Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows becomes first black woman to lead Episcopal diocese

	Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows greets the congregation at her consecration as Bishop Barbara Harris, center, and Bishop Catherine Waynick, left, look on. Photo: Meghan McConnell, Episcopal News Service

The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows was ordained and consecrated the eleventh bishop of Indianapolis April 29, making her the first black woman to lead a diocese in the history of the Episcopal Church and the first woman to succeed another woman as diocesan bishop. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry led the service as chief consecrator and was joined by more than 40 bishops from across the church.

Among the co-consecrators at the service was the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion. Before the consecration, Baskerville-Burrows told the Indianapolis Star, "The first thing that comes to mind is how grateful I am to the women that have come before. Barbara Harris will be at my consecration, and when I think about what she's done for me and how I've even encountered little girls saying, 'Oh my gosh. One day, may I discern such a call?' That is just everything."

Click here to read more and to see video of the consecration.

Outward Mindset: A continuing education opportunity

The Rev. Conor Alexander of St. Francis, Virginia Beach, a licensed facilitator for Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset from the Arbinger Institute, is leading a three-day continuing education event at Chanco on the James for clergy and lay employees in the Diocese of Southern Virginia May 23-25. Click here  to read more about this workshop and all it will offer to help support your ministry! Register here. Questions? Contact the Rev. Conor Alexander at stfrancispastor@verizon.net.

 

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services elects new trustees

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is pleased to announce the election two members to its Board of Trustees.

 

Elizabeth Feild, head of global Management and Professional Development for PAREXEL, has more than 18 years of experience with large scale leadership development. She holds an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University, a masters from American, and certificates in leadership development and business coaching from Harvard and Duke. As the great-granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. George W. Feild - donors of "Walnut Grove" - JFBHS holds a very special place in Feild's heart. Prior to job relocations to England and then Massachusetts, Feild served on the Jackson-Feild board of trustees. Now that she and her family are back in North Carolina, Feild is thrilled to once again be actively involved in continuing the mission of JFBHS.

 

Stuart C. Leinenbach, Vice President and U.S. Manager for Iluka Resources, served multiple human resources and organizational effectiveness roles throughout his career. Following a seven-year stint in the U.S. Air Force, he joined Siemens AG followed by Reynolds Metals Company. Leinenbach holds an undergraduate degree from St. Leo University, and master's degrees from both Bethany Theological Seminary and George Washington University. He has served on the Virginia Governor's Council of Career and Technical Education, and is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies.

 

Our Long Journey Home: Caring for others through the seasons of death

St. Stephen's, Richmond, invites you to join them for "Our Long Journey Home: Caring for Others through the Seasons of Death," a presentation by Dr. Thomas G. Long on Monday, June 26. Dr. Long is co-author of The Good Funeral and author of The Witness of Preaching; Accompany Them with Singing: The Christian Funeral, and other books. He is Bandy Professor of Preaching Emeritus and Director of the Early Career Pastoral Leadership Program at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta Ga.

Dr. Long has been named one of the 25 most influential preachers in America. He will explore the shifting landscape of American death practices; look at some myths and misunderstandings that surround death; examine the best roles of funeral directors, hospice personnel, clergy, and others who minister to the dying and to mourners after death; and lift up the true value and purposes of a funeral.

 

This event, presented by Bliley Funeral Homes and held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond) is geared toward clergy and pastoral care staff and begins with refreshments at 3:30. Dr. Long's talk will begin at 4:00. There will be time for a Q&A session before we adjourn at 6:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Click here for a flyer you can share. Register here. 

Time to submit scholarship applications

Ridley Foundation Scholarship
Through the great generosity and charity of Miss Roberta Ridley, an endowed trust was established many years ago to provide financial support for continuing education for qualified members of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and for residents of Southampton County and the City of Franklin. Applications are due by June 20. Click here for more info and application form.

The Bishop Vaché Scholarship
The Bishop Vaché Scholarships provide funds to assist low-income and minority college students in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. First-year students as well as returning college students are welcome to apply. Scholarship awards range from $1000 to $5000 per academic year. Applications are due by June 1 and awards will be made by July 1. Click here for application information and form. 

Eight Canterburians confirmed this year

By The Rev. Tyler Montgomery, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

 

The William & Mary Canterbury Association was pleased to have eight students called to receive the sacrament of confirmation this year. These students all completed a seven-week Christian Formation course, including a one-on-one session with the Chaplain to discuss and articulate what it means to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In two years, eighteen students have received confirmation and three students have been baptized; several more students have already expressed an interest in Christian Formation and sacramental membership in the Church for the next academic year. It is an exciting time for the Church! Young adults are evidently interested in "coming and seeing" what Jesus is doing in this place and in their lives. As ever, Christianity surprises us in the ways in which it expresses itself, and it seems that we are seeing a revival of sorts in the midst of our establishment at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. For this, we give thanks to God!

Soles for the Soul project aims to help reduce overdose deaths

Each day in the United States 144 people die from fatal drug overdoses; the majority are opioid related. In Virginia, fatal drug overdoses are the number one cause of unnatural death. During 2016 drug overdose deaths in Virginia increased by 25%. In response to the worsening drug addiction epidemic, the Virginia Department of Health declared the opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency in November 2016.

One way to prevent overdose deaths is to make Naloxone more available to first responders. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effect of opiates by counteracting the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, thereby allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally.   In Virginia, the first people to arrive on the scene in a suspected overdose emergency are law enforcement officers. Currently fewer than 10% of law enforcement departments are equipped with Naloxone.

 

The Rev. Jan Brown and the Rev. Lauren McDonald, co-chairs of the Diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission, and SpiritWorks Foundation in Williamsburg have chosen to become part of the solution by teaching others how to respond to opioid overdose. After becoming trainers through REVIVE!, the Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Program, they have begun training law enforcement officers, probation & parole officers, family members, community members and individuals on how to use the life-saving reversal drug to prevent fatal drug overdose.

 

Through June 15, SpiritWorks is holding a fundraiser, Soles for the Soul, to collect shoes to raise money to purchase Naloxone (Narcan) for law enforcement officers. Through Soles for the Soul, SpiritWorks is hoping to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic in our area and to raise funds to help prevent it. Save lives. Donate shoes.  

 

For more information call the Rev. Jan M. Brown or the Rev. Lauren McDonald at 757-903-0000 or leave your gently used shoes in the drop box at the SpiritWorks Foundation Center at 5800 Mooretown Rd. in Williamsburg at any time.

Click here to watch an interview with the Rev. Jan Brown about the Soles for the Soul project. 

New online courses from ChurchNext include Certificate in Prayer Book Studies

Certificate in Prayer Book Studies

ChurchNext's latest Certificate Program enables you to earn a ChurchNext Certificate in Prayer Book Studies. Produced in partnership with Bexley Seabury Seminary, take all 8 of the courses on The Book of Common Prayer and you'll receive a Certificate of Prayer Book Studies. Courses include The Prayer Book and Scripture with Roger Ferlo, and The Spirituality of the Book of Common Prayer with Karl Ruttan. Courses are available for individual or group study. This means you can take these courses on your own, or organize a small group to earn your certificates together. Click here for a list of courses.  

Congregations as Sanctuaries

Also, has your congregation been increasingly interested in the topic of caring for refugees and immigrants? ChurchNext has just launched Congregations as Sanctuaries with Paul Perez, available for individual and group study. Perez, a social justice engagement officer for the United Methodist Church, offers practical and insightful advice to Christians and congregations about how they can help immigrants and refugees who are increasingly frightened about their livelihood. Click here for more.

Fairy Godmothers work their magic

The gym at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) was transformed into a department store recently. It was filled with clothing racks of prom dresses, tables full of shoes and jewelry and even a makeup counter.

For the past eleven years Collegiate School students have provided prom outfits to more than 380 residents through The Fairy Godmother Project. Their mission is to provide a high school prom experience for children whose circumstances would otherwise exclude them for attending a high school prom.

Throughout the year, Collegiate students Polly Sommers and Austin Tyner, co-Presidents of the Fairy Godmother Project, collected donated prom attire and conducted fund raisers to purchase supplemental items to complete the outfits.

The gym was filled with laughter and residents had smiles on their faces after their successful "shopping experience". The Collegiate students helped the girls find the right ensemble that will make them feel and look beautiful at the prom. Their generosity and kindness is much appreciated by both children and staff.

Mary's Cafe serves up great food and service

Several times a year, staff members at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) are invited to a special lunch at Mary's Café.

 

Supervised by Mary Griffith and Shemille Dennis, on April 6 the students in the food occupations class at JFBHS prepared and served a restaurant-caliber lunch of French onion soup, steak, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and strawberry-topped cheesecake. Not only did the students plan and prepare the meal, they also performed the duties of host/hostess, and wait staff.

 

In the food occupations class, students learn everything about the food service business from ordering food and supplies to preparing and serving, accepting reservations by phone, fulfilling the role of wait staff, and cleaning the dining and kitchen areas. Students are also taught resume-writing skills and job-interviewing techniques.

 

The lessons taught by Griffith and Dennis are invaluable to the students. While Mary's Café is not open to the general public, the staff members who participated reported that the service was excellent and the meal was as good as any prepared in a commercial restaurant.

Day of Prayer gatherings to be offered by Lutheran-Episcopal Joint Committee

The Lutheran-Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia is sponsoring a Day of Prayer on May 17 at Chanco on the James, led by the Rev. John Maxwell Kerr. A Day of Prayer will also be offered on August 17 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Smith Mountain Lake, led by Pastor Richard Bansemer. Speakers will lead participants in considering how and why to pray, whom to pray with, resources for prayer, prayer and the liturgical year, and will share other personal prayer practices.

Click here for more info and registration for May 17 at Chanco on the James.

Click here for more info and registration for August 17 at Smith Mountain Lake.

Easter Vigil on the York River

Bishop Hollerith was celebrant at the Easter Vigil service on the York River on Saturday, Apr. 15. This was a joint service of Abingdon Church in Gloucester, Grace Church in Yorktown, St. Paul's in Newport News, St. Andrew's in Newport News, Reformation Lutheran in Newport News, and Kingston Parish in Mathews. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Ed Pickup will retire from Emmanuel, Franklin, on July 1, 2017. 

ECW Annual Spring Meeting; updated Yearbook

Jackson-Feild Homes will host the ECW Annual Spring Meeting on Saturday, May 20. Come join us as we learn about the deep roots the ECW have with Jackson-Feild. A tour of the campus will include the Marshall Cottage which was renovated using the gift from the ECW last fall. To register for the meeting, contact Tia Morings, 757-650-8809 or morings1@gmail.com by May 10

. Registration cost is $20 per person. Please advise Tia of any dietary restrictions. Money will be collected during meeting check-in. Registration deadline is May 10, 2017.

2017 ECW Yearbook & Parish Directory now available
The ECW Yearbook and Parish Directory, updated for 2017, is now available as a PDF file. If you would like a copy, please contact Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org or 757-213-3388.

William & Mary Canterbury hosts Silent Auction & Gala

Click here for more information about the Canterbury Association's Silent Auction & Gala.

Space is filling at Camp Chanco - register today!

Chanco is gearing up for its busiest summer season with paddle boarding, rock wall climbing, zip lining, arts and crafts, silly skits, songs & games along with a Chaplain program within a fantastic Christian community for ages 8-16.  You won't want to miss this summer! Click here for a 2017 summer camp promo video to see all the fun happening at Chanco. Still not convinced? Visit us at our open house May 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. and see for yourself! Then visit www.chanco.org to register today! Questions? Contact us at director@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). See you soon!

Easter message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

It's taken me some years to realize it, but Jesus didn't just happen to be in Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. He wasn't on vacation. He wasn't just hanging out in town. Jesus was in Jerusalem on purpose. He arrived in Jerusalem about the time of the Passover when pilgrims were in the city. When people's hopes and expectations for the dawn of freedom that Moses had promised in the first Passover might suddenly be realized for them in their time.

Jesus arranged his entrance into Jerusalem to send a message. He entered the city, having come in on one side of the city, the scholars tell us, at just about the same time that Pontius Pilate made his entrance on the exact opposite side of the city. Pilate, coming forth on a warhorse. Pilate, with soldiers around him. Pilate, with the insignias of Rome's Empire. Pilate, representing the Caesars who claimed to be son of god. Pilate, who had conquered through Rome the people of Jerusalem. Pilate, representing the Empire that had taken away their freedom. Pilate, who represented the Empire that would maintain the colonial status of the Jewish people by brute force and violence.

Jesus entered the city on the other side, not on a warhorse, but on a donkey, recalling the words of Zechariah:

Behold your King comes to you

Triumphant and victorious is He

Humble and riding on a donkey

Jesus entered the city at the same time as Pilate to show them, and to show us, that God has another way. That violence is not the way. That hatred is not the way. That brute force and brutality are not the way.

Jesus came to show us there is another way. The way of unselfish, sacrificial love. That's why he entered Jerusalem. That's why he went to the cross. It was the power of that love poured out from the throne of God, that even after the horror of the crucifixion would raise him from death to life.

God came among us in the person of Jesus to start a movement. A movement to change the face of the earth. A movement to change us who dwell upon the earth. A movement to change the creation from the nightmare that is often made of it into the dream that God intends for it.

He didn't just happen to be in Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday. He went to Jerusalem for a reason. To send a message. That not even the titanic powers of death can stop the love of God.  On that Easter morning, he rose from the dead, and proclaimed love wins.

So you have a blessed Easter. Go forth to be people of the Resurrection. Follow in the way of Jesus. Don't be ashamed to love. Don't be ashamed to follow Jesus.

Have a blessed Easter.  And bless the world.  Amen.

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The message is available in Spanish and French here. Video available here.

Residential Education Day at Boys Home, Covington

The Rev. Bill Jones honored with community leadership award

The Rev. Bill Jones and his wife, Lynn

The Rev. Bill Jones retired as our diocesan Archdeacon, but he's still busy in ministry, and last Thursday received the Ann and Don King Community Leadership Award from HomeAgain, a Richmond organization devoted to helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness secure and maintain a Home, Again. Deacon Bill has served on the HomeAgain board for 11 years, and was honored and humbled to receive this award. Deacon Bill continues to serve every Sunday at St. David's, Richmond.

April is UTO Ingathering month

April is here and you know what that means - it is time for the semiannual United Thank Offering Ingathering.

The United Thank Offering is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church that was founded in 1889. It is a personal and family devotional program of the Episcopal Church encouraging men, women, and children to share their thankfulness to God through daily prayer and offerings. By embracing this devotional program, we are reminded to be prayer oriented first and then we are encouraged to give tangible thanks for our blessings as an offering or thanksgiving to God. Each year, the offerings collected are given away in the form of grants. These grants focus on meeting compelling human needs and on expanding the mission and ministry of the church at home and throughout the world. Through these grants, those less fortunate can come to know the love of God.

Where does the money go? Every penny goes to grants. The 2016 UTO grant cycle awarded 32 grants totaling $1,161,314.62. These grants were awarded to projects in 32 dioceses, which included 25 dioceses located in the United States, five non-domestic dioceses, six companion dioceses, one grant to the Episcopal Migration Ministries, and one Presiding Bishop grant.

Please give generously to the 2017 UTO Spring Ingathering. Even the smallest donations, when added together, can make a huge difference in the lives of others.

Contact Ronda Toll, ECW Diocesan UTO Coordinator, rtoll@cox.net or 757-869-8873 for UTO literature, materials, supplies, or for more information.

Register now for May Weekend, May 19-21

May Weekend is a weekend retreat May 19-21 for all teens in grades 6-12 at Camp Chanco sponsored by the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Board. Click here for details and registration. This year's retreat schedule includes:

• Friday Night- Icebreakers, Music and Social, Opening Assembly, First Small Group Meeting, Compline
• Saturday- Morning Prayer, Large and Small Group times throughout the day, EYC Board Candidate Speeches, Noonday Prayer, Free Time with Ropes and Zips, Eucharist, Dance
• Sunday Morning- EYC Board Elections, Warm Fuzzies, Senior Moment, Closing Prayers

Rising 10th-12th graders are invited to run for the EYC Board. If you are interested, please bring the application with you to the weekend. You can find it here. 

 

Now is the time to register VBS volunteers for Safe Church training

Registration is now open for all of this year's Safe Church training classes. Now is the time to have your Vacation Bible School volunteers register for training:

• April 8 - St. Michael's, Colonial Heights. Click here to register. Registration closes on Apr. 4.
• April 29 - Christ Church, Smithfield. Click here to register. Registration closes on Apr. 25.
• May 13 - Epiphany, Danville. Click here to register. Registration closes on May 9.
• May 20 - St. George's, Pungoteague. Click here to register. Registration closes on May 16.
• June 10, 2017  - St. Michael's, Bon Air. Register here. Registration closes on June 6.
• September 16, 2017 - St. Cyprian's, Hampton. Register here. Registration closes on Sep. 12.
• September 30, 2017 - Emmanuel, Virginia Beach. Register here. Registration closes on Sep. 26.
• November 4, 2017 - Good Shepherd, Richmond.  Register here. Registration closes on Oct. 31.

Click here for more information about Safe Church Training, and about the availability of online training.

 

Easter invitation video available

The Acts 8 Movement is once again offering a video Episcopal churches may use for free to advertise their Easter liturgies. The video is available in English and Spanish. You can download the videos here to post to your church's Facebook page or you can just link to the video on YouTube here.

Click here for more information about the videos and how to use them.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Communications Officer Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org or 757-213-3388.

Soles for Soul: Donate shoes, save lives

Each day in the United States 144 people die from fatal drug overdoses; the majority are opioid related.  In Virginia, fatal drug overdoses are the number one cause of unnatural death. During 2016 drug overdose deaths in Virginia increased by 25%. In response to the worsening drug addiction epidemic, the Virginia Department of Health declared the opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency in November 2016.

One way to prevent overdose deaths is to make Naloxone more available to first responders. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effect of opiates by counteracting the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, thereby allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally.   In Virginia, the first people to arrive on the scene in a suspected overdose emergency are law enforcement officers. Currently fewer than 10% of law enforcement departments are equipped with Naloxone.

SpiritWorks Foundation has chosen to become part of the solution by teaching others how to respond to opioid overdose. After becoming trainers through REVIVE!, the Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Program, we have begun training law enforcement officers, probation & parole officers, family members, community members and individuals on how to use the life-saving reversal drug to prevent fatal drug overdose.

Through June 15, SpiritWorks is holding a fundraiser, Soles for the Soul, to collect shoes to raise money to purchase Naloxone (Narcan) for law enforcement officers. Through Soles for the Soul, SpiritWorks is hoping to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic in our area and to raise funds to help prevent it. Save lives. Donate shoes.

For more information call the Rev. Jan M. Brown or the Rev. Lauren McDonald at 757-903-0000 or leave your gently used shoes in the drop box at the SpiritWorks Foundation Center at 5800 Mooretown Rd. in Williamsburg at any time.

Help GraceInside provide full-time chaplain at Nottoway Correctional Center

GraceInside provides 12 full-time and 19 part-time chaplains to serve over 30,000 incarcerated men and women in Virginia. With your help, they can do even more. Chaplain Robert Ball at Nottoway Correctional Center needs your help to serve full time. If GraceInside can raise $5,000 earmarked for Chaplain Ball at Nottoway, they can increase his paid time to 40 hours per week.

Go to www.graceinside.org and click the "Donate" button at the top right of the screen. Fill out the form and click "yes" in the "Designated Giving" section. A drop down menu will then appear where you can select "Nottoway CC."  You can choose to receive a receipt via mail or email.

Those who would like to know more about GraceInside can contact the Rev. Lynn Litchfield, Director of Development, at lynnlitchfield@graceinside.org. 

Why Serve 2017: An Episcopal vocational discernment conference for young adults of color

Young adults of color are invited to examine their gifts and explore opportunities at an Episcopal Church retreat, Why Serve 2017, Monday, June 12 to Thursday, June 15.

Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Department of Ethnic Ministries, Why Serve 2017 will be held at Bexley Seabury, Chicago, IL.

Invited to attend this conference of fellowship, training, discernment, and self-care are young adults (age 18-30) from the Asiamerican, Black, Indigenous/Native American and Latino/Hispanic communities of the Episcopal Church, as well as those desiring to serve in ethnic ministries. Click here for more information.

Register now for Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Oct. 17-28

Through the assistance of Lightline Pilgrimages, this pilgrimage has been designed just for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Jay Magness and Bishop Hollerith will be among the participants. Pilgrims will have the incredible opportunity to walk in the places where Jesus walked and seeing many of the things that our Lord saw.

This pilgrimage is limited to 35 people. Click here for the pilgrimage brochure which includes a detailed itinerary and registration form.

 

Upcoming Safe Church classroom training

Registration is now open for the following upcoming Safe Church training classes:

• April 8 - St. Michael's, Colonial Heights. Click here to register. Registration closes on Apr. 4.
• April 29 - Christ Church, Smithfield. Click here to register. Registration closes on Apr. 25.
• May 13 - Epiphany, Danville. Click here to register. Registration closes on May 9.
• May 20 - St. George's, Pungoteague. Click here to register. Registration closes on May 16.

Click here for a complete list of upcoming Safe Church training opportunities, online training, and more info about the Safe Church program.

March 23: One-day Justice Conference

Following the cancellation of the three-day Mid-Atlantic Regional Justice Conference that was to take place March 21-23, 2017, there was interest to proceed forward with a scaled down event because content was sorely needed in the area. So, some of the speakers originally scheduled decided to come anyway if there was a way to make it happen.

 

Hence, Mid-Atlantic Just Conference Lite - Thursday, March 23, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at New Life Church, 1525 Power Plant Parkway, Hampton. The day is FREE except for a $6 charge for Chic-Fil-A lunch box. Speakers include:

• Verlon Fosner from Seatlle, WA - "Dinner Church, Reach the Unreachable, Eat and Remember Me"
• Robert and Sharon Yazzie, who live on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona are coming to talk about life on the reservation and to take us into a deep spiritual praise and worship through song
• Byron McMillan with Jobs For Life national office in Raleigh, NC to impart some wisdom about poverty and addressing the needs of the lost and disenfranchised in our communities through Christian Community Development
• Plus many, many more presenters and exhibitors

Please register by calling the Peninsula Baptist Association office at 757-596-4587 or email midatlanticjusticeconference@gmail.com.

 

Webinar: Snapchat and the Church

Join Virginia Theological Seminary's Center for the Ministry of Teaching in an online webinar Wednesday, April 5 at 3 p.m. Carolyn Clement, Travis Walser, and Sarah Stonesifer will demystify Snapchat, the most opaque and misunderstood social media platform.

Can't make it? The webinar will be recorded and saved for later viewing! RSVP here for notifications and reminders.  

Registration open for 2017 Young Adult and Campus Ministry Leadership Conference

Register now for the 2017 Young Adult and Campus Ministry Leadership Conference, CULTIVATE: Resilient Hope, slated for June 25-28 at St. David's Episcopal Church, Austin, TX (Diocese of Texas). CULTIVATE: Resilient Hope is an Episcopal conference for leaders in ministry with young adults on and off college campuses. The focus will be on how leaders and mentors can cultivate resilient hope in the midst of everyday lives, the current events in our country, and in our communities.  Click here for more information.

Stand to Support Refugees: An invitation to support Episcopal Migration Ministries

Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement agency of the Episcopal Church, invites participation in supporting its life-saving work through Stand to Support Refugees, a fundraising campaign to maintain a strong, viable ministry network to welcome those fleeing war, violence and persecution. Donations to Stand to Support Refugees will help strengthen important ministry to some of the most vulnerable throughout the world.

Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of the Episcopal Church, and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries currently has 31 affiliate offices in 23 states.
Like other agencies that resettle refugees and assist them with housing, job training, and other services, Episcopal Migration Ministries receives the bulk of its funding from federal grants. As a result of the March 6 Executive Order, funding is being dramatically reduced for the remainder of 2017, potentially resulting in significant negative impact to core ministries offered by Episcopal Migration Ministries.

To learn more about Episcopal Migration Ministries or to make a donation, go to www.episcopalmigrationministries.org.

The Grapevine ECW newsletter is here

The Spring 2017 edition of The Grapevine, the diocesan ECW newsletter, is available here. In this issue:

• Meet ECW President Helen Sharpe-Williams
• Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms to be keynote speaker at Annual Fall Meeting
• Apply now for ECW Scholarships
• New ECW Board members
• Domestic violence: It's everybody's business
• Church Periodical Club
• United Thank Offering

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Carlotta Cochrane began as Priest in Charge Time Certain at St. Thomas, Chesapeake, August 28, 2016.

 

The Rev. Frederick Walker left St. Mark's, Suffolk, on February 28, 2017.

 

The Rev. Catherine Boyd will begin as Rector of St. Martin's, Williamsburg, on April 9, 2017.

 

New offerings from ChurchNext: Water & Justice; Family Faith Formation

ChurchNext has added two new offerings to its extensive course catalog:

Water & Justice
Fletcher Harper, executive director of Greenfaith, discusses how Christians should bring a reverence for water into our communities. He teaches about the challenges to water supplies around the world and ways to develop a deeper appreciation of our sense of water as a gift. Fletcher teaches about the impetus, but also the resources, that Christianity gives us to conserve water and minimize the effects of climate change. Click here for more.

Family Faith Formation
John Roberto of Lifelong Faith Ministries, discusses the essential role that families take in raising children in the Christian faith and identifies ways to use technology to offer Christian parenting resources through websites that curate webinars, podcasts, online learning and other technological advances. He discusses way to match this material to the needs of families and to encourage them to use these resources. Click here for more.

Resources and assistance for environmental stewardship

Caring for Creation is one of our Diocesan Stewardship goals: "to inspire and mobilize parishes to play a leadership role in building a just and resilient future through environmental stewardship programs". We encourage you to access the resources that have recently been added to the Stewardship page of the diocesan website, www.diosova.org/stewardship.  

We are looking to connect with parishes who:

• would like assistance in growing an environmental stewardship program (some of you indicated that in a diocesan survey); or
• already have an environmental stewardship program and would be willing to share their experiences and resources with others.

If either of these describes your parish, please send your parish name, your name and contact information to diosovagreen@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration of this important ministry.

Jackson-Feild residents visit Club J316

Eight residents and several staff members from Jackson-Feild recently traveled to True Word Christian Church in Franklin to visit Club J316 - a free Christian club for children in grades 5-12 that is the creation of Jackson-Feild alumna Leslie Ludwig.

 

At Club J316, high school and college students - some of whom travel as much as 100 miles to perform - give an upbeat concert of hip hop and rap music in a Christian atmosphere.

 

Ludwig started Club J316 because she felt that teens are bombarded with unhealthy and unhelpful messages. Admitting that she had a great deal of obstacles to overcome in her teen years, Ludwig says, "I always wanted to do something to help other children like me. If I can help only one child with our live Holy Hip Hop and Christian Rap, I will have accomplished my goal."

 

Ludwig hopes to bring her Club J316 to the Jackson-Feild campus and share her message of hope and grace with all the boys and girls. The residents who enjoyed the concert in Franklin danced the night away and spoke of how moving the experience was.  

An Evening of Prayer in support of "Standing as Stone": Indigenous Nations and Allies Gather in the Washington National Cathedral

On Thursday, March 9, the Episcopal Church will sponsor an interfaith prayer service on the eve of the Rise with Standing Rock: Native Nations March on Washington. All are invited to join An Evening Of Prayer in support of "Standing as Stone": Indigenous Nations and Allies Gather at the Washington National Cathedral beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern.

The service will feature clergy and lay leaders from the Episcopal Church and various denominations and faiths, Native American leaders from throughout the country, and residents of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.  Among the speakers are Native American Episcopal Bishops Michael Smith of the Diocese of North Dakota, and Carol Gallagher, Bishop Missioner for the Bishops' Native Collaborative in the Diocese of Montana. Click here for more information.

The service will be live-webcast here.

Episcopal Church young adults, campus ministry grant applications available

Applications are now accepted for grants to assist with young adults and campus ministries in the Episcopal Church. Grants are intended to provide funding for an Episcopal ministry (or ecumenical ministry with an Episcopal presence) in a diocese, congregation, or community college/tribal college/university campus that is currently engaging or seeking a new relationship with young adults on and off college campuses. Grants are for the 2017-2018 academic year. Click here for more information.

A Women's Hózhó Center in Navajoland

By The Rev. Lauren McDonald, Addictions & Recovery Commission Co-Chair 

In late January, the Rev. Jan M. Brown and I answered an invitation from the bishop of Navajoland to travel to Farmington, New Mexico, to consult with the Episcopal Church in Navajoland (ECN) on creating a Women's Hózhó Center.

Hózhó is a Navajo word that is difficult to translate. Its meaning encompasses the concepts of living in balance, wholeness, wellness, beauty, harmony, goodness, and blessing. It's also used as a greeting. ECN is developing the Women's Hózhó Center to help women to heal from the disease of addiction, to live in balance, to set and achieve goals, to find their own voices and identity as Navajo women, and to discover sources of strength and spirituality. Using the experience we've gained leading the Women's Discovery Group at SpiritWorks, we spent the weekend in conversation with Navajo and non-Navajo clergy and laity in designing a Women's Wellness Weekend in March that will begin the programming for the Hózhó Center.

We also visited the mission church, St. Luke's in the Desert, while we were there and were humbled and delighted at the invitation to serve as celebrant and deacon that morning. Jan then facilitated a conversation at St. Luke's annual meeting in which the atmosphere moved from one of gloom at the potential of closing, to one of renewed hope and commitment to restoration and recovery. We were honored and privileged to be invited to walk alongside the Navajo people on their journey toward wholeness.

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland covers territory in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The unemployment rate on the reservation is 50% and the poverty rate is 38%. Alcoholism and addiction continue to be a challenge, with many women, especially, dying from cirrhosis of the liver. Conditions are harsh; resources are few. And yet, in our visit we saw great hope. Several of the Navajo people have attended Episcopal seminaries and are being ordained as deacons and priests. They are working to integrate Navajo culture with their Episcopal faith. They have begun developing social enterprises like the Blue Corn Project, the Bees and Honey Project, and the ShiMa' handmade soap project. They have also developed a group of coders and another group whose expertise is web and graphic design. They welcome mission teams from across the country who come to work alongside them and learn from them. They are eager to develop an ECW for their mission diocese as well as continuing to build programming for youth.

If you are interested in learning more about our work with the Navajo people, please contact Lauren McDonald, lmcdonald@brutonparish.org, or Jan Brown, jbrown@brutonparish.org. We invite you to keep the people of Navajoland in your prayers.

Church Facilities Management: A Stewardship Imperative

At this two-hour seminar you will be presented with data on facilities maintenance and costs affecting all houses of worship in Virginia. Most importantly, we will share industry standards and benchmarks that will empower you to deliver a strong and compelling case to any Vestry. We will share 8 strategies on how to recapture costs, many of which require no or little capital investment. Some of the topics to be presented include:

• Current Replacement Value (CRV)
• Maintenance Costs
• Costs of Utilities; Janitorial
• "Green" Sustainable facilities is NOT a Fad
• Preventive Maintenance

Led by Henry Conde, parish administrator at Galilee, Virginia Beach. Seminar is free, but we ask that you register in advance so we can plan appropriately.

• Click here to register for March 29, 9-11 a.m., at Ascension, Norfolk.
• Click here to register for March 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. John's, Chester.

Stewardship Commission invites you for conversation

The Stewardship Commission invites you to join them for informal gatherings for parish stewardship lay leaders to share successes and challenges with parish giving programs. All gatherings begin at 10 a.m. The schedule for the first quarter of 2017 is:

• March 18 - St. Matthias, Midlothian
• March 18 - Old Donation, Virginia Beach
• March 25 - St. George's, Pungoteague
• March 25 - Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Visit the Stewardship Commission web page - www.diosova.org/stewardship - for numerous resources - including year-round stewardship, planned giving, care of creation and more. 

9th annual James Solomon Russell celebration

The 9th annual celebration of the Feast Day of Archdeacon James Solomon Russell will be held on Sunday, March 26, at 4 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Petersburg. The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Grady W. Powell. The offering will go to the new James Solomon Russell-Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives.

For information please contact James Grimstead at 434-848-2173 or gsmus@aol.com, or the Rev. Willis Foster at 804-733-6228. St. Stephen's is located at 228 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA. 

Cursillo: Tidewater Ultreya on March 10

Please join us for the March Ultreya hosted by Ascension Episcopal Church (405 Talbot Hall Rd., Norfolk, VA 23505.) We will gather at 7 p.m. on March 10 to sing, group, enjoy a witness talk, and close with Compline. Musicians bring your guitars and share your gift, leading us in song and melody. A snack or drink would be appreciated after the Ultreya. Please note that the potluck dinner has been cancelled. If child care is needed, please call Nancy Comfort 757-480-0316. For more information about Cursillo and Ultreya, go to www.cursillodiosova.org.  

Cursillo #162 Co-Ed Weekend
Cursillo #162 will be held April 27-30 at Chanco on the James. Rector: Gerry Lopez of Grace Church, Yorktown. To apply to be a candidate or a team member go to www.cursillodiosova.org or contact Gerry at gerrylopez@cox.net.

Valentines for Boys Home from St. John's, Hampton

On Valentine's Day, Boys Home has been blessed by the St. Anne's Guild at St. John's, Hampton, for the last few years. They make sure every boy and every staff member has a Valentine! We know it must take hours to put together these goodie bags for everyone at Boys Home and we're so thankful for the commitment they've made to make a difference in the lives of these young men. The boys love the candy, but they also love knowing that people are thinking of them on holidays. They always remember St. John's for giving them Valentines and are excited to receive them each year. Thank you, St. John's, for thinking of the boys and making Valentine's Day special at Boys Home!

Jackson-Feild improvements

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services recently completed several improvements in three separate locations on the campus.

 

Built in 1825, the historic manor home called "Walnut Grove" needed a new front porch due to deterioration in the original wood. In addition, a wheel chair ramp was added to ensure that the facility is ADA-compliant.Two houses originally built as residences for staff members were given a fresh coat of paint and new back decks, and new light fixtures in preparation for an on-campus program that JFBHS will launch in April. Rogers and Marshall Cottages also saw updates with new vinyl flooring to replace the old carpeting. The bathrooms in the 1960s-built Rogers Cottage also received a facelift and remodeling.

 

This spring, JFBHS is looking fresher and brighter thanks to the work of Larry Pair and his maintenance staff.

Webinar on welcoming refugees

"Love in Action: Episcopal Churches Welcome Refugees" is a free, one-hour webinar that will be hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries on Wednesday, March 8 at 4 p.m. Participants will learn about community efforts born out of Episcopal congregations to create a welcoming community for refugees and immigrants. Three faith communities will share stories about their local community and interfaith initiatives to create a ministry of welcome. Registration is required and is available here. If you are not able to attend, the webinar will be available for viewing on-demand after the event. 

 

For background, it is recommended that participants view the recorded February 1 webinar, The Episcopal Church Welcomes Refugees, before attending the March 8 webinar. The recording is available here.

 

For more information, contact Duvall at aduvall@episcopalchurch.org.

Episcopal Church scholarship applications for 2017-2018 now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from the Episcopal Church for the 2017-2018 academic year. Scholarships are available for educational training for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other groups covering a wide range of eligibility.

Among the requirements for applying for the scholarships are that the applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. Click here for more information.  

April gatherings designed for Episcopal missional leaders

Two conferences for Episcopal Church missional leaders are slated for April at Virginia Theological Seminary:  

Missional Voices
The Missional Voices gathering for leaders throughout the Episcopal Church is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 21-22. The Rev. Tom Brackett, Staff Officer for New Church Starts and Missional Initiatives, explained the significance of Missional Voices.  "Have you ever wondered about how we take this Jesus Movement back home to the neighborhoods we call home," he asked. "Maybe you are thinking about what 'missional ministry' might look like, as you discern your own call - your vocation. Or maybe you are hungry to connect with other passionate pilgrims pursuing the possibilities of partnership with the Spirit!"

The gathering will feature keynote presentations; short, narrative talks; exploration of new communities; and inspiring worship. Missional Voices registration and additional information is here. Registration is $99; enter promo code GENESIS to register for $70. Registration does not include housing or transportation. Deadline for registration is  April 17.

Genesis Gathering
A pre-conference event, Genesis Gathering, will convene on Thursday, April 20.

Brackett explained, "This will not be considered a training event. This community of practice event is designed for anyone exploring the possibility of missional ministries and for those who are already engaged in ministry and seeking to build community"

Genesis Gathering registration is here. Registration is $50, waived for current grant recipients. Deadline for registration is April 7.

Bishop Hollerith confirms 16 new Episcopalians

Bishop Hollerith's visitation at Epiphany, Norfolk, on Feb. 5, where he confirmed 16 new Episcopalians - 14 from Epiphany, Norfolk, one from Good Shepherd, Norfolk, and one from Advent, Norfolk. Photos by Jackie Rochelle of Epiphany.