Keith Josey, lay pastor of Mission of the Holy Spirit in Norfolk, was named a Hampton Roads Hometown Hero recently. Watch it here!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Episcopal Church live webcast: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America
Live webcast on November 15
Day of workshops, discussions on November 16
Day of workshops, discussions on November 16
On November 15, the Episcopal Church will host and produce a 90 minute live forum in collaboration with the Diocese of Mississippi. The forum will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS beginning at 1 pm Central (2 pm Eastern). It can be viewed here.
This year marks
significant landmark anniversaries in the struggle to end
discrimination, provide equal rights and combat racism: the 150th
anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of
the pivotal March on Washington, the 50th anniversary of the
assassination of Medgar Evers, the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks. In
1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law.
The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori will present the keynote address. The forum will begin with a thought-provoking video. Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: "Racism in America today - why does it persist?" and "Racism in America's future - where is there hope for change?" On November 16, faith leaders and educators will gather to discuss and create curriculum and tools on the topics raised in Friday's forum. The day-long event will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS.
The live webcast of the forum will be available on the Episcopal Church website here. Questions for the panelists can be emailed prior or during the forum to Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer, at PublicAffairs@episcopalchurch.org.
Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America is
ideal for live group watching and discussion, or on-demand viewing
later. It will be appropriate for Sunday School, discussions groups,
and community gatherings. Registration is not required to watch the forum.
Resources
Resources such as suggested readings, bibliography, videos, materials for community and individual review, discussion questions, and lesson plans will be available here.
Resources
Resources such as suggested readings, bibliography, videos, materials for community and individual review, discussion questions, and lesson plans will be available here.
VIPCare Pastoral Ministries Consultation & Support Program now enrolling
The Virginia Institute
of Pastoral Care (VIPCare) is currently offering its 2013-2104 Pastoral
Ministries Consultation and Support Program. The Program is a small,
interfaith group of pastors that meets twice a month October 2013
through May 2014. Click here for details.
For information or to register please contact Dr. Sandy Hamilton, 804-282-8332.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Your diocesan pledge makes it possible
Formation Ministries
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Annual Stewardship Conference
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Formation is vital to
the life of the church from the very beginning and Formation in Southern
Virginia continues to expand to meet the changing needs and challenges
of our congregations. Diocesan formation programs are designed in
collaboration with liturgists, communication and technical experts, as
well as experts in content such as stewardship, to provide a springboard
for parishes to continue the work of making disciples.
This past year we were
able to produce a video and a study guide for the diocese addressing the
sin of racism and that work will continue in 2014 with your support.
This venture has touched the lives of a number of our members and our
November 2 Service of Repentance will be the highlight of our years
work.
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Essential Building Dimensions participants
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Events such as the CENet
speaker series attract clergy and laity, with speakers who address all
aspects of formation and the cost is minimal, thanks to your financial
support. Bishop's Days and Stewardship conferences are well attended
because the cost is low. All Formation events in Southern Virginia are
underwritten by the diocesan budget so they are affordable for everyone.
In addition, scholarships are available for laity for almost every
event. These dollars are bolstered by your diocesan pledge and are being
stretched even further by sharing and collaboration among parishes,
convocations, and diocesan staff members. The upcoming Liturgical Arts
Festival in the spring of 2014, sponsored by Emmanuel, Hampton, is in
collaboration with other parishes in Convocation 5 and diocesan
Formation ministries. In each event, we strive to model new ways of
working together and sharing our resources.
Caroline Black
collaborates with other dioceses in the Essential Building Dimensions
Professional Leadership initiative, and the Hybrid Faith Formation
Initiative with VTS. Both programs have strong participation from
parishes in our diocese. EBD, mentioned above, was free to any paid
Christian Formation staff in our diocese, again thanks to the financial
support of Formation.
The Formation office
purchases or provides access to the latest curricula, videos and other
resources that are available to all parishes as well as training,
consultations and any other assistance with formation implementation.
Thank you for your support of the formation work in Southern Virginia.
Bishop Hollerith at Cursillo Weekend
Pictured: Bishop Hollerith with the Rev. Sandi Kerner, rector of St. Luke's, Powhatan.
Susan Broaddus to speak at ECW Fall Meeting
The ECW of the Diocese Southern Virginia voted to raise $10,000 in
2013-2014 to support the work Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Bukavu,
Democratic Republic of Congo, through Women-to-Women, a ministry formed
by the Diocese of Virginia in 2010. Susan Broaddus, a former mission
partner in the Diocese of Bukavu will speak about Women-to-Women and
report on her visit with the Mothers' Union in the city of Bukavu, Congo
at the ECW Fall Annual Meeting at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, October 19. The deadline to register for the meeting is Oct. 13. Please call or email Louise Boss, 757-678-5331, lrboss@isp.com. Click here for more information and a registration form.
Project Giving Back at Jackson-Feild Homes
Ms. Theresa Hicks,
residential counselor in Rodgers Cottage at Jackson-Feild Homes, cares
deeply about others and is passionate about instilling this spirit of
caring in the children at Jackson-Feild Homes. Hicks created Project Giving Back to identify opportunities for residents to help others.
The most recent
venture was to make bracelets for our troops serving in Afghanistan. The
brother of a Rodgers Cottage resident is serving there as is the son of
a staff member. Allan, another resident, is a talented
young man who showed the other boys in Rodgers how to make the bracelets
using Paracord. When the girls saw what the boys were doing, they
wanted to join the effort. All told, a total of 75 bracelets were made
and shipped to our troops. The residents also wrote personal letters to
accompany the bracelets.
Some of the
children's comments were Eddie "It gave me a special feeling to give
back to the men and women defending us", Diane "heart-felt feelings to
do something for someone else" and Anthony "a nice feeling to give
back".
This is the
seventh Project Giving Back effort this year. The residents previously
collected clothing and other items for the Oklahoma tornado victims, and
have made food items and other gifts for residents of Emporia and
Greensville Manor on a number of occasions.The residents
are looking forward to their next opportunity to help others. In the
process of helping others, they are also helping themselves.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Your diocesan pledge makes it possible
Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Transformation and Collaboration
Youth and young adult ministries in Southern Virginia embody the spirit
of transformation and collaboration. Our shared efforts help teens and
young adults to discover their faith and live into their call to
discipleship through meaningful programs and opportunities for service.
We also empower leadership at the parish, convocation and diocesan
levels, offering teens and adults who are called to this crucial
ministry the essential tools they need for their work.
Chanco is the heart of
our youth ministry efforts in this diocese. Over the past few years, we
have moved strategically and intentionally in order to unite our mutual
ministries around a shared mission in this diocese. All major youth
events, including EYC weekends for both Junior and Senior High, as well
as the Happening program, are now held at Chanco. The revamped team
approach to the chaplain program at Chanco has been instrumental in
providing necessary pastoral support, quality spiritual formation, and
compelling worship services at our summer camp.
Leadership development
has also been a priority for our shared initiatives in youth ministry.
In recent years we have witnessed a greater spirit of local
collaboration in convocations and strong participation at trainings and
parish consultations. The EYC Board and Happening Team are both highly
effective leadership groups, who not only engage in regular program
evaluation and creative planning, but also increasingly function as
local ambassadors for our ministries. In the summer of 2014, the
triennial Episcopal Youth Event will be held in Philadelphia, and we
look forward to sending a large delegation of youth to this important
and formative gathering.
Our college ministries efforts sustain young adults through
chaplaincies at the College of William and Mary, Old Dominion
University, Christopher Newport University, Longwood University and
Hampden-Sydney College. We also administer the Bishop Vaché Scholarships
which provided much-needed tuition assistance to low-income and
minority students. In July 2013, Ashley Scruggs was appointed to be the
Province III Campus Missions Coordinator. As the Diocese of Southern
Virginia broadens our reach in the Episcopal Church, we also seek to
further develop our local mission and vision for college ministries, and
we are beginning conversations about strategic planning in this area.
Without sustained
giving, none of this would be possible. An investment in youth and young
adult ministry is an investment in the vitality of the whole Church.
Generous financial support allows us together to build a firm foundation
for the future and respond daily to Christ's call to make apostles and
share the Gospel. Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to
more generously support these essential ministries, whether it is
through your time, talent or treasure. Thank you for your investment in
the lives of our young Christians.
Resources and training for church leaders: Financial Management & Communications
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Administrators & Treasurers Workshop
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Church financial
management includes some issues that may surprise and confuse even the
most experienced financial manager. We provide training, resources, and
one-on-one support to help administrators and treasurers navigate those
areas. We also help our churches to stay on top of changing IRS and
legal requirements.
This May, we
offered a day-long workshop full of practical information, including:
property insurance; audits and internal controls; IRS regulations;
clergy employment information; personnel issues; and records management.
The workshop was very well-attended and participants were enthusiastic:
- "I found the session to be very informative. Each speaker covered the information very clearly and asked for questions. The procedures I am using as treasurer are good but need to be improved with the information I received from this class. Thank you, for a job well done."
- "I think the information from the insurance folks was helpful. I would love to have the safety person talk about what he looks for when he does an inspection."
- "This was a fabulous, useful, well-organized workshop. I learned so much and appreciated the great handouts for future reference and copies of the PowerPoint presentation for easy note-taking. Thank you so much!"
For guidance or advice on church finances, please contact Comptroller Nancy James, njames@diosova.org or 757-213-3386.
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Cleta Norcross of Glebe Church, Suffolk, gets hands-on Facebook training
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"St. Augustine's
was thrilled to receive a Communications Grant in 2012. The funds helped
us in several ways - acquisition of the (web)site and the purchase of
audio equipment." - Rose Parker, Vestry member, St. Augustine's, Newport
News
In addition to the
weekly Diocesan eNews delivered via email each week, churches can use
our weekly Parish News email to share their stories and invite
Episcopalians from across Southern Virginia to their special events.
Sharing our stories is a great way to get ideas and make connections
that grow ministries. Churches can also post stories and events on our
Facebook and Google+ pages. These networks are an increasingly useful
way to share information and to make connections between individuals and
congregations.
"Your diocesan
newsletters are chock full of information for everyone. I am so
impressed with what is available for us to learn. It's remarkable. No
demographic is ignored. I know you and your colleagues have been working
non-stop to make sure everyone is aware of what is available. Thank
you." - Jo-Ann Mahony, St. John's, Hampton
To learn more about the assistance and resources available from the Communications Office, contact Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org or 757-213-3388.
Fall Clergy Conference registration is open
Registration is now open for our Fall Clergy Conference - "Stewardship:
Resourcing the Great Commission" - to be held November 12-13 at Chanco
on the James. Our speaker will be the Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek, Canon
to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Arizona. Timothy serves as an
officer of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship and has created an
online Stewardship University called "Stew U." The conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 12 and conclude by 3 p.m. on November 13. There will be an optional Quiet Day on Monday, November 11. Click here for more information and registration.
On the First Sunday of Advent my true love gave to me... a goat!
Episcopal Relief & Development's program Gifts for Life is a
special way to change our world for the better by providing lasting
solutions that fight hunger, create economic opportunities, support
health education, and strengthen communities around the world.
As our diocesan
representative to Episcopal Relief & Development, I want to
encourage every congregation to consider partnering with me for a
special Advent focus that invites parishioners to make small offerings
(a pocket-full of change from each person is more than enough) that will
make a big difference in someone's life. Here is how your offering will
be used each week:
- Advent 1: a goat. Goats are hardy, reproduce quickly and can be raised in a variety of climates to produce staple items such as milk, cheese and manure for farming. One goat costs $80
- Advent 2: a Flock of Chickens. A flock of chickens is far more than some hens, a rooster and a daily supply of fresh eggs. This gift will help train families and community groups to raise poultry and sell surplus stock and eggs in the marketplace. A flock of chickens costs $135.
- Advent 3: a Hive of Bees. For small-scale farmers whose land is too poor to accommodate livestock, this gift can literally transform lives by providing bees, apiary training and a whole new source of income through the sale of honey and beeswax. A hive with bees costs $55.
- Advent 4: a Pig. This gift, which includes training on raising and selling pigs, gives families a better future fast. Pigs reproduce quickly and piglets are ready for market in just six months. A pig costs $100.
So for just $370
in change your congregation can buy a goat, some chickens, bees, and a
pig! This is a simple way for our diocese to put our faith into action
and make possible gifts that keep on giving. If your congregation would
like to partner with me, please e-mail me at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org
to let me know. If you would like to know more about Episcopal Relief
& Development and other Gifts for Life opportunities, visit its
website at www.episcopalrelief.org.
National Church Administration Day 2013: Communication
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Send us a picture of your pet for our St. Francis Day celebration on Facebook!
The Feast of St. Francis is October 4. Help us celebrate by sharing a
picture of your animal companions that we can share in our St. Francis
Facebook Celebration. Send your picture to aturner@diosova.org.
Be sure to include your name, parish and your pet's name. Be sure to
visit our Facebook page on Oct. 4 to see all the "Episco-Pets" in
Southern Virginia!
Don't miss October Weekend! Registration deadline is Sep. 30
Have you registered for
October Weekend yet? The deadline is Monday, September 30. October
Weekend is for young people in grades 8 through 12 and their adult
leaders. Come to Chanco October 11-13 for a weekend in the woods with
teens from all over our diocese! October Weekend features great music,
small groups, socials and games, meaningful discussions, a dance, and
really incredible worship experiences. Come experience the presence of
God in community! Click here for details and online registration.
Mark your calendar for these other important dates:
- Oct. 14: Happening #60 Registration Deadline
- Nov. 4: November Weekend Registration Deadline
- Nov. 8-10: Happening #60
- Nov. 15-17: November Weekend
Living Waters Summit examines water quality through the lens of faith
The Living Waters
Summit, November 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is an opportunity to join
faith and conservation leaders from across the Commonwealth as they
examine water quality through the lens of faith. Investigate where faith
and conservation priorities intersect. Immerse yourself in the wisdom
and inspiration of speakers from the interfaith and science communities.
Examine ways the faith and conservation communities can facilitate
richer, more relevant conversations by working together. Collaborate
across faiths to develop "next steps" to improve water quality in our
communities during the coming year. Click here for details and registration.
New Chorister Program open to all children ages 8-18
Christ and St. Luke's,
Norfolk, is starting a Chorister Program for children ages 8-18, under
the direction of Kevin Kwan, newly appointed Director of Music. Boys
and girls, regardless of religious affiliation, church membership, or
musical experience, are welcome to join the choir. The Choristers will
be trained according to the standards set forth by the Royal School of
Church Music.
This opportunity is open
to all families in the Diocese who would benefit from professional
music training, at no expense to the parents besides their commitment.
More than just music skills, the Choristers training can be an
essential part of the whole formation of a child. Each boy and girl
receives significant individual attention in a stimulating, challenging,
yet fun environment.
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5-6pm, followed by a light supper open to all families. This meal, organized by the parents, is a way to build community among the families in a casual setting. Currently, the Choristers sing on Sundays every 4-6 weeks, in addition to the popular Christmas Eve and Holy Week services. For more information, please contact Kevin Kwan at kevin.kwan@christandstlukes.org or 757-627-5665 extension 18.
St. John's, Halifax, ready to show off their new look
The extensive
renovations at St. John's preserve the church's past while helping it to
move forward into the 21st century. Among the many improvements to the
structure, was making the church and parish house completely
handicap-accessible. "Essentially, we've redone that building from top
to bottom," said the Rev. Cleon Ross, interim rector. "There's no part
of the building that hasn't been touched. "
The open house on
Saturday will include tours of the church, parish house and cemetery. A
dedication and blessing for both the church and parish house will take
place on Sunday.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Boys' Home participates in The Amazing Raise
The Community
Foundation, serving Richmond and Central Virginia, will again
sponsor The Amazing Raise. For 36 hours beginning Wednesday, September 18,
at 6 a.m. and extending to Thursday, September 19, at 6 p.m., supporters
can designate online donations to eligible nonprofits. Boys' Home is
one of the 571 organizations in this select group. The Boys' Home page
can be accessed here.
St. John's honors the Rev. James Chisholm
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The Rev. Brian Hobden, 14th rector of St. John's, and the Rev.
Derek Harbin, 16th and current rector, bless a bronze plaque at the
Rev. James Chisholm's grave.
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St.
John's honored Chisholm with series of events over the weekend,
including tours of Olde Towne and the original Naval Hospital building,
highlighting Chisholm's work. Sunday afternoon's event included the
dedication of a new bronze plaque and the reading of a city
proclamation by Portsmouth Mayor Kenneth Wright. A collection in
Chisholm's honor will pay for mosquito bed nets. A fitting tribute since
Yellow Fever, although now eradicated, was a mosquito-borne disease.
Today, the nets could help prevent malaria, which causes 200 million
illnesses and kills 600,000 people a year.
Jackson-Feild completes capital campaign
Jackson-Feild Homes launched the Act of Faith Capital Campaign in
November 2011 to raise funds to make repairs and improvements to its All
Saints Chapel. With a campaign goal of $85,000, Tricia Delano,
Executive Director, is pleased to announce that the goal has been met.
Donations were received from thirty donors that included individuals,
churches, church organizations and foundations.
Constructed in
1978, the chapel was in need of both exterior and interior repairs in
order to continue serving as the home of Jackson-Feild's spiritual
program. In addition to weekly worship services in All Saints Chapel,
The Rev. Robin Jones also provides Bible study, character education,
pastoral counseling, holy yoga and quarterly bible schools within the
structure.
Exterior repairs
were completed in 2012, and work has begun to complete the interior
work. In the spring of 2014, Jackson-Feild will offer a special worship
ceremony to re-dedicate the chapel.
There's still time to register for LPM classes
The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is a two-year program offering a certificate in church music upon completion.LPM
classes are open to anyone; whether church musician, clergy, or
interested lay person, LPM's outstanding faculty will help you hone your
musical and leadership skills with practical courses tailored to suit
your needs. LPM provides professional support, introduces students to
church music resources, connects students with others who share their
dedication to and interest in church music, and sends students back to
their parishes with new ideas and perspectives.
LPM classes are
held once a month over the course of five months: Sept. 13-14, Oct.
11-12, Nov. 8-9, 2013, and Jan. 10-11, Feb. 7-8, 2014. On Friday
evenings classes are held from 7:00-9:15 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30
am-3:45 pm. Classes are held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy
Comforter at 4819 Monument Avenue in Richmond. Go to www.lpm-va.org for more information and registration.
Conference at VTS for retiring clergy
VIPCare Pastoral Ministries Consultation & Support Program
The Virginia
Institute for Pastoral Care is offering a Pastoral Ministries
Consultation and Support Program for parish and specialized ministry
leaders in an ecumenical and small group setting. The program is designed
to promote mature pastoral leadership and healthy congregational
dynamics in a complicated age, this program will offer twice monthly
sessions focused on facilitating ministers' growth, ministry
consultation, and periodic forums on high interest topics. Share and
learn with your peers what you do and who you are. Program begins in
October. Click here for more information and registration.
Ridley Foundation awards $91,575 in scholarships
The Ridley
Foundation Board awarded scholarships totaling $91,575 to 37 students
from the Diocese of Southern Virginia and Southampton County for the
2013-14 academic year. Click here for a list of this year's recipients. Here's what some of them had to say:
"I would like to
take a moment to express my sincerest thanks to Ridley Board for
selecting me as a recipient of The Ridley Foundation's scholarship. My
passions for learning and serving my community are enduring and will
continue to infiltrate every aspect of my life, during college and
beyond. The Ridley Scholarship is making an enormous difference in my
life by helping me and my family to pay for my college education. No
number of 'Thank You's' will ever truly express how much I appreciate
this generous award." - Kristen L. Cooke - Emmanuel, Franklin
"Words couldn't
explain how I feel. As a single mother living in poverty, no college
degree, and a teenage son it has really taken a toll on my revenue, but
thanks to the committee and prayers I'm on my way out of the
impoverished area. The committee has taught me the true definition of
giving back." - Judy Wyche - St. Thomas', Freeman
"I was
flabbergasted when the scholarship came in the mail. My parents were
ecstatic and I felt a sense of accomplishment for working hard in high
school. I can't thank you enough for awarding me with such an honor. For
the second semester, I know I am supposed to send in a transcript to
show what I've done for the first semester. I plan to attach pictures of
the campus and surrounding area just to show you what is being funded!" - Patrick Mahloy - St. Andrew's, Newport News
"Your support is
truly a blessing to my family and we are very grateful. As I head back
to Virginia Tech for my last year I will remember your generosity and
continue to pay it forward. I look forward to continuing to serve my
community as well as finish up school and get ready for the next chapter
of my life." - Peter Gunderson - St. Thomas', Chesapeake
"Thank you so much
for the scholarship you have awarded me with. I appreciate it greatly
and know it will help me a lot in the future. I look forward to
attending James Madison University to try and become an Occupational
Therapist and these funds will definitely help"- Bethany Vann -
Southampton County, VA
"I was both
surprised and honored to receive the Ridley scholarship. I sincerely
appreciate your generosity. I appreciate your confidence in me and
willingness to contribute to my future education. I am currently
attending Tidewater Community College and look forward to completing my
Bachelor's Degree at Virginia Wesleyan College. At the current time, I
plan on majoring in Secondary Education in hopes of one day teaching
History." - Ryan A. Watson - St. Mark's, Suffolk
Fall Clergy Conference Nov. 12-13
The Fall Clergy Conference - "Stewardship: Resourcing the Great
Commission" - will be held November 12-13 at Chanco on the James. Our
speaker will be the Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek, Canon to the Ordinary in
the Diocese of Arizona. Timothy serves as an officer of The
Episcopal Network for Stewardship and has created an online Stewardship
University called "Stew U." He will lead us through an exploration of our own stewardship as clergy who must provide leadership in this area of growing as disciples.
His topics will include:
- Straight Talk about Money in Your Life
- The Truth about Church Budgets
- 3 Simple Rules of Tithing
- The Importance of Spiritual Gifts
- Planned Giving - What You Pass On
- Raising Money in Tough Economic Times
The
conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 12 and conclude by 3
p.m. on November 13. There will be an optional Quiet Day on Monday,
November 11. Registration information and a schedule will be available
soon.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Province III evangelism conference Oct. 25-26
Joint Nominating Committee for the Presiding Bishop issues survey for your input
The electronic
survey on Survey Monkey consists of six substantive questions in areas
such as most important personal characteristics of the next Presiding
Bishop (life deeply formed by scripture and prayer; skillful manager of
people and resources; understand and speak multiple languages),
activities (engage in fund raising; head the restructuring of the
Church; strengthen our relationships in the Anglican Communion) and
areas of focus (articulating a compelling vision for the Church; work to
heal divisions in the Church; demonstrate a commitment to interfaith
and ecumenical cooperation). Six demographic questions request
information on age, race, gender, role in the Church, and years as an
Episcopalian.
"The survey is
designed to help us all discern some of the characteristics we hope to
see in the person we will elect," noted Johnson. "We want to hear from
Episcopalians throughout the church as this will help guide us in our
endeavors."
The Committee will
release the profile for the next Presiding Bishop in December. It
expects to open the nomination process on March 1, 2014. For more
information contact JNCPB at pbnominatingcommittee@gmail.com.
Episcopal Church survey input requested for 2014 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
Input is requested from members of The Episcopal Church for a questionnaire
that will form the foundation of the church's presence and
participation at the 2014 United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women (UNCSW) meeting, March 10-21, 2014. The priority theme for the
2014 UNCSW is "Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for women and girls.
The questionnaire was prepared jointly by Ecumenical Women with input from The Episcopal Church and other faith denominations.
The questionnaire can be completed either by individuals or by a group,
even though it is marked as "individual." No name is required;
demographic information is limited to the location of the respondent and
gender. Deadline to participate in the survey is September 20. Data
from the questionnaires will be submitted automatically to the
Episcopal Church and Ecumenical Women upon submission. From the answers,
advocacy priorities will be formulated and a joint written statement
prepared to be submitted to UNCSW for the 2014 event.
"Ecumenical Women
invite all to participate in deciding on its advocacy priorities,"
explained Lynnaia Main, Episcopal Church Officer for Global Relations.
"The questionnaire can be answered by anyone affiliated with The
Episcopal Church. Answers will be gathered and posted to Ecumenical
Women's website, and will be considered in forming Ecumenical Women's
advocacy priorities at the UNCSW in 2014. It will also be used to
provide grassroots input into The Episcopal Church's advocacy process
and create stories on MDGs and advocacy."
For more information contact Lynnaia Main, Episcopal Church Officer for Global Relations, lmain@epsicopalchurch.org.
Boys' Home: An environment for success since 1906
Boys' Home is a residential education facility located in Covington. It has been an integral part of the Alleghany Highlands since 1906.
It serves young men ages 6 to 18 who have great promise, but limited
opportunities. "We see people in real crisis situations," said
Development Director Janet Lemmer. Their mission is to help
each resident strive toward becoming a productive member of society, by
developing his potential, spiritually, mentally, physically and
socially.
In 1906, the Rev.
George Rogers, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington,
fulfilled the need for access to education and religion in the
mountainous area, and founded Grace Mission. After conducting services
on a roadside under some trees and then moving to a room in a vacant
house, Rogers started a school and Sunday school in an old log cabin. By
1911, when Rogers left the parish, a schoolhouse and chapel had been
built. The Mission was renamed The Industrial School and Farm for
Mountain Children and Home for Homeless Boys. Rogers' dream became a
reality. This was to become Boys' Home.
Today, Boys' Home
1400-acre campus offers recreational facilities, a chapel, and an
on-campus school that allows boys to catch up academically before
entering the public school system. Vocational-technical opportunities
are also offered - including the Boys' Home Christmas Tree Farm. The spiritual life program is vibrant, under the auspices of The Rev. Connie Wolfe Gilman, Boys' Home Chaplain.
How you can help
How can you
support Boys' Home and their mission? "An important way people can
support Boys' Home is by referring families that are in need of out of
home care," said Lemmer. Boys' Home exists to serve young men and their
families.
You can also help the staff and residents in more immediate ways:
- Wish List - The Boys' Home website includes a wish list of needed items, ranging from socks to sports equipment. "Our youngest resident is 6 years old," said Lemmer, "so we always need games, books and things for those little guys." Go to www.boyshomeinc.org.
- Sponsorships - Consider sponsoring a Boys' Home resident for Christmas or birthday. A gift of just $100 helps Boy's Home provide a happy Christmas or birthday celebration for a young man living away from his home.
- Just for fun - Come visit with the young men at Boys' Home or invite them for a weekend excursion. "It can be as simple as a trip to the beach, movie night or fishing trip," said Lemmer.
- Mission Works! - This is an opportunity for youth groups, churches and other organizations to work side-by-side with residents and staff in week-long on-campus projects. Some groups return year after year to share in work and fellowship, helping with a "mission" close to home. Boys' Home, hosted a returning mission group of youth and adults from St. John's, Chester, this summer. They worked on projects that ranged from landscaping to assembling beds.
To learn more
about Boys' Home and how you can get involved in their ministry, contact
Development Director Janet Lemmer, 540-965-7715 or jdlemmer@boyshomeinc.org. Visit their website, www.boyshomeinc.org. Be sure to visit their Facebook page for updates and lots of great photos.
Integrity Eucharist on September 29
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Help Mission of the Holy Spirit change lives
By Hank Luhring, Chairman, Mission of the Holy Spirit
There is a great photo on Facebook of Tiffani Satterwhite's newly
decorated dorm room at Mary Baldwin College. What an inspiring young
lady! Besides doing well in her course work at Granby High School,
Tiffani was very active in ROTC. She has been working for the last
several years to help support her family. And she has been a leader in
the Mission, urging younger kids to keep up with their studies.
Tiffani is a good example of a young person with great potential benefiting from the support you give to the Mission. We have eight other Mission kids that will be in college this Fall. The need for assistance is great. Although a lot of their expenses are covered by scholarships and grants, there is a small but crucial gap that the Mission helps fill. Your donation helps immensely.
Supporting the Mission college students has an impact on the younger kids as well. They have watched the older kids get through high school, go through the college application process, get accepted, start college, and come back with stories of the new horizons and opportunities that college opens up for them, and jobs that will lift them from poverty. The younger kids are inspired, and strive to do better with their schoolwork.
Your donations are impactful in many ways -- they make it possible for our college kids to achieve success: this Fall we will be filling 25 new backpacks for our school-aged kids with supplies they need to succeed; the Tuesday and Thursday evening programs keep the kids focused on doing their schoolwork each week; and the Sunday church service is the core that brings God into the kids' lives and gives them hope through prayer, hearing the Word, and experiencing an uplifting sermon by Pastor Keith Josey, one of the best interpreters of God's role in these young people's lives that they'll ever hear.
Donations may be sent to Mission of the Holy Spirit, 1445 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513. Questions? Call 757-858-0010. On behalf of those of us involved at the Mission, we thank you in advance for your donation. It truly makes a difference in the lives of a whole community of people.
Follow Mission of the Holy Spirit on Facebook!
There is a great photo on Facebook of Tiffani Satterwhite's newly
decorated dorm room at Mary Baldwin College. What an inspiring young
lady! Besides doing well in her course work at Granby High School,
Tiffani was very active in ROTC. She has been working for the last
several years to help support her family. And she has been a leader in
the Mission, urging younger kids to keep up with their studies.Tiffani is a good example of a young person with great potential benefiting from the support you give to the Mission. We have eight other Mission kids that will be in college this Fall. The need for assistance is great. Although a lot of their expenses are covered by scholarships and grants, there is a small but crucial gap that the Mission helps fill. Your donation helps immensely.
Supporting the Mission college students has an impact on the younger kids as well. They have watched the older kids get through high school, go through the college application process, get accepted, start college, and come back with stories of the new horizons and opportunities that college opens up for them, and jobs that will lift them from poverty. The younger kids are inspired, and strive to do better with their schoolwork.
Your donations are impactful in many ways -- they make it possible for our college kids to achieve success: this Fall we will be filling 25 new backpacks for our school-aged kids with supplies they need to succeed; the Tuesday and Thursday evening programs keep the kids focused on doing their schoolwork each week; and the Sunday church service is the core that brings God into the kids' lives and gives them hope through prayer, hearing the Word, and experiencing an uplifting sermon by Pastor Keith Josey, one of the best interpreters of God's role in these young people's lives that they'll ever hear.
Donations may be sent to Mission of the Holy Spirit, 1445 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513. Questions? Call 757-858-0010. On behalf of those of us involved at the Mission, we thank you in advance for your donation. It truly makes a difference in the lives of a whole community of people.
Follow Mission of the Holy Spirit on Facebook!
ECW supports Mothers' Union through Women-to-Women
Susan Broaddus to speak at ECW Fall Annual Meeting Oct. 19
By Nancy Smith, Diocesan ECW
|
L to R: Kathy Klein,
Abingdon Church, Gloucester; Mme. Claudaline Muhindo, Mothers' Union;
and Susan Broaddus, former mission partner, Diocese of Southern
Virginia.
|
Since revolutions
and tribal wars began in the Congo in 1997, over 5 million people have
died. Some 20 militias roam the area today raping, torturing, pillaging.
The Mothers' Union provides rape counseling and job training for women;
help for orphans, widows and teenaged girls and for Pygmies whose
lifestyle has been disrupted by militias hiding in the forests. Women-to-Women
helps spread the word about and gain support for the wonderful work
being done by the Anglican Church in one of the most dangerous parts of
the world.
To learn more about Women-to-Women, come to the ECW Fall Annual Meeting at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, October 19.
Susan Broaddus, the keynote speaker, will report on her visit with the
Mothers' Union in Goma, Diocese of Bukava, Congo in May. To register for
the meeting, please call or email Louise Boss, 757-678-5331, lrboss@isp.com.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Christian Formation leaders take part in Essential Building Dimensions program
There's still time to join the diocesan choir for our Service of Repentance, Reconciliation & Healing
It's not too late
to join the Diocesan Choir for our Service of Repentance, Reconciliation
& Healing on November 2. This choir is open to all singers who wish
to participate. There are only two rehearsals for this choir, which
will be conducted by Kevin Kwan, music director at Christ & St.
Luke's. The rehearsals will be held at Christ and St. Luke's, Norfolk,
and will be on Saturday, October 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and
Saturday, October 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The warm-up on the day
of the service (November 2) will be at 10 a.m. The repertoire for the
service (two choral anthems) will be sent out in September. There is no
audition for this choir, but it comes with the understanding that
singers will prepare the music before the rehearsals. If you are
interested, please email kevin.kwan@christandstlukes.org,
giving your name, parish, and voice part. The deadline to sign up is
September 17. Rectors and choir directors - please forward this
information to anyone in your parish who might be interested in this
opportunity.
Upcoming Safe Church training
There are currently two upcoming opportunities for Creating Safe Churches for Congregations and Children classroom training. These
sessions are recommended for all vestry members, church employees and
licensed Eucharistic Visitors. Any parishioners, volunteers, clergy and
staff who work with children are requested to complete the Child
module.
September 21 at Grace Church, Norfolk
Click here for details and registration.
September 28 at Johns Memorial, Farmville
Click here for details and registration.
Upcoming Diocesan ECW events
Diocesan ECW Board Meeting
Crossing Borders: Women to Women
Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Good Shepherd, Norfolk
September 7, 10 a.m.
St. Francis, Virginia Beach
St. Francis, Virginia Beach
Click here for information and registration.
Crossing Borders: Women to Women
Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Good Shepherd, Norfolk
The Episcopal Church
Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Southern Virginia invite you and your
parish to learn more about what's happening in the Congo and what the
Episcopal Church is doing to help at "Crossing Borders:
Women-to-Women," a brunch and presentation on Saturday, September 21,
from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 7400 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk. Our speaker is the Rev. Deacon Carey Dougherty
Chirico of St. George's, Fredericksburg. Donations of $10.00 per adult
and $5.00 per student are requested and can be sent to Mrs. Grace
Martino-Strid, 3457 Chesapeake Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23513 by September
16. Reservations can also be made by phone, 757-853-8520. We are
serving food with an African theme. Please reserve your space now and
so we will know how much food to prepare! Click here for a registration form.
Jackson-Feild residents treated to a day on Lake Gaston
Nineteen residents of Jackson-Feild Homes recently spent a day at Lake Gaston thanks to some very special friends.
Mrs. Carol Weigel
and Mrs. Jane Roundtree are neighbors and members of the Lake Gaston
Ladies Club. This club has been very supportive of Jackson-Feild and its
residents. They enlist other neighbors and friends to help sponsor this
outing.
The boys and girls
arrived at 9:00 and were greeted and welcomed by their hosts after
which they headed for the water to swim or hop in a paddle boat. Three
volunteers provided motorboats and the children were given a tour of the
lake. For most of the residents it was the first time they had ever
been on a boat. They returned to lunch which was a meal fit for a king.
Carol Weigel had prepared a detailed schedule of events to keep the
residents busy when they were not in the water. After lunch lawn games
were held with each winner receiving a prize and then it was back to the
water for more swimming.
At the end of the
day residents thanked everyone for their hospitality and kindness. This
marked the second year in a row that the children were able to spend the
day at Lake Gaston thanks to members of this club.
A good time was had by one and all and it is a day that will be long remembered by the residents.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Nominations for Annual Council Elections
Nominations for elections to held at our 122nd Annual Council (Feb. 7-8,
2014) are now being accepted. The nomination form is available on our website.
You will also find information about and requirements for each position
open for election. Nominations are due by December 7, 2013.
Elections to take place at Annual Council are Standing Committee (1 Lay and 1 Clergy), Disciplinary Board (1 Lay and 2 Clergy), Provincial Synod (1 Lay), and General Convention Deputation (4 Lay Deputies and 4 Lay Alternates; 4 Clergy Deputies and 4 Clergy Alternates).
CE-Net Speaker Series: Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs
Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) on
Thursday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they host Diocese of
Southern Virginia's Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs. Ashley coordinates
training, communication, and events for youth, young adults, and their
leaders. In addition, she serves Province III as the Coordinator for
Campus Missions. In this session, we will take a look at what's real
for youth and young adults today. Come hear some potentially surprising
information about risk behaviors, social life, and spiritual
perspectives. Invigorate your ministry by learning more about needs and
motivations of young people. Join with us in reflection on the place
of the church in the lives of young people and strategies we might use
to minister more effectively to these younger generations. This session
will be particularly relevant for clergy, youth leaders, and anyone
working with parish formation. Click here for registration.
Tailgate at ODU Canterbury Center!
Seeking faculty and staff at ODU
Are you a faculty or staff member at Old Dominion University? Or is someone in your parish? The
Canterbury Center at ODU would like to reach out to Episcopal faculty
members. Help us find out who they are! Please send the names of any
current ODU faculty or staff members with Episcopal connections or
sympathies to the Rev. Gillian Barr, Episcopal campus minister at ODU, chaplain@oducanterbury.org. Thank you!
Tailgating at ODU Canterbury Center
Are you going to cheer on ODU Football as they move up to FBS/C-USA? Help support campus ministry while you tailgate!
Tailgate spaces in the back yard of the Canterbury Center, just a few
blocks from the stadium, are available for every home football game. $30
per vehicle per game. Lot opens four hours before kickoff. Discount
season passes available on-site at the first game. First come, first
serve. The Center is at 1526 W. 49th Street. 757-489-9096 or chaplain@oducanterbury.org for more information.
Connect your grads with College Ministry
As your high school graduates head off to college,
don't forget to connect them with the nearest Episcopal campus ministry
or parish. It's the only way campus ministers will know about your
student - schools do not give out such information any more. You can
find information about Southern Virginia's campus ministries on our website.
You can also find a list of campus ministry contacts for other colleges
in Virginia. If you don't see yours listed, contact Youth Missioner
Ashley Scruggs for information, ascruggs@diosova.org.
- Christopher Newport University, Newport News - The Rev. Lauren McDonald, revlauren4@gmail.com
- Longwood University & Hampden Sydney College, Farmville - Mr. Bob Zupanek, bob@johnsmemorial.org
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk - The Rev. Gillian Barr, chaplain@oducanterbury.org
- College of William & Mary, Williamsburg - The Rev. John Kerr, jkerr@brutonparish.org
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