The Ridley Foundation board will meet in February
to consider new applicants for the second semester. New applications and
documents are due by January 15. Current recipients need to send their
first semester transcript in order to receive the second half of their
grant. Click here for more information on the Ridley Foundation Scholarships.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Ridley Foundation Scholarship applications due Jan. 15
Episcopal Church women support Jackson-Feild
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The ECW was founded in 1890 to assist the women of the
Episcopal Church to carry on Christ's work. Their mission today is to
empower women to do Christ's ministry in the world.
Chanco seeking members for Board of Directors
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United Thank Offering
Drop one of more coins in your UTO Blue Box this week
as you remember and give thanks for those who have positively impacted
your life and for those who love you without condition: teachers,
parents, neighbors, and children.
Visit United Thank Offering online and on Facebook.
It is so
easy to put a coin in your United Thank Offering Blue Box: open the
wallet, feel around in the change pocket, take out a penny or two or
three, drop them in the Blue Box. Countless people have put coins in the
box in just that manner, but many more of them have found something
else; a joy, a sense of peace, even a way of living that has radically
changed their attitudes about stewardship and shown them a clearer path
to following Christ's commandments to help the needy.
Many
ideas to help women feel empowered in the past have included taking
special classes or meditating or finding rituals and spaces of quiet to
try to bring joy and peace into one's life. These have all been tried
over the years. Out of many self-help ideas that were generated, this
one seemed to stand out: that is, to "keep a record for a week or so of
things or people that one is thankful for". Wow, how easy! Really, it
isn't a new concept.
One woman at a
recent seminar shared how this singular action of empowerment changed
her life. She wrote her first entry recording her thanks on a scrap of
binder paper. The items were the usual list of thanks like being
thankful for her home, children, husband, and garden. She continued to
record her thanks daily and soon bought a bound book to date and record
her thanksgivings and blessings. Pretty soon she started not just
listing her thanks but thinking about "why" she gave thanks and
recording those thoughts. Eventually she started "paying it forward" in
small ways like paying for a soldier who was having lunch in the same
restaurant or in the Starbucks line. Soon she was committing "random
acts of kindness" like delivering food to the sick or senior citizens
homes. She did most of this without thought of a return but just because
it "felt good". Her husband and friends noticed that she seemed
happier, more positive, was smiling more and they also wondered what
change had occurred in her life.
She
found that practicing thankfulness and gratitude increased her
thankfulness and gratitude; that the more she gave, the more she herself
felt gratitude and thankful. Much of her giving was monetary, coins and
bills of various denominations all put in the Blue Box over the years.
But, she also found she was giving of her time and her talents to others
as a way for her to give thanks.
Visit United Thank Offering online and on Facebook.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Trinity Institute 2016 to be live webcast at Diocesan office
This year's conference focuses on racial justice. It is for anyone who is interested in a theological perspective on racial justice and a fuller understanding of present realities and ways to transform them. Featured speakers include Nicholas Kristof, Anna Deavere Smith, Emilie Townes, Michael Curry, and many more.
Get more information and register online at www.diosova.org.
Liturgical resource for Day of Repentance & Reconciliation
Annual Council Resolution R-1 (2013) resolved that "November
2, 2014, All Souls Day, will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance
and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes
will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints."
We encourage all parishes to live into R-1 and plan a meaningful service during the octave of All Saints. In the diocesan service we used a story format. "Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing: A liturgical resource for congregations" follows the format of Holy Women, Holy Men. This booklet offers several options for readings and psalms.
If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org, or a member of the Repairers of the Breach Commission.
St. Augustine's, Newport News; St. Cyprians, Hampton; St. John's, Hampton; and Emmanuel, Hampton, will be coming together for a service of Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. The service will take place at St. John's, Hampton. Four choirs will present a special anthem in addition to a performance by Weyanoke. Weyanoke is an a cappella vocal ensemble specializing in the songs and stories of the African Diaspora. Canon Michael Spear-Jones will be preaching. This service is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a wider community and reflect on our history while embracing a hope filled vision for the future. In this service we acknowledge that we are called as a Christian community to repent of our sins so that we can be reconciled and one day healed. After the service there will be a reception that is hosted by the St. John's young adult group with contributions from all of the participating churches.
St. George's, Newport News, invites you to join them for an evening of fellowship and prayer on Thursday, November 5. Acknowledging the sin of racism in our past and in our present, they will gather for a time of repentance, reconciliation and healing. All are welcome. There will be a free dinner at 6 p.m. and the service will begin at 7 p.m. Clergy, please vest and process - green or multicolored stoles. St. George's is located at 15446 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. Call 757-877-0088 for more information.
We encourage all parishes to live into R-1 and plan a meaningful service during the octave of All Saints. In the diocesan service we used a story format. "Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing: A liturgical resource for congregations" follows the format of Holy Women, Holy Men. This booklet offers several options for readings and psalms.
If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org, or a member of the Repairers of the Breach Commission.
Day of Repentance & Reconciliation events
St. George's, Pungoteague will hold a Solemn Evening Prayer for Racial Justice on Sunday Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.. Celtic and Appalachian hymns by fiddler David Kohut.
Good Shepherd, Norfolk,
will host a series of events leading up to a Holy Eucharist for
Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing for the Sin of Racism at 7 p.m.
on Nov. 5.
St. George's, Pungoteague will hold a Solemn Evening Prayer for Racial Justice on Sunday Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.. Celtic and Appalachian hymns by fiddler David Kohut.
Sunday, November 1, 7:00 pm - Hymn Sing. All are invited to come
together for a good old fashioned hymn sing. There choirs and musicians
from the local community joining us. Please come out and raise the
rafters! There will be a reception and nursery! Bring your kids! Monday,
November 2, Dinner 6:00 pm, Presenter 6:30 pm - Aditi Dutt, Family
Educator at Bon Secours Health System, will speak to us on the topic of
cultural diversity. Appropriate for teens and adults, we encourage all
to come and engage this important topic. Nursery provided. Wednesday,
November 4, Dinner 6:00 pm, Presenter 6:30 pm - Anthony
Holley, Youth Advisor and Board Member at Teens With a Purpose, along
with some of the youth involved with TWP, will present on their work
with teens and their mission to raise up the next generation of leaders.
Especially appropriate for teens, please encourage your youth to
attend. Adults are also welcome. Nursery provided. Thursday, November 5 ,
7 p.m. - Holy Eucharist for Repentance, Reconciliation, and Healing for
the Sin of Racism. Join us as we finish our week of song,
presentations, and reflection with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Deacon Candidate Genevieve Nelson will be our guest preacher. A
reception in the Narthex will follow the service. Nursery provided.
St. Augustine's, Newport News; St. Cyprians, Hampton; St. John's, Hampton; and Emmanuel, Hampton, will be coming together for a service of Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. The service will take place at St. John's, Hampton. Four choirs will present a special anthem in addition to a performance by Weyanoke. Weyanoke is an a cappella vocal ensemble specializing in the songs and stories of the African Diaspora. Canon Michael Spear-Jones will be preaching. This service is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a wider community and reflect on our history while embracing a hope filled vision for the future. In this service we acknowledge that we are called as a Christian community to repent of our sins so that we can be reconciled and one day healed. After the service there will be a reception that is hosted by the St. John's young adult group with contributions from all of the participating churches.
St. George's, Newport News, invites you to join them for an evening of fellowship and prayer on Thursday, November 5. Acknowledging the sin of racism in our past and in our present, they will gather for a time of repentance, reconciliation and healing. All are welcome. There will be a free dinner at 6 p.m. and the service will begin at 7 p.m. Clergy, please vest and process - green or multicolored stoles. St. George's is located at 15446 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. Call 757-877-0088 for more information.
ECW Board members installed at Fall Annual Meeting
By Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
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Folks woke up to ice-coated windshields in Clarksville on October 18.
St. Timothy's, Clarksville, ECW, led by Jean Crowe, ECW President,
welcomed women who traveled across the diocese to the ECW Fall Annual
Meeting that morning, with fresh-baked donuts and hot coffee.
The principal business at ECW Fall Annual Meetings is the
installation of new board members. During the Celebration of Holy
Eucharist, the Very Reverend Dr. Susan Grimm, Rector, St. Timothy's,
Clarksville, installed the ECW board members: Kathy Haney, Recording Secretary, Christ Church, Danville; Andrea
Morgan, Prayer/Worship Chair, Trinity, Portsmouth; Louise Boss, Second
Vice President, Christ Church, Eastville/Bridgetown and Deborah Austin,
Church Periodical Club Director, St. Mark's, Suffolk. They will serve a
two-year term beginning in January 2016.
Megan-Drew Tiller, Church Relations, the Boys Home of
Virginia, and Tod Balsbaugh, Vice President of Advancement,
Jackson-Feild Homes attended the meeting and received contributions from
parishes for God Bless the Children: ECW's 2015-16 Outreach Project. At lunch Molly Kratt, a member of St. Timothy's, shared Seven Stylish Tips for Tying Your Scarf.
ECW dues, $3 per member, are due November 1. Technically, all
Episcopal Church Women, are members of ECW. Two dollars ($2) fund
donations given to recipients in the diocese, nation and the world
through the ECW Diocesan Budget. Imagine what sizable donations those
would be, if every women in diocese gave $3. For information about
recipients go to the ECW page at www.diosova.org.
PHOTO: The Very Reverend Dr. Susan Grimm, Rector, St. Timothy's, Clarksville, installed ECW board members at the Fall Annual Meeting October 18. Back row, l. to r.: Kathy Haney, Recording Secretary,Christ Church, Danville and Rev. Susan Grimm. Front row, l. to r.: Andrea Morgan, Prayer/Worship Chair, Trinity, Portsmouth; Louise Boss, Second Vice President, Christ Church, Eastville/Bridgetown; Presenter, Nancy Sands, ECW Diocesan President, Christ Church, Danville and Deborah Austin, Church Periodical Club Director, St. Mark's, Suffolk.
Women-to-Women expanding ministry in Africa
By Susan Broaddus, Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk
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Jackson-Feild joins American Association of Children's Residential Centers
Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services has joined the
American Association of Children's Residential Centers (AACRC), a
160-member organization now including eight in Virginia that treat
children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders.
The AACRC believes that children and adolescents, and their
families, are entitled to treatment which offers the maximum opportunity
for growth and change. AACRC focuses on advancing
professional knowledge, increasing public understanding about mental
health in children, identifying and sharing information on emerging
mental health practices, educating policy makers regarding treatment
efforts, and supporting behavioral health organizations in order to
provide high quality mental health services.
Jackson-Feild is very pleased to be a member of this worthwhile organization.
Be the first to have a 2016 Camp Chanco t-shirt!
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Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori: I am deeply grateful for what god has been up to in the midst of our journey together
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I am deeply grateful for what God has been
up to in the midst of our journey together, and I look forward to
seeing how this church of the middle way will continue to lead and
partner as we travel the road home, into God's fullest dream of abundant
life for all. I thank the people of this Church and beyond for your
prayers over the last nine years - especially in recognition that we do
this work together, never alone. May God bless the next chapter of The
Episcopal Church's engagement in God's mission, as we go together into
Galilee!"
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia
As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each
delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these
prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another
in the upcoming year.
Emmanuel, Hampton
heavenly Father, we pray for guidance to help us fulfill our baptismal covenant and responsibility as stewards of your gifts and word. help us to attend to the needs of others and focus on the number of lives changed for the better as a result of our inreach, outreach, and all o four ministries. We recognize that we will face challenges and we will rely on your teachings, love and blessings to help us maintain the strength and compassion to serve our community, each other and you as we work through trials and tribulations. Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
All Saints, Virginia Beach
God of wisdom, God of grace, we give you thanks for the life and witness of All Saints, Virginia Beach. We pray for a continuation of faithful witness to youth, children, and families of all ages so that all may know Christ's love and make Christ known through worship, music, formation and outreach all to the glory of God and the furtherance of God's Kingdom. All this we pray through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Christ and St. Luke's, Norfolk
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Sovereign of the Universe. You have created us and sustained us, and allowed us to reach this moment. For this and your many blessings, we are forever grateful. Please guide and bless all those who answer your call in this church, especially as we consider the future of Christ and St. Luke's Church community. Enliven them to openly listen and respond to your indwelling Holy Spirit; in themselves and in other. Strengthen their bonds of communal love and service. When they doubt, tire or disagree in their work, let them be open to discerning your guidance, and be centered in serving you to make plans and decisions in harmony with your reign on earth. Protect us and keep us attentive to the needs of our clergy, our leaders, our staff, our members, our neighbors, and ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Emmanuel, Hampton
heavenly Father, we pray for guidance to help us fulfill our baptismal covenant and responsibility as stewards of your gifts and word. help us to attend to the needs of others and focus on the number of lives changed for the better as a result of our inreach, outreach, and all o four ministries. We recognize that we will face challenges and we will rely on your teachings, love and blessings to help us maintain the strength and compassion to serve our community, each other and you as we work through trials and tribulations. Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
All Saints, Virginia Beach
God of wisdom, God of grace, we give you thanks for the life and witness of All Saints, Virginia Beach. We pray for a continuation of faithful witness to youth, children, and families of all ages so that all may know Christ's love and make Christ known through worship, music, formation and outreach all to the glory of God and the furtherance of God's Kingdom. All this we pray through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Christ and St. Luke's, Norfolk
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Sovereign of the Universe. You have created us and sustained us, and allowed us to reach this moment. For this and your many blessings, we are forever grateful. Please guide and bless all those who answer your call in this church, especially as we consider the future of Christ and St. Luke's Church community. Enliven them to openly listen and respond to your indwelling Holy Spirit; in themselves and in other. Strengthen their bonds of communal love and service. When they doubt, tire or disagree in their work, let them be open to discerning your guidance, and be centered in serving you to make plans and decisions in harmony with your reign on earth. Protect us and keep us attentive to the needs of our clergy, our leaders, our staff, our members, our neighbors, and ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
More than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education
Michelle Peterson, co-founder and president of The Sarah
Michelle Peterson Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preventing
suicide, will be our featured speaker at CE-NET on Thursday, November
12, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Diocesan Office in Newport News.
Michelle will be sharing a suicide prevention program that
has clear relevance for faith communities. Suicide is now the second
leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. Michelle's session
will educate us about suicide and prompt us to consider how our faith
communities can take part in reducing teen suicide. The program has been
designed to increase the understanding of the problem of teen suicide,
identify risk factors, and highlight warning signs of youth suicide, so
that adults who work with youth are better prepared to identify and
refer students who may be at risk.
Ms. Peterson is committed to increasing the number and
quality of suicide prevention programs provided for adolescents in the
high school and middle school years and presents depression awareness
and suicide prevention programs for teens, families, and those who work
with them. Michelle is a survivor of suicide. In 2014, her daughter,
Sarah, died by suicide at the age of fifteen. An active participant in
her community, Michelle is a member of the Maury High School Booster
Board and is the chairman of the Youth Advisory Committee at First
Lutheran Church of Norfolk. As a parent of four children, she has
volunteered with many school and community groups as a Girl Scout
Leader, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, PTA Board
Member, and leader or member of many committees. Michelle earned a B.A.
from Michigan State University and is a former school teacher.
Join us for this informative and interactive session!
Thursday, November 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Diocesan Office, 11827
Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News.
Safe Church Training on Nov. 14 in Norfolk
There will be a Safe Church classroom training
on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Ascension, Norfolk. Training will be from 8:45
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include both Adult and Child modules. Cost is $15
per person. Click here to register.
Live and on-demand video of Presiding Bishop installation service
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The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon at Washington National Cathedral.
The service will be reflective of the comprehensiveness of the
Episcopal tradition and community. Bishop Curry will preach at the
service.
The Holy Eucharist will be live webcast available here. The live webcast will be closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired. Pre-registration is not required. The webcast will also be available here. On demand video of the Eucharist will be available here. The worship bulletin will be available for downloading beginning October 23 here.
Chanco seeking members for Board of Directors
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Artwork of the bluff courtesy of Christine Truxell
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Treasurer & Administrator Lunches expanding to the Richmond area
Upcoming Treasurer and Administrator Lunches will be held:
NEW! Treasurer & Administrator Lunch expanding to include Richmond area
Comptroller Nancy James and Communications Officer Ann Turner are heading west to expand the Treasurer & Administrator Lunch groups to include the Richmond area. We'll hold our first gathering in that area on Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at St. John's, Chester. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Nancy James, njames@diosova.org.
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 12 to 1:30 p.m., at the Diocesan Office (11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News)
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at St. John's, Chester (12201 Richmond St., Chester)
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, 12 to 1:30 p.m., at Galilee, Virginia Beach (3928 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach)
NEW! Treasurer & Administrator Lunch expanding to include Richmond area
Comptroller Nancy James and Communications Officer Ann Turner are heading west to expand the Treasurer & Administrator Lunch groups to include the Richmond area. We'll hold our first gathering in that area on Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at St. John's, Chester. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Nancy James, njames@diosova.org.
Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia
As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each
delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these
prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another
in the upcoming year.
Trinity, Gretna and Christ Church, Danville
We pray for the homeless and unemployed in Pittsylvania County and for those elderly who are alone. We pray for the spread of the Gospel in our area and for justice among all peoples. We especially pray for the Holy Spirit to stir up all Christians to live their faith in their daily lie and works. Amen.
St. Stephen's, Norfolk and Mission of the Holy Spirit
God of light and life, break open the good news for us, be with us in our worship , homes and community. Remind us that your light is victorious over darkness. Remind us that we must work to heal pain we face in this world. Strengthen us in our service to you, O Lord, our God. Amen.
Trinity, Gretna and Christ Church, Danville
We pray for the homeless and unemployed in Pittsylvania County and for those elderly who are alone. We pray for the spread of the Gospel in our area and for justice among all peoples. We especially pray for the Holy Spirit to stir up all Christians to live their faith in their daily lie and works. Amen.
St. Stephen's, Norfolk and Mission of the Holy Spirit
God of light and life, break open the good news for us, be with us in our worship , homes and community. Remind us that your light is victorious over darkness. Remind us that we must work to heal pain we face in this world. Strengthen us in our service to you, O Lord, our God. Amen.
2016 Healthcare Open Enrollment is Nov. 4-20
2016 Open Enrollment for clergy and lay employees
participating in medical and dental plans is Nov. 4-20, 2015. During the
Medical Trust's Open Enrollment period:
- Current plan members may change their plan selections for the following year
- Eligible non-participating employees have the option to join a plan
- Eligible non-participating dependents may be added to a member's plan without the need of a qualifying event
If you have questions about Open Enrollment, please contact Canon for Administration the Rev. Canon Ed Tracy, 757-213-3378 or etracy@diosova.org.
Fish tales from Jackson-Feild Homes
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Don Lancaster, host of Fishing Tidewater, and a Jackson-Feild resident fishing.
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The young anglers - none of whom had ever been saltwater fishing -
arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, tackle and bait
provided by Old Point Bank. Don Lancaster and Matt Smith (hosts of the
Fishing Tidewater radio show), Al Nazaruk, and Dan Minnick volunteered
their expertise and served as mentors. Don provided a brief "Fishing
101" lesson in which he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks,
protect their hands from the fins, and then release the hooked fish.
According to one enthusiastic participant, the kids caught "a
bazillion fish," releasing most but keeping enough to fill a cooler to
bring back to campus for dinner. The new anglers had so much fun that
did not want to leave.
When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying a simple pleasure."
When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying a simple pleasure."
New online classes from ChurchNext
ChurchNext allows you to learn from
expert teachers in Scripture, liturgy, and important Christian topics
while interacting in a safe, online environment that's convenient,
engaging, and affordable. Check out these new offerings from
ChurchNext:
Approaching Scripture with Vicki Garvey
is a terrific introduction to the Scriptures from one of the best Bible
teachers in the mainline church. It's available in both For Individuals and For Groups formats.
A Christian Response to Gun Violence is now available in For Individuals and For Groups formats.
Can online learning add to your spiritual growth? Read an answer to that question in this ChurchNext blog post.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Liturgical resource for Day of Repentance & Reconciliation
Annual Council Resolution R-1 (2013) resolved that "November
2, 2014, All Souls Day, will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance
and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes
will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints."
We encourage all parishes to live into R-1 and plan a meaningful service during the octave of All Saints. In the diocesan service we used a story format. "Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing: A liturgical resource for congregations" follows the format of Holy Women, Holy Men. This booklet offers several options for readings and psalms.
We shared our diocesan reconciliation service with St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Clay City, Kansas, which used the liturgy on Sept. 20 for a service of repentance, healing and reconciliation to acknowledge the mistreatment of the only African-American member in the church's 134-year history, Mai DeKonza, who died in 1959. Read more about this service here.
If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org, or a member of the Repairers of the Breach Commission.
We encourage all parishes to live into R-1 and plan a meaningful service during the octave of All Saints. In the diocesan service we used a story format. "Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing: A liturgical resource for congregations" follows the format of Holy Women, Holy Men. This booklet offers several options for readings and psalms.
We shared our diocesan reconciliation service with St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Clay City, Kansas, which used the liturgy on Sept. 20 for a service of repentance, healing and reconciliation to acknowledge the mistreatment of the only African-American member in the church's 134-year history, Mai DeKonza, who died in 1959. Read more about this service here.
If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org, or a member of the Repairers of the Breach Commission.
Jan Brown named to Episcopal Church Commission on Impairment and Leadership
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Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori said, "I pray that this body
will help us foster a culture of open awareness and learning about
addiction as well as fierce commitment to healing of body, mind, soul,
and community."
The enabling resolutions charge the Commission to serve as
"an independent commission to explore the canonical, environmental,
behavioral and procedural dimensions of matters involving the serious
impairment of individuals serving as leaders in the Church, with special
attention to issues of addiction and substance abuse." The commission
also must prepare a report to "include recommendations for both action
and further review, as appropriate, in order to clarify lines of
authority, to ensure mutual accountability, and to promote justice,
well-being and safety within both the Church and the world."
Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia
As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each
delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these
prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another
in the upcoming year.
Grace, Norfolk
God our Father, we pray for your forgiveness and we pray for hope, courage and strength to stand for social justice. We ask for your blessings for continued growth of our church, we pray for the healing of divided communities that, with your blessings, we may be one. Heavenly Father, to you we submit our prayers. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Galilee, Virginia Beach
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and redemption experienced in and through Galilee Church. We ask you, Lord, to lead, shield and anoint us to take joy in every task you set before us and to live more deeply into our mission and renewal. Amen.
Grace, Norfolk
God our Father, we pray for your forgiveness and we pray for hope, courage and strength to stand for social justice. We ask for your blessings for continued growth of our church, we pray for the healing of divided communities that, with your blessings, we may be one. Heavenly Father, to you we submit our prayers. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Galilee, Virginia Beach
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and redemption experienced in and through Galilee Church. We ask you, Lord, to lead, shield and anoint us to take joy in every task you set before us and to live more deeply into our mission and renewal. Amen.
ECW Fall Annual Meeting: Focus on Breast Cancer Awareness
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Follow ECW on Facebook
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Women-to-Women meeting Oct. 12
Women-to-Women is a ministry with Mothers' Union of the
Diocese of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is
responding the gender-based violence in the region through vocational
and literacy training, support, love and friendship. Women-to-Women
will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 12 at 1323 Lafayette Blvd.,
Norfolk. Do join us as we plan ways to support our sisters in the Congo
Diocese of Bukavu! Call Susan Broaddus at 757-623-0205 for information
and directions.
Clergy transitions
The Rev. Mignon (Sarah) Brockenbrough left Bruton Parish, Williamsburg to accept a call in Diocese of Virginia, 9/20/2015
The Rev. Mark Riley began as Assistant Rector at St. John's, Hampton, 9/21/2015
The Rev. Terrence Walker resigned as Long Term Supply Priest at Trinity, South Hill and All Saints, South Hill, 9/26/2015
The Rev. Mary (Mimi) Lacey will begin as Rector of Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, 11/1/2015
The Rev. Terrence Walker resigned as Long Term Supply Priest at Trinity, South Hill and All Saints, South Hill, 9/26/2015
The Rev. Mary (Mimi) Lacey will begin as Rector of Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, 11/1/2015
National Church Administration Day: Technology Impact workshop
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Finding Grace in Race, part 2: Cultural Bias
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The second lecture in this series will be "Cultural Bias" presented by Dr. Allen Lewis on Monday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. Lewis will explore the definition of cultural bias, how people interface with difference, and steps to manage bias. Lewis is Head of JMU Department of Health Sciences and author of We Are All Racists: The Truth about Cultural Bias.
The 45 minute lecture will be followed by facilitated conversation and group processing time among the audience. The evening begins with worship at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7:30 p.m. The requested donation of $20 includes both dinner and the lecture. To register, please contact DeBorah Cannady at retreats@richmondhillva.org or by phone at 804-783-7903. Click here for more information about the series.
Winter Camp at Chanco
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United Thank Offering
Our God is always more ready to hear than we are to pray
and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Give to your United
Thank Offering Blue Box this week as God gives to you.
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The United Thank Offering has been around for
125 years, and sometimes people think of UTO as something only little
old ladies still cling to, something out of date and fading from the
modern world. But the goal of encouraging daily thankfulness and
generosity in our lives is far from outdated, and that IS the main goal
of UTO -- not just collecting money, but creating thankful people.
Every
Sunday in our liturgy we say it is "right, and a good and joyful thing
to give God thanks." It is our duty to give thanks, but like so many
Christian guidelines, what God asks of us turns out also to be good for
us and makes us happy. Quite a lot of research has been done on the
effects of thankfulness in our lives, and the list of its effects on the
thankful person is impressive. Thankful people have stronger immune systems; fewer aches and pains; lower blood pressure; better sleep; more joy, pleasure, optimism, and happiness; are more forgiving; and feel less lonely. A good and joyful thing, indeed!
But
like other Christian duties, thankfulness needs to be cultivated until
it becomes a habit, and your UTO Blue Box can help you with that. Every
day, take just a moment to name something you're thankful for, that day.
It can be as big as the love of your family or as small as the beauty
of an autumn leaf. Take a few seconds to put some money into your Blue
Box to share that blessing with others around the world. The more
moments of gratitude we build into our days, the more we are likely to
see the benefits of thankfulness - to ourselves and to the world.
The United Thank Offering is not out of date -- it's as current as social media. Like us on Facebook!
Educational webinar examines the global refugee crisis
The
Episcopal Church will present a 90 minute webinar on October 15
focusing on the global refugee crisis, U.S. resettlement and how
Episcopalians can be involved in this ministry of welcome. Presented by Episcopal Migration Ministries and Episcopal Public Policy Network, the live webinar will begin at 8 pm Eastern.
For
more than 75 years, The Episcopal Church has welcomed refugees to the
United States, helping them find safety, security and new lives as
American citizens. Now, with at least 60 million people displaced from
their homes and lives, the global community is facing the largest
refugee crisis since the end of World War II.
"Episcopalians
from across the church have been reaching out to us on a daily basis
asking how they can be involved in mission and advocacy that supports
refugees," Deborah Stein, Episcopal Migration Ministries Director. "We
hope that this webinar will inspire individuals, congregations, and
dioceses to engage this life-saving work in new ways."
Pre-registration is required. Register for the webinar here. The webinar will be available on-demand following the event. Click here for more information.
Episcopal Relief & Development responding to Syrian refugee crisis
Episcopal Relief & Development is engaging the Syrian crisis through support to agencies in Syria,
to the Diocese of Jerusalem's Holy Land Institute for the Deaf and in
support of large numbers of people traveling out of crisis areas into
Europe. The agency is in contact with Anglican Communion partners
through The Episcopal Church's Convocation of Episcopal Churches in
Europe and The Church of England's Diocese in Europe, as well as
interfaith partners such as Islamic Relief.
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In Italy, St. Paul's Within the Walls Episcopal Church in Rome operates the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center
as its primary outreach ministry, providing a safe space for 200-250
individuals per day to access legal, vocational, medical and language
services. Episcopal Relief & Development support will enable the
Center to expand its ministry to serve the increased number of displaced
people seeking safety and assistance.
The Church of England's Diocese in Europe plans to distribute emergency funds
to churches in Greece, Italy, France and Hungary that are responding to
the needs of displaced people for food, clothing, shelter materials
and medical supplies. The Diocese is reportedly working with Orthodox
churches in these areas as well, which expands the capacity to ensure
needs are met.
Islamic Relief is active on
the island of Lesvos, Greece, where Syrians fleeing the conflict
arrive at the northern town of Molyvos, closest to Turkey, and travel
to the southeastern town of Mitilini in order to take the ferry to the
mainland. Arabic-speaking Islamic Relief staff, working with other
organizations and local volunteers, are offering food and guidance to
those arriving, including information about transportation options such
as buses to save the 40-mile journey on foot.
Please continue to pray for all those fleeing violence and unrest. Contributions to the Syria Response Fund will help Syrians fleeing violence as the country's civil war enters its fifth year.
Click here for resources to help congregations and individuals respond to the crisis, including:
- Prayer for Syria
- Episcopal Migration Ministries
- Episcopal Public Policy Network
- UNHCR toolkit for teaching young people about migration and refugees
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