CE-Net: Digital Formation Part 2

On October 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Christian Education Network (CE-Net) will continue our exploration of digital faith formation that began early in June with a more hands on approach to the topic. CE-NET has partnered with Jared Rendell, Partner for Digital Strategies, at Vibrant Faith to take us one step further in exploring this topic. Utilizing a recent news event and one social media platform, Jared will demonstrate how social media might be used from a faith perspective, to engage individuals. This session will be offered via Zoom so there is no need to fight traffic or tunnel congestion to be part of the experience.  

 

Given the news headlines, we are finding that our communities are searching for ways to make sense of and respond to the community and world events with a faith lens.  Unfortunately, the time needed to plan bricks and mortar programs often means that a window of opportunity to engage people has passed. Digital media produces an instant platform to connect faith to what is happening in the world.

 

Click here for more details and registration. Webinar is limited to 25 participants. 

Diocesan Connection newsletter available

The July-September issue of the Diocesan Connection newsletter is now available. The newsletter offers a digest of stories from our weekly Parish News and Diocesan eNews. Please print and share a copy with church members who do not have email, and post a copy on a bulletin board or in your narthex. You can also download the Diocesan Connection from the News & Publications page of our website. 

Clergy Continuing Education Grant applications due Oct. 1

The purpose of Clergy Continuing Education Grants is to support programs that are essentially theological in emphasis. Programs designed for training in special ministries, or those which would in other ways enhance the effectiveness of an individual in his or her ministry are also welcomed. Applications are due by October 1. More info and application form are here. 

 

ECW: Fall issue of The Grapevine newsletter is here

The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter of the Diocesan ECW. Click here for the Fall 2017 issue. If you have news to share, or know of someone who would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Nancy Smith, nsmithwtr@aol.com. The next deadline is October 31, 2017.  Many thanks for your help sharing the news! 

School is back in session at Boys Home

 

August 16 was a red-letter day at Boys Home. The first day of school is always met with excitement, but this year began differently since all of the residents are now being educated on campus. Each school day, the entire student body meets in the gymnasium of the Greer Education Center to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, take attendance, and pray. Students who wish to participate in sports are able to join teams with the local county school system if a particular sport is not offered through Boys Home. The move to educate all students on campus enables class sizes to be smaller and creates an environment where students can receive the academic assistance they need to succeed.  

 

Associate Director Chad Whitmer says that the progress so far is "as expected." He reports that the school is "right on target for where we thought we'd be at this point."  

 

When it comes to how Boys Home Liaisons and their churches can pray, Chad asks that "we be given the insight and understanding as to why boys do what they do and that the staff be given the means to help the students realize the value in developing a Christian worldview."

 

Visit  www.boyshomeofva.org to learn more about Boys Home and how you can support this ministry.

Jackson-Feild goes fishing

An annual rite of fall for the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is a trip at Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier in Hampton for a day of saltwater fishing. Old Point Trust and Financial Services sponsors this event in conjunction with the City of Hampton Roads Parks and Recreation.

 

Seventeen young anglers - most of whom had ever been saltwater fishing - arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, reels, tackle and bait provided by Old Point. Don Lancaster and Matt Smith with two other fine volunteers helped the children.   Don provided brief "Fishing 101" instructions where he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks, protect their hands from the fins, and release the hooked fish. The kids had so much fun that many did not want to leave. One young man who never had been fishing was so excited and happy he was beside himself.                                                      

 

When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing."

ODU Canterbury welcomes students

 

Old Dominion University Canterbury welcomed new students at a Fall Fair last week. Kuma, Chaplain Wendy Wilkinson's therapy dog, was there to encourage students to stop and talk at the Canterbury table. There was also a cookout with the "Archgriller of Canterbury" and the first Candlelight Eucharist of the semester. If you know anyone who is a student, faculty or on staff at ODU, please encourage them to stop by the Canterbury Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bible study is offered at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Noonday Prayer and lunch are offered on Thursdays beginning at 12:30 p.m.