James Solomon Russell celebrated

The James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee held a celebration of the life and work of the Rev. James Solomon Russell on Sunday, March 31 in South Hill. Bishop Jay Magness was celebrant and Bishop Ronald Thornhill, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Zion, preached. Descendants of James Solomon Russell, pictured here with Bishop Magness, were on hand for the celebration.

May Weekend registration is open!

God's love is so many things. How would you define it? Join other teens from around the diocese for a weekend retreat that will fill you with God's love and help us finish the sentence "God's love is..."

 

For grades 6-12, May 17-19. Fellowship, fun, games, music, and moving worship... AND it's at Chanco, so register now! Click here for details and registration.  

 

Camp SpiritSong to serve children affected by opioid use of a parent

Camp Spirit Song is offered in partnership with the SpiritWorks Foundation to give the gift of a camp experience to children in Province III affected by the opioid substance use disorder of a parent or other close loved one. The camp will be held August 11-16 at the Claggett Center in Buckeystown, MD. This is the inaugural year of Camp Spirit Song, and the first camp program of its kind on the east coast, and we ask your prayers and support for our ministry this summer.

 

Camp provides children grades 4-8 with an opportunity to meet God through:

● the support of a Christian community

● fellowship with peers who share a common experience

● time to rest and play away from the distractions of everyday life

 

It is our mission to offer Camp Spirit Song at no cost to campers' families.You can help make camp a reality for 40 campers this year by sponsoring a camper. $1,000 covers the cost of one camper, including room and board, program materials, and staff fees. Individuals, parishes, and dioceses may donate directly toward camper sponsorship. We have one camper scholarship covered by a parish in the Diocese of Maryland, and look forward to many other donors getting in touch with Claggett to support this camp.

 

To make or pledge a contribution toward Camp Spirit Song, contact Lisa Marie Ryder, co-Executive Director of the Claggett Center, 301-874-5147 or lmryder@claggettcenter.org.

 

Click here to learn more about Camp Spirit Song, and camper applications. Questions or to volunteer, contact Rita Yoe, Program Coordinator at the Claggett Center, 301-874-5147 or ryoe@claggettcenter.org.

Daughters of the King upcoming events

Annual Diocesan Spring Assembly  

The Daughters of the King will have their Annual Diocesan Spring Assembly at St. David's, North Chesterfield, on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 9 a.m. Following breakfast and a brief business meeting, we will fill gently-used purses and backpacks with basic hygiene products for residents in Menchville House, Natasha House and a few other women's shelters. This 'Purses and Packs' project is a mission focus for the diocesan Daughters chapters this year. The Rev. Kathie Price, diocesan chaplain, will talk about the labyrinth and we will have the opportunity to walk the new labyrinth at St. David's. The meeting will conclude with Holy Eucharist. Contact: Kathy Zinskie, 757-879-9094.

 

Province III Retreat 

The Daughters of the King Province III Retreat will be held at the Claggett Retreat Center in Adamstown, MD May 31 through June 2. This year's theme is "Creating Your Own Paths to Prayer". The Rev. Dr. Patricia D. Brown, Executive Director and Spiritual Director of the Spiritworks Center for Formation and Leadership in Pittsburgh will lead the retreat. She is an author, pastor, hospital chaplain, professor, and hospice manager. Our retreat will focus on simple gifts of music, prayer and silence and enjoy fellowship, peace and nature. "To be together and to laugh together is a great spiritual practice." For more information, contact Kathy Zinskie at 757-879-9094.

Fairy Godmothers work their magic at Jackson-Feild

For the past thirteen years Collegiate School students have collected and provided prom outfits to residents through The Fairy Godmother Project. Their mission is to provide a high school prom experience for children whose circumstances would prevent them attending a high school prom. Throughout the year, Collegiate School students collect donated prom attire and conducted fund raisers to purchase supplemental items such as shoes and accessories.

 

Saturday, March 30, was the "shopping day" for the girls of Jackson-Feild. Collegiate students were able to transform the Jackson-Feild gymnasium into a boutique filled with six racks of prom dresses. Three tables were lined with shoes, an accessory station and even a table for the girls to pick out their make-up.

 

The gym was filled with laughter and excitement as residents had smiles from ear to ear on their faces after their successful shopping experience. The Collegiate students helped the find the right ensemble that will make them feel and look good at the upcoming prom. The student's generosity and kindness was much appreciated by both children and staff.

Share the Way of Love at Easter

The Episcopal Church offers free, downloadable resources for congregations and communities of faith this Easter. Resources include: a poster with space on the bottom portion for congregations to add their own logo, service information, and web address; a postcard to send to recent visitors or local neighbors; a social media ready graphic; a Facebook Cover image; and the Presiding Bishop's Easter Message video (available April 15). All resources are available here.

Pledge to Care for Creation: 1000 pledges sought by Earth Day, April 22

Episcopalians and friends concerned about all of God's creation are joining Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in pledging to take action to protect and renew God's world and all who call it home. The goal is to gather at least 1,000 pledges with concrete, personal commitments by Earth Day, April 22.

 

Building from the Episcopal Vision for Care of Creation statement developed by the Presiding Bishop's Office and the Advisory Council on Stewardship of Creation for the 79th General Convention, this pledge, and the accompanying Reflection Guide, is a tangible and practical way to show love for God's world.  

 

Click here for more about the Pledge to Care for Creation. Learn more about the ministry of Creation Care in The Episcopal Church at www.episcopalchurch.org/creation-care. 

Sacred Ground race dialogue series offers informational webinars

Individuals or groups interested in learning more about Sacred Ground: a film-based dialogue series on race and faith are invited to an introductory webinar hosted by Katrina Brown, Sacred Ground curriculum developer, and producer/director of the acclaimed documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North.  

 

Built around a curriculum of powerful documentary films, videos, and readings, Sacred Ground is a 10-part series that considers some of the major chapters of the United States of America's history of race and racism. In this webinar, Katrina Browne walks participants through the online Sacred Ground curriculum and resources. There will also be time for questions.

 

This free one-hour webinar is offered:  

• Monday, April 8 at 1 p.m. register here
• Monday, May 6 at 4 p.m. register here
• Tuesday, June 11 at 1 p.m. register here

Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to explore the Sacred Ground website and to sign up for additional resources. 

Update on Bishop Search

Nominations and Applications closed Friday March 15. We received over 40 applications. Candidates were contacted by both phone and email and had until Friday March 22 to submit the requested documents. The Nominating/Search committee will now begin the process of assessment using a common rubric for the documents submitted. The candidates who will move forward to the next stage in the process will be contacted and phone interviews with teams of committee members will be set up. Additional materials will be requested and submitted. Those not moving forward will also be notified. Face to face interviews will be conducted with candidates who move forward following the phone interviews. These will take place in early June.

 

The committee asks your prayers as we move through this discernment process. We pray God's guiding hand will be with each of us as we move through this assessment period. Please join us in using the prayer below as we move into this important phase of the process.

 

Gracious and loving God, who speaks to us in the deep places of our hearts, grant us the wisdom to listen for your voice and to follow your will in our lives. We humbly ask that you guide us as we seek a shepherd for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Support with your grace those that you have chosen to respond to this call. Let your Holy Spirit so direct them and us, that together we may discern your call for the next Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. We ask this in the precious name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Pam Pringle

Chair Nominating/Search Committee

 

More about the Search for the 11th Bishop of Southern Virginia and the Diocesan Profile can be found at www.diosova.org/bishopsearch.  

Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates due June 30

It is now time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for Diocesan Council. Elected delegates and alternates will serve for an entire conciliar year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020. This term includes eligibility to vote at the election of our next bishop on September 21, 2019, as well as Pre-Council Convocation meetings in January, Annual Council on Feb. 28-29, 2020, and any other Special Council or other called meetings that may occur during this period.

 

Click here for instructions and the form for sending in the name(s) of delegate(s) and alternate(s) elected by your vestry for Council year 2019-2020. Forms are due by June 30, 2019.

 

Important! Parochial Report submission is required prior to submitting your Certificate of Lay Delegates & Alternates (Parochial Reports were due March 1, 2019). 

Panel conversation: A Faithful Response to Addiction and the Opioid Crisis

Virginia Theological Seminary has launched "Faith in the Field," a series of panel conversations addressing current issues and featuring faithful responses. The first Faith in the Field panel is "A Faithful Response to Addiction and the Opioid Crisis" on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Many sectors of our society are working on responding to the opioid epidemic, but how is the Church called to respond? Can we see ourselves as first responders? How can we put our faith into action in our affected communities?

This Faith in the Field panel includes the Rev. Jan Brown, Executive Director of SpiritWorks Foundation for the Soul in Williamsburg and deacon at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, and Heidi Christensen, Public Affairs Specialist at the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This event is free but registration is requested; click here to register. This event will take place at VTS in the Addison Academic Building - Room 201, 3630 Bishop Walker Circle, Alexandria.  

Church Pension Group webinar series

Church Pension Group (CPG) will present a lineup of interactive webinars designed to assist those managing employee benefits. Clergy, wardens, vestry members, and staff responsible for oversight of employee benefits or property and casualty insurances are encouraged to participate. Webinars include: CPG Overview; New Administrators Webinar; Annual Enrollment; Church Insurance; and Top 10 Takeaways from the Episcopal Business Administration Conference; and many more.Sessions begin in April and registration is free. Click here for the full list of webinars and registration. 

Renewal of Ordination Vows

The annual Renewal of Ordination Vows for clergy will take place on:

 

Tuesday, April 16, 2 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Petersburg (228 Halifax Street, Petersburg)

 

Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. at St. Paul's, Suffolk (213 N. Main Street, Suffolk)

Campaign donors Hard Hat Tour an enormous success

Thank you to the over 50 campaign donors that joined us Saturday for our first ever Sneak Peek Hard Hat tour! Our friends enjoyed learning more about the progress of our campaign, a guided tour through our buildings under construction and a worship service led by The Rev. David Davenport in our mid-construction Spirit Center. We closed our event circled up in the Spirit Center singing the Chanco Song followed by refreshments and fellowship. Thanks be to God!

 

However, we are not done yet! Chanco is still working to blow past our $3 million stretch goal in order to achieve all of our dreams for this place to the best of our ability and for the strongest ministry impact in Chanco's future. Join us in this generational  milestone moment in Chanco's long history. Contact Campaign Director Talley Banazek at talley@banazek.com or 804-399-4019 for more information on how to join us!

 

Applications accepted for 2019-2020 UTO Julia Chester Emery internship

In 2015, the United Thank Offering (UTO) Board began an internship program for young women, named for the organization's founder, Julia Chester Emery. This program supports the work of UTO in addition to participating in the work of a local ministry. UTO is now seeking a fourth Julia Chester Emery intern for 2019-2020.

 

The internship will be in conjunction with Jasmine Road, a Thistle Farms Affiliate, in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Jasmine Road exists to offer women who are trapped in a cycle of sexual exploitation and addiction a path to freedom, a haven for healing, and the opportunity to flourish, leading to generational change and the betterment of the Greenville community.

 

For the 2019-2020 internship year, in addition to work with Jasmine Road, the intern will participate in the UTO Pilgrimage to Spain in October, represent UTO as support staff for The Episcopal Church delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York City in March, attend one of the Thistle Farms Training Conferences, join UTO Board Meetings or events planned during the year, and travel to speak at public events regarding work with UTO. The internship begins on September 20, 2019 and includes housing, travel costs, a stipend and intentional mentoring. Click here for more information and application. Applications are due June 1, 2019.

Don't miss these exciting spring events

Chanco is not just summer camp! Check out this video to see fun camp activities plus all the fantastic events that occur at Chanco year-round!

 

And then check out one of our upcoming events this spring including:

• Camp Chanco Open House Events: March 30 and May 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. for all ages. Free and open to the public.
• Women's Retreat in Lent: April 12-13. Open to all women 18 and older. Theme: "Room at the Table"
• Spring Work Weekend and Alumni Social: May 3-5. Volunteer to help spruce up Chanco for summer camp season and enjoy fellowship with friends all over the diocese. All ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
• Cursillo #166: May 2-5. Co-Ed Weekend for adults 18 and over. Visit www.cursillodiosova.org for more information and an application.

Visit www.chanco.org for more information and registration for these fantastic spring events. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7-CHANCO.

Care of Creation pledge and reflection guide available

Episcopalians and friends concerned about all of God's creation are invited to join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in pledging to take action to protect and renew God's world and all who call it home. The goal is to gather at least 1,000 pledges with concrete, personal commitments by Earth Day, April 22. Building from the Episcopal Vision for Care of Creation Statement developed by the Presiding Bishop's Office and the Advisory Council on Stewardship of Creation for the 79th General Convention, this pledge, and the accompanying Reflection Guide, is a tangible and practical way to show love for God's world. Click here to learn more.  

"Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action" training on refugee resettlement issues June 27-28 in DC

Registration is now open for "Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action," a two-day interactive training for clergy and laity interested in developing or improving their advocacy skills and having the opportunity to advocate directly to members of Congress and their staff about protections for refugees. Sponsored by the Office of Government Relations in partnership with Episcopal Migration Ministries, "Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action" will be held Thursday-Friday, June 27-28, in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information.

Bishop Magness to host online meeting with youth on Mar. 21

Calling all youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia!  Bishop Magness is hosting a listening session via Zoom on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. to provide an opportunity to hear your thoughts and dreams about Episcopal Youth Community events and programming.  To join the conversation send an email to aturner@diosova.org  to get the Zoom meeting login.

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group to meet

The Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, March 28, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Office in Newport News. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. RSVP to Diocesan Comptroller Judy Dobson, jdobson@diosova.org or 757-213-3386.

James Solomon Russell celebration on March 31

The James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee invites you to join them for a celebration of the life and work of the Rev. James Solomon Russell on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in South Hill. Bishop Jay Magness will be celebrant and Bishop Ronald Thornhill, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Zion, will be preacher. Clergy: Festive stoles. For more information contact Mrs. Annie Walker, 434-447-4097. New Hope Church is located at 255 Union Mill Road in South Hill, VA.

Play golf to help Jackson-Feild's children

If you are a golfer and want to help mentally ill children please make plans to play in Jackson-Feild's 24th annual golf tournament on May 6. Funds raised from this event will be used to purchase special psychiatric furniture which is safe and durable for five cottage's bedrooms.

The tournament will be held at the Country Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield County. Lunch is served at noon and the shotgun start begins at 1:00 p.m.

 

Jackson-Feild's mission is to provide high-quality mental health services to children who have suffered severe emotional trauma heal and restore wellness so that they can return home.

If you would like to enter a team or would like to play yourself please contact Terron Watkins at 804-354-6929 or email him at twatkins@jacksonfeild.org to enter or go to Jackson-Feild's website (www.jacksonfeild.org).

Thriving in Ministry opportunity for clergywomen

Clergywomen in any denomination across the South serving in their first appointment as a solo or senior pastor (and associates hoping to serve as solo or senior pastors in the future) are invited to apply for the first cohort of the Thriving in Ministry program, which provides resources for women in ministry through regular ecumenical peer group meetings, congregational trainings, transformative retreats (including an international pilgrimage!), financial support for restorative practices that promote pastoral well-being, and spiritual direction and coaching over a 15-month period. This opportunity is funded through a grant from the Lilly Endowment Fund and is offered at no cost to participants. Applications are open for the first cohort, which will begin meeting in September 2019. The application deadline is May 31, 2019. Click here for more information. 

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Magness in 2020

 
  The next Holy Land Pilgrimage led by Bishop Magness will be February 3-14, 2020. Full details will be available soon. To register your interest and receive a discount voucher of $150 per pilgrim complete this form by March 31, 2019.

Soul Shop: Suicide prevention education

The Christian Education Network (CE-Net) is hosting a Soul Shop program presented by Michelle Peterson, Executive Director of The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation, on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Diocesan Office (11827 Canon Blvd. Suite 101, Newport News).

 

Suicidal desperation is a concern for people of every age, economic status, race, gender, and role.  It impacts church members, leaders, and clergy.  In Soul Shop, a Christianity-based suicide prevention training, you will learn how to minister to those who are currently considering suicide, those who are anxious that a family member or friend might be considering suicide, those that have lost a loved one to suicide, and those who have experienced suicidal thinking in the past but are no longer having those thoughts.  Sometimes all people need is a sign that they are supposed to live.  You can be that sign when you learn to talk about suicide and lead people to help.

 

Michelle Peterson is the Executive Director of The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives by providing suicide prevention programs and resources. Michelle presents suicide prevention programs for teens and adults in order to inform, educate, and stop stigma. Michelle is a survivor of suicide loss. In 2014, her daughter, Sarah, died by suicide at the age of fifteen. Michelle is a former teacher and is active as a community partner with the Virginia Suicide Prevention Interagency Group and with suicide prevention efforts in the Hampton Roads Region. She also serves on the board of the Tidewater Pastoral Counseling Services.

 

Cost is $5 and includes lunch. Click here to register. 

Apply now for ECW Scholarships

The Episcopal Church Women offer two scholarships, the Elise Holladay Scholarship and the Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship. The deadline to apply for either scholarship is April 26, 2019.

 

The Elise Holladay Scholarship is available to young men and women who want to further their education after high school. The Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship provides assistance to men and women in church-related training in an accredited Episcopal school.

 

Click here for more information and an application.

Boys Home Church Day April 30

Boys Home of Virginia invites you to spend the afternoon on their beautiful campus on April 30 from 12 to 3:30 p.m. Come and experience lunch with Boys Home students and staff, a walking tour of campus, a showcase of academics and student activities, a Q&A session, and closing prayer in the Chapel. RSVP by calling 540-965-7703 or emailing Colleen Urffer, curffer@boyshomeofva.org. Click here for a flyer you can post and share. Boys home is located at 414 Boys Home Road in Covington.

VTS Environmental Sermon Contest

Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) invites interested alumni to participate in the second annual environmental sermon contest. Last year, with funding made available through the Kreitler Environmental Fund, VTS offered an opportunity for clergy to prepare and preach an environmentally and/or creation-centered sermon for consideration in a contest. Monetary prizes were awarded for the top three finalists (click here for more info).  

 

The deadline for submitting a sermon to VTS for the 2019 Environmental Sermon Contest is June 14. Participants are encouraged to focus on Earth Day and its theme of protecting our species or on Rogation Days, traditionally the three days before Ascension Day, that are associated with the stewardship of creation. Earth Day and Rogation Days offer a unique space of time for reflection, writing, and preaching on our collective care and concern for our world.   

 

To learn more about this opportunity or to submit a sermon, email Linda Dienno, vice president for Institutional Advancement, ldienno@vts.edu.  

Episcopal Church scholarships applications for the 2019-2020 academic year are now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2019-2020 academic year.  

 

Online applications are required and the deadline is April 5. Applicants must be Episcopalians and have the endorsement of the bishop. Lists of trust funds and scholarships, application forms, and other important information can be found here.  

 

Click here for more information.

The Episcopal Church announces launch of Cuba Pension Campaign

In the spirit of welcome and reconciliation with the Episcopal Church of Cuba (ECC), The Episcopal Church today announced the launch of Together Again/Juntos de Nuevo: Cuba Pensions Campaign, which aims to raise funds to provide future retirement benefits for current and retired clergy in the ECC. The campaign follows a vote last summer at the 79th General Convention to readmit the Episcopal Church of Cuba as a diocese of The Episcopal Church after 52 years of separation. The Diocese of Cuba will join TEC's Province II, which includes two other Caribbean dioceses - Haiti and the Virgin Islands.   

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry encourages all Episcopalians to participate in the campaign as a common moment of mission. "This is part of the work of reconciliation, bringing us together across historic divides. This is not just fundraising; it's following Jesus and finding our way back to each other," he said.

 

When the Episcopal Church of Cuba was separated from The Episcopal Church in 1966, benefits, including pension contributions for the clergy, were no longer available. With readmission, The Episcopal Church believes justice requires that Cuban clergy be treated in the same manner as clergy throughout The Episcopal Church.

Led by the Rt. Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, the ECC is a church that is growing and increasingly having an impact on communities throughout Cuba. With 46 congregations and missions led by 23 priests, along with an active lay leadership, it serves 10,000 Cuban Episcopalians and their neighbors. Its operating budget in 2017, which also includes all clergy compensation, was $155,000.

Currently, the average salary for the current 23 Cuban clergy is $55 a month.  When they retire, clergy members will not be eligible for any state pension or social security because the Cuban government does not recognize their service as employment.

The campaign seeks to raise a one-time amount of $800,000 by June 9, 2019.  This will provide funding for past contributions that will yield future retirement benefits for 23 active clergy, three retired clergy, and one surviving spouse.  The funds will be placed in the Church Pension Fund and eventually make pension benefits available to eligible clergy. 

Donations to the campaign can be made in the form of cash, pledges, or securities. For more information on supporting the campaign or to make a gift, please contact T.J. Houlihan, Development Officer, at 212-716-6271 or thoulihan@episocpalchurch.org, or visit www.episcopalchurch.org/development/pensions-campaign. 

 

Click here for more information. 

New translations of BCP into Spanish, French and Haitian Creole

"The Episcopal Church is in the process of developing new translations of its Book of Common Prayer 1979 into Spanish, French and Creole," said the Rev. Dr. Juan M.C. Oliver, custodian of the Book of Common Prayer. "For some time now, the Church has been aware of the need for new translations, carried out by professional literary translators of proven ability."  

 

Dr. Oliver heads the project as chairman of the Task Force for Liturgical Translations, a subcommittee of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of The Episcopal Church. The 79th General Convention mandated and budgeted the project, which will likely be completed during this triennium. In January, the task force met to review plans for hiring professional translators who will prepare a first draft over the next year and a half. These drafts will be sent for feedback to congregations worshipping in the target languages, in the U.S. and abroad. Click here for more information.  

Join us for a Women's Lenten Retreat

Join us at Chanco on the James April 12-13 for a Women's Lenten Retreat. This event is open to all women ages 18 and up. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as women from all over our Diocese connect to sing, worship, pray, discuss and reflect together. Register at www.chanco.org. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). 

Bishop's Blog: Thoughts upon congregational development

Congregational development and recasting are among Bishop Magness' highest priorities. He and the Canons have been on the road in Southern Virginia, talking with congregations about these very issues. In his latest blog post, the Bishop shares his thoughts with you. www.bishopmagness.blogspot.com

Lenten Resources available from The Episcopal Church

The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving and death; then we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, faith communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Click here for Lenten resources, in both English and Spanish, for the Way of Love, and from Episcopal Relief & Development, Living Compass, United Thank Offering and many others.   

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services meets Medicaid's new standards

For a number of years, Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) has been a Medicaid provider. Medicaid recently initiated stringent standards of care, and JFBHS is pleased to announce that they passed - with flying colors - an unannounced three-day observation and assessment by a Medicaid representative.

 

This achievement is a testament to JFBHS' mission to provide high quality evidence-based psychiatric, residential, educational and recovery treatment services for children who suffer from severe emotional trauma, mental illness and/or addiction.  Their goal is to restore wellness and provide support for successful reintegration into homes, families and communities.

 

Medicaid is a government-sponsored insurance program for persons of all ages whose income and resources are insufficient to pay for health care including mental health.

 

Medicaid raised the bar for psychiatric residential facilities, and JFBHS cleared the bar simply by doing what they already were doing: providing high quality, effective services. Medicaid will continue to make unannounced site visits, and JFBHS is confident that they will continue to meet the challenge and exceed the expectations.

Partners in Welcome: An innovative new program from Episcopal Migration Ministries

Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement ministry of The Episcopal Church, is proud to announce an innovative new program called Partners in Welcome (PiW). Through this program, Episcopal Migration Ministries is building a mission-driven community rooted in loving God and our shared value to love our neighbor. This network is open to all organizations and individuals dedicated to welcoming newcomers, educating communities, and developing advocates. The PiW online portal will officially launch on Feb. 28, offering network members the opportunity to access resources, exchange ideas, and connect with others involved in refugee and immigrant welcome. The Partners in Welcome program is made possible by a generous grant from the United Thank Offering. Click here for more information on PiW

Bishop Magness is blogging!

Bishop Magness is blogging, and he kicks off his brand-new blog with a reflection on Southern Virginia's 127th Annual Council. You can find him at www.bishopmagness.blogspot.com. In addition to sharing occasional reflections on a variety of topics, Bishop Magness will also be posting sermons from his visitations.

In addition to his blog, you can also follow Bishop Magness on Twitter, @DioSoVaBishop.

 

Chuck Marks elected Diocesan Treasurer

The Executive Board has elected Mr. Charles Marks III as diocesan treasurer. He fills the position vacated by the retirement of Mr. John Meek, who served as diocesan treasurer for eight years. 

A decorated, 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Chuck Marks served as a Surface Warfare Officer, a fiscal policy advisor, a strategic planner, a Middle East, NATO and United Nations specialist. During his last five years in the Navy, he was the subject matter specialist on building inclusive cultures to help counter destructive behaviors such as sexual assault, suicide, domestic violence, substance abuse, and gun violence. He has held multiple commands both ashore and afloat, and has served overseas in Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan.

 

Presently, Chuck has formed his own company helping others to develop inclusive cultures, to understand their own employees better, to build climates where all are invested in the future of the organization, and to ensure that strategic planning incorporates the best of military and civilian leadership lessons.

 

Active in his church community, Chuck is presently serving on his vestry as Senior Warden and is the high school leader for the Episcopal Youth Community. He also serves as a member of the Chanco on the James Board of Directors and was appointed one of two sub-committee leads for the Diocesan Youth Ministry Task Force.

The Executive Board extends its grateful thanks to the Rev. Anne Kirchmier, chair of the diocesan Program, Budget & Review Committee who has served as interim treasurer since Johh Meek's retirement in October 2018.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Carlotta Cochran began as priest-in-charge at St. Stephen's, Norfolk, January 1, 2019.

 

The Rev. Berkley Ford will retire as rector of Holy Trinity, Onancock, March 1, 2019.

Presiding Bishop calls for Good Friday Offering to support ministry in Jerusalem & the Middle East

"The Good Friday Offering of our Church is one way to help connect the love of Christ on the cross with our support of the ongoing ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East," Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry wrote to the bishops and clergy of The Episcopal Church. "Whether funding a hospital in Gaza or the West Bank, or an eye clinic in Aden, or women's programs, or summer camps and leadership training for young people, the Good Friday Offering is making a difference in the lives of so many."

In his Good Friday letter, Presiding Bishop Curry asks each Bishop and congregation to consider providing assistance for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

"I believe our partnership with those who keep the faith of Jesus alive in the region, where our Lord walked and began his movement, is a significant aspect of our work as part of the church catholic," he wrote.

Information, including bulletin covers and bulletin inserts on the Good Friday Offering, is available here. 

No Longer Strangers: Free, new resource for exploring immigration issues

Forward Movement invites individuals and congregations to explore the difficult but important issues of migration and immigration in a new, free resource, No Longer Strangers: Exploring Immigration Issues. The downloadable booklet encourages discussion of migration and immigration through the lens of scripture and shared Christian values, presents opposing viewpoints, and invites people to talk about the issues with civility and respect. The booklet includes biblical references on hospitality, examples of migrations as they appear in the scriptures, and thought-provoking questions that can be used for both personal study and group discussion.

127th Annual Council focuses on change

 

The 127th Annual Council met February 8-9 at the Williamsburg Lodge. Much of the work of this year's Council related to the search for a new bishop for Southern Virginia, and keynote speakers focused on changing ways of doing church.  

 

	Bishop Magness with keynoters Bobbe Fitzhugh and Gannon Sims

Council affirmed the Standing Committee's call of Bishop Jay Magness as Bishop Diocesan Pro Tempore, to serve until the consecration of a new bishop. Bishop Magness addressed Council and preached at the Council Eucharist. In his address, Bishop Magness shared many things for which Southern Virginia can be joyous and thankful. But he spoke of change, both here in Southern Virginia and the wider Church. While the message of Christ's redeeming love stays the same, everything else is changing. You can read the Bishop's address here and his sermon here.   

 

Keynote speakers at this year's Council were Gannon Sims and the Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh of Fresh Expressions. Sims' presentation, "A Future for the Church", and Fitzhugh's "From Maintenance to Mission: Taking the Church Back to What Jesus Started" focused on ways for congregations to reach those who are not comfortable with or interested in traditional ways of doing church. Lively table discussion followed each presentation and there was excitement about the many possible "fresh expressions" in our congregations. Resources recommended by our keynote speakers included: From Steeple to Street by Travis Collins; Fresh Expressions of Church by Travis Collins; Dinner Church by Verlon Foster; Seven Practices of Church by David Fitch; and Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger.     

 

	Bishop Hollerith was honored by Council

The Nominating/Search and Transition Committees gave a report to Council that included presentation of the new Diocesan Profile and the timeline for the search process. Before the close of business on Friday evening, Bishop Hollerith and his wife, Lizzie, were welcomed into the chamber as Council honored Bishop Hollerith's decade of ministry to Southern Virginia with speeches, gifts and champagne. After Council adjourned, the festivities continued at a reception.   

 

Council passed the proposed 2019 diocesan budget and elected new members of the Standing Committee, Disciplinary Board and delegates to Provincial Synod.  

• Standing Committee: Helen Sharpe-Williams (Grace, Norfolk) and the Rev. Cameron Randle (Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach)
• Disciplinary Board: Bob Motley (Ascension, Norfolk); the Rev. Charles Bauer (Hickory Neck, Toano); the Rev. Lauren McDonald (Bruton Parish, Williamsburg)
• Provincial Synod: Alice Webley (All Saints, Virginia Beach) and the Rev. Grant Stokes (Trinity, Portsmouth)

Bishop Magness with the Council Youth Delegation

 

Four resolutions were considered by Council. Resolution CON-1 made language changes to portions of the Diocesan Constitution to make that language gender neutral. The resolution passed. Resolution R-1 was related to the election of the board of trustees of the Boys Home of Virginia and was passed. Resolution C-1, and the related Resolution C-2, was proposed by the Mission Share Task Force and offered a plan for congregational giving to diocesan ministry that adopted 10% tithe as the minimum standard. There was considerable debate on Resolution C-1, which was ultimately tabled. Resolution C-2 was withdrawn.

 

Many more photos from Council are available on our Facebook and Instagram. Thanks to Jackie Rochelle of Epiphany, Norfolk, for serving as Council photographer.

Missioner for Latino Ministries departing Southern Virginia

Angelica Garcia-Randle, Missioner for Latino Ministries on the Eastern Shore, will be departing for a position on the West Coast early next month. For the past three years, Garcia-Randle has served the Diocese of Southern Virginia as its first Latino Missioner. Her ministry has included advocacy, counseling, fund-raising and missional work with the Latino immigrant and migrant worker population on the Eastern Shore. She has worked in collaboration with a number of parishes on the Shore and throughout the diocese, particularly in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. She will remain in her current role until March 1, 2019.

 

"I've known Angelica for nearly twenty years," says The Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton, Executive Director of the non-profit Jubilee Consortium in Hollywood, CA, where Garcia-Randle will administer a new program (Jubilee Jump!) emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices for Latino youth. "I have experienced her to be passionate about bringing positive change to people's lives. She is friendly, artistic, organized, outgoing, relentless and fearless. These are the leadership qualities we need to transform our humble jump rope clubs in under-resourced neighborhoods of Los Angeles into a vibrant, competitive league that will help young people to become healthier, learn valuable life skills and grow as community leaders."

 

Garcia-Randle has served as Missioner while pursuing a BA in Applied Design, with a concentration in photography, at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD. She plans to return to UMES to complete her degree at the end of the Jubilee Jump! Grant administration cycle in 2020. Her husband, The Rev. Cameron Randle, presently serves as Priest-in-Charge at Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach. Together, the Garcia-Randles founded Dos Santos Community Services, a non-profit created to undertake Latino ministry on the Eastern Shore when no formal diocesan avenue for Latino ministry existed.

 

"We will miss Angelica and her enthusiasm and compassionate activism for and with the Latino people on the Eastern Shore," notes The Rev. Jeunee Godsey, member of the diocesan Latino Ministries Board. "She has been able grow the ministry of Dos Santos, build ecumenical and community partners, and help churches throughout the diocese minister in effective ways on the Eastern shore. The need for Latino Ministries continues, and I, and the rest of the Latino Ministries Board, look forward to working with our Bishop and Executive Board as we look to continue and expand the diocesan work with our Latino brothers and sisters."

Canterbury Gala & Silent Auction tickets on sale

Get your tickets today for the 2019 Canterbury Gala & Silent Auction being held in the Christopher Wren Building on the William & Mary campus on Saturday, February 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75. Proceeds from the gala support the Canterbury Missions Fun which provides grants to various charities and scholarships to William & Mary students for international mission trips.

 

To attend, please visit bit.ly/CANTERBURYGALA-2019 or email anarducci@brutonparish.org for tickets. To donate items for the gala, please contact Alex Maneval at armaneval@email.wm.edu.  

 

Safety for faith-based organizations

Often people view places of worship as safe zones and get lulled into a false sense of security. However, our faith communities can be extremely vulnerable, and violence can occur.

 

The Diocese of Southern Virginia in conjunction with the Virginia Fusion Center is providing a conversation starter presentation to offer guidance to help our faith communities balance the need to be both welcoming and safe at the same time. First Sergeant Austin White, Deputy Director of the Virginia Fusion Center will facilitate the training and will discuss the following topics:

• Threats and vulnerabilities to houses of worship
• Addressing potential threats
• Policy and planning
• Safety in outreach settings
• Civilian response to active shooter
• Mitigation strategies
• Developing a mindset of preparedness to respond to threats

Please join us on Saturday, March 23 from 10 to noon for this important discussion in Miles Hall at St. Martin's, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg. This event is free. Click here to register.

Pilgrimage opportunities

St. Michael's Israel Pilgrimage - October 14-28, 2019 

Join the Rev. Jeunee Godsey and St. Michael's, Bon Air, parishioners for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October! This active 15-day trip will visit early Christian sites around Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth and enjoy guest lectures on contemporary issues. The tour Guide will be Iyad Qumri, a Palestine Christian and Canon in the Diocese of Los Angeles.  Accommodations will be at St. George's Guest House and the Sisters of Nazareth. Cost will be approximately $4300 all inclusive, including: tour; airfare; ground transportation; room and meals. Space is limited. Please contact Ann Cronan, trip coordinator, to sign up or if you have questions - cell: 804-539-5041, home : 804-639-1005.

Oberammergau Passion Play & Italy - August 17-28, 2020 

Every 10 years since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place at Oberammergau in Germany. You are invited to experience this ancient, historic Passion Play and the village of Oberammergau with the Rev. Travis Greenman and her husband, Hal, August 17-28, 2020. Following the play, enrich your minds and hearts traveling through the Alps to visit Assisi, Florence, and Rome. You are invited to join this exciting spiritual pilgrimage.  Click here for the trip brochure. 

Boys Home quilt raffle fundraiser

Boys Home of Virginia is sponsoring their annual quilt raffle! This year's quilt is a modified Around the World pattern. It measures 90.5" x 99" and fits a queen-sized bed. Executive Director Donnie Wheatley's sister, Phyllis Gibson, made and donated the quilt. Tickets are $5 each, or 10 for $45. Tickets can be purchased at boyshomequiltraffle.eventbrite.com, by calling 540-965-7703. The winner will be drawn on May 7, 2019.

Nags Head Acolyte Festival March 29-30

St. Andrew's By-the-Sea and the Diocese of East Carolina invite you to join them for their 10th Annual Acolyte Festival in Nags Head March 29-30. All acolytes, directors, youth ministers and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Participants will return home with both new skills and a renewed enthusiasm for liturgy. Click here for more information and registration.

St. George's celebrates the Rev. Ted Bailey's 60th anniversary of ordination

The Rev. Ted Bailey and the Rev. Dr. Kathie Price at the   celebration of the 60th anniversary of Ted's ordination.

 

The Rev. Ted Bailey was recently honored with a luncheon hosted by the congregation of St. George's, Newport News, and interim rector, the Rev. Dr. Kathie Price on the 60th Anniversary of his ordination in the Episcopal Church. Guests included Ted's daughters from the northeast as well as parishioners from area churches who have been blessed with his interim and supply ministries. Ted was ordained in 1958 and has served many churches in Southern Virginia over his 60 years of ministry: Christ Church, Smithfield; St. John's, Portsmouth; St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield; St. Thomas, Chesapeake; St. John's, Hopewell; Good Shepherd, Norfolk; St. Mark's, Hampton; and St. Anne's, Appomattox. Retired from active ministry, Ted is a regular attendee at St. George's where he shares his gifts, insights and excellent homilies. At age 96, he is a great inspiration to all who know and love him!

Bishop Search Update

Save the dates: Bishop Election and Consecration

 

The Bishop Diocesan Pro Tempore and Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Virginia invite you to save the following dates:

• September 21, 2019 Election of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Location TBA.
• February 1, 2020 Consecration of the 11th Bishop Of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. The Most Reverend Michael Curry presiding. Location TBA, likely near Williamsburg.