Send us a picture of your pet for our St. Francis Day celebration on Facebook!

  The Feast of St. Francis is October 4. Help us celebrate by sharing a picture of your animal companions that we can share in our St. Francis Facebook Celebration. Send your picture to aturner@diosova.org. Be sure to include your name, parish and your pet's name. Be sure to visit our Facebook page on Oct. 4 to see all the "Episco-Pets" in Southern Virginia! 

Don't miss October Weekend! Registration deadline is Sep. 30

  Have you registered for October Weekend yet? The deadline is Monday, September 30. October Weekend is for young people in grades 8 through 12 and their adult leaders. Come to Chanco October 11-13 for a weekend in the woods with teens from all over our diocese! October Weekend  features great music, small groups, socials and games, meaningful discussions, a dance, and really incredible worship experiences. Come experience the presence of God in community! Click here for details and online registration.  

Mark your calendar for these other important dates:

• Oct. 14:  Happening #60 Registration Deadline
• Nov. 4:  November Weekend Registration Deadline
• Nov. 8-10:  Happening #60 
• Nov. 15-17:  November Weekend 

Living Waters Summit examines water quality through the lens of faith

The Living Waters Summit, November 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is an opportunity to join faith and conservation leaders from across the Commonwealth as they examine water quality through the lens of faith. Investigate where faith and conservation priorities intersect. Immerse yourself in the wisdom and inspiration of speakers from the interfaith and science communities. Examine ways the faith and conservation communities can facilitate richer, more relevant conversations by working together. Collaborate across faiths to develop "next steps" to improve water quality in our communities during the coming year. Click here for details and registration. 

New Chorister Program open to all children ages 8-18

Christ and St. Luke's, Norfolk, is starting a Chorister Program for children ages 8-18, under the direction of Kevin Kwan, newly appointed Director of Music.  Boys and girls, regardless of religious affiliation, church membership, or musical experience, are welcome to join the choir.  The Choristers will be trained according to the standards set forth by the Royal School of Church Music. 

This opportunity is open to all families in the Diocese who would benefit from professional music training,  at no expense to the parents besides their commitment.  More than just music skills, the Choristers training can be an essential part of the whole formation of a child.  Each boy and girl receives significant individual attention in a stimulating, challenging, yet fun environment.

Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5-6pm, followed by a light supper open to all families.  This meal, organized by the parents, is a way to build community among the families in a casual setting.  Currently, the Choristers sing on Sundays every 4-6 weeks, in addition to the popular Christmas Eve and Holy Week services. For more information, please contact Kevin Kwan at kevin.kwan@christandstlukes.org or 757-627-5665 extension 18. 

St. John's, Halifax, ready to show off their new look

 

St. John's, Halifax, has just completed and $200,000 renovation of their church and parish house and will be showing them off to the community this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. John's, a Greek Revival building erected in 1844, has a rich history. Veterans from almost every American-fought war lie in the church's cemetery. One of the church's rectors, the Rev. Charles Dresser, married President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd.  

The extensive renovations at St. John's preserve the church's past while helping it to move forward into the 21st century. Among the many improvements to the structure, was making the church and parish house completely handicap-accessible. "Essentially, we've redone that building from top to bottom," said the Rev. Cleon Ross, interim rector. "There's no part of the building that hasn't been touched. "

The open house on Saturday will include tours of the church, parish house and cemetery. A dedication and blessing for both the church and parish house will take place on Sunday.   

Boys' Home participates in The Amazing Raise

 The Community Foundation, serving Richmond and Central Virginia, will again sponsor The Amazing Raise. For 36 hours beginning Wednesday, September 18, at 6 a.m. and extending to Thursday, September 19, at 6 p.m., supporters can designate online donations to eligible nonprofits. Boys' Home is one of the 571 organizations in this select group. The Boys' Home page can be accessed here.  

The Community Foundation does not benefit from the online donations and all monies except for a processing fee goes directly to the organization. As in the past, there may be times that the website is so busy that there could be delays in accessing the Boys' Home page. If you have problems, please use the online donations on the Boys' Home webpage or contact Boys' Home Development Director Janet Lemmer, 540-965-7715 or jdlemmer@boyshomeinc.org. Thank you for considering this venue to support Boys' Home!

St. John's honors the Rev. James Chisholm

The Rev. Brian Hobden, 14th rector of St. John's, and the Rev. Derek Harbin, 16th and current rector, bless a bronze plaque at the Rev. James Chisholm's grave.

In 2010, the Rev. James Chisholm was added to the Episcopal Church's calendar of saints for giving his life in service to others during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1855. His feast day is September 15. Chisholm was the first rector of St. John's, Portsmouth. Chisholm sent his family away to safety, staying behind to provide whatever care for the sick he could. Chisholm provided food, medical assistance, and pastoral care. He was even known to have dug graves for those who had died. According to "History of Portsmouth, Virginia," "During that awful summer of 1855, Mr. Chisholm labored night and day among people of every denomination." "He was, however, spared to comfort the pest-ridden sufferings until the disease had abated; then his frail body, worn out by privation and toil, succumbed to the fever." Chisholm died on September 15, 1855 in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital.

St. John's honored Chisholm with series of events over the weekend, including tours of Olde Towne and the original Naval Hospital building, highlighting Chisholm's work. Sunday afternoon's event included the dedication of a new bronze plaque and the reading of a city proclamation by Portsmouth Mayor Kenneth Wright. A collection in Chisholm's honor will pay for mosquito bed nets. A fitting tribute since Yellow Fever, although now eradicated, was a mosquito-borne disease. Today, the nets could help prevent malaria, which causes 200 million illnesses and kills 600,000 people a year.  

    

Jackson-Feild completes capital campaign

Jackson-Feild Homes launched the Act of Faith Capital Campaign in November 2011 to raise funds to make repairs and improvements to its All Saints Chapel. With a campaign goal of $85,000, Tricia Delano, Executive Director, is pleased to announce that the goal has been met. Donations were received from thirty donors that included individuals, churches, church organizations and foundations.

Constructed in 1978, the chapel was in need of both exterior and interior repairs in order to continue serving as the home of Jackson-Feild's spiritual program. In addition to weekly worship services in All Saints Chapel, The Rev. Robin Jones also provides Bible study, character education, pastoral counseling, holy yoga and quarterly bible schools within the structure.

Exterior repairs were completed in 2012, and work has begun to complete the interior work. In the spring of 2014, Jackson-Feild will offer a special worship ceremony to re-dedicate the chapel.

There's still time to register for LPM classes

The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is a two-year program offering a certificate in church music upon completion.LPM classes are open to anyone; whether church musician, clergy, or interested lay person, LPM's outstanding faculty will help you hone your musical and leadership skills with practical courses tailored to suit your needs. LPM provides professional support, introduces students to church music resources, connects students with others who share their dedication to and interest in church music, and sends students back to their parishes with new ideas and perspectives.

LPM classes are held once a month over the course of five months: Sept. 13-14, Oct. 11-12, Nov. 8-9, 2013, and Jan. 10-11, Feb. 7-8, 2014. On Friday evenings classes are held from 7:00-9:15 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30 am-3:45 pm. Classes are held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter at 4819 Monument Avenue in Richmond. Go to www.lpm-va.org for more information and registration.

Conference at VTS for retiring clergy

Deciding to retire, leaving a ministry and embracing new patterns of life are exciting challenges that call for learning, reflection and healthy anticipation. Join other clergy and clergy couples who are preparing for one of life's most significant transitions at this conference hosted by Virginia Theological Seminary. Our leaders, the The Rev. Dr. Frank H. Wade and Mrs. Ellen Sell, will lead the group through workshops that will prepare those getting ready for this important shift in identity and work. Registration includes most meals & refreshments. Monday, October 21, 3 p.m. through Wednesday, October 23 at noon. Cost: $300.00 One Registrant; $550.00 Two Registrants (Clergy Couple) Registration closes October 9. Click here for more information and registration.

VIPCare Pastoral Ministries Consultation & Support Program

The Virginia Institute for Pastoral Care is offering a Pastoral Ministries Consultation and Support Program for parish and specialized ministry leaders in an ecumenical and small group setting. The program is designed to promote mature pastoral leadership and healthy congregational dynamics in a complicated age, this program will offer twice monthly sessions focused on facilitating ministers' growth, ministry consultation, and periodic forums on high interest topics. Share and learn with your peers what you do and who you are. Program begins in October. Click here for more information and registration. 

Ridley Foundation awards $91,575 in scholarships

The Ridley Foundation Board awarded scholarships totaling $91,575 to 37 students from the Diocese of Southern Virginia and Southampton County for the 2013-14 academic year. Click here for a list of this year's recipients. Here's what some of them had to say:

"I would like to take a moment to express my sincerest thanks to Ridley Board for selecting me as a recipient of The Ridley Foundation's scholarship. My passions for learning and serving my community are enduring and will continue to infiltrate every aspect of my life, during college and beyond. The Ridley Scholarship is making an enormous difference in my life by helping me and my family to pay for my college education. No number of 'Thank You's' will ever truly express how much I appreciate this generous award." - Kristen L. Cooke - Emmanuel, Franklin                                                                                      

"Words couldn't explain how I feel. As a single mother living in poverty, no college degree, and a teenage son it has really taken a toll on my revenue, but thanks to the committee and prayers I'm on my way out of the impoverished area. The committee has taught me the true definition of giving back." - Judy Wyche - St. Thomas', Freeman

"I was flabbergasted when the scholarship came in the mail. My parents were ecstatic and I felt a sense of accomplishment for working hard in high school. I can't thank you enough for awarding me with such an honor. For the second semester, I know I am supposed to send in a transcript to show what I've done for the first semester. I plan to attach pictures of the campus and surrounding area just to show you what is being funded!" - Patrick Mahloy - St. Andrew's, Newport News

"Your support is truly a blessing to my family and we are very grateful. As I head back to Virginia Tech for my last year I will remember your generosity and continue to pay it forward. I look forward to continuing to serve my community as well as finish up school and get ready for the next chapter of my life." - Peter Gunderson - St. Thomas', Chesapeake

"Thank you so much for the scholarship you have awarded me with. I appreciate it greatly and know it will help me a lot in the future. I look forward to attending James Madison University to try and become an Occupational Therapist and these funds will definitely help"- Bethany Vann - Southampton County, VA

"I was both surprised and honored to receive the Ridley scholarship. I sincerely appreciate your generosity. I appreciate your confidence in me and willingness to contribute to my future education. I am currently attending Tidewater Community College and look forward to completing my Bachelor's Degree at Virginia Wesleyan College. At the current time, I plan on majoring in Secondary Education in hopes of one day teaching History." - Ryan A. Watson - St. Mark's, Suffolk

Fall Clergy Conference Nov. 12-13

The Fall Clergy Conference - "Stewardship: Resourcing the Great Commission" - will be held November 12-13 at Chanco on the James. Our speaker will be the Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Arizona. Timothy serves as an officer of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship and has created an online Stewardship University called "Stew U."

He will lead us through an exploration of our own stewardship as clergy who must provide leadership in this area of growing as disciples.

His topics will include:

• Straight Talk about Money in Your Life
• The Truth about Church Budgets
• 3 Simple Rules of Tithing
• The Importance of Spiritual Gifts
• Planned Giving - What You Pass On
• Raising Money in Tough Economic Times

The conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 12 and conclude by 3 p.m. on November 13. There will be an optional Quiet Day on Monday, November 11. Registration information and a schedule will be available soon.

Province III evangelism conference Oct. 25-26

Province III Evangelism Ministries will present a unique evangelism conference in Martinsburg, West Virginia on October 25-26. "The Human Heart: The Soul of Evangelism" features speaker the Rev. Dr. Alvin Johnson. Cost of the conference is $60 and includes meals. Click here for details and registration. For more information contact the Rev. Mary Norton, rev.mary7@gmail.com or the Rev. Barbara Seras, p3coordinator@earthlink.net.

Joint Nominating Committee for the Presiding Bishop issues survey for your input

The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) has issued a survey and is inviting responses from all Episcopalians. "In the summer of 2015, the Church will again assume the responsibility for electing the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church," explained Sally Johnson, co-chair of the Committee. "To assist us in that work, the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop has issued a survey seeking data that will be helpful in our process of developing the profile of the type of leader the Church is seeking."

The electronic survey on Survey Monkey consists of six substantive questions in areas such as most important personal characteristics of the next Presiding Bishop (life deeply formed by scripture and prayer; skillful manager of people and resources; understand and speak multiple languages), activities (engage in fund raising; head the restructuring of the Church; strengthen our relationships in the Anglican Communion) and areas of focus (articulating a compelling vision for the Church; work to heal divisions in the Church; demonstrate a commitment to interfaith and ecumenical cooperation). Six demographic questions request information on age, race, gender, role in the Church, and years as an Episcopalian.  

"The survey is designed to help us all discern some of the characteristics we hope to see in the person we will elect," noted Johnson.  "We want to hear from Episcopalians throughout the church as this will help guide us in our endeavors."

The survey is located here. In Spanish here. Deadline for completing the survey is September 30.

The Committee will release the profile for the next Presiding Bishop in December.  It expects to open the nomination process on March 1, 2014. For more information contact JNCPB at pbnominatingcommittee@gmail.com.  

Episcopal Church survey input requested for 2014 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Input is requested from members of The Episcopal Church for a questionnaire that will form the foundation of the church's presence and participation at the 2014 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) meeting, March 10-21, 2014. The priority theme for the 2014 UNCSW is "Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for women and girls.

"Ecumenical Women invite all to participate in deciding on its advocacy priorities," explained Lynnaia Main, Episcopal Church Officer for Global Relations. "The questionnaire can be answered by anyone affiliated with The Episcopal Church. Answers will be gathered and posted to Ecumenical Women's website, and will be considered in forming Ecumenical Women's advocacy priorities at the UNCSW in 2014.  It will also be used to provide grassroots input into The Episcopal Church's advocacy process and create stories on MDGs and advocacy."

The questionnaire was prepared jointly by Ecumenical Women with input from The Episcopal Church and other faith denominations. The questionnaire can be completed either by individuals or by a group, even though it is marked as "individual." No name is required; demographic information is limited to the location of the respondent and gender. Deadline to participate in the survey is September 20. Data from the questionnaires will be submitted automatically to the Episcopal Church and Ecumenical Women upon submission. From the answers, advocacy priorities will be formulated and a joint written statement prepared to be submitted to UNCSW for the 2014 event.

For more information contact Lynnaia Main, Episcopal Church Officer for Global Relations, lmain@epsicopalchurch.org.

Boys' Home: An environment for success since 1906

Boys' Home is a residential education facility located in Covington. It has been an integral part of the Alleghany Highlands since 1906. It serves young men ages 6 to 18 who have great promise, but limited opportunities. "We see people in real crisis situations," said Development Director Janet Lemmer. Their mission is to help each resident strive toward becoming a productive member of society, by developing his potential, spiritually, mentally, physically and socially.

In 1906, the Rev. George Rogers, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington, fulfilled the need for access to education and religion in the mountainous area, and founded Grace Mission. After conducting services on a roadside under some trees and then moving to a room in a vacant house, Rogers started a school and Sunday school in an old log cabin. By 1911, when Rogers left the parish, a schoolhouse and chapel had been built. The Mission was renamed The Industrial School and Farm for Mountain Children and Home for Homeless Boys. Rogers' dream became a reality. This was to become Boys' Home.

Today, Boys' Home 1400-acre campus offers recreational facilities, a chapel, and an on-campus school that allows boys to catch up academically before entering the public school system. Vocational-technical opportunities are also offered - including the Boys' Home Christmas Tree Farm. The spiritual life program is vibrant, under the auspices of The Rev. Connie Wolfe Gilman, Boys' Home Chaplain.

How you can help

How can you support Boys' Home and their mission? "An important way people can support Boys' Home is by referring families that are in need of out of home care," said Lemmer. Boys' Home exists to serve young men and their families.

You can also help the staff and residents in more immediate ways:

• Wish List - The Boys' Home website includes a wish list of needed items, ranging from socks to sports equipment. "Our youngest resident is 6 years old," said Lemmer, "so we always need games, books and things for those little guys." Go to www.boyshomeinc.org.
• Sponsorships - Consider sponsoring a Boys' Home resident for Christmas or birthday. A gift of just $100 helps Boy's Home provide a happy Christmas or birthday celebration for a young man living away from his home.
• Just for fun - Come visit with the young men at Boys' Home or invite them for a weekend excursion. "It can be as simple as a trip to the beach, movie night or fishing trip," said Lemmer.
• Mission Works! - This is an opportunity for youth groups, churches and other organizations to work side-by-side with residents and staff in week-long on-campus projects. Some groups return year after year to share in work and fellowship, helping with a "mission" close to home. Boys' Home, hosted a returning mission group of youth and adults from St. John's, Chester, this summer. They worked on projects that ranged from landscaping to assembling beds.

To learn more about Boys' Home and how you can get involved in their ministry, contact Development Director Janet Lemmer, 540-965-7715 or jdlemmer@boyshomeinc.org. Visit their website, www.boyshomeinc.org. Be sure to visit their Facebook page  for updates and lots of great photos.

Integrity Eucharist on September 29

Please join the Virginia Beach Chapter of Integrity USA as we invite everyone to an Integrity Eucharist on Sunday afternoon, September 29, at 5:00 pm at St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach. There will be a reception afterwards. Integrity USA is an Episcopal organization that advocates for the full inclusion of the LGBT community in the life and sacraments of the church. We meet regularly on the third Tuesday of the month at MJ's Tavern in Norfolk at 6:30 for a meal together and a business meeting. Follow us on Facebook.

Help Mission of the Holy Spirit change lives

By Hank Luhring, Chairman, Mission of the Holy Spirit

There is a great photo on Facebook of Tiffani Satterwhite's newly decorated dorm room at Mary Baldwin College.  What an inspiring young lady!  Besides doing well in her course work at Granby High School, Tiffani was very active in ROTC.  She has been working for the last several years to help support her family.  And she has been a leader in the Mission, urging younger kids to keep up with their studies.

Tiffani is a good example of a young person with great potential benefiting from the support you give to the Mission. We have eight other Mission kids that will be in college this Fall. The need for assistance is great. Although a lot of their expenses are covered by scholarships and grants, there is a small but crucial gap that the Mission helps fill. Your donation helps immensely.

Supporting the Mission college students has an impact on the younger kids as well. They have watched the older kids get through high school, go through the college application process, get accepted, start college, and come back with stories of the new horizons and opportunities that college opens up for them, and jobs that will lift them from poverty. The younger kids are inspired, and strive to do better with their schoolwork.

Your donations are impactful in many ways -- they make it possible for our college kids to achieve success: this Fall we will be filling 25 new backpacks for our school-aged kids with supplies they need to succeed; the Tuesday and Thursday evening programs keep the kids focused on doing their schoolwork each week; and the Sunday church service is the core that brings God into the kids' lives and gives them hope through prayer, hearing the Word, and experiencing an uplifting sermon by Pastor Keith Josey, one of the best interpreters of God's role in these young people's lives that they'll ever hear.

Donations may be sent to Mission of the Holy Spirit, 1445 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513. Questions? Call 757-858-0010. On behalf of those of us involved at the Mission, we thank you in advance for your donation. It truly makes a difference in the lives of a whole community of people.

 Follow Mission of the Holy Spirit on Facebook!  

ECW supports Mothers' Union through Women-to-Women

Susan Broaddus to speak at ECW Fall Annual Meeting Oct. 19

 

By Nancy Smith, Diocesan ECW 

L to R: Kathy Klein, Abingdon Church, Gloucester; Mme. Claudaline Muhindo, Mothers' Union; and Susan Broaddus, former mission partner, Diocese of Southern Virginia.

The ECW of the Diocese Southern Virginia voted to raise $10,000 in 2013-2014 to support the work of the Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, through Women-to-Women, a ministry formed by the Diocese of Virginia in 2010.

Since revolutions and tribal wars began in the Congo in 1997, over 5 million people have died. Some 20 militias roam the area today raping, torturing, pillaging. The Mothers' Union provides rape counseling and job training for women; help for orphans, widows and teenaged girls and for Pygmies whose lifestyle has been disrupted by militias hiding in the forests. Women-to-Women helps spread the word about and gain support for the wonderful work being done by the Anglican Church in one of the most dangerous parts of the world.

To learn more about Women-to-Women, come to the ECW Fall Annual Meeting at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, October 19. Susan Broaddus, the keynote speaker, will report on her visit with the Mothers' Union in Goma, Diocese of Bukava, Congo in May. To register for the meeting, please call or email Louise Boss, 757-678-5331, lrboss@isp.com. 

Christian Formation leaders take part in Essential Building Dimensions program

 

Christian Formation leaders from Southern Virginia joined with colleagues from Diocese of Maryland this past weekend at Virginia Theological Seminary to take part in a new initiative, Essential Building Dimensions. This program is designed to help formation professionals to be effective leaders in the Episcopal Church through sharing and developing resources, relationships, nurturing and support. This new initiative is sponsored in partnership by the Diocese of Southern Virginia and the Diocese of Maryland. Pictured L to R: Sue Davis, St. David's Chesterfield; Jennifer Nauroth, Emmanuel Hampton; Ann Meyer, St. Martin's Williamsburg; Marguerite Alley, Emmanuel Virginia Beach; Anne Zobel, All Saints Virginia Beach; and Caroline Black, Canon for Formation.

There's still time to join the diocesan choir for our Service of Repentance, Reconciliation & Healing

It's not too late to join the Diocesan Choir for our Service of Repentance, Reconciliation & Healing on November 2. This choir is open to all singers who wish to participate. There are only two rehearsals for this choir, which will be conducted by Kevin Kwan, music director at Christ & St. Luke's. The rehearsals will be held at Christ and St. Luke's, Norfolk, and will be on Saturday, October 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Saturday, October 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The warm-up on the day of the service (November 2) will be at 10 a.m. The repertoire for the service (two choral anthems) will be sent out in September. There is no audition for this choir, but it comes with the understanding that singers will prepare the music before the rehearsals. If you are interested, please email kevin.kwan@christandstlukes.org, giving your name, parish, and voice part. The deadline to sign up is September 17. Rectors and choir directors - please forward this information to anyone in your parish who might be interested in this opportunity.

Upcoming Safe Church training

There are currently two upcoming opportunities for Creating Safe Churches for Congregations and Children classroom training. These sessions are recommended for all vestry members, church employees and licensed Eucharistic Visitors. Any parishioners, volunteers, clergy and staff who work with children are requested to complete the Child module. 

September 21 at Grace Church, Norfolk

Click here for details and registration.

September 28 at Johns Memorial, Farmville

Click here for details and registration.

Upcoming Diocesan ECW events

Diocesan ECW Board Meeting

September 7, 10 a.m.
St. Francis, Virginia Beach

 Click here for information and registration.

Crossing Borders: Women to Women
Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Good Shepherd, Norfolk

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Southern Virginia invite you and your parish to learn more about what's happening in the Congo and what the Episcopal Church is doing to help at "Crossing Borders: Women-to-Women," a brunch and presentation on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 7400 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk. Our speaker is the Rev. Deacon Carey Dougherty Chirico of St. George's, Fredericksburg. Donations of $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per student are requested and can be sent to Mrs. Grace Martino-Strid, 3457 Chesapeake Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23513 by September 16. Reservations can also be made by phone, 757-853-8520. We are serving food with an African theme. Please reserve your space now and so we will know how much food to prepare!  Click here for a registration form.

Jackson-Feild residents treated to a day on Lake Gaston

Nineteen residents of Jackson-Feild Homes recently spent a day at Lake Gaston thanks to some very special friends.

       

Mrs. Carol Weigel and Mrs. Jane Roundtree are neighbors and members of the Lake Gaston Ladies Club. This club has been very supportive of Jackson-Feild and its residents. They enlist other neighbors and friends to help sponsor this outing.

The boys and girls arrived at 9:00 and were greeted and welcomed by their hosts after which they headed for the water to swim or hop in a paddle boat. Three volunteers provided motorboats and the children were given a tour of the lake. For most of the residents it was the first time they had ever been on a boat. They returned to lunch which was a meal fit for a king. Carol Weigel had prepared a detailed schedule of events to keep the residents busy when they were not in the water. After lunch lawn games were held with each winner receiving a prize and then it was back to the water for more swimming.

At the end of the day residents thanked everyone for their hospitality and kindness. This marked the second year in a row that the children were able to spend the day at Lake Gaston thanks to members of this club.

A good time was had by one and all and it is a day that will be long remembered by the residents.

Nominations for Annual Council Elections

Nominations for elections to held at our 122nd Annual Council (Feb. 7-8, 2014) are now being accepted. The nomination form is available on our website. You will also find information about and requirements for each position open for election. Nominations are due by December 7, 2013.

Elections to take place at Annual Council are Standing Committee (1 Lay and 1 Clergy), Disciplinary Board (1 Lay and 2 Clergy), Provincial Synod (1 Lay), and General Convention Deputation (4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates; 4 Clergy Deputies and 4 Clergy Alternates).

CE-Net Speaker Series: Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs

Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) on Thursday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they host Diocese of Southern Virginia's Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs. Ashley coordinates training, communication, and events for youth, young adults, and their leaders. In addition, she serves Province III as the Coordinator for Campus Missions. In this session, we will take a look at what's real for youth and young adults today. Come hear some potentially surprising information about risk behaviors, social life, and spiritual perspectives. Invigorate your ministry by learning more about needs and motivations of young people. Join with us in reflection on the place of the church in the lives of young people and strategies we might use to minister more effectively to these younger generations. This session will be particularly relevant for clergy, youth leaders, and anyone working with parish formation. Click here for registration. 

Tailgate at ODU Canterbury Center!

Seeking faculty and staff at ODU 

Are you a faculty or staff member at Old Dominion University? Or is someone in your parish? The Canterbury Center at ODU would like to reach out to Episcopal faculty members. Help us find out who they are! Please send the names of any current ODU faculty or staff members with Episcopal connections or sympathies to the Rev. Gillian Barr, Episcopal campus minister at ODU, chaplain@oducanterbury.org. Thank you!

Tailgating at ODU Canterbury Center 

Are you going to cheer on ODU Football as they move up to FBS/C-USA? Help support campus ministry while you tailgate! Tailgate spaces in the back yard of the Canterbury Center, just a few blocks from the stadium, are available for every home football game. $30 per vehicle per game. Lot opens four hours before kickoff. Discount season passes available on-site at the first game. First come, first serve. The Center is at 1526 W. 49th Street. 757-489-9096 or chaplain@oducanterbury.org for more information.

Connect your grads with College Ministry

As your high school graduates head off to college, don't forget to connect them with the nearest Episcopal campus ministry or parish. It's the only way campus ministers will know about your student - schools do not give out such information any more. You can find information about Southern Virginia's campus ministries on our website. You can also find a list of campus ministry contacts for other colleges in Virginia. If you don't see yours listed, contact Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs for information, ascruggs@diosova.org. 

• Christopher Newport University, Newport News - The Rev. Lauren McDonald, revlauren4@gmail.com 
• Longwood University & Hampden Sydney College, Farmville - Mr. Bob Zupanek, bob@johnsmemorial.org 
• Old Dominion University, Norfolk - The Rev. Gillian Barr, chaplain@oducanterbury.org 
• College of William & Mary, Williamsburg - The Rev. John Kerr, jkerr@brutonparish.org 

Getting on board with Google+

Southern Virginia now has it's own page on Google+. If you're not familiar with it, Google+ is a social network, like Facebook and Twitter. If you're a Google+ user, we hope you'll follow us there.

Google+, Hangouts, and other Google tools are free and could help you extend your ministries. Here at the diocesan office, we are working on ways to make use of these tools not only for communications, but also for Christian Formation and leadership development. If you'd like to learn more about Google+ and its associated tools, please contact Communications Officer Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org or 757-213-3388.

Episcopal Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage issues report on initial meeting

From the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs

At the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2012, Resolution A050 called for a Task Force on the Study of Marriage to be appointed by the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings to study and consult broadly on the subject of marriage. They were asked to explore historical, biblical, theological, liturgical, and canonical dimensions of marriage, and to do so in consideration of the "changing societal and cultural norms and legal structures" of our time.

The Rev. Brian C. Taylor, Task Force Chair from the Diocese of Rio Grande, noted following the group's first gathering, "This remarkable and diverse group of clergy, bishops, and laity appreciate the enormity of the task before us, and the importance of doing so at this time."

Taylor said that the Task Force also "considered deeply what underlying question the Church was asking through this resolution. Our working assumption at this point is that it is this: What might the Episcopal Church have to say to today's world as to what makes a marriage Christian and holy?"

 Click here to read the Task Force's report. 

Mark your calendar for Fall youth events!

Make plans now to be a part of upcoming events for youth in Southern Virginia. Click here for details on the events below and a complete list of 2013-2014 events. 

October 11-13 - October Weekend

November 8-10 - Happening #60

November 15-17 - November Weekend

All youth are invited to come hear Remedy Drive in concert on September 8 at Galilee, Virginia Beach. This event is co-sponsored by Galilee and Old Donation, Virginia Beach. Contact them to purchase tickets. FYI - Tim Buell, drummer for Remedy Drive is a member of St. John's, Portsmouth! 

 

A great day of Godly Play training in Williamsburg

On Saturday, 47 people - including folks from Diocese of Virginia - took part in Godly Play Training. As you can see, even Flat Jesus made an appearance. Thanks to St. Martin's, Williamsburg, for hosting the day-long workshop.

Communications: Webinars, workshop and resources

Church communicators - here are some upcoming events you might want to put on your calendar.

Equipping Digital Saints - free webinar series from General Theological Seminary
Six free, hour-long webinars on selected Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, examining both the technology and mission uses of social media and digital technology. The webinars will include opportunities for viewers to ask questions. For those who are not able to attend the webinars in real time, recordings will be posted soon after the first broadcast on the GTS Digital Formation YouTube channel.

September 19, 2013 - Getting Past Unknowing: What is the "Cloud"?

October 17, 2013 - Digital Giving & Financial Stewardship
December 5, 2013 - Social Media, Hospitality & the Holiday Season
January 16, 2014 - To All Nations: Five Ways to Get the Message Out
February 13, 2014  -Go Forth: Mobile Apps for Ministry (iOS and Android)
March 13, 2014 - Transformation: The Evolution of Social Media & the Church Today

Church Media Conference   

September 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Offered by the Lutheran Virginia Synod 

The second annual Church Media Conference will be held at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Norfolk, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. Participants will learn about bridging the technology gap, webpages, church marketing, advertising, media editing and posting, logo design, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, texting, youth and media, worship music and media, online storage and copyright considerations. To register, go to www.vasynod.org, click on Events. 

Church Communicators Manual 

Do you have a copy of our newly revised Church Communicators Manual? You can find it on the Communications Resources page of our website along with a number of other resources.  

Johns Memorial remembers 1963 effort to desegregate Farmville churches

On July 28, Johns Memorial, Farmville, was one of four churches that took part in the 50^th anniversary commemoration of the “Kneel-In” that took place in Farmville

On Sunday, July 28, 1963, just one month before the March on Washington and Dr. King’s I Have A Dream speech, over two dozen local students were arrested for attempting to desegregate downtown Farmville churches. That day, a mass meeting of nearly five hundred people was held at First Baptist Church. After the meeting, various small groups fanned out to integrate several downtown churches. A group of seven to eight were admitted inside Johns Memorial, sitting with Dr. C.G. Gordon Moss (consequently, Moss was stripped of his church officership). Another group was denied entrance to Farmville United Methodist. After being denied entrance to Farmville Baptist, the group proceeded to pray and sing hymns on the church steps and was ultimately arrested for “disturbing the public worship of God.”

Fifty years to the date, these churches -- now integrated -- came together to honor these unsung local Civil Rights heroes. Approximately 150 people took part in a walking tour between four nearby churches — First Baptist, Farmville Baptist, Farmville United Methodist and Johns Memorial. The four-church program and walking tour retraced the steps of the 1963 student activists, beginning inside First Baptist Church. Reflections, prayers and remarks were offered at each site.

A statement from the Vestry was read at Johns Memorial : “We, the members of Johns Memorial Episcopal Church, confess with profound regret and Christian sorrow that our church participated in the complex webs of racism that gripped this community fifty years ago and since … Insofar as our brothers and sisters, especially our African American brothers and sisters, were harmed educationally, socially, and spiritually we wish to say that we are sorry and ask pardon, although we recognize that no pardon is deserved.” Click here to read the entire statement.

“The 50th anniversary program not only commemorates the event,” said Dr. Michael Utzinger, “but acknowledges the positive potential that persons of faith can have to promote racial reconciliation in our community.” Utzinger is a member of Johns Memorial and Hampden-Sydney College religion professor.