New congregational vitality tool from Episcopal Church Foundation and The FaithX Project

Episcopal Church Foundation has teamed with The FaithX Project have launched the new Congregational Vitality Assessment tool. It is designed to provide congregations with an assessment of its Vitality (how healthy it is) and its Sustainability (whether it has the people, financial, and contextual resources necessary to survive). It can be completed by a single congregational leader or a group (leadership group or the entire congregation). Click here for more information. 

129th Annual Council to be held virtually

After consultation with the Executive Board, the Standing Committee and the Chancellors of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, we are hereby announcing that the 129th Annual Council of the Diocese of Southern Virginia will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 VIRTUALLY. Information will be forthcoming about this day-long council and how it will be made possible electronically.
 

What Did Jesus Do? A Word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

"This November, the people of the United States will elect a president and many others to public office. This election occurs in a time of global pandemic, a time when there is hardship, sickness, suffering and death. But this election also occurs in a time of great divisions. Divisions that are deep, dangerous, and potentially injurious to democracy. So what is the role of the church in the context of an election being held in a time such as this? What is our role as individual followers of Jesus Christ committed to his way of love in such a time as this?" 

Click here to continuing reading or watch video of Bishop Curry's sermon.

Addictions & Recovery Commission hosts virtual screening of SNO BABIES

Recovery Month is held every September as a national observance to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery. This year's Recovery Month theme is "Celebrating Connections."  

Resolution 2018-C037 Call to Respond to Opioid Epidemic calls on all dioceses and parishes in The Episcopal Church to respond to the opioid epidemic with training, pastoral care, advocacy, and liturgy. Central to this response are partnerships with local responders and others in the medical community, other faith communities and local recovery programs to offer pastoral care to those affected by this epidemic, and with other faith leaders to advocate with local and state government regarding policies and laws to promote healing and wholeness for those affected by this epidemic.  

 

The diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission is hosting a nationwide online screening of SNO BABIES on Thursday, September 24. Click here to register. The film akin to testimony about how addiction can tear families apart. The film screening is an opportunity to bring together the celebration of Recovery Month and the Call to Respond to the Opioid Epidemic by the Episcopal Church. SNO BABIES writer, Mike Walsh and director Bridget Smith will take part in the screening. 

 

The film is difficult to watch, but crucial to see, as we are in a time fraught with peril and knowledge is our best defense.  Since opioid addiction can start with a prescription from your doctor for very real pain or from trying 'just one pill' from your parents' medicine cabinet, it CAN happen to you. The proximity we all have to this danger is the moral of SNO BABIES' story.  In addition to the cautionary tale, watching SNO BABIES secures funds for The Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation, that provides assistance to those in recovery to exponentially increase their chance at success.

 

For more information contact the Rev. Jan Brown, co-chair of the Addictions & Recovery Commission, jbrown@brutonparish.org. 

Virtual congregational meeting protocols

In response to several inquiries from churches about congregational meetings during the period when COVID-19 pandemic church assembly and social distancing restrictions are in effect from the Bishop, protocols have been developed and approved by the Executive Board. Click here for the virtual congregational meeting protocols.

Conversation with author and pastor Traci Smith

Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for a Zoom meeting/conversation on Thursday, October 1, 6 to 7 p.m. with author and Pastor Traci Smith.   

 

In this workshop, Traci will share her perspective on faith formation at home, informed by her research and work with churches and families around the country. She will also give practical ideas for empowering families to create a sacred Advent at home, as well as ways to empower families during this time of COVID.

 

Pastor Smith's latest book, Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas is a wonderful and amazing resource for formation leaders. Her new book provides 100 easy ideas to make the season sacred. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy for families to forget the true meaning of the season. In this new book of faith practices for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and anyone who cares about kids will find easy, fun, and meaningful ideas for bringing the sacred back into the season.  

 

Join us for a conversation with Traci and learn how you may help families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the busy season of Advent and Christmas. 

Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all. Visit her at traci-smith.com. 

 

For our online gathering, whether you use a computer, phone or tablet, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. Click here to register and receive the log-in information. 

Formation re-gathering recommendations

Many of us are desiring opportunities to connect with members of our congregations and worshipping communities and are wondering how we can engage in Christian Formation events safely. Below is information drafted by the Christian Formation Sub-Committee of the Diocesan Re-Gathering Panel on this topic. I would like to express my gratitude to Canon Lynn Farlin, Diocesan Canon for Formation, Vicky Koch of St. Paul's in Norfolk, and Jacqueline Beardsley of Christ & St. Luke's in Norfolk for their work in drafting these guidelines. Should you have any questions please contact Canon Farlin at the Diocesan Office.

 

With every blessing,

Bishop Susan

Formation Re-Gathering Recommendations