Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Magness in 2020

	2017 Holy Land pilgrims in Cana

The next Holy Land Pilgrimage led by Bishop Magness will be February 3-14, 2020. Bishop Magness invites you to join him in the spring of 2020 for our second Diocesan pilgrimage to the "Land of the Holy One." For a number of years he has been making trips to Israel and Palestine for the purpose of both pilgrimage and building relationships. In coordination with Lightline Pilgrimages Bishop Magness has developed a splendid pilgrimage. If you choose to be one of our 2020 pilgrims you will have an incredible opportunity to both renew your faith and expand your knowledge of the land where Jesus lived out his ministry. Quite literally, you will be walking in the places where Jesus walked, and you will be experiencing the world that our Lord experienced. Space is limited to 35 people. Registration deadline is June 7, 2019. Click here for the trip brochure and registration form.

From the Stewardship Commission: Attention seniors of a certain age

The April 15 tax deadline has passed. Some of us who usually itemize deductions were surprised by the new standard deduction being the choice to lessen our tax liability. Be not dismayed - you have an opportunity to make qualified charitable contributions to your church for 2019 and beyond without having to itemize deductions. You can manage your retirement assets to benefit you and your family, reduce your tax burden, all while supporting the ministries of the church. When you reach the age of 70 1/2 you must begin making required minimum distributions (RMDs). A portion of your RMD may be sent as a tax-free gift from your IRA custodian (financial institution) directly to the Church by means of a QCD (qualified charitable distribution).  

 

For a QCD to count toward your current year's required minimum distribution, the funds must come from your IRA after the date that you turn 70 1/2 and by your RMD deadline, which is generally December 31 each year. To report a QCD,follow the 1040 instructions for lines 4a and 4b. These gifts are easy to make; ask your tax adviser and your financial institution how you can take advantage of this tax break.

 

Register for Camp Chanco - the time of your life!

Check out our new video here of all the wonderful things Camp Chanco offers your child and then visit www.chanco.org while space is still available in your session of choice! Do not miss the summer memories of a lifetime! Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org. We can't wait to see you back in the magical forests where 'friends are friends forever!"

 

Youth Leadership for Youth Task Force applications being accepted

There is a wonderful opportunity for youth to participate in this year's May Weekend in a leadership role. We are inviting youth in grades 10-11 to apply to be leaders for this program.  This year's theme, God's Love Is ..., was developed by the current seniors on the Youth Ministry Task Force.  

 

This offering is a faith-based retreat for your peers and adult youth leaders in the diocese. You will have the opportunity to lead worship, assist behind the scenes, help with music if so inclined, to MC the weekend, and to build mentoring relationships with your peers. The time commitment will be as follows: Thursday, May 16 (7:00 p.m.) - Sunday, May 19 (2:00 p.m.) at Chanco on the James, and one or two planning meetings (1 hour and half to two hours in duration) prior to the weekend (may be conducted virtually).

 

Clergy, Formation Leaders, and Youth Leaders, please encourage your youth to apply.  Selected Youth Leaders will receive a discount for May Weekend.

The deadline for this application to be submitted by mail or e-mail is Wednesday, April 17. Click here for more information and application form. 

Safe Church Training workshops scheduled

The following Safe Church Training Workshops are now open for registration. These workshops consist of a single session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch included. Completion of one of these workshops will satisfy the safe church training requirements for any employee or volunteer in the diocese.

 

More training workshops will be added for the Fall of 2019. Get more information about Safe Church Training and registration for these workshops here. 

• April 27 - Hickory Neck, Toano
• May 4 - St. Paul's, Petersburg
• May 18 - Trinity, Portsmouth
• June 1 - Emmanuel, Hampton
• June 8 - Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach
• June 15 - Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk
• June 22 - Trinity, South Hill 
• September 28 - Redeemer, Midlothian

Apply now for Cursillo #166 weekend, May 2-5

Cursillo #166 Co-Ed Weekend will be held May 2-5 at Chanco on the James. Cursillo is an adult retreat designed to help us grow closer to Jesus Christ. It's also a community where we're encouraged to live joyfully and serve faithfully in grace. For more information on Cursillo or to apply to be a candidate, please visit the Cursillo website at www.cursillodiosova.org.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Keith Gentry began as priest-in-charge at St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge on March 10, 2019.

 

The Rev. Alan Mead, interim Episcopal co-pastor, left Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach on April 7, 2019.

 

The Rev. Mario Melendez will begin as Episcopal co-pastor at Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach, on April 14, 2019.