New book on James Solomon Russell to be published

Worth E. Norman, Jr. has authored a biography of the Rev. James Solomon Russell that will be published next month. The book, entitled "James Solomon Russell: Former Slave, Pioneering Educator and Episcopal Evangelist," includes Russell's early church career prior to joining the original and undivided Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Worth is a native of Norfolk, an Old Dominion University graduate, and former member of Trinity, Portsmouth and Ascension, Norfolk. He has published work on Russell in The Historiographer, The Living Church and the Brunswick Times-Gazette (Virginia). He lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Click here for more information.

Five new deacons ordained

On Saturday, June 9, at St. Andrew's, Newport News, Bishop Hollerith ordained five new deacons: the Rev. Wendy Wilkinson; the Rev. Dana VanVliet-Pullin; the Rev. Roger Hungerford; the Rev. Eve Butler-Gee; and the Rev. Terry Davis Edwards.

Two new resources for church communicators

On Saturday, June 2, 27 church communicators gathered at St. Stephen's, Newport News, to share ideas, network and learn how to better participate in the diocesan communications network. The new diocesan Church Communicators Manual was also distributed. You can download a copy of the manual, and other handouts from the meeting, from the Communications Resources page of our website. Another new communications resource is the Diosova Communicators online group. This email list serve enables communicators across the Diocese to ask questions, share resources and support each other in their ministry. If you would like to join the group, please email Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org.

UBE Bishop's Ball re-scheduled for September 29

The Union of Black Episcopalians invites you to join them at the Bishop's Ball on Saturday, September 29, 6:30 p.m., at Marriott Waterside Hotel, Norfolk. Dinner and dancing, proceeds benefit St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville. Tickets $60 per person. Contact David Flores for tickets, 757-466-1991 or www.silverfox42639@aol.com.

Bishop Hollerith asks for your help in restoring Chanco

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you probably are aware, Chanco is one of our greatest spiritual assets in Southern Virginia. As is the case with any asset, it's vitally important to be good stewards of what's entrusted to us - Chanco being no exception. To that end the Chanco Board of Directors has been working incredibly hard to tackle both the immediate and long term issues surrounding our property. However they can't do it without your help.

I'm writing today to commend to you the Chanco restoration projects and ask you for your time to make them happen. Last summer an incredible effort was put into restoring the exterior of Conference Lodge A, which is just one of several buildings in need of a serious overhaul. This summer the board will be doing similar restorations of Lodge D, and they need your help to make it happen. Please plan on volunteering for either the pre-work weekend from June 8-10 or the work week, July 13 - 22. Everyone volunteering needs to contact Chanco's volunteer coordinator, Chuck Spence at  chspence_7@msn.com or 757-675-6311 so that the board can adequately plan for food and lodging.

Thank you for your support of Chanco and I look forward to seeing the work accomplished this summer.

Your Servant in Christ,

+Holly Hollerith

Diaconal ordination on June 9

On Saturday, June 9, Bishop Hollerith will ordain Eve Butler-Gee, Terry Davis Edwards, Roger Alan Hungerford, Dana VanVliet-Pullin, and Wendy J. Wilkinson to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The ordination will take place at St. Andrew's, Newport News at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service. Clergy: red stoles.

Integrity hosts screening of "Inlaws & Outlaws"

Integrity will host a free community screening of the documentary film "Inlaws & Outlaws" on Thursday, June 7th, at 7 pm. at St. Mark's, Hampton. With remarkable honesty, good humor, great music and real heart, "Inlaws & Outlaws" weaves together true stories of couples and singles, gay and straight, to embrace what we all have in common: we love. The screening is funded by a grant from Integrity USA. Light refreshments will be available and guests are encouraged to join us for a discussion following the film. All are welcome! Click here for more information.