Register for Camp Chanco today!

The time is now! Register for Camp Chanco today before it's too late and your session is full! Chanco offers one and two-week traditional sessions; specialty sessions; a new Session Five high school week; and Family Camp. There is something for all ages at Chanco. Visit us at an open house May 20, 1 to 5 p.m., free and open to the public. Bring a friend and remember for every new camper you refer who registers, you receive $50 off your own camp tuition! Join us for fun, faith and adventure where "friends are friends forever." Click here for a video of all the Chanco fun. Click here for a flyer with more information and our dates and rates. Visit www.chanco.org for more information and easy on line registration. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-724-2626.    

Church safety and security seminar May 16

News headlines all too often cite increased incidents of gun violence and churches are not immune from this type of violence. CE-Net originally planned to arrange a training session for the diocese. However, the contacts at various police agencies have encouraged participation in larger community-based programs since they have been inundated with training requests. On May 16, Regent University in Virginia Beach is hosting a free Faith Based Security & Safety Seminar. The seminar is open to staff, clergy, lay leaders and any members interested in providing for and protecting our churches and congregations. If you are interested in attending, click here for more information and registration.  

CE-Net welcomes new co-chairs

The Christian Education Network (CE-Net) is pleased to announce that Vicky Koch and Megan Dern will be the incoming co-chairs of CE-Net. Vicky and Megan are both passionate about Christian formation and are looking forward to connecting with other Christian formation colleagues in the diocese. Vicky is the Director of Christian Education at St. Paul's, Norfolk vkoch@stpaulsnorfolk.org, 757-627-4353 ext. 23, and Megan is the Associate of Children and Youth at Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk, megan.dern@goodshepherdnorfolk.org,   970-381-4321.  

Chanco 50th anniversary May 6

	Cursillo #2 and Cursillo #161

Less than three weeks until our golden anniversary! Calling Chanco staff and campers from 1968 to 2018; calling Cursillistas from Cursillo #1 to #164; calling all Happeners from #1 to #68 and calling all EYC, vestry, clergy, parish and family retreat participants - we want you at the 50th! Join 200 Chanco friends already registered on Sunday, May 6 beginning at 11 a.m. for an incredible 50th birthday celebration including a special ceremony, Eucharist on the bluff and a BBQ lunch. Please register at www.chanco.org. (394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, 23881) Questions? Contact us at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or hospitality@chanco.org. We can't wait to see you back at the bluff!

First Fridays Recovery Service on May 4

First Fridays is a monthly service designed for people in any kind of recovery and their loved ones. Join us for a candlelit hour in the the church where tears are welcome, joy is celebrated, and all are embraced exactly as they are in their brokenness. During the service participants may light candles and write prayer requests. All are welcome, whether or not you're in recovery.

The service is hosted by the Spiritworks Foundation Center for the Soul and supported by the diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission. It is held the first Friday of every month at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. This month's service will be on Friday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a baptism during the service and refreshments at the Custis House afterward.

Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester street in front of the church during the service. For more information contact SpiritWorks by phone, 757-903-0000, or email, lauren@spiritworksfoundation.org. Bruton Parish is located at 331 W. Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg.

Obtaining proof of your church's tax-exempt status

Financial institutions are now requiring more detailed information with regards to tax exempt status. If you are contacted by your bank for proof of 501(c)(3) status, you will need to respond in a timely manner or risk having the church's assets held by that institution frozen.

To obtain proof of your church's status as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) unincorporated association, please contact Comptroller Judy Dobson at jdobson@diosova.org or 757-213-3386. You will need to provide her with your parish's EIN number (employer identification number) and mailing address.

If you need further information or have questions, please contact Judy Dobson,  jdobson@diosova.org or 757-213-3386.

ECW Diocesan Annual Spring Meeting

Domestic violence is a hidden plague on our families and communities. Find out more at the ECW Diocesan Annual Spring Meeting, Saturday, May 19. Leslie Ludwig, a former student at Jackson-Feild will speak. The ECW of St. Francis, Virginia Beach, will host the meeting (509 S. Rosemont Rd., Virginia Beach). Registration and coffee at 9:00 a.m. Meeting at 9:30 a.m. The cost of $20 includes registration and lunch. Please RSVP by May 12, and include any dietary requirements, to Tia Morings, ECW Corresponding Secretary, 2031 Indian Point Road, Suffolk, VA 23434, 757-934-6108 (home phone). NOTE: Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. not 10 a.m. as reported in The Grapevine.