Union of Black Episcopalians meeting on Nov. 10

The James Solomon Russell chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) will meet on Thursday, Nov. 10 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. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.

United Thank Offering: Grant applications available Dec. 2; Fall ingathering monies due by Dec. 10

Grateful hearts are the reason the United Thank Offering (UTO) is able to continue to award grants which are gifts of love, and which change lives. They are also the reason the UTO is a vital mission arm of the Episcopal Church.

Fall Ingathering due by Dec. 10
Churches held their UTO Fall Ingathering was in October. Churches should submit their donations before Dec. 10. Make check payable to United Thank Offering and mail it to our Diocesan UTO Coordinator Helen Sharpe-Williams, 2343 Locks Landing, Chesapeake, VA 23323.

UTO Grant materials available Dec. 2
Annual United Thank Offering grant materials and application forms will be available Dec. 2. Please make sure to note that grant applications are due March 3, 2017. This is the deadline for the Bishop's office to submit the approved grant application. All UTO grant applications must be submitted to the Bishop's office no later than Feb. 17, 2017.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. David Teschner will retire as rector at Christ and Grace, Petersburg, on November 20, 2016.

The Rev. Anne Kirchmier will leave St. George's, Newport News (Nov. 2016) and will begin as rector of St. Andrew's, Newport News (Feb. 1, 2017)

Meredith Melo joins Jackson-Feild

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) is pleased to announce that Meredith Melo will be the Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement in their development office.

 

Meredith is a native Virginian from Yorktown. She earned her B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise from Virginia Tech and recently earned her Master of Public Health from George Mason University.She served as a student intern with the Office of Congressman Rob Wittman in his Washington office.She also interned at the American Heart Association in Arlington helping with development responsibilities managing their weekly newsletter and assisting with database operations. She also worked with community groups and assisted with volunteer coordination.

 

Meredith replaced Ann Chaffins who retired after twenty faithful and successful years of service to Jackson-Feild and the children it services.

Applications accepted for grants focused on climate change and creation

Applications are now accepted for grants that focus on local faith-based projects for mitigating climate change and safeguarding the integrity of Creation. The Episcopal Church Advisory Council for the Stewardship of Creation, enabled by Resolution A030, Create Task Force On Climate Change, approved at General Convention 2015, will make recommendations for grants up to $10,000. Only Episcopal institutions (parishes, dioceses, provinces, schools, seminaries, monastic communities, Episcopal organizations and other Episcopal affiliated entities) are eligible to receive these funds. Partnerships with non-Episcopal entities are welcome and encouraged, but an Episcopal entity must serve as the project leader, active manager, and reporting agent. Deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2016. Application information is here.

Administrators & Treasurers to meet Nov. 17

The Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, Nov. 17, 12 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. RSVP to Nancy James, njames@diosova.org. 

CE-Net meeting on Nov. 10

CE-Net (Christian Educators Network) will meet on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 9:30 to noon at the Diocesan Office in Newport News. Would you like to learn how you can continue formation at home? Or how would you like to send weekly updates on what you covered in formation so parents have an idea of what to talk to their kids about? If these questions interest you, CE-Net would like to invite you to a working session with diocesan Communications Officer Ann Turner who will walk us through how to set up a blog and how to use a recently added feature to the diocesan website. Bring your laptops and your questions. Lunch will be provided. Ann will also be available until 2 p.m. to answer any individual questions. Please RSVP by Nov. 8 to jenny.nauroth@cox.net.