Bishop Magness visits William & Mary Canterbury

 

Bishop Magness visited William & Mary Canterbury on Sunday. "I was very impressed by the stimulating conversation we had during supper," the Bishop noted on Twitter. You can follow Bishop Magness on Twitter @DioSoVaBishop.  

Absalom Jones Celebration on February 16

Absalom Jones was an African American abolitionist and clergyman and the first African American ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church. Bishop William White ordained Absalom a deacon in 1795 and a priest on September 21, 1802. Absalom Jones' life and work is commemorated in the Episcopal Church each year on February 13. He faithfully served the people at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, a church which remains a vibrant congregation today. Please join the African American Episcopal Churches of the Diocese of Southern Virginia on Saturday, February 16 at noon at St. James', Portsmouth, as we celebrate this great man. The keynote speaker will be the Very Rev. Dr. Ronald Ramsey, rector of St. Cyprian's, Hampton. The celebration will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. St. James' is located at 928 Effingham Street in Portsmouth.

Register now for Vestry Training Days, Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens

Our annual Vestry Training Days are designed with new vestry members in mind, but all vestry members are welcome. Healthy, skilled vestries who understand their role in the life of the church and their relationship to the clergy and congregation are essential in creating and maintaining vital congregations. This year we are also sponsoring a training day focusing on the churches of Convocations 8 & 9 and their unique challenges - February 23, 2019 at Johns Memorial Church in Farmville. Click here for more information on these upcoming trainings:

• February 23 at Johns Memorial, Farmville
• March 2, 2019 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk
• March 9, 2019 at St. Matthias', Midlothian

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens will be held March 2, 2019 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk, concurrently with the vestry training on that day. Click here for more info and registration.

Jackson-Feild promotes Johnnie McKellar

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) is pleased to announce that Johnnie C. McKeller has been named Director of Education for the Gwaltney School effective January 17, 2019. McKeller began teaching at the Gwaltney School in 2009, and had been serving as the acting director since July 1, 2018.

 

A resident of Franklin, McKeller earned his undergraduate degree from Longwood University, and his Master's degree from Cambridge College. He has been an educator since 2005 in a variety of capacities with several school divisions in North Carolina and Virginia. He also has been a coach for baseball, football, wrestling, track & field, and basketball.

 

McKeller is well liked and respected by the students as well as his colleagues, and his promotion has been well-received. With infectious enthusiasm, McKeller is a visionary who constantly seeks to improve himself and the Gwaltney School.  

Camp Chanco registration in full swing - join us for an open house

Winter Camp held last weekend for ages 7-12 was a huge success. We welcomed many first time campers and many who are now excited for summer camp! As one parent shared after the weekend, "Morgan had the best time at Chanco this weekend and cannot wait to go back this summer. Morgan said that she wants to live there!" This is a perfect example of how many come to call Chanco their "second home." See what all the buzz is about and join us at an Open House at Chanco March 30 or May 11, 2019. These events are free and open to the public and will feature tours, information, camp games and refreshments. Can't make it to an Open House and live in the Midlothian area? We have the event for you! Join us at St. Matthias, Midlothian for a Chanco Day on Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 4 pm and meet camp staff, learn about Chanco, and enjoy some favorite traditional camp games! Click here for a camp flyer with more information on all of our summer sessions. Or visit www.chanco.org for more information or to secure your spot by registering today! Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). See you soon where "friends are friends forever"!

Seeds of Hope Grants awarded

The Diocese of Southern Virginia makes Seeds of Hope grants to congregations and diocesan groups to begin or expand ministries for social and economic justice causes. The Seeds of Hope Grant Committee is pleased to award the following grants for 2019:

 

	Laundry Love

St. Andrew's, Norfolk

Grant will help Laundry Love provides free laundry service and homework help once a month in the Park Place neighborhood of Norfolk, as well as social events during the year.

 

St. James, Warfield

Grant will help provide food and materials for the Senior Citizens Outreach Program.

 

St. Paul's, Lawrenceville

Grant will help fund the Lifelong Learning for Grandparents Raising Children. Grandparents receive educational programming, and workshops are offered for children. The grant will also fund activities for dialysis patients.

 

St. Thomas, Freeman

Grant will help fund the Youth Empowerment Project, providing supplies, food and transportation for this educational program.

 

Latino Ministry on the Eastern Shore

Grant will help provide transportation and materials for the Dos Santos Support Groups for women, children and men, serving the Latino community on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

 

	Jobs for Life class at St. Paul's, Newport News

St. Paul's, Newport News

Grant will help the Community Action Network, which serves the homeless and working poor, to create space for a library, conference and training room. St. Paul's also received a second grant to enable them to replace the chest freezer used by their feeding program.

 

Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach

Grant will provide support for the Manna Pantry Garden Project, in conjunction with the Girl Scout troop that meets at the church, to grow food for the church's pantry.

 

St. Martin's, Williamsburg

Grant will provide seed funds for Nests in the Shade: Homes for Our Neighbors, assisting homeless individuals and families to transition to permanent housing.

 

Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk

Grant will help fund Bridging the Gaps, a weekly educational program for Mission families.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Dr. S. Paul Rowles began as Interim Rector at St. John's, Halifax on January 1, 2019.

Registration open for Happening #70

Happening is an experiential weekend retreat for young adults in grades 10-12 that may just change your life. Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Happening #70 will take place March 15-17, 2019 at Chanco on the James. The weekend will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday evening and end at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening. Cost per participant is $180. Fee includes all meals, retreat lodge rooms with private bath and linens provided. Partial scholarships are available; contact the Diocesan Office. Registration deadline is February 15, 2019. Click here to sign up now!

Thanks to Boys Home Christmas sponsors

The students and staff had a wonderful time at the annual Boys Home of Virginia Christmas Party on December 18. Santa stopped by for a visit and each student sat on his lap and received a present. The students enjoyed pizza and then went to their cottages to open their presents. 

 

Boys Home would like to thank all of our Christmas sponsors for the Christmas gift program. Sponsors make it possible for each student to have a special Christmas at Boys Home. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity poured out by our sponsors. We wish each of you could see the happy faces of the young men as they open their presents each year. Thank you!

Way of Love resources

To assist congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith to engage the Way of Love throughout the liturgical year, The Episcopal Church and partnering organizations offer resources for every time of the year: 

• Anytime: The Way of Love Small Group Facilitation Guide and Curriculum (9 sessions): Essential resource for forming a small group, shaping a Rule of Life, and growing in relationship with God and each other.
• Epiphany - LEARN/The Good Book Club: Along the Way of Love, we read and learn from scripture each day, with a special focus on the life and teachings of Jesus. This Epiphany join any of the Good Book Club efforts and spend a season with Paul's letter to the Romans. Learn more at www.goodbookclub.org, an initiative of Forward Movement.
• Lent and Easter/Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent and Easter: The Episcopal Church provides this seasonal resource, complete with Adult Forums, a Quiet Day and an Easter season of action.
• Ascension to Pentecost - PRAY/Thy Kingdom Come: Led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Christians around the world will share in 12 days of intentional prayer for the spread of God's love. Learn more and get ready for this energizing global movement of prayer at  www.thykingdomcome.global.  
• Way of Love resources from Church Publishing, Inc. (CPI) include Living the Way of Love, a 40-day devotional by Mary Bea Sullivan, and their recently published Little Books of Guidance - one for each of the seven Way of Love practices. Explore the host of CPI resources at www.churchpublishing.org/wayoflove.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas message

"Love came down at Christmas, because God so loved the world, that he gave," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Christmas Message 2018. The video of the Presiding Bishop's message is here. The text of the Presiding Bishop's message is here. 

Applications accepted for Episcopal Service Corps

Young adults (21-32 years old) are invited to apply to serve as a member of the 2019-2020 Episcopal Service Corps. Episcopal Service Corps is a nationwide network of locally organized and incorporated programs designed to provide young adults with an opportunity to serve others, promote justice, and live simply in intentional communities focused on providing participants tools and resources to deepen their spiritual awareness and discern vocation. Click here for more information and application. 

2019 ECF Fellowship application now available

Since 1964, Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) has awarded 225 Fellowships to individuals pursuing advanced academic studies and special ministries with the aim of educating and equipping future lay and clergy leaders. The application for the 2019 Fellowship is now open. An ECF Fellowship provides both financial support and networking opportunities. ECF has typically awarded three to four Fellowships per year. New awards range up to $15,000 for the first year and are renewable for an additional two years. The selection process for an ECF Fellowship is highly competitive. A strong application requires a significant investment of time and effort and ECF encourages all applicants to begin this process early. Applications are due on March 15, 2019. ECF will announce the 2019 Fellows in late May of 2019.

Letter to the Episcopal Church from the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies have issued a letter to the Episcopal Church regarding Resolution D034 passed by General Convention. The resolution suspends for three years the canon that places a time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against children and youth under age 21. Click here to read their letter. 

Parish Development Clinics in 2019

The Order of the Ascension, an Episcopal Religious Community, invites clergy-in-charge of congregations (rectors, vicars) to two Parish Development Clinics. They are an integration of practical parish issues and Anglican pastoral/ascetic theology and strategy; with a touch of organization development. Participants come having completed a significant course of reading. They each complete some work prior to the clinic. Trainer/coaches will facilitate a process in which the participants engage one another and the coaches around the issues and dynamics of their parishes.

 

There are two clinics which still have open space. The workshop fee is $200.00. Participants arrange for their own lodging and meals:

• Benedictine Rhythms: Listen, Take Counsel - June 4-7, 2-19, Seattle, WA. Register by March 1. Objectives are: 1) To better understand the inner dynamics of self and parish around listening and taking counsel. and 2) To increase our ability to shape healthier and more faithful practices around listening and taking counsel.
• Shaping the Parish Through Spiritual Practice - Sept. 10-13, 2019, Seattle, WA. Register by April 1. The emphasis will be on understanding and living a pastoral theology and strategy. In this clinic we will focus on spiritual practice.

Bishop Magness called to serve as Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore

The Executive Board and Standing Committee of the Diocese are pleased to announce that the Rt. Rev. James B. Magness has accepted a call to serve as our Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore, effective January 1, 2019 and until such time as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia is consecrated. Bishop Jay is well known to most of us, having served in an administrative capacity in our diocese before his election as Suffragan Bishop of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Since his retirement from that position, he and Carolyn have been in many of our parishes, as he has served as our Assisting Bishop. The lay delegates and clergy of the Diocese will be asked to affirm this appointment at Diocesan Council in February, 2019.

Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco

  

On November 16-18, the Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco on the James. Sixty-six participants experienced a spirit and fun-filled weekend centered around the theme "Hold Fast: God Is With You." The Youth Task Force hopes you will join us for May Weekend at Chanco on the James. So mark your calendars for May 17-19!

Annual Council: Youth Delegation & Delegation Advisor applications are being accepted

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council - "Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships" - February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  

  

Youth Delegation & Youth Delegation Advisor Applications

Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. Additionally, two adult leaders will be selected to serve as advisors for the youth delegation to help them engage in and process Council. Click here for more info and an application form.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. James Young began as priest-in-charge at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, on November 1, 2018. 

 

The Rev. Marjorie Holm left as Interim Rector at Emmanuel, Franklin, on November 30, 2018.

 

The Rev. Deacon Bob Gay began at Hickory Neck, Toano, on December 2, 2018.

 

The Rev. Deacon Margery Howell retired from Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, on December 2, 2018.

Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher

Holly Sunderland will present Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 2208 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach. Many organists find themselves leading choirs as part of their duties. Some are singing organists who are quite content modeling and refining both solo and choral singers. Some, however, lack experience and confidence in these endeavors. This is a seminar in which participants will be introduced to the concept of "gradual release" - I do, We do together, You do together, You do. This pattern works well for teaching untrained singers. This seminar will be a good refresher for the trained, or introduction to the novice. It is free and no advance registration required. 

Greensville Memorial Foundation helps Jackson-Feild purchase new van

Recognizing the importance of doing all they can to improve the quality of life and health of the community, the Greensville Memorial Foundation recently awarded grant funding to Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health (JFBHS) Services to purchase a new eight-passenger van.

 

On average, residents at JFBHS are driven 20,000 miles per year for medical and dental appointments. Replacing a 2010 minivan with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, this new vehicle is expected to provide reliable transportation of the children for a number of years.

 

The board and staff of JFBHS are most grateful to Executive Director Jill Slate and the board of the Greensville Memorial Foundation for this wonderful gift.

Recharge young adult retreat

Join us January 4-6, 2019 for an event geared toward young adults featuring an Agape meal, music, a guest speaker, ropes course activities, a nature walk, games, campfires, s'mores and of course, faith, fun and friendship with other young adults seeking to "recharge". Maybe you grew up in the Church but you are wondering what a life of faith looks like as an adult. Maybe you are working hard but you're finding that your faith is on the back-burner. Maybe you are just looking for a time to encounter God, to be renewed, and to find some rest and encouragement. Then, Recharge is for you! Participate in meaningful worship, fun activities, and amazing fellowship. Open to anyone 18 years and older. Click here to register today. Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org.

State Department renews contract with Episcopal Migration Ministries

On November 30, 2018, the Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration announced that Episcopal Migration Ministries, along with the other eight national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States, has been awarded a contract to participate in the Reception and Placement Program for fiscal year 2019.

"We are thankful we will continue to resettle refugees in the coming year," noted the Rev. Canon Charles K. Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church. "We still face the challenge of transitioning to a much smaller resettlement program. This, at a time when there are more than 25.4 million refugees, over half of whom are children. With everyone's support, we will continue to welcome refugees to a place of safety and welcome. Please join us in supporting this ministry of the entire Church by making a gift at episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text 'EMM' to 41444. Thank you, in advance, for gifts that do so much."

Since the 1980s, Episcopal Migration Ministries has resettled over 90,000 refugees through a network of local partners, volunteers and supporters. Episcopal Migration Ministries operates through a network of 14 partner offices to aid with housing, employment training, language services, medical services, and more. 

Presiding Bishop's delegation to attend 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference

An eight-member delegation representing the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will attend the 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, Dec. 2-14. This is the fourth Episcopal delegation to attend the climate change meeting.

 

Called by Presiding Bishop Curry and led by Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California, the delegation will advocate for the environmental priorities named at the Episcopal Church's 79th General Convention and promote the Church's ministries and activities to address ecojustice in both United Nations and public events. Click here to learn more.

Boys Home invites you to their Christmas Spectacular

The students and staff of Boys Home of Virginia would like to invite you to our Christmas Spectacular! The students are putting on a play called "A Christmas to Believe In," along with games, crafts, singing, and dancing. This is a free event, and it will be held in the Boys Home gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14.

 

Registration for Annual Council 2019 is open

"Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships"

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  

 

Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers will be Gannon Sims and the Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh of Fresh Expressions, an international movement of missionary disciples cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations to more effectively engage our growing post-Christian society.

Nominations for Elections at Annual Council

The following elections will take place at Annual Council: Standing Committee (one lay, one clergy); Disciplinary Board (one lay, two clergy); Provincial Synod (1 lay, one clergy). Get more info and the nomination form on the Council web page.  

 

Youth Delegation Application

Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available  here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. 

 

Communicator Credentials

Church communicators are an integral part of connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council. Communicators (volunteer and staff) can apply to attend Council at no cost. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 28, 2019.

Give back to the place you love – Chanco Work Weekend

Come help keep Chanco beautiful and reconnect with old friends at our work day Saturday, December 1st! Breakfast is at 8 AM on Saturday with work to begin at 9 AM. Lunch is provided and Watson Lodge is available to those who wish to stay Friday and/or Saturday night. Feel free to hang out after our work concludes at 4PM on Saturday and join us for a cookout. Projects will range from detailed carpentry to basic property cleanup. All ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt at programs@chanco.org with any questions or to register. Food, fellowship and service – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Prayer for the Bishop Search

Please include the Nomination/Search and Transition Committees, and the search for a new bishop in your prayers: 

   

Almighty and most gracious God, source of all wisdom and guidance, send your Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek and discern a shepherd for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Inspire us with hope, hearts to love you and a desire to serve one another. Grant us grace to entrust you with the future of your Church and all things. We ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.  

 

News and updates on the search process can be found at www.bit.ly/diosovabishop.

Tidewater Ultreya meets Dec. 7

The Tidewater Ultreya will meet at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, on December 7 beginning with a potluck at 6:00 p.m., please bring a dish to share. The Ultreya meets from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (no later than 9:00 p.m.) Please mark your calendars and join us for an evening of music, grouping, witness talk and worship. Musicians bring your guitars and share your gift, leading us in song and melody. Emmanuel Church is located at 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach. 

 

Women's Advent Retreat at Chanco on the James

Join women from all over the Diocese at Chanco's semi-annual Women's Retreat. Come together with meaningful discussions, spiritually renewing worship, and fabulous fellowship. This event is open to woman 18 years and older. This year's theme will be Waiting in Hopeful Anticipation. During the weekend, we will look at the stories of Sarah, Elizabeth, and Mary - three women from the Bible who had to wait. Come Friday and stay the night on Nov. 30 or come just for the day on the Dec. 1. Click here for details and registration.

Shop with an ELF and make Christmas merrier for Mission of the Holy Spirit

Christmas time is nearly here again. Soon we will be untangling strings of lights, carefully unwrapping nativity scenes and trying our best to shine a light on dark winter nights. We would like to invite you to join us at the Mission of the Holy Spirit in helping our families celebrate this Christmas. Last year's program, "Shop with an ELF" was a resounding success - great fun was enjoyed by children and volunteers alike - so we are happy to be presenting the program again this year.

 

We would like to invite churches and individuals to partner with us in this ministry. Volunteer ELFs would be a great opportunity for your ECW, Men's Group, EFM, outreach committee or other church group! We need volunteers (aged 16+) to sign up to be elves to go shopping with a child. We also need monetary contributions so each child will be able to choose exactly what he or she wants for Christmas.  

 

The festivities start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 8 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk (7400 Hampton Blvd.) with a mandatory orientation for volunteers. Afterwards, children will be paired with an ELF (volunteer) and share breakfast together with Santa Claus. Immediately following breakfast, our bus will take the children and meet the volunteers at Walmart, where the kids will make their purchases escorted by their ELF.  

 

Please call the Mission office at 757-858-0010 to sign up to be an ELF (please leave your name, phone number and let us know you want to be an ELF if there's no answer), or send donations (marked "ELF" in the memo line) to the Mission in the enclosed envelope. All volunteers must sign up by November 28, and contributions for ELF shopping must in the office by that date as well. Please join us in "Shop with an ELF" and help make the holiday season brighter for our struggling families.

Bishop Search: Convocation Listening Sessions

The Nominating/Search Committee invite all Laity and Clergy to come to one of our Convocation Listening Sessions. We will share what we are learning from the responses to our questionnaire and we want to hear from you the people of the diocese. These Sharing Sessions will help us to complete a vibrant and living profile of our diocese, one that reflects who we are. There is a meeting planned for each con-vocation. If you are unable to attend the meeting in your own convocation please come and join us at one of the other sessions. Click here for dates and locations.

 

Register now to visit the Holy Land in 2019 with Bishop Magness

	A renewal of wedding vows at Cana during the 2017 Holy Land pilgrimage.

Bishop Magness invites you to join him in the spring of 2019 for the second diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is an incredible opportunity to both renew your faith and expand your knowledge of the land where Jesus lived out his ministry. Walk in the places where Jesus walked, and experience the world that our Lord experienced.

This pilgrimage is limited to just 35 participants. The deadline for registration is November 15, 2018. After that, registration will be open to persons outside of the diocese. Click here for the tour brochure and application form.

ECW holds Fall Annual Meeting

Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach

 

	L to R: ECW Diocesan President, Helen Sharpe Williams, Grace Church, Norfolk; Treasurer, Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach: Parliamentarian, Dr. Renee Escoffrey Torres, St. Cyprian's, Hampton;First Vice President, Odessa Maxwell, Good Shepherd, McKenney; President, Laura L. Manigault, St. Cyprian's, Hampton and The Very Reverend Dr., Ronald E. Ramsey, Rector, St. Cyprian's.

The Very Reverend Dr. Rodney E. Ramsey, rector, St. Cyprian's, Hampton, installed ECW Diocesan Board Members at the Fall Annual Meeting. St. Cyprian's hosted the meeting Saturday, October 20. The following officers were elected by acclamation:President, Laura L. Manigault, St. Cyprian's, Hampton; First Vice President, Odessa Maxwell, Good Shepherd, McKenney; Treasurer, Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach; Parliamentarian, Dr. Renee Escoffrey Torres, St. Cyprian's, Hampton;   Church Periodical Club Director, Nancy Sands, Christ Church, Danville; and Student Work Chair, Deborah Austin, St. Mark, Suffolk. The board members take office in January.

 

ECW Diocesan President, Helen Sharpe-Williams, presided at the meeting. She will complete her two-year term at year-end. To commemorate her service, Barbara Taylor, St. Francis, Virginia Beach, ECW Diocesan President 2013-2014, presented Helen with the Past President's Cross. In 1979, ECW President, Barbara Grice, received the first Past President's Cross fashioned by her husband, Alexander Grice III. To make the cross, Alex used wood from a cherry tree located on Jamestown Island, hewn down to make way for the Jamestown Island development. A silver Jamestown cross is superimposed on the wooden cross.

 

ECW presidents are bound together by the cross in the past joy and privilege of serving as ECW President, and, their responsibility to move forward in continued loving service to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to the Episcopal Church Women.

 

During Helen's term, her goal has been to raise awareness about the plight of women and children in our diocese suffering from abuse, homelessness and trafficking. To launch her outreach project, Love Thy Neighbor, she invited the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, to speak at last year's Fall Annual Meeting. Over 200 people attended the annual meeting Love Heals Conference. Helen has shared a wealth of information on who we can help and how we can help them. Many thanks for a job well done.

 

Beblon Parks, ECW President, Province III, keynote speaker at the meeting, announced that Province III ECW will celebrate its 100th Anniversary of founding this spring.  The Diocese of Easton and the Diocese of Pennsylvania will host the meeting in Philadelphia. Watch for details to be announced. Beblon was elected to serve a three-year term in office in 2017. She has served as the Social Justice, Member at Large on the ECW National Board and as ECW President, Diocese of Virginia.

 

Terron Watkins, Assistant Director of Advancement, gave an update on activities at Jackson-Feild Homes. 

Jackson-Feild children hold Breast Cancer Walk

The residents of Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services conducted an annual Breast Cancer Walk for the past five years. This year the event was held on October 30.

 

Students in the on-campus Gwaltney School studied in advance the impact and effects of breast cancer has on women's health. They prepared posters that were posted around the campus on this topic.Some of the children's lives have been touched by breast cancer and their posters were more personal.

 

Residents and staff gathered on a bright, crisp October morning to walk around the circular drive around the campus several times. Funds were raised which were donated to help women who are suffering from this dreaded disease.

Advent resources: Journeying the Way of Love and Preparing to Become the Beloved Community

This Advent, the Episcopal Church invites congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith to await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke.  Luke's gospel provides a pattern for understanding how to live the way of love as individuals, as families and friends, as a community, and out in the world.

 

Journeying the Way of Love 

Journeying the Way of Love is a new, four-week Advent curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Sessions are designed for use during the Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love. Participants are encouraged to read and reflect on passages in Luke throughout Advent and "try on" the spiritual practices of the Way of Love. The Journey of Love Advent Calendar offers daily suggestions for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love. The curriculum and advent calendar can be downloaded here. Spanish language materials will be available Nov. 15. 

 

Preparing to Become the Beloved Community 

Advent is a season of preparation; a time to prepare our hearts and communities for the coming of Christ, the Almighty God who came among us poor and homeless, a stranger and a child. There may be no better time to reflect on how we, as the Episcopal Church, embrace the Holy One who continues to draw near in the neighbor, the stranger, the refugee, or the one who seems the most "other" to you. It is the ideal season to commit to becoming the Beloved Community and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships across the human family of God. The journey is framed around the four quadrants of the labyrinth: Telling the truth about our churches and race; proclaiming the dream of the beloved community; practicing the way of love in the pattern of Jesus; and repairing the breach in institutions and society. Groups are invited to "walk" sections of the labyrinth each week in Advent, engaging in scripture, reflections, and activities. The curriculum can be downloaded here. Spanish and Creole materials will be available Nov. 9.

Church-wide Bible reading initiative begins in Epiphany

Forward Movement, along with partners from across the Episcopal Church, invites all Episcopalians to participate in the Good Book Club, a church-wide Bible reading initiative. The Good Book Club will focus on Paul's Letter to the Romans, with participants reading a section of scripture each day during the Epiphany season, starting on January 7, 2019. 

 

Several organizations are partnering with Forward Movement in the Good Book Club, including the United Thank Offering, Forma, Episcopal Church Women, and The Living Church. Partner organizations are creating resources or encouraging their constituents to take part in the effort.
   
ChurchNext, a ministry of Forward Movement, will offer two six-week live Bible studies, one in English led by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, author of Conversations with Scripture: Romans and director of RenewalWorks, and one in Spanish, led by the Rev. Glenda McQueen, the Episcopal Church's staff officer for Latin America & the Caribbean, and Hugo Olaiz, assistant editor for Latino/Hispanic ministries for Forward Movement.    The Good Book club website lists the daily readings and resources to support people as they read the scriptures. Spanish resources are available at clubbiblico.org.

Cemetery Iconography presentation Nov. 3 at Historic St. Luke's

The design and creation of tombstones is an ancient art with deep meanings behind many of the symbols chosen for each monument. The weeping willow, the cherub, the rose that has not fully bloomed, the eternal circle of the wreath, are all symbols with important meanings, carefully selected by loved ones upon the death of those memorialized. Join Historic St. Luke's for a presentation on Cemetery Iconography by Joanna Wilson Green, Easement and Stewardship Archaeologist for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, this Saturday, Nov. 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and advance ticket purchase is encouraged as spots are limited. Light refreshments will be provided. Details and tickets are available here.

Camp Chanco: Don't miss the Do it Now Discount!

School may be back in session and holidays fast approaching, but at Chanco we are already thinking warm summer days! We have upgraded our camp and retreat registration software for a smoother, more user friendly registration process. With this improvement, all camp registration paperwork (with the exception of the physical) can be completed on line! Even better? If you register for summer camp 2019 before November 30th, not only do you secure your place in the session of your choice, but you save $25 on a two-week session and $15 on a one-week session! Click here for a 2019 Camp Chanco flyer. Do It Now! Visit www.chanco.org and register today! Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Hiring for Summer Camp 2019

Do you love the outdoors and working with young people? We have the summer job for you! Many summer camp counselors report their best summers were spent working at Camp Chanco. Important skills such as leadership opportunities, decision-making, behavior management, creativity and more are all a part of the summer camp counselor experience. As a counselor at Chanco, you make the difference in the lives of young people every day AND you make life-long friends. Become part of the Chanco family and consider applying today.  Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt is now accepting applications for all counselors ages 18 and up as well as our volunteer Eagles (Counselors In Training) age 17. Click here for an employment application. Applications due by December 31 for counselors and due by January 31 for Eagles. Questions? Contact Nathan at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or programs@chanco.org.

Pray Election Day on Facebook

Join us Election Day, November 6, on the Diocesan Facebook page as we offer simple (non-political, non-partisan) prayers for our nation and for peace each hour on the hour beginning at 7am and concluding at 7pm.