Administrative & Financial Best Practices conference on Sept. 15

Join us on Thursday, September 15, at the diocesan office in Newport News for a day designed for church financial and administrative personnel.  Whether you are new to your job or have been at it for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with your colleagues in other churches. Register early; space is limited. $15 fee includes lunch. Click here for more info and to register.   

 

Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild graduates eight students

June 10 was a very special day for eight students who attend the Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services. Four students received their standard high school diploma and four received their GED. In addition, seven graduates and undergraduates received their Home Health Care Aide certificate and pin.

 

Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education, presided over the ceremony held at the Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College, Emporia Campus. Dr. JoAnn Smart, Director of Clinical Services, was the commencement speaker.

 

Two students addressed the members of their class expressing their thanks to the school and faculty. They challenged their fellow graduates to build upon the education they received at Gwaltney School.

 

Six scholarships were awarded to students to help with college expenses. Nancy Sands, President of the Episcopal Church Women from the Diocese of Southern Virginia, presented each graduate with a $100 honorarium.

 

Over the last eighteen years, 157 students have graduated from the Gwaltney School with either a diploma or GED certificate. Each year, in honor and recognition of the student's work, an anonymous donor has provided a bouquet of roses for each girl, a wallet for each boy, and a gift card for every graduate. Another donor underwrote the cost of class rings which were presented to every graduate.

Spring LARCUM Service is now Christian Unity Service

On Sunday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m., Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach, will host the Christian Unity service featuring Biblical Storytelling. (This service was formerly known as the "Spring LARCUM" service.) The service will focus on Christian Unity through the lens of bible passages; how Holy Scripture demonstrates that unity is part of God's plan for the world.

The centerpiece of this service will be proclamation and illumination of God's word by local members of the Network of Biblical Storytellers. The Network is an international group, both lay and ordained, dedicated to telling Bible stories as authentically as possible. The goal of Network members is to recreate to the greatest extent possible what members of the early churches would have experienced and enjoyed as they heard the word of God. The two tellers at this service will be the Rev. Mark Wilkinson, rector of St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, and Ellen Clements. As is the tradition at this service, a Question & Answer time will be offered so those attending can have a conversation with the Network presenters.

 

Church of the Holy Apostles is at 1593 Lynnhaven Parkway, ­Virginia Beach. For more information, please email admin@holyapostlesvb.org, call 427-0963, or visit www.holyapostlesvb.org.

   

Cursillistas refurbish Chanco shed

By Mike Nickelsburg, Emmanuel, Virginia Beach   

During the week of June 6, 26 Cursillo volunteers cleaned out and refurbished Chanco's shed, inside and out. While one group unloaded the shed to a POD, inventoried, and cleaned out years of accumulated stuff, the rest of the crew removed the rotten wood, added new siding, caulked and painted, rebuilt the porch, added a roof over the porch, cleaned out the interior, and added new storage shelves. A new roof was installed the following week, and a new HVAC unit will be installed shortly. Many thanks to all those who worked and to those who supported the project through prayer and monetary donations.

Save the date: International Black Clergy Conference in November

Save the date for an important upcoming conference and educational event, the International Black Clergy Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 16 to Saturday, November 19 in Houston, TX. The theme of the event is "The Jesus Movement: Embracing Our Call." The pre-conference begins on Tuesday, November 15 with meetings of affinity groups: clergy ordained five years or less; deacons; retired clergy; diocesan leadership staff; New Visions Team; and clergy serving in multicultural and/or white congregations. On Wednesday, the conference keynote address will be presented by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry on "Embracing the Call." Click here for more information and registration.

Registration opens for Evangelism Matters conference

Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal Church Evangelism Conference held November 18-19 in Dallas, TX, is for anyone who would like to learn more about evangelism and available resources to share our faith. This innovative churchwide event is co-sponsored by Forward Movement and the Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop's Office, and is hosted by the Diocese of Dallas and Church of the Transfiguration, Dallas, where the activities will be held. Among the planned activities are an address by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, plus plenary sessions and workshops by evangelism leaders. A portion of the Saturday events will be live webcast to allow for individual and group viewing during conventions, discussion groups, and local evangelism gatherings. Click here for info and registration.

Litany for Gun Violence Prevention offered for use in Sunday services

A Litany for Gun Violence Prevention written by the Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Episcopal bishop of Maine, is offered for use in liturgies throughout the Episcopal Church this coming Sunday or at any other time. The litany is available here, and includes downloadable bulletin inserts in English and in Spanish. A full Eucharistic liturgy, prepared by St. Mary's Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, is also available.

Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons

 

L to R: Bishop Hollerith; Charlie Bauer; Josh Stephen; the Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander; the Rev. Chris Epperson, rector of Bruton Parish.

On Saturday, June 11, at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Bishop Hollerith ordained Charlie Bauer and Josh Stephens to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander, Dean of the School of Theology at The University of the South, preached. Charlie will begin as Curate at Hickory Neck, Toano in July and Josh will begin as Associate Rector for Family Ministry at Bruton Parish in August.

Join the Union of Black Episcopalians

The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) invites ALL Episcopalians, regardless of race, to become members of UBE and join them in their mission of fighting racism and encouraging the involvement of Black people in the total life of the church. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is a lifetime member of UBE - won't you join him and support this vital ministry?

The James Solomon Russell chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) meets on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk (1400 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk). All Episcopalians in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are invited and encouraged to join the UBE and become members of this diverse and concerned group. Annual dues are $70 for individuals, $60 for retired, and $105 four couples. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.

BB&T Emporia Branch shines light on Jackson-Feild through Lighthouse Project

Employees from the Emporia branch of BB&T partnered with Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services by painting common areas in Gwaltney Cottage.

 

This partnership is based on BB&T's "Lighthouse Project" a company-wide community service program. BB&T believes an investment in their communities is one of the best investments they will ever make! Whether it's a financial contribution, an investment of time or both, they feel their support can truly make a difference.

 

This project gave BB&T an opportunity to provide corporate financial support to local charities, while associates roll up their sleeves and go to work. Since the Lighthouse Project began in 2009, their associates have contributed more than 385,000 volunteer hours and have improved the quality of life for more than 11 million people

 

The Emporia team members eagerly accepted this challenge to paint one of JFBHS's residential cottages Mark Owen and his team arrived bright and early on May 21st with paint brushes and rollers in hand. They got right to work and by the end of the day the cottage had a whole new look. The funds to purchase the paint and supplies was provided by a grant from BB&T.

 

Mark and his family have been involved at JFBHS for years. He knows the good work that is being done daily to help children with mental health disorders understand and manage their disorders.

 

JFBHS is most grateful for the help and support that the Lighthouse Project has provided to improve the quality of life and upgrade the living quarters for its children.

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 EYC Board!

Pictured clockwise from top left at their first meeting on Sunday, June 5 at the diocesan office: Jimmy, Alex, Trafton, Anthony, Audre'ana, Clare, Courtney, and Dan.

Each year at May Weekend, nine teens are elected democratically by their peers to the Episcopal Youth Community Board. These teens represent the youth of the diocese as advocates and plan and lead our EYC weekends at Chanco. The following individuals were elected this year on May 22:

 

Trafton Addison- St. Andrew's, Norfolk

Anthony Alfano- St. Christopher's, Portsmouth

Dan Barnum- St. Andrew's, Norfolk

Alex Ellis- St. Andrew's, Newport News

Audre'ana Ellis- St. Andrew's, Newport News

Clare Harbin- St. John's, Portsmouth

Courtney Mason (President)- St. David's, Chesterfield

Jimmy Murphy- Emmanuel, Hampton

Stephen Peabody- Emmanuel, Hampton

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

By Keith A. Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit

	Easter Day at Mission of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to every individual and church that embarked on a journey with us to systematically lift up the lives of the people we serve. This process required our gathering resources and scattering seeds of hope. This meant that we had to be intentional about establishing relationships with individuals and churches that would not only support our efforts with volunteers, finances and other vital resources, but we also needed to implement programs that would bear fruit over time.

We have begun to see the fruit of our labor, thanks to everyone who has taken the risk and heard the call. Through your giving, we have had many triumphs over the years. Recently, four of our long-term members have graduated from college. Several others are continuing their education, and many of our families' lives are becoming stable. Although there are many challenges, we are confident that our purpose in the communities we serve remains vital.

I'm asking each of you to continue to support this ministry and to help us provide opportunities for the families we serve. As summer begins, many of our young people will find themselves searching for activities that will give them safe and new experiences. Every summer we strive to provide just that, and your gifts and support makes it possible. In order to continue to provide quality services that include Sunday worship, tutoring, music and arts, health programs and life skills groups for our adults, we need your help. Your commitment to support the Mission of the Holy Spirit allows us to be a very helpful presence in a truly hurting community. Too often we hear or read about violence in our communities. Every child, adolescent and adult that we are able to serve has not only the ability but also the responsibility to share the good news to those around them. 1 John 3:17 says, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?"

Each of you shares the love of God when you find it in your heart to give, thus ensuring that new seeds will be scattered and more lives will be changed. 

For more information contact the Mission at 757-858-0010 or info@missionoftheholyspirit.org. www.missionoftheholyspirit.org.

Redeemer, Midlothian, hosts ECW Spring Annual Meeting

Boys Home Graduates Receive ECW Love Gifts

By Nancy Polick Sands, ECW President, Diocese of Southern Virginia

	Left to Right: Nancy Polick Sands, ECW president, Diocese of Southern Virginia; Jo Anne Simpkins, ECW president, Redeemer, Midlothian; Megan-Drew Tiller, Church Relations, Boys Home of Virginia and the Rev. D. Donald Dunn, III

On Saturday, May 21, we had our Diocesan ECW Meeting at Redeemer, Midlothian. I want to thank Mrs. Jo Anne Simpkins, Redeemer's ECW president and the ECW members for hosting a wonderful meeting. Despite the rainy weather and getting stuck in traffic on I-64, we had 40 members present for the meeting - the biggest ECW meeting that we have had so far these two years I have been president. As each member registered we were asked if anyone had told us how important we were, and we were given a long stem rose. What a wonderful treat! Lunch was great, and a special thanks goes out to the Rev. D. Donald Dunn, III for having a wonderful church service and helping us celebrate Louisa Taylor Letcher Day in memory of our founder.

 

Our speaker, Megan-Drew Tiller, church relations, Boys Home of Virginia, brought us up to date on activities at the Boys Home. She expressed thanks for ECW's continued support and especially for our recent love gifts to the Boys Home graduates. It was my pleasure to attend the 2016 Boys Home of Virginia Award Banquet where I presented each of the eight graduates with a $100 gift as part of our God Bless the Children Outreach Project. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the gifts. Megan told us that Mr. Donnie Wheatley, Boys Home executive director, cannot remember a single year when ECW did not support the Boys Home. See more on the God Bless the Children graduation gift in the next issue of The Diocesan Connection newsletter.

Zika virus fact sheet from Episcopal Relief & Development

Across the US, Episcopalians are gearing up for summer activities like VBS, mission trips and summer camp. But this summer, with concerns about the Zika virus moving north into the continental US, new questions are popping up. Responding to these concerns, Episcopal Relief & Development assembled a taskforce of experts in public health and safety, disaster response, church programs and communications to sort through the information floating around about the Zika virus, and to create a resource that would help Episcopal churches in the United States to respond appropriately.

 

Click here for a copy of Episcopal Relief & Development's Zika Fact Sheet.

The overall message is that while Zika is a concern for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, most people who are infected with Zika do not become sick, and there is a low chance that there would be an epidemic in the continental United States. As long as normal mosquito bite prevention is practiced (protecting skin with clothing or repellent, using window screens or mosquito nets), there is no reason to cancel summer camp or mission trip plans - unless you are part of a couple that is currently pregnant or planning to be.