Outreach at Chanco - All God's Children Camp

For the second year Chanco partnered with the United Methodist Church to provide All God's Children Camp in June. Children with an incarcerated mother or father, ages 7 to 12, spend a week at camp, participating in activities such as boating, swimming, hiking, archery, crafts, Bible study, and conflict resolution. Partnering with the Virginia United Methodist Church, All God's Children Camp provides a week of sanctuary for children who face so many challenges in their lives: economic poverty; temporary living conditions; loneliness; low self-esteem; violence; and drugs. Chanco is pleased and proud to be a partner in this wonderful outreach ministry.

 

Summer missions at Boys Home

	Volunteers from Trinity, Portsmouth, with Boys Home Director Donnie Wheatley (in white shirt)

Trinity, Portsmouth, is one of three churches that have spent time at Boys Home in Covington this summer. Volunteers from Trinty, as well as St. Michael & All Angels in Columbia, SC, and St. Martin's in Richmond, each spent about a week at Boys Home, working hard on some very hot days. 

 

Trinity worked diligently to replace front wood panels and insulate the entrance barn, and installed kick boards in the run-in sheds and corral barn for the horses. They also installed new bench seats on the bleachers by the riding area and began construction of a greenhouse by the garden area. To relax after their hard work, the group enjoyed an afternoon four-wheeler ride up the mountain behind Boys Home.

 

St. Michael and All Angels spent many hours painting the run-in shed and barn near the riding ring, as well as clearing grass from our pond. After all that work, the group found time to enjoy a day of kayaking and caving in the beautiful Allegheny Highlands! 

 

With the threat of rain, St. Martin's helped input the codes that raise funds from Coke reward caps, and cleaned the gym and recreation room. They made the trip to the top of the mountain at Boys Home, where they painted the lodge inside and out and began constructing a wood shed. After many hours of work, they visited Douthat State Park to unwind.

 

If your congregation would like to learn more about Boys Home and how you can support their ministry, please contact Lauren Ward, Lward@boyshomeofva.org.

"The Way of Love" permeates the work of the 79th General Convention

 

Southern Virginia's deputation (L to R): the Rev. Willis Foster; the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander; Sam Webster; the Rev. Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly; the Rev. Julia Messer; Clare Harbin; Bishop Hollerith; Alice Webley; the Rev. Ronald Ramsey; Isabel Burch; Toni Hogg; the Rev. Cameron Randle. Not pictured: the Rev. Mark Wilkinson.

 

The 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church has been meeting in Austin, TX since July 5, and participants (including Bishop Hollerith and our diocesan deputies) actually began arriving July 2 to begin committee work. Bishop Hollerith and deputies from Southern Virginia are putting in very long days in committee meetings and legislative sessions. General Convention continues through Friday, July 13. Below are just a few of the highlights of #GC79 thus far. For much more on the work of General Convention, visit the diocesan #GC79 blog, Facebook and Instagram. You can watch and follow the work of General Convention live on the Media Hub and the GC79 app.  

 

The Way of Love

 

The 79th General Convention opened July 5 with a festival Eucharist that included a rousing sermon by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. He talked about the Way of Love and how Episcopalians can intentionally move forward in that way. He called for not just GC participants, but all Episcopalians, to "meditate on the life and teaching of Jesus" before all of their work, and in everything they do. The Episcopal Church has created resources to help us do just that - The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life. This new "rule of life" is to turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest.  

 

TEConversations

 

This General Convention includes something new and different, TEConversations (The Episcopal Church Conversations), held during joint sessions of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The three TEConversations were: Racial Reconciliation; Evangelism; and Care of Creation. Each session began with powerful presentations by speakers, followed by guided conversation among the deputies and bishops. There are videos of all TEConversation speakers and discussion guides you can use in your parish. These resources are great for small groups, youth groups or adult forums.   

 

Public witness by Bishops United Against Gun Violence

 

	Bishops at public witness;   Bishop Hollerith at top right.

Bishop Hollerith was one of the bishops taking part in the July 8 Public Witness event at Austin's Brush Square held by Bishops United Against Gun Violence. Hundreds of General Convention participants attended the event. Many of the clergy present were wearing orange stoles - the color associated with gun safety and the blaze orange worn by hunters.  

 

Speakers included Phil and April Schentrup, whose daughter, Carmen, was killed in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas on Ash Wednesday of 2018. Since Carmen's death, both April and Phil have spoken out publicly against gun violence, as well as pushed hard for solutions that bring our country together. Phil and April generously shared their story of grief and pain, and urged the church to advocate against gun violence and promote public safety so that our nation can live together in peace.

 

Prayers at detention center encourage women held there

 

	Deputies (L to R) the Rev. Julia Messer, the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander, the Rev. Cameron Randle, Clare Harbin at Hutto prayer service.

Nineteen busloads of General Convention participants - over 1000 people - including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and House of Deputies President Gay Jennings, traveled to the Hutto Immigration Detention Facility in Taylor, TX, to hold a prayer service outside the detention center.  

 

Grassroots Leadership, a non-profit organization that works with communities across this nation to abolish for-profit private prisons, helped facilitate this public witness. They reported to General Convention that on Sunday afternoon, "A woman called from Hutto after today's prayer and told us they were glued to the windows until the last bus left the detention center. Women inside were crying, saying they knew they weren't alone after seeing so many people there."  

 

Organizers of Sunday's prayer service plan to provide follow-up advocacy resources and opportunities. One step that both Houses of General Convention were encouraged to take was to donate to Grassroots Leadership's Hutto Deportation and Defense Bond Fund. Gifts to the fund "will be used to release people detained and ensure they remain free. Bonds on average are $1,500-$10,000. Funds will be used for bond, basic needs, and commissary so women can call their children and community, and other emergency needs."  

Jackson-Feild promotes two staff members

	Marie Hippolyte, left. Adrienne Foster, right.

Ms. Marie Hyppolite who has served as Clinical Director heading the behavioral health services at Jackson-Feild for the past four years has been promoted Director of Programs and Clinical Services. She has been employed by Jackson-Feild for twenty-five years. She previously serves as Director of the Eleventh House an independent living program which has since closed and as a clinical social worker at Jackson-Feild. Also promoted is Adrienne Foster to the role of Clinical Manager. She has served as a clinical social work for thirteen years.

             

Both Ms. Hyppolite and Ms. Foster have helped Jackson-Feild achieve an excellent reputation for the provision of high quality residential treatment services to help children struggling with mental health disorders and their families. They are outstanding therapists who have helped countless children understand and manage their disorders, and will provide great leadership and direction to ensure that Jackson-Feild provides trauma-focused, cutting-edge and evidence-based mental health services in the future.

Summer missions at Boys Home

	Volunteers from Trinity, Portsmouth, with Boys Home Director Donnie Wheatley (in white shirt)

Trinity, Portsmouth, is one of three churches that have spent time at Boys Home in Covington this summer. Volunteers from Trinty, as well as St. Michael & All Angels in Columbia, SC, and St. Martin's in Richmond, each spent about a week at Boys Home, working hard on some very hot days. 

 

Trinity worked diligently to replace front wood panels and insulate the entrance barn, and installed kick boards in the run-in sheds and corral barn for the horses. They also installed new bench seats on the bleachers by the riding area and began construction of a greenhouse by the garden area. To relax after their hard work, the group enjoyed an afternoon four-wheeler ride up the mountain behind Boys Home.

 

St. Michael and All Angels spent many hours painting the run-in shed and barn near the riding ring, as well as clearing grass from our pond. After all that work, the group found time to enjoy a day of kayaking and caving in the beautiful Allegheny Highlands! 

 

With the threat of rain, St. Martin's helped input the codes that raise funds from Coke reward caps, and cleaned the gym and recreation room. They made the trip to the top of the mountain at Boys Home, where they painted the lodge inside and out and began constructing a wood shed. After many hours of work, they visited Douthat State Park to unwind.

 

If your congregation would like to learn more about Boys Home and how you can support their ministry, please contact Lauren Ward, Lward@boyshomeofva.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. On the blog you can also find 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.  

 

In addition to photos on our Facebook page and Instagram, @Diosova, we'll also be posting a different prayer each day for General Convention and the Episcopal Church. Please pray for Bishop Hollerith, our deputies, and everyone participating in General Convention.  

 

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding,  

be present with those who take counsel at the 79th General Convention  

in Austin, Texas, for the renewal and mission of your Church.  

Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory.  

Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage  

to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group to gather July 19

The Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, July 19, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Office in Newport News. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions.  

 

Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. RSVP to Diocesan Comptroller Judy Dobson, jdobson@diosova.org or 757-213-3386.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Grant Stokes will leave Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk, on July 15, 2018. He will begin as rector of Trinity, Portsmouth, on August 1, 2018.

The Rev. Connie Jones will retire from Grace Church, Yorktown, on August 1, 2018.

The Rev. Jon R. Anderson will begin as rector at Epiphany, Danville, in August 2018.

Fall Camp at Shrine Mont keynote speaker will be author Lauren Winner

The Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging will hold its annual Fall Camp at Shrine Mont Oct. 22-25. Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but we don't have an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states. The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people, challenging participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another.

 

The keynote speaker for this year's conference will be Lauren Winner. Dr. Winner is an Episcopal priest and vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg, NC. She writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Her books include Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, and, most recently, a book on overlooked biblical tropes for God, Wearing God.  

 

Click here for more information.

Seeds of Hope Grant applications now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese.

Applications must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2018. Awards will be announced no later than Nov. 30, 2018. Click here for more information and an application.

GraceInside Impact Update 2018

GraceInside, Virginia's prison chaplain service, has released its mid-year impact update. Click here for testimonies from two men - one on the outside and one on the inside - impacted by GraceInside, by God, and by your support.

Jackson-Feild's Dr. Bowling retires

On June 30, Dr. William D. Bowling will retire as Director of Education at Jackson-Feild's on-campus Gwaltney School. For 24 years, he was progressive in creating and developing innovative educational services to meet the needs of children with severe mental health disorders.

 

Before Jackson-Feild, Bowling was a high school teacher; a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels; a Secondary School Supervisor; a Director of Instruction; and a Superintendent of School for several public school divisions.

 

As invaluable as Bowling's background and experience has been to Jackson-Feild, it been especially so to its students. For students wanting to take college-level coursework, Bowling established online education programs with the University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, and Brigham Young University. He also partnered with Southside Virginia Community College to provide career and technical education.

 

Under Bowling's leadership, classrooms at Gwaltney School were equipped with the technology necessary for distance learning. He developed the "student on a string" effort in which students who have left Jackson-Feild are able to remain enrolled in Gwaltney School so that they are able to complete their education and earn their GED. He outfitted the classrooms with the technology for distance learning.

 

Bowling will be deeply missed at Jackson-Feild. His vision, foresight, and leadership have left an everlasting and indelible impact on everyone, especially the students who have attended Gwaltney School.

Cursillo Co-ed Weekend Sept. 27-30

The next Cursillo Weekend will be Sept. 27-30 at Chanco on the James in Surry. Linda Tandy is the rector for this weekend. Go to www.curisllodiosova.org for information and an application.

Cursillo is Spanish for "Short Course." For us, it's a short course in Christianity. The moevement was started many years ago in an effort to help young Christian men grow closer to Christ. Today, there are Cursillo movements all over the world. On the three day weekend, candidates learn how to grow as leaders in their communities and in their own personal journey with Jesus.

First Fridays Recovery Service on July 6

The next First Fridays Recovery Service will be held on July 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg (331 W Duke of Gloucester St.). First Fridays is a 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. 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.

New Diocesan Connection newsletter available

The April-June 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 find the Diocesan Connection on the News & Publications page of our website. 

New issue of ECW newsletter is here

The Summer 2018 issue of the The Grapevine, the Diocesan ECW newsletter, is now available here. The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter for individuals and churches to receive via email. Some of the stories inside this issue are:

• ECW Love Gifts for Boy's Home and Jackson-Feild Graduates
• ECW Awards Over $19,000 in Scholarships
• Jackson-Feild Alumna, Leslie Ludwig, A Survivor, Speaks at ECW Annual Spring Meeting
• St. Mark's, Suffolk Friendship Tea
• ECW Will Zoom in September

Religion & The American Revolution lecture at Historic St. Luke's

Historic St. Luke's in Smithfield invites you to join them on June 30 at 1 p.m. as Museum Interpreter John Ericson discusses the relationship between religion and the American Revolution. The presentation will explore how the clergy entered the political sphere during the revolution, causing both Patriots and Loyalists to often interpret the conflict through the lens of their religious faith. Tickets are $15 per person. Seating is limited so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. 

Camp Chanco Staff Week in full swing - register today while space available!

Our camp staff are hard at work this week in training to prepare for Chanco's best summer ever! Please keep our staff and campers in your prayers as we kick off another fantastic season of camping ministry.  Still haven't registered your child? There's still time. Summer camp registration is rolling and with registrations ahead of this time last year, you don't want to wait to register for the summer camp session of your choice! With one-week, two-week and specialty sessions, there is a program perfect for your camper! NEW this year is a High School camp week in August for those who have completed grades 9-12. Click here for a flier with more information on Camp Chanco. Easy on line registration is available on our website at www.chanco.org. You may also stay tuned to our Facebook page for the latest news and photos of all Chanco programs. Click here and check out our new promotional video and see a glimpse all the adventure and fun Camp Chanco offers. We can't wait to see you this summer for the first time or for your ninth+ visit in Chanco's magical forests where "friends are friends forever!" Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org.

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.