Bishop Vaché Scholarship applications due June 30

The Bishop Vaché Scholarships provide funds to assist low-income and minority college students in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. First-year students as well as returning college students are welcome to apply. Scholarship awards range from $1000 to $5000 per academic year. Applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2016. Notifications will go out by July 15, 2016 and awards will be made by August 1, 2016. Click here for an application form. 

Easter message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

"This world does not need another fairy tale," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Easter 2016 Message. "This week's story of crucifixion and resurrection is not a fairy tale."

I actually love fairy tales and I used to enjoy reading them to our children when they were young and little.  Now to be sure those were the more sanitized fairy tales but there was something good about them, a way of confronting what was tough in life with genuine hope.  But they were fairy tales.

This week called Holy Week, the remembrance of Jesus entering Jerusalem and offering His life in the ultimate act of sacrificial love.  Good Friday, the experience of betrayal, the experience of friends abandoning you, the experience of injustice and wrong, criminal self-centered conspiracies.  And then beyond that Holy Week, the resurrection from the dead. This is not a fairy tale.

The truth is even as we speak this Holy Week, we do so not only in the shadow of the cross but we do so in the shadow of those who have been killed in Brussels, of those who have been wounded and maimed, of those who weep and mourn.  And of a world mourning, and not too sure how to move forward.  And this world does not need another fairy tale. This week's story of crucifixion and resurrection is not a fairy tale. Click here to continue reading.

Click here to watch video of Bishop Curry's message.

GO (Gwaltney Online) gives Jackson-Feild students the opportunity to complete their education

Gwaltney School students at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services who are discharged from Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health services prior to earning their high school diploma or GED certificate now have the opportunity to complete their education through our new GO - Gwaltney Online - program.

 

Students at Gwaltney School are enrolled and withdrawn according to their individual situation. They often arrive - or leave - in the middle of a semester. For students nearing the age at which they may no longer attend high school, such interruptions can be damaging to their ability and desire to complete their education.

 

Dr. Bowling, Director of Education, and Ms. Denise Moss, Individual Student Alternative Education Coordinator, developed GO. Using the web-based curriculum called Odysseyware, students who have left Jackson-Feild may take elective subjects and GED preparation courses. We mail textbooks and educational materials to participating students, and - through Odysseyware - follow their progress on a daily basis. Ms. Moss is available via telephone to provide assistance as needed to help students understand and complete the course assignments. When a student has completed the online GED prep course and is ready to take the test, Ms. Moss makes the arrangements for the student to take the test in his or her home locality.

As of press time, five students have earned their GED certificate by participating in GO. This innovative approach is only one of our many commitments to our students. By completing their education through GO, our students are able to go out into the world and live independent, successful lives.

ECW will gift Boys Home and Jackson-Feild Home grads

By Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
 

In June, Boys Home of Virginia and Jackson-Feild Homes graduates will be the first to receive graduation gifts from the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

"The ECW's Graduation Gift Fund, part two of our 2015-2016 outreach project, God Bless the Children, will help the graduates as they begin a new phase of their lives," said Nancy Sands, Diocesan ECW President. "Please help the ECW Graduation Gift Fund grow."

Contributions received through May 27 will be used to gift the graduates this year. The amount of each gift will be based on the funds collected and the number of graduates.   This year a total of thirteen students are expected to graduate from the Boys Home and Jackson-Field. The number of graduates varies each year.

"We've averaged about six graduates a year over the last six years," said Megan-Drew Tiller, Church Relations, Boys Home of Virginia. "This year, we're expecting nine!"

"The past five years we have had between four and twelve Gwaltney School graduates, with the average being four to seven," said Ann Chaffins, Vice President of Advancement, Jackson-Feild Homes. "This number remains fluid until we get closer to graduation day, June 10, 2016. Currently, we anticipate having four graduates who have earned their GEDs."

Like most high school graduates, Boys Home and Jackson-Feild graduates chose a variety of paths to follow from attending college to joining a military service. This year most of the graduates are planning a career in a technical field or they will enter the workforce. A new Center for Applied Trades, opened recently at the Boys Home and led by an alum and his wife, offers graduates training to be certified in trades such as welding and plumbing. At Jackson-Feild vocational programs at the Gwaltney School prepare graduates to enter the workforce with certification in fields such as home health care, food preparation and cake decorating.

Tri Diocesan Council on Aging Fall Camp Oct. 24-27

Keynote speaker will be The Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

Fall Camp - Oct. 24-27 at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, VA - is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but we don't have an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states. The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people. We attempt to challenge participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another. We worship together in daily sessions, explore various issues, and participate in one or two session workshops (each session is an hour and a half) on a variety of topics. A social "half-hour" is held before dinner with appetizers provided by a different diocese each evening. In addition to the scheduled activities, there is plenty of time to sit on the porches, visit with friends, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery and to explore the surrounding area.  Click here for more information and registration.

Absalom Jones, James Solomon Russell joint celebration held

By James Grimstead

Absalom Jones

Nearly two-hundred people joined in Sunday, February 28, at Saint Paul’s Memorial Chapel, Lawrenceville, to celebrate the life and legacy two great pioneers, Absalom Jones and James Solomon Russell, who fought vigorously for religious liberty for all people. 

Absalom Jones, born a slavery in Delaware in 1746, taught himself to read from the New Testament and others books.  At sixteen he was sold to a Philadelphia Quaker store owner and there he attended a school for Blacks. At twenty, he married another slave, and purchased her freedom with his earnings.  He later in 1784 purchased his own freedom. 

He endured much hardship and discrimination in his early experiences at Saint George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. After being told to move from the sanctuary up to the balcony he and his friend Richard Allen became infuriated  and moved their group out of this church and proceeded to form their own parishes.  His new parish, Saint Thomas African Episcopal Church, applied for membership in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, with conditions, and  was admitted in 1794.  Bishop White ordained Absalom Jones as a deacon in 1795 and as a priest in 1802.

Absalom Jones was an earnest preacher and denounced slavery and warned oppressors to clean their hands of slaves. To him, God was the Father, who always acted on behalf of the oppressed and the distressed. His mild manner made him beloved by his own flock and by the community. His church grew to over 500 members during its first year. Known as the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Jones was an example of persistent faith in God and in the Church as God’s instrument.

James Solomon Russell was also born into slavery in 1857 on the Hendrick plantation in Virginia. His father worked on a plantation in another county so his mother raised him until after the Civil War when his father was allowed to join the family.  Life was grueling for Russell and his family as they struggled to run a small farm in Palmer Springs, VA.  He was a committed worker and had a strong desire for learning and with the support of his parents and community he prepared himself to enter Hampton Institute. Finances were difficult which caused him to drop out of school. He compensated by teaching in the community where he was introduced to the Apostle’s Creed which caused him the fall in love with the Episcopal Church doctrine. Mrs. Pattie Buford, a white woman in Lawrenceville, who was interested in missionary work in the black community, gave him a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and introduced him to Bishop Francis M. Whittle who arranged for Russell to attend the Theological Seminary in Petersburg, VA. He was the first and only student in the new school.

In 1882 he was ordained a deacon and his first assignment was in Lawrenceville where he organized social learning groups and new parishes throughout the counties.  He was ordained to the priesthood in 1887 and in 1888 he founded the St. Paul Normal and Industrial School which later became St. Paul’s College.

Archdeacon Russell had great financial challenges during this period but always found ways to meet his obligations through his vast associations with people and organizations from around the world.  He was deeply entrenched in the workings of the church and on two occasions turned down the offering of Bishop.  He went on to receive many honors and two doctorate degrees.  At his passing in 1935, left a school of more than 800 students, fifty plus educators, and numerous buildings.  James Solomon Russell was named a saint in the Diocese of Southern Virginia in 1996. The annual event celebrating Absalom Jones is held nationally at parishes around the country. The celebration of Archdeacon James Solomon Russell is held annually at parishes around the Dioceses of Southern Virginia. 

One of the highlights of the event was the family message of “Thanks” delivered by eleven year old, fifth generation, John Solomon Russell, Jr. He represented the many Russell family members who were in attendance for the occasion.

The featured speaker was the Reverend Terry Edwards of St. Augustine’s, Newport News.  She gave an outstanding message which focused on Moses’ trials and tribulations in Exodus in relationship to the ordeals of Absalom Jones and James Solomon Russell.  The audience was attentive to the very end as her conclusion brought us into today’s challenges and the solutions we seek to develop a better community for everyone.

In the Breaking of Bread: Finding Christ in Full Communion

May 16-18 at Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, VA

The Virginia Lutheran-Episcopal Joint Committee is sponsoring a clergy conference led by Gordon Lathrop and Neil Alexander for clergy and rostered leaders of Lutheran and Episcopal churches. "In the Breaking of the Bread: Finding Christ in Full Communion" will be an opportunity to: 

• speak with national ecumenical representatives from both churches and with bishops and deployment officers from the Dioceses of Virginia, Southern Virginia, and Southwestern Virginia (ECUSA) as well as with bishops and synod staff of the Virginia Synod and the Metro DC Synod (ELCA);
• gain a renewed ability and confidence to preside at a full communion partner's table and evening liturgies;
• hear from renowned liturgical scholars Gordon Lathrop and Neil Alexander; and
• foster deep reflections rooted in the full communion relationship between the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Click here for more information and registration.

News from the Episcopal Church Women

Apply now for ECW Scholarships

The Elise Holladay Scholarship, funded by Episcopal Church Women, awarded $9,885 in grants, ranging from $500 to $1000, to 14 young men and women throughout the Diocese last spring. Also, the ECW Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship is available and provides assistance to men and women in church-related training in an accredited Episcopal school. Use the same form, available on the diocesan website here, to apply for either scholarship. Only complete applications will be considered and must be postmarked by April 27 for the student's application to be considered for the fall semester. A student may receive funds twice. If you have questions, call Susan Broaddus at 757-623-0205.

ECW Annual Spring Meeting

The ECW Annual Spring will be at Redeemer Episcopal Church in Midlothian Virginia on May 21. In keeping with our theme "God Bless the Children" the Boys Home of Virginia will be featured. Ms. Megan Drew-Tiller, Church Relations, Boys Home of Virginia will be our guest speaker and presenter. Come and join us. All are welcome.

2016 ECW Yearbook & Parish Directory

At the ECW Spring Board Meeting, the diocesan ECW Board voted to have the 2016 Yearbook and Parish Directory distributed electronically only. This is a big money savings for the ECW. It also offers us the advantage of updating contact information as it changes. In order to preserve privacy, the yearbook will not be posted online, but information on how your ECW members may obtain copies is available on the diocesan website - www.diosova.org/ecw. Since there may be some women who do not use a computer, I hope you will work with all the women in your church to make sure they have access to a copy of the yearbook.

Thank you,

Nancy Polick Sands, ECW President

Upcoming Cursillo weekends

Cursillo is a movement within the Episcopal Church. It is an adult retreat designed to help us grow closer to Jesus Christ. It's also a community where we're encouraged to live joyfully and serve faithfully in grace. For more information on Cursillo or to apply to be a candidate or a team member, please visit the Cursillo website at www.cursillodsv.org.

Cursillo #159: Men's Weekend
April 14-17 at Chanco on the James

Rector: Joe Jerauld. For more information or to apply to be a candidate or a team member,go to www.cursillodsv.org or contact Joe at joe.jerauld@yahoo.com.  

Cursillo #160: Women's Weekend
April 28-May 1 at Chanco on the James
Rector: Susan Summerlin. For more information or to apply to be a candidate or a team member, go to www.cursillodsv.org or contact Susan at susan.summerlin@gmail.com.

Cursillo #161: Co-Ed Weekend
October 13-16 at Chanco on the James

Rector: Ronda Toll. For more information or to apply to be a candidate or a team member, go to www.cursillodsv.org or contact Ronda at rtoll@cox.net.

Saint Augustine's University announces grant worth up to $35,780 for new students

Saint Augustine's University is pleased to announce three institutional grants for new students which is effective for the 2016-2017 academic year.  A renewable grant worth $8,945 annually, which represents a 50 percent discount off the annual tuition and fees of $17,890, will be awarded to students in three categories:

• Children and grandchildren of Saint Augustine's University graduates (Legacy Tuition Grant)
• Episcopal students (Absalom Jones Tuition Grant)
• Community college graduates from Vance-Granville and Wake Tech Community Colleges and other select community colleges (Community College Tuition Grant)

This administration made this decision to help ease the financial burden of new students and increase enrollment for the fall semester.

"We recognize that many families struggle with the costs associated with higher education," said President Everett B. Ward. "Subsequently, this administration evaluated how we could fiscally afford to support these students and established this program for a certain percentage of our prospective student population. If we can responsibly remove a financial barrier to provide prospective students access to a quality education, we have a responsibility to do so."

Saint Augustine's University is a historically black college located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The college was founded in 1867 by prominent Episcopal clergy for the education of freed slaves.
For more information about the institutional grants and to apply for admission to Saint Augustine's University, contact the Office of Admissions at 919-516-4012 or apply online at admissions.st-aug.edu.

The Conciliation Project: uncle tom - deconstructed

Sunday, March 13, 6 p.m. at St. Mark's, Richmond

"The un-told history of our nation's racial past compelled audiences to question their own education and knowledge of history.  It became clear that the production could not exist on its own as merely a play or theatrical performance, it needed to function as the catalyst for a conversation with the audience - a dialogue about the long held feelings surrounding discrimination that would surely arise from a very immediate and very intensely personal response to this topic, as well as the associated feelings of guilt that may result from people not accustomed to facing the simple fact that Racism in America is systemic, institutionalized and current." www.theconciliationproject.org.

Who is uncle tom?  This play examines the idea of stereotypes as grotesque, dehumanizing exaggerations and examines the characters in Harriett Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" as a major contributing factor in the way commercial and media images of African Americans are represented today. Built on the title character from Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous 1852 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, this work is the original poetic drama that gave birth to The Conciliation Project in 2001. Ticket price is $20 - call the office to reserve!  804-358-4771.

 

St. Mark's is located at 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond. 804 358 4771. www.stmarksrva.org.

Renewal of Ordination Vows services

Holy Week Renewal of Ordination Vows services will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's, Newport News, and 2:30 p.m. at St. Matthias, Midlothian.

Updated Constitution & Canons online

The updated Constitution & Canons (2015) of The Episcopal Church are now available online. You can find them, along with the 2016 Constitution & Canons of the Diocese of Southern Virginia on our website here.

Apply now for the ECW Scholarships!

The Elise Holladay Scholarship, funded by Episcopal Church Women, awarded $9,885 in grants, ranging from $500 to $1000, to 14 young men and women throughout the Diocese last spring. Also, the ECW Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship is available and provides assistance to men and women in church-related training in an accredited Episcopal school. Use the same form, available on the diocesan website here, to apply for either scholarship. Only complete applications will be considered and must be postmarked by April 27, 2016 for the student's application to be considered for the fall semester. A student may receive funds twice. If you have questions, call Susan Broaddus at 757-623-0205. Send the complete package to: ECW Scholarship, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, 11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, VA 23606-3071 

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch on March 17

Our next Administrators & Treasurers Lunch will be on Thursday, March 17, noon to 1:30 p.m. at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach (5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Comptroller Nancy James at 757-213-3386 or njames@diosova.org.

Thank you for your support of Episcopal Relief & Development

By The Very Rev. Dr. Keith Emerson, Diocesan ERD Coordinator, St. Paul's, Suffolk

I want to thank the parishes and organization in our diocese that made a contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development between October and December of 2015:

Gifts to the Syrian Response Fund:

$100 - Christ Church, Smithfield   

$589 - John's Memorial Church, Farmville

$1,600 - Merchants Hope, Prince George      

$100 - Emmanuel Church, Cape Charles

$1,246 - Grace Church, Yorktown

Gifts for US Disaster Relief:

$296 - St. Paul's Church, Norfolk 

$250 - Emmanuel Church, Franklin

A Gift for Disaster Relief and the Syria Response Fund:

$10,000 - Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

An Undesignated Gift and a Gift for US Disaster Relief:       

$690 - St. Andrew's Church, Newport News

Gifts for Special Projects:

$215 - Christ Church ECW, Amelia Court House

$145 - Emmanuel Church, Hampton

75th Anniversary Fund

$300 - The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, Kenbridge

$500 - St. Luke's Church, Blackstone

Undesignated Gifts:

$197 - St. Anne's Church, Appomattox    

$100 - St. Luke's Church, Powhatan          

$925 - St. Matthias' Church, Midlothian   

$100 - St. Luke's Church, Powhatan          

$700 - Church of the Ascension, Norfolk   

$500 - St. James' Church, Warfield         

$100 - St. Luke's Church, Powhatan          

$200 - St. George's Church, Newport News        

$125 - St. Michael's Church, Chesterfield 

$300 - The ECW of Christ and Grace Church, Petersburg

$500 - Christ and Grace Church, Petersburg

$678 - Church of the Redeemer, Midlothian

While every gift is appreciated, these undesignated gifts allow the staff of Episcopal Relief & Development to apply funds where they are most urgently needed. Please know I am grateful for the ongoing generosity of the people in our diocese.

Presiding Bishop Curry urges participation in the Good Friday Offering for Jerusalem, the Middle East

"Our journey as Episcopalians also includes remembering our sister and brother Christians in the Holy Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear," Presiding Bishop Michael Curry wrote to the clergy of The Episcopal Church. "Their witness is an inspiration."

Presiding Bishop Curry wrote in the annual Good Friday letter to all congregations asking them to consider assistance for Jerusalem and the Middle East.

"This tradition is decades old and is an important statement of our solidarity with the members of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. We have a Gospel imperative to be sure they know they are not forgotten behind the headlines or because of the distractions in our own lives."

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.

Information and resources for the Good Friday Offering are available here and include bulletin inserts, posters, Holy  Week meditations from St. George's College in Jerusalem, and a Lenten Education series from Diocese of Jerusalem. 

Convocation 5 gets new Dean

The Very Rev. Ronald Ramsey has bee appointed by Bishop Hollerith as the Dean of Convocation 5 (Jamestown). Ramsey is the rector of St. Cyprian's, Hampton.

You can find a list of all Convocation Deans and a map of Southern Virginia's nine convocations here.

Helping Christians understand Islam

John Herbst, who is married to the Rev. Anne Kirchmier, rector of St. Georges, Newport News, has started a website devoted to help Christians understand Islam. The site has entries about Islam in general, along with commentary on current events. Dr. Herbst earned his PhD in Bible from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, and has taught Islam at the collegiate level. He has also lectured on Islam in several churches in Richmond and in Hampton Roads, and he dialogs regularly with Muslims in Newport News. Visit his website at christianguidetoislam.com.

Home Health Care Aide training at Jackson-Feild

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is now providing home health care aide vocational training for students at its Gwaltney School. Home health care aides provide basic medical services that include administering medications, changing bandages, and checking vital signs.

 

Nationally, more than one million people are employed as home health care aides, and the profession is growing far more rapidly than other occupations.

 

Jackson-Feild's program follows a standard curriculum in which students take 60 hours of classroom instruction and participate in 10 hours of off-site training at a facility that provides medical care.

 

Abbey Webb, a community relations specialist with Southern Care Hospice Services, recently spoke to Gwaltney School students about hospice care; what it is and, how they can become a part this service.

 

In late February, four students will complete their training and a new group of ten will begin the program.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's message for Lent

"The season of Lent is upon us," Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said in his Message for Lent 2016. "It is a season of making a renewed commitment to participate and be a part of the movement of Jesus in this world." Click the image below to watch the video. Click here to read text of the message. 

  

124th Annual Council: Racial Justice and the Role of the Church

The 124th Annual Council of the Diocese of Southern Virginia convened February 5-6 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center.

Bishop Hollerith addressed Council on Friday morning. "Without a doubt, the greatest challenge of my episcopate has been one of discerning and helping others to discern what it means to be the Episcopal Church in the 21st century." The bishop shared his thoughts on "what's working" in Southern Virginia. He also spoke about changes experienced in The Episcopal Church and our own diocese in 2015 and a look toward 2016. Click here to read his address.

The preacher for the Council Eucharist on Friday morning was the Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson, rector of St. Andrew and Holy Communion Episcopal Church in South Orange, New Jersey, who was national president of the Union of Black Episcopalians from 1997-2004.
Our keynote speaker this year was the Very Rev. Mike Kinman, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, MO. Kinman gave two presentations to Council, "#Ferguson Theology" and "Sacred Conversations About Race and Class, Power and Protest". Following the Ferguson police killing of Michael Brown, Jr., Kinman was an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and provided sanctuary for the movement at Christ Church Cathedral.  Materials from Kinman's presentations (slides, with links to videos, and notes) are available on the Annual Council page of our website.

Saturday afternoon, Kinman posted on Facebook, "Today's highlights at Annual Council of Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia:

• Watching people listen deeply to and wrestle with the wisdom, passion and brilliance of Brittany Ferrell, Alexis Templeton, Traci Blackmon and Ruby Sales.
• Talking about Jesus and being the church in this Kairos moment that is emerging around human rights in America.
• Talking about being trauma-informed church and naming our addictive family systems -- and hearing incredible resonance.
• Leading 400-500 Episcopalians (the majority of whom were white and over 55) in the Assata Shakur chant (3 times, shouting it at the end) because until everyone is free none of us are free. Really wish I had film of that one! 'It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other.We have nothing to lose but our chains.'"

Elections at Council

The following elections took place at this year's Council:
Standing Committee: The Rev. Conor Alexander, Mr. Scott Norris

Disciplinary Board: The Rev. Dale Custer, The Rev. Susan Grimm, Mr. Matthew White

Provincial Synod: The Rev. Frederick Walker, Ms. Andrea Morgan

Resolutions
The two canonical resolutions before Council this year, C-1 and C-2, both passed unanimously.

Visit our Facebook page for lots of photos from Annual Council. Thanks to Jackie Rochelle of Epiphany, Norfolk, and Carlyle Gravely of St. George's, Newport News, for their assistance with photography. 

Church Periodical Club's Miles of Pennies benefits Jackson-Feild

Founded in 1888, the Church Periodical Club (CPC) is an independent organization affiliated with the Episcopal Church, and it relies on volunteers, clergy, and friends to promote its Ministry of the Printed Word. In 1988 - on its 100th anniversary - the CPC established the Miles of Pennies Fund focuses exclusively on the educational needs of children from kindergarten through high school.

Grants in the amount of $844.80 are awarded to provide books, magazines, audiotape, videos and CDs. Why $844.80? Because it takes 84,840 pennies laid edge-to-edge to cover the distance of one mile. Hence, the name of the fund and the amount of the grants provided.

The Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services recently received a full grant of $844.80 from this fund. Over the years, The Gwaltney School has received more than $7,745 from the program. This year's grant was used to purchase 69 hardcover and 77 paperback books written by a wide variety of authors.

 

Teachers and students alike are thrilled to be recipients of this grant, and the books are being checked out and read with enthusiasm.  

Deacons in Southern Virginia unite to support refugees in crisis - how you can help

Deacons in Southern Virginia are raising funds for refugee. Your donation will help refugees forced to flee from conflict or natural disaster. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, the International Rescue Committee leads refugees in their journey from harm to home and supports their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Funds raised in this campaign will go to the IRC in Charlottesville and the newest office in Richmond. They will be used for resettlement, education, language skills and health.

Each year, thousands of refugees are invited by the U.S. government to seek safety and freedom. Forced to flee conflict or persecution, many have survived for years against incredible odds. They step off the plane with next to nothing but their dignity, hope and determination. In Charlottesville, Richmond and many other regional offices across the country, the IRC helps them rebuild their lives.

To learn more and how you can help, go to http://diy.rescue.org/sovadeacons.

Resources to help you keep a holy Lent

Growing a Rule of Life is this year's Lenten offering from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist. This series uses a tool from monastic spirituality called a 'Rule of Life' to explore and cultivate our relationships with God, Self, Others, and Creation.  

 

Episcopal Relief & Development offers a 2016 Lenten Meditations guide. Available in English and Spanish, this year's devotional focuses on creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities, with a particular focus on empowering women.

 

d365 Daily Devotionalis written especially for students and seeks to provide reflections on themes that impact our faith journey. Although devotions are available every day of the year, they offer a special series for Lent. For iPhone and iPad users, there's a handy d365 app.

 

Lent Madness is back again!

The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. 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 they offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch.

Praying in Color - For fans of Sybil MacBeth's Praying in Color, she offers several free Lenten Calendar templates. She say, "On the calendar template I choose a word or name for each day, write the word in a space, and draw or doodle around it. I think of each mark or stroke of color as a wordless prayer. This process can take three minutes or thirty. Each day is different. I love the accumulation of words or peoples' names in a visual tapestry." 

 

Christ Walk is a 40 day program that combines spiritual and physical fitness by Anna Fitch Courie, an Episcopalian formerly residing here in Southern Virginia.

 

ChurchNext is offering a complete free Lenten curriculum. The first of the five courses is "Spirituality and Racial Justice" led by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Learn about the spiritual dimensions and responsibilities inherent in building racial justice.

 

Forward Movement offers very inexpensive devotionals for Lent, including "Meeting Jesus on the Margins" and "Lent is Not Rocket Science".

 

Church Publishing has a nice selection of Lenten reading materials for adults, children and families, including "Love Life Live Lent: Be the Change!", "Under the Fig Tree: Visual Prayers and Poems for Lent", and "What We Do in Lent: A Child's Activity Book".

The power of Mission Insite demographic research tool

By The Rev. Fletcher Wells, St. Thomas', Chesapeake

 

Did you know that our diocese provides a demographic research tool that allows each parish to know the demographic information of the population in their area?  Said more plainly, we have the ability to know what the spending habits, hopes and dreams, psychology, and even struggles are of the people in and around our churches.

Demographic reports that would cost $250 to $1000 are provided free through Mission Insite to each congregation through our subscription.

Although churches may have an unlimited number of people sign up to use the service, this tool is underutilized. Although over 50 churches have signed up, only 28 people utilized the tool over the last year. The diocese is considering  whether to renew the contract. I think it's a valuable tool.  

 

As part of a course with Dwight Zscheile, a past speaker at Diocesan Annual Council, I was able to do all of my demographic research for a paper describing Chesapeake and the people who live in the area. This program allowed me to see what the people in may immediate area did for a living, how they spent their money, and even infer what needs and concerns they faced. The data collected changed my preaching, changed ministry focuses for the church and helped us to help our community.  

 

As the landscape of the church continues to change, how we do ministry and attract others to our ministry will necessarily change as well. For instance, the time when creating programs for people to take part in simply does not work any longer because folks do not attend church in the ways or in the masses that they used to.  

 

But there is a way for us to continue to grow as individual churches, as dioceses, and as a national church and that is to, in the words of our presiding bishop and primate, be the Episcopal manifestation of Jesus in our neighborhood.  In order to be that, we have gotta get out into our neighborhoods!  

 

Mission Insite helps us to do just that: get out into our neighborhood.  Have you wondered how you might find a niche in outreach?  The mosaic indicator (a program in Mission Insite that tells about who people are) will disclose those types of challenges.  Perhaps you wonder what people struggle with; for instance, in my own ministry neighborhood we found out that people struggle with debt.  We created a forum around finances and it is still one of the best attended events put on by our church.  Now imagine if we had created this for our community, meeting them where they are.  

 

I would like to invite and encourage all parishes to checkout this helpful tool here.  Look at how it can help you find how your great work can meet your communities deep need. Use Mission Insite to create new and wonderful ways to seek Jesus in the neighborhood.  Who knows, you might even find ways to grow with the people around you and grow your church in the process.

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services welcomes Dr. J. Michael Griffin

Jackson-Feild is pleased to announce that Dr. J. Michael Griffin, PhD. has joined its clinical staff. Dr Griffin is a licensed psychologist and is Board Certified in EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback).

Dr. Griffin has special interest in attention and memory issues of children, adolescents and adults. As a survivor of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), he is accomplished in the assessment and treatment of patients who have experienced TBI and/or attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities.

In his treatment of boys and girls who are severely emotionally impaired, Dr. Griffin utilizes biofeedback to help his patients understand the complexity of their disorders and how to function successfully while managing them.

 

Dr. Griffin received a B.S. in Biology from Guilford College, an M.A. in Biology from Western Carolina University, an M.A. in Psychology from North Carolina Central University, a doctorate in education (Ed.D) from the University of Sarasota, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University.  

Bishop Hollerith on the outcome of the Anglican Primates' meeting

As you may already know, the Anglican Primates, meeting in Canterbury, England, voted to suspend The Episcopal Church from decision-making and interfaith bodies of the Anglican Communion for three years. The suspension is a direct response to The Episcopal Church's decision at General Convention last year to authorize marriage of same-sex couples.

My initial reaction to the agreement was one of surprise, followed by disappointment. I'm particularly disappointed that our new Presiding Bishop, who was present at the meeting,  was forced to endure what was most certainly a difficult and painful experience. I ask that you keep Michael in your prayers.

Despite what you are hearing from the media, The Episcopal Church has not been removed from the Anglican Communion. While we have been censured, the primate's  recent decision also confirms the Communion's "unanimous commitment to walk together".

From my perspective, this recent decision should not in any way seriously impact the mission and ministry of the greater Episcopal Church. It certainly should not affect our ministry here in Southern Virginia.

In closing, let me say that I find myself agreeing with Bishop Curry's hopeful statement that this recent turn of events is perhaps part of our calling to lead the Communion in its becoming a church where all God's children are fully welcomed. Please pray for The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion as we continue to walk together in spite of our differences.

Faithfully,
+H. Hollerith 

Read the statement from the Primates here.

Read Episcopal News Service story here.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the actions at the Anglican Primates Meeting

"We are part of the Jesus Movement, and the cause of God's love in this world can never stop and will never be defeated."  

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has issued a video statement concerning the actions of the Anglican Primates at the meeting in Canterbury, England. Click here to watch (and read) Bishop Curry's statement.

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.