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.

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.    

Registration now open for Episcopal Youth Event - July 9-13 in Philadelphia

Registration is now open for the popular Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) scheduled for July 9-13, 2014 at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, PA.The 2014 event marks the twelfth EYE and remains a popular and well-attended event. EYE 2014 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2013-2014 academic year and their adult leaders. Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Officer, explained: "EYE is an opportunity for the youth of the church to meet their peers and church leaders in a richly diverse environment, actively engaging the Five Marks of Mission while in Philadelphia."

If you are interested in attending EYE14, please contact Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs, ascruggs@diosova.org or 757-213-3393. The application forms for EYE 2014 are available on the Youth Events page of our website. 

Applications for Seeds of Hope Grants now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese. Click here for more information and application form.  

Presiding Bishop calls for Day of Prayer for South Sudan on February 16

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called for a Day of Prayer for South Sudan for February 16. Bishop Jefferts Schori is joined in this call by the Rev. Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian General Assembly and the Reformed Church in America.

"The world is increasingly concerned over the rampant violence in South Sudan," the Presiding Bishop said.  "The recent increase in armed conflict, murder, and mayhem has been fomented in part by inaccurate reports of tribal partisanship.  The new nation needs peace, in order that all its people might thrive. The Episcopal Church of Sudan is partnering with others on the ground in that work of peace-building. The Sudanese communities within our own Episcopal Church have been important and effective leaders in this work. I ask your prayers for peace, as well as your awareness and involvement in the lives of our brothers and sisters across the globe. The Prince of Peace serves the whole world.  As his disciples, may we do no less!"

Click here for prayers and other resources from Episcopal Relief & Development. 

Absalom Jones Service on Feb. 23

A service celebrating the life and work of Absalom Jones will be held on Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Cyprian's, Hampton. Bishop Hollerith will celebrate and the Rev. Willis Foster, rector of St. Stephen's, Petersburg, will preach. 

Absalom Jones was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding a black congregation in 1794, he was the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1804. 

CE-Net Speaker Series: Planning domestic and foreign youth mission trips

Please join CE-Net on February 27 as we welcome The Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst, Canon for Youth for the Diocese of Maryland; Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner for the Diocese of Southern Virginia; and Steve Tonic, Staff Development Director for Appalachia Service Project for a panel discussion on the Lunch will be provided. nuts and bolts for planning successful and meaningful international and stateside mission trips. Thursday, February 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hickory Neck, Toano. Cost is $15 for all attendees. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Jennifer Nauroth, at jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

LPM Spring workshop: Recruiting and maintaining a children's music program

The Leadership Program for Musicians will present a workshop led by Walden Moore on Recruiting and Maintaining a Children's Music Program on March 7-8 at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Richmond. Moore is the organist and choirmaster at Trinity Church, New Haven, CT. Register before March 1 for a discounted rate of $50 per person. Click here for more information and registration.

Report from our Episcopal Relief & Development diocesan coordinator

By The Rev. Dr. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's, Suffolk

I want to express my thanks to the parishes in our diocese who contributed to Episcopal Relief & Development between October and December in 2013. The following parishes made undesignated gifts. These gifts are particularly helpful because they allow Episcopal Relief & Development to apply funds where they are most needed:

                  100.00      St. Luke's, Powhatan

                  100.00      St. Luke's, Blackstone

               1,000.00      Church of the Good Shepherd, McKenney

                  155.00      Emmanuel, Virginia Beach

                  500.00      Christ and Grace, Petersburg

                  500.00      Diocese of Southern Virginia

                  100.00      St. Luke's, Powhatan

                  300.00      St. George's, Newport News

                  150.00      Christ Church, Waverly

                  100.00      St. Luke's, Powhatan

                  100.00      Christ Church, Amelia Court House

               1,330.00      Emmanuel, Hampton

                  300.00      St. Luke's, Blackstone

                  200.00      Emmanuel, Virginia Beach

                  200.00      Emmanuel, Franklin

                  500.00      St. James, Warfield

               3,475.00      St. Michael's, Colonial Heights

                  125.00      St. Michael's, Chesterfield

                  800.00      Christ Church, Waverly

                  300.00      St. Paul and St. Andrew, Kenbridge

 

The following parishes made donations toward disaster and/or tornado relief efforts:

               1,375.00      St. Andrew's, Newport News

                  300.00      Christ Church, Amelia Court House

                  300.00      Christ Church, Amelia Court House

                  100.00      St. John's, Chester

                  514.00      John's Memorial, Farmville

                  813.14      St. John's, Hampton (also included funds for Malaria relief efforts)

               2,000.00      Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

                  201.00      Emmanuel, Hampton

                    35.00      St. Andrew's, Lawrenceville

A great number of parishes gave funds to aid relief work in the Philippines:

               3,000.00      Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

                  500.00      St. Michael's, Chesterfield

                  621.43      St. Stephen's, Newport News

               2,993.00      Galilee, Virginia Beach

                  569.21      St. Paul's, Norfolk

                  255.65      John's Memorial, Farmville

                    50.00      St. Cecelia Guild, Christ Church, Eastville

                  975.00      Emmanuel, Hampton

                  747.50      Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach

                    50.00      St. Paul's, Norfolk

               4,000.00      Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

                  100.00      St. Stephen's, Newport News

               1,000.00      All Saints', Virginia Beach

               6,000.00      Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

               1,850.47      Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach

               1,000.00      Christ Church, Eastville

                  100.00      Old Donation, Virginia Beach

                  275.00      St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach

               4,688.00      Diocese of Southern Virginia

                  200.00      St. Martin's, Williamsburg

               2,150.00      St. Simon by-the-Sea, Sandbridge

                  225.00      Galilee, Virginia Beach

                  300.00      Emmanuel, Franklin

                  300.00      St. Matthias', Midlothian

                  835.00      Christ the King, Yorktown

                  150.00      Galilee, Virginia Beach

               1,388.00      All Saints', Virginia Beach (a portion was designated for Tornado Response)

                  200.00      Good Shepherd, Richmond.

St. John's, Hampton also made a $55 contribution toward Malaria relief.  

Diocesan Coordinators do not receive specific information about individual contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development. I do know that during the fourth quarter of 2013 Episcopal Relief & Development received 447 contributions from people and congregations in the Diocese of Southern Virginia for a total of $112,330.00. Thank you for this fantastic response.

I also want to thank congregations who raised funds in Advent for pigs, goats, beehives, and chickens through the Gifts for Life program. St. George's, Newport News raised $1,278.93 and St. Paul's, Suffolk raised $712.00. These gifts will change lives and are greatly appreciated.

Prison and faith documentary to premiere in Richmond

A new documentary on prisons and faith--Through the Door--will premiere at Richmond's Bon Air Baptist Church on Monday, February 17. The documentary explores the initiatives of churches and faith-based organizations in Indiana, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Interviewees speak to the issues of prescription drug abuse, addiction, mental health, the role of religious volunteers and chaplains, and the often overlooked stresses of prison officials. Stories of redemption and hope run through the documentary--from a quilting program at a correctional facility in Indiana to a bus stop ministry in Texas to a remarkable program for women re-entering society from the Tennessee Prison for Women.

Bon Air Baptist Church will host two screenings on Feb. 17. The first screening runs from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The evening event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Confirmed screening panelists include Travis Collins, senior pastor at Bon Air Baptist Church, and Randy Myers, president of Chaplain Service Prison Ministry of Virginia, Inc. For more information about the documentary, go to ThroughtheDoor.info.

Pre-Council Convocation Meetings

Deans of Convocations are scheduling Pre-Council meetings to take place in the next couple of weeks. A list of Pre-Council Meetings can be found on the Annual Council page of our website.

• Convocation 1 - January 19, 4 p.m. at St. George's, Pungoteague   
• Convocation 2 - January 26, 4 p.m. at Old Donation, Virginia Beach 
• Convocation 3 - February 2, 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's, Norfolk 
• Convocation 4 - January 29, 7 p.m. at St. Paul's, Suffolk
• Convocation 5 - January 29, 7 p.m. at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg 
• Convocation 6 - January 30, 7 p.m. at St. Michael's, Colonial Heights
• Convocation 7 - January 21, 7 p.m. at Manakin, Midlothian 
• Convocation 8 - January 25, 10 a.m. at St. Luke's, Blackstone
• Convocation 9 - January 30, 7 p.m. at Epiphany, Danville

Save the date: Small Church Ministry Conference

The Small Church Conference is a bi-annual conference hosted by the Province 3 Small Church committee, and will be held May 12-15, 2014, at Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, Virginia.  The theme for 2014 is, "Envisioning A Bright Future:  Empowering the Small Church." Dent Davidson will once again be our keynote speaker, and he will be joined by Phyllis Tickle. As Phyllis is in the process of retiring from accepting speaking engagements, this will be one of the last opportunities to spend time with her at Shrine Mont! Other presenters are Dr. Barbara Anne Fisher, Sister Cassandra Grace, and the Rev. Kathy Gray. For a full description of the presentations and registration information, please refer to the conference brochure. 

Conferences coming to Kanuga

Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC, holds its 25th Annual Bowen conference February 16-18. The Bowen Conference engages the most basic and fundamental of questions: how does our image of God shape the way we live, pray, and worship? Lauren Winner, professor, Episcopal priest, and writer, will join this group to offer a fresh perspective and new voice to our conversations about how to live faithful lives as followers of Christ. Click here for more information and registration. 

The 2014 Church Leadership Conference, February 21-23, has assembled a broad collection of savvy guides, observers and coaches to help leaders in local faith communities navigate these formidable and exciting times and unlock the future of the Church. Episcopal and Lutheran keynoters will be joined by staff from the Episcopal Church Foundation and presenters from parishes who are successfully meeting the challenges of growing and nurturing God's people. Click here for more information and registration.

Hampton Roads Community Foundation Scholarships for students in Southern Virginia

Applications are available for the following Hampton Roads Community Foundation scholarships. The 2014-2015 theological scholarship application is due April 1, 2014. The application is available here. Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the specified geographic areas rather than those temporarily living in the area to attend school.

• Barron F. Black Theological Scholarship- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Richard D. and Sheppard R.  
• Cooke Memorial Scholarship - For students from Hampton Roads attending Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond who are candidates for the ministry. Preference will be given to students from Norfolk churches within the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.
• William F. Miles - For a student from Hampton Roads who is preparing for leadership in a field of religious service.
• Hy Smith Endowment Fund- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy hosts Episcopal Day at State Capitol

On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy will sponsor an Episcopal Day at the State Capitol in Richmond. This is an opportunity for people of faith to learn how the General Assembly functions. Attendees will spend time in conversation with delegates and others knowledgeable about the General Assembly, and will also receive briefings on a number of issues at play in the legislature.

The Virginia Interfaith Center is a nonpartisan coalition of faith communities that works to create progressive public policy by engaging people of faith about the call to advocacy. As Episcopalians, we have a unique voice to lend to issues of the day, particularly when it comes to matters of social justice. The Episcopal Church General Convention has passed a number of resolutions that call for dioceses to take action and reach out to their state and federal legislators. Episcopal Day will be an opportunity for us to strengthen that voice and learn how to be effective advocates in the name of Jesus Christ.

Episcopal Day will take place from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Jan. 23, with lunch provided. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for a donation of $14/person, payable to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Schedule of the day's events: 

• 8:30 a.m. - Gather at St. Paul's, 815. E. Grace St., Norwood Room
• 8:45 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Prayer
• 9 a.m. - Policy Briefings from VICPP
• 10:30 a.m. - Move to the General Assembly Building
• 10:45 a.m. - Visit with Legislators
• 11:45 a.m. - Gathering in the Galleries of the House and Senate
• 12 p.m. - Observe House and/or Senate session
• 12:30 p.m. - Return to St. Paul's
• 1 p.m. - Lunch catered by Boaz & Ruth (vegetarian options available)
• 1:45 p.m. - Debriefing, Closing Prayer

Parking is extremely limited during the General Assembly. Please try the following options: Central Parking System, 101 N. 6th St; Central Parking System, 700 E. Franklin St.; CityParking Inc., 801 E Main St #1002. For more information or to register, please e-mail news@thediocese.net.  

Annual Council: Registration closes after January 24!

Annual Council is just weeks away - the 122nd Annual Council will be held February 7-8 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. The deadline for registration and cancellation for Council is January 24, 2014. Youth aged 18 and younger as well as college students may register at the $50 rate. Each attendee should make their own hotel reservations directly with the Williamsburg Lodge or The Woodlands in Colonial Williamsburg. Please refer to Group Code 9952 to receive the discounted rate. Click here for complete information and online registration. Click here for information and registration for Exhibitors at Council.

  

Church Communicator Credentials 

Church communicators are an integral part of connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council while it is in session (via email, blogging, social networks) and, afterward, by reporting on the work was accomplished (via presentations to Vestries and forums, newsletter articles, blogs, etc). To register for Annual Council as a credentialed church communicator, please complete the  application available on our website no later than January 24, 2014.  

Volunteers Needed 

One of the important tasks of the diocesan council is elections. This year the council will not only elect people to fill positions for the diocese, but will also elect delegates to the next General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Tellers are need to help conduct voting and to count the votes. The council runs from 9 a.m. Friday, February 7 until 4 p.m. Saturday, February 8. The council is held at the Williamsburg Lodge. If you are interested in being a teller please contact the Rev. Bob Gay,  rgay@brutonparish.org. 

CE-Net Speaker Series: Karen Jackson of Faith Inclusion Network

Please join CE-Net on January 16, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Hickory Neck, Toano, as we welcome Karen Jackson-Faith Inclusion Network. The Faith Inclusion Network (FIN) of South Hampton Roads is a non-profit, grass roots organization founded in May of 2008, dedicated to helping faith communities develop inclusive ministries for people with disabilities and helping families affected by disability to find welcoming and accessible places to worship. Please join us as we have a discussion about how to make our churches a welcoming place for all. Cost is $15 and includes lunch. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Jennifer Nauroth, jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

Upcoming in the Speaker Series 

The speakers this spring have been selected based on the FAQ's from the last year or so.  These topics will be of interest to clergy and lay leaders alike, so make plans to join us. All meetings will be held at Hickory Neck Church, Toano. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude by 1:00 p.m. The cost is $15, which includes lunch.

February 27 - "Planning and Implementing Successful Mission Trips for Youth" - Our speaker for this series is a panel of seasoned youth mission trip organizers, including:  The Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst, Canon for Youth for the Diocese of Maryland; Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner for the Diocese of Southern Virginia; and Steve Tonic, Staff Development Director for Appalachia Service Project. The panel will discuss the nuts and bolts for planning successful and meaningful international and stateside mission trips.

March 27 -  "Confirmation" - Jenifer Gamber, author of  "My Faith, My Life", and Director of Christian Formation at St. Anne's Church in Trexeltown, PA, will lead us in an honest conversation about the challenges of providing Confirmation instruction for young people.

May 8 - "Confirmation" - Bishop Hollerith will be our speaker and will lead us as we continue our conversation on Confirmation.

Two opportunities to attend Vestry Training Days

Spring Vestry Training Days will be held on Saturday, February 22 at St. John's, Chester and Saturday, March 1, at All Saints', Virginia Beach, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The cost of the event is $15, which includes lunch. All current vestry members are welcome to attend. Registration is open on our website.

Seeds of Hope Grants awarded

Ten Seeds of Hope Grants totaling $23,233 have been awarded for 2013. Seeds of Hope grants are awarded to congregations and diocesan groups in Southern Virginia to support the development or expansion of social justice ministries sponsored by diocesan congregations and organizations.  

Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk
Health - Life is a Choice 

The Mission will expand its very successful "Life is a Choice" program that presents healthy lifestyle choices to children and their families. The 10-week program will continue to reinforce healthy choices, disease prevention, nutrition and activity, with a focus on health literacy. Nursing students from Old Dominion University will provide one-on-one health assessments, recommendations and encouragement for each participant. The program will include a segment on healthy shopping and cooking on a budget. At the end of the program, graduates will be treated to dinner at a restaurant where the nursing students will help them select healthy items from the menu, rather than high-fat, high­sodium and high-calorie dishes. Each participant will receive a cookbook that includes all of the recipes prepared in class.

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg
Bruton Builders 

Bruton Builders performs essential repairs to private homes and structures where owners are constrained by financial resources or abilities, resulting in a safer environment for the occupants. Bruton has a long tradition of this type of ministry, including mission trips to assist with clean-up and repair efforts following natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The ministry was formalized into the Bruton Builders in 2009, and a trailer was purchased to house and transport equipment and supplies. Bruton is in contact with organizers of clean-up andrepair efforts for areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and is planning a trip in the early fall of 2013 to provide assistance. They plan to extend this opportunity to members of Hickory Neck, Toano, St. Martin's, Williamsburg, and others that are interested in helping with relief efforts.

St. Thomas, Freeman
Senior Pals Program

This program reaches out to seniors in the community who are in need of companionship. The program provides a nutritious meal, fun activities, spiritual enrichment and learning workshops. Cultural trips are also included.

St. Thomas, Freeman
Youth Empowerment 

Program provides activities to empower the youth in their community to rise above their circumstances - broken homes, single parent families, parents who are drug abusers, incarcerated, unemployed, and impoverished. The program currently serves 35 youth. The goal for 2014 is to increase the number of participants to 50.

Crazy Christians: free online course with Bishop Michael Curry

From January 27 at 6:00 p.m. through February 3 at 9:00 a.m., the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, will teach The Big Class, a program of ChurchNext. The course will expand on "Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus," a new book based on "We Need Some Crazy Christians," a widely acclaimed sermon the bishop preached at the Episcopal Church's General Convention in 2012.

Bishop Curry will moderate the course and answer online questions during the week of The Big Class. Participants can take the course anytime during the week at www.churchnext.tv. No special software is required to access the Big Class, featuring audio and video segments with Bishop Curry. The Big Class will take an average student 45 minutes to work through. Or, it can be taken in increments, over the course of the entire week.

The Big Class is a worldwide, online course for all who want to go further in their walk with Christ, and is free to everyone, everywhere, thanks to the support of Bexley Seabury, Church Publishing, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, and Forward Movement. Special materials will be available for congregations and adult education classes who desire to take the class together as part of their Epiphany season study. Click here for more information or follow the conversation on Twitter at #TheBigClass or on Facebook.

Webinar: Healthcare tax credits and the church

Get a Government Subsidy for your church's Health Insurance cost: This free webinar will show you how to file a form 8941 and claim a tax credit for the health insurance costs for your staff. The credit will result in a cash refund to the congregation and often covers about 25% of your health care benefit costs. Led by Dr. John Litke. Click here to register.

Webinar: Five ways to get the message out

It's been said you need to tell someone five times about anything for it to "stick." In this webinar we'll talk about five levels of parish communications and what you can do to set up a five-tier strategy to get to the word out about your parish events.  

 

General Theological Seminary's Digital Formation invites you to learn about online resources for promoting your parish events by joining the fourth webinar of the 2013-14 series, Equipping Digital Saints. Join us on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for the free webinar, "To All Nations: Five Ways to Get the Message Out." Click here to register. 

Enhance Your Digital Ministry: Strategy and tactics for integrating digital media

Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Blogging, Twitter...and who knows what other new social media platforms will emerge in the near future? Now add your church website, e-newsletter, and email blasts to that mix of digital tools. Everything is "integrated," right? Uh, maybe? During this interactive webinar digital strategist and church communications professional Meredith Gould will explain: how digital strategists define "integrated" communications; why integration across digital platforms is essential; how to evaluate cross-platform integration; and where cross-platform integration usually breaks down. Webinar will be held January 14 at 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Click here for more information and registration.

Pastoral Care Forum: Depression and the clergy

Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care will offer "Silent Suffering: Depression and the Clergy," a Pastoral Care Forum. Learn how to recognize and acknowledge depression in the pastoral leader. Identify steps and resources to overcome depression and isolation often associated with pastoral ministry.  Thursday, January 23, 9 am to noon at VIPCare, 2000 Bremo Rd, Ste, 105, Richmond. Call 804-282-8332 to register. $30 fee including CEU credit.   

Churches and parishioners sponsor children at Jackson-Feild Homes

The staff at Jackson-Feild Homes wishes to thank the churches, ECW's, church groups and parishioners for sponsoring the Christmas presents of their residents.  

For many of these children it is the first real Christmas that they have ever experienced. They will cherish it for a lifetime. Jackson-Feild serves boys and girls who suffer from severe emotional disorder. What should be a very joyous time is often painful because it brings back memories of a childhood that they seek to repress. They are dumbstruck that people, who they have never met or known, will open their hearts by giving them presents when the persons who should love them the most have not. It is tangible proof that they are valued and loved and that others care for them.

Every child was sponsored and there were some funds left over which will be use to purchase items for the cottages such as games, sporting equipment and recreational items.

The Episcopal Church seeks input on church center location

The Executive Council Subcommittee on the Location of the Episcopal Church Center has issued a survey and is inviting Episcopalians to offer their input. Click here to take the survey. The deadline for participation in the survey is January 19.   

In 2012, the General Convention expressed its desire that the Episcopal Church Center be moved out of its current building located at 815 Second Ave in New York City. In response to this call, the Executive Council has charged a subcommittee to explore and report back options for the relocation of the Episcopal Church's staff. This survey will gather broad input from the Church in choosing a future that best serves the mission and ministry of our Church.