#SoVaGrateful - St. John's, Halifax, parishioner writes song to give thanks and lift spirits

Singer-songwriter David Martin, a member of St. John's, Halifax, wrote and recorded "Carry the Flame - A Tribute Song for Everyday Heroes of the COVID-19 Pandemic" - a song to help lift spirits and give thanks for those on the front lines. Listen here.   

 

The Diocese of Southern Virginia invites all congregations to join the Thankful Thursday bell ringing and social media #SoVaGrateful efforts to let our health care workers and first responders know that their care and commitment to others is appreciated beyond what words can express. Click here to learn how you can participate. 

Books for church libraries

Galilee, Virginia Beach, has limited library space and offers duplicates (not discards) of their church library books to any parish without a library that would like some excellent books available for parishioners. The material includes works from its collection of master works, commentary, prayer, liturgy, and church history. Galilee pays shipping. Contact Dave Wynne at diw1022@gmail.com. 

EYC Board applications are live!

The Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Board is seeking applicants for the 2020-2021 school year.  Serving on the EYC Board is an exciting opportunity to be a leader in the diocese. The Board is comprised of up to nine youth members, preferably one youth representative who will be going into 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall from each of the nine convocations in the diocese. The Board's mission is to help youth in the diocese grow in their spiritual journey and understanding of the Episcopal Church. The Board works closely with the Youth Missioner and other adult leaders to implement events like Spring and Fall Weekends, represent the youth voice at Annual Council, help connect youth with national Episcopal events like the Episcopal Youth Event and Province III gatherings (Middle Atlantic region of Episcopal churches), and are encouraged to explore new ways for youth in the Diocese to grow in community. We are looking for youth from across the Diocese and ask your help in finding youth who might be a good fight. The application deadline is May 31, 2020. Click here for the application.  

 

ECW video update; Autism Awareness Month

Dr. Rene Escoffery-Torres, Vice President of the ECW of Southern Virginia, provides a brief report and offers resources for the ECW's current focus, Unmasking the Mystery of Autism Spectrum Disorder. April is Autism Awareness Month, and the ECW is hoping to provide resources and connect the greater church community with good information they can use during this COVID-19 epidemic. Click here or on the video below to watch.  

 

 

Employment opportunity

Director, Children and Youth Christian Faith Formation Program

Grace Church, Yorktown, is seeking a Director of Faith Formation for Children and Youth to lead a vibrant ministry with and for the children and youth of Grace. Responsibilities include inspiring youth to a life of faith; nurturing a community of mutual support; developing and overseeing Christian Formation programs for children and youth; recruiting and training volunteers; and collaborating with church leadership. Click here for more information and how to apply. 

Bishop Vaché Scholarship applications now being accepted

The Bishop Vaché Scholarships provide funds to assist both low-income and minority undergraduate college students in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. First-year students as well as returning college students are welcome to apply. Scholarship awards range from $500-$2500 per academic year.

 

Complete application packets for 2020 must be postmarked by July 1, 2020. Notifications will go out by July 29, 2020 and awards will be mailed by August 17, 2020. Click here for an application packet.

Cool Congregations Webinar April 30

We have all seen a glimpse of cleaner air due to the constraints on human activity required by the COVID-19 pandemic. But a more lasting way to clear the air and protect our climate is to measure and reduce our carbon footprints. While you're inside flattening the curve, what better time to gather up your data and measure your carbon footprint?  Join Interfaith Power & Light for a webinar on April 30 at 3 p.m. to demonstrate the NEW Cool Congregations calculator for your congregational facilities -- and for your home too.

Click here to register.  

 

Across the country, people of faith are making changes in their homes and places of worship to prevent global warming through our Cool Congregations program. IPL's unique stewardship program helps congregations reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities and engages their members in reducing their carbon footprint at home. The program educates, inspires, and saves money too!  

 

The calculators measure the energy to heat and cool and power your buildings, transportation, food, and procurement or dollars spent on goods and services.

Check out the calculators here.