National Episcopal Health Ministries 6th Annual Conference is May 7-10 in New Orleans

Join National Episcopal Health Ministries (NEHM) in New Orleans, May 7-10, 2014 for our 6th Annual Conference on Health Ministry. The annual conference focuses on creating a health ministry,  the special health needs of veterans, spiritual aspects of healthcare and many other topics. This year's theme is "Empowering Health Ministries." Keynote speaker will be G. Scott Morris, M.D., M.Div., Chief Executive Officer of the Church Health Center. Click here for more information, event brochure and online registration. 

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

By Keith Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit 

As we move forward in 2014, snow and ice are not the only challenges we face at the Mission of the Holy Spirit. Over the past three years, we have had to make hard choices regarding how we meet the needs of the people we serve due to tough economic times. Thank you to all of our partners! It is because of your giving that we continue to offer quality programs for children, adolescents and adults.

As we look across the landscape of the communities served by this ministry, we see the value of our presence and the work that God has called us to do. Shattered pieces of broken lives are being made whole again at the Mission of the Holy Spirit. Our journey to heal the hurts that bind requires your prayers and support. As we strive to serve God's people, many lives are being changed. At the Mission of the Holy Spirit we are working to empower families in a variety of ways, but it is through partnerships with you that we are able to continue to provide life-changing experiences to the people we serve.

One example of such an experience was in January when youth from Convocation 3 and eleven of our members went on a ski trip. This adventure not only provided a fun outlet, but it also opened hearts and created new relationships that will last a lifetime.

Each day, there are opportunities for growth and ministry that surround us, and I invite you to seek out ways to strengthen your relationship with the Mission of the Holy Spirit by giving your time and/or resources to a powerful ministry that is uplifting so many lives.   

Boys' Home debuts new branding efforts with a little help from students at VCU

In a marketing effort based on students helping students, the Boys Home of Virginia, a nonprofit, nondenominational residential education program for boys ages six to 17, now has a new website,  www.boyshomeofva.org, brochure, logo and promotional video created by students at the nationally known VCU Brandcenter. The marketing materials reflect the organization's emphasis on providing services to deserving boys statewide - and beyond. "We have one of the best programs in the state, but we want to make sure people know our story," says Donnie Wheatley, CEO of the Boys Home of Virginia since 1985.

Kelly O'Keefe, a Boys Home of Virginia Board member, and a Brandcenter professor, agreed. "These new materials reflect an effort to let people know about this remarkable organization and its outreach and impact," said O'Keefe, whose students (now graduated) volunteered to create a Boys Home marketing campaign built around the theme, "A successful man has to start somewhere."

"All I asked for was a few volunteers to go with me to the Boys Home one Saturday morning to see the school." O'Keefe said. "I got more than I bargained for when 18 students signed up. Donnie Wheatley said, 'Don't worry, I'll bring the bus.' So we all went together. When we got back, the students were so impressed by the kids and staff at the Boys Home, they set to work on the campaign."

About 75 boys were enrolled at the Boys Home of Virginia over the course of 2013; many came needing a change in venue. "We like to say we're helping young men who have great promise, but limited opportunities," said Wheatley. And he should know, as he was once a Boys Home resident himself. "I believe strongly that there is a place for residential education, and I want to continue to build on the things that work, and provide a place for those children who are probably not going to be served in other ways," he added.

"The Boys Home of Virginia is different than other organizations because it provides a solution for children who might be walking a difficult path in their lives for no other reason than there simply isn't the right structure available," explained Len Slater, a Boys Home Board member. The bucolic setting of the school in Covington provides a place for boys to grow and flourish - physically, personally and spiritually. Besides class work, there is time for play and sports. The Boys Home of Virginia also maintains a Christmas tree farm in West Augusta, Va. year-round, so students can learn basic farming tasks and the satisfaction that comes from doing a job, and doing it well.

Wheatley's affection for Boys Home is infectious, and his energy and ability to interest others in the school never seems to wane. "This is not about doing a job," he explains. "It's about living a life."

About the Boys Home of Virginia

Boys Home was founded in 1906 and continues to provide a non-denominational, nurturing residential and educational environment for boys from all over Virginia and beyond. The mission of Boys Home is help each resident strive toward becoming a productive member of society, by developing his potential, spiritually, mentally, physically and socially.

Jackson-Feild Homes re-accredited by the Council on Accreditation

 Jackson-Feild Homes, a 159-year old organization providing residential treatment services for adolescent boys and girls, received notice that it has been re-accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

The Council noted in its letter that "re-accreditation is a tremendous achievement that demonstrates that Jackson-Feild is recognized as a provider that continues to successfully implement high performance standards and, as such, is delivering the highest quality services to all of its stakeholders.  

Accreditation provides an objective and reliable verification instilling confidence and support to Jackson-Feild's parents, donors, board members, community partners and stakeholders. The accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both the administrative operation and service delivery practices. They are "measured" against national standards of best practice. The standards emphasize that Jackson-Feild's operations and practices are accessible, appropriate, responsive, evidence-based and outcomes-oriented. It confirms that services are provided by a skilled and supportive workforce and that children are treated with dignity and respect. Accreditation is conferred on the entire organization and not just one specific program or service with the intent to inspire confidence, credibility, integrity and achievement in Jackson-Feild Homes.

Tricia Delano, Executive Director, commented that "This is a wonderful milestone. A great deal of time and hard work went into this process but it is well worth the investment of time, energy and effort. I salute our dedicated staff members who made this happen.

Why Serve 2014: An Episcopal vocation discernment conference for young adults of color

Young adults of color are invited to examine their gifts and explore opportunities at a June Episcopal Church retreat, Why Serve 2014: We are all called by God, but what does that mean for you?

Sponsored by Diversity and Ethnic Ministries of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS), Why Serve 2014 will be held Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, hosted by Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in Berkeley, CA.

Invited to attend this conference of fellowship, training, discernment, and self-care are young adults (age 18-30) from the Asian, Black, Indigenous and Latino communities of the Episcopal Church, Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other churches in communion with the Episcopal Church, including the Moravian Church, the Old Catholic Churches, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the Mar Thoma Church and the Churches of South India (CSI) and North India (CNI).  

"Wherever you are on your journey, young adulthood is a time of transition and choices, but you don't have to do it alone," commented the Rev. Winfred Vergara, Asiamerica Minister.  "Join us on the campus of CDSP and continue discovering the possibilities, whether you are feeling called to be a clergy person, a vestry member, a nurse, a father, or a cook; whether you're in school, working, or just in-between; whether you're a regular church-goer, a used-to goer, or a seeker, we hope you'll join us for this transformative experience."

The conference is sponsored by Church Divinity School of the Pacific; the DFMS Asiamerica Ministries, Black Ministries, Indigenous ministries, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, and Young Adult Ministries; and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Cost is $70 which includes meals, lodging, conference fees; fee does not include travel. Registration deadline is May 5. Click here for information and registration. 

For more information please contact Angeline Cabanban at 212-716-6186 or acabanban@episcopalchurch.org.

Apps and online resources for Lent

The Lent App 

Walk through Lent with beautiful daily devotions in this app from Church Publishing. Illustrated with art by the inimitable Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table, and inspirational daily reflections by beloved author and Spiritual Director Mary C. Earle provide food for the journey. A built in journal function let's you record your own thoughts, and you can share Scripture, the daily image, or your own thoughts via email or social media. Available from iTunes here. 

Love Life: Living the Gospel of Love 

An online Lenten series from the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE). The theme is love in the Gospel of John. Participants will receive a daily short video starting Ash Wednesday through to Palm Sunday. There is a free downloadable workbook that accompanies the series and a resource page and promotional material for group leaders and clergy. This is a Lenten series in which everyone can participate, even if they can't show up in person. Click here for more information and to subscribe.

Concord for Peace & Reconciliation

Written by staff of Wau Diocese in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, this is a simple Lent course designed for use by anyone anywhere. The course works by discussion and prayer, gives an African outlook on Christianity and focuses on particular issues relating to peace. This is the second Lent course created by Wau Diocese and it tries to stimulate participation, discovery and tackle hard issues in faith. Topics include, tribalism, domestic violence, trauma, the causes of friction and what we mean by peace. Click here to learn more.

Lent Madness

Lent Madness is a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church's Calendar of Saints. The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch. You can follow the action on the Lent Madness website, Facebook, or Twitter. 

Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Meditations 2014

Available in English and Spanish, this year's devotional focuses on creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities, with a particular focus on empowering women. The daily readings are co-authored by a group of leaders from across the Anglican Communion, who bring a range of perspectives as they reflect on Scripture and other sources of spiritual wisdom. You can order a print copy of the meditations or have them delivered via email. Click here to see all the Lenten resources from ERD. 

Simple Changes: Faith and Food During Lent
The Diocese of Olympia Bishop's Committee on the Environment and the Task Force on Animals offers this Lenten series. Each week's theme includes an invitation that challenges us to move into simple changes that can make a difference. Get more info and subscribe to the series here.

Lent 2014 Formation Ideas, Activities & Resources for Children, Youth & Adults

A wealth of information and resources from Sharon Ely Pearson and Church Publishing. Available here.

ChurchNext online course: Introducing Lent
Theologian and author Maggi Dawn unpacks the wonder of the Lenten season in this course available at your convenience on the ChurchNext website. Be sure to check out all the great courses offered by ChurchNext.
Lent for Families is another ChurchNext course you might want to try. This course is filled with practical tips from long-time educator and canon to the Washington National Cathedral Kim Baker who tells us how Lent offers an unparalleled opportunity for families to grow in Christ. It's available at your convenience here. 

  

Carbon Fast 2014

How do I take a carbon fast? From Ash Wednesday, 5 March, to 12 April is a time of reflection and action. Each week has a theme with a prayer, a resource to read or watch, actions to take as an individual, some suggestions of community actions you can take and something you can consider doing to change the system. Click here to get started. 

Lent 4.5: A focus on simplicity

Lent 4.5 is a seven-week faith formation program which inspires and informs Christian communities on how to use the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to protect God's creation, embrace Gospel justice and nurture spiritual fulfillment. It offers practical opportunities for people of faith to apply the values of Christian Simplicity to their everyday lives.   

   

Reflections for Lent: Bible notes from the Church of England

Reflections for Lent, an app available from iTunes here and for Android here, offers a simple way to make space for Bible study and reflection from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.

Lent 2014 Daily Calendar from Environmental Ministries and Enough for Everyone 

Known in past years as "Tread Lightly for Lent," this daily calendar from the Presbyterian Church is a quick and easy way to stay mindful of all God's creation throughout the season of Lent. In this calendar are reflection questions, readings, facts, stories, and suggested actions to draw you more deeply into relationship with God and all God's creation, as you make your way through Lent.  

A Journey of Heart: Meditations for Lent
This book - available in Kindle and print - by Beverly Foote of All Saints, Virginia Beach and Lynn Dean Hunter of Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, offers an armchair pilgrimage, a journey of the heart. Individuals or groups who commit to spiritual growth will find this book helpful not only during Lent but at other times as well. Prayers, scripture readings, and meditations for each weekday of Lent, are appropriate for Christians of all denominations. Propers, selected from Common Feasts and Fasts, begin with the Thursday after Ash Wednesday and end with the start of Holy Week. Sundays, traditionally a celebration of Christ’s resurrection, are not included. Questions at the end of each meditation invite the reader or group to reflect, discuss, draw, or write journal responses and to receive in a new, transforming way the unending story of God’s love. Click here for more information.

World Mission Sunday is March 2

Traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday after Epiphany, the purpose of World Mission Sunday is to focus on the global impact of the Baptismal Covenant's call to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 305), and to raise our awareness of the many ways in which the Episcopal Church participates in God's mission around the world.

"The Episcopal Church works hand in hand with neighbors around the world and down the block, praying for partner congregations and dioceses, and offering relief to our brothers and sisters during times of crisis," noted the Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer. "Episcopal missionaries around the world serve as the church's eyes, ears, hands, and feet on the ground."

Currently, Episcopal Church missionaries are located in many international locales, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Ghana, Japan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Tanzania, and many places in between.

Resources and information on World Mission Sunday are here. A Bulletin Insert in English and Spanish is here.