CE-Net online gathering Feb. 5

Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for a Zoom meeting/conversation on Wednesday, February 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. During our time together we will connect with colleagues in the diocese and hear key takeaways from the recent FORMA Conference, "Rooted in Jesus."  The "Rooted in Jesus"  promotion materials stated that it's time for the Episcopal Church to come together as disciples of Jesus and take a bold new step into the next decade. Let's talk about taking those bold new steps.

 

If you are interested in participating, please email Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org for the link you'll need to join the meeting. For our online gathering, whether you use a computer, phone or tablet, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. If you have not used Zoom before, click here for a quick introduction on how to join a meeting.

The Rev. Rhonda Wheeler elected to Jackson-Feild board

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services - a residential treatment program serving children with severe mental health disorders - is pleased to announce the election of The Rev. Rhonda E. Wheeler to its Board of Directors.

 

Since 2013, Wheeler has served as Rector of Emmanuel, Hampton. She received her undergraduate education from Carson-Newman University in Johnson City TN and her Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary at Wake Forest. She has as post-graduate diploma in Anglican Studies from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria VA.

 

In past years, Wheeler has served as a chaplain at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville VA, and held pastoral positions at Grace Episcopal Church in Staunton VA, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Temple Hills MD, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newport News VA.

 

With an interest in helping children suffering from mental illness, Wheeler is excited to serve on the Board of Directors and do what she can to improve their lives.

WomanKind 2020: Fearless Women of Faith

Since 2004, the women laity and clergy of St. James's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia have welcomed women to explore their Christian faith and the role of women in the church during a two-day conference held every other year. WomanKind is a weekend of faith and fellowship, enlightenment and engagement for women. An ecumenical Christian gathering, WomanKind welcomes women of all faiths.  

 

WomanKind's 2020 theme Fearless Women of Faith explores and celebrates how God has inspired fearlessness in us. Keynote speaker Lisa Sharon Harper draws on God's original vision of a world that is "very good" - is shalom. Harper declares that shalom is the Gospel's vision for us now - shalom between us and God, within our broken families, between races and nations. In keynote sessions, workshops, and worship, participants will examine fearlessness in the face of injustice, violence against women, life transitions, the unknown, vulnerability, and even fear itself. Together, they will seek Christ's healing, strength, and fearlessness.

 

Click here for more information and registration.

Episcopal Relief & Development's 2020 Lenten Meditations Support ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE

Episcopal Relief & Development celebrates the spiritual lives of children and how they inspire the spiritual lives of adults in the organization's 2020 Lenten Meditations, now available in both English and Spanish at www.episcopalrelief.org/lent . In September 2019, the organization embarked on a three-year fundraising campaign, ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE, in order to expand its global work with children. 

 

The 2020 Lenten Meditations focus on the gifts of children in the poignant and joyous recollections and reflections of educators, caregivers, parents and grandparents from around The Episcopal Church.  

New location announced for the consecration of the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia announces a change of location for the February 1, 2020 consecration of the Rev. Susan Bunton Haynes as the 11th bishop of the Diocese. The service will take place at 11:00 am at Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg. The Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church will serve as chief consecrator.

 

The decision to change the location from St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg arose out of concern and respect for the ministries and leadership of both the Catholic parish and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Learning that its intended use of the building was causing dismay and distress, the Episcopal Diocese withdrew from its contract with St. Bede. As Bishop-Elect Haynes observed, "in the 8th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul cautioned Christians to be careful about pursuing behavior that might cause problems for others within their community."

 

In her letter to Bishop Knestout, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and Monsignor Lehman, pastor of St. Bede, Bishop-Elect Haynes wrote, "I am writing to withdraw from our contract to use the lovely, holy space of St. Bede for my upcoming consecration as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. We have so appreciated and admired your grace and courage in extending this hospitality and abiding by your invitation even under fire from those within your own flocks."

 

The consecration service will be live streamed on the diocesan website [diosova.org] and video will be available afterward for on-demand viewing. All are welcome to attend the service and reception to follow. Tickets are not required. Ample parking is available at the consecration site, 3899 John Tyler Highway in Williamsburg.

 

 

This statement is available in PDF format here.

You can read the statement from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond here.

 

Register now for Happening #72

Registration is now open for Happening #72 to be held March 27-29 at Chanco on the James. Happening is a weekend retreat for young that may just change your life. Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Open to all young adults grade 10 and up. Registration closes after March 9 - so don't delay, register today! Click here for details and registration.  

 

Rector and staff applications for Happening #72 are also being accepted and are due by Feb. 20. Pre-Happening Weekend for staff will be March 7-8.  Click here for the Rector application. Click here for the staff application.

Diocesan Latino Missioner to preach at Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service

The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be January 18-25. Tidewater Christian Ecumenical Network invites you to join with other Christian communities for ecumenical prayer services all week long. Southern Virginia's Missioner for Latino/Latina Ministries, the Rev. Mario Meléndez, will preach at the main service on Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m. at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, 2744 Robert Jackson Drive, Virginia Beach. Click here for a full schedule of the week's events.