Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

Electing a new Presiding Bishop 

At the 78th General Convention, a new Presiding Bishop will be elected. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman elected to head a national branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is not seeking a second nine-year term in office.

"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," Jefferts Schori, said in a statement, "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."

Previously Bishop of Nevada, Jefferts Shcori is the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Her term as Presiding Bishop ends at the conclusion of General Convention this summer. She was elected at the 75th General Convention on June 18, 2006, and invested at Washington National Cathedral on November 4, 2006.

More than 165 people representing over 60 dioceses submitted names to the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) during the nomination period last fall. The JNCPB is composed of a lay member, a priest or deacon, and a bishop elected from each of the nine provinces of the Episcopal Church, plus two youth representatives who were appointed by the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.

Under church law, presiding bishops must be able to complete a full nine-year term before hitting the mandatory retirement age of 72, limiting candidates to those under age 63 at this year's General Convention. The JNCPB, after a two year discernment process, announced its nominees on May 1, 2015:

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut h

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The election process

On Saturday, June 27, members of the House of Bishops with seat, voice, and vote will convene in St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City, where the election will occur in the context of prayer and reflection.  Once an election has taken place, current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will send a deputation to the House of Deputies for confirmation of the election. 

The Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, will refer the name to the House of Deputies legislative committee on the Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop without announcing the name to the full House. The legislative committee will make a recommendation to the House of Deputies whether to confirm the election or not confirm, and the House of Deputies will immediately vote on the recommendation. President Jennings will then appoint a delegation from the House of Deputies to notify the House of Bishops of the action taken.

The Presiding Bishop serves for a nine-year term.  The Presiding Bishop is Primate, Chief Pastor of the Church, Chair of the Executive Council, and President of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Christopher's, Portsmouth

Loving and compassionate God, Bless our Outreach to the hungry and homeless and help us to increase our compassion as we endeavor to follow you. We ask this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Redeemer, Midlothian

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for guidance during the coming months. Help us to remember that, though our transition process may be difficult at times, as we gather in discussion and discernment, you are in our midst. Help us also to understand that we do this, not to better ourselves, but to continue the command to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

House of Deputies State of the Church Committee issues report, bulletin inserts

The House of Deputies State of the Church Committee (SOTC) has concluded its work for the triennium. The report, submitted as part of the Blue Book, is available here.

 

The charge of the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church, the oldest committee of the Church, is to prepare a report for the House of Deputies that shows an accurate picture of The Episcopal  Church and to approve the form of the Annual Parochial Report.  

 

The Committee on the State of the Church has partnered with Forward Movement , working together to offer an overview, or "snapshot," of the 38- page report.  This summary report is available as a PDF document in two formats - as an 8 1/2 x 11 full sheet here or as a half-sheet suitable for use as a bulletin insert, available at no fee  here. Congregations are encouraged to print and distribute this information so that Episcopalians across the church will gain an awareness of the state of our Church.

Golfers swing their way to help Jackson-Feild's children

The children at Jackson-Feild Homes were the ultimate winners on May 11th at the 20th annual Go Golfing for Kids golf tournament.

The tournament was held at The County Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield. Boddie-Noell Enterprises was the tournament sponsor and has been since the tournament's inception. Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial was the presenting sponsor.

A delicious lunch was provided by Hardee's after which tournament play began using the Captain's Choice tournament format. An awards dinner immediately followed the tournament.

It could not have been a better day for golf. The course was in excellent shape. The golfers enjoyed their time on the links and had a good time for a good cause.

The proceeds for the 2015 event will be used to support Jackson-Feild's Summer Enrichment Program. A variety of programs and activities are planned daily throughout the summer to educate and engage residents. Over the years proceeds from the tournament have been used for scholarships, education and student programs

Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

General Convention: Equality of representation

Equality of representation between lay persons and priests was enshrined from the beginning of General Convention, as was the equal representation of states - the words "state" and "diocese" were synonymous in the church's early years.

To protect the rights of states with fewer church members the constitution made provision for votes by states for major issues. This provision was the ancestor of our votes by orders in which each diocese casts one clerical and one lay vote on amendments to the constitution, revisions of the Book of Common Prayer and other weighty matters.

Because the organizing conventions and the first General Convention under its constitution did not include bishops, the House of Deputies is sometimes referred to as the senior house (by date of establishment). To encourage the church in New England to join the General Convention, provision was made in the church's first constitution for a House of Bishops at such time in the future as there would be at least three bishops. After the passage of the constitution, the election of bishops required the consent of both houses of the General Convention, and consecrations could take place only during a meeting of the convention. When this proved unworkable, the convention voted in 1799 to allow diocesan standing committees to vote consent in place of the House of Deputies, except when the election fell within a reasonable time before a meeting of the General Convention.

Even after the formation of the House of Bishops, the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies could override a "no" vote in the House of Bishops by a 4/5's vote. This provision was amended in 1808, allowing the bishops to veto legislation passed by deputies, but only if they did so within three days of passage. (The House of Bishops did not get parity with the House of Deputies until 1901, when the "three days clause" was deleted from a revision of the constitution.) Since then, for legislation to be enacted, it must be passed in identical language by both houses. If either house fails to concur, the resolution does not pass.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Luke's, Blackstone

Loving God, whose promise is to be with us always: Be with us in the year ahead as we continue the work you have given us to do. Strengthen us to move through this time of transition, trusting in your faithfulness. May our efforts to reach out to our community continue and increase, empowered by the Spirit and revealing Christ in our midst; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Johns Memorial, Farmville

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth, grant the people of Johns Memorial the means of peace and harmony so that we may find our way toward the unity that will allow us to accomplish all that you desire for us. Help us to be conscious of all that are in any way in need of prayer, comfort, or solace. Keep us mindful of the Holy Spirit working in our midst as we discern how best to minister to the students among us wherever they are on their journey. Guide our Vestry, our rector and our congregation in the way of being a church where people come not only for worship, but for community service, for learning and for comfort and joy, Grant us strength in numbers so that we may do even more to glorify you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

ACS Users Training Day on June 24

Join us for a one-day classroom training for ACS software users led by ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey on Wednesday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Newport News.

 

This ACS classroom training will provide learning in a traditional classroom environment. ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey will demonstrate the use of software projected onto a large screen. This one-day training will focus on People during the morning session and on Financials during the afternoon session.  

This event is an excellent opportunity to learn and enhance valuable skills amongst your peers. Come with your questions and get answers!  

 Click here for more information and registration. 

Church Business Administrator training and certification

Church Business Administrator certification through The Church Network (formerly NACBA) is a  two-week core course requirement that can be fulfilled on the Richmond campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary from July 21-30. Or, if you need just a few of the seminars, register for one week, or individual classes. These seminars are open to anyone with interest in this area, and will give you some valuable information on the administration of your church. The cost for the full two weeks of classes (8 days) is $550; for one week (4 days), $275; and for individual classes $85 ($170 for a two-day class). Click here for more information and to register.

CE-Net monthly meeting on May 28

CE-Net (Christian Education Network) invites you to join them on Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton as they catch up and discuss future CE-Net meetings. Breakfast will be provided. Feel free to invite anyone you think would be interested. RSVP to Jennifer Nauroth, jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

Leadership Program for Musicians now accepting registration for Fall classes

The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a national program offering classes for church musicians and those interested in church music, is accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 year.

Courses being offered for the 2015-2016 year are Liturgy and Music: Foundations for Christian Worship (offered online through the Center for Liturgy and Music at Virginia Theological Seminary, visit www.liturgyandmusic.com); Principles of Choral Leadership; Teaching New Music to the Congregation; and Philosophy of Church Music.

LPM gives church musicians the tools and resources to lead congregations to sing well and to participate actively in worship. LPM offers classes that cover key areas in church music and liturgical education, spiritual formation, and teach a full range of church music skills.

For more information visit www.lpm-va.org or contact Jane Barthurst, atlpmvacoordinator@gmail.com or 804-883-7112.

Palestine of Jesus: A two-part course offered through Kanuga and St. George's College

Kanuga retreat center in Hendersonville, NC, and St. George's College in Jerusalem are partnering for a two-part course - The Palestine of Jesus. In December, 2015, participants will gather at Kanuga for a three-day program led by St. George's course director, the Rev. Rodney Aist. Students will learn about the Holy Land and the places they will visit during the second part of the course in Israel/Palestine that will take place in February, 2016 at St. George's College. Click here for a brochure with more information.

Advancing to General Convention 2015

What is General Convention?

The 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will meet in Salt Lake City, UT this summer, June 25 to July 3. The General Convention gathers every three years and is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies, which has more than 800 members (up to four clergy and four lay people from each diocese), and the House of Bishops, which is comprised of more than 300 active and retired bishops.

How does General Convention work?

The General Convention is the primary governing and legislative body of the Episcopal Church. With the exception of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons, it is the ultimate authority in the Episcopal Church. General Convention comprises two houses: the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. It meets regularly once every three years; however, the House of Bishops meets regularly in between sessions of General Convention. All bishops, whether active or retired, have seat and vote in the House of Bishops. Each diocese of the Episcopal Church, as well as the Navajoland Area Mission and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, are entitled to representation in the House of Deputies by four clergy deputies, and four lay deputies. Resolutions must pass both houses in order to take effect.

The first General Convention - Virginians were there!

Before the American Revolution, there had been no Anglican dioceses or bishops in the colonies, thus when the American congregations were separated from the Church of England, "the chain which held them together [was] broken". In 1782, William White, the father of the Episcopal Church, wrote in his pamphlet The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States Considered, "it would seem, that their future continuance can be provided for only by voluntary associations for union and good government". The first General Convention of Episcopal Church was held in Philadelphia in 1785, with clergy and lay representatives from Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The convention authorized the preparation of an American Prayer Book and named itself the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Presiding Bishop nominees announced 

The nominees for the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church have been announced. The 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church will be elected on Saturday, June 27 during The Episcopal Church's 78th General Convention which will be held June 25 - July 3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah).

Nominated for Presiding Bishop are:

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut h

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Presiding Bishop serves for a nine-year term.  The Presiding Bishop is Primate, Chief Pastor of the Church, Chair of the Executive Council, and President of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge

Dear, Gracious Father, we pray for your Church and especially the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew in Kenbridge. Inspire our witness to your Son Jesus Christ that we may see and respond to the needs in our community and in the world. Give us grace in loving our neighbors and strength to better understand and accept our individual differences. Heal those who are in need in mind, body and spirit and give us the ability to care for them. Grant us the perseverance to know and to follow your will. Prosper our efforts to share the Good News with all whom we meet that we may be the examples of your love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Almighty God, we ask you to grant us the will to follow your will, the desire to reach beyond the walls of our church to those in need or want, the heart to work for justice in our city and the world, and the ability to know your Son, Jesus Christ, and make him known in joy, faith, and service. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Young Adult Service Corp: A mission to bring God's people closer together

By Andy Russell, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

After four years of calling Williamsburg home, it's time to go. William & Mary, Bruton Parish, and Canterbury - I will miss them all greatly.  But in a lot of ways, life is change.  And with the end of my college career, one huge change is coming my way.  Next year, I will be serving as a missionary with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC).   

YASC, a program through the Episcopal Church, brings young adults into relationship with other members of the Anglican Communion across the globe. Translation: next year, I will be integrated into a diocesan community outside of the U.S. in order to, in some small way, bring the members of Christ's body closer together.

To be sure, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding my mission with YASC.  I do not yet know where my placement site is.   I do not yet know what I will be doing at this placement site.  I do not know any of the people, and I may not know the primary language spoken there. But there are at least two things that I do know.  First, that God is looking out for every single one of us.  And second, that I cannot do this alone.

As such, I invite you to share in this YASC mission with me. I truly need your support.  This support is twofold.  First, YASC missionaries are called to raise $10,000 to help cover the expenses of mission. Second, I know that I will desperately need your prayers and community. Together, with God's help, this is our mission.  We will connect with God's children and we will make a difference in their lives as they make a difference in ours.

To financially support our mission, donations can be sent to Bruton Parish Church (memo line "YASC"), P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520. To prayerfully support our mission via a Prayer Sponsor List, please send a mail or email address to asrussell21@gmail.com. Please stay tuned for any updates, including my placement!

Episcopal Relief & Development update

By The Very Rev. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's, Suffolk

Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development

Let me express my thanks to the following congregations who made contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development between January and March of this year:

75th Anniversary Fund:

          $186.00      Merchants Hope Church, Prince George

              $5.00      St. Paul's Church, Suffolk

Ebola Relief Efforts:

            $90.00      St. Andrew's Church, Newport News

Gifts for Life and Other Special Projects:

          $150.00      Emmanuel Church, Hampton

          $210.00      St. Paul's Church, Suffolk

      $1,127.00      St. Michael's Church, North Chesterfield

Undesignated Gifts

          $300.00      Christ Church, Smithfield

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $500.00      Christ and Grace Church, Petersburg

      $3,743.00      Church of the Redeemer Church, Midlothian

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $412.90      St. Martin's Church, Williamsburg

            $65.00      St. Paul's Church, Norfolk

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $668.00      Old Donation Church, Virginia Beach

Your gifts go a long way toward healing a hurting world!

Please consider making a gift to help with rescue and relief efforts in Nepal. Click here to make a donation.

Episcopal Relief & Development responding to Nepal earthquake

Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the ecumenical ACT Alliance in Nepal and local partners in northern India and southwest China regarding urgent needs and assessment efforts following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Kathmandu on the morning of April 25.

Responding to immediate needs for food, clean water and shelter, as well as the need for accurate information through on-the-ground assessment, Episcopal Relief & Development will support ACT Alliance efforts implemented through a partner office in Kathmandu.  The ACT Alliance works in coordination with major international groups such as UN OCHA to maximize efficiency and impact of aid, mobilizing local networks to reach remote areas. Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia regarding support for the work of the Deanery of Nepal, which is part of the Diocese of Singapore.  The organization may also support other partners in the region including CASA, the humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches in India, and the Amity Foundation, an independent Christian organization in China.

"It is a frightening time, with so many homes and buildings already destroyed and the threat of aftershocks causing others to collapse," said Abagail Nelson, Episcopal Relief & Development's Senior Vice President of Programs.  "People need spiritual support as they try to keep their families safe, or find and save those who are missing.  We urge  prayers for all those impacted by the quake, and for those who are bringing relief, support and encouragement to people in need."  

Donations to the Nepal Earthquake Response Fund will enable Episcopal Relief & Development to support its partners' emergency relief efforts and on-the-ground assessment in the region.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. John's, Suffolk

Holy and most gracious God, we thank you for the limitless bounty you share with us and all creation. We are constantly in awe of the unearned mercy you show to us. We ask you to foster in us a sense of stewardship and loving care for our community; that we might be equipped to make a lasting and positive difference in our lives and the lives of all people we meet. We also ask you to help us to always move forward, even when we pause to refresh our view of your presence. Help us focus our pause to find clarity for the road you set before us. All this we ask through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

St. Michael's, Bon Air

Almighty God, we ask that you bless your servants who worship with the faith community of Saint Michael's Bon Air and that you hear our prayers for our mission and ministry goals this year; we pray for a strong commitment from our parish community to serve in our outreach ministries; we pray for enthusiastic participation in a vibrant parish life, especially as we establish our community garden; we pray for greater involvement of the children and youth of our parish in parish life, missions and outreach programs; we pray for a children's ministry director who will find creative and compelling ways to communicate God's word and its application to children's lives; we pray for a powerful music, arts & education ministry, and for wisdom and guidance in establishing a Center for Arts of Life in our parish; we pray that our facilities be used to fulfill our commitment to mission; we pray that through faithful stewardship of time, talent and treasure, we have the necessary resources to support what you have called us to do we do to fulfill our mission to Celebrate your Beauty, Love your People and Serve your World, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen

Bring your church into your neighborhood with All Our Children

Is your congregation hungry for more meaningful relationships with your neighbors, whether they're downtown or down the street? Would you like to connect with students and teachers in under-resourced schools in your area? Your congregation can help children reach their full potential and support their right to quality public education by forming a church-school partnership.

All Our Children, National Network is a network of congregations working in partnership with under-resourced public schools. The network's purpose is to promote, strengthen, and support grassroots church-school partnerships. They do this by sharing tools, materials, and best practices to nurture and support the teams who run individual programs.

For AOC, a partnership is an intentional relationship between a congregation and a school that is recognized by leaders of both institutions. AOC members are those partnerships. Each member partnership is unique. They focus on everything from running in-school & after-school programs, to classroom & teacher support, to leading advocacy coalitions for school budgets and facilities renovations.

To learn more about starting a church-school partnership, check out AOC's "10 Steps to Building a Church-School Partnership" and the other tools and materials on their website. You can reach the All Our Children team directly at info@allourchildren.org.

James Solomon Russell Feast Day celebrated

By the Rev. Terrence Walker, Trinity, South Hill

The Rev. Dr. John L. Ghee and Bishop Hollerith

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia celebrated the Feast of the Venerable Doctor James Solomon Russell, Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the New RZUA Headquarters in La Crosse, Virginia. A native of Mecklenburg County, Russell attended Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute and taught school in North Carolina where he learned of the Episcopal denomination and became a convert. His most notable achievement, along with founding at least twenty churches in Southside Virginia, was the establishment of Saint Paul's College (1888-2013) in Lawrenceville, Virginia, an institution that trained and educated individuals who impact local and wider communities to this day.

Officiating at the service was the Right Reverend Herman Hollerith IV, Tenth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Among the other clergy of the Diocese was the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., who was recognized for over sixty years of service to the Church and to the larger community.

In his sermon, the Reverend Doctor John L. Ghee, Presiding Bishop of the RZUA Churches of America, focused on the concept that divine purpose comes with a plan and with the resources necessary to accomplish that purpose. Referencing Russell's autobiography Adventure in Faith (Morehouse Publishing, 1936), Ghee enumerated the series of events that led to a nationally recognized college in rural Brunswick County, Virginia, being founded by a former slave. Ironically, Russell was also involved with the founding of the RZUA Churches of America.

Present for the service were three generations of the Russell family. Elected officials from Brunswick and Mecklenburg Counties were either on hand or represented at the celebration. A number of local businesses and individuals were sponsoring agents for the commemoration. Music was provided by the Sharon Baptist Church Mass Choir. Following the service, attendees retired to Trinity Episcopal Church for a light repast.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. John's, Hampton

Almighty and everlasting God, who from the beginning has placed within each one of us all that is needed to succeed in walking the path of the cross, we pray for your guidance of our Evangelical ministry at St John's in Hampton.  We beseech you to increase our understanding and tolerance of those who have yet to find you, allowing our own lives to serve as examples of your love.  We also humbly seek your mercy to remind us what it is like to be new, and ask for your grace as we extend ourselves in service to those on the margins, as well as those in mainstream.  All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Christ & Grace, Petersburg

Most holy and gracious God, we give you hearty thanks for sustaining us as a vibrant congregation of worshipers and servants in Petersburg for nearly 175 years. We ask for your help and guidance as we plan meaningful ways to celebrate our past and seek new vision and empowerment for the years ahead. Refresh and renew us as the footprints of the past lead us into a spirit-filled future of offering hope, healing and hospitality to those both within the church and in the greater community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

ECW celebrates 125 years on May 16, honors founder Louisa Taylor Letcher

The ECW will honor its founder, Louisa Taylor Letcher, at the Spring Annual Meeting. Nancy Sands, ECW diocesan president, has declared May 16, Louisa Taylor Letcher Day, in observance of the ECW's 125th anniversary. In 1890, Louisa, a Norfolk resident, and her friend Sallie Stuart from Alexandria, organized the Women's Auxiliary of the Diocese of Virginia at St. Paul's parish in Norfolk. Louisa and Sallie served as co-presidents. When the Diocese of Southern Virginia was formed in 1892, Louisa continued as president in the newly-formed diocese until her death in 1920.

All women are invited to attend the ECW Spring Annual Meeting at Glebe Church in Suffolk May 16 to celebrate ECW's anniversary, meet Louisa Taylor Letcher in person, and to learn about "God Bless the Children," ECW's proposed 2015-16 outreach project, to benefit Jackson-Field Homes and Boys Home of Virginia. Ann E. Chaffins, Assistant Director of Development at Jackson-Feild Homes, and Megan-Drew Tiller, Church Relations, Boys Home of Virginia, will speak at the meeting. "This project is very important to me," Nancy said. "I feel we need to help give these young people a good start in life and let them know that someone cares about them." Your vote is important.

Glebe Rector, the Rev. Ross Keener, will officiate at Eucharist. Contact Louise Boss, ECW corresponding secretary, to register for the meeting, 757-678-5331 or louiseboss@exede.net, by May 9. The $12 registration fee includes lunch.

The Climate Change Crisis Forum now available for viewing

Now available here is the Climate Change Crisis, presented by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society on March 24. Addressing one of the most significant topics in today's society, the 90-minute live webcast originated from Campbell Hall Episcopal School, North Hollywood, CA, in partnership with Bishop J. Jon Bruno and the Diocese of Los Angeles.

The forum was moderated by well-known climatologist Fritz Coleman of KNBC 4 television news.  Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori presented the keynote address. Two panels focused on specific areas of the climate change crisis: Regional Impacts of Climate Change; and Reclaiming Climate Change as a Moral Issue.

30 Days of Action
In addition to stimulating conversation and raising awareness about The Climate Change Crisis, the live webcast served as the kickoff to 30 Days of Action. A range of activities developed by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society are offered for individuals and congregations to understand the environmental crisis. The activities will culminate on Earth Day, April 22.  

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

Emmanuel, Chatham

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our struggle to be one body, the people you call us to be.  Fill us with your Spirit that we can love others as you love us.  Remove the blinders of our own desires so we may see and minister to the needs of others.  Cleanse us from us all bitterness, fear, vanity, and pride that we may truly listen with respect and speak with love.  Open our eyes to see the strengths of others and our own, even as you open our hearts to give and receive forgiveness for whatever weaknesses we find.  Keep before us awareness that this is your church and we your people, who are not just limited by our brokenness but empowered by your boundless love.  Allow us to see whatever discomfort we encounter can be the threshold to greater life.  We ask this, O Father, in the name of your Son and through the power of your Spirit, for only in your love alone can we find abundant life, both now and for ever.  Amen.

St. Cyprian's, Hampton

Almighty and Most Merciful Father, we thank you for all the blessings of this life. We thank you especially for St. Cyprian's Church and the Diocese of Southern Virginia. We ask you to guide us this year as we work to find more ways to serve our global village and local community. By your grace, equip us to feed the hungry, provide clothing for those in need, offer shelter to the disenfranchised and facilitate access to basic healthcare for those without voice or advocates. Give us the strength to persevere as we invite others to join us in our common life. Help us address the racial and class divisions in our nation that we all may be one. Lead us as we strengthen the faithful, find good and godly ways to restore the absent and open our doors to the stranger. Bless us so that we might move into new ways of being and doing for the sake of those who hunger for spiritual food and thirst for living water. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Jackson-Feild in need of folding tables

Jackson-Field Homes is in need of folding round tables. The Home hosts a number of events and outings in its gym which serves as a multipurpose building. These events include the annual prom, college and career day, Beautiful Me self-esteem program, wrapping party for Christmas presents, special luncheons and other events that are scheduled during the course of the year. These tables would also be used outdoors, weather permitting, for quarterly Bible school and other spiritual program activities, for field day, ice cream socials, cookouts and recreational activities.

If your church has unused tables and would like to donate them to Jackson-Feild please contact Ann Chaffins at 804-354-6929 or achaffins@jacksonfeild.org.

Communications Grants available

Communications Grants from the Diocese of Southern Virginia provide congregations within the diocese with funding for development of their communications efforts. Grant funds are intended to assist churches that do not currently make use of digital communications methods to create and implement a new digital communication program. Funds may also be used to assist churches with an existing digital communication program that have discovered needs within their congregation or community that can be addressed with a new digital communication initiative. Click here for more information and application.

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Julia Messer began as Priest Associate at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, 2/1/2015

The Rev. Marguerite Alley, Deacon, left Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, 3/26/2015

The Rev. Alan Meade, Interim Rector, left Ascension, Norfolk 4/15/2015  

The Rev. Stewart Tabb will begin as Rector of Ascension, Norfolk 5/1/2015  

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Augustine's, Newport News

Almighty God, Creator of all that abide in the heavens and inhabit the earth, we the work of your hand praise you and adore you. You have revealed thorough Jesus Christ your son, our mission in the East End of Newport News and you call us to a ministry of love and care of your sheep. We thank you God for the benevolence you show to our community of faith; your grace allows us to open our doors to the least and the lonely, sharing your blessings with those whom you call, "my beloved children." Dear God, we ask that you support the congregation of St. Augustine's to do all that you ask us to do: proclaim your word, feed the hungry, visit the sick and those imprisoned, and to welcome the outcast and the lonely. We also prayerfully ask that you instill within our congregation the desire to become leaders within our church, for our community and the diocese of Sothern Virginia so that we may offer all that we are to your service. May we secure these blessings for all your children in the name of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Epiphany, Danville

Gracious and merciful God, We give you thanks for our abundant blessings and for the many gifts we receive daily, especially for those we neglect to acknowledge. We now bring before you our church, Epiphany Episcopal in Danville.  We ask forgiveness for our failure in this time of trial. Lead us out of our darkness. We ask for healing in each of our hearts.  Draw us closer together. We are very grateful that you have sent Becky to assist us in this difficult time. Continue to guide and direct her in the decisions to set us a right. And grant us the wisdom and courage to be one body so that we may truly and devoutly serve you. Hear our prayer for this parish family, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Learning to Live: An American Story

By The Rev. James W.H. Sell

"Learning to Live: An American Story" is the story of my journey through the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church. Much to my surprise, it was a life that suited my values and personality like no other. It began when the American culture was fueled by the norms and standards of institutional religion in the late 1950's and early 1960's.  

But from the time of my ordination in 1969 up until the present moment, we have watched international and American church worship life decline year after year. Today, almost all denominations and faiths are retracting into an uncertain future. It can be argued that at the current rate of decline, the entire religious enterprise in America has less than one hundred years of life remaining.  

Somehow, my life has run counter to the trends and demographic realities by which we have been surrounded. I discovered solid spiritual values that gave my life a sense of abundance. At the same time, every church I was a part of grew and flourished. So, contrary to the cries of the legions of naysayers, I am nothing if not hopeful. To be a Christian is to live with a sense that resurrections are at the very core of every history.  

I believe that, in very real ways, we are just getting ready to return to our most ancient roots, where, once again, on the fragile edge of society, we will become a steady pathway to an abundant life and, ultimately, the driving force for liberation and justice.

Learn more about the book at www.jameswhsell.com.  

Spring 4th Day Gathering at Chanco

The Cursillo Spring 4th Day Gathering will be May 9 at Chanco. Please join us in welcoming our new cursillistas with lunch, a witness talk, group reunion and more. Please bring your favorite spring dish to share. Get more information about Cursillo at www.cursillodsv.org.  

Bishop Hollerith's Easter Message 2015

Dear Friends in Christ,

In just a few days the sounds and sights of Easter will burst forth across the diocese. Churches from Jenkins Bridge on the Eastern Shore, to inner city Norfolk, to Danville in the West will celebrate the day that defines all the other days of our faith. Lilies will fill our sanctuaries with spring fragrance. The people of God will don their "Sunday finest" clothes. Bright colors will replace the darkened shades of Lent. Choirs will sing with particular exuberance. Clergy will once again say, "Alleluia" in the liturgy! Children will scatter across the green grass of our church yards in search of brightly colored eggs. Plates of chicken and brisket, country ham, corn pudding and green-leaf salad will cover picnic tables or parish kitchen counters. The young and the old, the regular attendee, and the rarely seen will gather to celebrate Easter. And it will all be special, it will all be good.

And behind it all will be the hope that keeps us coming back year after year, the belief that this ancient feast we celebrate is more than some mere observance of an unexplainable empty tomb. Behind it all is the hope that "Yes, it is true - He has risen indeed."

The story of the empty tomb is a strange story. It was a strange experience for Mary and the other women. It was and very much still is a story without precedent, something that stuns and astonishes.

In other words, neither I, nor any other teacher of the Gospels can explain Easter in a way that makes it reasonable or rational or easy to comprehend. It doesn't work like part of the Krebs cycle. It isn't from an Eastern wisdom teaching or a category of special literary devices. It just is what it is - an empty tomb.

The resurrection is shocking because it means ultimately that God accomplishes redemption in and through material reality, in and through the stuff that we are made of, in and through flesh and blood, in and through human life and human death. Resurrection in all its mystery suggests that at the most fundamental level of existence, from the quantum level to the biological level, to the level of the stars themselves, God is actively involved in his creation, that God is behind everything that we see, creating, nurturing and redeeming - as the Mystery of all mysteries.

If in my life I have come to understand the mystery of Easter at all, it isn't because of what I have come to know intellectually about it. My understanding of Easter comes from being a child of God, from being one who has been redeemed again and again from my own "Good Friday" experiences. Likewise, my understanding comes from witnessing the same miracle of redemption at work in the lives of others around me whom I love, care for and to whom I am privileged to minister. In fact, perhaps what I experience is not "understanding" in the classic sense of what that term means at all, but more of a kind of "knowing". After being gently and lovingly clobbered over the head time and time again by the grace of God, how could one not "know" about the resurrection?!

And something else I know is the promise that accompanies the empty tomb - that Jesus is not there, that he has gone to Galilee to meet his disciples. We are told that Galilee is "where the action is". In my experience, "the action" is where the Eucharist is being served. It's where children laugh and run wild through the grass while adults sit at tables enjoying ham biscuits, barbequed chicken wings and three types of iced tea.

This Easter I will think about all of you as you celebrate the mystery of the resurrection. And my heart will be warmed from knowing that the Lord has risen indeed because he has risen in parishes and places and faces across our diocese. And I will give thanks for you and for God's Church in the world, and for the power that binds us together in our love for the Lord Jesus Christ. And, above all, with great anticipation, I will be listening to hear - from every corner of Southern Virginia - your "Alleluias"!

+Holly

Memorial stone to be placed on the grave of ex-slave Paulina Ruffin Eps

Paulina Ruffin Eps was born into slavery under the household of Richard Eppes on Eppes Island to James Madison Ruffin and Harriet Ruffin.  Paulina’s father Madison was bought in 1847 by Richard Eppes from a Dr. Lockwood and her mother Harriet was born on the Eppes Plantation in 1816 serving as personal house servant to Mrs. Mary Eppes Cocke.  Before the Civil War, Madison would be a most trusted servant to Dr. Eppes and would serve as Sexton to St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Church. Mr. Eppes would require Madison to clean and make ready the church for worship on Sunday mornings or any other time the congregation might gather.

Richard Eppes wrote in his diary dated Sunday, December 21, 1856, “Quite surprised this morning to find the ground quite white with snow the first fall this season wind N. E. very cold. Madison made no fire in the church this morning, thinking it was the 4^th Sunday in the month, consequently service did not commence until after 12 o. c. there being very few persons present had no sermon but only the service.” Mr. Murray [Rector at St. John’s] returned and dined with us & spent the night.” Richard Eppes relied heavily on Madison and trusted him as much as any of his acquaintances. The Vestry would give him a small cash gift for his services from time to time. In the diary, dated May 2^, 1858 (Richard Eppes’ 34^th birthday) the Vestry met after church, Richard Eppes writes “Mr. Batte moved that a collection be requested of the congregation by Mr. Zimmer [St. John’s Rector] next Sunday to be taken up Sunday after next Sunday for the benefit of the Sexton Madison.”

Harriet had a number of children by other fathers, Robert Moody (born 1835), George Gilliam (born 1838), Richard Gilliam (born 1840), and Patty Rud (born 1845).  Madison and Harriet had a number of children of their own. They are Paulina Ruffin (b. 1848), James Ruffin Jr. (b. 1850), Agnes Ruffin (b. Dec. 21, 1851), John Williams Ruffin (b. 1853), Samuel Welsh Ruffin (b. 1855), and Indianna Ruffin ( b. 1858).  James Madison Ruffin died on 19^th of February, 1876 of pneumonia and was buried on the 21^st Feb. 1876 by the Rev. Edward Valentine Jones.

Paulina (called Pau – lī ´-nə) most likely left with her family May 20, 1862, ending up in Hampton and Norfolk throughout the remainder of the Civil War. Paulina married James Henry Eps who was a sailor in the United States Navy.  Their children were Mary Elizabeth (born abt. 1871).  Harriett (Hattie) Ruffin (born abt. 1873), Robert Henry (born abt. 1875) & William Henry. Mary, Hattie, and Robert were baptized at St. John’s on 17 June, 1877 by the Rev. Edwin Valentine Jones. Paulina was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s in June of 1879 at age 31 by the Rt. Rev. F. M. Whittle, thus becoming a member of St. John’s.

Mary Nelson Neblett (now living in Chester) recalls that she and the other children called her “Aunt Paulina.” Paulina came to church every Sunday sitting on the back row near the entrance to the church. If it were a Sunday when the Holy Communion was served, Paulina would wait until everyone had taken communion and then she would proceed to go to the altar rail to receive the sacrament. Mrs. Mary Catherine Pruden (St. John’s Organist Emeritus) recalled that Paulina would come to church every Sunday until she could not walk to church anymore. Paulina is also remembered and described to have been a very kind and lovable person. Paulina and her husband lived in a small house on the top of the hill leading to the waterfront (now extinct) to the right of the house at the end of Prince Henry Street.

Paulina’s husband Henry became the church sexton after Paulina’s father Madison Ruffin died in 1876. When Henry died at the end of September 1889, Paulina appealed to the Eppes family to have him buried next to her father in the St. John’s cemetery. Richard Eppes writes in his Diary Tuesday, Oct: 1^st 1889, “Henry  Eps, husband of Paulina Eps sexton of our church (P.E. St. Johns City Point) a seaman employed on the United States ironclad fleet, stationed a few miles below Richmond Va died yesterday

and his wife applied to my wife + self for permission to bury him in the churchyard of the P.E. church by the side of her father Madison the old sexton though neither my wife or my wife have any personal objection we have been forced to refuse, as the race feeling between the whites + negroes is so strong that the church would be seriously injured thereby moreover as he was a seaman in the employ of the U.S. Government his family have a right to bury him in the National Cemetery located near here, where several seaman, who died, when the fleet was stationed here, were buried…...The funeral will take place in St John's church + from there transported to the negro burying ground + there interred with Masonic honors, he being a Mason.”  After Henry’s death Paulina continued to work as a domestic servant at Appomattox Manor until her death on 5 January 1946 at age 98. She was buried on Jan 8, 1946 by the Rev. J. R. Walker. Paulina being a faithful member of St. John’s for many years was allowed to be buried next to her father in the church graveyard, but a permanent memorial was never placed.

The congregation wants to honor Paulina and to express their remorse to the African American community for the actions of earlier members of the congregation who did not see fit to bury Paulina’s husband in the St. John’s Cemetery because of racial prejudice, as indicated in Dr. Eppes diary. On behalf of the congregation, the vestry has ordered and will lay a permanent granite marker similar to that of her father Madison, on Paulina’s grave Wednesday, April 15^th, 2015 beginning at 5:30 PM in a program and service dedicated to remembering Madison, Paulina, and all the saints who have passed through St. John’s, adding richly to its history and its mission. The service will also include the consecration of the new columbarium in the graveyard.