Trinity Institute webcast cancelled, to be re-scheduled

After much thought and consideration, we have decided to cancel the Trinity Institute live webcast Jan. 21-23.  Weather reports are calling for "significant" snow north and west of Williamsburg and a possible "wintry mix" on the lower Peninsula.  Our desire is to have a full, meaningful engagement around the topic of racism, and uncertain weather provides a distraction.

We will show the entire Trinity Institute broadcast at a later date in parishes in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and possibly the Richmond area within the next few months.  While this will not be a live telecast, it will give us an opportunity to hear all speakers and presentations in their entirety and to engage in dialogue with other participants at these locations.  The dates for these events will be publicized very soon and we hope that you will be able to join us at one of these events.

Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop Jan. 30

Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, will host an Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is an interactive workshop which will cover how to prepare, deliver and share biblical stories. The workshop is free, bu you should register by emailing ellenclements@vaumc.org. Good Samaritan is located at 848 Baker Road, Virginia Beach. 

Angelica Garcia-Randle named Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore

Congratulations to Angelica Garcia-Randle on being named Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore. In her new role, Angelica will make available resources and information for parishes and parish leaders drawn to establishing or cultivating Latino ministries. This includes cultural education and information exchange across the diocese through workshops, site visits, etc. A seven-member Advisory Board for Episcopal Latino Ministries was recently formed to provide oversight and create benchmarks and goals for the venture.

"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to be doing this work that I'm so passionate about," Angelica says. "Serving the Eastern Shore Latino community and growing the mission in Southern Virginia is a dream come true. I'm thankful to so many people that have supported this ministry along the way."

For more information on the work of this ministry, visit www.diosova.org/latino_min.

Celebrating Absalom Jones and James Solomon Russell

The Union Of Black Episcopalians will celebrate Absalom Jones day on Sunday, February 28, at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Chapel on the campus of St Paul's College in Lawrenceville. They will also celebrate James Solomon Russell at the same service. A reception will follow the service.

Congregations across Southern Virginia - including choirs and acolytes - are invited to participate in this service. For more information about the service and how your congregation can participate, call David Flores at 757-466-1991 or the Rev. Joseph Green at 757-461-3864. 

New Safe Church training classes scheduled

Safe Church training is available in both classroom and online formats. Based on the positive training evaluations received from participants, we strongly recommend that all first-time users complete a live classroom training. The collaborative learning, and question and answer period are invaluable in evaluating individual parish needs. Upcoming classroom training:

• Jan. 23 - Johns Memorial, Farmville
• Feb. 27 - Good Shepherd, Richmond
• Mar. 19 - St. John's, Hopewell
• Apr. 2 - Emmanuel, Franklin
• Apr. 9 - St. Matthias', Midlothian
• Apr. 23 - Hickory Neck, Toano
• May 21 - St. Christopher's, Portsmouth
• Jun. 18 - Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Click here for more upcoming classes, information about Safe Church training and to register for an upcoming class or for online training. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Clay Riley will leave St. Martin's, Williamsburg, for a call in another diocese, 1/23/2016  

Jackson-Feild's children express thanks

Every year, Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services conducts a "Sponsor-a-Child for Christmas" program to raise funds for gifts, special meals, outings and activities during the Christmas holidays and throughout the year.

 

The children want to thank the churches and church groups of the Diocese of Southern Virginia for their generosity and kindness in providing gifts and opportunities during the Christmas holidays.

 

Wayne, 13, commented that last year "I received a pair of socks. It was bad because I watched everyone else open gifts and I got only socks. This year I am blessed that I spent my Christmas as Jackson-Feild. I had the best Christmas ever!"

 

The staff also thanks the churches, ECW's, youth groups and parishioners for making Christmas wishes come true for the children in their care.

Theological education scholarships available

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation's 2016-2017 theological scholarship application is due April 1, 2016. Students may visit our website at hamptonroadscf.org to view the list of available scholarships and follow the steps for applying through our online application  process. 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.
• Reverend Doctor Joyce G. Moss Theologian Scholarship- For students attending Richmond Virginia Seminary or Regent University School of Divinity with the intent of pursuing a full-time career in Christian ministry.  Preference will be given to full-time graduate students who have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
• 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.

News from Chanco on the James

Camp staff applications being accepted - apply today!

The 2015 camp staff enjoyed their annual staff reunion earlier this month and many have handed in applications to work again this coming summer. Executive Director Gareth Kalfas is currently accepting camp staff applications and preference is given to those who apply early. So don't wait to apply to be on our 2016 summer camp staff! Ask anyone who has ever worked at Chanco and they will tell you it is more than a job, it is a family. If you enjoy the outdoors, working with young people in Christian community and have abundant patience, flexibility and humor, we are looking for you! More information can be found here  and you may click here for a camp staff application. Questions? Contact Gareth at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or director@chanco.org.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the sixth anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released the following statement on Tuesday, January 12 regarding the sixth anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti:

Six years ago today, a tremendous earthquake of historic magnitude shattered the lives of Haitian mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers. Their cries of lamentation echoed across Haiti even as the aftershocks continued to rock Port-au-Prince and the surrounding countryside. Haiti, the poorest state in the Western Hemisphere, is also the island-home of a branch of The Episcopal Church. More Episcopal souls live and breathe in the Diocese of Haiti than in any other diocese in the world, and on this day, we stand in solidarity and solemn remembrance with Haitians everywhere. Click here to continue reading.

 

Celebration of New Ministry

A Celebration of New Ministry for Ascension, Norfolk, and the Rev. Stewart Mason Tabb will be held Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. Bishop Hollerith will celebrate. A reception will follow the service. Clergy: green stoles. 

Safe Church tip of the month and upcoming training

Ensure your staff are aware that they have a legal and ethical duty to report suspected abuse. Also create a policy that requires employees and volunteers to report red flag behaviors to supervisors. Consider creating an incident report form and chain of command that ensures you are responding swiftly and effectively, even if the incident does not rise to the level of abuse.

We offer both live classroom training and online training. Based on the positive training evaluations received from participants, we strongly recommend that all first-time users complete a live classroom training. The collaborative learning, and question and answer period are invaluable in evaluating individual parish needs. Upcoming classroom training:

• Jan. 23 - Johns Memorial, Farmville
• Feb. 27 - Good Shepherd, Richmond
• Mar. 19 - St. John's, Hopewell
• Apr. 23 - Hickory Neck, Toano

Click here for more information about Safe Church training and to register for an upcoming class or for online training. 

New online courses for individuals and groups from ChurchNext

ChurchNext is an online resource that lets you learn from expert teachers in Scripture, liturgy, and important Christian topics. Students can interact in a safe, online environment that's convenient, engaging, and affordable. ChurchNext has several new online courses suitable for individual or group study:

• Become more educated about Muslims with Introducing Islam with Mustapha Elturk.
• Holy Hardware with Deon Johnson is a helpful new class for liturgical churches.
• Think more deeply about violence by exploring Rene Girard's mimetic theory in Violence, Myth and Scripture with Suzanne Ross.
• Re-Inventing Your Church Board with Dan Hotchkiss, an Alban Institute consultant, is a course your vestry might find helpful.

FREE for 2016: A Sermon Every Sunday

"A Sermon Every Sunday" will be Free for 2016.  You have access to these lectionary based sermons by the best preachers in America like Michael Curry, Will Willimon, Lauren Winner, and Brian McLaren. These sermons can be used in churches without regular clergy, for adult forums and bible studies, or as part of your personal spiritual development. Go to www.asermonforeverysunday.com.