Is GWM independent or is it part of another organization?

GWM (Greater Williamsburg Movement) is an independent organization incorporated in Virginia, and is an “expression” of the International organization https://www.movement.org/ (founded in NYC in 2010). GWM is also associated with similar work being done on the Peninsula and in the greater Norfolk area under the “umbrella” name of Movement Day Virginia Cities. The Movement Day website whose link is above has additional information and videos which give more details as to the overall vision for what we are seeking to do here in Williamsburg and Eastern Virginia as well. A “Movement Day” is a 1 – 3 day event whose purpose is to gather a diverse group of Christian leaders in a city or region for a time of collaboration in order to accelerate a gospel movement in their area, and to convene leaders to address the stubborn problems that face their cities. Movement Day is an initiative of Movement.org, which exists to help cities create these “movements” to foster gospel movements that result in personal and city transformation. GWM is an “on the ground” organization which seeks to accomplish these same goals here locally.

What are the potential benefits for member churches?

GWM has the advantage of being a neutral convening body – one that can help gather Christian leaders from all parts of the community around a common purpose. We recognize that there are a lot of things competing for your time, so participation in “one more thing” needs to be worthy of your time. We anticipate the potential upside of your involvement to include: 1. Growth in relationships with leaders of other churches, resulting in mutual support and fruitful collaboration that benefits not only your church but the Greater Williamsburg community. Here is an example of what God has done elsewhere: See Video 2. Access to input from pastors and leaders who are pursuing church unity movements in other places in the US and internationally to learn from what they have been doing and to gain inspiration for the powerful impacts these movements are having on people and cities 3. Opportunities to participate in enrichment events including special gatherings with national faith leaders, trips with other leaders that offer time for fellowship as well as exposure to experiences, other leaders, and to ministries that can enrich your own ministry and expand vision. 4. We believe that there is a hunger among church members “in the pews” to do something meaningful. One of our goals is to provide opportunities for churches to work alongside other churches on community initiatives that will meaningfully impact people’s lives for the long term, while providing opportunities to build relationships that will lead to lives being shared. 5. Opportunity to participate in collaboration and in seeking God together as we pursue His vision for our community.

It seems that there is a focus on racial healing. How did that come about and how does it fit with the vision, mission, and values?

Our goal as an organization is to foster church unity and to see the Body of Christ functioning as a unified whole in Greater Williamsburg. One of the major hindrances to this happening is the reality evidenced by what some describe as “the most segregated hours of the week” - when churches meet on Sunday mornings. In order to see a fulfillment of God’s plan for his Church in our community, we have come to realize that there needs to be a relational breakthrough on this issue and all that it encompasses as a prerequisite to true unity. Since we began this journey over a year and a half ago, we have found that the relationships between the white and black churches was generally polite but also very guarded. There has been and is a lack of the trust that can only come from relationships built on true unconditional love based in Jesus. As the location of the origins of slavery in our country over 400 years ago, our community is in a unique position to also be a leader in healing the deep wounds still pervasive in our black community and in developing a better understanding across the whole church of the injustices that have occurred. We are passionate about our mission for unity of Jesus Church in our community and committed to removing any hinderances standing in the way of a gospel centered movement. Only as we worship, pray, and serve together can we achieve of our vision for transformed lives and a flourishing community. Resources… Books: “One Blood” by John Perkins, “Divided by Faith” by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith, and “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein.

What other churches are involved?

The current list of churches who have committed to involvement with Greater Williamsburg Movement include: Chickahominy Baptist Church Eastside Church Incarnation Church Jamestown Christian Fellowship Church King of Glory Lutheran Church Little Zion Baptist Church-Grove Mount Pleasant Baptist Church New Zion Baptist Church Parrish HIll Baptist Church Powerhouse of Praise Church of God in Christ Relevant Church River of Life Christian Church The Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg The River Church Vineyard Church of the Peninsula Waters Edge Church Williamsburg Christian Church Williamsburg Community Chapel

How is GWM different from the other organizations in the community that also bring churches to work together?

The mission of Greater Williamsburg Movement is to foster unity the Christian community, mobilize the Church to address key needs in our community, and convey God’s love and transforming power in a Gospel-centered movement. The central goal of Christian church unity is a defining characteristic of GWM that is different than that of other organizations in our community. As such, our strategy is to serve as a neutral convener and facilitator to bring together the Christian churches, as well as Christians working in non-profits, government and the business community to serve primarily through already existing initiatives in ways that no church could do alone. In significant ways, many followers of Jesus are already at the center of serving the needs of our community. We believe that one of the keys to accelerating long-term change in addressing stubborn problems within the community is for the entire Body of Christ to be awakened and mobilized with a vision to “love our neighbors” both within the church and within the community around us. We believe that there are followers of Jesus within our congregations who are longing to invest themselves in serving the Lord, and that as they have the opportunity to develop flourishing relationships with people who are different than themselves, this will lead to long term individual (as well as church and community) transformation. We seek to be a connector of churches and people - helping to accelerate ministry that is already going on and incubating ministry efforts to address needs that aren’t yet being met. ​ We applaud and are grateful for the many organizations that provide opportunities for members of a wide variety of churches to work together addressing issues in our community. They have a huge impact in greater Williamsburg, and we would be a very hurting community without them.

We have relations with other churches, so I think we are doing our part for unity. Isn’t this what GWM would be trying to do anyway?

We are believing for a deeper unity to be developed in the Church in Williamsburg than what we have experienced to date. In John 17:22-23, Jesus prays to His Father, asking “…that they may be one, even as We are One, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.” Jesus was passionate about unity - this is the kind of unity that we are pursuing – the kind that results in our community realizing that Jesus must be real, because of the love that we have for one another. We believe that disunity breeds atheism, and true unity breeds faith. It will take sustained and intentional effort to get to the point where the Church in Greater Williamsburg is operating in experiential unity that outsiders can observe. This is important not only because Jesus commanded the Church to operate in unity, but because we believe it is key to seeing God’s purposes fulfilled, we are passionate about working to make it happen. The link in the first point under “potential benefits for Member churches” above is one example of what can happen when churches develop deep unity. Another example is the remarkable story of city transformation that took place as leaders came together in Salford England: See Video

Is there a theology and doctrine that member churches are expected to accept?

We have purposely attempted to keep this simple. Here are what we call our Core Values, which form the basis of belief around which we operate. These are the Core Values that we ask all member churches to agree with: 1. We come together and deeply value the centrality of the Gospel. We are united in the person of Jesus Christ and in His divinity. 2. We believe in the unity of the Church. There is One Church and many beautiful expressions of that Church. 3. We come together around Christ’s mission for the transformation of communities

Why don’t you open GWM to all faiths?

We respect, appreciate and honor the service of all in our community who desire to serve their fellow man, and will gladly work with all in addressing “common grace” issues. However, this organization has been founded specifically as an effort to bring together Christian churches and followers of Jesus with a vision to do walk together in unity (John 17:20-23).

Is GWM a 501c3?

GWM has applied for 501c3 status and is awaiting response from the federal government. We hope to have this in place before the end of the year.

Is GWM independent or is it part of another organization?

GWM (Greater Williamsburg Movement) is an independent organization incorporated in Virginia, and is an “expression” of the International organization https://www.movement.org/ (founded in NYC in 2010). GWM is also associated with similar work being done on the Peninsula and in the greater Norfolk area under the “umbrella” name of Movement Day Virginia Cities. The Movement Day website whose link is above has additional information and videos which give more details as to the overall vision for what we are seeking to do here in Williamsburg and Eastern Virginia as well. A “Movement Day” is a 1 – 3 day event whose purpose is to gather a diverse group of Christian leaders in a city or region for a time of collaboration in order to accelerate a gospel movement in their area, and to convene leaders to address the stubborn problems that face their cities. Movement Day is an initiative of Movement.org, which exists to help cities create these “movements” to foster gospel movements that result in personal and city transformation. GWM is an “on the ground” organization which seeks to accomplish these same goals here locally.

What are the potential benefits for member churches?

GWM has the advantage of being a neutral convening body – one that can help gather Christian leaders from all parts of the community around a common purpose. We recognize that there are a lot of things competing for your time, so participation in “one more thing” needs to be worthy of your time. We anticipate the potential upside of your involvement to include: 1. Growth in relationships with leaders of other churches, resulting in mutual support and fruitful collaboration that benefits not only your church but the Greater Williamsburg community. Here is an example of what God has done elsewhere: See Video 2. Access to input from pastors and leaders who are pursuing church unity movements in other places in the US and internationally to learn from what they have been doing and to gain inspiration for the powerful impacts these movements are having on people and cities 3. Opportunities to participate in enrichment events including special gatherings with national faith leaders, trips with other leaders that offer time for fellowship as well as exposure to experiences, other leaders, and to ministries that can enrich your own ministry and expand vision. 4. We believe that there is a hunger among church members “in the pews” to do something meaningful. One of our goals is to provide opportunities for churches to work alongside other churches on community initiatives that will meaningfully impact people’s lives for the long term, while providing opportunities to build relationships that will lead to lives being shared. 5. Opportunity to participate in collaboration and in seeking God together as we pursue His vision for our community.

It seems that there is a focus on racial healing. How did that come about and how does it fit with the vision, mission, and values?

Our goal as an organization is to foster church unity and to see the Body of Christ functioning as a unified whole in Greater Williamsburg. One of the major hindrances to this happening is the reality evidenced by what some describe as “the most segregated hours of the week” - when churches meet on Sunday mornings. In order to see a fulfillment of God’s plan for his Church in our community, we have come to realize that there needs to be a relational breakthrough on this issue and all that it encompasses as a prerequisite to true unity. Since we began this journey over a year and a half ago, we have found that the relationships between the white and black churches was generally polite but also very guarded. There has been and is a lack of the trust that can only come from relationships built on true unconditional love based in Jesus. As the location of the origins of slavery in our country over 400 years ago, our community is in a unique position to also be a leader in healing the deep wounds still pervasive in our black community and in developing a better understanding across the whole church of the injustices that have occurred. We are passionate about our mission for unity of Jesus Church in our community and committed to removing any hinderances standing in the way of a gospel centered movement. Only as we worship, pray, and serve together can we achieve of our vision for transformed lives and a flourishing community. Resources… Books: “One Blood” by John Perkins, “Divided by Faith” by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith, and “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein.

What other churches are involved?

The current list of churches who have committed to involvement with Greater Williamsburg Movement include: Chickahominy Baptist Church Eastside Church Incarnation Church Jamestown Christian Fellowship Church King of Glory Lutheran Church Little Zion Baptist Church-Grove Mount Pleasant Baptist Church New Zion Baptist Church Parrish HIll Baptist Church Powerhouse of Praise Church of God in Christ Relevant Church River of Life Christian Church The Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg The River Church Vineyard Church of the Peninsula Waters Edge Church Williamsburg Christian Church Williamsburg Community Chapel

How is GWM different from the other organizations in the community that also bring churches to work together?

The mission of Greater Williamsburg Movement is to foster unity the Christian community, mobilize the Church to address key needs in our community, and convey God’s love and transforming power in a Gospel-centered movement. The central goal of Christian church unity is a defining characteristic of GWM that is different than that of other organizations in our community. As such, our strategy is to serve as a neutral convener and facilitator to bring together the Christian churches, as well as Christians working in non-profits, government and the business community to serve primarily through already existing initiatives in ways that no church could do alone. In significant ways, many followers of Jesus are already at the center of serving the needs of our community. We believe that one of the keys to accelerating long-term change in addressing stubborn problems within the community is for the entire Body of Christ to be awakened and mobilized with a vision to “love our neighbors” both within the church and within the community around us. We believe that there are followers of Jesus within our congregations who are longing to invest themselves in serving the Lord, and that as they have the opportunity to develop flourishing relationships with people who are different than themselves, this will lead to long term individual (as well as church and community) transformation. We seek to be a connector of churches and people - helping to accelerate ministry that is already going on and incubating ministry efforts to address needs that aren’t yet being met. ​ We applaud and are grateful for the many organizations that provide opportunities for members of a wide variety of churches to work together addressing issues in our community. They have a huge impact in greater Williamsburg, and we would be a very hurting community without them.

We have relations with other churches, so I think we are doing our part for unity. Isn’t this what GWM would be trying to do anyway?

We are believing for a deeper unity to be developed in the Church in Williamsburg than what we have experienced to date. In John 17:22-23, Jesus prays to His Father, asking “…that they may be one, even as We are One, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.” Jesus was passionate about unity - this is the kind of unity that we are pursuing – the kind that results in our community realizing that Jesus must be real, because of the love that we have for one another. We believe that disunity breeds atheism, and true unity breeds faith. It will take sustained and intentional effort to get to the point where the Church in Greater Williamsburg is operating in experiential unity that outsiders can observe. This is important not only because Jesus commanded the Church to operate in unity, but because we believe it is key to seeing God’s purposes fulfilled, we are passionate about working to make it happen. The link in the first point under “potential benefits for Member churches” above is one example of what can happen when churches develop deep unity. Another example is the remarkable story of city transformation that took place as leaders came together in Salford England: See Video

Is there a theology and doctrine that member churches are expected to accept?

We have purposely attempted to keep this simple. Here are what we call our Core Values, which form the basis of belief around which we operate. These are the Core Values that we ask all member churches to agree with: 1. We come together and deeply value the centrality of the Gospel. We are united in the person of Jesus Christ and in His divinity. 2. We believe in the unity of the Church. There is One Church and many beautiful expressions of that Church. 3. We come together around Christ’s mission for the transformation of communities

Why don’t you open GWM to all faiths?

We respect, appreciate and honor the service of all in our community who desire to serve their fellow man, and will gladly work with all in addressing “common grace” issues. However, this organization has been founded specifically as an effort to bring together Christian churches and followers of Jesus with a vision to do walk together in unity (John 17:20-23).

Is GWM a 501c3?

GWM has applied for 501c3 status and is awaiting response from the federal government. We hope to have this in place before the end of the year.

What is a Scuba Diving certification ?

In order for you to dive with the certified divers, you need to have a "Diving certification". At least to have Open Water Certification (The level 1 in scuba diving)
If you want to dive but you don't have any certification yet; you have 2 options : - You can get your first diving certification (The Open Water) ; it's a 3 day course where you will, with the Scubakreta instructor's, learn to dive. Once you will have your Open Water certification, you will be able to join the diving trips, practice scuba diving by diving with a pair of the same level (or higher) without being supervised by a professional Instructor.​ Participate in dives whose maximum depth authorized by PADI is 18 meters for the Open Water Diver.​ And most important, your certification will be valid and recognized worldwide. It's basically like a driving license, once you have it, it's for all life. The second option if you want to dive but you don't have any certification, is to make a Discover Scuba Diving. Join Scubakreta to do your first dive. An experience of a lifetime you will not forget! We invite you to go on the appropriate program : The Discover Scuba Diving

What levels are you teaching on the center ?

We are teaching all the diving levels.

• The Open Water (Level 1)
• The Advanced Open Water (Level 2)
• The Rescue Diver (Level 3)
• The Divemaster (Level 4 / First Professionnal Level)

What is the first certification for Scuba Diving ?

The first diving certification is called the ''Open Water'' - The Level 1. This is your passport to a world of adventure With the certification "Open Water Diver" you will be able to: ​

• Practice scuba diving by diving with a pair of the same level (or higher) without being supervised by a professional Instructor.

I have made a Discover Scuba Diving before, is it counting as a Diving Certification ?

No, if you have made a Discover Scuba Diving before, this doesn't count as a scuba diving certification. The first one is the "Open Water". Although it's not a diving certification "Discover Scuba Diving" can be your first step towards diving. This dive can be credited for your first certification.If you decide to start your Open Water course, we will credit you the amount paid for this program.

I plan to book a course with you ! At what moment should I make my reservation and how ?

We need to get your reservation at least one day before. for a diving course, we highly recommend to book as soon as possible to get sure that your instructors will be available to the dates that arranged you the most. You can make your reservation from the formular that you will find right here. You can also contact us by phone : +30 28973 00683 | Mobile : + 30 6936 893032 We will do our best to answer you as soon as possible. If you do not have an answer from us, please look at your SPAM file or send us an email.

Can you pick me up from my hotel ?

We offer a free shuttle service for the areas around our diving center. The regions we transfer from are: Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos and Anissaras. Contact us with details about your location and we will give your the closest pickup point we can pick you up from, as well as the time of pickup. After the dive(s) is (are) finished we bring you back to as well. Disclaimer: We offer a shuttle service, which means you might need to wait a bit after your program to get back to your hotel. We start driving people back as soon as all the programs are done, which means that for example, if you are making your course , you might need to wait 20 to 30 minutes until the the divers are back and get ready to go before we can drop you off again.

After I completed the course what is happening ?

After you've completed your course you will get your new diving certification from us. We will deliver immediately to you a temporary certification card. You will be able to use this card for the next 3 mounths. You will also receive a copy per email. After a couple of days/weeks, you will reveive directly in your house your PADI Certification Card - Do not loose this card, this is the proof of your scuba diving training. From now on, you are a certified diver ! Welcome to the family ! You are now able to :

• Practice scuba diving by diving with a pair of the same level (or higher) without being supervised by a professional Instructor.

What about the lunch between during my course ?

The boat is coming back between the morning and the afternoon so our guest can have lunch. If you are a client from the Nana Beach Hotel,

• You can enjoy the lunch with your family on the restaurant's.

Can I bring visitors with me ?

Yes and No. The free Shuttle Service we offer is only for our divers. We have a very limited space available so we cannot give up transfer seats for visitors that should be occupied by divers. If you have a child that wants to dive or if you are underage then of course you can bring a parent/gurdian with you with an extra charge of 15 euro. If you make your own way to our center then of course you can bring you family along. We strickly do not accept visitors on the dive boat! The dive boat is for divers only and we cannot make any exceptions. If your family joins you they can stay in the dive center area, we have a beautiful beach just in front of us. For more informations and special request feel free to contact us via mobile at 0030 6936893032

What documents should I bring with me ?

We don't need any document from you prior to the course. We do not require a Medical Statement for diving. At your arrival we will give you some documents that you should fill out. If you do not present any contraindications in the questions we will adress you then there is no problem. Therefore, we do need a medical statement from your doctor in case you answer ''YES'' to one of the question that we will give to you. We recommand you to take information about theses questions right here : https://www.scubakreta.com/risks-associated-with-scuba-diving

What are the flying after diving recommandations ?

Flying after diving recommendations.​ Referred student divers may not have reached the point in their training where they are exposed to the flying after diving recommendations. However, because they may have opportunities to take dive travel vacations that involve airplane travel, it is prudent to discuss the diving medical community's most recent flying after diving recommendations so that they can plan accordingly. ​ Below is a reprint of the current guidelines that were announced in the Fourth Quarter, 2002 Training Bulletin; ​ For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits​

• Single Dives : A minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
• Repetitive Dives : A minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.

Do I have to buy anything / any equipement prior to the course ?

No you don't, at all. We are providing you all the equipement you need in order for you to accomplished the course. The price for your courses include all the equipement and the PADI books for the theoretical part.

I've started a course before on an other Diving Center and I want to complete it with you.

It's possible and you are very welcome to join us to completed your course. For this there is two conditions :

1. You need to have a Referal document of what you have achieve so far from your previous Diving Center.
2. You need to have started the course over the last 12 mouths. If it's prior to the last year, then you will have to start the course from the begenning.

In wich language can I make my course ?

For the theory, you can get the books, videos and exams in your own language whatever she is. For the practice, with the Scubakreta Instructor's, you can get your course either in English, German, French and Greek.