positions at their annual meetings.
Kristin Adkins Whitesides, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Winchester, presented the motion, which read, “I move that the Executive Board of the Baptist General Association of Virginia appoint a seven-member task force to explore programs, resources, policies, initiatives and relationships which further support and advocate for women in pastoral, ministerial, and leadership roles among Virginia Baptists.”
At their July meeting, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) heard and approved a revised motion initially presented by Meredith Stone, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry. The alternative motion that passed said, “We request the BGCT Executive Board to resource BGCT staff to continue developing more strategies, resources and advocacy initiatives to assist churches in affirming, appointing and employing women in ministry and leadership roles.”
While presenting the motion, Whitesides explained, “As women in ministry, we have answered the Spirit’s calling on our lives to serve God’s purposes in the world. We teach, and we preach. We pray and we serve. We visit hospitals and bedsides, plan mission trips, and lead Vacation Bible School. Our ministry does not denigrate or undercut the ministry of men. Instead, it enhances, deepens, and expands our shared mission. We are an integral part of the church’s work, whether we are ordained or not.” Dozens of supporters surrounded Whitesides and approached the microphone, prepared to speak in favor of the motion. But when no messengers spoke in opposition, President Herbert Ponder closed the discussion and called for a vote. The motion passed with 84% voting in favor of it.
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In October, the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina passed a resolution of support, citing among other intentions that they urge NC Baptists to cultivate “an environment within the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina where women are fully respected, valued and mobilized as equal colaborers for the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission and the glory of the Triune God.”
Women in leadership roles are not new to BGAV. Following the vote to pass the motion at the annual meeting, Rev. James Collie, retired BGAV campus minister for UVA-Wise, commented that BGAV has been a strong supporter of women in ministry for decades. “In the BSUs and BCMs, we were promoting women to be ordained long ago. We have laid hands of blessing on many women during ordination services.” Since the early 1980s, several women—laypersons and ordained clergy—have served in key BGAV positions such as president and chair of the executive board. BGAV’s 2024 elected leadership includes Becky McKinney, president, and Brooke Holloway Blake, board chair.
Clockwise from left: Attendees of the Pastor’s Conference listen intently; Dr. Mark Croston speaks on the theme “Rejoicing in Hope;” a praise band leads attendees in worship.
2023 Pastor’s Conference Inspires Attendees The BGAV Pastor’s Conference met Monday, November 13, the day before the BGAV Annual Meeting officially began with its first business session. Last year, after offering only online video events during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pastor’s Conference returned as an in-person event with strong attendance.
Church, Portsmouth) and Skip Wallace (BGAV field strategist) have been working on this year’s program for eight months. “This event was encouraging to everyone present,” said Ruth Nethery, who led some of the music for the event. “I came away from the conference enlightened, encouraged, and inspired in my own walk with God,” added Chris Fritzinger, who also provided music.
This year’s conference was held at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, which was the host church for the entire BGAV annual meeting. Attendance was strong again, according to Steve Nethery, president of the conference and pastor of Spring Hill Baptist Church. “We had 125 attenders, which is the average for our last three in-person meetings,” he said.
“The worship music opened our hearts, and the fellowship with pastors around the state was great,” said Kevin James, retired BGAV pastor, who serves now with Capital Stewardship Services.
The theme of the gathering was “Rejoicing in Hope,” based on Romans 12:12a. Former BGAV pastor, Dr. Mark Croston, was the guest speaker. Croston now serves as the National Director of Black Church Ministries at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tennessee, where his primary goal is to equip and encourage pastors.
Mike Gray, pastor of Elk Creek Baptist in Mineral, summed up his experience by saying, “The Pastor’s Conference was on point this year. It started BGAV’s 200th anniversary with the celebration of the preaching of the Word of God. The tradition of the Bedford preachers was alive and well. Dr. Croston’s message was powerful, truthful, and encouraging. I walked away inspired and hopeful.”
Through generous gifts from sponsors, EverBless Foundation and Capital Stewardship Services, all attendees received a copy of Croston’s recently published book, Big Results Leadership. Nethery commented there was one particular statement that jumped out at him from Croston’s sermon: “You can’t do this job unless you are willing to lose this job.” The central theme of Croston’s remarks was to encourage pastors to be bold in their leadership.
Ten percent of the offering they received will be sent to the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon. The conference also donated $250 to the Augusta Baptist Association to help with expenses related to the annual spring preaching conference they hold at Eagle Eyrie. Also at the meeting, the Pastor’s Conference elected the following new officers to serve a two-year term beginning in 2024: • President – Scott Salsman, pastor, James River Baptist Church, Williamsburg • Vice President – Dr. Larry Perkins, associate pastor, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Richmond • Secretary – Eli Withers, associate pastor, Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Harrisonburg • Treasurer – John Robertson, pastor, Red Bank Baptist Church, Marionville
“I am so thankful I arrived at the annual BGAV meeting in time to attend the Pastor’s Conference. Mark Croston brought a timely message that encouraged my heart and soul. We are thankful for his leadership in Nashville, but we are beyond grateful that he came back to Richmond to encourage Virginia Baptist pastors,” said David Donahue, pastor of Manassas Baptist Church. “The world of ministry in a post-Covid landscape is beyond challenging. Dr. Croston brought a word of hope and encouragement and challenged us to serve with grace and resolve.”
For more information about the Virginia Baptist Pastor’s Conference, email Steve Nethery at steve@springhillbaptist.org.
Nethery said that he and the other officers of the Pastor’s Conference, Robert Lee (pastor of Collinswood-Agape Baptist 11
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Save the date for the BGAV Annual Meeting on November 11-13, 2024, in Alexandria, VA. Details to come: meeting.bgav.org
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NOVEMBER 11–13, 2024 ALEXANDRIA, VA
2024
ANNUAL MEETING
SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR!
Purchase a commemorative ornament to celebrate 200 years of BGAV! The perfect keepsake to cherish for years to come!
Only $20! Pay online now by scanning the QR code or visiting BGAV.org/ornament!
Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples with BGAV International Missions Offering Over the past several months, we have heard from BGAVparticipating churches seeking alternatives for international missions offerings, particularly during the upcoming Christmas season. In response, BGAV’s Impact Missions team has created a way to make that happen. BGAV is already engaged in missions efforts around the world, and many BGAV churches already give designated gifts to these in the areas of poverty, refugee ministry, and church planting-to name a few. Your church can too.
IMPACT MISSIONS
C O N N E C T . S E R V E . T H R I V E .
Camp Piankatank is owned and operated by the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
“Developing dynamic disciples for Christ, through relationships and adventure” SUMMER CAMPS
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For more information: 804.776.9552 CAMPPIANKATANK.COM
Because this offering is a new alternative, and not a replacement for any other offerings, BGAV will continue to receive Lottie Moon Christmas Offering funds from BGAV churches and forward those funds to the Southern Baptist Convention. This new offering is for churches seeking a different direction. Impact Missions is excited to develop and grow this exciting new pathway for funding international missions both now and in the future. View more information about this offering, including resources to share with your church, at impactmissionsmovement.org/ impact-mission-offering/.
LATEST MINISTRY JOBS •
Director of Weekday Learning Preschool, Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA
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Minister of Youth and Families, Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA
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Associate Pastor for Children and Outreach, Haymarket Baptist Church, Haymarket, VA
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Worship Leader, Triangle Baptist Church, Triangle, VA
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Senior Pastor, Scottsville Baptist Church, Scottsville, VA
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Preschool Children’s Minister, Winfree Church, Midlothian, VA
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Worship Pastor, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Henrico, VA
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Pastor, Bethesda Baptist Church, Boydton, VA
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Pastor, Millfield Baptist Church, Wakefield, VA
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Pastor, Lawrenceville Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, VA
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Student Ministry Director, The Mount Church, Stafford, VA
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Worship Leader, Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Troy, VA
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Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA
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Minister of Children & Families, Bonsack Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA
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Minister of Community Engagement, West End Baptist Church, North Dinwiddie, VA
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Children’s Minister, First Baptist Church, Danville, VA
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Pastor, First Baptist Church, Ridgeway, VA
Stay Connected with Your BGAV Family! Subscribe to Our eNewsletter Advance Notice is our biweekly email newsletter featuring the missions and ministries of the BGAV and stories of how BGAV churches are thriving, along with links to the latest ministry job postings and upcoming events.
Visit BGAV.org Our website features the latest news and resources for your ministries as well as the latest ministry jobs available. Be sure to bookmark BGAV.org to keep up-todate with the latest from BGAV.
Sign up to receive this enewsletter at BGAV.org/Newsletters.
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SCHOLARSHIPS & MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUNDS