ChurchNext to offer live, online Bible studies

Starting in September ChurchNext will launch three new, 'live' Bible classes that you can take by computer anywhere in the world. They're taught on the ChurchNext platform, incorporating zoom meeting technology. You can take a class individually or with your group.

There will be three six-week courses:

• Heretics in Good Company, led by Scott Gunn and Melody Shobe
• The Bible and Racial Justice, led by Kelly Brown Douglas
• The Bible and Evangelism, led by Marcus Halley

These classes are taught live - they begin September 12, from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. You can sign up now and you'll get an email shortly before the class begins with instructions on how to participate. These courses are free to subscribing ChurchNext congregations, dioceses, and individuals who purchase a $9/mo ChurchNext subscription.

Boys Home students participate in Uganda mission trip with Galilee, Virginia Beach

By The Rev. Anne Grizzle, Chaplain, Boys Home of Virginia

 

Boys Home is in fact a mission, but part of what we do on "the hill" is to encourage our students to spread their kindness and caring beyond the boundaries of our community. 

 

	Boys Home student Christian and   his new Ugandan friend.

This summer, three of our students practiced their missionary spirit on a trip to Uganda. Evans, Nikki, and Christian, along with two houseparents, Deborah Darcus and Milliyon Fesseha, joined Galilee, Virginia Beach, and made the trek to Uganda! 

 

The group served at the Otino Waa Children's Village for the first four days. As part of Solar Light for Africa, the group helped install solar lights in the village. As a way to bring fun to the children of the orphanage, the group spent one day offering a field day filled with soccer, face painting, and many games. The following evening was movie night, and the final evening was a dance night. The students learned that dance is a way of saying goodbye in Africa. Boys Home student Evans won the dance contest!

 

Next, they had the privilege of spending two days at the Chobe Safari Lodge, within Murchison Falls National Park. There, they were able to experience the amazing wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa! The group was very excited to see elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, hippos, and monkeys! 

 

	Boys Home student Evans joins the dancing.

Next on their agenda was to visit two other children's schools, where they installed and checked on lights. One of the schools was a school for the deaf. The Boys Home students learned how important light is at night because this is how the students could see in order to communicate using sign language.

 

When asked about the highlights of the trip, Evans responded with "I was in Africa!" Houseparent Debbie Darcus said she found the trip inspirational as they bonded with the children in Uganda and witnessed the great faith of each of them! She also said how helpful, kind, respectful, and hardworking the students from Boys Home were.

 

Judging by the smiles on all of their faces when they talked about their time together, it is clear that this was a trip where they not only gave, but they also received. 

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services elects new officers and trustees

At its annual meeting, Jackson-Feild Board of Trustees elected new officers: T. Darley Adamson, III of Richmond - President; William H. Poarch of Emporia - Vice-President; Anne G. Greever of Richmond - Secretary; and Robert B. Wynne of Richmond and Blacksburg - Treasurer.

 

Five new trustees were also elected to serve on the board.

• Beverley Coleman of Petersburg has extensive experience in state and local government working in business development. A graduate of Virginia State University, Coleman has worked for Chesterfield County, Historic Jackson Ward Association, and the Department of Housing and Community Development helping residents as well as businesses. With her talents and background, Coleman will serve on JFBHS' development committee.
• Dr. Muriel A. Hawkins brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to JFBHS. Currently an Associate Provost and Professor of Educational Leadership at Virginia State University, Hawkins has more than 40 years' experience in higher education as an administrator, faculty member and allied health practitioner. She has served on numerous civic boards and professional educational organizations.
• Dr. Leslie W. Rose, III, a specialist in internal medicine, treated the children at Richmond's Virginia Home for Boys and Girls for over 25 years. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond, his MD from the Medical College of Virginia, and his MBA from the University of Richmond. Rose has devoted his life to taking care of others and particularly enjoys helping children.
• Anne W. Hill currently manages professional malpractice claims for the Virginia office of Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. Prior to her insurance career, Hill was a Trust and Estate/Tax attorney for McGuire Woods in Richmond. She received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University, and her MBA and JD from the University of Richmond. Hill lives in Goochland and is active at Gayton Baptist Church where she serves on the Finance Committee and is Vice-President of the  Missions Counsel.
• The Rev. James W. Browder, III currently lives in Courtland where he serves as Vicar at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Browder is also a social worker at East Pavilion Nursing Home located at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin VA. Browder earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University, MEd at the University of Virginia, and his MDiv at Virginia Theological Seminary. In addition to a number of memberships, Browder is a trustee of the Ridley Foundation, and a member of the Ethics Committee of Southampton Memorial Hospital.

Upcoming session trains advocates, allies, ambassadors for refugee resettlement ministry

Registration is now open for "Love God, Love Neighbor," a three-day training course for clergy and laity that is designed to equip Episcopalians to be advocates, allies, and ambassadors for refugees and the ministry of refugee resettlement.  

 

Sponsored by Episcopal Migration Ministries, "Love God, Love Neighbor" will be held Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13, at Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville, KY. Information and registration are here. Registration fee of $150 does not include housing or transportation to conference.  

 

The training provides an in-depth exploration of the global displacement crisis, the United States refugee policy, how refugee resettlement works, faith-based advocacy for refugees, and organizing to welcome and support refugees in your home community. The gathering brings together people not only from across The Episcopal Church, but also from ecumenical and lay partners to learn from one another as we explore different local contexts as they relate to refugee resettlement. The result is an invaluable opportunity to build community and relationships that continue on after the training ends.

High school aged campers - don't miss Session Five!

Calling all those who completed grades 9 through 12! Maybe you have already attended Camp Chanco this summer and can't bear the thought of not returning to Chanco for an entire year. Maybe you are an older camper who has aged out of Camp Chanco and are happy to have a session for your age to return. Maybe you have never attended Chanco but attend EYC events throughout the year and would like to return for a five-night camp session. We have the session for all of you! Session Five is being held August 12-17 and is especially designed for our high school aged campers. This session is just $525 and involves many of the traditional activities of summer camp along with activities geared for the older camper. And the bonus?! These campers get an upgrade to our retreat lodging with air conditioning and private bath! Don't miss this fantastic session - register today at www.chanco.org. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). We can't wait to see you there!

Parish audits due September 1

Parish audits are due to the diocesan office by September 1. Diocesan Canons, and the Canons of the Episcopal Church, require every parish and mission to provide the diocesan treasurer with a copy of their audit report by September 1 following the calendar year audited. More information is available here. 

Bishop search update

The Standing Committee has been working hard at choosing the search and transition committees as we discern our next bishop. By the end of the application process on June 15, we had received 62 applications for a total of 20 spots available. The Standing Committee met on July 12 and now has a preliminary selection for the two committees. We will gather some additional information over the next month, and will make our final decision at our August 2 meeting. Thank you to all who applied, and please keep the Standing Committee, and the Diocese in your prayers.

 

 - The Standing Committee of Southern Virginia