Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Litany for Gun Violence Prevention offered for use in Sunday services
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons
L to R: Bishop Hollerith; Charlie Bauer; Josh Stephen; the Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander;
the Rev. Chris Epperson, rector of Bruton Parish. |
On Saturday, June 11, at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Bishop Hollerith ordained Charlie Bauer and Josh Stephens to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander, Dean of the School of Theology at The University of the South, preached. Charlie will begin as Curate at Hickory Neck, Toano in July and Josh will begin as Associate Rector for Family Ministry at Bruton Parish in August.
Join the Union of Black Episcopalians
|
The James Solomon Russell chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) meets on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk (1400 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk). All Episcopalians in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are invited and encouraged to join the UBE and become members of this diverse and concerned group. Annual dues are $70 for individuals, $60 for retired, and $105 four couples. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.
BB&T Emporia Branch shines light on Jackson-Feild through Lighthouse Project
|
This partnership is based on BB&T's "Lighthouse Project" a company-wide community service program. BB&T believes an
investment in their communities is one of the best investments they
will ever make! Whether it's a financial contribution, an investment of
time or both, they feel their support can truly make a difference.
This project gave BB&T an opportunity to provide
corporate financial support to local charities, while associates roll up
their sleeves and go to work. Since the Lighthouse Project began in
2009, their associates have contributed more than 385,000 volunteer
hours and have improved the quality of life for more than 11 million
people
The Emporia team members eagerly accepted this challenge to
paint one of JFBHS's residential cottages Mark Owen and his team arrived
bright and early on May 21st with paint brushes and rollers in hand.
They got right to work and by the end of the day the cottage had a whole
new look. The funds to purchase the paint and supplies was provided by a
grant from BB&T.
Mark and his family have been involved at JFBHS for years. He
knows the good work that is being done daily to help children with
mental health disorders understand and manage their disorders.
JFBHS is most grateful for the help and support that the
Lighthouse Project has provided to improve the quality of life and
upgrade the living quarters for its children.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Congratulations to the 2016-2017 EYC Board!
|
Pictured clockwise from top left at their first meeting on
Sunday, June 5 at the diocesan office: Jimmy, Alex, Trafton, Anthony,
Audre'ana, Clare, Courtney, and Dan.
|
Each year at May Weekend, nine teens are elected democratically by their peers to the Episcopal Youth Community Board. These teens represent the youth of the diocese as advocates and plan and lead our EYC weekends at Chanco. The following individuals were elected this year on May 22:
Trafton Addison- St. Andrew's, Norfolk
Anthony Alfano- St. Christopher's, Portsmouth
Dan Barnum- St. Andrew's, Norfolk
Alex Ellis- St. Andrew's, Newport News
Audre'ana Ellis- St. Andrew's, Newport News
Clare Harbin- St. John's, Portsmouth
Courtney Mason (President)- St. David's, Chesterfield
Jimmy Murphy- Emmanuel, Hampton
Stephen Peabody- Emmanuel, Hampton
Friday, June 3, 2016
News from Mission of the Holy Spirit
By Keith A. Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit
| |
Easter Day at Mission of the Holy Spirit.
|
We have begun to see the fruit of our labor, thanks to everyone who has taken the risk and heard the call. Through your giving, we have had many triumphs over the years. Recently, four of our long-term members have graduated from college. Several others are continuing their education, and many of our families' lives are becoming stable. Although there are many challenges, we are confident that our purpose in the communities we serve remains vital.
I'm asking each of you to continue to support this ministry and to help us provide opportunities for the families we serve. As summer begins, many of our young people will find themselves searching for activities that will give them safe and new experiences. Every summer we strive to provide just that, and your gifts and support makes it possible. In order to continue to provide quality services that include Sunday worship, tutoring, music and arts, health programs and life skills groups for our adults, we need your help. Your commitment to support the Mission of the Holy Spirit allows us to be a very helpful presence in a truly hurting community. Too often we hear or read about violence in our communities. Every child, adolescent and adult that we are able to serve has not only the ability but also the responsibility to share the good news to those around them. 1 John 3:17 says, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?"
Each of you shares the love of God when you find it in your heart to give, thus ensuring that new seeds will be scattered and more lives will be changed.
For more information contact the Mission at 757-858-0010 or info@missionoftheholyspirit.org. www.missionoftheholyspirit.org.
Redeemer, Midlothian, hosts ECW Spring Annual Meeting
Boys Home Graduates Receive ECW Love Gifts
By Nancy Polick Sands, ECW President, Diocese of Southern Virginia
| |
Left to Right: Nancy
Polick Sands, ECW president, Diocese of Southern Virginia; Jo Anne
Simpkins, ECW president, Redeemer, Midlothian; Megan-Drew Tiller, Church
Relations, Boys Home of Virginia and the Rev. D. Donald Dunn, III
|
Our speaker, Megan-Drew Tiller, church relations, Boys Home of
Virginia, brought us up to date on activities at the Boys Home. She
expressed thanks for ECW's continued support and especially for our
recent love gifts to the Boys Home graduates. It was my pleasure to
attend the 2016 Boys Home of Virginia Award Banquet where I presented
each of the eight graduates with a $100 gift as part of our God Bless
the Children Outreach Project. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the gifts.
Megan told us that Mr. Donnie Wheatley, Boys Home executive director,
cannot remember a single year when ECW did not support the Boys Home.
See more on the God Bless the Children graduation gift in the next issue
of The Diocesan Connection newsletter.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Zika virus fact sheet from Episcopal Relief & Development
Across the US, Episcopalians are gearing up for summer activities
like VBS, mission trips and summer camp. But this summer, with concerns
about the Zika virus moving north into the continental US, new
questions are popping up. Responding to these concerns, Episcopal
Relief & Development assembled a taskforce of experts in public
health and safety, disaster response, church programs and
communications to sort through the information floating around about
the Zika virus, and to create a resource that would help Episcopal
churches in the United States to respond appropriately.
Click here for a copy of Episcopal Relief & Development's Zika Fact Sheet.
The overall message is that while Zika is a concern for women who
are pregnant or could become pregnant, most people who are infected
with Zika do not become sick, and there is a low chance that there would
be an epidemic in the continental United States. As long as normal
mosquito bite prevention is practiced (protecting skin with clothing or
repellent, using window screens or mosquito nets), there is no reason
to cancel summer camp or mission trip plans - unless you are part of a
couple that is currently pregnant or planning to be.
James Solomon Russell chapter of UBE meeting
|
This chapter of the UBE meets the second Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk. All Episcopalians in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are invited and encouraged to join the UBE and become members of this diverse and concerned group. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.
The mission of the UBE is to unite the diverse cultures, concerns and gifts of black Episcopalians. By providing preparation and encouragement for living the Baptismal covenant and fully participating in the mission and governance of the Episcopal Church.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Election Toolkit helps Episcopalians engage in nonpartisan activities
The 2016 election in the United States
remains the top of the news in media outlets, and it is inevitably a
topic in personal conversations. To provide education about the
election as well as assisting in being prepared, The Episcopal Church
has developed an online toolkit
with a webpage that outlines how individual Episcopalians and
congregations can participate in the electoral process through a number
of nonpartisan activities.
Through the Episcopal Public Policy
Network (EPPN), information is also available on an important
initiative, the Episcopal Pledge to Vote. The EPPN is calling on all
Episcopalians to pledge that they will cast a vote in the general
election. You can make your pledge to vote and find the toolkit which
is designed to assist Episcopalians in being informed and engaged
voters on the EPPN election webpage.
Among the possible non-partisan activities
offered are: engaging young adults who are eligible to vote for the
first time; hosting a candidate forum; advocating for voting rights
legislation; and hosting Get Out The Vote campaigns.
In search of an affordable family vacation? Family Camp, Aug. 18-21
|
Monday, May 16, 2016
Golfers swing their way to help Jackson-Feilds' children
| |
Members of the Modern Woodmen
winning team
|
Proceeds from the 2016 tournament will be matched dollar for
dollar by an anonymous foundation and be used to build an outdoor
recreation center with a sports court and swimming pool. Over the years,
proceeds from the tournament have been used to finance a variety of
special needs such as start-up initiatives and children's programs in
addition to providing scholarship funding for children with no money for
their care.
JFBHS would thank the following: Boddie-Noell Enterprises for
being the tournament sponsor for the 21st year in a row; Modern Woodmen
Fraternal Financial for being the presenting sponsor; Jones LTC
Pharmacy for being the dinner sponsor; and Hardee's for providing
delicious box lunches to all the participants and volunteers.
Applications now accepted for 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants
Applications are now accepted for the 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants to further the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church. The 2016 Jubilee Grants will be awarded in two categories, totaling $65,000: Jubilee Development Grant and Jubilee Impact Grants. The Jubilee Development Grant,
up to $25,000, will be awarded to a new or existing ministry that can
demonstrate a new or re-visioned strategy and methodology to address
systemic issues affecting domestic poverty. This grant is intended to
seed a sustainable program that makes a difference locally and can
inspire others for similar work beyond itself. The Jubilee Impact Grants,
in amounts of $750 to $1,500 for a total of $40,000, will be awarded
for initiatives of Jubilee Centers that make a positive and measurable
impact in the lives of those in need. Application forms are available here.
Deadline for applications is June 17 at 5 p.m. All currently-designated
Jubilee Ministries are eligible. Proposals must be approved by bishop
of the diocese.
Episcopal Church Evangelism Conference in November
Save
the dates for Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal Church Evangelism
Conference on November 18-19 in Dallas, TX, for anyone who would like to
learn more about evangelism and available resources to share our faith.
This innovative churchwide event is co-sponsored by Forward Movement
and the Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop's Office, and is hosted by the
Diocese of Dallas and Church of the Transfiguration, Dallas, where the
activities will be held. Among the planned activities are an address by
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, plus plenary sessions and workshops by
evangelism leaders. A portion of the Saturday events will be live
webcast to allow for individual and group viewing during conventions,
discussion groups, and local evangelism gatherings. Schedule,
registration and other details will be announced in June.
Episcopal Digital Network launches new service to authors
Authors
and publishers are invited to share news about their religious and
theological books and publications in the newest section to be launched
on the Episcopal Digital Network, the
Featured Books section. The Episcopal Digital Network is an ad-supported
media network that delivers news, information and resources to church
leaders, members and general audiences through the Episcopal News
Service, Sermons That Work and Lesson Plans That Work websites.
The Featured Books section offers a free space to promote new books and
publications, with the option of purchasing a featured listing on the
homepages of the network websites and in the newsletters of the
Episcopal News Service and Sermons That Work. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Church Periodical Club - changing the world, one book at a time
|
The observance of a Church Periodical Club Sunday is an important way you can support the work of CPC and help make it a concern of the whole church. CPC materials were distributed at Annual Council. Please be sure to display them prominently in your parish. If more materials are required, contact Deborah Austin at complianceretired@gmail.com or 757-538-1797.
Donations are needed to continue the CPC ministry. If you would like to make a donation to CPC, please make checks payable to Church Periodical Club, note the name of your church on the memo line, and mail check to: Deborah Austin, 2033 Hickorywood Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434.
CE-Net: Challenges of church in the 21st century
Monday, June 6, 5:30 p.m. at Ascension, Norfolk
Parishes in Southern Virginia, and throughout the church,
continue to wrestle with decreasing attendance and participation in
formation programs. Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for dinner
and conversation on Monday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m.
at Ascension, Norfolk, as we share and discuss our challenges going
forward in 2016 and develop strategies for meeting the new reality of
church in the 21st century. Are we doing what we are called
to do, or are we just recycling the same programs? Your voice is
important! We hope to see you there. Questions? Contact Lynn Farlin, 757-423-6715 or Lfarlin@ascension-Norfolk.org , or Jennifer Nauroth, 757-759-5107 or Jenny.nauroth@cox.net.
Summer camp & VBS are just around the corner - get staff and volunteers Safe Church training now!
Summer camp and Vacation Bible School season is almost here.
Time to make sure your staff and volunteers have completed the required
Safe Church training. There are two classroom trainings: May 21 at St.
Christopher's, Portsmouth and June 18 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk. Online
training is also available. Click here for more information about Safe Church training. Questions? Contact Susan Allen, sallen@diosova.org or 757-213-3391.
Festival Gathering of the Network of Biblical Storytellers Aug. 3-6
Biblical Storytellers from all over the world will gather at
the 4H Center in Chevy Chase, MD August 3-6 for a fabulous week of
storytelling. The Network of Biblical Storytellers is dedicated to
spreading the gospel through the dramatic presentation of Bible stories.
This summer's event will feature epic tellings of the entire book of
Ruth and the Jacob Saga from Genesis. The Rev. Mark Wilkinson (St.
Aidan's, Virginia Beach) and the Rev. Wendy Wilkinson (Good Samaritan,
Virginia Beach) will be among the tellers. There are also workshops for
everyone from beginners who have never told a story to experienced
tellers. The gathering is a wonderful continuing education opportunity
for clergy and a great way to involve members of your congregation in
worship using the techniques that are taught. More than anything else it
is just a lot of fun. Click here for more information or contact the Rev. Mark Wilkinson, rector@aidanvbva.net.
Network of Biblical Storytelling - Tidewater Tellers chapter
Network of Biblical Storytelling - Tidewater Tellers chapter
The
Revs. Mark and Wendy Wilkinson invite you to consider being involved
the Network of Biblical Storytellers. The local chapter is the Tidewater
Tellers. They meet monthly to practice our skills and also offer
storytellers for area congregations. If you would like to learn more or
would like the tellers to come to your parish, email Mark Wilkinson, rector@aidanvbva.net. Visit the Network's website at http://nbsint.org.
Join us for our Chanco Open House this Sunday!
|
Episcopal Church Archives unveils new website
The Archives of the Episcopal Church has unveiled a newly-designed and content-rich website here featuring historical items and the rich, important stories of the church.
"The
Archives website has been completely reorganized to enable users to
locate information more quickly and intuitively," noted Mark Duffy,
Canonical Archivist and Director. "The upgrade enables the Archives to
reach inquirers with timely news of its holdings and to publish new
educational content from the Church's historic collections."
The
Archives of the Episcopal Church, located in Austin, TX, is dedicated
to observing and honoring the history of the Episcopal Church. "In
addition, our mission is to support the faithful in fulfilling the
Baptismal Covenant," Duffy added.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Ridley Scholarship applications due June 20
Through the great generosity and charity of Miss Roberta Ridley, an
endowed trust was established many years ago to provide financial
support for continuing education for qualified members of the Episcopal
Church in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and for residents of
Southampton County and the City of Franklin. Scholarships are based on
academic excellence and financial need. In addition to the application
forms and transcripts, students also submit tax records for themselves
and/or their parents, a copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report,
and letters of recommendation from the clergy of their parish.
Applications are due by June 20 or consideration for the fall semester. Click here for more information and application forms.
Report from Province III Synod
Scott Norris elected vice president; Joyce Douglas elected to Provincial Council
The Province III Synod meaning was held April 25 in Martinsburg, WV. The Rev. Frederick Walker and Andrea Morgan were in attendance as deputies from Southern Virginia. Joyce Douglas and Scott Norris were also present.
Scott Norris is a member of the ad hoc committee formed last year to formulate a proposal for revitalizing our Province, which was presented at this meeting. In addition, Norris was elected to fill the vice president position that would became vacant when Bishop Mike Klusmeyer was elected President.
Under the Ordinances of Province 3, the members of the Provincial Council are elected by the Synod and need not be Synod deputies. Our deputies selected Joyce Douglas to be our Provincial Council member, and her selection was approved by the Synod.
Monday, April 25, 2016
eFormation: A conference on ministry is a digital world
Is your congregation getting serious about its online
presence, or hoping to take it to the next level? Would you like to
learn with other ministry practitioners using technology in
faith formation, communication, and other ministries?
If
so, jump-start your learning with hands-on training and big-picture
inspiration at e-Formation 2016. Join our supportive learning community
June 6-8 at Virginia Theological Seminary near Washington DC for just
$289 or by webinar for just $89. Limited Spanish interpretation and
inexpensive evening programing in Spanish and in English are also
available.
Explore the full program, webinar schedule, and registration options at eformationvts.org. You can join the conversation using #eform16.
Lay Eucharistic Ministry 101 and other new courses from ChurchNext
ChurchNext has just launched three new courses. For those interested
in training and working in Eucharistic Ministry in a congregational
setting, Lay Eucharistic Ministry 101
offers training in the practicalities of offering the chalice to
communicants, but also offers a great deal more. Another new course, How to Become a Christian, discusses the journey towards becoming a Christian and practicing Christian faith. Finally, there's a very inspiring course, My Church is Not Dying: finding Hope in the Mainline Church,
offers a sobering and practical view of just how well poised mainline
churches are to address the spiritual needs of a new generation.
ChurchNext is a website where you can 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. Classes are available for both groups and individuals.
ChurchNext is a website where you can 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. Classes are available for both groups and individuals.
2016 Episcopal Health Ministry Conference September 15-17 at St. Christopher's Church in Carmel, IN
"Love
Your Neighbor as Yourself" - the 2016 Episcopal Health Ministry
Conference - will be held September 15-17 at St. Christopher's Church in
Carmel, Indiana. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Melford E. (Bud)
Holland Jr. Holland has been assisting groups and individuals to
understand more fully the complexities of transitions and their gifts
and assets to work effectively within them. He was involved in the
early organization of National Episcopal Health Ministries. He has
worked with dioceses, the wider church, urban to suburban
congregations, and groups that were seeking to discover new ways in
their work, and individuals seeking to strengthen their vocations. Click here for more information and registration.
Zumba keeps the kids at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services moving
|
Darlene Reed, a licensed Zumba instructor and a personal
fitness instructor whose studio is in South Hill, is teaching the boys
and girls at JFBHS, and they are loving it! With an average class size
of 20, Darlene allows the participants to choose the music and spend the
first 15 minutes warming up. After that, it's all high energy, intense
physical activity that builds strength, encourages motion, and improves
posture all while having fun.
"I'm very impressed," Darlene says, "with all the students,
especially the boys. It's not often that I have guys in my classes, and
it's very gratifying to see how much they enjoy the music and dance."
She loves what she is doing in getting the kids and staff up
and moving to burn 600 calories with cardio and toning. Her goal is to
have them become healthy and fit.
News from The Episcopal Church
General Convention 2018: July 5-13 in Austin, TX
Applications are now accepted for grant proposals for the 2016-2017 academic year from dioceses, parishes or community colleges/colleges/universities for new as well as current campus ministries in higher education institutions located throughout The Episcopal Church.
The General Convention Office has announced the nine legislative dates for the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church: Thursday, July 5 to Friday, July 13, 2018.
General Convention 2018 will be held at The Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas (Diocese of Texas).
"The
Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements and the General
Convention Office are already hard at work to plan and enhance our
meeting In Austin for the 79th General Convention," noted the Rev. Canon
Dr. Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer and chair of the committee.
"Building upon the successful innovations in Salt Lake City, and guided
by the evaluations we received, the Committee is excited about our
meeting in 2018."
The Episcopal Church's
General Convention is held every three years, and is the bicameral
governing body of the Church. It is comprised of the House of Bishops,
with upwards of 200 active and retired bishops, and the House of
Deputies, with clergy and lay deputies elected from the 109 dioceses and
three regional areas of the Church, at more than 800 members.
Campus ministry grant applications accepted for 2016-17 academic year
Applications are now accepted for grant proposals for the 2016-2017 academic year from dioceses, parishes or community colleges/colleges/universities for new as well as current campus ministries in higher education institutions located throughout The Episcopal Church.
"These grants are intended to provide
funding for an Episcopal ministry (or ecumenical ministry with an
Episcopal presence) in a diocese, congregation or community
college/tribal college/university campus who are doing or seek to do
ministry with young adults on and off college campuses," explained the
Rev. Shannon Kelly, Episcopal church Missioner for Campus and Young
Adult Ministries. "The proposals for grants are meant to assist in the
start-up of new ministries or the restart of dormant ministries for
young adults on and off college and university campuses."
Click here for more information and to submit a proposal. Applications must have the approval of the diocesan bishop and must be submitted online. Deadline for submitting proposals is May 23.
Click here for more information and to submit a proposal. Applications must have the approval of the diocesan bishop and must be submitted online. Deadline for submitting proposals is May 23.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Three new deacons in Southern Virginia
|
Jan Brown, Genevieve Nelson and Linda Ricker were among the nine
deacons ordained on Saturday at Christ Church, Glen Allen. They are the
first class of graduates of The Deacons' School,
a collaboration between the three Episcopal dioceses in Virginia -
Southern Virginia, Southwestern Virginia, and Virginia -to form future
deacons of the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Jan Brown is from
Bruton Parish, Williamsburg and will be serving at Bruton Parish. The
Rev. Genevieve Nelson is from Ascension, Norfolk, and will serve at Good
Shepherd, Norfolk. The Rev. Linda Ricker is from St. Luke's, Powhatan,
and will serve at St. John's, Chester.
Spring Clergy Day May 3 at Chanco
2016 Spring Clergy Day will be Tuesday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at Chanco on the James Program will be "Loving the Addict in the Pew:
The Journey to Wholeness" presented by Jan M. Brown and Cindy Barnes.
What if we believed addiction was really a disease? How might we
respond to those who are struggling in our midst? This presentation
will assist clergy in defining addiction, understanding recovery, and
knowing their role in ministering to families as well as the individuals
themselves. Click here for information and registration. Deadline for registration is April 24.
Digital ministry conference June 6-8
This year webinar access is available to
much of the e-Formation Conference and the cost to attend online is just
$89. Get more information and register here. The full conference program is available here. Webinar participants will also receive access to the recordings after the conference ends at no additional cost.
eFormation is an ecumenical conference on ministry in a digital world. It's an excellent opportunity for lay leaders and clergy, especially those involved in faith formation and communications ministries. You can participate in person on the Virginia Theological Seminary campus or via live webinar. The conference is June 6-8.
Fairy Godmother celebrates 10 years of helping Jackson-Feild students
|
Founded in 2006, the Fairy Godmother program has provided prom
outfits to more than 350 residents. Their mission is to provide a
special high school prom experience for children whose circumstances
would otherwise exclude them from attending a high school prom.
Throughout the year, Collegiate students collect donated prom
attire and conduct fundraisers to purchase supplemental items needed to
complete an outfit. They also solicit donations from individuals,
corporations and foundations in support of their effort. They store the
items in a SmartBox provided by the owner of the local franchise, Bryan
Bostic, and on April 8 the box was transported to the JFBHS campus for
the day.
The Collegiate students met with JFBHS residents and helped them
select the right outfit for the prom which will be held in May. Based on
the smiles and laughter throughout the room, everyone had a wonderful
time shopping for prom. For ten years now, these special volunteers from
Richmond have provided not only the clothing to make prom special, but
they have helped the children at Jackson-Feild feel valued and
important.
GraceInside seeking part-time prison chaplain
GraceInside (Virginia's State Prison Chaplaincy Ministry) will soon
have a part-time prison chaplain opening. It is a 25-hours-per-week
position at River North Correctional Center in Independence (Grayson
County), VA. Position will be vacant as of July 1. However, we would
prefer the new chaplain to begin on or near June 1 to have time to
shadow the current chaplains and take all of the mandated state
training. Click here for more information.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls for prayer for Ecuador
|
The following is the message Presiding Bishop Curry sent to the bishops and people:
My
dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Please know that your brothers and
sisters throughout the Episcopal Church are praying for you. We will be
with you during this time and in the days ahead. You are not alone. May
the love of God embrace and strengthen you.
Earth Day resources
Click here
for online resources, lesson plans for children, and bulletin inserts
and other items assembled by The Episcopal Church for understanding and
honoring Earth Day, April 22 by congregations and individuals. Among the
resources:
- A bulletin insert on Earth Day, ideal for congregational use.
- Creation Justice Ministries, centering on Care for God's Creatures and includes ideas for hosting an Earth Day Sunday.
- Earth Day Sunday with information about biodiversity and faith through Creation Justice Ministry's #EarthDaySunday Resource
- Earth our Garden Home: Creation Care Lessons for Children and Wild Faith: A Creation Care Curriculum for Youth, a curricula ideal for summer and fall, developed by Cynthia Coe of the Diocese of East Tennessee, an Episcopal Church Mark V fellow, the curricula are ideal for Sunday school and teen discussion groups.
- Learn about Environmental issues and the Anglican Communion through a video from Episcopal News Service
- Receive information about The Episcopal Church's environmental advocacy efforts through the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN)
For more information, contact Jayce Hafner, Episcopal Church Domestic Policy Analyst, at jhafner@episcopalchurch.org.
Monday, April 11, 2016
The Rev. Canon Charles Robinson joins the diocesan staff
|
Born in Oklahoma, Charles spent his formative years in various areas of the Southwest United States. He enlisted in the Navy as a hospital corpsman in 1970 following high school graduation. After completing his baccalaureate degree, he was commissioned in the Medical Service Corps as an environmental health officer in 1980. Charles completed 28 years of service and retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1998. After serving as a corporate health care executive for two years, he returned to work for the Navy as a civilian scientist before leaving for seminary in 2001.
Charles holds degrees from National University and Webster University, and he received the Master of Divinity degree from The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. Prior to joining the diocesan staff, Charles was rector of Saint John's, Suffolk, and served at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, for nearly nine years.
About his new diocesan ministry, Robinson says, "I am honored to have been called to this ministry by Bishop Hollerith and very excited about the future."
Certification of Lay Delegates & Alternates for Annual Council due June 30
Your Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for Annual Council should be sent to the Diocesan office by June 30, 2016. Click here
for information about and the form for sending in the name(s) of
delegate(s) and alternate(s) elected by your vestry for Council year
2016-2017.
Your elected delegates and alternates will serve for an entire conciliar year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017. This term includes eligibility to vote at Pre-Council Convocation meetings in January, Annual Council in February, and any Special Council or other called meetings that may occur during this period.
If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Canon Ed Tracy, 757-213-3378 or etracy@diosova.org.
Clergy Transitions
The Rev. Lauren McDonald, will begin as Associate Rector for
Outreach & Women's Ministries, May, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg
Christian Formation Week: Take. Break. Bless. Give.
Take. Break. Bless. Give. These are the words of our faith,
but how do we live them out in this complicated, multi-cultural,
technologically advanced century? Learn with us about how to be the
Church beyond our houses of worship.
Christian Formation Week at Kanuga, June 13-17, will include more than 20 workshops covering such topics as racism sensitivity training, means of reconciliation, ministry with the homeless, how to host a dinner church and a wide variety of nuts-n-bolts workshops about formation basics.
For more information and to register, please visit www.kanuga.org/christianformation.
Christian Formation Week at Kanuga, June 13-17, will include more than 20 workshops covering such topics as racism sensitivity training, means of reconciliation, ministry with the homeless, how to host a dinner church and a wide variety of nuts-n-bolts workshops about formation basics.
For more information and to register, please visit www.kanuga.org/christianformation.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Mark your calendar for Fall youth events
Mark your calendar and plan to attend these great Fall youth
events. All events will be held at Chanco on the James in Surry. Watch
the eNews and our website for details and registration.
- October Weekend (grades 8-12) - October 7-9, 2016
- Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - October 29-30, 2016
- Happening #65 (grades 10-12) - November 11-13, 2016
- November Weekend (grades 6-9) - November 18-20, 2016
Stewardship Commission to survey clergy and lay leaders
The new diocesan Stewardship Commission will be sending an
online survey to clergy and selected lay leaders within your parish in
the next few weeks. The commission is charged with the responsibility of
developing stewardship programs, providing stewardship education for
parishes, and enabling diocesan giving. In order to accomplish this, it
is important that we understand the current state of stewardship within
the diocese as well as the stewardship needs and expectations of the
individual parishes. To this end we have developed the online survey you
will soon be receiving. Your responses to the questions in the survey
will help us develop a course of action. Please take time to complete
the survey and respond with thorough answers to the questions asked.
Also, feel free to add any thoughts you may have that might assist the
commission in accomplishing its mission. Thank you in advance for your
participation.
- Mike McGraw & Bob Motley, Co-chairs, Stewardship Commission
Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group to meet April 21
The next Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will be on
Thursday, April 21, noon to 1:30 p. m. at the Diocesan office in Newport
News. 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, njames@diosova.org.
The Grapevine: News from the diocesan ECW
The Grapevine
is a quarterly print-ready newsletter from the diocesan ECW that is
available for individuals and churches to receive via email. the March
2016 issue is available here. We appreciate your help sharing the news. If you have news you would like to included in The Grapevine, or know of someone who would like to be added to the email list, please contact Nancy Smith, nsmithwtr@aol.com. The deadline for the next issue is May 31.
Apply now for ECW Scholarships
The Elise Holladay Scholarship, funded by Episcopal
Church Women, awards small grants to students throughout the Diocese.
Last year 14 young men and women received from $500 to $1000. There is
also the ECW Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship which 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. Start
now to give FAFSA, counselors and referees time to help! A student may
receive funds twice. If you have questions, do call Susan Broaddus at
757-623-0205 and leave a message.
|
Apply now for ECW Scholarships
Residential Education Day at Boys Home
|
This Open House event will take place on Friday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Boys Home campus. Activities will include: Boys Home School and campus tours, Center for Applied Trades Program demonstrations, chat with residents and staff, FREE luncheon featuring Chefs from Guest Services assisted by Culinary Arts students from JRTC, door prizes.
RSVP to Sarah or Sandra by phone at 540-956-7714, by email at sjones@boyshomeofva.org. Click here for more information or to RSVP online.
Lauren Grizzard interns at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services
|
Grizzard received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from
the University of Virginia and says that interning at Jackson-Feild
Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) has taught her much about Social Work
and herself in a short period of time. "Three years ago,"
she says, "I saw myself helping others, but did not know what that
looked like for me. JFBHS ignited a passion in me for helping
adolescents with histories of abuse, neglect, and trauma."
While at JFBHS, Grizzard spent time in clinical meetings,
participated in therapy sessions and observed treatment team meetings.
She shadowed different therapists and witnessed their varying styles and
techniques which will greatly help her own professional development.
Grizzard calls her internship at JFBHS "a humbling, yet
incredibly rewarding experience." She grew up in the Emporia/Jarratt
area and was familiar with JFBHS, but she confesses that she knew little
about the extraordinary work that is done there. At JFBHS, a
multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, residential staff
workers, and administrative personnel all join together to meet the
residents' needs and build them into strong and healthy individuals.
Grizzard observed that the butterfly logo of JFBHS is a
perfect representation of the lessons she learned through her
internship. "The residents are the caterpillars that turn into
butterflies on their own. JFBHS wraps them in a cocoon of compassion and
empathy that helps foster a beautiful transformation...and that is what
I will strive for in practice.
News from The Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church scholarship applications now being accepted
Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2016-2017 academic year. Scholarships are available for educational training for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other groups covering a wide range of eligibility. The lists of trust funds and scholarships as well as key information are here.
Requirements for applying for the scholarships include: the applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. The application form is here. Online applications are required. Deadline for applications is April 30. Only complete applications will be considered. For information, contact Ann Hercules, Associate for Grants and Scholarships, ahercules@episcopalchurch.org.
Church Planting & Missional Initiative grant applications now available
Applications are now open for the 2016 grant cycle for new church starts and Mission Enterprise Zones in The Episcopal Church. Resolution D005 and Resolution A012
approved by General Convention in July 2015 authorized new and
continued funding for church plants and Mission Enterprise Zones
throughout the Episcopal Church. Additionally, newly created grants will
be awarded to dioceses and already-established ministries exploring
possibilities for new initiatives or expansion.
Application, guidelines and information are here.
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated upon receipt. The
applications will be reviewed by the General Convention Advisory Group
on Church Planting.
More information about the church planting initiative is here. For information contact churchplanting@episcopalchurch.org.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
May Weekend now open to grades 6 through 12!
Throughout the weekend, teens will participate in large group program blocks, where they will hear talks by EYC Board members, as well as small groups, where they will have opportunities for discussion and activities. The weekend also features the full cycle of daily prayer and worship with fantastic music. Click here for more information and online registration.
EYC Board election
Rising 10th through 12th graders are invited to run for election to the EYC Board. If you are interested, please bring the application with you to the weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)