Monday, March 11, 2019

Care of Creation pledge and reflection guide available

Episcopalians and friends concerned about all of God's creation are invited to join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in pledging to take action to protect and renew God's world and all who call it home. The goal is to gather at least 1,000 pledges with concrete, personal commitments by Earth Day, April 22. Building from the Episcopal Vision for Care of Creation Statement developed by the Presiding Bishop's Office and the Advisory Council on Stewardship of Creation for the 79th General Convention, this pledge, and the accompanying Reflection Guide, is a tangible and practical way to show love for God's world. Click here to learn more.  

"Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action" training on refugee resettlement issues June 27-28 in DC

Registration is now open for "Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action," a two-day interactive training for clergy and laity interested in developing or improving their advocacy skills and having the opportunity to advocate directly to members of Congress and their staff about protections for refugees. Sponsored by the Office of Government Relations in partnership with Episcopal Migration Ministries, "Love God, Love Neighbor: Advocacy in Action" will be held Thursday-Friday, June 27-28, in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information.

Bishop Magness to host online meeting with youth on Mar. 21

Calling all youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia!  Bishop Magness is hosting a listening session via Zoom on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. to provide an opportunity to hear your thoughts and dreams about Episcopal Youth Community events and programming.  To join the conversation send an email to aturner@diosova.org  to get the Zoom meeting login.


Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group to meet

The Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, March 28, 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.

James Solomon Russell celebration on March 31



The James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee invites you to join them for a celebration of the life and work of the Rev. James Solomon Russell on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in South Hill. Bishop Jay Magness will be celebrant and Bishop Ronald Thornhill, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Zion, will be preacher. Clergy: Festive stoles. For more information contact Mrs. Annie Walker, 434-447-4097. New Hope Church is located at 255 Union Mill Road in South Hill, VA. 

Play golf to help Jackson-Feild's children


If you are a golfer and want to help mentally ill children please make plans to play in Jackson-Feild's 24th annual golf tournament on May 6. Funds raised from this event will be used to purchase special psychiatric furniture which is safe and durable for five cottage's bedrooms.
The tournament will be held at the Country Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield County. Lunch is served at noon and the shotgun start begins at 1:00 p.m.
 
Jackson-Feild's mission is to provide high-quality mental health services to children who have suffered severe emotional trauma heal and restore wellness so that they can return home.
If you would like to enter a team or would like to play yourself please contact Terron Watkins at 804-354-6929 or email him at twatkins@jacksonfeild.org to enter or go to Jackson-Feild's website (www.jacksonfeild.org).

Thriving in Ministry opportunity for clergywomen

Clergywomen in any denomination across the South serving in their first appointment as a solo or senior pastor (and associates hoping to serve as solo or senior pastors in the future) are invited to apply for the first cohort of the Thriving in Ministry program, which provides resources for women in ministry through regular ecumenical peer group meetings, congregational trainings, transformative retreats (including an international pilgrimage!), financial support for restorative practices that promote pastoral well-being, and spiritual direction and coaching over a 15-month period. This opportunity is funded through a grant from the Lilly Endowment Fund and is offered at no cost to participants. Applications are open for the first cohort, which will begin meeting in September 2019. The application deadline is May 31, 2019. Click here for more information.