Volunteer opportunities at General Convention

A range of volunteer opportunities are still available at the Episcopal Church 79th General Convention, Thursday, July 5 to Friday, July 13 at The Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. General Convention along with the Episcopal Church Women who meet concurrently, require the gifts and hospitality of volunteers to operate efficiently.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for many skills and talents. Daily schedules range from half-day to multiple shifts over many days. To register to volunteer and select shifts that suit your interest and availability, click here. For more information, contact Anthony Chapple at generalconvention2018@gmail.com.

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.

Presiding Bishop Curry joins Worldwide Anglican Communion campaign calling for prayer

For the second year, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has joined the worldwide Anglican Communion in Thy Kingdom Come, a campaign initiated by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby calling for prayer by individuals, congregations and families. Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension Day (May 10) and Pentecost (May 20) for more people to come to know Jesus.

A wide selection of resources and information are available to participate in many ways in Thy Kingdom Come, designed for both personal and group devotions and meditations. Click here to learn more about Thy Kingdom Come, and access resources.

SUMMA Theological Debate Camp for high school students

SUMMA Theological Debate Camp at the University of the South is a fantastic opportunity for high school students of all faiths to explore faith through reason and debate. SUMMA Student Theological Debate Society is inviting high school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2018 to apply for SUMMA Debate Camp, held July 17-25 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. SUMMA Camp is a unique opportunity for students to explore their faith through intellectual channels, meet lifelong friends, and have a lot of fun on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country!

At SUMMA Camp, students of all faiths learn valuable skills for debate, public speaking, and theological reflection. No previous debate experience or formal theological study is necessary. Campers have a true collegiate experience, but camp is not all work! There is plenty of time left over to swim, play sports, watch movies, go bowling, and have lots of great, summer fun! At the end of camp, the SUMMA prize is awarded to the student who best exemplifies the spirit of SUMMA camp: speaking the truth in love. The SUMMA prize includes a $1,000 scholarship.

Click here for more information. Applications are accepted through June 1, 2018. Please apply soon to avoid being placed on the waitlist.

Free online class on Revelation taught by Michael Battle

How will the world end? Does hell exist? Will we be separated from the people we know and love when we die? These are just a few of the questions the Book of Revelation inspires, and in his groundbreaking analysis, priest, theologian, and seminary professor Michael Battle takes on as he unpacks this book like you've never experienced it before. Revelation: The End of the World or Heaven on Earth is a new, free online class from ChurchNext. It is available in formats for individuals and for groups. You'll find the lectures longer and more in depth than most ChurchNext classes. It is a partnership between ChurchNext and Trinity Wall Street.

Lynn Farlin called to be Canon for Formation

Canon for Formation Caroline Black, having served the Diocese faithfully for over 10 years, will be retiring at the end of April. "Caroline has been wonderfully supportive of my ministry," said Bishop Hollerith. "I have relied on her wise counsel as well as her unflagging desire to get things done. And I have enjoyed our friendship. She will be greatly missed."

Lynn Farlin has been called to become the next Canon for Formation and will join the staff on April 16. Lynn has worked actively in the area of Christian formation for over ten years.  Most recently she served as the Director of Christian Formation at Church of the Ascension in Norfolk where she was responsible for the children, youth and adult formation programs. Lynn worked for twenty-six years in the university setting at Old Dominion University, Anne Arundel Community College, Purdue University and Illinois State University, primarily responsible for student judicial affairs. She holds a MS in College Student Personnel Administration from Indiana State University and a BA in Biological Sciences from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Lynn is a Safe Church trainer, a member of the Commission on Ministry, and has served on the Standing Committee and Title IV Disciplinary Board. She has been the co-convener of the Christian Education Network (CE-Net) for three years.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Richard Budd will leave Christ the King, Tabb as interim rector on April 7 and will begin as interim rector at St. Stephen's, Newport News on April 15.   

Bishop Vaché Scholarship applications accepted

The Bishop Vaché Scholarships provide funds to assist low-income and minority college students in the 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 1, 2018. Notifications will go out by June 15, 2018 and awards will be made by July 1, 2018. Click here for the application form.

James Solomon Russell celebrated

by The Rev. Dr. Terrence A. Walker

The annual Feast of the Venerable Doctor James Solomon Russell was observed on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. Dan Jarrell, pastor. Keynote speaker for the event was the Rev. Charles "Monty" Raney, Jr., pastor of Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre in Ebony. Raney, who grew up in Brunswick County, offered a frank assessment of the legal and societal barriers that Russell faced in his attempt to establish a comprehensive educational and training facility for African Americans in the Lawrenceville area and extolled the benefits to the local and world communities. What began as a basic education facility would grow from a junior college to a fully accredited four-year college (Saint Paul's College, 1888-2013) with students from across the United States and around the world.

 

Musical selections for the celebration were provided by the voices of the Lighthouse Singers of Lake Gaston Christian Life Center, under the direction of Mrs. Sheryl Baird and Mr. David Blount, and by guest soloist Ms. Megan Henry of First Baptist Church, South Boston, Virginia.

 

Each year the James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee adopts a project that highlights the far-reaching nature of James Solomon Russell's service in Southern Virginia. This year the Committee chose to encourage the renovation of 139-year-old Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Virginia, the first of twenty churches founded by Russell. Per the instructions in the original deed to the Ascension property, when the land was no longer used for religious or educational purposes, ownership reverted to the James Solomon Russell family. Several members of the Russell family were present to receive the document from the Rev. Dr. Terrence Walker who served as the celebrant for the service. 

Presiding Bishop Curry: Easter 2018 message from the Holy Land

"Hatred does not have the last word," the Presiding Bishop said. "Violence does not have the last word. Bigotry does not have the last word. Sin, evil do not have the last word. The last word is God, and God is love."

Filmed on Palm Sunday during his visit to the Holy Land, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry delivered his Easter 2018 Message while standing outside of St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem. You can watch video of Bishop Curry's message here and read the full text here.   

 

New resources: Evangelism; Youth Advocacy, MLK

Evangelism resources: Conference video; Toolkit

Evangelism Matters conference video
Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal evangelism conference, was held March 15-17 for anyone excited to learn about sharing and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with God. Video of speakers at Evangelism Matters are available online at evangelismmatters.org. Evangelism Matters is ideal for congregational discussion, adult forums, youth groups, and other gatherings. 

Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit
A new, comprehensive Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit is available online for congregations, dioceses, groups, and individuals to explore Evangelism and grow capacity to share the good news of God in Christ far and wide. The toolkit is available here in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. The Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit is ideal for educational purposes, leadership development, faith formation, adult forums, youth groups, and other Episcopal gatherings. 

 

Sustain the Energy webinar on April 10 focuses on advocacy opportunities for young people 

The Sustain the Energy webinar on April 10, 7-8 p.m., will focus on advocacy opportunities for young people following the March 24 March for Our Lives events held throughout the country.

Hosted by the Episcopal Church Offices of Government Relations, Youth Ministries, and Young Adult and Campus Ministries, the free one-hour webinar is designed to be an informative online conversation with resources, best practices, and next steps. Pre-registration is required and is available here.

Free adult curriculum honoring Martin Luther King 

April 4, 2018 marks 50 years since the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In observance of the deep and lasting impact of Dr. King's ministry, Trinity is offering the video curriculum below for use by individuals or in group education settings. The speaker series, "Three Epistles on Race in America," explores contemporary black/white relationships using writings that, while perhaps lesser known than King's famous "I have a dream" oratory, resonate powerfully today. Click here to learn more and to access the curriculum.

May Weekend registration is open!

Join us for May Weekend, May 18-20, at Chanco on the James. This is a weekend retreat for teens (grades 6-12) focused on fun, friendship and faith in honor of Pentecost and the 50th Anniversary of Camp Chanco.

May Weekend features awesome music, group games, campfires, interesting workshops, meaningful worship, camp activities, group discussions, arts and crafts, a dance party, and fantastic food! Click here for more details and registration. 

Province III ECW Annual Meeting May 6-7

The 99th Annual Meeting of Province III Episcopal Church Women will be held May 6-7 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV. The gathering will convene on May 6 with Holy Eucharist, a welcome dinner and presidents' meeting. The business meeting and joint session with Province III Synod will be held May 7. Click here for more info and registration form. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact Province III ECW President Beblon Parks, bebparks@gmail.com or 804-323-0542. Click here for a flyer to post in your parish. 

Video of Evangelism Matters conference available

Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal evangelism conference, was held March 15-17 for anyone excited to learn about sharing and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with God. Video of speakers at Evangelism Matters are available online at evangelismmatters.org. Evangelism Matters is ideal for congregational discussion, adult forums, youth groups, and other gatherings. 

Holy Week Sermons 2018: New resource for worship, reflections, meditation

A new resource, Holy Week Sermons 2018, is an ideal companion for Holy Week devotions. The 28-page Holy Week Sermons 2018 is designed for public and personal use for group discussions, personal meditations, reflections, and devotional reading by preachers, groups, individuals, adults and youth. Prepared through the Episcopal Church's popular Sermons That Work, the resource is designed for use throughout Holy Week to follow Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem, to Gethsemane, to the foot of the cross, and toward the joy of Easter.

Included are resources for Palm Sunday through the Great Vigil, all presented in different voices by the cadre of writers from Sermons That Work.  Topics are Sacrifice; Leave Her Alone. She's Telling The Truth; Let Go Into Jesus; At the End Of This Week; To The End; The Passion According To John. The Easter Vigil is St. John Chrysostom's Paschal Sermon.

Holy Week Sermons 2018 is available at no cost here and for downloading here.   

Bishop Search: Update from the Standing Committee

During this time of transition, the Standing Committee has committed itself to regular updates to the Diocese. We hope that this will help you stay abreast of the developments in our Bishop Search process. In the meantime, please keep the Standing Committee, Bishop Hollerith, and the Diocese in your prayers.

 

On Feb. 28, the Standing Committee met with Bishop Todd Ousley from the Presiding Bishop's office to train us in how to set up a Bishop search. (Click here for more information about the process.) Over the next several months we will be working on the following high level goals:

• Hire a search consultant to guide the Standing Committee, Search Committee, and Transition Committee through the process.
• Establish a timeline for major events.
• Designate persons to work on the Search Committee and assign a chair.
• Designate persons to work on the Transition Committee and assign a chair.

Thank you and God's Peace,

Standing Committee  

Women-to-Women event on April 15

Mme Esperance Kungoza, founder of Programs in Ituri for Rehabilitation and Development (PIRD), will speak at Christ and St. Luke's on Sunday, April 15 at 9 a.m. PIRD, the indigenous NGO (non-governmental organization),  she started 10 years ago,  continues to focus on women and girls, survivors of gender-based violence in the region of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, Mme Kungoza works in the US Embassy in Kinshasa, the capital, where she oversees the financial side of an AIDS program. "We are so excited Mme. Kungoza can take time to visit us," said Susan Broaddus, Women-to-Women Coordinator. "This year Women-to-Women will support PIRD. Our fundraising will help pay for counseling and education for 15 of the young women. Do plan to join us at April 15 to learn about the wonderful work accomplished by PIRD and to learn how you can help."

March for Our Lives: Peace Gathering, youth group accommodations

Epiphany Episcopal Church in Oak Hill, Virginia, invites those who plan to participate in the March for Our Lives on Saturday, March 24 to a Peace Gathering on Friday, March 23. Epiphany is also offering overnight accommodations to chaperoned youth groups. Epiphany is located at 3301 Hidden Meadow Drive, Oak Hill, Virginia. Get more information and register here.

Peace Gathering
Friday, March 23, from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ALL are welcome to attend! There will be an Italian-style dinner, live bands, singing, readings, and memorial time to remember and honor all of those who have been affected by school gun violence. RSVP is appreciated for food purposes.

 

Overnight Accommodations (Reservations Required)
Out-of-town youth and chaperones are invited to spend the night at Epiphany on March 23 and attend the march in D.C. the next day. Reservations required, space is limited.

Historic St. Luke's Church offers new program on race and slavery in the Colonial period

Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield offers private group tours. Groups of ten or more receive a discounted rate of $5 per person. Tours can be customized specifically for your group. Historic St. Luke's is also now offering a new presentation on the Church and the creation of race, looking at the church's complicity in justifying slavery in the Colonial period. Click here for more information about Historic St. Luke's and its programs.

Apply now for ECW scholarships

Elise Holladay Scholarships are available for young men and women who want to further their education after high school. Also, the ECW Beverley D. Tucker Scholarship  provides assistance to men and women in church-related training in an accredited Episcopal school. Use the same form to apply for either scholarship. Click here for an application. Applications must be complete and postmarked by Thursday, April 26, 2018. Questions?  Call 757-650-8809  

William & Mary Canterbury Black Tie Gala & Silent Auction on April 7

The students of William & Mary Canterbury invite you to their Canterbury Black Tie Gala & Silent Auction on April 7, 6 to 9 p.m. in the historic Christopher Wren Building on the campus of William & Mary. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at Canterbury's website. Admission includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages and entertainment from William & Mary's Student a capella groups. All proceeds benefit the Canterbury Mission Fund which provides grants to various local charities and scholarships to William & Mary students for international mission trips. This year the Mission Fund will focus on providing scholarships for students in Belize, for local charitable organizations, and for the Pilgrimage to England. If you cannot attend the Gala, but wish to contribute, you may donate online or send your check, payable to Bruton Parish Church with "Canterbury Mission Fund" on the memo line, and mail it to Bruton Parish, PO Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520 or drop it by the parish office.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Marni Schneider left St. Simon's by the Sea, Virginia Beach, on February 28, 2018.

The Rev. Dale Hirst left St. Stephen's, Norfolk, on February 28, 2018, and began as priest-in-charge at St. Simon's by the Sea, Virginia Beach, on March 1, 2018.

The Rev. Robin Teasley began as rector of Christ & Grace, Petersburg, on March 1, 2018.

Boys Home of Virginia has a new website

Check out the new Boys Home website at boyshomeofva.org. The new format makes it easier to navigate, whether looking for a place to serve the needs of a young man or for those who want to engage with Boys Home and become supporters. 

Jackson-Feild residents celebrate Black History Month

In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, Residential Services Supervisor Katrinka Phillips planned an entire day filled with a number of fun and educational activities. Residents created posters depicting African-Americans who were instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. They held a poetry reading and read aloud black history information that resonated with them. They even enjoyed a rousing game of "Black History Jeopardy" featuring questions written by staff about important people, places, days, and definitions.

 

Working to ensure that every holiday throughout the year is recognized with a special meal, Jackson-Feild's Director of Food Services Cynthia Easter pulled out all the stops for this Black History Month celebration. Easter and her staff prepared a dinner of fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, strings beans, rolls and apple cobbler that was thoroughly enjoyed by residents and staff alike.

 

Days like this are just one of the many things that set Jackson-Feild apart from other treatment facilities. In addition to receiving the treatment they need, the boys and girls are provided opportunities to explore topics of interest as a group, share their talents, and celebrate holidays that are important to them.

United Thank Offering update

The ECW sends out a heart-felt "thank you" to everyone who donated to the United Thank Offering in 2017. A total of $31,154.78 was collected for UTO in 2017. $26,890.98 was collected in the Spring and $4,263.80 was collected in the Fall. Here's more happy news - donations for 2018 have already started coming in! $2,940.44 has been collected for 2018. This amount includes $959.97 collected in the Blue Boxes at February's Annual Council in Williamsburg. This number is up from $791.83 collected at Council last year. Again, thank you!

 

Donations collected during April and October 2018 In-gatherings throughout the Diocese may be mailed to Ronda Toll, UTO Coordinator, 42 Cherbourg Drive, Newport News, VA 23606. Contact Ronda at 757-869-8873 or rtoll@cox.net with any questions or requests for UTO materials. Donations are collected for UTO throughout the year. 2018 donations will be collected until December 10, 2018.

 

The National UTO Board has created a simple prayer (memorable and easy enough for children to recite) that can be said when making an offering in a Blue Box. Here's the 2018 prayer:

Almighty God, I give you praise
for blessing me in many ways.
Create in me a grateful heart
and with this gift, a blessing start. Amen.

Episcopal Church scholarship applications for 2018-2019 now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from the Episcopal Church for the 2018-2019 academic year. The scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to the Episcopal Church.  The scholarships assist students who are mostly enrolled in theological education and training. 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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile. Among the requirements for applying for the scholarships are that the applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. Application deadline is April 6.

In the Footsteps of Paul: Pilgrimage to Greece

October 2-12, 2018
Land and sea travel is the best way to experience Greece and the Greek Isles, and October offers the best weather in the region. This all-inclusive trip, hosted by the Rev. Dr. Paul "Peter" Hogg, includes: 1) Round-trip flights from Dulles; 2) Tours of Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, including first class hotels, meals; 3) Tour the Aegean Sea Isles of Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Santorini as well as Ephesus (Turkey) on modern Celestyal Cruise Line ship, including all meals. Reserve now if you are serious; this tour has a limited capacity. The tour brochure and a flyer you can post or share are available here. Questions? Call or email: The Rev. Dr. Paul "Peter" Hogg, 757-635-3557, phogg123@gmail.com, or Toni Hogg 757-635-7402, tonih68@gmail.com.

The Rev. Sue Reid to serve as Bishop's Liaison for the Diaconate

At Annual Council, Bishop Hollerith announced the appointment of the Rev. M. Sue Reid as the new Liaison for the Diaconate. Sue comes to us with years of experience as a priest of the Church.  A graduate of both Union Theological Seminary in New York City (Master of Sacred Music) and Virginia Theological Seminary (MDiv), Sue has served in many capacities, including as Rector of two parishes and as Canon to the Ordinary for Education and Spiritual Development in the Diocese of Indianapolis. While Sue's title will be different than that of Archdeacon - due to the fact that she remains canonically resident in the Diocese of Olympia - she will nonetheless function as an Archdeacon in our diocese. Sue is presently a resident of Williamsburg and currently serves as the Chaplain for the Deacons School that we share with the other two Virginia dioceses.

Bishop Hollerith also recognized and gave thanks for the work of the Rev. Becki Dean who retired last year as the Archdeacon of the diocese. Becki served faithfully in that capacity since 2014. While family demands necessitated her retirement from leadership, she continues to serve as a deacon at St. Michael's, Bon Air.

Celebrate the life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell

The life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell will be celebrated at New Hope Baptist Church, 255 Union Mill Road, South Hill, on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall.

 

The James Solomon Russell Feast Day Celebration will benefit the preservation of Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Virginia. In 1879, James Solomon Russell, at age 22 and still in seminary at Bishop Payne Divinity School in Petersburg, founded Ascension Episcopal Church. Located in Mecklenburg County, it was the first church James Solomon Russell built and it still proudly stands today, 139 years later, in testimony to the ministry God gave him.

 

At the celebration service, the Rev. Charles M. Raney, Jr., pastor of the Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre will be the preacher, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., rector emeritus of Grace Episcopal Church in Norfolk, will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by the Lighthouse Singers under the direction of Mrs. Sheryl Baird and Mr. David Blount. Special musical selections will also be offered by the acclaimed soloist Ms. Megan Henry. Churches may bring their banners and flags. Clergy: Festive vestments. James Solomon Russell Scholars: Full academic dress.

Nags Head Acolyte Festival April 20-22

St. Andrew's By-the-Sea in Nags Head, North Carolina invites you and your acolytes to participate in the 2018 Diocese of East Carolina Acolyte Festival, April 20-22 at St. Andrew's By-the-Sea. All acolytes, acolyte directors, youth ministers and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Participants will go home with new skills and a renewed enthusiasm for liturgy. This year's festival will include Acolyte Olympics, the Bishop's "Beach" Ball, and workshops on banner making, thurifer training, vesting and other topics. Click here for more information and registration. Registration is $45 person which includes all meals and a T-shirt. Registration deadline is March 16.   

Drug use among adolescents and young adults growing - Jackson-Feild's Addiction & Recovery Treatment can help

As frequently reported by the news media and backed by statistics published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), a common misconception of adolescents and young adults is that prescription drugs are safer and less harmful to the body than stimulants and opioids. The number children using prescription drugs without a prescription is out of control. 

The impact is very harmful to the child's developing brain and body. In adolescence, the brain continues to develop enabling them to set priorities, formulate strategies, focus attention, control impulses, process information and understanding rules, laws and tenets of social conduct.  Drugs impact perception, fracture neural pathways, and affect judgment and inhibition.       

Jackson-Feild's Addiction and Recovery Treatment Can Help

Male and female adolescents and young adults ages 11 to 21 referred to our Addiction and Recovery Treatment Program have not been able to function in the community despite external structure and extensive treatment services. Treatment is covered by Medicaid and many private insurance providers. Therapies utilized in this program include:

• Motivational Interviewing
• Addiction Relapse Prevention Individual and Group Therapy
• Practical Skills in Living Substance Free
• Self-Regulation and Coping Skill Building 
• Trauma Informed and Focused Treatment
• Neurotherapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Variations of traditional 12 Step Program
• Faith-based practice and spiritual growth 

Inquiries or referrals for services: admissions@jacksonfeild.org; office 434-634-3217 Ext. 3027; cell phone 434-637-0995

Happening #68 registration is open!

Registration for Happening #68, March 9-11 at Chanco on the James, is now open! Happening is an experiential weekend retreat for teens that may just change your life.  Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Happening is open to all teens in grades 10-12 and adult advisors who have never attended a Happening program. Click here for more info and registration.  

 

Vestry Training Days: Faith... Authority... Power

Registration is now open
 

Vestry Training Days will be held March 17 at St. Paul's, Norfolk and again on March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian. Designed for new as well as experienced vestry members, the workshops will focus on creating best practices for your vestry. Registration is now open here.

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens will be held March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian (concurrently with Vestry Training Day). Bishop's Day for Senior Wardens is designed for Senior Wardens from all parishes and is an excellent training opportunity for new Senior Wardens. Led by the Bishop, this workshop includes: discussion of issues and concerns particular to the office; best practices; and how to develop a relationship with the rector. Registration is now open here.

Lutheran-Episcopal Day of Prayer, March 8

The Lutheran-Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia is sponsoring a Day of Prayer on Thursday, March 8 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Richmond. The day will be led by the Rt. Rev Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Bishop Goff will lead us in considering how and why to pray, whom to pray with, resources for prayer, prayer and the liturgical year, and will share other personal prayer practices. Click here for details and registration.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. William Queen left Christ & Grace, Petersburg, as Interim Rector January 31, 2018.

Theological education scholarships available

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for the following scholarships. The 2018-2019 theological scholarship application is due April 1, 2018. Students may visit our website at www.hamptonroadscf.org to view the list of available scholarships and complete our online application. Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the specified geographic area. 

• 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 Scholarship - 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.

Keeping a Holy Lent: Resources for groups and individuals

The Good Book Club - The Episcopal Church invites you to join in the reading of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts during Lent and Easter.

Civil Discourse Curriculum - A five-week curriculum to guide discussions about politics, policy, and legislation, while strengthening our relationships with each other.

Ash Wednesday Meditation Invitation - An invitation from the Presiding Bishop and President of House of Deputies to the Church as it examines ways in which the Church has failed to stand with women and other victims of abuse and harassment.

Episcopal Relief & Development Daily Reflections - Daily reflections co-authored by faith leaders from across the church. Each meditation is in English and Spanish. You can receive them daily by email or get them in booklet form.

Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John - this Lenten study is from the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), in partnership with Virginia Theological Seminary's Center for the Ministry of Teaching.

Luke the Liberator - a free online course from ChurchNext; designed to complement the Good Book Club reading.

Lent Madness - from Forward Movement, this is a fun and unique Lenten program that is a great way to learn about the women and men of the Church's Calendar of Saints.

Clergy Continuing Education Grant application deadline is April 1

Applications for Clergy Continuing Education Grants are due to the Diocesan Office by April 1. The primary purpose of the grants are to support participation in educational programs that are essentially theological in emphasis. Click here for more information and application.

Clergy Continuing Education Grant applications are considered twice annually and the application deadlines are April 1 and October 1. If the continuing education experience is to occur between June and October, the application will be considered in April. If the continuing education experience is to occur between November and May, the application will be considered in October. 

Fundraising 101: Coffee & Conversation with the Stewardship Commission

While you're at Council, join members of the diocesan Stewardship Commission on Saturday morning, Feb. 17 from 8:30 to 9 a.m. for Coffee & Conversation. They'll be introducing the new Fundraising 101 program being offered to churches. It will also be a great opportunity to ask questions about and share experiences with stewardship. 

 

The 126th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia will be held February 16-17 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to

www.bit.ly/diosova126 for the most up-to-date information about Annual Council.

Join Chanco in celebrating half a century!

Join us at Chanco on the James May 4-6 and celebrate with us Chanco's half century birthday! This golden anniversary of Chanco's ministry will celebrate 50 years of camp programs and many years of Cursillo, EYC, Happening, and retreats. We have been working for almost a year to plan the BEST anniversary celebration possible! Reunite with old friends, experience archery, ropes, water activities, hayrides, campfires, live music, a pool-side luau and more.  

 

This event is expected to sell out quickly for Chanco's retreat lodges, so don't wait - click here for more info and registration. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 889-724-2626. We can't wait to see you back in Chanco's magical forest where "friends are friends forever."

 

Civil Discourse Curriculum: A program for reflection, consideration, discussion

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations has developed a five-week Civil Discourse Curriculum, focusing on civil discourse and designed for reflection, consideration and discussion. Available at no cost here, it is a five-week curriculum to guide discussions about politics, policy, and legislation, while strengthening our relationships with one another. The Curriculum is designed for church groups, adult forums, campus ministries and youth groups (not recommended for younger than 14 years old). 

 

"The Civil Discourse Curriculum was created as a resource to help folks understand and practice civil discourse, particularly as it relates to discussion about politics, policy and legislation, and why it is so important to living out our Gospel call and solving the problems facing our communities, country and the world," explained Alan Yarborough, Office of Government Relations Communications Coordinator and Office Manager.

 

Civil discourse is defined as an engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding, and has important applications for public policy and civic engagement.  

 

"We created the curriculum to be a five-week program so people can use it during Lent, but you can engage in it at any point throughout the year," noted the Rev. Shannon Kelly, Officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministries. "Lent is a particularly good time to pause, read, reflect and learn about the nature of civil discourse, how we can practice it, and why."

 

Click here to learn more. 

Save the Date: Vestry Training Days and Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens

Vestry Training Days will be held March 17 at St. Paul's, Norfolk and again on March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian. More information and registration available soon. These workshops are designed for all vestry members, and include: presentations on the role and duties of the vestry; best practices; opportunities to interact with members of other vestries; discussion of common challenges that vestries face and the impact of contextual change on congregational life.

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens will be held March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian (concurrently with Vestry Training Day). More information and registration available soon. Bishop's Day for Senior Wardens is designed for Senior Wardens from all parishes and is an excellent training opportunity for new Senior Wardens. Led by the Bishop, assisted by senior diocesan staff, this workshop includes: discussion of issues and concerns particular to the office; best practices; how to develop a relationship with the rector; opportunities to have conversations with other senior wardens; opportunities for one-on-one time with the Bishop.

Absalom Jones Celebration on Feb. 10

Grace, Norfolk, will host the Absalom Jones Celebration on Saturday, February 10. The day will include:

• Violence and Church Safety Symposium, 9 to 11 a.m. - a panel discussion with Virginia State Police and Petersburg Chief of Police
• Lunch, 11 a.m. to noon - RSVP is required (see below)
• Service of Celebration of Absalom Jones' Life and Work, 1 p.m. - Guest speaker will be the Rev. Canon John Harmon of Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington DC; Celebrant will be Bishop Hollerith. A reception follows the service.

If you plan to be there for lunch, please RSVP to Grace Church, 757-625-2868 or gracechurchnorfolk@gmail.com. Grace Church is located at 1400 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. 

 

Absalom Jones (November 7, 1746 - February 13, 1818) was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding a black congregation in 1794, he was the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church, in 1804. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and remembered liturgically on the date of his death, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818".

Clergy transitions

Deacon Dana vanVliet-Pullin left St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, on December 17, 2017.