Support Boys Home and have your gift matched!

Dear friends and supporters of Boys Home,

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope this coming week brings you an abundance of joy and good food. While we can't quite believe it, we're getting ready for the Christmas season already.

 

We have some good news! This year, Boys Home has received a $25,000 matching grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund for individual donations made online through December 31! The first $500 of every donation will be matched; supporters wishing to give more than $500 can choose to make multiple donations in order to make every dollar count. Please make a donation, and help us reach our goal of $25,000!

 

Despite a year of unpredictability, Boys Home has continued to be a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for our residents. Through everything, our residents inspire us every day by adapting with resilience and grace. Help us support them by contributing to this year's Christmas campaign here!

 

Thank you, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Sincerely,

Boys Home of Virginia

Jackson-Feild: Spiritual development amidst a global pandemic

For 165 years, spiritual development has been a fundamental cornerstone at Jackson-Feild (JFBHS). Today, COVID-19 restrictions have necessitated imagination and ingenuity on the part of our Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Robin Moore, to fulfill the spiritual needs of the children.

Chapel services had to be modified to meet safety procedures by having five different services—one per cottage. The pandemic has created new opportunities such as “The Gathering Place”, a specially designed haven resembling a cozy den. With two fish tanks to foster an environment of mindfulness, residents can relax and gather in small groups to share what is on their minds.

Life Guidance sessions are provided for residents to meet individually with the Chaplain for spiritual advice and comfort.

Residents find reassurance through the Chaplain’s prayer wall. Numerous residents have traced their hand print knowing that when she sees it, she will pray for them.

Guided meditation sessions are provided to assist residents with fears, anxieties, or to celebrate happiness. Yoga sessions, when requested, follow the teaching philosophy and practice in the Hatha yoga tradition. Hatha yoga can offer a full-body practice with a strong emphasis on the full integration of body, mind, and spirit.

The Chaplain also coordinates the care of the JFBHS’s three companion dogs with the help of residents. These dogs provide unconditional love for the children who enjoy and appreciated their love and attention.

Seeds of Hope Grants awarded

The Diocese of Southern Virginia awarded $14,000 in Seeds of Hope Grants this year. The grants were approved by the Executive Board at it’s November 5 meeting. Grants were awarded to:

 

Good Night God

Canterbury Center at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, awarded a grant to purchase audio visual equipment to offer a service of Compline twice a week on YouTube.

 

Backpack Surprise

Johns Memorial, Farmville, awarded a grant to provide small gifts to include in backpacks with soups and healthy snacks that are given to children whose parents are picking up food at the local food pantry.

 

Bridging the Gaps

Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk, awarded a grant to provide facilitators, transportation, supplies and snacks for this educational program for Mission families.

 

Seed & Feed Program

St. Paul’s, Lawrenceville, awarded a grant to provie provide funding for programming for widows, grandparents raising grandchildren, single parents, dialysis patients, technicians, nurses and first responders in the local community.

 

Youth Empowerment Project and Senior Pals

St. Thomas, Freeman, awarded two grants to provide virtual programming and workshops for youth as well as a Bible study and boxed lunches for senior citizens.

Province III hosts book discussion of How to Be an Antiracist, including conversation with author

Beginning on November 17, Province III is hosting 10 Zoom sessions on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. for a discussion of the book, How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. The final session will be with the author, Dr. Kendi. Click here for more information, reading assignments and registration. Sponsored by the Province III Social Justice & Anti-Racism Committee.

You can make a child’s Christmas wishes come true at Jackson-Feild

The Christmas season is especially hard for most of the children at Jackson-Feild. What is supposed to be a time of unity and joy brings back memories of past Christmases filled with sadness and heartache.

Jackson-Feild’s staff makes every effort to ensure that the children will have Christmas memories that they will cherish for lifetime. We are seeking your help with our Adopt-a-Child program. Interested persons can adopt all or part of a child’s Christmas list. Due to COVID-19, only cash contributions will be accepted. Gifts will be ordered online by Jackson-Feild staff.

Jackson-Feild also organizes a special meal and activity every day during the twelve days of Christmas. The children are unable to go home or receive any visitors due to COVID-19 which will be especially trying for them.

If you would like to help, please send your check to Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services, 546 Walnut Grove, Jarratt, VA 23867, go online to www.jacksonfeild.org or contact Tod Balsbaugh 804869-3505.

 

Please share the spirit of Christmas by helping Jackson-Feild bring joy and happiness to the children.

When you sit down with your loved ones on Christmas day, please know that you created a lifetime memory for a child who needs your help.

Help for Honduras

By the Rev. Anne Dale, Advent, Norfolk

After nearly 10 years of providing security services in Honduras, my husband Roland and I founded Friends of Honduras USA with the goal of offering a path out of poverty and corruption for the children of Honduras. Our first projects were kindergartens for the young children so that they could begin their education in a safe and comfortable environment in their local communities. Since 2009, our foundation has constructed eight schools, two medical clinics, and sixty-five houses in addition to installing water filtration systems, providing medical supplies, and delivering thousands of pounds of food to families in remote areas. Our most recent project is the rehabilitation of an abandoned sewing factory into a medical facility that will provide a wide variety of medical services in the remote department of Santa Barbara.

 

Each year in Honduras tens of thousands of children die before the age of five (the biggest percentage younger than two years) due to non-potable water, malnutrition, unsanitary living conditions, and limited health care. As you can imagine, the pandemic has ravaged an already vulnerable population. And, now, Eta has washed away innumerable lives and immeasurably compounded the suffering. The corn, bean, rice, and banana crops and the livestock of the fertile Sula Valley are a total loss. 

 

Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to travel to Honduras since January 2020. Throughout the year, Friends of Honduras USA has worked through one paid employee to coordinate volunteers to assess the most critical needs and purchase and distribute food and medical supplies. All funds collected are currently being devoted to this ministry.  

 

The odds for improving the well-being of the people of Honduras seem insurmountable at present. With God’s help, your prayers and financial contributions will save lives and restore hope for improvement of the most basic living conditions that we take for granted every day. You have our pledge that each dollar donated will put food and medicine into the hands of some of God’s most desperate children. Please see our website, www.friendsofhondurasusa.org, to donate through PayPal or call me at 919-210-6809 for more information.

Become a member of the James Solomon Russell Chapter of Union of Black Episcopalians

The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) stands in the continuing tradition - more than 200 years - of fighting racism in the Episcopal Church. UBE fights racism by encouraging the involvement of People of Color in the total life of the church - on every level and in every way. UBE is committed to translating this words into Christian action for all Episcopalians and at all levels of the Church. The support of all Episcopalians, financially and spiritually, continues to be critical as the UBE continues its work to ensure the diversity essential to the Church. Please consider becoming a member of Southern Virginia's James Solomon Russell Chapter of UBE. Click here for more information.

Youth Gathering: Learn to Breathe in COVID

November 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a special virtual gathering where we will be discussing self-care with an expert and talking through how to support loved ones during this emotionally exhausting time in our lives. High school is tough, especially during a pandemic. Our hope is to provide a safe place for students to come and discuss the challenges that they are facing and walk about with some insight on concrete ways to handle those situations. Sign up here.

Special 2020 Parochial Report Form

Following the October 9-12, 2020 meeting of Executive Council, the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer of the General Convention, has announced that the form for the 2020 Parochial Report is now viewable on the General Convention website in English, Spanish, and French. Read more here.

Preparing to Become the Beloved Community curriculum revised for Advent 2020

New and updated Advent and Christmas resources for congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith are available, with additional resources coming soon. Available now: Preparing to Become the Beloved Community Advent curriculum; Way of Love Digital Invitation Kit; updated Journeying the Way of Love Advent calendar and curriculum; AdventWord 2020; Episcopal Migration Ministries Refugee Prayer Vigil. And be sure to sign up for daily Advent and Christmas emails. Find Advent and Christmas resources from The Episcopal Church here. Read more here.

Post-Election Prayer Service Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.

Knowing we will need a place to offer prayers for our nation, our communities, and ourselves, we invite you to join The Episcopal Church Department of Faith Formation on Wednesday, November 4 for a time of prayer at 4:00 p.m. (service will be no longer than 30 minutes). Sign up to receive the Zoom link.

CE-Net: Intergenerational Faith Formation

Join CE-Net (the Diocesan Christian Education Network) on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. as we have a conversation about intergenerational faith formation with Betsy Dishman, GenOn Ministries Training Coordinator, and Liz Perraud, GenOn Ministries’ Executive Director. GenOn Ministries believes nurturing people of all generations into an abundant life-giving relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the most important thing the church does. Their mission is to partner with churches to nurture, grow, and deepen intergenerational Christ-centered community. Their vision is a world filled with thriving Christian communities. Visit genonministries.org to learn more about GenOn Ministries. Betsy Dishman and Liz Perraud each has more than 30 years of experience in the Christian faith form field and share a passion for intergenerational formation. CE-Net invites you to be part of the important conversation about intergenerational faith formation. Click here to register.

EYC Game Night and upcoming events

Don’t forget that we are doing youth Zoom game nights on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 5 p.m. For the two Thursdays in November we will be playing Among Us. Come join us this Thursday to figure out who is the most suspect among us!! All youth are invited! Click here to join us.

 

Things to look forward to!

 

“Learn to Breathe in Covid” Youth Gathering - November 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a special virtual gathering where we will be discussing self-care with an expert and talking through how to support loved ones during this emotionally exhausting time in our lives. High school is tough, especially during a pandemic. Our hope is to provide a safe place for students to come and discuss the challenges that they are facing and walk about with some insight on concrete ways to handle those situations. Register here.

 

Happening Reunion -  Dec 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a special prayer service where will join in community and prayer for this season that we are in. While we miss seeing all of you in person during this time, we are excited about seeing you in this virtual space to catch up and pray for the upcoming year. Sign up here. We are also putting together a short video to the song “Give Yourself to Love” that we would love to feature you in. Please send us clips of you singing to this classic Happening song, or acting out how yourself to love, or even photos from your Happening experience. You can send all your videos and photos to mdern@diosova.org or upload them here.

 

After registering for one or both of these events, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Chanco’s Annual Fund makes the difference

Dear friends, please prayerfully consider Chanco in your year-end giving. Without our usual spring or fall retreat business and without normal summer camp operations for the first time in 53 years, your Annual Fund gift this year is essential! Chanco’s board is committed to maintaining our year-round staff so when this pandemic is behind us, we are ready to resume normal programming. In the meantime, we are offering socially distanced programming, working on property improvements, and finding creative ways to keep Chanco’s ministry moving forward in these challenging times. Thank you for your gift today to support Chanco! Click here to make your easy on line gift or mail your check made out to Chanco with “Annual Fund” in the memo line to 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881. Questions? Contact Development Director Talley Banazek at 804-399-4019 or talley@banazek.com. Thank you for your continued support of Chanco on the James!

The Good Book Club returns in Epiphany 2021

The Good Book Club, from Forward Movement, is an invitation to all Episcopalians to join in reading scripture. During Epiphany 2021, we are invited to read the entire Gospel of Mark. The Gospel is split into daily readings and everyone is invited to follow along. Click here for ideas for getting people of all ages in your context involved.

Guidelines for limited choral singing during Advent and Christmas

At a recent meeting of the Medical/Legal subgroup of Bishop Haynes’s Advisory Panel for Re-Gathering for Worship, musicians presented some information on a breakthrough that will enable some limited choral singing as we move into the Advent and Christmas singing.

The breakthrough is the design and availability of “Singer’s Masks,” a mask especially made for singers that will allow them ample room to sing comfortably while protecting those around them from potential infection due to droplets and aerosols. The masks are available from a number of sources, including the ones listed here:

• www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask
• www.mymusicfolders.com/product/resonance-singers-mask-with-disposable-biofilters/

Here are some YouTube links showing various singers using them:

• www.youtu.be/mcW1WJ2-mqs
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xbGfY8jes
• www.youtu.be/N1NL0ycQf-Q?t=772
• www.vimeo.com/466160774#t=360s
• www.christchurchgreenwich.org/evensong-livestream/

After listening to the musicians, the panel made the following recommendations with respect to guidelines for choral singing:

• Singers may sing in virtual or in-person services provided they are spaced (shoulder to shoulder) at least six feet away from each other and are all facing/singing in the same direction.
• Singers must be 20-30 feet away from any other person in the congregation
• Singers must wear a mask specially made for singers such as one obtained from one of the websites above.
• The number of singers who can safely sing is dependent on the space and configuration of each church building, provided guidelines number 1-3 are followed.
• Congregational singing is still not permitted at this time.

While these guidelines do not allow for everyone to sing, they do enable us to move in the direction of bringing choral music back into the church.

Please contact the diocesan office if you have any questions.

As COVID-19 cases rise

As we move into fall and winter months, we are unfortunately seeing a rise in the number of Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. This is of course not the direction we wanted to go. Many are beginning to feel anxious again and to ask questions regarding whether or not congregations should be gathering for worship. At this point, the diocesan office would like to offer a few general guidelines to clergy and other church leadership as you make decisions regarding worship in your own particular context. We encourage you to watch the numbers in your area, to consider the make-up of your own congregation or any other factors that are specific to your worshiping community. For example, if overall the number of infections are not rising in your community but you know that there are significant outbreaks in schools and that your faith community has a number of young families in membership, this may impact whether or not you open for worship. Likewise, if your community contains many older people whose health is fragile, you may make a different decision about opening for worship.

Here are a couple of websites that we offer to help inform you. Both of these websites offer information for the whole state of Virginia and also according to each county. If, after considering the information for your local area, you are still undecided, please feel free to call the Diocesan Office and we will help you process the information in order to arrive at a decision.

• The first helpful website is the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID Dashboard which allows you to check the status in particular cities.
• The second website is The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

Clergy and lay leaders are to be commended for their excellent work in providing virtual worship when in-person worship is not available, and we encourage you to continue those offerings. We also remind you that the bishop has issued guidelines for how to administer Holy Communion more widely during a time of pandemic, and those guidelines and can be found here.

Nominations for Elections at Council

Please note that self nominations are welcome. Nominations must be received no later than December 29, 2020. Positions to be elected at Council are: Standing Committee (1 laity, 1 clergy); Disciplinary Board (2 laity, 1 clergy); General Convention 2021 (4 clergy alternates and 4 lay alternates. Note: deputies were elected at Council 2020). Click here for information about these positions. Click here for the nomination form.

Bishop Haynes to officiate at dedication of historic marker honoring James Solomon Russell

Bishop Haynes will join members of St. Mark's, Bracey, and local community leaders for the official dedication ceremony for the Virginia Civil Rights in Education Heritage trail marker honoring the Rev. James Solomon Russell. The dedication will be held on November 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's in Bracey. The trail marker is one of 53 across Southern Virginia that recount how African Americans, Native Americans and women fought for the right to equal education in Virginia. Click here for more information on the Virginia Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. For more information about the dedication service contact Mr. Willie Bennett, wlbenn44@aol.com.

Deacon Jan Brown visits Sesame Street for webinar on Parental Addiction: Supporting Families in Recovery

Deacon Jan Brown, co-chair of the Diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission, will be visiting Sesame Street this week. Brown will be leading a webinar examining how parental addiction affects young children and offer ways faith-based communities and organizations can accompany children and families on their recovery journey. The webinar can be viewed live on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. Register here to participate live or to view later on-demand.

God is in charge (As we approach Election Day)

From Psalm 131

 

O LORD, I am not proud;*

   I have no haughty looks.

I do not occupy myself with great matters*

  or with things that are too hard for me.

But I still my soul and make it quiet,

  like a child upon its mother’s breast;*

   my soul is quieted within me.

O Israel, wait upon the LORD,*

  from this time forth for evermore.

 

As we approach Election Day, our anxiety increases. Fears about the well-being of our nation surround us, and we struggle not to feel like we are catapulting toward disaster. The ongoing presence of the pandemic compounds our feelings of doom and dread. Who is there to ground us and care for us? As the Israelites asked Moses many times during their journeys through the wilderness, “Is the Lord with us or not?”      

I invite you during this time of increasing tension to join me for a period of intentional prayer for Election Day. Beginning October 27, we will join with others across the nation in a novena (an ancient practice of 9 days of devotional prayers with specific intentions) for our national elections. During this time we will pray for wisdom and discernment in voting and for the well-being of our country.

Forward Movement has devised a series of prayers which will assist us and you can sign up to receive these prayers and resources daily here.

Come to God, say your prayers, light a candle each day beginning October 27, and remind yourself that God is in charge. He welcomes us to rest upon him in quiet solitude…even when…and especially when we are afraid.

-- Bishop Haynes

Advent Virtual Roundtable, resources for formation

As we continue to navigate Christian formation during COVID, Advent & Christmas will require some creativity. Our colleague group will meet for a virtual roundtable to share resources, wisdom, and ideas for this fast approaching season. Whether your plans are undecided or plans are confirmed, join CE-Net (the Diocesan Christian Education Network) on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss what we can do to support our communities during Advent & Christmas. Click here to register and obtain the Zoom log in information.

Resources for virtual formation, Advent and Christmas

The Diocesan website has resources here for the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons, including ideas for virtual pageants. More will be added in coming weeks, so check back often.

FORMA Conference Jan. 26-28

Each year FORMA hosts a conference for individuals that are engaged in Christian formation efforts for children, youth, and adults. This year’s conference, FORMA 2021 Embodying Spiritual Practices, will occur on January 26-28. The Diocese of Southern Virginia has purchased a Host registration package for the upcoming conference. Conference participants will experience community and learning through curated worship, wisdom, and workshop offerings via an on-line conference platform. One of the benefits of serving as a Host institution is that the diocese has a number of pre-paid conference registrations that are available to formation leaders in the diocese. Please contact Lynn Farlin at lfarlin@diosova.org if you are interested in attending the conference and wish to take advantage of one of the free conference registration slots. Visit www.forma.church/forma-2021 to learn more about the FORMA 2021 Embodying Spiritual Practices conference.  

Join us for World Drawing God Day

Karen Keifer, author of the children’s book Drawing God was inspired to write the book when she overheard a conversation between two children in the grocery store.  One child said “My mother said you shouldn’t talk about God in school because it makes people feel uncomfortable.”  That conversation inspired not only the creation of the Drawing God children’s book; it also morphed into intergenerational creative conversations across many faith traditions - highlighting that “we all see God differently”.  

November 9 is the second World Drawing God Day and you are invited to participate in this intergenerational event. There are a number of free on-line programs that you can take part in, including a reading of the book by Karen Kiefer. Visit https://www.drawing-god.com/2020-events  to learn more and register for the on-line program opportunities.  However, even if you choose not to take part in the online programs, you can still be part of World Drawing God Day 2020 by sharing your creation using the hashtag #drawinggod and if you send a copy of your creation to lfarlin@diosova.org we would love to include it in our own diocesan online gallery.   

So grab some paper and art supplies and show the world the answer to this question - How do you see God?

 

EYC Game Night this Thursday

This Thursday, October 15, is our biweekly youth game night. Any youth are encouraged to join us to play some games and escape their homework for a bit. This week we will be playing the popular game Among Us.  Even if you haven’t joined us before, we would still love for you to pop in and hang out with us for the evening. You will need a device with which to connect to the game. Sign up here to get the Zoom log in information. Hope to see you then!

Advent Virtual Roundtable

As we continue to navigate Christian formation during COVID, Advent & Christmas will require some creativity. Our colleague group will meet for a virtual roundtable to share resources, wisdom, and ideas for this fast approaching season. Whether your plans are undecided or plans are confirmed, join CE-Net (the Diocesan Christian Education Network) on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss what we can do to support our communities during Advent & Christmas. Click here to register and obtain the Zoom log in information.

Boys Home of Virginia celebrates Donnie Wheatley’s 35 years of service

On Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, Boys Home of Virginia will host “Two Days of Giving” in honor of their executive director, Mr. Donnie Wheatley’s 35 years of service. Friends, family and supporters are encouraged to give Mr. Wheatley a call to congratulate him and make a pledge toward the $35,000 fundraising goal. Please call 540-965-7704 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on those days. To add to the fun, on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., staff and students will “Stick it to Mr. Wheatley!” They will literally stick him to a wall with duct tape! Boys Home is accepting donations of $5 for a stretch of tape or $35 for a whole roll! (Please do not send tape. This is just a fundraising opportunity.)

As a precursor to this event, Boys Home has been posting silly pictures of Mr. Wheatley in various locations and poses on their Facebook page and Instagram. If you haven’t see them, definitely check them out. During these two days of giving, they will continue to post pictures and videos of all the fun activities and shenanigans going on!

 

For more information or if you would like to make a donation, please visit our website at www.boyshomeofva.org or give Melinda a call 540-965-7707.

Join us for Friendsgiving at Chanco on the James November 20-22

Looking for a fall getaway with your friends and family? We have the answer for you! Join us at Chanco for Friendsgiving November 20-22! Enjoy a time of fellowship and gratitude during the most gorgeous time of year at Chanco. This event will include activities such as traditional Thanksgiving fare, hayrides, pumpkin carving, tomahawk throwing, archery, football on the big screen, candy apples, friends/family trivia games, campfires, worship and more! Accommodations are in our retreat lodges at the bluff and pricing includes all meals and activities. Click here for a flyer with more information. Visit www.chanco.org to register today!

General Convention Task Force invites Episcopalians to participate in survey “Social Justice and the Episcopal Church: A Call for Stories”

The Task Force on Theology of Social Justice Advocacy invites Episcopalians to participate in a survey, “Social Justice and the Episcopal Church: A Call for Stories”.

In the work of contemplating the theology of social justice advocacy in The Episcopal Church, the Task Force recognizes that different people have vastly different perspectives and experiences. For some, social justice advocacy may seem somewhat peripheral to their spiritual lives in the church; for others, social justice may have become an important focal point of their theology over time; for still others, the struggle for social justice is fundamental to and inseparable from their experience of what it is to be a Christian.

The members of the Task Force would like to gather stories and deeper perspectives to support their work on behalf of the Church and invite Episcopalians to consider sharing their experience by completing the survey, “Social Justice and the Episcopal Church: A Call for Stories”.

 

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English here, in Spanish here, and in French here. Survey responses are due by November 5, 2020. For questions or additional information, please email tfsja.episcopal@gmail.com.

Monday, October 12, Diocesan Offices closed

On Monday, October 12, the offices of the Diocese of Southern Virginia will be closed. Officially the day, known as “Columbus Day,” commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus on American soil in 1492. The arrival of Columbus paved the way for Europeans to inhabit, explore, and ultimately take possession of the land. However, there were already indigenous people inhabiting this land; therefore, we use this day to remember and honor those people as well. The names of the tribes of indigenous people who inhabited the grounds on which the Diocese of Southern Virginia rests include the following:

Cherokee, Chickahominy, Manahoac, Meherrin, Monacan, Nahyssand, Nansemond, Nottaway, Occaneechi, Powhatan, Saponi, Shawnee, Tutelo, Rappahannock, Mattaponi and Melungeons

The relationship of these native people with the land was such that they did not comprehend the notion of “ownership” in the same way as did their European visitors. The natives understood the land as something that was given into their care, but not their possession. As such, they did not recognize when their ability to care for it had been taken from them.

This Monday, as we commemorate Columbus Day, let us remember not only the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, but also the people who lived here and watched him and others like him arrive on their homelands. Because of their great love and care for creation, a good way to commemorate the day would be to get outside and enjoy the day in Creation. Garden, take a hike, walk along the beach, breathe fresh air…and utter profound thanks to God for His gift of Creation to us and our chance to care for it. We do not necessarily own the land upon which we walk. We are stewards of it, and it is given into our diligent care.

-- Bishop Haynes

ECW Annual Fall Meeting October 17

The diocesan ECW will hold their Annual Fall Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, October 17.

Business meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The President's Program event, Unmasking the Mystery of Autism Spectrum Disorder, will begin at 11:30 a.m. and feature guest speaker Mr. Diego Zuniga, president of the Tidewater Autism Society of Virginia.

Click here to register to attend and receive the Zoom log in information.

Ridley Foundation awards grant to Jackson-Feild

The Ridley Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia has awarded Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services a grant for specialized training.

The Ridley Foundation was established and funded by Mrs. Roberta Ridley in the 1940’s. Mrs. Ridley, affectionately known as “Miss Bert”, was a resident of Southampton County. She established a trust to help local organizations and to provide college scholarship funding for Episcopalian students within the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

 

The grant will fund specialized trauma-focused and trauma-informed training for residential, educational, and clinical staff members. The training was developed by the Klingberg Trauma Stress Institute which was founded in 1986. This Institute is a recognized leader in the treatment of psychological trauma and attachment disruptions. The Institute has helped more than 4,000 mental health organizations nationally.

 

The goal is to train our staff and to make a transformational impact on Jackson-Feild’s ability to create better outcomes for its mentally ill children.

 

The Ridley Foundation has been a wonderful partner with Jackson-Feild and has made a profound impact on its mission and the children it serves.

Women's Advent Retreat, Dec. 4-5

Save the date! Chanco is hosting it’s third annual Women’s Advent Retreat. Join with women from all over our diocese for a time of reflection, worship and fellowship together! Enjoy time apart in God’s great outdoors while nourishing your body and spirit as we anticipate the birth of Christ. Open to all women ages 18 and older. Click here for information on COVID protocols and safety for groups at Chanco. Stay tuned here and on our website www.chanco.org for more information and registration for this fantastic event! Questions? Contact Chanco at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-724-2626. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Episcopal Church and the 2020 U.S. Elections: An Overview of Resources

The Office of Government Relations has created a comprehensive suite of resources for advocacy, the U.S. Election, and 2020 Census engagement. Central to election engagement are the “Vote Faithfully” resources built up over the course of several election cycles and in coalition with ecumenical partners. These resources are designed for use year-round, emphasizing messaging that is non-partisan and informed.

As the United States gets closer to Election Day, November 3, The Episcopal Church will continue to release new resources, including an ongoing educational series on the basics of the election process and transition of power, four bulletin inserts from Sermons That Work focused on voter engagement and written for the readings on the four Sundays leading up to Election Day, and A Season of Prayer: For an Election, a novena prayer series developed with Forward Movement.

 

Other resources include a Plan Your Vote guide, toolkit for supporting others in your community to vote, a tool for recognizing and combatting disinformation and misinformation, and much more. Click here for more information.

EYC Happening and November Weekend cancelled

It is with heavy hearts that the Diocese of Southern Virginia has decided to cancel November Weekend and Happening this fall. This was a tough decision to make, but the safety of all people is always at the center of these decisions. Therefore the Diocese will not be hosting any in-person youth events for the larger EYC community in 2020, but we do hope to see you all again in 2021. 

We continue to encourage youth who are looking to connect with other youth in the Episcopal Community to join us on the first and third Thursdays of the month for games over zoom and a little fellowship. If your church's youth group isn't currently meeting, this is a great place for your youth to come and still be engaged. Sign up here.

 

Stay tuned for more details to come about what games we will be playing week to week and the different virtual services that are currently being planned by the EYC Board and Happening. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Megan Dern at mdern@diosova.org or at 757-213-3393.

Updated guidelines for the distribution of Communion during COVID-19

At a recent virtual meeting the House of Bishops discussed finding a way to administer the Sacrament safely to those who cannot come to church. Bishops were encouraged to help churches find creative and theologically sound ways to distribute the Eucharist even during pandemic restrictions. Over the last month, Bishop Susan has been meeting with and talking to clergy about their own creative ideas about how to do this. From these discussions, we have created some guidelines which are approved for the distribution of Holy Communion to everyone and especially to those who are not able to come to church.  Click here for the updated guidelines. 

Jackson-Feild's 25th Golf Tournament a success

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services' 25th anniversary tournament was a success despite the challenges that COVID-19 presented. This tournament has raised over $550,000 since its inception. The funds have been used for a variety of needs such as special projects, capital purchases, capital improvements and educational scholarships.

 

The tournament was held September 21st at the Country Club of the Highlands in Chesterfield County. It was a picture perfect day for golf and the course was in perfect shape. Hardees has been the tournament sponsor and provided a box lunch for the players. The play format was captain's choice.

 

This year's tournament was like no other due to COVID-19 guidelines. Nevertheless the golfers had a great time and appreciated supporting the children and mission of Jackson-Feild.

 

A team from Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hampton played in the event and won a round of golf at the Highlands Country Club

 

Proceeds from the 2020 tournament will be used to fund services which Jackson-Feild receives no reimbursement. Primarily Neurotherapy services and educational scholarships to fund the education for children whose school division does not pay for their education.

Episcopal Evangelism Grants available

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 November 15. The new grant cycle will focus on projects that explore new methods of evangelism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for information and application.

Grants available for young adult and campus ministry

The Episcopal Church announces its 2021 grants program for Young Adult and Campus Ministries currently engaged in or seeking new relationships with young adults on or off college campuses. Episcopal ministries or ecumenical ministries with an Episcopal presence are invited to apply; an informational webinar is scheduled for October 1 at 3 p.m.; register here. Grant information and application is available here.   

New digital Advent and worship resources from Episcopal Relief & Development

Episcopal Relief & Development is celebrating one year of ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE by debuting new digital Advent and worship resources, as well as other toolkits for churches and supporters to use together or individually. ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE is a three year, $3 million grassroots Church-wide fundraising campaign dedicated to expanding the organization's global programs improving the lives of children up to age six. Click here for more information and to access new resources.   

Walking with Asylum Seekers: Training series for congregations

In the month of October, join Episcopal Migration Ministries, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains (LFSRM), for a three-part training series for congregations interested in supporting and walking alongside asylum seekers. The three 90-minute virtual events will provide advocacy updates, resources for group discernment, ministry models, and important considerations when engaging in ministry with asylum seekers. The series begins October 8. Click here for more information and registration.  

New congregational vitality tool from Episcopal Church Foundation and The FaithX Project

Episcopal Church Foundation has teamed with The FaithX Project have launched the new Congregational Vitality Assessment tool. It is designed to provide congregations with an assessment of its Vitality (how healthy it is) and its Sustainability (whether it has the people, financial, and contextual resources necessary to survive). It can be completed by a single congregational leader or a group (leadership group or the entire congregation). Click here for more information. 

129th Annual Council to be held virtually

After consultation with the Executive Board, the Standing Committee and the Chancellors of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, we are hereby announcing that the 129th Annual Council of the Diocese of Southern Virginia will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 VIRTUALLY. Information will be forthcoming about this day-long council and how it will be made possible electronically.
 

What Did Jesus Do? A Word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

"This November, the people of the United States will elect a president and many others to public office. This election occurs in a time of global pandemic, a time when there is hardship, sickness, suffering and death. But this election also occurs in a time of great divisions. Divisions that are deep, dangerous, and potentially injurious to democracy. So what is the role of the church in the context of an election being held in a time such as this? What is our role as individual followers of Jesus Christ committed to his way of love in such a time as this?" 

Click here to continuing reading or watch video of Bishop Curry's sermon.

Addictions & Recovery Commission hosts virtual screening of SNO BABIES

Recovery Month is held every September as a national observance to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery. This year's Recovery Month theme is "Celebrating Connections."  

Resolution 2018-C037 Call to Respond to Opioid Epidemic calls on all dioceses and parishes in The Episcopal Church to respond to the opioid epidemic with training, pastoral care, advocacy, and liturgy. Central to this response are partnerships with local responders and others in the medical community, other faith communities and local recovery programs to offer pastoral care to those affected by this epidemic, and with other faith leaders to advocate with local and state government regarding policies and laws to promote healing and wholeness for those affected by this epidemic.  

 

The diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission is hosting a nationwide online screening of SNO BABIES on Thursday, September 24. Click here to register. The film akin to testimony about how addiction can tear families apart. The film screening is an opportunity to bring together the celebration of Recovery Month and the Call to Respond to the Opioid Epidemic by the Episcopal Church. SNO BABIES writer, Mike Walsh and director Bridget Smith will take part in the screening. 

 

The film is difficult to watch, but crucial to see, as we are in a time fraught with peril and knowledge is our best defense.  Since opioid addiction can start with a prescription from your doctor for very real pain or from trying 'just one pill' from your parents' medicine cabinet, it CAN happen to you. The proximity we all have to this danger is the moral of SNO BABIES' story.  In addition to the cautionary tale, watching SNO BABIES secures funds for The Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation, that provides assistance to those in recovery to exponentially increase their chance at success.

 

For more information contact the Rev. Jan Brown, co-chair of the Addictions & Recovery Commission, jbrown@brutonparish.org. 

Virtual congregational meeting protocols

In response to several inquiries from churches about congregational meetings during the period when COVID-19 pandemic church assembly and social distancing restrictions are in effect from the Bishop, protocols have been developed and approved by the Executive Board. Click here for the virtual congregational meeting protocols.

Conversation with author and pastor Traci Smith

Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for a Zoom meeting/conversation on Thursday, October 1, 6 to 7 p.m. with author and Pastor Traci Smith.   

 

In this workshop, Traci will share her perspective on faith formation at home, informed by her research and work with churches and families around the country. She will also give practical ideas for empowering families to create a sacred Advent at home, as well as ways to empower families during this time of COVID.

 

Pastor Smith's latest book, Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas is a wonderful and amazing resource for formation leaders. Her new book provides 100 easy ideas to make the season sacred. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy for families to forget the true meaning of the season. In this new book of faith practices for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and anyone who cares about kids will find easy, fun, and meaningful ideas for bringing the sacred back into the season.  

 

Join us for a conversation with Traci and learn how you may help families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the busy season of Advent and Christmas. 

Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all. Visit her at traci-smith.com. 

 

For our online gathering, whether you use a computer, phone or tablet, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. Click here to register and receive the log-in information. 

Formation re-gathering recommendations

Many of us are desiring opportunities to connect with members of our congregations and worshipping communities and are wondering how we can engage in Christian Formation events safely. Below is information drafted by the Christian Formation Sub-Committee of the Diocesan Re-Gathering Panel on this topic. I would like to express my gratitude to Canon Lynn Farlin, Diocesan Canon for Formation, Vicky Koch of St. Paul's in Norfolk, and Jacqueline Beardsley of Christ & St. Luke's in Norfolk for their work in drafting these guidelines. Should you have any questions please contact Canon Farlin at the Diocesan Office.

 

With every blessing,

Bishop Susan

Formation Re-Gathering Recommendations

Grief Recovery Handbook study groups forming

Beginning in October, a six-week Grief Recovery Handbook Study will be offered via Zoom.

 

Grief Recovery defines grief as the normal and natural human response to change. For better or worse, change involves loss. We're pretty good at celebrating adding things to our lives, and not so good at routinely cleansing, healing, or processing things when we experience change, particularly when it involves loss. The experience of life during COVID, the death of a beloved human or pet, change in job, home, school, partner, health or economic status can all cause grief. Grief Recovery provides simple action steps to become a cleansing/healing machine and live a lighter, happier life. This study will also give you new skills in responding to losses in others' lives and can be the foundation or expansion of a healing ministry in your parish.

 

There are three opportunities to participate in this study which will be facilitated by the Rev. Sarah Shirley, interim rector of St. Luke's in Powhatan and a Grief Recovery Outreach Specialist. Click here for more information and registration.