Presiding Bishop addresses crisis of unaccompanied children at the U.S. border

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on the current crisis of unaccompanied children and families at the United States border.

"The influx of vulnerable people from Central America, including unaccompanied minors as well as mothers with children, continues to challenge the United States to respond compassionately.  Like Sudanese or Syrian refugees, these people are fleeing hunger, violence, and the fear of rape, murder, and enslavement.  The violence in Central America has escalated significantly in recent months, particularly as a result of gangs and trafficking in drugs and human beings.  These people are literally fleeing for their lives.   

The United States has a checkered history in responding to refugee crises.  We shut our eyes and ears, as well as our ports, during the crimes against Jews and other vulnerable persons in the midst of the Second World War.  We have been more welcoming to Sudanese youths looking for survival in the last 20 years.

The Episcopal Church believes we have a responsibility to all our neighbors, particularly the strangers and sojourners around us.  We have been resettling refugees since 1939.  Today, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and Episcopal Relief & Development are working with churches and dioceses in areas where these Central American women and children are being served.   

Episcopalians are responding with prayers and concern, and asking how to help.  I urge you to remember these people and their difficult and dangerous position in your prayers - today, this coming Sunday, and continuing until we find a just resolution.  The Episcopal Church has established an account to receive financial contributions to assist Episcopal Migration Ministries in this work.  For details, please contact EMM@episcopalchurch.org. 

 

I would also encourage you to contact your legislators, and ask them to support an appropriate humanitarian response to this crisis.  We are our brothers' and sisters' keeper, and as a Church, we are asking the United States government to support such a response, grounded in justice and the fundamental dignity of every human being.  Our Office of Government Relations is submitting detailed testimony to a United States Senate hearing today, as that chamber prepares to consider a budget request from the President.  You may read that testimony here, and I encourage you to share it with your own Representative and Senators here."

The Presiding Bishop's statement can be found online here. 

Mission of the Holy Spirit in need of bibles

The Mission of the Holy Spirit needs 20 NIV Bibles (new or used) for teens and adults in our Bible study programs. The Mission is currently running two bible study programs and our participants really want to have their own bibles so they can study further at home. If your parish has even a few NIV Bibles that you no longer use, please contact the Mission office Monday through Wednesday at 757-858-0010. Thank you for helping us spread the Word!

Episcopal Youth Event 2014 gets under way - #EYE14

Southern Virginia's EYE14 team departs for Philadelphia today.

Almost 1000 youth along with more than 200 adults are gathering for the popular Episcopal Youth Event 2014 (EYE14), getting under way today at Villanova University in Philadelphia.

Our Diocese sent a team of 20 - 16 youth and four adult leaders - to Philadelphia today to take part in EYE14. Please keep them in your prayers as EYE14 continues through July 13. You can follow their adventure on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DioSoVaeye14.

Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Officer, noted: "EYE14 is an amazing opportunity for youth to experience The Episcopal Church on a vastly different scale than that of their local faith communities. They will be immersed in music, scripture, worship, and fellowship as they discern their own call to engage in the Five Marks of Mission." In addition to the camaraderie, opportunities abound for learning, prayer and mission work.

The opening Eucharist on July 10 will be live webcast along with two plenary sessions; Friday evening prayer; and the July 12 closing Eucharist. You can learn more about EYE14 on Facebook, Vine, Instagram. Twitter Hashtag is #EYE14. Apps: iPhone, Android. 

Live webcasts here. (all Eastern times):

• Opening Eucharist - Thursday, July 10 at 9:30 am; the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon for Missional Vitality, Diocese of Long Island preaching and President of the House Of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings presiding
• Plenary - Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 pm; the EYE14 Mission Planning Team
• Evening Prayer - Friday, July 11 at 8:30 pm (approximate); Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori preaching and officiating
• Morning Plenary - Saturday, July 12 at 9:30 am; the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Magdalene and Thistle Farms.
• Closing Eucharist - Saturday, July 12 at 8 pm; Bishop Michael Curry of the Diocese of North Carolina preaching and Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori presiding.

The Collect for EYE14
Ever loving God, you have brought us together and empowered us to serve as your disciples. We ask you to guide and bless us as we strive to tell the Good News of your love; teach and nurture all believers; tend to the human condition; transform and reconcile the world as Christ has shown us; and treasure your creation and our salvation through Jesus Christ. May we be engulfed in your love and blessings as we live out the mission and work you have given us, through Jesus Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Register now for Biking for a Better World event

Biking for a Better World is a recreational bike ride fundraiser that will benefit Chanco on the James and Episcopal Relief & Development. The event will be Saturday, September 13 and will be based out of St. Martin's, Williamsburg.  

There are four different rides available - 8, 23, 31 and 40 miles. Riders can register as individuals or as a family. Registration is just a mere $10 per person or $25 per family, but individuals are requested to raise a minimum of $75 per person and families to raise a minimum of $200. When you register, you'll be able to set up a fundraising page that you can share via email and on social media like Facebook and Twitter. Lunch will be provided. Registrants who achieve the minimum fundraising request will also get a t-shirt featuring the event's very cool logo.   

Click here to register and start fundraising! 

If you are interested in helping to organize the ride please contact The Rev. Keith Emerson (Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development) at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org.

"Faith in Our Music" conference will feature Iona Community musician

Union Presbyterian Seminary will host "Faith in our Music: Many Voices, Diverse Chords, Common Hopes," on its Richmond campus September 23-25. This ecumenical and diverse event features John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland, and other fine musicians helping us to learn about new forms of congregational music for folks of all denominations, abilities, and ages. The early registration deadline of July 31 is quickly approaching. There are significant discounts for three or more people from one congregation if they register together, especially if they register by the end of this month. Click here for more information. 

Episcopal Youth Event gets under way this week

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) is a youth leadership conference, the largest gathering of Episcopalians beside General Convention. It takes place every three years and occurs the year before General Convention. During EYE, the youth and their leaders will gain leadership skills and inspiration for mission in their local communities.  

This year's EYE will take place July 9 through 13 at Villanova University in Philadelphia. Youth, youth leaders, priests, bishops, and the Presiding Bishop will be in attendance. St. Andrew's, Newport News, Youth Director Harper Lewis will be joined by three adult youth leaders and 16 youth will travel from Southern Virginia to take part in EYE. Follow the action at EYE on Facebook. Watch the eNews for updates from EYE and our participants. 

Ecumenical news in Southern Virginia

By The Rev. Conor M. Alexander, Ecumenical Officer, Diocese of Southern Virginia

On June 30, the Tidewater LARCUM chapter hosted Dr. Mitzi Budde, Professor and Head Librarian at Virginia Theological Seminary and specialist in Ecumenism and Reconciliation. Holy Apostles' Virginia Beach hosted the evening, and held a program steeped in prayer, hymns, and Dr. Budde's reflections on the current state of ecumenism in the larger Church.

Dr. Budde's presentation focused on three major points: a theological rationale for ecumenism, several hopeful signs for how the movement is continuing, and discussion on two recent ecumenical agreements. Theologically speaking, our baptism is initiation into Christ's body, the Church. This is not limited to one denomination, but to all Christians everywhere. One participant in the evening remarked that for him, ecumenical work is not optional - to follow Christ is to seek Christian unity. Dr. Budde went on to describe several ways in which this theology is working itself out. One particular hopeful sign is the Global Freedom Network, an ecumenical and interfaith organization designed to combat global slavery and human trafficking, and has the support and backing of both Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby.

Two recent ecumenical agreements that Dr. Budde described were Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct put forth by The World Council of Churches, Ponitifcal Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and the World Evangelical Alliance, and The Church: Towards a Common Vision again by The World Council of Churches. Both documents are available on the internet.

Update from the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop

The Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) is continuing its work to prepare The Episcopal Church for the election of the 27th Presiding Bishop at General Convention in 2015. Between now and August 1, the JNCPB will publish three short educational essays.  

The first essay, available here, describes the basic timeline and steps for the nominating and election process. The second essay will outline the current roles, functions, and responsibilities of the Presiding Bishop. The third essay will discuss how the office of Presiding Bishop has changed and evolved from being the senior bishop by consecration who presides over meetings of the House of Bishops to the complex multifaceted position it is today.

It is the hope of the JNCPB that all members of General Convention and all Episcopalians will take the time to read these brief essays to learn the importance of what we will do next summer at General Convention.  

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Brenda Overfield, will begin as Rector Time Certain at St. Matthias', Midlothian, 7/13/2014

The Rev. Michael Delk, called to another diocese from Hickory Neck, Toano, 7/13/2014 

The Rev. Drew Foisie, called to another diocese from Old Donation, Virginia Beach, 7/20/2014

The Rev. Nancy Meck, resigned as Associate Rector of Redeemer, Midlothian, 8/3/2014 

The Rev. Fred Poteet, will begin as Associate Rector at Old Donation, Virginia Beach, 8/16/2014   

Task Force on Study of Marriage releases study guide, discussion resources

The Episcopal Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage has released Dearly Beloved, resources for conversation and discussion. It can be downloaded from the task force's website here.

The resource may be used in a variety of settings, and it consists of three different formats, which may be used independently of each other: a 90-minute event (which can be divided into three 35-minute sessions); a variety of 45-minute forums; and a lengthy article for a study group. All three formats cover theology, history, scripture, current trends, and more, with guidelines for presentation and questions for group discussion. 

Access the complete public website for General Convention's A050 Task Force on Marriage here.

Annual Summer Sale benefits Westminster-Canterbury Foundation

Westminster Canterbury will hold their annual Summer Sale August 14 through 16. This gigantic flea market features only the highest quality merchandise for sale by the the residents of Westminster-Canterbury Retirement Community. It will be held in the Cox High School cafeteria (2425 Shorehaven Road, Virginia Beach) August 14-15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on August 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The sale includes just about everything you can imagine - books, china, kitchenwares, linens, clothing, CDs, and much more.

The Summer Sale is the largest of many sales volunteers coordinate throughout the year to raise funds for the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation which provides confidential need-based financial support for future and current residents. These volunteers have been recognized for their efforts by the Virginia Beach Mayor's Commission on Aging and are recipients of the "Aging Award" for demonstrating exemplary service to senior citizens. 

Stewardship resources for your church

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) membership benefits are available to all parishes through our diocesan membership. Benefits include formation and training resources, webinars, giving campaign materials and the new Walking the Way program (see below). For more information on stewardship resources from TENS and other organizations, visit the Stewardship Resources page of our website. 

2014 Walking the Way Stewardship program

All congregations throughout the diocese have access to TENS' 2014 Walking the Way Stewardship Narrative Series and Annual Giving Campaign. The Walking the Way series is designed to help your stewardship ministry team lead their congregation step by step through a six-week annual giving campaign. This year, eight contributing writers reflect on the Gospel lections, beginning Sunday, October 5 and continuing through Sunday, November 9, weaving in a stewardship principle or practice that invites the reader to reflect on their own journey of giving and their walk with Christ.  The Walking the Way series includes:

• Eight Bulletin Inserts to include Worship Bulletins, E-Newsletters, and E-Blasts beginning October 5 - November 9.  Each reflection includes discussion questions that can be used for adult formation gatherings.
• Pledge card and proportional giving chart
• Prayers of the People to be used in liturgy over the course of six weeks
• Introductory and thank you letters 
• Template to Evaluate Campaign
• And much more!  

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

By Keith Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit 

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

I greet you with glad tidings and thank you for all of your support throughout this year. The Mission of the Holy Spirit continues to impact the lives of many families here in Norfolk, Virginia. This is only possible because of contributions from partners like you. "Being the blessing" is what we are called to do in the world and when we live into this, lives are changed. One such life changed is a young man who dropped out of school several years ago, and through the work of the Mission returned to school. He will join our four other seniors who are graduating this June. Also, with the support of Rev. David Davenport, we will baptize twelve new members into the body of Christ.

But, with joy we must endure sorrow. The Mission of the Holy Spirit is a ministry that strives to offer hope and healing for the hurts that bind so many of those in our communities. When you look at our ministry through the lens of trauma, you are better able to understand how we function so differently and why your assistance is so valuable. Recently, we have had to deal with the impact of multiple murders in Norfolk that directly touched our lives. The children from the Mission are greatly affected by trauma in many ways. Through our work at the Mission, these children can get the sense of safety and consistency that they need in their lives. Tough economic times continue to impact how we are able to provide quality services. As summer begins, many of our young people will be in need of new experiences that we will not be able to provide without your help. Each one of you holds the key to turning on that sparkle of joy that our families need. Please consider giving a gift that can help the Mission of the Holy Spirit effectively change lives. Thank you for all that you do!

Click here for more news from Mission of the Holy Spirit.

Biking for a Better World event to benefit Chanco and Episcopal Relief & Development

Chanco on the James and Episcopal Relief & Development are working together to create a fundraising bike ride event in the Williamsburg area on Saturday, September 13. Registration for the event, called "Biking for a Better World", will begin in early July. Funds raised will benefit Chanco and Episcopal Relief & Development.  

If you are interested in helping to organize the ride please contact The Rev. Keith Emerson (Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development) at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org.

ECW Scholarships awarded to 13 recipients

This year the Elise Holliday fund produced $10,000 for scholarships to students in our Diocese.We are happy to report that Steven Oakes, St. Aidans, Virgina Beach, was awarded $1,100. Clair Davis of St. Christopher's in Portsmouth, Courtney Hardy of Emmanuel in Hampton,and Robert Schofield of St. Aidan's in Virginia Beach, received $1,050 each. Emily Reed of Eastern Shore Chapel of Virginia Beach, Imari Viney of St. Augustine's in Newport News, Taylor Worrell of St. Luke's in Powhatan, and Owen Wright of Good Shepherd in Richmond received $750 each. Finally Ashley Coles of Grace in Norfolk, Erica Cooke of Emmanuel in Virginia Beach, Wren Thomas, Cabell Thomas and Vincent Thomas all from Good Shepherd in Norfolk, each were awarded $550. Congratulations to all of these promising young people!

Opportunities to support Boys' Home

Do More 24 Fundraiser on June 19

On Thursday, June 19, you have an opportunity to bring forth a positive change in your local community. A fundraising endeavor led by the United Way of the National Capital Area will be taking place, called Do More 24. This fundraising event encourages donors to give to programs that are meaningful to them. Last year's event was able to raise over $1 million which allowed participating programs to address their various needs.

Boys Home will be participating in this online fundraiser. Boys Home is eligible for this program because it serves young men from Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern Seaboard. The Boys Home focus is to help raise funds for summer school and education, summer activities and medical needs. The URL for Boys Home in Do More 24 is http://www.domore24.org/#npo/boys-home-inc or you may call 540-965-7714 for more information. For information on the program itself, visit www.domore24.org. The website will show you how to participate, keep up with the events of the fundraising day.

Tea, Quilt Show and Silent Auction on June 27

On June 27, the public is invited to a tea & quilt show & silent auction. The show will take place at the Boys Home campus from 3 to 5 p.m. This event was organized by Lisa Cole from Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Covington, Boys Home Chaplain Connie Gilman and Sandra Scruggs, Boys Home Development Coordinator. All guests are able to enjoy tea and refreshments, see quilts of all kinds on display. A sample of smaller quilts made for the cottages will be displayed in Whitehead Cottage and take part in a special Longaberger Basket silent auction. One lucky individual will receive a basket as a door prize. A unique quilt handcrafted by Ms. Phyllis Gibson, sister of Boys Home Executive Director Dr. Donnie E. Wheatley is being raffled off. Tickets are going at $5 per ticket or you can get 10 for $45. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Boys Home of Virginia. The drawing for the quilt will take place during this event.

The quilts that have been given to Boys Home are a wonderful way to personalize the cottages here on campus. Also, these quilts can make each resident's cottage area their own unique space. Piecing together friendships is a theme at Boys Home and quilts are a way to share the warmth and care for others. For tickets or information, contact Boys Home of Virginia at 414 Boys Home Road Covington, VA 24426. You may also call 540-965-7714 or to to www.boyshomeofva.org.

Jackson-Feild Homes: First boys graduate from Gwaltney School

June 6 was a historic day for the Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Homes. For the first time in its history, two boys were among the graduates receiving their degrees. The school began accepting male students in fall of 2012.

The ceremony was held at the Golden Leaf Commons at the Southside Virginia Community College Emporia Campus. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education, presided over the celebration. Local author, Nancy Naigle, served as the commencement speaker. Mrs. Naigle is the author of six novels and suspense stories. Mrs. Naigle has a special place in her heart for Jackson-Feild and the children it serves. Her meaningful and inspirational message of stepping out into the world and embracing a new and exciting future resonated with those in the audience.

Some of the residents received their high school diploma, others received their GED, and a two other students received their Certified Nurse's Aide Certification. The faculty and staff of Gwaltney School did a great job preparing these graduates for this milestone and provided them with the knowledge and skills for future success.

This is the Gwaltney School's seventeenth graduation ceremony with 146 graduates receiving either their high school diploma or their GED.

In honor and recognition of the children's work, an anonymous donor provided a bouquet of roses for each girl, a wallet for each boy, and a gift card for each graduate.

Leadership Program for Musicians enrolling

If you're an experienced musician who wants to learn more about church music, an enthusiastic amateur serving as parish musician, a member of your congregation's worship or music committee, or someone who has always loved church music, there is an incredible resource just waiting for you: The Leadership Program for Musicians.

The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is a nationally recognized two-year continuing education program designed to increase the musical knowledge and skills of all those who lead music in the parish. LPM offers practical courses that give students the tools and resources to help congregations sing well and participate actively in worship. All classes include components of lecture, practical application, reflection and completion of outside assignments, and each course emphasizes theological, musical and pastoral principles.

Whether you're a church music director looking for resources, or a member of the clergy who would like to know more about using liturgical music in worship, LPM has a class for you. Starting this fall, classes offered this year are Leadership of Congregational Song, Hymnody of the Christian Church, Resources for Effective Music Ministry, and Philosophy of Church Music. Classes are taught in Richmond by local, experienced faculty and take place one weekend monthly, in September, October, November, January, and February.

Tuition for a full year of classes is $600 - a fraction of the cost of taking comparable classes at any seminary, and scholarship money is available. Registered students can also attend LPM's spring workshop at no cost.

No matter how long you've been a musician or been involved in church music, LPM has something to teach you. For more information, visit lpm-va.org, or contact Nellwyn Beamon at nbeamon@ascension-norfolk.org.

Boys Home Residents Recognized at 2014 Awards Banquet

Luke Worthington & Mrs. Sammie Brookman

On May 22, Boys Home of Virginia hosted its annual Spring Awards Banquet. Serving as Masters of Ceremonies for the evening were Greg Lemmer, Associate Director and Support Services; Sarah Hundley, Program Director; Jodie Weidman, Boys Home School Director and Janet Lemmer, Development Director. This is a special night for the residents because they are recognized for their accomplishments for the year.   Educators from Boys Home School and Callaghan Elementary, Clifton Middle and Alleghany High Schools were recognized as special guests for the evening. All of these schools serve the young men of Boys Home. A special treat for the event was the performance of “Amazing Grace” by the newly formed four-part vocal group, “The Four Hill-Toppers”. The group is under the direction of houseparent Dennis Fitzgerald. The members of the group are Keondre Carter, Sequoia Nightfeather, Austin Clay & Justin Lee.                                       

 

Stephen Hodges, Tae Kwon Do instructor, handed out the first awards of the night, with certificates of participation for Clifton Woolfrey, Jabaurie Clagon, Johnny Flint, Hunter Wright, Luke Worthington, Keondre Carter, Travis Estes, Justin Lee, Raekwon Kinnard, Logan Flint, Tracy Hall, Shama Baggott, C.J. Calhoun and Liam Hundley. Other athletic awards were given by Dennis Fitzgerald who serves as the head coach of the Boys Home Hilltoppers basketball team. He handed out certificates of participation to Adam Bragg, Blake Groah, Malijah Taylor, Chris Sebina, Amara Kromah and assistant coach Luke Worthington. Fitzgerald also handed out superlative awards. Kromah received a trophy for the best effort. Groah received a trophy as the best offensive player. Taylor received a trophy as the best defensive player. Bragg received honors as the most improved player. Sebina received a trophy for his hustle. Worthington received a special trophy as the Boys Home basketball coach of the year.

           

Mrs. Anita Proffitt handed out awards for the public and Boys Home School students. Starting with the public school students, graduating senior Milliyon Fesseha received certificates for second semester good school citizen and second semester honor roll. B. Pressley, Keith Kakande, Chris Sebina, Amara Kromah and Jabaurie Clagon received a certificate and other prizes for being a good school citizen for the entire school year. Clagon with a GPA of 3.0, Pressley with a GPA of 3.86 and Kromah with a GPA of 3.5 took top honors of having the highest GPA for elementary, middle and high school students respectively. Clagon also took home the prize for first semester honor roll. Sebina and Kakande joined Fesseha for the second semester honor roll award. To conclude the public school awards, Pressley and Kromah received awards for making the honor roll for the entire school year.

           

Donnie Wheatley with Milliyon Fesseha and Memory Remine

The Boys Home School awards showcased the great improvements these students made from the beginning of the school year. Tracy Hall was recognized for making the highest gains in reading level with a 2.42 year gain. Travis Estes was awarded for his 3.81 year gain in math. Along with Estes, Luke Worthington and Ivan Jones were recognized for completing the reading portion of the computer courses. Worthington was recognized for the most points in the accelerated reader program with 195.4 total points, one of the highest in the history of the program at the Boys Home School. Along with prior award winners Hall, Estes and Worthington, these young men were rewarded for making the A/B Honor Roll for the entire year, Johnny Flint, Logan Flint, Austin Hoy, Justin Lee and Malijah Taylor. Estes was recognized as the school’s most improved student. Johnny Flint was the award winner of good school citizen for Boys Home School. The highest GPA’s for the elementary, middle and high school levels went to the following students, Johnny Flint with a  3.68, Estes with a 3.28 and Taylor with a 3.45.  Justin Lee and Keondre Carter received awards for their contributions to the school newspaper, The Home Boys Gazette. Lee also won the top journalist award. Worthington was recognized for winning first place for his Batik in the Covington Women’s Club district art competition.

           

The Development awards were handed out by Sandra Scruggs and Jerome Johnson. The first awards went to those residents who contributed to Boys Home’s newsletter, “The Boys Appeal”. Receiving the editor’s choice award was Logan Flint, Luke Worthington, Chris Sebina, B. Pressley, Keith Kakande, Austin Hoy, Shama Baggott, Justin Lee and Jabaurie Clagon. Worthington and Hoy each won the publisher’s sweepstakes award for turning in the best cottage reports for the newsletter. The golden voice award went to the four young men who performed earlier in the evening, Keondre Carter, Sequoia Nightfeather, Austin Clay and Justin Lee.

Requirements for the senior writer award were to write an essay on the time spent at Boys Home and his future plans. Winning a second place certificate for his essay was Memory Remine. Milliyon Fesseha won first place for his essay. The following residents won the helping hands award for their willingness to help during special events and photo shoots, Justin Lee, Sequoia Nightfeather, Raekwon Kinnard, Keondre Carter, Malijah Taylor, Austin Groah and the entire BSA Troop 66.

Prior to Residential Education Day, Boys Home residents took part in a reading and mileage challenge. The top three winners for total books read were Logan Flint with 36, Tracy Hall with 32 and Luke Worthington with 21 Books. The top three winners for mileage were Ivan Jones with 153 miles logged, Shama Baggott with 125.5 miles logged and Luke Worthington with 118 miles logged. The final development award was the best foot forward award. The two young men who won this award are always ready to help whenever needed with enthusiasm and purpose. They were Adam Bragg and Johnny Flint.

The support services awards were given out by Mrs. Alisa Hayslett. Justin Lee won the award for Tree Farm worker of the year. Abe Ashebir was named the Farm Crew worker of the year. The Grounds Crew worker of the year was broken up into two groups, elementary/middle school and high school. The elementary/middle school winner was Hunter Wright and high school winner was Malijah Taylor. The vo-tech student of the year honor went to Blake Groah.

The named awards were given out by Boys Home Executive Director Dr. Donnie E. Wheatley. Mrs. Sammie Brookman presented the David C. Hall Memorial Award in memory of her brother. The winner of this award personified his never give up attitude. The award went to Luke Worthington.

The Steven Rogers Memorial Award is given to a resident who struggles with difficulties common in young men. Mr. Rogers turned his life around once entering the military and that success continued once he started a career.  Mr. Scott Massey, houseparent and Mr. Rogers’ brother, presented this award to Justin Lee for the progress in his life.

The Barry D. Mays Award was presented to a senior who lived in the Experiential Living Apartment. That individual needed to show the desire and ability to learn and perform skills of self-sufficiency. The winner was Memory Remine.

The 1st Lt. Joshua Charles Hurley Memorial Award was presented by his mother, Christine Hurley. On November 1, 2003, Hurley lost his life while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hurley loved his family, life, friends and serving his country. The winner of this award, Memory Remine wrote an essay on what “service” means to him.

           

The Sam Cunningham Award is an award given to a Boys Home student participating in athletics with a high level of dedication, a positive attitude.  The Donald “Pete” Dimick Memorial Scholarship is the highest sports honor for a Boys Home resident. Mr. Dimick was an outstanding athlete for Boys Home and Covington High School during his time as a resident. The recipient of Mr. Dimick’s scholarship has an all-expenses paid week to a sports camp of their choice. Keith Kakande was the winner of both of these awards.

The Jhakee V. Avant Honorary Scholarship was presented by Jhakee, a recent alumnus, and his mother Mrs. Wanda Avant. This scholarship was established to reward a senior who continually grew as a person, in character and in self-motivation, just as Jhakee did during his time at Boys Home. The Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award was established in recognizing the value of an education and the importance of a “helping hand” in critical junctions of one’s life. It was also established to help promote further education for a graduating senior while supporting Dabney S. Lancaster Community College’s mission. The winner of these two scholarships was Memory Remine.

The Joseph D. & Hilda C. Dent Memorial Award, the Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship and the Berlin & Frances Lineberry Scholarship were the final three scholarships handed out in the evening. The Dent Memorial Award, presented by Mr. I.B. Dent, is given in memory of long time Boys Home supporters who had a keen interest in education. The Foster Scholarship, presented by his father Terry Emerson, is given in honor of alumnus Matt Foster. He overcame many obstacles during his time as a resident and grew from a rebellious teen to a self-confident young man who turned two years of high school into one to graduate on time.  The Lineberry Scholarship, presented by Berlin and Frances Lineberry, provides for a graduating senior who is pursuing higher education at a vocational or community college. The senior who received these three scholarships was Milliyon Fesseha.

The Think About Contest is intended to stimulate original thought. All participants pick an original quote and write about what it meant to them. Winning third place for his essay on, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference” was Malijah Taylor. The second place winner for his essay on, “Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself” was Sequoia Nightfeather. Winning first place for his essay on, “We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, to learn it is God who is shaking them” was Keondre Carter.

The Tice Environmental Award is one that is presented in recognition of efforts to curb wastefulness, encourage creativity in recycling and to sow seeds of conservation and respect for the things that really matter- God’s creatures, resources and the beauty of the world. The participants completed a required project and wrote an essay about their work explaining what it meant to them. The third place winner for a honey bee environment project was the residents of Watkins Cottage. Taking second place for his recycling project was Austin Groah. The residents of Jack Gordon Cottage were the first place winners for cleaning up the new boat ramp area of the Jackson River.

The Tice Volunteer Contest is intended to help young men develop a sense of selflessness and to encourage them to become a contributor in society. Participants of this contest are required to perform volunteer work and write an essay about what it meant to them to serve others. Chris Sebina won third place for his work and essay on helping a missionary group, mentoring younger Boys Home residents, helping with the Heritage and Chocolate Festivals. Justin Lee won second place for his essay on his work at the Christmas Mother Shop and his work towards his Eagle Scout Badge.  Malijah Taylor took home first place for his essay on working with the Christmas Mother Program, the Cultural Festival and the Pancake Supper at Covington High School.

The final two awards of the night are among the highest of honors for a Boys Home resident. Those awards are the Michael Folland Award and the George Floyd Rogers Award. The Folland award is given to a senior who was voted on by their fellow residents. This award winner shows his fellow residents that he took advantage of his time at Boys Home by working to reach his potential. The George Floyd Rogers Award is named in honor of the Boys Home founder. This honor voted on by staff and presented to the resident who by their spirit, example and overall outstanding citizenship exemplified the ideals of Boys Home and its founder. Graduating seniors Milliyon Fesseha and Memory Remine were co-winners of both awards.

Boys Home of Virginia, founded in 1906, continues to help young men ages 6-18 who have great promise, but limited opportunities.

“A successful man has to start somewhere…

All successful men were once boys. But not all boys become successful men. Sometimes, they’re missing positive role models or a supportive quality of life.

So we provide both…and successful men are the result. Men who will take care of their families. Men who will contribute their gifts. Men who will be role models for the next generation of men.

At Boys Home of Virginia, we show our boys that each day is a step toward that success.”

News from the Congo

By Susan Broaddus, ECW Student Work Chair

 

I heard from Bishop Bahati of the Diocese of Bukavu that our ECW/W2W transfer of $2,500 plus $695 from St. Paul's, Norfolk, has been gratefully received and spent! They bought eight sewing machines for the Cathedral Parish in the Essence neighborhood of Bukavu city, 10 machines for Katana village parish, and they will use the rest of the funds to buy spare parts for their machines.   This will help enormously as women learn the art of tailoring to become self-sufficient. The ECW set $10,000 as its December 2014 Outreach goal and, thanks to many donations from throughout the Diocese of Southern Virginia, we will easily achieve it!

Many thanks to various Southern Virginia clergy as well. Gifts large and small have amounted to the needed $4,400 for two scholarships to help the seminary in Bunia, D. R. Congo end this academic year. The funds were wired to the Vice Chancellor on June 3, and he is very grateful. Further grants of $300 are still needed for laptops for the advanced students.  The seminary has grown from a small group carried through their three years to one with concurrent classes and now to a university. The Anglican University of D.R. Congo has five areas of study but the School of Theology is the only one with resident students from the various nine dioceses.

Godly Play: The Basics and Beyond

Learning about God is an essential part of religious education, but Godly Play also emphasizes the spiritual formation of children and the adults who work with them. In those moments of crisis that all of us inevitably face, a sense of God's presence can sustain us and carry us through. At this day-long workshop, you can learn - or refresh your enthusiasm for -  the basics of Godly Play, and experience the newest stories and approaches to classroom enrichment from a veteran Godly Play trainer, Kathleen Capcara.

In the morning, participants will experience a full Godly Play session with an opportunity to learn some basic storytelling and classroom management techniques. Included will be ideas about ways students of all ages can use the Godly Play approach. The afternoon will concentrate on helping children form a love relationship with Jesus through the post-Resurrection stories about him in the new seven-part lesson called Knowing Jesus in a New Way, as well as a few other lessons from the latest volume of Godly Play stories

Click here for more information and registration. Click here for a flyer you can share. 

Fire damages St. Andrew's, Victoria

Dear Diocesan Family, 

I am sad to report that there was a fire early Sunday morning at St. Andrew's, Victoria. No one was hurt and the structure, although badly damaged, is still standing. The State Police have called the fire suspicious, but a complete investigation will take about six weeks. Church Insurance has been to the church to assess the damage.   

The congregation of St. Andrew's joined with St. Paul's, Kenbridge a number of years ago to form the Episcopal Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge. The church building in Victoria is now a Shrine and services are only held there one or two times a year. The building is currently being rented by Faith Fellowship Center of Victoria.

I ask for your prayers for the members of St. Paul & St. Andrew as they grieve their loss, and for the members of Faith Fellowship Center as they search for a new church home. Please pray also for the person(s) who may be responsible for this terrible, destructive act.

Faithfully,

Bishop Hollerith

Happening Reunion at Chanco on July 26

Come celebrate Happening at Chanco this summer! The Happening Team is hosting a day of festivities for alumni on July 26 that you won't want to miss. Options throughout the day will include zips and ropes, music and praise, social time, picnics and cookouts. We'll also have a service project going on in the morning for those who want to help out around the grounds at our beloved Chanco. Fun starts at 9 a.m. and continues til 7 p.m. $25.00 is all it costs to register, spend the day, and have lunch and dinner with us. For those over 21 who would like to stay overnight and camp out at the Manor House, we'll also provide breakfast in the morning for only an additional $15. Good friends, good food, good times, good place, good price - what else can you ask for?

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Daniel Crockett, began as Rector of Hungars Cure Parish Eastville, 4/1/2014

The Rev. Travis Greenman, began as Assisting Priest at St. Andrew's Newport News, 4/1/2014

The Rev. Becky Crites, began as Interim Time Certain at Epiphany Danville, 5/1/2014

The Rev. John Baldwin, retired from Emmanuel Virginia Beach, 5/31/2014

The Rev. Ian McCarthy, called to another diocese from Galilee Virginia Beach, 6/8/2014

The Rev. Charles Smith, will begin as Rector Time Certain at Trinity Portsmouth, 7/1/2014

The Rev. Rob Marston, retiring from St. Andrew's Newport News, 7/31/2014

Keeping up with the work of TREC - Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church

The Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church has been charged by the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church to create a plan for reforming the Church's structures, governance, and administration. The TREC website offers an opportunity for everyone to participate in the conversation. You can also connect with TREC on Facebook and Twitter.

In an address given at the 2014 Commencement Exercises of Episcopal Divinity School on May 22, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, said, "There's no doubt that, to be a new church in a new economy, we have to change and we're going to have to let go of some things. Our passions about restructuring the church are evidence that we know the church many of us once knew is coming to its end. Some of us are grieving that loss, while others of us are being liberated by it.   

• Around the church, I hear people talking about how to support relationships and networks around the church without a large, unsustainable corporate hierarchy. 
• We're talking about how to conserve our treasures-buildings, fabric and fine arts, and the remarkable work of the Archives of the Episcopal Church-without becoming overseers of museums.
• We're talking about how to restructure, reorganize and consolidate dioceses for local mission.
• We're talking about the future of lay and ordained ministry and how to educate people to answer God's call to transform the church and the world. 
• We're talking about the justice issues of living wages and health care and how to compensate people for ministry in the new economy.
• We're talking about how to broaden our long, hard struggle to eliminate canonical discrimination against women, people of color, and LGBT people so that our energy and vigilance for securing and maintaining rights within the church is matched by our passion for justice in the world.

To watch or read the complete address, click here.

Seeking an affordable family vacation? Family Camp is for you!

NEW this year, Family Camp is being offered from August 21-24 for campers ages 0 to 100! Families can now enjoy traditional camp activities together. A sampling of favorite camp activities such as archery, boating, crafts and zip lines will be offered along with daily worship and singing. Choose to be active all day or simply enjoy the rest, relaxation and quiet time in God's beautiful creation in the woods along the James River. This program is the perfect way to reunite with old camp friends or to introduce the next generation of campers to Chanco! Click here for a flier with more information on Family Camp. Easy on line registration can be found at www.chanco.org. Questions? Contact Executive Director Gareth Kalfas at director@chanco.org or at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). Share Chanco summer fun with your family today!

Heritage Day at Historic St. Luke's in Smithfield

St. Luke's, c.1632, will have its third Heritage Day Event on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Heritage Day is all about history, and the day's events will transport you back in time. It is a free event for the whole family.  

St. Luke's is the oldest standing Gothic building in America and the oldest standing church from the Anglican tradition. Come learn and share your history with more than 30 event stations. Learn to trace your own genealogy, sit on a horse that is a descendant of the original Spanish horses brought to America in the 16th century. See and purchase plants native to the area and raised by Master Gardeners, explore the history and see artifacts belonging to Gen. Pickett and Sallee Corbell. Tour the church and enjoy the re-enactments of a 18th century court system. There will be farm displays from Chippokes Plantation. The Nottoway Tribe of Virginia will be on site, along with the Historical Society, the School House Museum. Alain Outlaw, archeologist, who made digs on the site, will be available with displays and talks. Various churches, including Christ Church, Smithfield, will have historical displays. Period music will be played and instruments demonstrated by the Itinerant Band. Food will be available for purchase on site with lunch by Budda and Franks BBQ and Darden's Store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

This is a great family outing.  For more information call St. Luke's at 757-357-3367. St. Luke's Restoration, Benn's Church Blvd. is located near the corner of Rt 258/32 and Rt.10, Smithfield, VA 23430.