#prayersof - Praying with General Convention

At the request of the General Convention Liturgy Team, the Society of Saint John the Evangelist is offering a social media initiative called #prayersof that invites everyone from around the globe to add prayers in words and images to The Prayers of the People at the Episcopal Church's 78th General Convention. Each day, a number of submitted prayers will be incorporated into the spoken liturgy of that day's General Convention worship. Adding a prayer is incredibly simple. By using the hashtag #prayersof on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, anyone posting a public prayer in words or images will have that prayer included in the prayer website at General Convention. To learn more about how you can participate, go to  prayersofthepeople.org

Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

How a resolution moves through General Convention  

When our representatives gather at General Convention they take council together through a legislative process. That process begins with resolutions that are proposed by Deputies, Bishops, Committees, Commissions, Provinces, and Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Resolutions, when adopted by the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, become the Acts of the General Convention and govern the way we live our understanding of the Christian faith as a community of believers.

Resolutions have four sources:

"A" resolutions are submitted by Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards

"B" resolutions are submitted by Bishops

"C" Resolutions are submitted by Dioceses or Provinces

"D" Resolutions are submitted by Deputies

The Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies assign each resolution to one of the parallel or joint legislative committees in the House of Bishops and in the House of Deputies. They also designate the resolutions to start in one House or the other. Parallel committees meet jointly to review resolutions and hold hearings, but vote separately on their recommendations. Resolutions with funding implications also go to the Program, Budget & Finance Committee for review.

The committees decide if the resolutions are accepted as is, or are amended or combined with another resolution. The committees then decide to whether to endorse the resolution.

Resolutions then go to the House of Bishops and House of Deputies where they are debated, sometimes amended, and then voted on. Once a resolution is adopted by one House, it then goes to the other for debate, amendment and adoption. Both Houses must concur on a resolution for it to be adopted by General Convention.

May Weekend: "Bad Reception, Good Connection"

Teens from around the diocese gathered at Chanco this past Friday-Sunday for May Weekend 2015.  The theme this year was "Bad Reception, Good Connection."  The EYC Board offered reflections on issues of faith and technology and small groups discussed ways in which we connect with God and the impact of social media on our lives.  Some highlights of the weekend included a special celebratory Eucharist for Pentecost and making cards for veterans in honor of Memorial Day.  Participants also enjoyed a dance at the Pavilion and access to the ropes course.

Hear what one participant had to say about the event: "I had an amazing retreat at Chanco this weekend. To be greeted like a childhood friend whom you hadn't seen for years, after just coming to one weekend, made me truly realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful community surrounding me."

The following individuals were elected by the community at May Weekend to serve on the EYC Board for the 2015-2016 program year: Thomas Davis, Audre'ana Ellis, Spencer Harrell, Charlie Marks- PRESIDENT, Christina Mason, Courtney Mason, Jimmy Murphy, Ricky Nauroth, Stephen Peabody.

Mark your calendars now for October Weekend 2015, which will take place October 2-4 at Chanco, and will be for teens in grades 8-12.  To learn more about this or other youth ministry opportunities, please contact Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs at ascruggs@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.

St. Andrew's, Norfolk

O God, we thank you for the loving, caring, healthy, inclusive St. Andrew's family and we pray that we not let our pride, arrogance and complacency cause us to simply pat ourselves on our backs for what we have done but rather we ask that you help us to focus on the many needs in our community and the world that have been left undone; and we especially pray that in 2015 each of us finds a tangible way to serve a person in need, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever, Amen.

Old Donation, Virginia Beach

O gracious God, we truly thank you for the abundance of blessings you have already given to us.

May we use those blessings and talents in a manner that benefits our neighbors and, communities and is pleasing and acceptable to you. We ask for your guidance in seeking a priest who will be an effective teacher, preacher and pastor, and will inspire us in new areas of ministry. Give our congregation vision and resources as we expand our facilities. May we use Jesus' example to fully live our mission of spreading the Gospel to a more diverse community. Holy Spirit kindle in us the fire of your love.  We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

YASC: A mission to Tanzania

By Andy Russell, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

Several weeks have passed since I graduated from William & Mary. Two months to go until my mission to Tanzania.

You read correctly! The Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) has placed me in Dodoma, Tanzania starting next August. Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Zanzibar: all incredible features of Tanzania. But hardship and suffering are realities in Tanzania as well. During my time there, I will be serving with The Carpenter's Kids, a program run by the Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika that provides education to children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. In addition, these orphans are provided school supplies, shoes, a uniform, access to emergency healthcare, and two mosquito nets. So far, the program is supporting at least 6,625 orphans across 116 of the 200 parishes. But with an estimated 40,000 such orphans in the Central Tanganyika diocese alone, the need for this program very real.

It is here I would like to reiterate what mission exactly is: the work we all engage in to provide for and bring all of the members of Christ's body closer together. I would also like to reiterate another point: I really cannot do this alone. This is not my mission, this is our mission. And in Tanzania, the need for mission is clear: for most HIV/AIDS orphans, the Carpenter's Kids program is the only thing keeping them off the streets. The schools provide structure and support that would be otherwise absent in the lives of these children.

To financially support our mission, donations can be sent to Bruton Parish Church (memo line "YASC"), P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520. To prayerfully support our mission via a Prayer Sponsor List, please send a mail or email address to asrussell21@gmail.com. To learn more about the mission and The Carpenter's Kids, please visit asrussell-yasc.blogspot.com.

Already many of you have been so incredibly generous and supportive, and for that I am truly thankful. Let us continue to do God's work in the world!

ECW adopts 2015-2016 Outreach Project: God Bless the Children

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

ECW Diocesan President, Nancy Sands, asked women gathered at the Spring Annual Meeting May 16 for a positive vote to support a project near and dear to her heart, and she got it. The women voted unanimously to support the 2015-2016 ECW diocesan outreach project, "God Bless the Children." The project will support the children and youth at Jackson-Feild Homes and Boys Home of Virginia in two ways.  First, by providing items needed on the homes' wish lists and second, by donating funds to create an endowment to help the youth with expenses when they head for college or begin a new job after graduation. Watch for more information.

The ECW also celebrated its 125th anniversary of founding in 1890 at the meeting. Historic Glebe Church in Suffolk, the host parish, was the perfect site to honor a special guest, ECW's founder Louisa Taylor Letcher, portrayed by Betty Kennedy. ECW Historian, Barbara Taylor, portraying Judy Emery, the first corresponding secretary for the Women's Auxiliary, ECW's foundation, introduced Louisa.  

 

Photo L to R: ECW Diocesan President, Nancy Sands, Christ Church, Danville; ECW Historian, Barbara Taylor, St. Francis, Virginia Beach; and Betty Kennedy, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach.  

Bishop Hollerith's reflection on the sale of Talbot Hall

Dear Diocesan Family,

I am pleased to announce to all in the Episcopal Church in Southern Virginia that after a six year journey Talbot Hall has been officially sold to Talbot Hall West LLC. As I am sure you have heard, the new owners of the property are planning on building 12 to 14 small footprint, single family homes there. The LLC is primarily comprised of local Norfolk families who have a deep love for the area of Talbot Park and who share a commitment to the wellbeing of the property's unique character.

The journey that has culminated in this final sale has been, quite frankly, an arduous one. It has demanded many hours of hard work from members of the Diocesan Property Committee, the Talbot Hall Task Force, the Standing Committee, members of the Executive Board, the diocesan staff, and our Diocesan Chancellors. Likewise, these last six years have been punctuated by events such as intensive Town Hall meetings in the Talbot Park neighborhood, various meetings with city officials, and multiple court appearances by both our chancellors and the Property Committee co-chairs. It has also been a journey that has received significant local media coverage - both accurate and inaccurate at times. Needless to say, we have come a long way in the last six years and it hasn't always been easy or painless.

Yet, from my perspective, I believe we have arrived exactly where we had hoped to arrive - and done so in a manner that fully reflects the initial goals and objectives set by our Diocesan Council in 2012. We have ensured that the property will be used in a manner that is in keeping with the nature of the local neighborhood. We have ensured that the waterfront environment of the property will be well cared for. And we have conveyed the property with respect for the historic nature of the Manor House. But, above all, we have accomplished these goals while still being good stewards of a very important diocesan financial asset. The Talbot property was - from the very beginning, as a gift of the Talbot family - an asset conveyed in trust to all the people and parishes in the Episcopal Church in Southern Virginia. To that end, in conveying the property, we have practiced healthy Christian stewardship across our entire diocese.

While selling Talbot Hall may be cause for celebration, it is also - from where I sit as your bishop - cause for grief. The beautiful live oak trees, the expansive lawn from the Manor House, the Gunn Center and the Episcopal Residence are all places that are part of a whole host of wonderful memories shared by so many. Talbot Hall has represented the stately, established, presence of the Episcopal Church in our part of Virginia. It has been a symbol of faith experience for earlier generations of Episcopalians, and as such represents the Church of the past and, perhaps even for some, the Church in simpler and surer times. To sell Talbot Hall is to lose something special, to let go of a place that possesses emotional and spiritual value. This fact must be acknowledged by all of us.

In the years ahead, there will be those who will continue to struggle with what we have done, and those who will believe that the sale is an act of responsible stewardship. Most of us will feel some of both, I suspect. But, regardless, all of us will share in the same responsibility - the responsibility to answer the high calling of our Lord Jesus to follow him - to follow him into a new era of faith and mission. With that in mind, I pray that we can now move forward - and do so with the assurance that all things can and will be made holy for those whose hearts remain fixed on him.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith 

Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

Electing a new Presiding Bishop 

At the 78th General Convention, a new Presiding Bishop will be elected. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman elected to head a national branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is not seeking a second nine-year term in office.

"I believe I can best serve this church by opening the door for other bishops to more freely discern their own vocation to this ministry," Jefferts Schori, said in a statement, "I will continue to engage us in becoming a more fully diverse church, spreading the gospel among all sorts and conditions of people, and wholeheartedly devoted to God's vision of a healed and restored creation."

Previously Bishop of Nevada, Jefferts Shcori is the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Her term as Presiding Bishop ends at the conclusion of General Convention this summer. She was elected at the 75th General Convention on June 18, 2006, and invested at Washington National Cathedral on November 4, 2006.

More than 165 people representing over 60 dioceses submitted names to the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) during the nomination period last fall. The JNCPB is composed of a lay member, a priest or deacon, and a bishop elected from each of the nine provinces of the Episcopal Church, plus two youth representatives who were appointed by the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.

Under church law, presiding bishops must be able to complete a full nine-year term before hitting the mandatory retirement age of 72, limiting candidates to those under age 63 at this year's General Convention. The JNCPB, after a two year discernment process, announced its nominees on May 1, 2015:

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut h

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The election process

On Saturday, June 27, members of the House of Bishops with seat, voice, and vote will convene in St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City, where the election will occur in the context of prayer and reflection.  Once an election has taken place, current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will send a deputation to the House of Deputies for confirmation of the election. 

The Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, will refer the name to the House of Deputies legislative committee on the Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop without announcing the name to the full House. The legislative committee will make a recommendation to the House of Deputies whether to confirm the election or not confirm, and the House of Deputies will immediately vote on the recommendation. President Jennings will then appoint a delegation from the House of Deputies to notify the House of Bishops of the action taken.

The Presiding Bishop serves for a nine-year term.  The Presiding Bishop is Primate, Chief Pastor of the Church, Chair of the Executive Council, and President of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

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.

St. Christopher's, Portsmouth

Loving and compassionate God, Bless our Outreach to the hungry and homeless and help us to increase our compassion as we endeavor to follow you. We ask this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Redeemer, Midlothian

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for guidance during the coming months. Help us to remember that, though our transition process may be difficult at times, as we gather in discussion and discernment, you are in our midst. Help us also to understand that we do this, not to better ourselves, but to continue the command to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

House of Deputies State of the Church Committee issues report, bulletin inserts

The House of Deputies State of the Church Committee (SOTC) has concluded its work for the triennium. The report, submitted as part of the Blue Book, is available here.

 

The charge of the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church, the oldest committee of the Church, is to prepare a report for the House of Deputies that shows an accurate picture of The Episcopal  Church and to approve the form of the Annual Parochial Report.  

 

The Committee on the State of the Church has partnered with Forward Movement , working together to offer an overview, or "snapshot," of the 38- page report.  This summary report is available as a PDF document in two formats - as an 8 1/2 x 11 full sheet here or as a half-sheet suitable for use as a bulletin insert, available at no fee  here. Congregations are encouraged to print and distribute this information so that Episcopalians across the church will gain an awareness of the state of our Church.

Golfers swing their way to help Jackson-Feild's children

The children at Jackson-Feild Homes were the ultimate winners on May 11th at the 20th annual Go Golfing for Kids golf tournament.

The tournament was held at The County Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield. Boddie-Noell Enterprises was the tournament sponsor and has been since the tournament's inception. Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial was the presenting sponsor.

A delicious lunch was provided by Hardee's after which tournament play began using the Captain's Choice tournament format. An awards dinner immediately followed the tournament.

It could not have been a better day for golf. The course was in excellent shape. The golfers enjoyed their time on the links and had a good time for a good cause.

The proceeds for the 2015 event will be used to support Jackson-Feild's Summer Enrichment Program. A variety of programs and activities are planned daily throughout the summer to educate and engage residents. Over the years proceeds from the tournament have been used for scholarships, education and student programs

Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

General Convention: Equality of representation

Equality of representation between lay persons and priests was enshrined from the beginning of General Convention, as was the equal representation of states - the words "state" and "diocese" were synonymous in the church's early years.

To protect the rights of states with fewer church members the constitution made provision for votes by states for major issues. This provision was the ancestor of our votes by orders in which each diocese casts one clerical and one lay vote on amendments to the constitution, revisions of the Book of Common Prayer and other weighty matters.

Because the organizing conventions and the first General Convention under its constitution did not include bishops, the House of Deputies is sometimes referred to as the senior house (by date of establishment). To encourage the church in New England to join the General Convention, provision was made in the church's first constitution for a House of Bishops at such time in the future as there would be at least three bishops. After the passage of the constitution, the election of bishops required the consent of both houses of the General Convention, and consecrations could take place only during a meeting of the convention. When this proved unworkable, the convention voted in 1799 to allow diocesan standing committees to vote consent in place of the House of Deputies, except when the election fell within a reasonable time before a meeting of the General Convention.

Even after the formation of the House of Bishops, the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies could override a "no" vote in the House of Bishops by a 4/5's vote. This provision was amended in 1808, allowing the bishops to veto legislation passed by deputies, but only if they did so within three days of passage. (The House of Bishops did not get parity with the House of Deputies until 1901, when the "three days clause" was deleted from a revision of the constitution.) Since then, for legislation to be enacted, it must be passed in identical language by both houses. If either house fails to concur, the resolution does not pass.

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.

St. Luke's, Blackstone

Loving God, whose promise is to be with us always: Be with us in the year ahead as we continue the work you have given us to do. Strengthen us to move through this time of transition, trusting in your faithfulness. May our efforts to reach out to our community continue and increase, empowered by the Spirit and revealing Christ in our midst; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Johns Memorial, Farmville

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth, grant the people of Johns Memorial the means of peace and harmony so that we may find our way toward the unity that will allow us to accomplish all that you desire for us. Help us to be conscious of all that are in any way in need of prayer, comfort, or solace. Keep us mindful of the Holy Spirit working in our midst as we discern how best to minister to the students among us wherever they are on their journey. Guide our Vestry, our rector and our congregation in the way of being a church where people come not only for worship, but for community service, for learning and for comfort and joy, Grant us strength in numbers so that we may do even more to glorify you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

ACS Users Training Day on June 24

Join us for a one-day classroom training for ACS software users led by ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey on Wednesday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Newport News.

 

This ACS classroom training will provide learning in a traditional classroom environment. ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey will demonstrate the use of software projected onto a large screen. This one-day training will focus on People during the morning session and on Financials during the afternoon session.  

This event is an excellent opportunity to learn and enhance valuable skills amongst your peers. Come with your questions and get answers!  

 Click here for more information and registration. 

Church Business Administrator training and certification

Church Business Administrator certification through The Church Network (formerly NACBA) is a  two-week core course requirement that can be fulfilled on the Richmond campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary from July 21-30. Or, if you need just a few of the seminars, register for one week, or individual classes. These seminars are open to anyone with interest in this area, and will give you some valuable information on the administration of your church. The cost for the full two weeks of classes (8 days) is $550; for one week (4 days), $275; and for individual classes $85 ($170 for a two-day class). Click here for more information and to register.

CE-Net monthly meeting on May 28

CE-Net (Christian Education Network) invites you to join them on Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton as they catch up and discuss future CE-Net meetings. Breakfast will be provided. Feel free to invite anyone you think would be interested. RSVP to Jennifer Nauroth, jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

Leadership Program for Musicians now accepting registration for Fall classes

The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a national program offering classes for church musicians and those interested in church music, is accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 year.

Courses being offered for the 2015-2016 year are Liturgy and Music: Foundations for Christian Worship (offered online through the Center for Liturgy and Music at Virginia Theological Seminary, visit www.liturgyandmusic.com); Principles of Choral Leadership; Teaching New Music to the Congregation; and Philosophy of Church Music.

LPM gives church musicians the tools and resources to lead congregations to sing well and to participate actively in worship. LPM offers classes that cover key areas in church music and liturgical education, spiritual formation, and teach a full range of church music skills.

For more information visit www.lpm-va.org or contact Jane Barthurst, atlpmvacoordinator@gmail.com or 804-883-7112.

Palestine of Jesus: A two-part course offered through Kanuga and St. George's College

Kanuga retreat center in Hendersonville, NC, and St. George's College in Jerusalem are partnering for a two-part course - The Palestine of Jesus. In December, 2015, participants will gather at Kanuga for a three-day program led by St. George's course director, the Rev. Rodney Aist. Students will learn about the Holy Land and the places they will visit during the second part of the course in Israel/Palestine that will take place in February, 2016 at St. George's College. Click here for a brochure with more information.

Advancing to General Convention 2015

What is General Convention?

The 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will meet in Salt Lake City, UT this summer, June 25 to July 3. The General Convention gathers every three years and is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies, which has more than 800 members (up to four clergy and four lay people from each diocese), and the House of Bishops, which is comprised of more than 300 active and retired bishops.

How does General Convention work?

The General Convention is the primary governing and legislative body of the Episcopal Church. With the exception of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons, it is the ultimate authority in the Episcopal Church. General Convention comprises two houses: the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. It meets regularly once every three years; however, the House of Bishops meets regularly in between sessions of General Convention. All bishops, whether active or retired, have seat and vote in the House of Bishops. Each diocese of the Episcopal Church, as well as the Navajoland Area Mission and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, are entitled to representation in the House of Deputies by four clergy deputies, and four lay deputies. Resolutions must pass both houses in order to take effect.

The first General Convention - Virginians were there!

Before the American Revolution, there had been no Anglican dioceses or bishops in the colonies, thus when the American congregations were separated from the Church of England, "the chain which held them together [was] broken". In 1782, William White, the father of the Episcopal Church, wrote in his pamphlet The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States Considered, "it would seem, that their future continuance can be provided for only by voluntary associations for union and good government". The first General Convention of Episcopal Church was held in Philadelphia in 1785, with clergy and lay representatives from Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The convention authorized the preparation of an American Prayer Book and named itself the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Presiding Bishop nominees announced 

The nominees for the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church have been announced. The 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church will be elected on Saturday, June 27 during The Episcopal Church's 78th General Convention which will be held June 25 - July 3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah).

Nominated for Presiding Bishop are:

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut h

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Presiding Bishop serves for a nine-year term.  The Presiding Bishop is Primate, Chief Pastor of the Church, Chair of the Executive Council, and President of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

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.

St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge

Dear, Gracious Father, we pray for your Church and especially the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew in Kenbridge. Inspire our witness to your Son Jesus Christ that we may see and respond to the needs in our community and in the world. Give us grace in loving our neighbors and strength to better understand and accept our individual differences. Heal those who are in need in mind, body and spirit and give us the ability to care for them. Grant us the perseverance to know and to follow your will. Prosper our efforts to share the Good News with all whom we meet that we may be the examples of your love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Almighty God, we ask you to grant us the will to follow your will, the desire to reach beyond the walls of our church to those in need or want, the heart to work for justice in our city and the world, and the ability to know your Son, Jesus Christ, and make him known in joy, faith, and service. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Young Adult Service Corp: A mission to bring God's people closer together

By Andy Russell, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

After four years of calling Williamsburg home, it's time to go. William & Mary, Bruton Parish, and Canterbury - I will miss them all greatly.  But in a lot of ways, life is change.  And with the end of my college career, one huge change is coming my way.  Next year, I will be serving as a missionary with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC).   

YASC, a program through the Episcopal Church, brings young adults into relationship with other members of the Anglican Communion across the globe. Translation: next year, I will be integrated into a diocesan community outside of the U.S. in order to, in some small way, bring the members of Christ's body closer together.

To be sure, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding my mission with YASC.  I do not yet know where my placement site is.   I do not yet know what I will be doing at this placement site.  I do not know any of the people, and I may not know the primary language spoken there. But there are at least two things that I do know.  First, that God is looking out for every single one of us.  And second, that I cannot do this alone.

As such, I invite you to share in this YASC mission with me. I truly need your support.  This support is twofold.  First, YASC missionaries are called to raise $10,000 to help cover the expenses of mission. Second, I know that I will desperately need your prayers and community. Together, with God's help, this is our mission.  We will connect with God's children and we will make a difference in their lives as they make a difference in ours.

To financially support our mission, donations can be sent to Bruton Parish Church (memo line "YASC"), P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520. To prayerfully support our mission via a Prayer Sponsor List, please send a mail or email address to asrussell21@gmail.com. Please stay tuned for any updates, including my placement!

Episcopal Relief & Development update

By The Very Rev. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's, Suffolk

Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development

Let me express my thanks to the following congregations who made contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development between January and March of this year:

75th Anniversary Fund:

          $186.00      Merchants Hope Church, Prince George

              $5.00      St. Paul's Church, Suffolk

Ebola Relief Efforts:

            $90.00      St. Andrew's Church, Newport News

Gifts for Life and Other Special Projects:

          $150.00      Emmanuel Church, Hampton

          $210.00      St. Paul's Church, Suffolk

      $1,127.00      St. Michael's Church, North Chesterfield

Undesignated Gifts

          $300.00      Christ Church, Smithfield

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $500.00      Christ and Grace Church, Petersburg

      $3,743.00      Church of the Redeemer Church, Midlothian

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $412.90      St. Martin's Church, Williamsburg

            $65.00      St. Paul's Church, Norfolk

          $100.00      St. Luke's Church, Powhatan

          $668.00      Old Donation Church, Virginia Beach

Your gifts go a long way toward healing a hurting world!

Please consider making a gift to help with rescue and relief efforts in Nepal. Click here to make a donation.