Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church 2014 annual gathering is June 26-28

RMEC's 2014 Gathering will be hosted by the Diocese of Western New York at Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo New York, June 26-28. The conference experience will include practical, reproducible educational offerings, participation in an innovative Twelve Step service sponsored by the Diocese and fellowship with other recovering Episcopalians. Conference attendees will also include be introduced to the Hope Center, a new diocesan sponsored center that serves as a safe place for recovery in the Buffalo community. The major theme of this conference will focus on the role the church can and should perform as part of the healing journey from addiction to recovery.

Guest speakers will include: The Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke, adjunct professor at General Theological Seminary in New York City, who pioneered a tremendously successful course of study on the Church's role in the treatment of alcoholism and addictive illness. The Rev. Dr. John MacDougall, D.Min., is Director of Spiritual Guidance at Hazelden, and serves as the clinical director for the Spiritual Care Department and the Family Program in Hazelden's Center City, Minnesota campus.  

e-Formation conference at VTS has lots to offer Christian educators and church communicators

Join other faith formation ministers, communication ministers, and clergy at this conference offered by Virginia Theological Seminary on faith formation for a connected digital world. Program includes workshops, intensive courses, break-out groups, and public presentations on everything from Google tools to digital curriculum resources. Speakers include G-dcast's Sarah Lefton, author Bruce Reyes-Chow, church social media expert Meredith Gould, and many, many more. Cost is $348 including meals. On and off-campus housing available. Single-day passes and student discounts also available. On-campus housing deadline: May 15. Hotel discount expires: May 5. Go to www.eformationvts.org for complete information and registration. 

Province III Synod to be held May 19

Province III Synod will be held at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, West Virginia on May 19.  Hospitality is scheduled for participants staying overnight on May 18.  Hotels accommodations are the responsibility of each individual. The morning program will focus on the work of Task Force for Re-imagining the Episcopal Church (TREC). The Reverend Bradley Hauff (TREC member from Province III) and Mr. T. Dennis Sullivan (TREC member) will update us on the Task Force's progress and are most interested in receiving input from our Province. At the afternoon business meeting, the Ad Hoc Committee will report on the diocesan allocations (assessments) with proposals to consider a change of the way the allocation is calculated as well as proposals for changes to budget preparations and reporting. For more information contact the Rev. Barbara J. Seras, Province III Coordinator, p3coordinator@earthlink.net or 717-385-2667. Go to www.province3.wordpress.com for more information and registration.

ECW News: Deadline for scholarship application is near!

Communicants of Southern Virginia with a 3.0 GPA who will be enrolled full-time in the coming year are eligible for ECW scholarships! Download a simple, one-page application form with all the needed steps to take at the diocesan website. Although the original deadline date given was April 30, special circumstances have allowed a modest extension: the application package can be sent so it is received by Monday, May 5. Contact Susan Broaddus, 757-623-0205 or broaddussusan@aol.com, if you have any questions.

ECW Annual Spring Meeting: How to transform your ECW - the Redeemer success story

Two years ago, the ECW at Redeemer, Midlothian, like many ECWs in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, struggled to survive. Then, they decided to transform their ECW program. Today, meetings are well-attended. Volunteers gladly help with outreach and service projects and enjoy enriching fellowship. What inspired the women of Redeemer, and how did they accomplish this transformation? Come to the ECW Spring Annual Meeting at Good Shepherd, McKenney, VA, May 17 to hear first-hand how they did it. Redeemer ECW board members who drove the ECW transformation will share their success story. To RSVP, contact Louise Boss, 757-678-5331 or louiseboss@exede.net,

by May 5.     

Witness the roots of the conflict in the DR Congo at St. Paul's, Norfolk, on May 31

Women-to-Women will present a full-length docudrama facilitated by long-term medical missionaries to Congo, Doctors Richard and Judith Brown. The film, White King, Red Rubber, Black Death, shows the roots of the modern-day brutality in Congo as it examines the controversial history of King Leopold II's treatment of the Congolese. Thanks to missionaries of the era, the world learned of the goings-on and stood up to Leopold.Save Saturday, May 31 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for this free event with refreshments and discussion. Donations to Women-to-Women for the women's work of the Anglican Church in Bukavu Diocese will be most gratefully received.For more information contact Susan Broaddus at  broaddussusan@aol.com or Mac McKinney at Mac166688@aol.com.    

Cursillo #153 and #154

The Men's Cursillo Weekend #153 held April 24-27 was a gorgeous weekend filled with sunshine, faith and friendship as 13 candidates and their team worshiped and shared fellowship together.  In the words of one #153 candidate, Kevin Bates of Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, "Glory to God! I have just come home from the MOST AMAZING three and a half days of being with a phenomenal group of men, gathered for a Cursillo retreat! I learned a lot about myself, the Church, and Christ. For those who know Cursillo, and especially those of you who were praying for us, thank you, and bless you! There are not enough words in my vast vocabulary to express the impact of this past weekend upon my life! I am truly blessed!" The Women's Cursillo retreat #154 is this coming weekend May 1-4. Please keep the 17 candidates and team of this weekend in your prayers. For more information on Cursillo, please visit the website at www.cursillodsv.org.

VIPCare forum: Compassionate Care for First Responders Impacted by Tragedy and Trauma

Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Avenue, Richmond

Admission is free (for continuing education credits a $35 processing fee is charged)

The Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care (VIPCare) invites members of the clergy, religious leaders of all faith traditions, and the general public to a forum on "Ministry in the Midst of a Crisis."

While members of faith traditions are not first responders in the traditional sense of police, emergency medical technicians and firefighters, they are called once the immediate physical danger has passed to assist both the responders and the victims process the trauma. This forum offers a panel discussion with VIPCare clinical staff and police department chaplains, who have significant professional experience responding to major traumatic events. The panelists are also published authors in the field of post-traumatic stress and recovery.

  

Panelists will be: Dr. Donald  D. Denton, VIPCare staff, "Welcoming the Warrior Home"; Sergeant Steven Chumley, Chaplain, Virginia State Police; The Rev. Lloyd Jackson, Chaplain, Henrico Police Department. Participants are invited to bring examples of their own experiences with crisis and trauma intervention to the meeting to discuss with members of the panel.

To register please call VIPCare at 804-282-8332 or email vipcare@vipcare.org, with "Forum on Trauma and Support" in the subject line. 

Presiding Bishop's Easter message 2014

The tomb is empty, and nobody knows where the body is.  Mary Magdalene tells the others about the mysterious disappearance, but they give up and go home.  Mary stays behind, weeping, and then fails to recognize the risen one before her.  As the days pass, each resurrected encounter begins in surprise or anonymity - the disciples fishing all night without catching, Jesus cooking breakfast on the beach, the two on their way to Emmaus.  Nobody recognizes him at first sight.

Clearly the risen body is not identical to the Jesus who was crucified.  People mistake him for a stranger.  He enters locked rooms.  He walks along the path to Emmaus for a long time without being recognized.  Crucifixion, death, and resurrection result in a transformed body - with evident scars, but changed nonetheless.  When he reminds others of God's banquet, meant for the whole world - when human beings are fed and watered, delivered from prison, gathered from exile across the earth, and healed and reconciled into a community of peace - his companions discover that he has once again been in their midst.

What does that resurrection reality mean for the Body of Christ of which we are part?  How does the risen Body of Christ - what we often call the church - differ from the crucified one?  That Body seems to be most lively when it lives closer to the reality of Good Friday and the Easter mystery.  In the West, that Body has suffered a lot of dying in recent decades.  It is diminished, some would say battered, increasingly punctured by apathy and taunted by cultured despisers.  That body bears little resemblance to royal images of recent memory - though, like Jesus, it is being mocked.  The body remembers and grieves, like the body of Israel crying in the desert, "why did you bring us out here to die?" or the crucified body who cries, "My God, why have you forsaken me," or "why have you abandoned us?"  In other contexts the Body of Christ is quite literally dying and spilling its lifeblood - in Pakistan and Sudan, in Iraq and Egypt - and in those ancient words of Tertullian, the blood of martyrs is becoming the seed of the church.   

The Body of Christ is rising today where it is growing less self-centered and inwardly focused, and living with its heart turned toward the cosmic and eternal, its attention focused intently on loving God and neighbor.  This Body is rising to stand in solidarity with criminals sentenced to death, with widows and orphans, with the people of the land who slave over furrows and lettuce fields to feed the world.  This Body can be found passing through walls and boundaries that have long been misused to keep the righteous "safe" and "pure."  The Body is recognized when the hungry are fed - on the lakeshore with broiled fish, on the road to Emmaus, on street corners and city parks, in food pantries and open kitchens, in feeding neighbor nations and former enemies, and as the Body gathers once again to remember its identity and origin - Christ is risen for the sake of all creation.

Where and how will we look for the Body of Christ, risen and rising?  Will we share the life of that body as an Easter people, transformed by resurrection and sent to transform the world in turn? 

Christ is risen, Alleluia!  Alleluia, Christ is risen indeed!

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church

Jackson-Feild Homes re-dedicates its chapel

JFH resident presented Bishop Hollerith with a Book of Inspiration which contained faith-based poems and short stories written by residents.

On April 2, Bishop Hollerith assisted JFH's chaplain, The Rev. Dr. Robin Jones, in a service of re-dedication of the All Saints Chapel. The ceremony included the consecration of the Baptismal Font, Pulpit, and Altar. Music was provided by the recently reestablished JFH choir under the leadership of The Rev. David Ausby.

The service was attended by residents, staff, board members, and donors. Also attending were the three siblings of Helen Marie Boudiette. They traveled from Oklahoma, Ohio, and Florida. As a teen, Helen Boudiette enjoyed volunteering at Jackson-Feild. In 1978, Helen was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The Boudiette family donated funds to Jackson-Feild and asked that the chapel be built in memory of Helen.

Also present was Peggy Riethmiller, the daughter of Dr. William G. Christian. Dr. Christian was a member of Jackson-Feild's Board of Trustees and headed the capital campaign to raise funds to build the chapel. Mrs. Riethmiller's husband, Steve, presently serves on the Home's Board of Trustees.

After the service everyone gathered in Gage Dining Hall for a special luncheon prepared by the JFH food service staff. A resident presented Bishop Hollerith with a Book of Inspiration which contained faith-based poems and short stories written by residents that focused on love and forgiveness. The dedication ceremony will be long remembered and cherished by those who attended.

Annual celebration held in memory of the Ven. Dr. James Solomon Russell

By Dr. Angela Parker, St. Paul's Memorial, Lawrenceville   

The James Solomon Russell Celebration Committee met on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Brian's Steak House, South Hill, Virginia for an afternoon of prayer, celebration, and reflection. This date, the fourth Sunday in March, marks the annual tradition of having a memorial service on the Sunday closest to proposed feast day for Dr. Russell (March 28). Dr. Angela Parker served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion and adorned the room with flowers and prepared the altar. The afternoon's activities began with a welcome by the chairperson, Mrs. Annie Walker, followed by the committee's adopted "Liturgy for the Proclamation of the Word of God and the Celebration of the Holy Communion." The Rev. Dr. Terrence Walker served as celebrant and also gave an inspirational sermon that charged each member to continue our efforts to recognize Archdeacon Russell for his many accomplishments and moreover, to prayerfully consider how we can carry forth his ministry in the 21st century. The beautiful chalice set that was created by national acclaimed wood turner Mr. Charles Farrar, and given to the Committee for this annual observance, was used. Other participants on the program included, Mr. James Grimstead and Dr. Barbara Coles as lectors, Mrs. Nannie Brown as psalmist and chalice bearer and Dr. Angela Parker as intercessor using the traditional Great Litany. Mrs. Pearl Parker, the Committee's historian, detailed the history and purpose of the Committee's memorial program.

After the conclusion of the memorial service a delicious meal was enjoyed by all, after which, the committee members participated in a reflection session including brainstorming regarding what the Committee's future work might entail. A special tribute was also given for the Rev. Dr. Joseph Green, Jr., the Committee's senior advisor, who could not be present. The program ended on a high note as the chairperson reported that the Committee's efforts to advance the research on Dr. Russell as an internationally important historical figure had been recognized in Washington and that a letter from the President of the United States was forthcoming.

Integrity making changes and planning for the future

Integrity's next meeting will be on Sunday, April 27, 2:00 p.m. at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach (2020 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach). We will be talking about re-structuring our meetings and events and making exciting new plans for the future. The meeting will include our annual Board elections. Get more information on our website. All are welcome and invited to join us and to learn how YOU can get involved in the important work of LGBT advocacy in the Episcopal Church. Mark your calendar. We hope to see you there!

Church Media Conference: Social Media and Mobile Marketing

The media can communicate the very clear message of our loving God in ways that Paul never dreamed. The Tidewater Church Media Conference will explore the tools we now have at our fingertips to help us share the gospel. The conference will be held Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Norfolk. This year's theme is Social Media and Mobile Marketing. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. An optional field trip follows the conference. 

Workshops in: Administrator Forum, Bridging the Tech Gap, Church Advertising and Marketing, Email Marketing & Best Practices: eTapestry, Constant Contact, and MailChimp, Going Tech in Worship, Google Docs and Dropbox, Helpful Resources for Pastors, The Importance of Social Media in Church Ministry, New Worship Music Ideas, and Website Considerations

Get more information and register at www.tidewatercmc.com. 

Executive Board to host conversations about stewardship

The Stewardship Focus Group of the diocesan Executive Board is hosting an informal gathering of parish wardens and stewardship/finance chairs to share successes and challenges with our parish giving programs. We believe it will be beneficial to share the work in our various parishes.  Anyone interesting in parish stewardship is encouraged to attend. The Stewardship Focus Group of the Executive Board is charged with assisting and supporting parishes in their stewardship endeavors.  

   

We will gather on Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ascension, Norfolk. Please contact Bob Motley at bobmotley46@gmail.com if you are able to join us or if you have questions.  

There will be another opportunity to join the conversation when we gather for lunch on Wednesday, April 30 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Old Donation, Virginia Beach. Please contact Mike McGraw, lesmax@aol.com if you are able to join us in Virginia Beach or if you have questions.

  

Plans are under way for additional gatherings in other Convocations, including the Richmond area. Watch the eNews for dates and locations. 

Time for United Thank Offering Spring ingathering

By Joyce E. Douglas, Diocesan UTO Coordinator

First, I would like to thank each of you who contributed to the United Thank Offering during the 2013 ingatherings (click here to see reports). If you did not participate in the ingatherings last year, it is my hope that you will join the other congregations throughout our diocese in supporting this program with prayers and offerings.

The United Thank Offering is a program encouraging men, women, and children to share their thankfulness to God through daily prayer and offerings, in the Blue Box, and to pass those blessings to others. The power of the Blue Box is unlimited. Your prayers and offerings have built churches and schools, made needed renovations, fed the hungry, clothed the poor, provided shelter for the homeless and provided care and support for those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

The times that have been set aside for the ingatherings are the Sunday closest to the Day of Ascension, in the spring, and the Sunday closest to All Saints' Day, in the fall. The months are usually April and October. However, if this does not meet your church's schedule, you may dedicate another month in which to hold your ingatherings. After your ingathering, please have your church treasurer write a check to United Thank Offering. The check(s) may be mailed to: Joyce E. Douglas, 4608 Coronet Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. (phone 757-496-0192) When your checks are received, they will be mailed to the United Thank Offering.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help you. If you need UTO supplies, they may be ordered from the website of the National Church:  www.episcopalchurch.org/uto.

News from Saint Paul's College

The Saint Paul's College campus in Lawrenceville is for sale in hopes it can continue to educate young black men and women in Southern Virginia. President Millard Stith, Jr. says that the college's goal is to find another college or university that will take over Saint Paul's as an educational institution.

In order to present the school in the best possible light for potential partners, funding is needed to keep the property and its 35 buildings maintained until July 1, 2014. The campus includes dormitories, a president's house and other residences, administration buildings, a Victorian house that served as an arts center, and a student center. Some of the brick buildings were constructed by students.

Saint Paul's alumni have responded to this call for help, and the Department of Education is also providing some funding for this purpose. If you would like to contribute to the Saint Paul's College transition, gifts may be sent to: Saint Paul's College 115 College Drive, Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868.

Scholarship applications now accepted for Episcopal Church grants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014-2015 awarding of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church, according to Samuel A. McDonald, Director of Mission/Deputy Chief Operating Officer and convener of the Scholarship Committee.

"As a result of bequests, The Episcopal Church makes available a modest number of scholarships that assist students primarily enrolled in theological education and training," explained Margareth Crosnier de Bellaistre, Episcopal Church Director of Investment Management and Banking  "Funding for the program is derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors."

Scholarships are available for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other particular wide-ranging eligibility for education and training. The amounts of the scholarships vary according to the availability of payouts from the funds. The maximum is $5000.

Click here for more  information and a list of scholarships available. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile. Requirements for applying for the scholarships include: the applicant must be an Episcopalian, must be a member of The Episcopal Church, and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop.

Click here for application form. Deadline for applications is April 30. Only complete applications will be considered. For information contact Terry Foster, tfoster@episcopalchurch.org.

Clergy invited to learn more about Westminster Canterbury Hospice Church Partnership program

Westminster Canterbury invites clergy to join them for lunch and to learn more about the Hospice Church Partnership programs and services that are available through Westminster-Canterbury at Home, LLC. The event will be held May 1 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Planned speakers include Dan Nimon, President of Westminster-Canterbury at Home, LLC; Sally Huston, Senior Director of Clinical Services for Westminster-Canterbury at Home, LLC; and Greg Dalle-Tezze, Clinical Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor. Please confirm your numbers of attendees by telephone at 757-217-2273 or by sending an e-mail to Sheila.deGuzman@wcbay.com before April 25.

Welcome Kevan Brown, 2014 Camp Director

Kevan comes to us from Kentucky where he teaches Performing and Media Arts and directs several musicals and plays each year in his school and community. He has been involved in the camping industry for nearly 20 years and has worked at camps in California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut as a Camp Director. Kevan shares, "My one simple philosophy in camping, teaching and life in general is...If it is not fun doing it, it is not worth doing." Please join us in welcoming Kevan to our Chanco family!

Open House this weekend at Chanco

This Saturday, March 29 from 1 to 5 pm is a FREE event open to the public! Meet our Executive Director and some of our staff and friends, take a tour, see a video, learn more about the best camp in Virginia, and fly along a zip line if you dare (this means you too, parents)! Bring a friend! Remember for every new camper who registers that you refer, you receive $50 off your own camp tuition! So introduce a best friend to Chanco this Saturday and share the fun! Hope to see you there!  Questions? Contact us at director@chanco.org or 888-7-CHANCO (888-724-2626).  www.chanco.org   

Kindling Conference created for young adult ministry leaders

Registration is now open for a visionary Episcopal conference for young adult ministry leaders called Kindling, July 28 - 31 at the Humphrey Center, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Designed for leaders in ministry with young adults both on and off college campuses, Kindling will provide an opportunity for those seasoned in these ministries as well as new leaders with young adults to meet, share, discuss and, mostly, learn from each other.

"Our goal in convening Kindling is to equip ministry leaders for engaging young adults where they live, work, and study," said the Rev. Mike Angell, Missioner for Young Adult and Campus Ministries.  "Building a ministry with young adults is like building campfire. You have to pay attention to the kindling, your initial source of heat, for your work to catch fire. This conference is designed to provide those initial sparks of creative ideas, community and inspiration for leaders working with young adults in The Episcopal Church."

Registration and conference information can be found here.

Convocation 6 ECW meeting

The Petersburg Convocation 6 ECW Board will meet at Christ & Grace, Petersburg, following the 12:15 p.m. Lenten Service on April 8. Lunch will be offered by the Ladies of Christ & Grace for $5.  If you are in the area, please join us for this annual networking opportunity.  The speaker for the Service will be the Rev. David Davenport.

Share a link and help support Mission of the Holy Spirit

Mission of the Holy Spirit has kicked off their Flower Power fundraiser.  You can help make the effort a success by including this link - http://bit.ly/1hfSpCT - to the fundraiser in your church's Sunday bulletins and newsletters. Share it on Facebook and Twitter too. Your support will help the Mission continue to educate and empower inner city youth and to provide opportunities for their spiritual growth and worship.

May Weekend is May 16-18 at Chanco

Join teens in grades 8 through 12 from all over the diocese for a spring retreat at Chanco, May 16-18. The event includes a variety of activities and opportunities to make new friends and learn more about the church. EYC Board elections will also take place during this weekend, as well as small groups, singing, socials, and so much more! Click here for details and registration. Registration deadline is May 5. If you would like to run for EYC Board 2014-15, you'll need to complete the application in advance. Click here for the EYC Board application form.

Convocation 5 to host Liturgical Arts Festival

Celebrate and share the unique creative beauty that flourishes in Southern Virginia.

For two thousand years, the Liturgy of the Christian Church has inspired some the world's most beautiful works of art--music, architecture, sculpture, stained glass, textiles, etc. The Anglican tradition has produced its own unique flavor in countless examples of liturgical art, growing out of the traditions and cultures of parishes. These unique offerings come from hundreds of thousands of loving hands, hearts, and voices.

Churches in Convocation 5 (Jamestown Convocation) will host a Liturgical Arts Festival May 30 through June 8. The festival will provide opportunities for parishes to learn from each other and to share their knowledge. The festival will include:

• Concerts & Performances
• Workshops
• Exhibits of Hangings & Vestments
• Activities
• Sharing and Networking

Click here for more information. A schedule of events is coming soon!

BCP app available from Church Publishing, Inc.

eCP (electronic Common Prayer, Version 1.0) is the first, fully authorized, interactive version of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church USA. Created by Church Publishing, Inc., eCP for iOS is built to run on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. eCP requires no internet connection, as all texts are stored locally on your device, allowing you access to these texts no matter where you go.

Webinar: Using Visual Social Media to Embrace the Sacred and Build Community

Visual social media, notably Pinterest and Instagram, are considered must-have-and-use platforms among secular social media experts. Within the past year or so, church communicators and religion educators have become enthusiastic about these social media platforms. Author and communicator Meredith Gould will host this online exploration of visual social media. Join her on May 13, 7 to 8 p.m. to learn: why visual social media platforms work especially well for faith-based organizations; how to use visual social media platforms strategically and tactically; and tips for setting up and managing accounts to optimize their value.

The webinar includes time for Q&A, so be sure to bring questions and concerns. Cost is $10. Click here for details and registration.

Bishop Hollerith heads to House of Bishops meeting this week

The Episcopal Church House of Bishops will meet at the Camp Allen Conference and Retreat Center in Navasota, TX (Diocese of Texas) March 21-25. Meeting in retreat, the theme for the gathering will be "How Shall We Sing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land." The schedule calls for prayer-filled sessions, and bishops will participate in daily Bible study, reflection and worship. Presentations and discussion will focus on mission of the Church.

As in previous years, this spring meeting of the House of Bishop is a retreat and therefore not open to the media. However, Daily Accounts, along with other related information, will be prepared by HOB members and released. You can follow those via Episcopal News Service. 

James Solomon Russell Celebration cancelled

The James Solomon Russell Celebration planned for March 30 at St. Stephen's, Petersburg has been cancelled. 

St. Stephen's, Petersburg, invites you to join them for the dedication of an historical marker for Bishop Payne Divinity School on March 29, at 11 a.m. 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.    

Golfing for Jackson-Feild's children

Jackson-Feild Homes is seeking golfers for its annual golf tournament to be held Thursday, May 8th at the Country Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield County. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to support Jackson-Feild Homes' Expressive Arts and Education programs.

The 19th annual tournament will be held Thursday, Hardees is the title sponsor and Modern Woodmen of America is the presenting sponsor of this event. Lunch is served from noon to 1:00 p.m. followed by the captain's choice tournament. Golfers are given the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a variety of items and the drawing is held at the awards dinner at the conclusion of play.  

Close to $400,000 has been raised since from previous tournaments. These funds are used to operate our summer program which operates afternoons after summer school has been dismissed. They are also used to support specific events and activities such as our college and career day, beautiful me program, dances, community service opportunities and trips and outings.

For more information contact Tod Balsbaugh, tbalsbaugh@jacksonfeild.org or 804-354-6929.

e-Formation: A conference on faith formation for a connected, digital world

The Center for the Ministry of Teaching (CMT) at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) is sponsoring e-Formation: A conference on faith formation for a connected, digital world June 2-4 in Alexandria. The annual event began in 2012 to fill a leadership and training need in the faith formation/Christian education community.

Last summer, almost 200 Christian educators and communicators, lay and ordained and from several denominations, converged on VTS to learn from experts and peers about using technology for forming faith in congregations and other ministry settings. Many of these participants will return to an expanded 2014 program at the Washington, DC-area seminary in what is expected to be an even larger gathering.

"The first e-Formation was strictly a learning exchange," says Lisa Kimball, CMT Director and Professor of Christian Formation and Congregational Leadership. "We knew we didn't have all the answers about faith, learning, and technology, but we knew many friends and colleagues were thinking carefully and working hard. We brought them together to teach each other."

In 2013, the event expanded to a full-fledged professional and missional development conference. The 2014 conference features a yet larger slate of well-known speakers and exemplary practitioners, as well as a creative menu of participatory workshop formats and topics. These include intensive courses on Google tools and video production; introductory sessions on blogging, online learning, and digital curriculum resources; break-out groups organized by ministry setting and age group; and two public evening presentations about the big picture of using technology in faith learning.

The conference rate of $348 includes meals, the evening sessions, and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday's conference program. Student rates and limited on-campus housing are available. Registration is now open and is expected to fill quickly. More information is available at www.eformationvts.org. The hashtag for the event is #eform14.

Diocesan Partnership representative visits Southern Virginia

Bishop Hollerith and the diocesan staff welcomed Katie Conway - Immigration and Refugee Policy Analyst from the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations - to the diocesan office on March 11. Katie is Southern Virginia's Diocesan Partnership representative from the national church. 

Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer Bishop Stacy Sauls announced this innovative missionary program in July 2013. The program is designed to connect dioceses and staff in a collaborative manner. "Our Episcopal Church yearns for connection," Bishop Sauls explained.  "Our people want to be connected.  Our leaders are looking for opportunities to be connected. Through the Diocesan Partnership Representatives, the DFMS (Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society) staff can assist in connecting and offering resources to our dioceses and congregations."

The purpose and goals of the Diocesan Partnership Program are twofold: to make resources available at the local levels; and to build networks and partnerships to connect people across geography. The Diocesan Partnership Representatives are DFMS staff members who will work together to connect the Church across a vast geographical area in 16 countries through Virtual Regional Offices. The Virtual Regional Offices, Bishop Sauls said, "will consist of representatives of DFMS staff from Formation, Diversity, Congregational and Diocesan Ministries, Global Partnerships, Government Relations, Episcopal Migration Ministries, Development, and Communications."

A Diocesan Partnership Representative has been assigned to each diocese in The Episcopal Church. "The Diocesan Partnership Representatives will connect the dioceses and provinces within their regions with mission efforts at the most local level in partnership with the local bishop, clergy, and lay leaders," Bishop Sauls noted.  "They will be ambassadors, consultants, links, and colleagues in mission with those on the ground, bringing a global perspective to local action, visible reminders that all of us are connected, that each has need of all the others in the service of Christ's reconciling mission in the world."   

CE-Net Speaker Series: Confirmation

Join us on Thursday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hickory Neck Church, Toano, for the next installment in CE-Net's Speaker Series. 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. The cost is $15, which includes lunch. Click here for more information and registration.

Register now for Administrative & Financial Best Practices Workshop on May 15

Join us on Thursday, May 15, at Grace Church, Yorktown for a day designed especially for parish administrators, treasurers, and anyone (staff or volunteer) involved in the financial or administrative functions of your church. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, share your experiences, and connect with your colleagues in other churches. Topics will include: compensation, audits and internal controls, health insurance, electronic giving and more. Watch the eNews and our website for more details coming soon.  

If you missed last year's workshop, listen to what participants had to say:  

• "I learned so much ...great handouts for future reference"
• "I look forward to the next workshop!"
• "Loved it. Great info & awesome lunch"
• "very informative"

If you did come last year, this year's workshop offers new topics and speakers. Don't miss it!

Registration fee $20 (includes lunch). Click here for more information and online registration.  

Clergy, mark your calendars for these important events

Renewal of Ordination Vows

Renewal of Ordination Vows will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 10 a.m. at St. John's, Hampton and at 2:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas', Richmond.

Spring Clergy Conference

Registration for the Spring Clergy Conference opens soon. Mark your calendar and plan to join us on Tuesday, May 13 at Chanco on the James. 

ECW Annual Spring Meeting: How to transform your ECW - the Redeemer success story

Two years ago, the ECW at Redeemer, Midlothian, like many ECWs in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, struggled to survive. Then, they decided to transform their ECW program. Today, meetings are well-attended. Volunteers gladly help with outreach and service projects and enjoy enriching fellowship. 

 

What inspired the women of Redeemer, and how did they accomplish this transformation? 

Come to the ECW Spring Annual Meeting at Good Shepherd, McKenney, VA, May 17 to hear first-hand how they did it. Redeemer ECW board members who drove the ECW transformation will share their success story. To RSVP, contact Louise Boss, 757-678-5331, louiseboss@exede.net by May 5.

Mission of the Holy Spirit flowery fundraiser

The Mission of the Holy Spirit has partnered with Flower Power Fundraising for this season's fundraiser. Flower Power offers top-quality flower bulbs for purchase. All orders ship directly to purchasers and Mission of the Holy Spirit gets to keep 50% of every dollar sold. How can you help? Just go to the Mission's Flower Power web page to place an order. Invite your friends. Share it on Facebook. Click here to get started! 

New website offers ways to assist Navajoland

from The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs  

Opportunities abound to assist the self-sustaining ministry of Navajoland, a regional district in the Episcopal Church.  Ideas to help sustain Navajoland by volunteering or donating are offered at a visually engaging new website, www.navajoland.org. The website was produced by the Episcopal Church Office of Communication in collaboration with the Navajoland Area Mission and the Development Office of The Episcopal Church.

Bishop David Bailey notes, "More than half of the Navajo people in the United States live in Navajoland. There are a significant number of homes without plumbing, heating or electricity. As a church it is important for us to have a witness to the Navajo, and to take steps for the area to be self-sustaining."

The Episcopal Church Navajoland Area Mission encompasses more than 26,000 square miles in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.  While it began its work in 1889, the Episcopal Church Navajoland Area Mission was established in 1978. As stated on the new website: Yet today there is a new spirit and energy in this land - exploring sustainable farming and aquaponics, expanding retreat opportunities, and working to heal addictions. Donations of time, talent and treasure through this website will help to further the work of The Episcopal Church in Navajoland. That work involves healing the wounds of the past so that new beginnings may emerge - leading to an indigenous clergy, economic self-sufficiency, and a deeper appreciation of the unique gifts the Navajos bring to The Episcopal Church and to the world.

How to help
Check the website for opportunities to help sustain Navajoland. Volunteers are needed, especially carpenters, experienced roofers, licensed electricians, licensed plumbers, and painters. Listed on the website are various levels to assist with donations. The items range from household needs and doors to computers and paint. Essential repairs to buildings mean that the facilities can be used for programs, such as afterschool, computer training, or for rental income to help pay for clergy salaries and program needs. For more information contact Elizabeth Lowell, elowell@episcopalchurch.org.

Buildings for a New Tomorrow conference

The Episcopal Church Building Fund invites you to attend Buildings for a New Tomorrow conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 28-30. This conference was created to bring people together to discuss the complex issues of church buildings, in an open, honest and realistic forum. It also challenges people to think differently - about their buildings, what they represented, how they supported ministry (or do they?); how to use them for revenue, and when to close them. Participants and presenters come from across the country to challenge themselves and each other to think differently, and to explore ways of using their buildings as an asset and to become thriving hubs of their community. Click here for more information.

Presiding Bishop's Lenten reflection 2014

Click here for video of this message. 

 

The reality is that the season of Lent, which Christians have practiced for so many centuries, is about the same kind of yearning for greater light in the world, whether you live in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere.  

The word "Lent" means "lengthen" and it's about the days getting longer.  The early Church began to practice a season of preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter, and before too long other members of the Christian community joined those candidates for baptism as an act of solidarity.  

It was a season during which Christians and future Christians learned about the disciplines of the faith - prayer and study and fasting and giving alms, sharing what they have.  

But the reality is that, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, the lengthening days were often times of famine and hunger, when people had used up their winter food stores and the spring had not yet produced more food to feed people.  Acting in solidarity with those who go hungry is a piece of what it means to be a Christian.  To be a follower of Jesus is to seek the healing of the whole world.  

And Lent is a time when we practice those disciplines as acts of solidarity with the broken and hungry and ill and despised parts of the world.

I would invite you this Lent to think about your Lenten practice as an exercise in solidarity with all that is - with other human beings and with all of creation.  That is most fundamentally what Jesus is about. He is about healing and restoring that broken world.  

So as you enter Lent, consider how you will live in solidarity with those who are hungry, or broken, or ill in one way or another.

May you have a blessed Lent this year, and may it yield greater light in the world.

- Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

Apply NOW for ECW Scholarships

The Episcopal Church Women's Elise Holladay Scholarship provides assistance to men and women for continued education beyond high school in undergraduate study only. In 2013, the ECW awarded $12,200.00 to 14 students throughout the diocese. The Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship provides assistance to men and women in church-related training in an accredited Episcopal Church training school. The deadline to apply is April 30. Click here for online scholarship applications. Questions? Contact Susan Broaddus, ECW Student Work Chair at 757-623-0205 or broaddussusan@aol.com.  

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.