Seeds of Hope: St. Matthew's expands ministry to the hungry in Chesterfield

The fifth of seven in a series about the recipients of this year's Seeds of Hope Grants to develop and expand social justice ministries in Southern Virginia. Learn more about Seeds of Hope grants here. 

St. Matthew's, Chesterfield, was awarded a Seeds of Hope Grant to help them make improvements to their food pantry ministry. The grant-funded project will allow them to weatherize and outfit an existing garage on their property so that it can be used to store and refrigerate food for their food pantry.

St. Matthew's has an on-going food pantry ministry. People in need of food are referred to the church by Chesterfield Colonial Heights Assistant Ministry (CCHASM), as well as member requests. St. Matthew's partners with Second Branch Baptist Church and the Beach Grange, who provide food donations. They have had no facilities for perishable food distribution, such as fresh vegetables and frozen meats. Expanding their pantry to provide foods other than non-perishable shelf items will provide better nutritional choices for their guests. Also, the expanded storage space will allow St. Matthew's to pursue additional partnerships, which would include the Central Virginia Foodbank.

121st Annual Council registration is open

Registration for the 121st Annual Council is now open. Council is February 15-16 at the Williamsburg Lodge. This year's them is "Let the EPIC Adventure of Church Begin" with keynote speaker Lisa Kimball, Ph.D. Get the latest Council information and access online registration for delegates and exhibitors on our website.  

Annual Council nominations deadline is December 14, 2012. More  information and nomination form are available here. Please complete and mail the Nomination Form by December 14, 2012 to Leah Sicignano, 600 Talbot Hall Road, Norfolk, VA 23505. All nominations must be received by mail as they require original signatures.

CE-Net speaker series welcomes Sharon Pearson

The CE-Net Quarterly Speaker Series welcomes Sharon Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing, on January 17, 11 a.m., at Hickory Neck, Toano. In addition to sharing the latest available resources, Sharon will talk about how to adapt curricula and resources to fit your particular context. Registration is necessary and a $5 charge for lunch. Please contact Judy Rieken at jrieken@diosova.org to sign up.

Boys' Home offers gift that fits everyone

Looking for that thoughtful Christmas idea? A Boys' Home Christmas card is a wonderful way to honor someone special or memorialize a loved one. Boys' Home is offering Christmas Cards that are original artworks by residents Malik E. and Vernon G. Their designs received the most votes in a recent people's choice contest. With each $10 (minimum) purchase, one printed original artwork Christmas card with envelope will be mailed to you to personalize and give when you wish.

To order, call Sandra at 540-965-7714 or e-mail sfscruggs@boyshomeinc.org with the total number of cards desired and specify either honor or memorial cards. Or send your entire card list to 414 Boys' Home Road, Covington, VA 24426 and Boys' Home staff will address and mail. No need to worry about shopping - this is a good gift for everyone on your list!

Boys' Home, Inc. was founded in 1906 as a home and school for children in this remote mountainous region of Virginia. Soon, the need for a home for homeless boys, in addition to the educational concerns, expanded its program. Today, Boys' Home continues to help boys whose families either cannot or will not provide for them the support and shelter they need and deserve. Our focus is young men who have great potential, but limited opportunities for success. The stated mission of Boys' Home is to help each young man in residence to strive towards becoming a productive member of society by developing his mental, physical, social and spiritual potentials.

Seeds of Hope: St. Thomas brings Youth Empowerment & Senior Pals to the Freeman community

The fourth of seven in a series about the recipients of this year's Seeds of Hope Grants to develop and expand social justice ministries in Southern Virginia. Learn more about Seeds of Hope grants here. 

St. Thomas, Freeman, was awarded two Seeds of Hope grants this year. One will fund the expansion of their Youth Empowerment program. The second grant will help grow the Senior Pals program.

Located in an impoverished area of the state, St. Thomas' Youth Empowerment Progam offers important enrichment and education for the youth of their community, as well as parents. The program offers both spiritual and cultural nurturing. Youth are able to participate in cultural activities, receive skills development and mentoring. Their parents also can participate in workshops designed especially for them. This year's grant will allow St. Thomas' to add workshops to help single mothers develop skills that will help them find jobs and a sewing class.

The Senior Pals program provides encouragement and support to senior citizens of St. Thomas' community. This year's grant will allow the program to add Emergency Preparedness workshops to their offerings.

These programs have made a measurable difference in the lives of Freeman residents. "I have truly enjoyed the cooking class, learning to use what you have to make a good but healthy meal for the family. May God continue to bless St. Thomas church family." - participant in St. Thomas', Freeman, Senior Pal "Back to Basics" cooking class.

Nominations for Annual Council due Dec. 14

Annual Council nominations deadline is December 14, 2012. Candidates are being sought for the following positions:

•  Standing Committee: 1 laity, 1 clergy
•  Disciplinary Board: 1 laity, 1 clergy
•  Provincial Synod: 1 laity, 1 clergy

More  information and nomination form are available here. Please complete and mail the Nomination Form by December 14, 2012 to Leah Sicignano, 600 Talbot Hall Road, Norfolk, VA 23505. All nominations must be received by mail as they require original signatures.

Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests on Dec. 15

On Saturday, December 15, Bishop Hollerith will ordain Eve Butler-Gee, Terry Davis Edwards, Roger Alan Hungerford, Henry Philip McQueen, and Wendy J. Wilkinson to the Sacred Order of Priests. The service will be at 11 a.m. at Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk. Clergy: red stoles.