Association of Anglican Musicians annual conference includes Clergy Day at VTS

The Association of Anglican Musicians will hold their annual conference - Heart and Voice Uniting - in Washington DC this coming June 15-19. This year's conference will include a Clergy Day at VTS on June 18. Register now - early registration ends February 28. Click here for complete information about the conference and online registration. 

Statement from United Thank Offering Board

Please join the United Thank Offering Board in giving thanks to God for the collaborative work between the Board, staff of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society and members of Executive Council, the result of which is the creation of organizational documents that clarify and implement the work of the Board, grow the ministry of the United Thank Offering, and facilitate the relationship between the Board and Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS).

It has come to our attention that some confusion remains over how the Bylaws and Memorandum of Understanding were created, approved and even over their content. The Board wants to share some basic information regarding the process and content with the hope of helping those of you with concerns about the status of the United Thank Offering. Please know that we are always open to questions; we welcome the opportunity to clear up any confusion that may impede participation in the United Thank Offering. Click here to continue reading. 

Pray for the Congo

At its 122nd Annual Council, the Diocese of Southern Virginia voted in favor of Resolution R-1 which

encourages the parishes in the Diocese to support the Church of the Province of D. R. Congo in the weekly Prayers of the People for peace with justice and to recognize May 30 each year as Apolo Kivebulaya Day in their cycle of prayer in unity with the Anglican Church in D. R. Congo.

The Province of the Anglican Church of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a member of the Anglican Communion, and has been a viable Anglican Church since the days of the Ugandan Missionary Apolo Kivebulaya in 1896.  

Over the past nineteen years, there has been untold suffering in the Congo and in the nine Dioceses of the Congo Church.The Diocesan Episcopal Churchwomen and other members of parishes in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are supporting the Women in the Diocese of Bukavu. The Diocese of Bukavu and the Diocese of Southern Virginia were once Companion Dioceses. This Resolution affords the opportunity for all parishes to become familiar with the need for prayer in The Congo and to provide prayer and support accordingly.  

Presiding Bishop writes to congregations about Good Friday offering for Jerusalem and Middle East

"I continue to be inspired by the Christians who are a small fraction of the population of most of the nations throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori writes in the annual Good Friday letter to all congregations asking them to consider assistance for Jerusalem and the Middle East.

"Time and again in quiet conversation with Christian leaders and in public statements and presentations I witnessed the pain of loss expressed with passion and grief by so many on account of political and social pressures and the cycles of violence which continue in Syria, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt,"  the Presiding Bishop writes. "While there was great sorrow expressed about loss, there was also great hope and expectation that peace and prosperity are possible. "

Funds collected from the Good Friday Offering are gathered and distributed to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East which includes the Dioceses of Jerusalem and Cyprus and the Gulf, all members of the Anglican Communion.

"I encourage you and your congregation to join in supporting our sister and brother Anglicans throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering," she concludes.

Information and resources for the Good Friday Offering are available  here. For more information contact the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, Episcopal Church Middle East Partnership Officer, redmunds@episcopalchurch.org.

Dedication of historical marker for Bishop Payne Divinity School

On Saturday, March 29 at 11 a.m., St. Stephen's, Petersburg, will celebrate the dedication of an historical marker for the Bishop Payne Divinity School. Established in 1878, the school began as the Theological Department of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Normal and Industrial School, and for more than 70 years it prepared black men for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Giles B. Cooke headed the vocational school and was instrumental in developing the divinity school. Later, the school was named for the Rt. Rev. John Payne, first bishop of Liberia. For more information about the dedication and historical marker, contact the Rev. Willis Foster, ststephensepiscopal@verizon.net or 804-733-6228.

New offerings for Jackson-Feild's residents

Jackson-Feild is pleased to announce that they are providing contemporary dance classes, art classes and re-established their choir. All of these efforts are designed to give residents positive outlets for their time, energy and efforts.

Kate Turner, Admissions and PQI (Performance Quality Improvement) Coordinator is teaching contemporary dance classes. She was classically trained in ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance. She further studied ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance at Chatham Hall and Radford University. Ms. Turner is offering a beginning dance class which incorporates ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques. The children are learning basic dance terminology and practice various movements and positions with the intent of building strength and flexibility while simultaneously serving as an outlet for creative expression.

One of the staples of the Jackson-Field campus for many years was our resident's choir. It was an important party of our spiritual program and gave residents the opportunity to get off campus and experience new opportunities. The choir was disbanded several years ago when the choir director re-located and we could not find a replacement. Thanks to the efforts of David Ausby, our choir is up and running. Our children have always loved singing and sought an organized opportunity to express their God-given talents. The choir practices once a week and will be performing on campus and occasionally off campus.

In September 2013 we added an art program for our residents. Ms. Wilder, an art Teacher for the Greensville County Schools for the past 22 years, is running the program. Her objective is to teach the residents how to be creative and constantly think outside the box. Another objective is to allow residents to express themselves in other forms of communication besides verbally. At times they just want to draw, color, sculpt or even write about what they're feeling. Imagery is extremely powerful and our boys and girls are very creative.

NEW at Chanco! Retreat in a Box

St. Thomas', Chesapeake, parish retreat.

Has your parish always wanted a parish-wide family retreat but the idea of organizing and facilitating a retreat is too daunting? We have the answer for you!  Chanco is proud and excited to announce a new program - "Retreat in a Box." Let us do the work! You just show up ready for fun and faith in God's great outdoors! An experienced Christian educator will present material, lead open discussions, train small group leaders and provide age appropriate materials for all ages.  Learning and fun for everyone! A parish retreat creates community building different from any other activity, encourages playing together and is a safe place to explore challenging topics. It is an opportunity for your parish to host a multigenerational event that builds great family memories and offers an opportunity for all ages to interact. Chanco has just had a cancellation for Memorial Day Weekend, so call now for a fantastic parish event at Chanco during a beautiful time of year! Click here for a brochure with more information on Retreat in a Box. Questions or to book your event today, contact Gareth Kalfas at 888-7-CHANCO (888-724-2626) or at director@chanco.org.