Workshop: Music that makes Community

The Leadership Program for Musicians will offer their Spring Workshop on March 10, 2012. This year's workshop is Music that makes Community. Music that Makes Community is a movement in the church, rekindling an ancient practice of singing - a way of music making that has been central to folk traditions for centuries. It is simple, faithful and traditional. Singing without the use of books or screens, rather relying on human to human communication, creates community in a powerful and unique way. This workshop will explore ways to incorporate this kind of singing into our regular liturgies, as well as stretching some boundaries. A wide variety of music will be sung and basic techniques for leading will be introduced. This one-day workshop will be held at Church of the Holy Comforter in Richmond. Fee is just $75. Click here for more information on the LPM and the workshop.

Youth Leader Gathering at Chanco, Jan. 27-28

Gather together with other adults who work with youth for a time of reflection, resource sharing and refreshment. Try out new activities and worship for use with your youth group and problem solve common issues in youth ministry. Cost is $50. Register by Jan. 16. Find more information on our Youth Events page.

Seminarians create interfaith chaplaincy ministry in Occupy Austin

by Bob Kinney, Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Austin, Texas – Seminarians here are “taking the Gospel to the streets” as an interfaith chaplaincy ministry to those participating in Occupy Austin.

       “I am proud of the campus chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) at the Seminary of the Southwest. They are taking the Gospel to the streets and exemplify the growing influence young adults are having in our nation-wide social justice work,” said the Rev. Jackie Lynn, EPF executive director.

       Several seminarians – some donning monkish robes – went to the downtown Austin Occupy site the Monday before Thanksgiving to pass out food and pray with the Occupiers. Their first weekly Sunday prayer service was held at the site six days later.

       Liz and Roger Hungerford, a couple who came to the seminary from Emmanuel in Virginia Beach, are taking part in the chaplaincy ministry.

       The Episcopal Peace Fellowship’s website – www.epfnational.org – has an article written by Erin Warde, a seminarian from the Central Gulf Coast, about her group’s first day in Occupy Austin.

       “Using the diocesan-supported Occupy chaplaincy in Boston as an example, I thought our EPF chapter on the seminary campus could prayerfully participate in Occupy Austin,” said Jessie Vedanti, chapter president, member of the EPF’s national executive council and third year divinity student from the Diocese of Olympia.

       “Many seminarians began talking on campus about the church’s role in economic and social justice and we welcome students from other Austin seminaries, as well as the wider faith communities in Austin,” said Vendati, who was a Catholic Worker in Tacoma, Wash., before entering seminary in Austin.

       While Union Seminary in New York City supported their students participating in Occupy New York City, “we are the first Episcopal seminary to take part in the Occupy Movement. Many faculty and our academic dean have been very supportive as we honor the legacy of our seminary’s founder,” Vendati said.

       The late John E. Hines, elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in 1964 and a compelling advocate for racial and social justice, founded the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest when he was bishop coadjutor of Texas after World War II. “A leader of iron nerve, integrity and conviction, (he) courageously guided his church through a turbulent decade,” wrote the Rev. Ken Kesselus in his book John E. Hines – Granite on Fire.

Annual Council: Resolutions & Nominations due Dec. 9

The Nomination Form for Annual Council elections is now online at diosova.org. Nomination deadline is December 9, 2011. Candidates are being sought for the following positions:
Standing Committee - 1 laity, 1 clergy
Disciplinary Committee - 2 laity, 2 clergy

Please complete and mail the Nomination Form by December 9, 2011 to Leah Sicignano, 600 Talbot Hall Road, Norfolk, VA 23505. All nominations must be received by mail as they require original signatures.

Resolutions for the 120th Annual Council are due by December 9, 2011. Submit resolutions to the Rev. Charles Robinson, Chair of Resolutions & Memorials, crobinson@brutonparish.org.

Fundraiser in support of Happening

Happening needs your support! Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. Happening - A Christian Experience seeks to to bring youth and adults to a fuller personal knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ, and to a deeper level of commitment and apostleship. The Happening team is excited to be back at Chanco, but they need your help. They are looking to raise funds to help support the program because it is an expensive one. Anything you can give would be appreciated. You can make a donation online by going to fundly.com/happening. All gifts will be very gratefully received! You can learn more about Happening and see pictures from the most recent Happening weekend at their Facebook page.

Integrity invites you to a Christmas celebration

Integrity invites you to join them on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Gunn Center at Talbot Hall for a Christmas Celebration. In addition to lots of food, music and fun, this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know Integrity and its members and supporters. All are welcome! Please bring some hors d'oeuvres to share. You can learn more about Integrity at our website or follow them on Facebook.

Applications now being accepted for Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps

The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to provide service and share their expertise worldwide through the Young Adult Service Corps. Commonly known as YASC, applications are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30. Current YASC members are living in Japan, El Salvador, Mexico, Southern Africa, Hong Kong, and Tanzania. Read about their experiences on their blogs. Possible placements for 2012 include Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Papua New Guinea. Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment and "the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion." Click here for application and information. Application deadline for 2012 placements is January 9, 2012. For more information contact Lisa Denaro at ldenaro@episcopalchurch.org  or 212-716-6114.