Formation Ministries
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Annual Stewardship Conference
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Formation is vital to
the life of the church from the very beginning and Formation in Southern
Virginia continues to expand to meet the changing needs and challenges
of our congregations. Diocesan formation programs are designed in
collaboration with liturgists, communication and technical experts, as
well as experts in content such as stewardship, to provide a springboard
for parishes to continue the work of making disciples.
This past year we were
able to produce a video and a study guide for the diocese addressing the
sin of racism and that work will continue in 2014 with your support.
This venture has touched the lives of a number of our members and our
November 2 Service of Repentance will be the highlight of our years
work.
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Essential Building Dimensions participants
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Events such as the CENet
speaker series attract clergy and laity, with speakers who address all
aspects of formation and the cost is minimal, thanks to your financial
support. Bishop's Days and Stewardship conferences are well attended
because the cost is low. All Formation events in Southern Virginia are
underwritten by the diocesan budget so they are affordable for everyone.
In addition, scholarships are available for laity for almost every
event. These dollars are bolstered by your diocesan pledge and are being
stretched even further by sharing and collaboration among parishes,
convocations, and diocesan staff members. The upcoming Liturgical Arts
Festival in the spring of 2014, sponsored by Emmanuel, Hampton, is in
collaboration with other parishes in Convocation 5 and diocesan
Formation ministries. In each event, we strive to model new ways of
working together and sharing our resources.
Caroline Black
collaborates with other dioceses in the Essential Building Dimensions
Professional Leadership initiative, and the Hybrid Faith Formation
Initiative with VTS. Both programs have strong participation from
parishes in our diocese. EBD, mentioned above, was free to any paid
Christian Formation staff in our diocese, again thanks to the financial
support of Formation.
The Formation office
purchases or provides access to the latest curricula, videos and other
resources that are available to all parishes as well as training,
consultations and any other assistance with formation implementation.
Thank you for your support of the formation work in Southern Virginia.
