Churches help police build trusting relationship with community

Residents in Virginia Beach’s Lake Edward and Campus East neighborhoods are building trusting relationships with city police thanks to the work of Western Bayside Churches United (WBCU) – an alliance of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, Enoch Baptist Church, and Heritage United Methodist Church.

The three churches came together in 2010 with a simple mission – to make their neighborhood a better place to live. The Western Bayside area of Virginia Beach is a community in which many residents are struggling day to day and that has had one of the higher crime rates in the city. But that’s quickly changing.

In August of 2014, WBCU teamed up with officers of Virginia Beach’s third precinct in the Stop the Violence project. “One of the resident’s sons was murdered. Nobody knew anything even though there was a crowd in the yard when it happened. They were afraid to talk to the police,” explains Pastor Michael Daniels of Enoch Baptist Church. “She asked the church what we could do to help.”

The first step was a community meeting with the police, hosted by WBCU. “We wanted to talk about what the community could do, how we can partner with the precinct,” said the Rev. Wendy Wilkinson, rector of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. “We have to take responsibility for our community.”

Stop the Violence builds on WBCU’s existing semi-annual Community Days. These events provided residents with, among other things, an opportunity to get to know each other and city agencies and services. The church leaders realized that the twice yearly events didn’t provide enough opportunity for residents to build trusting relationships with police.

WBCU now hosts a monthly community meeting at Enoch Baptist Church for residents, police officers, and civic leaders. Residents have the opportunity to get to know each other and the police officers serving their neighborhood. The project also encourages residents to join and use NextDoor.com, a social network for neighborhoods. The goal is to have at least 50% of residents using the site. The residents’ relationship with police has improved so much that WBCU is also helping residents obtain grant funds to install security cameras on their homes that will allow police to monitor activity in the neighborhood.

“People know the officers now. Police are getting calls now,” says Wilkinson.  “It’s made a huge impact on crime here. Daniels agrees. “The neighborhood sees the police in a different light now. The police are getting more tips. Crimes are being solved and there is some prevention also.”

The community is talking and making decisions together to take steps to reduce crime. “It came out at one of our monthly meetings that a local playground was a drug hangout,” says Wilkinson. “So the community decided to remove it.”

“One of the things we recognized is that the community had to change how they view officers and neighbors,” says Daniels. “We want to help neighbors feel more responsible for each other.”

Blessing the start of a new semester at CNU

The Rev. Lauren McDonald, Christopher Newport University chaplain, and the Rev. Scott Baker, rector of St. Stephen's, Newport News offered a special liturgy at CNU to bless the new semester there. Please treat yourself to reading Lauren's blog post on this special celebration.

Register now for Vestry Training Days

Healthy, skilled vestries who understand their role in the life of the church and their relationship to the clergy and congregation are essential in creating and maintaining vital congregations. This workshop is designed for all vestry members, and will include: Presentations on the role and duties of the vestry; Best practices; Discussion of common challenges that vestries face.

Saturday, February 28 at St. Stephen's, Petersburg - Click here for details and registration
Saturday, March 7 at Ascension, Norfolk - Click here for details and registration 

Diocesan ECW hosts Time for Reflection Feb. 14 in Williamsburg

The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia cordially invite you to a very special Time for Reflection on Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center in Williamsburg. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 - "the greatest of these is love" - this prayer and worship conference for women focuses on valuing, loving, respecting, and caring for God, for others, and for ourselves in a healthy, well-balanced way. Through interactive workshops, reflection, and worship, we will explore love, God's greatest gift to us, and learn to intentionally spread love, know love, and live love. Facilitator will be Cynthia Gossman, an author, trainer, motivational speaker, and Joy Restoration Coach. With over 15 years experience in bereavement aftercare, Cynthia's training incorporates proven techniques and practical skills for making positive changes. Cynthia uses both her personal experience as a young widow and her professional expertise to offer individuals a healthy, unique perspective that finds peace by integrating life, loss and love.  

The Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater will be a special part of our conference. Please bring a scarf or hat to donate as we remember and honor those who have battled cancer. Cost is $25 (includes breakfast, lunch, and all conference materials) 

Please R.S.V.P. by February 1 with your payment in full to Ronda Toll, 42 Cherbourg Drive, Newport News, VA 23606, 757-869-8873 or rtoll@cox.net. Make checks payable to ECW. Fort Magruder has reserved rooms at a special rate for overnight guests. Please book by February 1 by contacting the hotel directly at 757-220-2250. Identify yourself as a participant in the 2015 Episcopal Church Women Prayer and Worship Conference.

Acolyte Festival in Nags Head

The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina invites you and your acolytes to participate in the 2015 Acolyte Festival on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at St. Andrew's By the Sea in Nags Head, NC. All Acolytes, young, and young at heart, acolyte directors, youth ministers, and acolyte parents are encouraged to attend. Click here for more information.  

Hampton Roads Community Foundation scholarships available

Hampton Roads Community Foundation 2015-2016 theological scholarships applications are due April 1, 2015.  Students may visit www.hamptonroadscf.org to view the list of available scholarships and follow the steps for applying through our new online application process.  Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the specified geographic areas rather than those temporarily living in the area to attend school.

Barron F. Black Theological Scholarship- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia. 

William F. Miles - For a student from Hampton Roads who is preparing for leadership in a field of religious service.

Hy Smith Endowment Fund- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Ronald Ramsey began as Rector at St. Cyprian's, Hampton, 12/1/2014

The Rev. Steve Cowardin retired from Redeemer, Midlothian, 1/4/2015

The Rev. Gwynneth Mudd will retire from St. Stephen's, Norfolk, 1/31/2015

Save the date: Vestry Training Days scheduled

Vestry Training Days will be held on Saturday, February 28 at St. Stephen's, Petersburg and on Saturday, March 7 at Ascension, Norfolk. Watch the eNews and check our website for more details coming soon!

Save the date: New Camino Hispanic Ministry Conference

Mark your calendar for the New Camino Hispanic Ministry Conference that will be held May 8-9 at St. Barnabas', Richmond. Learn how your church can begin to effectively minister to the multiple generations of Hispanic people in your area. Learn the differences between various Latino cultures needs our churches can begin to address. Conference will be led by The Rev. Anthony Guillen, Episcopal Church Officer for Hispanic/ Latino ministries, and a team of current Hispanic ministry practitioners. It is sponsored by Convocation VII Mission Initiative Grant and The Mission Network of the Diocese. Registration will be available soon. For more information, contact The Rev. Canon Jeunée Godsey, 434-603-1782, JeuneeGodsey@gmail.com.

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet Jan. 14 in Virginia Beach

The next Administrators and Treasurers lunch will be Wednesday, January 14, noon to 1:30, at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach (2020 Laskin Road). This will be a good time to take a break from all the year-end work and get together to talk, share ideas, and ask questions.  Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. RSVP to njames@diosova.org.

African Evensong presented by Women-to-Women of the Diocese

Women-to-Women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia is presenting a lively African Evensong at Good Shepherd, Norfolk (7400 Hampton Blvd.) on January 25 at 5:30 p.m.  Donations will go to the women of the Diocese of Bukavu in the DR Congo to counsel, educate and train victimized women, giving them a chance for new life.  For more information, call  Susan Broaddus, 757-623-0205.

Healing the Shepherds: Clergy retreat in Virginia Beach

The Rev. Nigel Mumford of Galilee, Virginia Beach, will lead "Healing the Shepherds", a private retreat for ordained clergy of all denominations Jan. 21-22 at the Holiday Inn North Beach in Virginia Beach. Registration deadline is Jan. 18. The retreat will be a time for renewal, fellowship and healing. Program cost is $135 and does not include accommodations or meals. Discounted hotel rate is $59 per night. For more information and registration, go to www.byhiswoundsministry.org or contact Lynn Mumford, lynn@byhiswoundsministry.org or 757-496-0001.  

Summer camp counselor applications now being accepted

If you love the outdoors, children, adventure, singing, and Christian fellowship then serving as a Chanco counselor or counselor-in-training might be just for you!  Our counselors serve as mentors to young people ages 8-18 and often make a difference in a child's life that lasts a lifetime.  Chanco is accepting applications for activity staff, counselors and counselors in training.  Service begins with staff week in mid June and extends through mid August. Visit our website at www.chanco.org for more information. Click here for the employment application and email it to director@chanco.org, fax it to 757-294-0727 or mail it to 394 Floods Dr Spring Grove, Virginia 23881. Preference will be given to applications received before March 15.  Questions?  Contact Executive Director Gareth Kalfas at director@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).  We hope you will apply to join our team this summer!

Summer Camp 2015 registration is open

Don't wait to register for the summer camp session of your choice!  With the popular Sail Camp returning, a second annual Family Camp session, and an ALL NEW Ropes Course specialty session being offered for the first time, the choices are many!  As always, our one and two week residential session are also available. Visit www.chanco.org for more information and easy online registration. Come to Chanco and see why we are one of the longest running summer camps in Virginia (over 45 years!) and voted number one Summer Camp in Virginia Living magazine 2014 "Best Of" edition. Questions?  Email us at director@chanco.org or call 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Bishop Hollerith's 2014 Christmas message

Dear Episcopal Church Family in Southern Virginia,

The crèche is surely one of the most enduring traditions of the Christmas season.  During the holidays many churches manage to display one somewhere on their property.  Crèches really vary in size – from a small display set on a table in the back of the church or parish hall, to a life-size, elaborately lighted one in the church yard.  And there are a few industrious congregations that even perform an outdoor living crèche, replete with live animals and costumed congregants.

Likewise, crèches are popular in homes.  I grew up watching my mother set one up each year with delicate precision on the dining room sideboard.  The figurines were made of china.  I can still remember the “negative feedback” my baby brother and I received one Christmas when we “borrowed” Joseph to lead our army of plastic toy soldiers into battle.

Lizzie and I have a crèche that was given to us years ago as a wedding present.  Rather than made of china, ours is made from olive wood from the Holy Land.  It appears to be indestructible – which is a good thing after raising three children.  Each Christmas Lizzie still sets it up on our dining room sideboard – just as my mother did – just as her mother did.

Regardless of size or location, all crèches have a couple of common attributes.  The first and most obvious are the characters – Mary, Joseph, barn animals, wise men, sometimes shepherds, maybe an angel or two, and, of course always, the baby Jesus.

A second and less obvious attribute is that crèches are opened depictions.  The barn scene is always displayed outwardly toward the observer – not unlike a stage play is displayed outwardly toward an audience.  Each crèche means to tell a story – the story of Jesus birth.  Yet, this telling is about more than the mere conveyance of historical fact.   The crèche is an attempt to dramatize something holy, to elicit in an observer a first-hand experience of the abiding peace, tranquility and joy that so characterize the essence of the miracle of the Incarnation.  Also, the crèche dramatizes the startling news that God has opened his home to the whole world.  In the birth event God literally invites the whole world in to his inner sanctuary to meet his newborn son.

Sharron Kitchen Miller names to Jackson-Feild Homes Board

Jackson-Feild Homes is pleased to announce that Sharron Kitchen Miller of Newport News has been elected to the Board of Trustees. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the state agency that appropriates General Assembly funds for non-profit arts organizations throughout Virginia.

A retired Pediatric Administrator, Ms. Kitchen Miller has a strong history of community involvement and charity work on the Virginia Peninsula including service to the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Red Cross and a recent three-year term on the Board of the Virginia Living Museum. She has also served on the Newport News Public Works Advisory Committee, the Deer Run Golf Course Citizens Advisory Committee and as a Liaison Board Member to the USS Newport News.

Ms. Kitchen Miller and her husband, John, are the proud parents of two adult children and a grandson, Isaac.

Presiding Bishop's Christmas Message 2014

The altar hanging at an English Advent service was made of midnight blue, with these words across its top:  "We thank you that darkness reminds us of light."  Facing all who gathered there to give thanks were images of night creatures - a large moth, an owl, a badger, and a bat - cryptic and somewhat mysterious creatures that can only be encountered in the darkness.

As light ebbs from the days and the skies of fall, many in the Northern Hemisphere associate dark with the spooks and skeletons of secular Hallowe'en celebrations.  That English church has reclaimed the connection between creator, creation, and the potential holiness of all that is.  It is a fitting reorientation toward the coming of One who has altered those relationships toward new possibilities for healing and redemption.

Advent leads us into darkness and decreasing light.  Our bodies slow imperceptibly with shorter days and longer nights, and the merriness and frantic activity around us are often merely signs of eager hunger for light and healing and wholeness.  

The Incarnation, the coming of God among us in human flesh, happened in such a quiet and out of the way place that few noticed at first.  Yet the impact on human existence has been like a bolt of lightning that continues to grow and generate new life and fire in all who share that hunger.

Jesus is among us like a flitting moth - will we notice his presence in the street-sleeper?  He pierces the dark like a silent, streaking owl seeking food for hungry and defenseless nestlings.  He will overturn this world's unjust foundations like badgers undermining a crooked wall.  Like the bat's sonar, his call comes to each one uniquely - have we heard his urgent "come and follow"?  

God is among us, and within us, and around us, encountering, nudging, loving, transforming the world and its creatures toward the glorious dream the shepherds announced so many years ago, toward the beloved community of prophetic dreams, and the nightwatch that proclaims "all is well, fear not, the Lord is here."  

May Christ be born anew in you this Christmastide.  May his light burn in you, and may you labor to spread it in the darkness.  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, and it is the harbinger of peace for all creation.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is December 1. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have issued a joint statement for World AIDS Day 2014. Click here to read the statement.

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

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

I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued prayers and support for the Mission of the Holy Spirit and the families we serve.

As we prepare for another holiday season, I encourage each of you to continue to be seed planters through your gifts and giving to a ministry that impacts so many lives.

Since September, we have been fortunate to have nine of God’s children baptized, with the help of Rev. David Davenport. We have reconnected with ODU Nursing School, and have a core of interns to work alongside our families for the next year. We have also seen many of our young children take positive strides towards academic success and developing their gifts.

This could not be possible without people like you, who care enough to partner with us and help change lives. Often the changes needed take some time to become evident, and require patience and a strong belief that we all play an important role in creating a community where spiritual, educational and psycho-social needs can be nurtured through the great works you assist us in providing.

Please remember us in your steward-ship, pledges and gifts because all of our young people are counting on you.  
Click here to learn more about the Mission and how you can help. 

Meet Mission volunteer Shari Parker

In 1993 at the age of 10, Shari Parker first came to the Mission with her sister LaToya-- so she has grown up as a Mission member. Asked why she has continued to stay with the Mission, she said, “The Mission has helped me figure out life and go in a positive direction. I found out for myself who God is. Now that I have my own family, I feel it is important to bring children up in that same environment so they can learn to make good decisions.” She has many friends in the Mission, and has brought a number of friends and family members to join the church. Shari feels that the Mission has helped nourish her gift in music. She was also able to find a job that she loves with the help of the Mission.

When asked how the Mission has impacted the lives of other members, she replied, “The Mission gives them a strong foundation to make better decisions, and helps guide them when bad things happen in their lives.”

Shari also has a strong sense of “giving back.” She has helped with many fundraisers, including car washes, yard sales, book sales, etc. She has taught Sunday school, helped with the Food Pantry and Angel Trees, and facilitated the Dare2Dream Abstinence program. She has been a member of the choir for years, and is now the choir leader and drummer. She is also a member of the Board of Directors, and helps as needed with Bible study. She provides a positive role model for Mission girls, and often serves as their mentor.

In the future, Shari would like to see the choir grow in numbers as well as in the variety of musical instruments included. She would also like to take the choir to other churches and organizations so more people will hear the Mission message. Her personal life’s dream: “To record spiritual music for the world to hear.”

When asked if she had anything else special to share with others about her life in the Mission, she said, “I was the first person to get married at the Mission. Rev. Bev Tucker performed the ceremony & his wife Julia was there, as well as Mr. Keith and all the people I looked up to. Getting married and having a proper family is so much better because I grew up without that. God has blessed us.” And clearly God has blessed the Mission with an amazing young woman, Shari Parker!

Online resources for Advent 2014

 

Devotions
The leaders of The Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Anglican Church of Canada, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared devotions for each of the four weeks of Advent.  

Calendar
Society of Saint John the Evangelist has developed a digital Advent calendar.

Following the Star
Daily online devotions take on a seasonal theme, beginning with the first Sunday in Advent. Following the Star is written for teenagers and the adults who work with them. This service is a collaborative initiative of the Youth Ministries offices of The Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church USA, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Advent Lectionary Reflection
Join the Formation missioners of The Episcopal Church on a photo meditation through the Season of Advent. Each day a word for reflection, taken from the Sunday lectionary readings, will be posted on social media sites. Meditate on the word, then find a photo that embodies that word. Post the photo on social media with the hashtag "#episcopaladvent" as well as a hashtag for the word for the day (for example, "#joy"). Posting will begin on the first Sunday of Advent and conclude on Christmas Day.

Living Well through Advent app
Living Well Through Advent is an iOS app that provides daily reflections, weekly Scripture readings, and a built-in journal to record thoughts and experiences through the season. Readings, images, and thoughts from your journal can all be shared with your companions on the journey using the Share Panel.

Presiding Bishop calls for prayer for Liberia, West Africa on Sunday, Dec. 7

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has urged Episcopalians to observe the Second Sunday in Advent, December 7, as a day of prayer for those in the Diocese of Liberia and the entire Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa, areas heavily affected by the current Ebola pandemic.

"The Diocese of Liberia was founded by Episcopalians in 1836, and was a diocese of The Episcopal Church until the early 1980s, when it joined the Province of West Africa," noted Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori. "Today we continue in a covenant relationship of mutual support and fellowship."

She continued, "Liberia is at the epicenter of the recent Ebola outbreak, and Episcopalians have turned Cuttington University (Suakoku) into a center for response in rural northern Liberia.  The Anglican Province of West Africa includes all three nations (Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone) where the pandemic continues to develop.  The suffering and death is enormous, the economy is devastated, schools are closed, yet the caring and compassionate response continues."

The Presiding Bishop concluded, "I ask your prayers for the people of West Africa in the midst of this plague.  Please include this in your intentions on the Second Sunday of Advent.  With Isaiah, pray for comfort and strength for all God's children; seek out the builder of straight roads and giver of healing balm for all on this difficult journey.  Learn about this crisis, and instead of fear, let your hearts be moved to respond in generosity of spirit and of purse."

Mission of the Holy Spirit needs your help

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'--John 21:15

The Mission Food Pantry is nearly empty, and Mission families depend on food from the Mission to feed their hungry children. Non-perishable items are needed, such as canned soup, meat, vegetables and fruit. We also need pasta, rice, cereal and other healthy dried goods. Please consider a food drive for your EWC, EYC, Outreach or other church group. For more information or to arrange a drop-off time, please contact the Mission at 757-858-0010 on Mondays or Wednesdays. Thank you for helping us to feed His lambs, and God bless you!  

Sponsor a child for Christmas at Jackson-Feild Homes

For many of the children at Jackson-Feild Homes, the Christmas season is a very difficult and painful time of year. They don't have the happy memories of feasts, or gifts, or family gatherings. For them, the entire holiday season is little more than a 6-week period just like any other time of the year.

At Jackson-Feild, the staff is working to ensure that the boys and girls will remember this Christmas for a lifetime, and you are invited to help by participating in the Sponsor-a-Child for Christmas program. You can sponsor a child's entire Christmas list, or you can purchase only one or two items from it. You can send the funds and let the JFH staff do the shopping, you can go shopping yourself and deliver the gifts - unwrapped - no later than Monday, December 15.

The holidays are right around the corner, so please act quickly to help the folks at Jackson-Feild bring happiness to the boys and girls in their care. You would be surprised at the joy that comes in knowing you shared the true meaning and blessings of Christmas with a child you don't know... a child who, for the first time in his or her life, will finally feel the love of a very special Christmas.

The youngsters are reminded that Christmas isn't just about toys and gifts. It is a special holiday and a time to be joyful and appreciative.

If you would like to help, please contact Ann Chaffins at achaffins@jacksonfeild.org or call her at 804-354-2929.

"Over the River and Through the Woods" to Boys Home Christmas tree farm

Are you looking for a Christmas Road Trip this winter? Don’t pass up the beautiful scenery of West Augusta, Virginia. “Over the River and Through the Woods,” is the theme of this year’s Christmas tree season at the Boys Home of Virginia Christmas Tree farm. Spend your day with us starting Saturday November 29 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. for our open house.

Features of the farm include family activities, refreshments, photo booth and door prizes. Once again, the gift shop will be decorated with traditional Christmas décor and will sell wreathes, roping, ornaments decorated by the residents, and a variety of Christmas items.

The 2014 Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm season begins Friday, November 28 and extends to Sunday, December 21. The tree farm, located in West Augusta, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm is managed by Brandon Brown assisted by residents and staff. 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 out our young men.

The tree farm is located off of Rt. 688 at 1118 Bear Wallow Flat, West Augusta, VA 24485. For information and directions call 540-939-4106 or 540-965-7700. Or visit the Boys Home website, www.boyshomeofva.org, under tree farm or on Facebook at facebook.com/boyshomeofva.

New research document: Episcopal Congregations Overview

Based on data received from a comprehensive survey of churches, the Episcopal Congregations Overview featuring updated facts and figures about congregations, programs and practices in the Episcopal Church have been posted here. This information, available for downloading at no fee, can provide important and needed data to congregational efforts for growth, stewardship, fundraising, recruitment etc. Copies are being sent to all participating congregations and dioceses. The research was compiled by Dr Kirk Hadaway, Episcopal Church Congregational Research Officer, khadaway@episcopalchurch.org. Topics included in the Episcopal Congregations Overview include: Parishes and their Settings; Worship; Members; Recruitment and Evangelism; Programs Practices and ministries; Conflict; Leadership; and Congregational Identity.

Applications now accepted online for Young Adult Service Corps

The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to live, work and pray with brothers and sisters around the Anglican Communion through the Young Adult Service Corps. Commonly known as YASC, applications for 2015-16 are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30.

"YASC provides an opportunity for young adults to explore their faith in a new capacity and to live out the Baptismal Covenant by seeking and serving Christ in all persons," noted the Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer. "Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment and the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion." Learn more and get an application here. 

Diana Butler Bass to speak at Annual Council

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 open soon.

Keynote Speaker Diana Butler Bass

This year's keynote speaker will be Diana Butler Bass, author and independent scholar of American religion and culture. She will address "Awakening and the Work of Transformation," and will help us explore a pattern of change in our lives and congregations that enable us to move to a new place.  
 

Diana Butler Bass received her Ph.D. from Duke University. She has taught at Westmont College, the University of California at Santa Barbara, Macalester College, Rhodes College, and Virginia Theological Seminary. She is the author of eight books, including most recently Christianity after Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. Her groundbreaking study of mainline vitality, Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith was named one of the best religion books of the year by Publishers Weekly and Christian Century, won the book of the year award from the Academy of Parish Clergy, and was featured in a cover story in USA Today. Her next book will be Grounded: Finding the Spirit of God in the Spirit of the Age, scheduled for publication in Fall 2015. Follow her on Twitter: @dianabutlerbass.

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.