Help Jackson-Feild purchase a new van

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is in desperate need of a van to transport students from campus to appointments in the community. They are trying to buy a 2017 van to replace their 2010 van which has over 207,000 miles on it. Jackson-Feild needs reliable transportation to support their twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year operation. 

The mission of Jackson-Feild Behavior Health Services is to provide high quality, evidence-based psychiatric, residential, education and recovery treatment services for children who suffer from severe emotional trauma, mental illness and/or substance use disorders.  Their rural location is ideal for a behavioral health program as it discourages runaways and all but eliminates negative influences so that residents may focus on their disorders, come to understand them, and learn how to manage them. 

If you would like to contribute toward the purchasing of this new van, you may mail your check to the Diocesan Office (11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, VA 23606) and be sure to note "Jackson-Feild van" on the check memo line. You may also mail your check directly to Jackson Feild at 4905 Dickens Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23230.

Needed items for Jackson-Feild children

For years the ages of majority of the children served by Jackson-Field has been 15-18 years old. A recent and growing trend is the placement of children ages 11-14. Consequently, Jackson-Feild is in need of "gently used" items for younger children. Heretofore their mental health services were provided in the community. Sadly the acuity of their needs dictates that they need residential treatment services.

 

Their wish list includes age appropriate books (mysteries, adventure, Happy Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Hunger Games, Fangirl, Ask the Passenger etc.) comic books, magazines (teen, Sports Illustrated), art supplies, board games, puzzles, toys and sporting goods. Jackson-Feild is requesting that churches consider holding drives for these items and Jackson-Feild will make arrangements to pick up the items so that they can be pressed into service immediately.

 

If you would like to help please contact the Development Office at 804-354-6929 or email tbalsbaugh@jacksonfeild.org.

Episcopal Asset Map unveils redesigned site, invites full participation across church

The Episcopal Asset Map, an online platform showing the location and ministries of Episcopal churches, schools and other communities, has been revamped and refreshed with more-detailed information, easier access and ease of navigation.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in a video available here, called the Asset Map "truly a tool, a resource" and points out that it has been "revised, expanded, updated, user-friendly and now includes virtually the entire Episcopal Church from the largest cathedral to the smallest house church."

The Episcopal Asset Map is a join project of the Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development. This innovative partnership tracks local ministries and shows the location and the array of ministries and programs offered by Episcopal congregations, schools and institutions throughout the church. 

 

Because the map is grassroots-populated, local congregations are able to post the most relevant and up-to-date information such as summer worship schedules or special programs that respond to the needs in their communities.    

 

For more information about the Episcopal Asset Map, visit  here. A short video is also available in English and in Spanish. 

Time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates & Alternates for Annual Council

It is now time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for Annual Council. Elected delegates and alternates will serve for an entire conciliar year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019. This term includes eligibility to vote at Pre-Council Convocation meetings in January, Annual Council in February, and any Special Council - including possibly the election of our next bishop - or other called meetings that may occur during this period.

Click here for instructions and the form for sending in the name(s) of delegate(s) and alternate(s) elected by your vestry for Council year 2018-2019. Forms are due by June 30, 2018.

Linen ingathering for Jackson-Feild at ECW Annual Spring Meeting on May 19

Help Jackson-Feild refill its linen closet. Bring a package of single bed sheets, pillowcases, towels or washed clothes to the ECW Annual Spring Meeting at St. Francis, Virginia Beach, Saturday, May 19. The meeting topic is domestic violence. Leslie Ludwig, a former student at Jackson-Feild will speak. Registration and coffee at 9 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 Moring, 2031 Indian River Point Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. 757-934-6108 (home phone) St. Francis is located at 509 S. Rosemont Rd., Virginia Beach.

Where to send your church's UTO in-gathering

United Thank Offering (UTO) donations collected during April and October 2018 in-gatherings throughout the Diocese should be sent 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, requests for UTO materials, or ideas to share at Triennial. Donations are collected for UTO throughout the year. 2018 donations will be collected until December 10, 2018.

House of Bishops' Pastoral Response to #MeToo invites reflections, offers listening and steps to healing

In an open letter to the Episcopal Church, an invitation is extended to share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. A selection of the reflections will be read at a special listening session during General Convention 2018. The House of Bishop's Pastoral Response will be a sacred space for listening and further reconciliation on Wednesday, July 4, 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Those at General Convention 2018 in Austin, TX, are welcome to attend; those not in Austin will be able to participate remotely via a live webcast.

"Over past months, the #MeToo movement has brought the prevalence and depth of pain caused by sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation out of the darkness, creating a platform of courage and support for women to share their personal stories," states the letter, signed by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, Vice-President of the House of Bishops.

The deadline for submitting reflections is Friday, May 25. Click here for the full letter.