Episcopal Relief & Development seeking parish representatives

By The Very Rev. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's, Suffolk; ERD Diocesan Coordinator

As Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development, I am seeking to build a network of parish representatives appointed by their rectors to promote this ministry at the congregational level. Parish Representatives will work directly with me, receiving:

• Frequent diocesan updates
• Important news items sent by the Episcopal Relief & Development staff
• Reminders of important events or dates
• Examples of best practices from other Parish Representatives.

Parish Representatives are encouraged to visit the Episcopal Relief & Development web site weekly and to stay current with Episcopal Relief & Development's ongoing work through its social media platforms--Facebook, Twitter and its blog.  Armed with information, a Parish Representative meets with his/her parish's clergy to map out a plan to promote Episcopal Relief & Development on a regular basis.

I am asking diocesan clergy to identify a Parish Representative in the congregation(s) where you serve and to share that person's contact information with me. Please feel free to e-mail me at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org or to call me at 757-539-2478.

Oklahoma tornado relief: Over $15,000 raised to date

Southern Virginia, you have been very generous to our call for funds to help Oklahoma recover from the violent tornadoes. To date, you have contributed $15,320. All contributions have been sent to the Diocese of Oklahoma to directly assist those in need. Contributions are still being accepted and can be sent to the Diocese of Southern Virginia with "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the memo line. 

Church musicians: Register for central Virginia LPM classes

The Central Virginia chapter of the Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is currently accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 session beginning September 13-14 at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Richmond. LPM is a continuing education program in church music, worship, and liturgy, and is open to people of all denominations. The organization is sponsored by The Episcopal Church and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Students will meet on one Friday night and all day Saturday monthly for five months (September, October, November, January, and February). Courses offered this year are Conducting, Liturgy and Worship, Philosophy of Church Music, and Teaching New Music. In addition, registered students attend a one-day March workshop at no cost. At the completion of the two year program, students are awarded a Certificate of Church Music from the National Leadership Program for Musicians organization.

Complete details of the program can be found at www.lpm-va.org or by contacting our Coordinator, Nellwyn Beamon, at 757-423-6715 (day) or emailing nbeamon@ascension-norfolk.org AND nadezhda@quixnet.net. A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your space in this year's class.   Classes are $200 each or $600 for all four. Add $50 for late registrations received after September 1.

Tidewater Regional LARCUM Conference on June 24

The Tidewater Regional LARCUM (Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic/United Methodist) Conference will offer "Our Call to Unity" on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Holy Apostles', Virginia Beach. The guest speaker will be James Henderson, Ph.D., instructor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University College of Arts and Sciences. Registration is not required, but appreciated as it will assist with planning. There is no charge for this annual conference, but there will be a basket for any offerings to help with the event expenses. Childcare will be available. For more information call 757-427-0963 or email admin@holyapostlesvb.org. Click here for the event brochure.

Jackson-Feild graduates seven students

The Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Homes graduated seven students on June 7. It was a day that will be forever etched in the minds of the graduates. The ceremony was held at the Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College Emporia campus. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education presided over the ceremony. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Verlander, parents of Goochland County native and major league baseball star Justin Verlander, were the commencement speakers.

Seven residents received either their high school diploma or GED. Two other students received their Certified Nurse's Aide Certification. The Gwaltney School's faculty did an excellent job preparing these graduates for this milestone and providing them skills for future success. This is the Gwaltney School's sixteenth graduation ceremony. To date, 138 residents have received either their high school diploma or GED. 

Sign up now for the Annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders

The annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton. There is no fee to attend. Lunch is provided. Open to all adults who work with youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, this annual event provides an opportunity to network with other youth leaders, problem-solve common issues in youth ministry, and get up-to-date information on resources and programs. There is no deadline to register. So that we can plan for lunch, please contact Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner, at 757-213-3393 or ascruggs@diosova.org.

Junior/Senior High Conference is the remedy for summer boredom

How many teenagers will be saying this in the middle of the summer? Sure, summer vacation is great but around mid-July it can get a little old - for parents and kids. The solution: come to Chanco! Not only will youth not be bored, they will have an opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally and physically. Junior/Senior High Conference is a great week that combines elements of camp with a theme-based program. Our theme this year is "Carry On." We will explore how we Carry On in a world that is often difficult and challenging. There will also be workshops such as Sailing, Ropes Course, Arts and Crafts and other favorite camp activities. Junior/Senior High Conference is open to teens ages 13 through 18 and runs from July 7 to 12. The cost is $300. Please go to www.chanco.org to register. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Rev. Eileen P. Walsh, director for Junior/Senior High Conference, 757-484-5155. We hope to see your teens in July!

Abundant Life Garden Project curriculum for elementary age children

Episcopal Relief & Development's Abundant Life Garden Project curriculum program is an interactive Scripture-based instructional program offered to parishes, teachers, groups, families and others who seek to share the ministry of Episcopal Relief & Development with elementary age children. This resource is a very flexible, low-cost program that can be implemented by any Episcopal parish, no matter its budget.

The curriculum is based on the work and mission statement of Episcopal Relief & Development, along with the Baptismal Covenants of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. The goal of the program is that children will become more aware of the overwhelming needs of others in the world, link these needs to stories in the Bible and work towards addressing the needs of the world, both as individuals and in community.

Episcopal Relief & Development's Abundant Life Garden Project resource program has five segments that focus on Water, Seeds, Soil, Animals and Harvest. Each segment is designed as a one-hour session, with several additional options to be used in extended sessions or as a Vacation Bible School program.

Essential Building Dimensions for Formation leaders

Essential Building Dimensions is a new leadership program offered by Southern Virginia and Diocese of Maryland which equips Christian Formation professionals to be effective leaders in the Episcopal Church through sharing and developing resources, relationships, nurturing and support. If you are a paid lay Christian Formation, consider enrolling in this year long course, based loosely on the Fresh Start program offered to clergy. The first session, which includes an overnight, will be held August 23-24 at Virginia Theological Seminary. The cost is $100 for the first meeting. We have significant scholarship money for Southern Virginia. Click here for more information and registration. Contact Caroline Black cblack@diosova.org for more information.

Safe Church Refresher Course

Safe Church Refresher Courses are now available online. If you have already taken the complete Safe Church Training and three years have passed, we are now able to offer a Refresher Course, rather than repeating the original course. This advanced course builds on knowledge and gives additional information based on experience. 

If you are eligible for re-certification, there is no need to contact the Diocese. The software provider, Praesidium, sends a list to the Diocese once a month advising  who has taken the online training and who is due for renewal. In turn, the Diocese will notify the parish office of those needing to re-certify. If a parishioner has moved, or is no longer active in the parish, the church office can notify Judy Rieken at jrieken@diosova.org to inactivate the participant. In order to be eligible for re-certification, you must have a previous child certification on file with the Diocese. If you have additional questions, contact Judy, jrieken@diosova.org or 757-213-3391.

Funds for Oklahoma tornado relief: Over $10,000 raised to date

Southern Virginia, you have been very generous to our call for funds to help Oklahoma recover from the violent tornadoes. To date, you have contributed $10,245. All contributions are being sent to the Diocese of Oklahoma to directly assist those in need. Contributions are still being accepted and can be sent to the Diocese of Southern Virginia with "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the memo line.

Saint Paul’s College Board Determines to Close While Pursuing Options to Continue Mission

 Following the unexpected termination of a proposed merger with another HBCU (Historically Black College or University), the Board of Trustees of Saint Paul’s College has determined to close the College temporarily to pursue other strategic opportunities consistent with its purpose and mission.  As a result, Saint Paul’s will relinquish its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and implement a plan to complete instruction and transfer student enrollment in cooperation with SACSCOC and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Dr. Oliver Spencer, Chair of the Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees, expressed disappointment on behalf of the Board and the College.  “The time deadlines associated with our accreditation issues with SACSCOC and the termination of the proposed merger require our Board to take this action in the best interests of our students.  This is especially disappointing in view of our very successful completion to the 2012-2013 academic year and the graduation of 51 students just weeks ago.  Nevertheless, our Board is committed to exploring all solutions that will allow the continuation of the historical mission and purpose of Saint Paul’s College on its campus in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  In pursuit of that goal I call on all members of the Saint Paul’s community to come together to guide and support the College in the next phase of its life in service to the many thousands of students deserving of the very special educational opportunities that Saint Paul’s College can offer.”

The Board of Trustees has implemented a plan to preserve the physical and financial assets of the College during the process of exploring its options. 

Donations for Oklahoma tornado recovery

Donations for Oklahoma tornado recovery can be sent to Diocese of Southern Virginia with "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" in the memo line. Funds collected will be sent to the Diocese of Oklahoma to provide direct assistance to those in need. The Diocese of Oklahoma includes 70 congregations representing about 25,000 Episcopalians and encompasses the entire state.

New Safe Church policies available online

Newly updated and revised Safe Church policies are now available on the Creating Safe Churches page of our website. Please contact Canon for Formation Caroline Black if you have any questions, dblack@diosova.org or 757-213-3377.

ECW awards 14 Elise Holladay Scholarships

By Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach 

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) awarded Elise Holladay Scholarships to fourteen young men and women in the Diocese of Southern Virginia in May. The ECW Student Work committee, with members from St. Mark's, Suffolk and Good Shepherd, Norfolk, and chaired by Deborah Austin, St. Mark's, Suffolk, reviewed applications and all applicants received a scholarship.

Established as a memorial to Elise Holladay, an early Diocese of Southern Virginia ECW president, the scholarships are available to young men and women who want to further their education after high school. The scholarship is funded through contributions from parish ECWs, the Book of Remembrance and the Penick Fund.

Alexis Green - Grace Episcopal, Norfolk, Salem High School

Margaret Thomas - Christ Church, Amelia, Cosby High School

Steven Oake - Christ Episcopal, Danville, Danville Community College

Kelsey Bisker - Hunger Episcopal Church, Northampton High School

Amanda Brandenburg - Church of the Ascension, Granby High School   

Angelica Garcia - St. James, Accomac, Eastern Shores Community College

Patrick Mahley - St. Andrew's, Newport News, Woodside High School

Judy Wyche - St. Thomas', Freeman, Paul D. Camp Community College

Kiara Nicholson - St. Andrews's, Norfolk, Mary Baldwin College

Nicholas Sarandia - St. John's, Portsmouth, Churchland High School

Ryan Watson - St. Mark's, Suffolk, Nansemond River High School

Robert Davenport - Church of the Good Shepherd, Hobart College

Molly Colski - St. Andrew's, Norfolk, Maury High School

Elizabeth Gilliher - St. Andrew's, Norfolk, Maury High School

News from our Diocesan ECW

By Barbara E. Taylor, ECW President 

Many Thanks to those who attended our ECW Diocesan Spring meeting at Christ Church, Danville. A special thanks to Nancy Sands our First Vice President and the Women of Christ Church who were our host. We also thank the Rev. Helen McKee who was our celebrant and installed our new Diocesan UTO Coordinator, Joyce Douglas, of St. Augustine's, Newport News.

During our meeting we had two speakers. The first was Dorothy "Dottie" Arthur, Province III National Board Representative. She had much information and was inspiring regarding the plans for the Triennial in 2015 in Utah. !Celebremos! We also heard from Janet Lemmer, Director of the Boys Home in Covington, Virginia. She spoke of the home's history, their efforts, their successes, and their needs.

The women of the ECW decided to take on the following charitable outreach projects. We will attempt to raise $10,000 over the next two years for the Women To Women project. A ministry between women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia  and the Mothers Union of the Diocese of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We will be working with the Diocese of Virginia who have been involved with this project for some time. They have been sending groups and money for some time but more is still needed. We will also try to fulfill The Spring and Winter Wish List for The Boys Home of Covington, Virginia

Thanks to Deborah Austin, Student Work Chair. Her group awarded 14 scholarships to students in the

Diocese.  

New Province III UTO Coordinator 

On April 27, a new Province III ECW UTO Coordinator was elected at the ECW Province III Meeting in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She is Dena Lee, 295 Braxton Ridge Road, Amherst, Virginia 24521. 434-946-7611, dglee7880@gmail.com.

New Diocesan UTO Coordinator 

On May 18, Joyce Douglas was installed as our new Diocesan UTO Coordinator. Joyce is a very active member of St. Augustine's, Newport News. Joyce Douglas, 4608 Coronet Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23455. 757-496-0192, amielonie@aol.com

Sign up now for the Annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders

The annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton. There is no fee to attend. Lunch is provided. Open to all adults who work with youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, this annual event provides an opportunity to network with other youth leaders, problem-solve common issues in youth ministry, and get up-to-date information on resources and programs. There is no deadline to register. So that we can plan for lunch, please contact Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner, at 757-213-3393 or ascruggs@diosova.org.