Street named in honor of James Solomon Russell

By James Grimstead, Grace Church, Norfolk

The James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee unveiled a new sign renaming College Drive to James Solomon Russell Drive last Saturday, October 11, 2014 on the campus of Saint Paul’s College.  This historic event honored the Archdeacon Reverend Dr. James Solomon Russell, who founded this college in 1888 which provided an institution of higher learning for many underprivileged citizens in the surrounding communities.    

 The ceremony was attended by more than thirty community local and out of town visitors.  It opened with prayer and welcome by the Rev. Dr. Terrance Walker of South Hill, VA, followed by comments from program chairman James Grimstead of Lawrenceville, VA, who pointed out that this sign is the first recognition in this town of this great pioneer which can be seen and read from the roadway.  Grimstead thanked the Town Council, the Brunswick County Planning Department and the supporting citizens for all their help in making this event a reality. Mayor William Herrington of Lawrenceville brought greetings from the town citizens and expressed thanks to the committee for having the foresight to follow through on such an historic and important occasion in the Town of Lawrenceville.   

Saint Paul’s College is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Southern Virginia.   The Bishop, Herman Hollerith, IV, is on sabbatical leave and could not attend the ceremony but authorized Dr. Angela Parker, of the Diocesan Standing Committee, to represent his presence at the unveiling.  

The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, an advisor of the Committee and a long-time supporter of St. Paul’s College gave inspiring remarks expressing how deeply thrilled he was to see this long overdue recognition of this renowned educator and spiritual powerhouse, Archdeacon James Solomon Russell.

Members of the Russell family, Mr. Henry Pratt Russell of Hampton, VA, and Dr. Virginia Russell of Lawrenceville, VA,  both expressed their heart-felt thanks to the JSR Commemoration Committee for seeing this project through making it a permanent landmark in the Town of Lawrenceville, VA.   Dr. James A. Russell, past President of St. Paul’s College (1971 -1981) expressed his regret for not being able to attend the ceremony, but sent his thanks and appreciation the for this historic sign marker honoring such a great man.

In addition to the James Solomon Russell sign unveiling the Committee planned another special event that took place at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall.   This second celebration and reception honored the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., retired Rector Emeritus of Grace Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA.  Fr. Green spent much of his time over the last fifty plus years promoting the welfare of St. Paul’s College.   He has been very instrumental in bringing together a coalition among the various church memberships of parishes founded by the late Dr. James Solomon Russell.  Dr. Green spearheaded the efforts to bring much needed funds to St. Paul’s College resulting in a $1.5 million donation to the college single parent program.  He was also noted for many of his endeavors outside of his activities related to St. Paul’s College.  He served for twenty years on the Norfolk City Council with twelve years as Vice-Mayor.  This allowed him to be instrumental in bringing several needed housing programs on board and turning a dilapidated theater into a top-rate performing arts center.  Fr. Green received a framed Proclamation from the Committee honoring him for his long outstanding service to this local community.  Also, he was graced with a beautiful poem by Mrs. Annie Walker, president of the JSR Commemoration Committee. (Photo L to R: The Rev. Joseph Green, Jr; Mrs. Annie Walker; Mr. James Grimstead)

The Committee thanked St. Andrew’s host-in-charge and author, Ms. Gay Neale, for their gracious hospitality.  She expressed her thanks and appreciation for this historic sign unveiling celebration for Archdeacon James Solomon Russell who started his ministry at St. Andrews Parish before the construction of St. Paul’s Memorial Chapel was completed.  The Committee also gave thanks to members, Nelson and Queen Birchette of St. James in Warfield, VA, for their special assistance on the program.   The sign re-naming project was co-chaired by James and Shirley Grimstead. 

Advent Retreat

There are only 43 days until Christmas! Are you ready? And we don't mean, "Have you done all your shopping?"!  We mean, "Have you reflected upon the season of Advent and given yourself the gift of peace this season?" Spend time at Chanco this Advent discovering tools to develop your prayer life and cope with stress while you join with friends from all around our diocese for joyful fellowship. The retreat will take place on Friday, December 5 beginning with dinner at 6 pm and continue through Saturday, December 6, concluding at 3 pm. Overnight accommodations are provided in the conference center rooms with private bath. All meals and a hospitality hour on Friday night are included. This retreat is designed for adults and the cost to attend is $110.00 for a single room or $90.00 for a double room. To register, contact Ashley Scruggs at ascruggs@diosova.org. Don't miss this opportunity to take time during the very busy holiday season to create space for prayer, Christian fellowship, and peace. We hope to see you there!

Download the 2014 Episcopal Church Christmas card

Congregations, dioceses and individuals can download a printable PDF of the 2014 Episcopal Church Christmas card at no fee here.

The design of the card features artist Joan Covell's depiction of the nativity scene.  Covell's art was the top vote-getter in the recent contest to select the art image. Learn more about Covell here.

For information contact Ana Arias, aarias@episcopalchurch.org, or Barry Merer, bmerer@episcopalchurch.org.

Ridley Foundation Scholarship applications due January 15

The Ridley Foundation board will meet in February to consider new applicants for the second semester. New applications and documents are due by January 15. Current recipients need to send their first semester transcript in order to receive the second half of their grant. Click here for more information on the Ridley Foundation Scholarships.  

Bishop Hollerith returns from sabbatical

L to R: Canon Ed Tracy, Canon Michael Spear-Jones, Bishop Hollerith and his assistant, Leah Sicignano.

Dear Diocesan family,

I am writing you on the occasion of my first day back after having completed a three month sabbatical. I am deeply appreciative of the fact that I was afforded the opportunity to have time away for rest and spiritual refreshment. It truly was a gift.

While I do believe my time away was well-spent, I was disappointed that I was not able to travel and study in Jerusalem as I had originally planned. The unrest in the Middle East during July and August necessitated cancelling. I hope that one day I will be afforded another opportunity to take such a pilgrimage as part of my normal annual continuing education. The fact that I did not travel as much as I thought I would did provide me with more quality time with my family.

I am very thankful for all those who made my time away possible, especially Canon Michael Spear-Jones, Canon Ed Tracy, Chancellor Sam Webster, and Bishop David Jones. Needless to say, the Diocese was in very competent hands!

For the next week or so, as I transition back to the "normal" routine, I will be doing a lot of catching up and working directly with the diocesan staff. This weekend I am looking forward to attending the consecration of the new bishop of East Carolina, and next week being with the clergy of Southern Virginia for our annual conference at Chanco on the James.

In the next several weeks, while I'll have plenty to do, I will relish most of all the opportunity to reconnect with all of you and to hear your stories. I find that I return with an increased feeling of joy and excitement about the ministries that are taking place across our diocese. I also return with a deepened sense of just how blessed I am to be your bishop.

Faithfully,
Bishop Hollerith 

"A Sermon for Every Sunday" video project

Episcopalians Lauren Winner and Michael Curry are among the outstanding preachers who have recorded lectionary-based sermons on video as part of a project called "A Sermon for Every Sunday," intended as a resource for churches without pastors, churches in the interim, or churches that might simply need a supply preacher from time to time.  The resource can also be used for small group discussions or adult forums, Any congregation with the capability of showing or projecting a video can see and hear America's best preachers on any-or every-Sunday of the year for the astonishingly low price of $4.99 per sermon.  Visit the website for full details at  www.asermonforeverysunday.com.

Episcopal Relief & Development update

By The Very Rev. Keith Emerson, Diocesan Coordinator, Episcopal Relief & Development

Let me express my thanks to the following congregations in our diocese for making contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development during the third quarter of the current year:

• St. John's, Hopewell
• Ascension, Norfolk
• St. Mark's, Hampton   
• St. Andrew's, Newport News
• St. Luke's, Powhatan
• St. Luke's, Blackstone
• St. George's, Newport News
• Christ and Grace, Petersburg
• Christ Church, Smithfield         
• St. George's, Pungoteague
• Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach
• Grace Church, Yorktown

I also want to call to your attention that for all gifts made to Episcopal Relief & Development's 75th Anniversary Fund between now and the end of the year will be matched dollar for dollar. You can make a contribution here. 

The 2014 Gifts for Life Christmas Catalog is available here. It is full of wonderful ways individuals and parishes can transform how they observe Advent and celebrate Christmas.

Thanks again for your participation and support of this wonderful ministry.

Employment Opportunity

Chanco on the James is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Programs and seasonal Summer Camp Director.  Job descriptions and employment application can be found on our website at www.chanco.org (click "About Us"). Questions? Contact Executive Director Gareth Kalfas at director@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Boys Home grows blue-ribbon white pine

Boys Home of Virginia once again was awarded a blue ribbon for White Pine entered at the annual Virginia Christmas Tree growers meeting held in August. Project Manager Greg Lemmer who is also the president of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association oversees the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. Brandon Brown manages maintenance and farm upkeep, and several residents and staff throughout the year assist him.  

The tree farm, located in West Augusta, will celebrate its 21st season as a Boys Home operation. The tree farm is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning Friday, November 28 and ending Sunday, December 21.  

Tree Farm Open House on Nov. 29

Open House at the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm is Saturday, November 29. The theme "Over the River and Through the Woods" features family activities, refreshments, photo booth and door prizes. There's no better way to enjoy your Christmas than to visit the farm. It is just the right place for good tree selection while helping our young men. Besides trees, the gift shop sells wreathes, roping, handmade ornaments and a variety of Christmas items.  

The tree farm is located off Rt. 688 at 1118 Bear Wallow Flat, West Augusta, VA 24485. For information and directions, call 540-939-4106 or 540-965-7700. You may also visit the Boys Home website or Facebook page.  

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Ronald Ramsey will begin as Rector of St. Cyprian's, Hampton, 12/1/2014 

Observing a Day of Repentance and Reconciliation

A Reconciliation Resource for November Liturgies on healing the sin of racism is now available from the Repairers of the Breach. Following the format of Holy Women, Holy Men, the booklet offers several options for readings and psalms. It is available on the  Repairing the Breach page of our website. The Reconciliation Service from November 2, 2013 is also available with anthems and hymns that are suitable for parish use.  

Annual Council Resolution R-1 resolved that "November 2, 2014, All Souls Day will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints." If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black,  cblack@diosova.org or 757-213-3377.   

Observances of a Day of Repentance and Reconciliation: 

St. Martin's, Williamsburg 

The spirit of reconciliation and repentance for the sin of racism will be prayerfully honored at Saint Martin's on November 1 at 5pm as we acknowledge our transgressions of the past and repent for those sins against our brothers and sisters in Christ that we have committed as an institution and as individuals. The service will conclude with the celebrating of Holy Eucharist where we will acknowledge our reconciliation with Christ, as well as the entirety of the Body of Christ. The evening will then conclude with a meal of thanksgiving that will acknowledge the gift of reconciliation that God so bountifully provides to us. The meal will be served in Miles Hall at approximately 6:15 p.m.

  

St. John's, Chester

Contemplative Evening Prayer for Reconciliation and Healing  on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.

Good Shepherd, Norfolk and Mission of the Holy Spirit

On Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Good Shepherd there will be a dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Service of Repentance at 6:30 p.m.  

Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach

Holy Eucharist with Service of Repentance and Reconciliation on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. 

  

St. James', Accomac

Service of Reconciliation and Healing, Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. 

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg and SpiritWorks Foundation 

On Nov. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bruton Parish, SpiritWorks Foundation will host a screening of "The House I Live In," a documentary that explores the moral failure of the war on drugs and particularly looks at the role that racism has played in incarceration and mandatory minimums. The Rev. Charles Robinson, Vicar of Bruton Parish and Jan M. Brown, Founder and Executive Director, of SpiritWorks Foundation, will facilitate a conversation following the film. On Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m., the monthly First Fridays Eucharist hosted by SpiritWorks Foundation will weave together the themes of repentance, reconciliation and recovery. The Rev. Chris Epperson, Rector of Bruton Parish, will be the celebrant. Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester Street during the service.    

St. Paul's Memorial Chapel, Lawrenceville

Service of Repentance and Reconciliation on Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m. 

If you would like your parish's observance listed here, please contact Communications Officer Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org.  

ECW installs new president and board members

Episcopal Church Women elected Nancy Sands as the 41st ECW Diocesan President at the ECW Fall Annual Meeting.  The Rev. Helen McKee, interim rector at Christ Church, Danville, installed Nancy at the meeting, October 18, hosted by Christ Church, Nancy's home parish. Other board members installed are: First Vice President, Helen Sharpe-Williams, Grace Church, Norfolk; Second Vice President, Katherine O. Patterson, Christ and Grace, Petersburg; Betty Mariner, St. George's, Pungoteague, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Louise Boss, Christ Church, Eastville, Parliamentarian, Lu Sullivan, Christ Church, Danville; Historian, Barbara Taylor, St. Francis, Virginia Beach, Nominating Committee Chair, Deborah Austin, St. Mark's, Suffolk, United Thank Offering Treasurer, Rosalyn Neal, Grace Church, Norfolk and Communication Chair, Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach. The new board members take office in January 2014.  

L to R: Nancy Smith, Lu Sullivan, Betty Mariner, Louise Boss, Deborah Austin, Helen Sharpe-Williams, Nancy Sands, Barbara Taylor, the Rev. Helen McKee. Not pictured: Katherine Patterson and Rosalyn Neal  

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet in Norfolk in November

The next Administrators and Treasurers lunch will be Wednesday, November 19, noon to 1:30, at Ascension, Norfolk (405 Talbot Hall Road). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. RSVP to njames@diosova.org.

Seminarian Josh Stephens receives Freeman Award for Merit

The Sewanee School of Theology awarded the 2014 Freeman Award for Merit to Joshua Paul Stephens, T'16, a M.Div. student from the Diocese of Southern Virginia (St. Andrew's, Norfolk). The award was announced and presented by the dean, the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, during the School's annual DuBose Lectures and Alumni/ae Gathering banquet on Oct. 1.

"Josh Stephens distinguished himself in his first year of theological studies," explained Alexander, on why Stephens was chosen to receive this award. "His strong undergraduate background, his devotion to his vocation, and his strong work ethic puts him academically at the top of his class. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow and develop academically, spiritually, and pastorally."

 

The Freeman Award for Merit was established in 1998 by Reed Freeman and his wife, Nancy, to honor and reward a rising middler student of The School of Theology that has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and promise. Freeman, T'96, T'05, was a recipient of the Woods Leadership Award while he was attending The School of Theology.

 

"As those who were at the DuBose banquet can attest, I was shocked to receive the Freeman Award," stated Stephens. "Now my initial surprise has shifted to feeling rather grateful and humbled, not only to be recognized in this way, but also to be part of such an awesome environment in Sewanee. This is a remarkable community of learning at The School of Theology and I am proud to be a member of the class of 2016. My academic work only has meaning because of our common life together."

Stewardship gatherings scheduled for Chester, Norfolk and Hampton

The Stewardship Focus Group of the diocesan Executive Board is once again hosting informal gatherings for parish wardens and stewardship/finance chairs to share successes and challenges with our parish giving programs. Anyone interested in parish stewardship is invited and encouraged to attend.

• Saturday, November 22, 10 to 11 a.m. at St. John's, Chester. Contact the Rev. Gini DiStanislao if you plan to attend the gathering at St. John's, gini@bonairtitle.com.
• Saturday, December 6, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ascension, Norfolk. Contact Bob Motley if you plan to attend the gathering at Ascension, bobmotley46@gmail.com.
• Saturday, January 17, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. John's, Hampton. Contact Bob Motley if you plan to attend the gathering at St. John's, bobmotley46@gmail.com.

Diocese of Virginia hosting disaster response workshop Nov. 8

The Diocese of Virginia Disaster Preparedness and Response (DOVDPR) ministry team is hosting a Volunteer Day on November 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at St. Stephen's, Culpeper. During the morning session they will offer both the child and adult sexual misonduct prevention training. These workshops will go to 1 p.m. Lunch will be served and the afternoon will be spent diving into disaster response. Explore opportunities throughout the US for teams to help folks recover from natural disasters. Learn step by step how to plan and execute these recovery mission trips. There will be speakers from the various dioceses around the US that are hosting disaster recovery teams. Click here for more information and registration. 

Registration open for Annual State LARCUM Conference, Dec. 5-6 in Norfolk

  The LARCUM Churches of Norfolk invite you to join us at our annual State LARCUM Conference on Friday and Saturday, 5-6 December 2014. Rev. Dr. John Armstrong, president and founder of ACT 3 Network, a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America and an adjunct professor of mission at Wheaton College Graduate School will present "The New Landscape of Post-Christian Christianity"

• Americans remain deeply religious yet are rejecting organized religion in increasing numbers while they retain deep interest in spirituality. What is really happening? Is this a lasting trend that will radically alter the religious landscape?
• If the older Christendom model of church is passing away how should we respond if we believe that we still have a mission in America? Where is the missional moment bearing fruit and how?
• The next generation wants to belong to community before they can believe anything that is taught. How will this impact our mission and what does ecumenism have to do with this important change in religious behavior?

Click here for the conference brochure, which includes a registration form.

Join us for the second annual Fall Family Festival at Chanco

Join us October 26 from 2 to 5 pm for pumpkin carving, refreshments, hayrides, fellowship and fall fun! You can even scale our 32 foot high rock wall or fly along a zip line - and they are not just for kids! Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one at Chanco to creatively carve any way you choose! This event is open to the public and is for all ages. Come celebrate this beautiful time of year with us at Chanco. Click here for a flier with more information. Feel free to post this flier at your churches and/or share via email and help us invite all our friends throughout the diocese to Chanco on October 26 for this fun family event! We hope to see you there!

Young adult Episcopalians serve as missionaries - including Justin Davis from St. David's, Chesterfield

Justin Davis meeting new friends on board a ship in Hong Kong.

Seventeen young adults - including six who will serve for a second year - representing 18 Episcopal Church dioceses are serving as missionaries in the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) for the 2014-2015 term in locales throughout the Anglican Communion. One of these is our own Justin Davis, a member of St. David's, Chesterfield. Justin is serving with the Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong.

YASC is a ministry for Episcopal young adults, ages 21 - 30, who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion. The Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer, noted that while the day-to-day duties of each placement vary, the experiences of the YASCers are life-changing.  "YASC brings young adults into the life of the worldwide Anglican Communion and into the daily work of a local community," he explained.   

Each YASCer maintains a blog, detailing their service, reflections and adventures. You can follow Justin's  blog, Turn Up for Jesus, here. You can read more about the other YASC missionaries and find links to their blogs here. 

General Convention 2015: Volunteers needed

A range of volunteer opportunities are available at The Episcopal Church 78th General Convention, June 25 - July 3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT .

The Episcopal Church's General Convention is held every three years, and is the bicameral governing body of the Church. It is composed of the House of Bishops, with upwards of 200 active and retired bishops and the House of Deputies, with clergy and lay representatives elected from the 109 dioceses of the Church, at more than 800 members.

Patrick Haizel, General Convention volunteer coordinator, said that all are welcomed to help out. "We are seeking interested people to offer their skills and talents to assist in the smooth operation of General Convention 2015," he said. "By volunteering, you become a part of General Convention, through observation and participation, while learning about the way the church operates from behind the scenes."

Shifts range from 2 to 6 hours in a variety of areas throughout convention where volunteers are needed.  "With this General Convention going virtual, we have new needs for people with computer and technical skills," Haizel added.

Volunteers should sign up here. For more info contact Patrick Haizel at phaizel@episcopalchurch.org.

Praying for and with students at CNU

  The Rev. Lauren McDonald, campus chaplain at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, took a leap out of her comfort zone and is ministering to the students at CNU in a new way - the plaza prayer station.

"Sometime last spring I read a blog post by Jonathan Melton, campus minister at University of Wisconsin-Madison," writes McDonald. "In the post Jonathan talked about starting what I call a 'chapel steps' ministry in which he put out a couple of chairs next to a sign that said, 'How may I pray for you?' Although I didn't remember all the details, that blog post lodged itself in my brain, and from time to time I would think about it and ask myself whether I wanted to start such a ministry at CNU. What he did sounded so brave to this shy introvert."

The Rev. Lauren McDonald (L) with two CNU Canterburians.

McDonald is sharing her experiences on her blog, Leaping Greenly Spirits. If you spend any time on Facebook you may have seen some of her posts. They are highly recommended reading.

"I had such low expectations for this ministry," writes McDonald. "My whole goal was to be brave enough to set up a sign and sit next to it. I had figured it would take a long time for students to get used to me being there. Never underestimate God."

Just three weeks into her effort, McDonald has "repeat customers" join her as soon as she arrives - talking about their lives and their classes, asking questions, sharing problems.

 The students "are drawn to the presence of a person praying for them, someone who doesn't judge or grade them, someone who isn't there to enforce rules, someone with a little more life experience, someone who has time to listen," writes McDonald. "Maybe we'll spontaneously start doing noon-day prayer together... Maybe I'll have another week where no one comes. But they will see me, sitting there, available if they need me, ready to listen. There's no telling what might happen.  We need to stay open for surprises - there's no telling what God might do next."

The Rev. Lauren McDonald's blog is Leaping Greenly Spirits, www.greenlyspirits.blogspot.com.

Jan Brown assists in establishment of Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug & Heroin Abuse

On September 26, Governor McAuliffe established a Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse. Jan M. Brown was a consultant on the order and hosted the signing, telling her story and introducing Senator Kaine, who also participated in the event.  

  

Jan is the Founder and Executive Director for SpiritWorks Foundation, a community recovery organization in Williamsburg for people healing from addiction, trauma, and abuse. She is also a Postulant for Holy Orders for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and a member of the board of Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church.

Photo at right: Jan M. Brown and Governor Terry McAuliffe. Photo by Michaele L. White, Governor's Office. 

Fall Clergy Conference: Transforming Work

 

The Fall Clergy Conference will be held November 11-12 at Chanco on the James. This year's guest speaker will be the Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard, Canon to the Ordinary of Diocese of East Carolina, on Transforming Work. Sessions will include Neuroscience and Ministry, Jung Again, and Finding Joy.

     

The Rev. Matthew Stockard has served as Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of East Carolina since 2000. He has worked extensively during this time in the area of ministry development and vocation with several Episcopal Church boards and agencies. His vocational path has included training and practice as a cellular physiologist, an Episcopal priest serving parishes in North Carolina as well as East Carolina, and an organization development consultant for several Episcopal dioceses and their interactions.

  

Click here for more information and online registration. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Daniel Perkins began as Priest in Charge at St. Andrew's, Newport News, 9/14/14.

The Rev. Sherry Munday, Deacon, left St. John's, Chester, 9/21/14.

Executive Board hosting conversations about stewardship

The Stewardship Focus Group of the diocesan Executive Board is once again hosting informal gatherings for parish wardens and stewardship/finance chairs to share successes and challenges with our parish giving programs. Anyone interested in parish stewardship is invited and encouraged to attend.

• Saturday, November 22, 10 to 11 a.m. at St. John's, Chester. Contact the Rev. Gini DiStanislao if you plan to attend the gathering at St. John's, gini@bonairtitle.com.
• Saturday, December 6, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ascension, Norfolk. Contact Bob Motley if you plan to attend the gathering at Ascension, bobmotley46@gmail.com.

Plans are underway for additional gatherings this year in Hampton and Virginia Beach. Watch the eNews for dates and locations.
Plans are underway for additional gatherings this year in Hampton and Virginia Beach. Watch the eNews for dates and locations.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will not stand for re-election in 2015

Below is an excerpt from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's message to the Episcopal Church. Click here to read the full message.

"I have spent many months in discernment about how I am being called to serve God's people and God's creation in this season. I have resisted the assumption by some that presiding bishops can only be elected to serve one term, knowing the depth of relational work and learning that is involved in this ministry. There is a tradeoff between the learning curve and the ability to lead more effectively as a result of developed relationships both within and beyond this Church. At the same time, I recognize that standing for election as Presiding Bishop carries the implicit expectation that one is ready to serve a full term. I do not at present believe I should serve and lead in this ministry for another nine years.

I believe I can best serve this Church by opening the door for other bishops to more freely discern their own vocation to this ministry. I also believe that I can offer this Church stronger and clearer leadership in the coming year as we move toward that election and a whole-hearted engagement with necessary structural reforms. I will continue to engage us in becoming a more fully diverse Church, spreading the gospel among all sorts and conditions of people, and wholeheartedly devoted to God's vision of a healed and restored Creation.

I will continue in discernment about the ministry I may be called to in the coming years, but my present focus is and will remain on being the vigorous and faithful leader I believe I am called to be."

Administrators & Treasurers lunch group to meet in Hampton

Lunch group meeting at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach.

The next Administrators and Treasurers lunch will be Thursday, October 16, noon to 1:30, at Emmanuel, Hampton (179 E. Mercury Blvd, Hampton). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. RSVP to njames@diosova.org.

Jump Start Workshop: Pursuing Renewal and Vitality in the Midst of Change

Saturday, October 4

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Richmond 

The Diocese of Virginia, in conjunction with the Episcopal Church Building Fund and Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Richmond, invites you to a one-day workshop to address how your congregation can Jump Start itself to a more vibrant, vital, and authentic community of faith.  

Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Click here for more information and registration. Emmanuel Episcopal Church is located at 1214 Wilmer Ave., Richmond.   

Biking for a Better World raises over $5000

The Biking for a Better World event held in Williamsburg on Sept. 13 raised over $5000 for Chanco on the James and Episcopal Relief & Development. Many thanks to the Very Rev. Keith Emerson, Rector of St. Paul's, Suffolk, and our diocesan liaison for Episcopal Relief & Development, for coordinating this event. Thanks also to St. Martin's, Williamsburg, for their hospitality as the starting location for the event.

"It is difficult for me to express how gratified I am that 22 riders garnered so much support. We will have to use our imaginations to understand how this meager effort will change the lives of future Chanco campers as well as those whose life life is touched by the immeasurable efforts of Episcopal Relief & Development," Emerson posted on our Facebook page. "I can't wait for the 'second' annual Biking for Better World and am also wondering of there are 5K runners out there who are ready to make their contribution."

Resource for November liturgies on healing the sin of racism

A Reconciliation Resource for November Liturgies on healing the sin of racism is now available from the Repairers of the Breach. Following the format of Holy Women, Holy Men, the booklet offers several options for readings and psalms. It is available on the Repairing the Beach page of our website. The Reconciliation Service from November 2, 2013 is also available with anthems and hymns that are suitable for parish use.  

Annual Council Resolution R-1 resolved that "November 2, 2014, All Souls Day will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints." If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black,  cblack@diosova.org or 757-213-3377.  

Observances of a Day of Repentance and Reconciliation: 

St. Martin's, Williamsburg 

The spirit of reconciliation and repentance for the sin of racism will be prayerfully honored at Saint Martin's on November 1 at 5pm as we acknowledge our transgressions of the past and repent for those sins against our brothers and sisters in Christ that we have committed as an institution and as individuals. The service will conclude with the celebrating of Holy Eucharist where we will acknowledge our reconciliation with Christ, as well as the entirety of the Body of Christ. The evening will then conclude with a meal of thanksgiving that will acknowledge the gift of reconciliation that God so bountifully provides to us. The meal will be served in Miles Hall at approximately 6:15 p.m.

  

St. John's, Chester

Contemplative Evening Prayer for Reconciliation and Healing  on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.

Good Shepherd, Norfolk and Mission of the Holy Spirit

On Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Good Shepherd there will be a dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Service of Repentance at 6:30 p.m. 

  

St. James', Accomac

Service of Reconciliation and Healing, Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. 

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg 

On Nov. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bruton Parish, there will be a screening of "The House I Live In," a documentary that explores the moral failure of the war on drugs and particularly looks at the role that racism has played in incarceration and mandatory minimums. The Rev. Charles Robinson, Vicar of Bruton Parish and Jan M. Brown, Founder and Executive Director, of SpiritWorks Foundation, will facilitate a conversation following the film. On Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m., the monthly First Fridays Eucharist will weave together the themes of repentance, reconciliation and recovery. The Rev. Chris Epperson, Rector of Bruton Parish, will be the celebrant. Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester Street during the service.  

Nominations now being accepted for Annual Council elections

The 123rd Annual Council will be held February 6-7, 2015 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. You can find the latest information on the Annual Council page of our website. Registration will begin in December.

The following elections will take place at the 2015 Annual Council:

Standing Committee: 1 Lay, 1 Clergy

Disciplinary Board: 2 Lay, 1 Clergy

General Convention Deputation: 1 Lay Young Adult Alternate

Information about each position and a nomination form can be found on our website.

Get ready for the ECW Fall Annual Meeting with the new issue of The Grapevine

The latest edition of the Diocesan ECW's newsletter, The Grapevine, is now available on our website. It's full of important information for the ECW's upcoming Fall Annual Meeting to be held Saturday, October 18 at Christ Church, Danville.

The ECW will celebrate its work in mission at this meeting. Susan Broaddus, Women-to-Women chair, Diocese of Southern Virginia, a former missionary in the Congo, will give an account on the status of the Tamar Project today. ECW board members, including a new diocesan president, will be elected to take office in January, 2015. The Rev. Helen McKee will install the newly elected board members.

Contact Louise Boss, corresponding secretary, to register for the meeting at (757-678-5331) or louiseboss@exede.net by October 10. The registration fee is $10. Lunch is included.

Longwood expresses regret over institution's actions during civil rights era

Longwood University's Board of Visitors has passed a formal resolution expressing regret over the institution's actions during the civil rights era, and established a new "Moton Legacy" scholarship program to support equality in educational opportunity. The university is in conversation with our Diocese regarding next steps forward. 

"It is a moment of great promise, with the Moton Museum and Longwood poised to work more closely together in support of Moton's mission of civil rights in education," said Longwood Rector Colleen McCrink Margiloff '97.  "Through time, Longwood has not always lived up to the ideals we hold dear, and that has caused genuine pain.  The University's mission of citizen leadership is at the heart of the Board's action. "

The resolution passed by the Board also establishes the Moton Legacy scholarship program, which will provide financial assistance for Longwood students with a demonstrated commitment to the cause of equality of opportunity in education.

"This scholarship program will help Longwood honor those who strove so mightily for educational opportunity, by teaching and sending into the world citizen leaders who will do the same in their communities around the Commonwealth and nation," said Longwood President W. Taylor Reveley IV.  Read more here. 

Safe Church trainer responds to NFL child abuse allegations

Ian Danielson, a Safe Church trainer in Diocese of Southern Virginia and a member of St. Luke's, Powhatan, is a licensed clinical social worker and coordinator at Greater Richmond SCAN. He supports the decision by the Minnesota Vikings to keep Adrian Peterson off the field following allegations of child abuse, but he's wary of the team's motives. Danielson works with child victims of abuse every day. Danielson hopes that this case will lead to the creation of set policies regarding violence that all players have to follow, "where all players know equally going in that physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence in general is unacceptable to all." Watch/read the interview here.