Gulf Coast and Carolinas appeal for support of hurricane relief and recovery efforts

Episcopal churches on the Gulf Coast, including parts of Georgia and North and South Carolina, continue to assess Hurricane Michael's damage, with some in the hardest hit coast areas still in the rescue phase.

In an Oct. 15 interview with Episcopal News Service, Dwight Babcock, diocesan administrator for the Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast said of the recovery efforts, "This is a marathon, not a sprint. We just don't know what we're looking at." Ten of the 11 damaged churches held services "in one form or another," on Oct. 14; some inside the churches, some outdoors in pavilions, he said.

The Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast has created a Hurricane Relief Hub, listing ways to donate to hurricane relief efforts.

Communities in Georgia and the Carolinas affected by Hurricane Michael are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Florence. The Diocese of East Carolina has also issued an appeal for support.

"The local dioceses are continuing to assess the damage caused by the storm," said Katie Mears, senior director of Episcopal Relief & Development's U.S. Disaster Program, which is supporting these dioceses as they begin relief and recovery efforts.

Cursillo 4th Day Celebration at Chanco

The Cursillo Secretariat joyfully invites all of the Cursillo Community for the 4th Day Celebration on Saturday, October 20, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Chanco on the James. Support our new Cursillistas as we continue to orient and educate those who have just completed a Cursillo Weekend and those who are continuing to live out their Fourth Day.  

 

We will begin with fellowship and singing, and Stew Wolfe will give the Witness Talk. The Rev. Susan Grimm will be our Spiritual Director for the day and will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Godly Play training in Williamsburg Jan. 11-13

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will be hosting a Godly Play training January 11-13. Trainer Laura McGuire will be leading the Core Training weekend and all are welcome to sign-up to learn more about this great program for children's ministry. Register here. Space is limited.

Terron Watkins joins Jackson-Feild

Terron Watkins joined the development staff at Jackson-Feild. Terron is a native of Richmond graduating from Richmond Public Schools. He is a graduate of Longwood University where he studied communications focusing on public relations.

 

After graduation he worked in development for a Grace Place which provided adult day care services until the program closed its doors.

 

His primary responsibilities will be online giving, special events, Christmas program, Young Professionals Society and assisting the VP of Development with fund raising and communication projects.

 

Terron brings passion, commitment to Jackson-Feild's mission and a willingness to learn and grow as a development professional. He is looking forward to helping Jackson-Feild fulfill its mission and help our children.

New Advent curriculum and resources for Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Living

Recognizing that Episcopalians have been hunting for resources to support our journeys on The Way of Love, the Office of the Presiding Bishop offered an update on what's available and what's coming soon at  www.episcopalchurch.org/wayoflove and around the church.

Formation resources are coming soon:

• Following the Way of Love: 9-session Small Group Guide for groups that seek to reshape their lives around Jesus and his Way of Love. The guide details best practices for organizing small groups and discipleship groups, and then moves participants through reflection, discernment, action and deep commitment around the seven practices. Excellent for small groups, vestries, ministry leadership groups. Available for download on October 12.   
• Journeying the Way of Love: 4-week Advent Curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Ideal for Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love. Available for download on November 2.

Click here for more information on Way of Love resources already available.

Chanco celebrates groundbreaking

After its board meeting on Tuesday, the Chanco Board walked the "Stations of Construction" where a prayer was said over each site of renovation/construction followed by a champagne toast. The board recognizes that this moment is the result of several years of work and that we couldn't be here if not for you - our donors, parishes, volunteers and friends! THANK YOU! Haven't made your gift to the campaign yet? We are still working to reach beyond our $3 million stretch goal and need you! Contact Development Director Talley Banazek at talley@banazek.com to discuss how you can be a part of this exciting time in Chanco's 50 year history!

Bishop Magness to lead 2019 Holy Land pilgrimage

Bishop Magness invites you to join him in the spring of 2019 for the second diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is an incredible opportunity to both renew your faith and expand your knowledge of the land where Jesus lived out his ministry. Walk in the places where Jesus walked, and experience the world that our Lord experienced.

This pilgrimage is limited to just 35 participants. The deadline for registration is November 15, 2018. After that, registration will be open to persons outside of the diocese. Click here for the tour brochure and application form.