Presiding Bishop's message for World Refugee Day

"Our work with and for refugees began when we began to follow Jesus, to follow His way and His teachings. It is because we are followers of Jesus, because we follow the way of love, because we follow the way of compassion, because we follow the way of human decency and kindness that we must be passionately committed to helping the refugees and displaced persons of this day," commented Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry in his 2018 World Refugee Day Message. "When World Refugee Day comes on June 20, I invite you and ask you - help the refugees of this day. Support Episcopal Migration Ministries."

 

The Presiding Bishop's video message can be found here.  

 

On World Refugee Day, held each year on June 20, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of refugees worldwide. Refugees bring gifts, skills, and talents to our communities, enhancing the very fabric of our nation.

 

Episcopal Migration Ministries is the Episcopal Church's foremost response to refugee crises. Working in partnership with offices and groups within the church as well as with governments and non-government organizations (NGOs), Episcopal Migration Ministries assures safe passage and provides vital services for thousands of refugee families upon their arrival in America: English language and cultural orientation classes; employment services; school enrollment; and initial assistance with housing and transportation. For each family, the goal is self-reliance and self-determination. After years of living in limbo, refugees now have the opportunity to begin again on a strong foundation that honors their stories and dignity, thanks to Episcopal Migration Ministries.

 

Get more information and resources here. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Wade McClain began as Canterbury Chaplain at The College of William & Mary, and Bruton Parish, Williamsburg on June 1, 2018.

 

The Rev. Martin Bagay will begin as Interim Rector at the Churches of St. George's Parish (St. George's, Pungoteague and St. James', Accomac) on June 15, 2018.

Boys Home students join Uganda mission

	Students attending Uganda Summer Mission, L to R: Nickolas Schwartz, Christian Bass, Evans Weber.

Boys Home is excited that three students are preparing for the opportunity to participate in a summer mission trip to Uganda in July. The students, plus two staff members, will be in Uganda for two weeks installing solar lights at an orphanage. Galilee, Virginia Beach, is organizing the trip.  

 

 When asked, the students said they are most excited to meet new people and to have the opportunity to help others. They also spoke of their upcoming opportunity to teach a Bible class to the children in Uganda. The students explained that they are each responsible for teaching their very own study and are working hard to prepare Bible lessons for the children.

Jackson-Feild holds 20th commencement exercises

Eleven students from the Edna Hayden Gwaltney School received their GED certificate on June 8. Forty students received their ServSafe food certificate and eight the culinary certificates. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education, presided over the ceremony held at the Golden Leaf Commons at the Southside Virginia Community College Emporia Campus.

 

Two graduates spoke to those gathered about their experience at Jackson-Feild and at the on-campus, Gwaltney School. The express thanks and gratitude for the help and assistance they received from everyone at Jackson-Feild. Six scholarships were awarded to students to help with college or trade school expenses. These scholarships were given by a number of funders.

 

Each graduate is given a class ring donated by an anonymous donor. Young ladies are also given a dozen roses and young men a wallet in addition to a cash gift from an anonymous donor. Graduates are also given gift certificates from the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

 

The Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild has graduated 177 students since its founding in 1998. 

ECW recognizes Jackson-Feild's 11 graduates

	L to R: ECW President Helen Sharpe Williams; Jackson-Feild alumna Leslie Ludwig; Ann Chaffins long-time member of Jackson-Feild development staff.

Helen Sharpe Williams, President of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, presented a gift to each of the eleven high school graduates at Jackson-Feild's commencement on June 8. This was the third year the ECW of the Diocese of Southern Virginia has given each graduate a gift to recognize this special milestone in their lives. 

 

Two graduates spoke to those gathered about their experience at Jackson-Feild and at the on-campus, Gwaltney School. They expressed thanks and gratitude for the help and support they received from everyone at Jackson-Feild.

 

One of the graduates concluded her remarks saying "Every day at Jackson-Feild I got closer to God and discovered God within me. Maybe it is because just being in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees and animals, or the positive energy on campus but I believe it is the people who brought me closer. I hold Jackson-Feild very dear to my heart for opening a bright new world."

Chanco teams up with Seton Youth Shelters to help children with an incarcerated parent

Chanco on the James teamed up with Seton Youth Shelters of Virginia Beach to provide a day of fun and team building on June 2 for participants in Seton's Mentoring Program. The children in the Mentoring Program all have an incarcerated parent. The idea behind the program is to help give the children a positive role model and adult interaction to help guide them through this very difficult time in their lives.  

 

Seton Youth Shelters shall provide a safe haven, counseling and outreach services, 24 hours per day without charge, to assist youth in crisis throughout Hampton Roads, with the goal of reuniting families. The girls' shelter is located at St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, and St. Aidan's rector, the Rev. Mark Wilkinson, is president of the Seton board. To learn more about Seton Youth Shelters go to www.setonyouthshelters.org.

79th General Convention convenes July 5-13

The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church that gathers every three years. Southern Virginia will be sending a deputation of clergy and lay people, along with Bishop Hollerith, to this year's gathering - the 79th General Convention in Austin, Texas, July 5-13.

We'll be using this blog to post news about General Convention before, during and after our time in Austin. In the weeks leading up to General Convention, we'll be posting information that will help you understand how General Convention works and its importance in the life of the Episcopal Church. While we're at General Convention, we'll use the site to post daily updates and photos. You'll also be able to find lots of photos on

our Facebook page and Instagram, @Diosova.  

Alternative safe church training for VBS staff

Due to the unique nature of Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs, the Diocese is offering an alternative safe church training option for VBS directors to use with their VBS staff.  Given that the training focuses exclusively on the VBS setting, the safe church certification will expire immediately after the VBS program concludes. The training consists of one online course that is camp/VBS focused and a PowerPoint highlighting key safe church issues to be aware of and discussed with VBS staff.  If you are interested in utilizing this VBS safe church training option for 2018 VBS programs, please have your VBS director contact Susan Allen at sallen@diosova.org.

Boys Home grads receive gifts, scholarships from Southern Virginia's ECW

	L to R: Left to right: Alvin Biggs, Nancy Sands, Shama Baggott

Nancy Sands, former president of the diocesan ECW, traveled from Danville representing the Episcopal Church Women of Southern Virginia at the Boys Home Awards Banquet on May 11. She awarded each of the Boys Home graduating seniors with a gift in the amount of $100.

 

The Episcopal Church Women of Southern Virginia also presented $1,000 scholarships to two students planning to attend Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Shama Baggott and Alvin Biggs were the recipients of those awards. Alvin plans to pursue General Studies. Shama will study Information Systems Technology

CE-Net online gathering

It's been some time since CE-Net (Christian Education Network) has gathered. We are trying an evening gathering to provide an opportunity to include not just full time folks, but those who are may work part time and have full time jobs and volunteers. We hope you can join us for an online gathering via Zoom on Monday, June 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. We'll spend just a little bit of time checking in and spend most of our time talking and listening to one another about, "What are you doing this summer to prepare for the fall?"

If you are interested in participating, please email Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org, in the Diocesan Office. She will send you the link you'll need to join the meeting. Whether you use a computer, phone or tablet to join the meeting, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. If you have not used Zoom before, click here for a quick introduction on how to join a meeting. Zoom is very user-friendly and you do NOT need a Zoom account to participate.

June 18 webinar recounts Episcopal Church legacy of welcoming refugees

Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations is hosting a one-hour free webinar, Our 1939 Moment: Continuing the Legacy of Welcome, on Monday, June18 at 4 pm Eastern. Presented as part of the World Refugee Day observance on June 20, the webinar will be a conversation about the history and present of the Episcopal Church's legacy of refugee welcome. Registration is required and available here. The webinar will be available on-demand following the event.

Registration open for Safe Church training

Registration is now open for the remaining Safe Church classroom trainings scheduled for this year. Online training is also available. Click here to register for any of these trainings:

• June 16 - St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge
• September 8 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 15 - Trinity, South Boston
• September 22 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.   

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. 

Presiding Bishop Curry participates in May 24 procession, vigil to the White House

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will join other faith leaders and elders in Washington, DC to launch the Reclaiming Jesus Declaration at a church service followed by a silent candlelight vigil to the White House on Thursday, May 24.

All are invited to attend the event, beginning at 7 pm Eastern at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC. At the Church Service, Presiding Bishop Curry will join 10 faith leaders and elders in prayer and preaching. Following the church service at 8:30 pm, an estimated crowd of more than 1000 will follow Presiding Bishop Curry and the faith leaders and elders as they process from National City Christian Church to the White House.

"The church service, the procession to the White House, and silent candlelight vigil is planned in response to the moral and political crises at the highest levels of political leadership that are putting both the soul of the nation and the integrity of Christian faith at stake," noted the Rev. Jim Wallis, President and Founder, Sojourners. "The elders call upon all Christians to remember that our identity in Jesus precedes every other identity."

The Episcopal Church Office of Communications will livestream the church service, procession and silent vigil here. 

Hearts, Hands, Voices: Workshop for church musicians

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, in conjunction with the Center for Liturgy & Church Music at Virginia Theological Seminary, is offering "Hearts, Hands, Voices", a workshop for church musicians on June 2 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond. The program will have two reading sessions offering musical selections appropriate for the church year and focused on smaller church choirs. It will also offer effective rehearsal tips to help you bring out the best in your choirs. You'll also get ideas on Psalms and resources to expand your use of the Psalms in worship. Cost is $45, $25 for full time students. Click here for more information and registration.

Clergy breakfast: Care of Creation

Lynnhaven River NOW is hosting a clergy breakfast at the Brock Environmental Center on Wednesday, May 23. The Rev. Cameron Randle, rector of Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, will be speaking on "Care of Creation: Crafting a Theology of Environmental Stewardship." Breakfast will begin at 9 a.m., registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The Brock Environmental Center is located at 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach. RSVP to dana@lrnow.org by May 21. You may send a lay leader if you are unable to attend.

Safe Church training rescheduled

Training at St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge, originally scheduled for April 28 has been rescheduled for June 16. Registration closes June 9. Click here to register. Those who registered for April 28 are automatically registered for June 16.

Training at Trinity, South Boston, originally scheduled for June 2 has been rescheduled for September 15. Registration will be available soon.

Online Safe Church training is always available. Several classroom trainings are scheduled for the fall and registration will be available soon:

• September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 15, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston
• September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

 Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.

Chanco's 50th Anniversary celebration a tremendous success!

There are not words for the gratitude we feel for all of our friends who came from near and as far as Florida, Ohio, Oregon, California and more to celebrate 50 years with us this past weekend. Despite earlier forecasts calling for rain Saturday and Sunday, not a drop fell. Friends of all ages reunited, sang, played and worshiped together. New friends were made; old ones strengthened. It was a celebration many of us will never forget. A full story and photos will appear in the next Chanco Chatter eNewsletter and on the Chanco website. And photos from the weekend will also be posted on our Facebook page very soon. For now, we give thanks with grateful hearts for all of the people - those present and those who could not be with us - that have made Chanco what it is today and what it will become tomorrow.  

In the Chanco spirit,
The Chanco Board and staff

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.

Campus ministry supports parishes

by The Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti,St. David's, Richmond

	The Bimmer Family with Bishop Magness and the Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti, rector of St. David's.

Baptism, confirmation and reception were definitely a family affair at St. David's, Richmond, when Bishop Magness visited on April 29. Many of the eleven baptized, confirmed or received had connections to each other: a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A married couple. A father and son. And an entire family of three, the Bimmers! Richard Bimmer is a sophomore at James Madison University, and became involved in the Canterbury Club there. His enthusiasm was contagious, so his parents started attending St. David's a year ago. Richard and his dad Jeff were confirmed, and his mom Tricia was received. Many thanks to  Laura Lockey for her amazing Canterbury ministry! Supporting campus ministry supports parishes.

Upcoming Safe Church training

Below are the upcoming Safe Church classroom training opportunities. Online training is also available. Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.    

• May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach (registration closes May 8) Register here.
• June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston (registration closes May 29) Register here.
• September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives to host open house

The James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives will host its first open house on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum will display many rare artifacts and pictures of James Solomon Russell from the late 1800s to 2013 when Saint Paul's College closed. The museum is located at 219 North Main Street in Lawrenceville. There is no charge for admission and is open to the general public.  Call 434-848-2173 for more information.

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.