Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Letter to the Episcopal Church from the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies have issued a letter to the Episcopal Church regarding Resolution D034 passed by General Convention. The resolution suspends for three years the canon that places a time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against children and youth under age 21. Click here to read their letter

Parish Development Clinics in 2019

The Order of the Ascension, an Episcopal Religious Community, invites clergy-in-charge of congregations (rectors, vicars) to two Parish Development Clinics. They are an integration of practical parish issues and Anglican pastoral/ascetic theology and strategy; with a touch of organization development. Participants come having completed a significant course of reading. They each complete some work prior to the clinic. Trainer/coaches will facilitate a process in which the participants engage one another and the coaches around the issues and dynamics of their parishes.
 
There are two clinics which still have open space. The workshop fee is $200.00. Participants arrange for their own lodging and meals:
  • Benedictine Rhythms: Listen, Take Counsel - June 4-7, 2-19, Seattle, WA. Register by March 1. Objectives are: 1) To better understand the inner dynamics of self and parish around listening and taking counsel. and 2) To increase our ability to shape healthier and more faithful practices around listening and taking counsel.
  • Shaping the Parish Through Spiritual Practice - Sept. 10-13, 2019, Seattle, WA. Register by April 1. The emphasis will be on understanding and living a pastoral theology and strategy. In this clinic we will focus on spiritual practice.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Bishop Magness called to serve as Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore


The Executive Board and Standing Committee of the Diocese are pleased to announce that the Rt. Rev. James B. Magness has accepted a call to serve as our Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore, effective January 1, 2019 and until such time as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia is consecrated. Bishop Jay is well known to most of us, having served in an administrative capacity in our diocese before his election as Suffragan Bishop of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Since his retirement from that position, he and Carolyn have been in many of our parishes, as he has served as our Assisting Bishop. The lay delegates and clergy of the Diocese will be asked to affirm this appointment at Diocesan Council in February, 2019.

Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco

  
On November 16-18, the Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco on the James. Sixty-six participants experienced a spirit and fun-filled weekend centered around the theme "Hold Fast: God Is With You." The Youth Task Force hopes you will join us for May Weekend at Chanco on the James. So mark your calendars for May 17-19!

Annual Council: Youth Delegation & Delegation Advisor applications are being accepted

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council - "Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships" - February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  
  
Youth Delegation & Youth Delegation Advisor Applications
Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. Additionally, two adult leaders will be selected to serve as advisors for the youth delegation to help them engage in and process Council. Click here for more info and an application form.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. James Young began as priest-in-charge at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, on November 1, 2018. 
 
The Rev. Marjorie Holm left as Interim Rector at Emmanuel, Franklin, on November 30, 2018.
 
The Rev. Deacon Bob Gay began at Hickory Neck, Toano, on December 2, 2018.
 
The Rev. Deacon Margery Howell retired from Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, on December 2, 2018.

Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher

Holly Sunderland will present Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 2208 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach. Many organists find themselves leading choirs as part of their duties. Some are singing organists who are quite content modeling and refining both solo and choral singers. Some, however, lack experience and confidence in these endeavors. This is a seminar in which participants will be introduced to the concept of "gradual release" - I do, We do together, You do together, You do. This pattern works well for teaching untrained singers. This seminar will be a good refresher for the trained, or introduction to the novice. It is free and no advance registration required.