Fall Camp at Shrine Mont registration now open

Fall Camp is a four day adult conference sponsored by the Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging which represents all three Episcopal dioceses in Virginia, and is held at the Shrine Mont center in Orkney Springs. This year's Fall Camp will be October 28-31. Keynote speaker will be author Philip Gulley. Gulley has written 21 books, including the Harmony series recounting life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, Indiana. He also co-authored the progressive spirituality books If Grace is True and If God is Love. He also authored If the Church Were Christian, and The Evolution of Faith. Click here for details and registration. 

Carter's Walk in support of Chanco

The Rev. Carter Sinclair, deacon at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, has made a commitment to walk 65 kilometers for his 65th birthday! Carter hopes to complete this walk in 12 hours or less on October 5. The Rev. Mimi Lacy, Rector of Emmanuel Church, recommended that Carter dedicate his walk to fundraising for a worthy cause. Carter chose The Campaign for Chanco.  

Carter shares, " Chanco is the spiritual center of the Diocese. As a summer camp, it might be first place that youth get exposed to the good news of Jesus Christ. Chanco is undergoing a wonderful building campaign and is very close to reaching the goal to fund all of the new construction and renovations that are so desperately needed. Therefore, I am asking for a pledge per kilometer, starting at 10 cents per kilometer (with no upper limit)."  

To support Carter in his walk for Chanco, click here for easy on line donation indicating "Carter's Walk" in the "notes" section or you may mail a check made out to Chanco with " Carter's Walk" in the memo line and mail to Chanco at 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881. Thank you for your prayerful support of Carter's Walk!

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to participate in launch of Jim Wallis' new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus

On September 25, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will join Sojourner's president Jim Wallis in Washington, D.C. for the launch of Wallis' new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus. Bishop Curry will join Wallis is discussing the ways in which Jesus speaks directly to our current political and moral crisis.  

Bishop Curry, in the foreword for the book, explains the importance of responding to our nation's current moral and "constitutional crisis" at this political moment: "With Christ in Crisis, Rev. Wallis creates an unprecedented spiritual field guide for Christians and those of different faiths-or no faith at all-who are trying to survive the polarizing bitterness and anger of our divided nation and move forward in the post-2016 political context."

The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information and registration.  

Upcoming events at Historic St. Luke's

Historic St. Luke's in Smithfield is Virginia's oldest church building. St. Luke's hosts a variety of educational events throughout the year. From its monthly lecture series to the popular Twilight Cemetery tours, St. Luke's has events for all ages and interests. Click here for information on these upcoming events:

• Preserving America's Oldest Organ is a two-lecture program - The Origins of the Hunstanton Hall Organ, and The Historic Organ at St. Luke's and its Continuing Influence on Organ Conservation. September 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Adults Only Twilight Cemetery Tours - October 18, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Twilight Cemetery Tours - October 19, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• A Colonial Christmas Concert - December 6 at 7 p.m. and December 7 at 4 and 7 p.m.

ECW Grapevine newsletter available

The Fall 2019 edition of The Grapevine, the Diocesan ECW's newsletter, is now available here.

Data from 2018 Parochial Reports now available

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, secretary and executive officer of the General Convention, has announced that the data from the 2018 Parochial Reports has been compiled and is available through a number of reports, available in English and Spanish.  

 

The Rev. Dr. Molly James, deputy executive officer, commented that "While the data gives us information from past years, it is also an excellent tool for strategic planning. Diocesan and parish leadership can use the information to help identify needs and opportunities. Data is an important part of how we tell our stories about who we are as Episcopalians. It tells us where we have been, and it can help us to live into a more vibrant future."

"Our data is only as good as the information we receive," explained Ms. Iris DiLeonardo, research and language specialist, "and so we have great appreciation for all the hard work of everyone who completed the reports. We are grateful that we had 97% completion this year."   

Click here for more information.  

 

2020 Roanridge Trust grants available for leadership development in small towns and rural communities

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Roanridge Trust Grant Awards. Congregations and Episcopal Church related organizations and institutions are invited to apply.

Offered annually, Roanridge Trust Grants are used for the "training of town and country ministry and rural Christian workers" of The Episcopal Church.  They support creative models of leadership development and training of the laity and clergy in small towns and rural communities across The Episcopal Church. Awards generally range from $5,000 to $20,000.  Click here for more information. 

New Safe Church training opportunities

Creating safe spaces in our worship communities is a ministry that we all share and Safe Church training is an important way to make our churches safe places for everyone. Specialized training is required for clergy, church staff and vestry members. Universal training is suitable for Sunday school teachers and VBS volunteers. Click here for more information, to find out which Safe Church training is right for you, and to register for any of these upcoming trainings.   

 

Upcoming Specialized Training (all are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.):

September 28 - Redeemer, Midlothian

October 5 - Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach

October 5 - Johns Memorial, Farmville 

October 12 - St. George's, Newport News

October 19 - St. Andrew's, Norfolk 

October 26 - Emmanuel, Franklin

November 9 - St. John's, Chester

December 14 - St. David's, North Chesterfield 

 

Upcoming Universal Training:

September 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m. - St. Paul's, Norfolk 

September 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Bruton Parish  

October 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Martha Jenkins, Rector, left St. James', Cartersville, August 25, 2019.

 

The Rev. Ray Nelson, Priest-in-Charge, left St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, August 25, 2019.

 

The Rev. Roger Robillard began as Priest-in-Charge at St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, September 1, 2019.

 

The Rev. Warren Hicks began as Rector at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, September 1, 2019.   

 

The Rev. Martin Bagay will begin at Interim Rector at St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, September 22, 2019. 

 

The Rev. Robert Coniglio will begin as Rector at Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge, October 1, 2019.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Warren Hicks, Priest-in-Charge, will be leaving St. Mark's, Hampton, August 17, 2019.

 

The Rev. Martin Bagay, Interim Rector, will be leaving St. James', Accomac and St. George's, Pungoteague, August 31, 2019.

 

The Rev. James Young, Interim Rector, will be leaving St. Thomas', Chesapeake, August 25, 2019. 

 

The Rev. Roger Robillard will begin as Priest-in-Charge at St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, September 1, 2019.

 

The Rev. Warren Hicks will begin as Rector at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, September 1, 2019. 

Bishop Search Bulletin inserts available

The Transition Committee has created a series of four bulletin inserts to help congregations prepare for the bishop election process, including the Walkabouts: Information about Bishop Candidate Walkabouts and Walkabout map; What is a Bishop?; What is the Role of Bishops Today?; What Kind of Person Should We Be Looking For in Our New Bishop? The Transition Committee has also created a handout listing the six bishop candidates and their experience. These materials can be found on the diocesan website here.  

  

Join us for Cursillo #167

Did you know Cursillo retreats have been occurring in this diocese since 1978? Come see why this retreat enjoys such longevity and join us on September 26-29, 2019 for an adult co-ed retreat designed to help us grow closer to Jesus Christ. Cursillo is designed to build disciples in Christ, leaders in our Church, and to help us discover new tools for living a life of service and grace. It is also a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with others from throughout our diocese.  For more information on Cursillo or to apply to be a candidate, please visit the Cursillo website at  www.cursillodiosova.org or contact Cursillo #167 Rector Laura Frank Sale at laurafrank@atlanticbb.net.  

 

Food for the Soul Retreat

Join us October 5-6 for a retreat of nourishment of the body and soul. This retreat is designed for ages 21 and up or a young person attending with a parent/guardian. Food for the Soul will feature incredible food, a cooking lesson with Chef Rafael, & learning about and tasting Virginia wine as well as discussions about the importance of nourishing your spirit. Fellowship, a bonfire and gourmet s'mores are all a part of the relaxation, fun and fellowship of this event. Registration coming soon. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org. or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).   

 

Bishop Magness joins Presiding Bishop Curry in inviting churches to take part in Healing Day National Bell Ringing

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Magness invite Episcopal churches to take part in a national action to remember and honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in English North America in 1619 by tolling their bells for one minute on Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. The national bell ringing is among the Healing Day events being held at Fort Monroe National Monument to commemorate the 400th anniversary 

 

Watch Presiding Bishop Curry's video message here.

 

"The National Park Service is commissioning, and asking, churches and people from around this country to commemorate and remember that landing and the bringing of those first enslaved Africans to this country by ringing bells. And if possible, by tolling the bells of churches and to do so on August 25 at 3:00 in the afternoon," said Curry. "I'm inviting us as The Episcopal Church to join in this commemoration as part of our continued work of racial healing and reconciliation. At 3:00 pm we can join together with people of other Christian faiths and people of all faiths to remember those who came as enslaved, who came to a country that one day would proclaim liberty. And so we remember them and pray for a new future for us all." 

 

The national bell ringing is among the Healing Day events being held at Fort Monroe National Monument to commemorate the 400th anniversary of that landing.  

 

"The 2019 commemoration of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to North America is for me a highly personal occasion," said Bishop Magness. "As a descendent of slaveholders, and as a white male who came of age in the racially polarized south during the 1950s and 1960s, I am painfully aware of my own complicity in furthering and perpetuating the subjugation of my African American brothers and sisters.  At a time when the racial divide in this country seems to be growing rather than diminishing, we are in dire need of a moment, an event when we can stop and take stock of our responsibilities to bring the races together, perhaps in a new manner that truly is an embrace of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ."    

 

Click here for more information. 

Bishop Search Update: Petition Candidates Announced

In early July, the Standing Committee of the Diocese received the Petitions of two priests who sought to be included on the slate of candidates for Bishop of Southern Virginia. After appropriate background and reference checks, the Standing Committee approved the Petitions of the following individuals: The Rev. Harold J. Cobb, Jr.; The Rev. J. Derek Harbin. Click here to meet these candidates. Their names will appear on the slate of candidates for the election which takes place on September 21, and they will be included in the walkabouts to take place in early September. As soon as possible, the www.svabishopsearch.org website will be updated.

Justice & Advocacy Resources on diocesan website

The diocesan website has a new page - Justice & Advocacy Resources, located in Congregational Resources. The resource is a work in progress and additional material will be added on an ongoing basis. In addition to resources addressing creation care, peace building, racial reconciliation, and others, there are also current alerts to help you take action on issues important to you.

Chester Rotary presents corn hole sets to Jackson-Feild

On a hot summer evening members of the Chester Rotary Club met with residents of Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services to present six corn hole sets. Members of the club constructed the sets and residents helped them with the final assembly. The club also donated bags for each set.

 

The construction of these sets was a labor of love headed by Rotarian Peter Adler and his Rotarian helpers. The Chester Rotary Club has constructed sets for our charities and causes in the past.

 

After the final assembly of the legs and the presentation of the sets to the children the Rotarians, children and staff sat down to an old fashioned ice cream social. Brownies and cookies were also a part of the fare. Nothing tastes as great as ice cream on a hot summer night.

 

The residents of Jackson-Feild are most grateful to the Chester Rotarians for constructing these sets which will give them hours of enjoyment in the future.

Bishop Search Update

Information for Walkabouts

 

The Transition Committee invites everyone in the Diocese of Southern Virginia to attend the Walkabouts September 4-8, 2019.  Walkabouts are opportunities to meet the candidates for our 11th Bishop, hear their responses to questions and help them to learn more about you, our diocese. Click here to learn more about the candidates.

 

Our hope is that you are able to attend one of the locations in the east, our Saturday central location at Chanco or in the west on Sunday.  If you are not able to attend one of these locations there will be a live stream on Friday evening from the Galilee Walkabout.  This live stream will also be recorded and available on our website following the event.  Perhaps congregations could gather in their home parishes and watch the live stream together for those who cannot attend in person!

 

You may submit questions ahead of time for the Walkabouts to annestiles@embarqmail.com.  Please note which walkabout you plan to attend when submitting your question.

The Walkabouts will take place on:

 

Thursday, September 5 at 6:30 pm (Please note time change) 

Hungars Parish, 10107 Bayside Road, Machipongo

 

Friday, September 6 at 7:00 pm
Galilee, 3928 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach

NOTE: We will be available live and on-demand this evening on the diocesan website

 

Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 pm
Chanco on the James, 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove

NOTE:  This is a great opportunity to bring the youth to this location to meet the candidates!

 

Sunday, September 8 at 3:00 pm
Johns Memorial, 400 High Street, Farmville

 

Questions?  Contact Transition Committee Chair the Rev. Chris Epperson, cepperson@brutonparish.org, or Vice Chair the Rev. Gini DiStanislao, gini@manakin.org.

National Acolyte Festival Oct. 12

Washington National Cathedral in DC will once again host the National Acolyte Festival on Saturday, October 12. This annual event is a celebration of service:

• Join the grandest of processions with acolytes, servers, and vergers from across the nation
• Bring your processional crosses, banners, flags, torches, streamers and thuribles
• Begin the day with the Holy Eucharist and stay for a festive afternoon, including workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, vendors, food, and games

Register by phone or online, 202-537-2228, www.cathedral.org/acolyte.  

 

Happening #71 registration open!

Happening is an experiential weekend retreat for young adults in grades 10 and up that may just change your life. Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Happening #71 will take place November 8-10 at Chanco on the James. Details, registration and staff application can be found on the Youth page of the diocesan website, www.diosova.org/youth.  

 

Province III youth pilgrimage

Trail to Truth is an opportunity for youth to journey from DC to Philadelphia with other youth in the Episcopal Church while learning about racism and reconciliation in our country. Along the way we will visit historical sites, hear from leaders in the church and struggle against racism, and become a part of the Beloved Community, as we seek to increase racial understanding, healing, and reconciliation. The pilgrimage will cost only $50 per participant for the weekend of Oct 11-14. This includes 10 meals, lodging, and transportation by charter bus during the event, entrance fees and workshops, and any other regularly planned activities during the Pilgrimage.  If you or your youth are interested in attending this event, please contact Megan Dern at  mdern@diosova.org or at 757-423-3393 no later than August 10th. The number of seats for our province is limited to 6 seats and will be filled by first come first served. 

 

Safe Church training

Upcoming Universal Trainings:

July 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - St. Luke's, Powhatan. Register here 

July 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Trinity, Portsmouth. Register here 

August 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Grace, Yorktown. Register here 

Upcoming Specialized Trainings:

September 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Redeemer, Midlothian. Register here 

October 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Emmanuel, Franklin. Register here 

Host a Safe Church training at your church
Both Universal and Specialized Safe Church training workshops are now being scheduled for the fall. If your church would like to host a training, please contact Susan Allen,  

sallen@diosova.org, regarding which type of training you would like to host, along with potential dates for hosting. 

Training for Vacation Bible School volunteers
If you have Vacation Bible School (VBS) volunteers who need to complete Safe Church Training, we are offering a VBS-focused training option that VBS Directors can facilitate with their VBS volunteers. The training format consists of an online training module and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting key safe church issues, as well as best practice guidelines. Given that the training focuses exclusively on the VBS setting, the Safe Church certification will expire immediately after the VBS program concludes. If you are interested in this training option please contact Susan Allen at sallen@diosova.org to gain access to the VBS training materials. 

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, November 9 from 10 a.m. to noon for this important discussion at Trinity, South Boston (520 Yancey Street, South Boston). This presentation is free. Click here to register.  

Camp Chanco FUN(draiser) benefitting scholarships

Every year, Chanco has more scholarship requests than funding. Click hereto purchase an awesome baseball camp designed by a Camp Chanco alumni offered in multiple colors with a feather that represents friendship, spirit and love - everything we strive for our young people to experience here at Chanco. All proceeds benefit Chanco scholarships. Each camp session has their own "campaign". Session One is in the lead with 52 caps sold. Over 80 caps have been sold so far! You may also support our scholarships by making a gift today. Click here to make an easy on line donation and indicate "scholarship" in the notes section or you may mail a check to Chanco (394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881) with "scholarship" in the memo line Thank you for your support!

Episcopal Church digital invitation kits for Back-2-School and Back to Ministry now available

The Episcopal Church has developed a free Back-2-School Digital Invitation Kit and the Back to Ministry Digital Invitation Kit, both based on The Way of Love and available here.

Each of these kits include: a customizable poster and postcard; a social media-ready graphic; and a Facebook cover image. Each kit also includes a video prayer message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry which can be embedded on a church's website. These resources are themed both with and without Way of Love graphics. Click here for more information.

Seeds of Hope Grant applications now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia to support the development or expansion of Social Justice ministries sponsored by diocesan congregations and organizations. Awards may be as much as $2,500. All grants are for one year. Applications must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2019. Click here for more information and this year's application form.  

Bishop's Blog: Camp Chanco is alive with the good news of Jesus' love

The summer camping sessions are in full swing at Camp Chanco.  As some of you may know, I have made Chanco my residence this summer.  This decision has given me the opportunity to greet, meet, and make friends with the permanent staff, the seasonal staff, the volunteer counselors and with all of the children who attend the camp sessions. 

 

When I was about 10 years old and attended my first summer camp session at Kanuga Conferences in Western North Carolina, I had my initial introduction to the positive effects of our Episcopal Church camping programs.  Though I did not know it at the time, I was being given an in-depth immersion to my formation as a baptized follower of Jesus. 

 

This summer I have been thinking a great deal about the opportunities we have at Chanco to form girls and boys as followers of Jesus.  

 

Click here to keep reading. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Tom Crittenden began as Interim Rector of Grace, Yorktown on July 14, 2019.  

 

The Rev. Frederick Willis will begin as Interim Rector of Holy Trinity, Onancock, on August 4, 2019.  

Video: Presiding Bishop's message, "Who is my neighbor?"

"Deeply embedded in the Christian faith, indeed deeply embedded in the Jewish tradition, which is the mother of the Christian faith, and deeply embedded in the faith and traditions and values of many of the world's great religions, is a profound conviction in a sure and certain value and virtue that care for the stranger, the alien, the visitor, is a sacred duty, a sacred vow." Click here to watch the video or read a transcript.

Find migration, refugee, and immigration information and ways you can take action on your own here (EPPN/OGR) and here (EMM).  

Episcopal Evangelism grants available for local and regional efforts

Episcopal institutions can now apply for the next round of the Episcopal Evangelism Grants Program, designed to fund local and regional evangelism efforts in the Episcopal Church. The application deadline is October 1. Congregations, dioceses, provinces, schools, monastic communities, and other Episcopal organizations are eligible to apply. Regional collaborative partnerships with non-Episcopal entities are welcome as long as an Episcopal entity is the project leader, active manager, and reporting agent. Groups receiving grants are expected to make significant financial contributions toward their projects, and to report what they have learned to the wider church. 

The grant application, criteria and additional information are available here. The application deadline is October 2, 2019 at 11 p.m.