Registration for October Weekend is open!

October Weekend 2015: We are all God's Children... so what about equality?

October 2-4 at Chanco on the James

A special event sponsored by the Episcopal Youth Community Board. Open to all youth in grades 8 through 12 and their adult advisors. Visit Camp Chanco on the James River for a weekend in the woods with teens from all over our diocese! October Weekend is an annual event planned by teens, for teens. It always features great music, meaningful small group discussions, socials and games, a dance, and really incredible worship experiences. Come experience the presence of God in community! Click here for more information and registration.

Young Adult Pilgrimage to Ferguson, MO to focus on racial reconciliation and justice

Young adults 18 to 30 years old are invited to apply for a Young Adult Pilgrimage to Ferguson, MO on October 8 - 12 sponsored by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. The primary focus of the Young Adult Pilgrimage to Ferguson is to learn to engage in racial justice and reconciliation in a locale that has experienced significant racial tensions since the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown.

The innovative event is coordinated and presented by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society through its Offices of Racial Reconciliation and Young Adult and Campus Ministry. The event is co-sponsored with the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) and co-hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Among the events slated for the Pilgrimage are a visit to the location where Michael Brown died; engagement with local clergy and community leaders who have addressed justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of protests; innovative workshops; and spirit-filled community worship. In order to continue the process of racial reconciliation, participants are expected to undertake a project in their community that demonstrates engagement on issues of racial justice and reconciliation. Part of the application process is for the applicant to present a proposal for a community project.

Application deadline is September 11.  Applications and more information are available here. Space is limited. Applicants must be nominated by an adult from their communities or dioceses, such as a priest, bishop, supervisor, etc. Scholarships are available.   

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.

Holy Trinity, Onancock   

O gracious God, creator of everything we understand and of all sacred mystery, help us to hear your call and see your presence in all creation. Inspire and empower the ministry of Holy Trinity to share your love, compassion and grace throughout the community. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our guide, who lives and reigns with you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Good Shepherd, Richmond 

Dear Lord, we pray that all in God's creation acknowledge and glorify you as the one true God and we especially pray for those who have yet to have the opportunity hear and receive your Word - whether here or abroad - so that they may acknowledge that with you we have all and without you we have nothing; all this we pray in the name of the Good Shepherd of all, Jesus. Amen.  

2015 ECW Parish Reports are due

ECW parish reports are due this Fall. The Parish Annual Contribution Report, due November 1, is submitted with parish requested and voluntary contributions. Each parish is requested to contribute annual dues of $3 per each ECW member. Two dollars ($2) fund the ECW Diocesan Budget. At year end, the ECW Diocesan Budget recipients receives donations allotted by percentages based on the amount of dues received. The remaining dollar helps fund the administrative fund.

Voluntary contributions can be submitted with the report for the Church Periodical Club, the Elise Holladay Scholarship for men and women who want to further their education after high school, the Book of Remembrance also funds the Elise Holladay Scholarship and the "With These Hands" Endowment to support the feeding program at Holy Anglican School in Belize.

The ECW Parish Information Report, also due November 1, provides space for up-to-date contact information for the ECW Yearbook and Directory and the names of sisters to honor In Memoriam.

The Parish Contribution Report for the ECW Diocesan President is due by September 30. This information about your parish outreach contributions is included in her annual report to Province III.

You can download the forms here. Please take the time to complete and submit the forms.

Dr. JoAnn Smart named Director of Clinical Services at Jackson-Feild Homes

Jackson-Feild Homes, the parent company of Jackson-Feild Behavior Health Services, has named Dr. JoAnn Smart Vice President of Programs. Dr. Smart will be responsible for the therapeutic services at Jackson-Feild and will work closely with the residential, educational and spiritual services departments.

 

Dr. Smart is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia and has been a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor in Arizona. She has worked as a Clinical Psychologist for the U.S. military at Camp Lejeune NC and in Jacksonville FL.

 

She has conducted research focusing on attachment related problems among children and adolescents in residential placements and has extensive experience in working with adolescents suffering from multiple emotional and/or behavioral disorders.

ChurchNext free class: A Christian Response to Gun Violence

ChurchNext has announced a new, free class: A Christian Response to Gun Violence, taught by Episcopal bishops Eugene Sutton and Ian Douglas.

How are Christians to respond to the pervasive firearm violence that roils the United States? Bishops Sutton and Douglas offer a challenging and inspiring response that can help Christians think through this difficult issue. This online class includes 24/7 access from Sep. 14-28 to all video lectures, downloads and course content; video lectures with Bishops Eugene Sutton and Ian Douglas; downloadable Discussion Questions for groups and The Takeaway for personal study; and interaction with other students through discussion questions and sharing notes.

The class begins in two weeks, from September 14 to 28. Click here to register.

Treasurer & Administrator Lunch on Sep. 24

The next Treasurer and Administrator Lunch will be held at Old Donation, 4449 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach on Thursday, September 24 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.After a break for the summer, our monthly lunch gatherings are back! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. RSVP to Nancy James,  njames@diosova.org. 

Certificate of Lay Delegates & Alternates are due Aug. 31

Certificates of Lay Delegates & Alternates for Annual Council are due August. 31. Delegates serve from July 1, 2015 through June 20, 2016 at any Pre-Council Convocation meeting, Annual Council and at any Special Council that may occur during this time. Click here for the Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for 2015-2016.

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. John's, Chase City  

We pray for the grace of God to be with us this day and always. For us to identify the needs of our communities and provide assistance and comfort to those who are suffering. Amen. 

St. Paul's Memorial, Lawrenceville   

O heavenly Father, grant us continued blessings that we may continue to serve you in our daily lives. Dear Father, also continue to bless us each wee as we strive to keep our doors open to serve you and our local community. Amen.  

Leadership Program for Musicians now accepting registration for Fall classes

Don't miss out on a great opportunity! 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 or804-883-7112.

Listen to world class preaching, for free!

A Sermon for Every Sunday is a ministry of bringing high-quality lectionary-based sermons by excellent preachers each week. (Michael Curry, Brian McLaren, and many others.) The video sermon of the upcoming Sunday can be rented or bought for use in adult forums, small group discussions, or  in churches when a preacher is unavailable. The audio version can be listened to for free the week following the week... a great way for everyone to have inspirational listening for one of your commutes home!  Learn more at www.asermonforeverysunday.com.  

Thinking ecologically and spiritually about food

The Diocese of Virginia invites you to join them for "Taste and See that the Lord is Good: A conversation between a farmer, a chef and a theologian" on Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond.

Throughout Scripture, food is the chief way that God relates to the people of God. From the story of the Garden of Eden to the settlement of the Promised Land, a "land of milk and honey,"  God's most fundamental blessings include the grace of food and the promise that agricultural cycles will yield their fruit in due season. Food is also the way we are intended to relate to God and each other. It is through food that the people of Israel remember and celebrate God's acts of deliverance (Passover seder), as well as express gratitude, show hospitality, ratify covenants, and define ethnic and religious identity. It is not surprising then that the misuse of food should be the cause of a breakdown in our relationship with God and others.

 

At this conference, we will be invited to explore the relationship between faith and food, between how we relate to God and how we relate to the food and the earth that produces it. The conference will be keynoted by Rachel Marie Stone (author, Eat with Joy). There will also be a "Children and Families Track," providing an opportunity for kids to be engaged in questions of food and faith.

Sign up today! Get more information and register  here. 

AA workshop: How to help alcoholics maintain sobriety

The Public Information and the Cooperation with the Professional Community Committees of the Virginia Area Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous invites you to join them for a unique opportunity to explore the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and walk away with powerful resources to change the lives of many. This workshop is for members of the professional community that come into contact with problem drinkers, and for AA members to learn from the professional community. 

 

The workshop will be held on Friday, October 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ghent United Methodist Church, 531 Raleigh Ave Norfolk.  The workshop will consists of presentations and a panel made up of members of the professional community who have had experience working with alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous as well as self-identified members of Alcoholics Anonymous who have worked with and within the professional community. The workshop is free and pre-registration is not required. Dinner and refreshments will be available. 

 

For more information call 757-403-8265 or email PI@tidwaterintergroup.org.

Registration for October Weekend is open!

October Weekend 2015: We are all God's Children... so what about equality?

October 2-4 at Chanco on the James

A special event sponsored by the Episcopal Youth Community Board. Open to all youth in grades 8 through 12 and their adult advisors. Visit Camp Chanco on the James River for a weekend in the woods with teens from all over our diocese! October Weekend is an annual event planned by teens, for teens. It always features great music, meaningful small group discussions, socials and games, a dance, and really incredible worship experiences. Come experience the presence of God in community! Click here for more information and registration.

Dates for other 2015-2016 diocesan youth events are here!
Look for more information and online registration coming soon.

• Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - October 24-25, 2015
• Happening for grades 10-12 - November 6-8, 2015
• November Weekend for grades 6-9 - November 13-15
• Youth Delegation to Diocesan Council - February 4-6, 2016
• Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - February 27-28, 2016
• Happening for grades 10-12 - March 11-13, 2016
• May Weekend - May 20-22, 2016

YASC volunteer Andy Russell heads to Tanzania on August 27

Andy Russell, a member of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will be spending a year in Tanzania as a volunteer with the Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corp. He leaves for his mission field on August 27. You can follow Andy's mission on his blog. We'll be sharing his posts here in the eNews.

YASC Orientation
"I can hardly believe that I am already over a week removed from the YASC training at the Holy Cross monastery in West Park, NY.  Between the actual cultural training, monastic setting, a trip to New York City, and all the people present during the two weeks of training, the experience was just so utterly unique and transformative." Click here to continue reading. 

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, Virginia Beach 

Heavenly Father, we ask your prayer for our church during this transition period. We pray for you to send the Holy Spirit down to give us unity of purpose and comfort for the sick and hurting. We ask all this trough Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  

St. Andrew's, Lawrenceville   

May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord make his face to shine upon us and give us peace. Amen. 

General Convention 2015 Summary of Actions available

A Summary of Actions of the 78th General Convention is now available online at the General Convention website here. A Summary of Actions of the 78th General Convention presents the results of resolutions and other matters from the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, and is available for free download. Additionally, the Summary of Actions lists the membership of the Executive Council and other bodies elected and appointed at General Convention 2015.

The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church was held June 25 - July 3, in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah). The Episcopal Church's General Convention is held every three years, and is the bicameral governing body of the Church. It comprises the House of Bishops, with upwards of 200 active and retired bishops, and the House of Deputies, with clergy and lay deputies elected from the 108 dioceses and three regional areas of the Church, at more than 800 members.

Bishop Jay Magness to retire in 2017

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has announced the upcoming retirement of Bishop James "Jay" Magness, the Sixth Bishop Suffragan for Armed Services and Federal Ministries of The Episcopal Church. Bishop Magness has served in this position since June 2010. Prior to that, he served as Canon to the Ordinary here in Southern Virginia.

"Bishop Magness has brought a new level of clarity, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the office, and has increased recruitment and raised awareness of the ministry of federal chaplains around The Episcopal Church," Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori said. "He will be difficult to replace, and I am grateful this careful process of seeking a successor has begun."

"While continuing to enjoy good health and the thorough satisfaction of this ministry, I am keenly aware that I am approaching the age of mandatory retirement," Bishop Magness commented. "It has been a privilege to have served as the Sixth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries, and an honor to serve our chaplains and their families.  As we move into a promising future I am confident that our church will choose a wise leader as our Seventh Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries."

Ridley Foundation awards over $131,000 in scholarships and grants for 2015-2016

The Ridley Foundation Board awarded scholarships totaling $131,250 to 50 students from the Diocese of Southern Virginia and Southampton County for the 2015-2016 academic year. The Board also awarded grants of $10,000 each to: Jackson-Feild Homes and Mission of the Holy Spirit.

Click here for a list of the recipients of Ridley Foundation Scholarships this year.  

Part-time financial assistant needed at Diocesan office

Brenda Anderson, the part-time financial assistant at the Diocesan office, will be leaving for a full-time position at Galilee, Virginia Beach. The diocesan staff has enjoyed working with Brenda and is grateful for her excellent work. We will miss her greatly, but we are very pleased that she will be joining the staff at Galilee. And Brenda, who lives in Virginia Beach, will be very pleased with her much shorter commute to work!

 

With Brenda's departure, the Diocese is seeking a part-time financial assistant. Hours are varied, 15 hr. per week - A/P, A/R, P/R, P/R taxes, other miscellaneous duties. Qualified candidates must have bookkeeping and payroll experience; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and some flexibility with work schedule.

For more information about this and other positions available, go to the Employment Opportunities page of our website.

Safe Church tip of the month: Transportation monitoring

Your organization may take field trips once or many times a year. The easiest way to maintain supervision while on the bus is to position staff member throughout the vehicle, in the front, middle and back. Never count the driver as one of the supervisors and never let the driver be the only one in the vehicle with youth.

Safe Church training is available online and in a classroom setting. Upcoming classroom trainings are Sep. 12 in Suffolk and Sep. 19 in Hampton. Click here for more information and registration for classroom and online training. 

You're invited! Boys Home to celebrate Donnie Wheatley's 30 years of service

Boys Home of Virginia will be holding a luncheon celebration for Donnie Wheatley's thirty years of service on September 11, at 1 p.m. Read more here.

Tri Diocesan Council on Aging will hold Fall Camp Oct. 26-29 at Shrine Mont

The Tri Diocesan Council on Aging will hold their annual Fall Camp Oct. 26-29 at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, VA. Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but there is no an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states.  The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people. Fall Camp attempts to challenge participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another. Click here for more information.  

RVA Races Together

RVA Races Together is a small movement to encourage Richmond's churches, faith communities and other local organizations to partner across racial and ethnic lines to build bridges of understanding and make a tangible positive impact on our city through volunteering and preparing for the UCI Road World Championships in September 2015 and beyond.

RVA Races Together started as an idea between St. Michael's, Bon Air (a mostly white church) and Fourth Baptist Church in Church Hill (a mostly black church). Our two churches are working together on a clean up project on Aug. 29, then doing pulpit exchanges in October, and building from there.

You can be a part of RVA Races Together. Simply like their Facebook page and/or join the MeetUp Group, and come on out to help the Civic and Community organizations. Or, if you want to make a greater reach, gather a group from your own church or organization, then reach out to another church or organization that is culturally / ethnically different than your own to partner on:  one event to help prepare for the UCI Race; one of the MeetUp events scheduled; one of the IMPACT cleanup sites to join with; participate in one of the areas of need identified by the city's Neighbor to Neighbor program; and more.

As the eyes of the world turn toward Richmond, the double meaning of "Races Together" will become a visible witness to the wider city and the world. In light of the recent racist shooting in Charleston, and Richmond's own challenging history with slavery and race relations, RVA Races Together encourages black and white churches to partner together for clean up and beautification projects along the race route, and local community organizations of all ethnic backgrounds to intentionally reach out across ethnic and cultural lines to form volunteer teams to help with other needs of the city to prepare for the race.

Our hope is that the cross-cultural partnerships formed in the next few weeks leading up to the race will continue afterwards in programs of mutual understanding and tangible outreach to help our city and region as a whole and build friendships.

RVA Talks @ St. Mark's - A series on race, reconciliation and healing

On the anniversary of Michael Brown's death, it seems the country has lapsed into a tragic cycle of violence across the nation.  What can we do to break this cycle?  What can we as members of a faith community do to help promote justice, healing, and reconciliation?

In St. Louis the community of Christ Church Cathedral asked itself and stepped out to help answer this question. Under the leadership of the Very Rev. Mike Kinman, members of the Cathedral community joined with members of other area congregations to press for justice, to work for peace and to begin the long hard job of racial understanding and reconciliation.  They continue as a community to work today to promote justice, healing, understanding, and peace.

The Rev. Mike Kinman will be at St. Mark's on October 18 at 6 p.m. to share with us and those who gather in this place his experience of Ferguson, his lessons learned and his observations on what we as members of a faith community can do to end the cycle of violence, death and destruction.

This presentation is part of a series in celebration of the 150th anniversary of St. Mark's, Richmond (Diocese of Virginia). St. Mark's has long been an inclusive and welcoming church, advocating for social justice and equal rights for all people.  

St. Mark's is located at 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond.  There is ample free surface parking behind the church.  For more information visit our website: www.stmarksrva.org, or call the church, 804-358-4771.

For a Better World: Pedal, paddle, picnic, run or walk to benefit Chanco and Episcopal Relief & Development

Pedal, paddle, picnic, and put one foot in front of the other For a Better World on October 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Williamsburg. For a Better World raises awareness about the ministries of Chanco on the James and Episcopal Relief & Development, as well as raises funds to support their work. Register to participate in either biking, kayaking, running or the walking event - there's something for everyone, even those who just want to hang out at the shelter and enjoy a picnic lunch! 

Biking event will be on paved paths. Runners and walkers will explore historic Jamestown island. Kayakers can choose their challenge. Picnickers can relax in the shade. All events will begin from Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Events run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is provided. $25 per person.  Click here to register.

Mark your calendar for 2015-2016 diocesan youth events

Dates for 2015-2016 diocesan youth events are here! Look for more information and online registration coming soon.

• October Weekend for grades 8-12 - October 2-4, 2015
• Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - October 24-25, 2015
• Happening for grades 10-12 - November 6-8, 2015
• November Weekend for grades 6-9 - November 13-15
• Youth Delegation to Diocesan Council - February 4-6, 2016
• Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - February 27-28, 2016
• Happening for grades 10-12 - March 11-13, 2016
• May Weekend - May 20-22, 2016

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. James', Cartersville  

Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we give you thanks for life and health and most especially for the community of St. James' in Cartersville. We ask that you keep us aware of the pain of humankind: poverty, illness and especially racial and religious divides which result in violence toward our brothers and sisters in the world. We ask that you strengthen our resolve and empower us to do whatever we are able to bring about healing, both at home and in the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.   

Glebe, Suffolk  

Almighty God, you order all things in Creation, provide your people a plentiful harvest of good will, that being in love and charity with all our neighbors we may boldly proclaim your name as we seek justice and peace where there is strife and rancor, and guide us to become a beacon of hope for those who are lost in our world. All this we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Help Mission of the Holy Spirit send children back to school with the tools they need

The Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk, needs school supplies and backpacks to help about 50 students go back-to-school in September. Please bring supplies to the Mission at St. Stephen's, 1445 Norview Avenue, Norfolk before the end of August. The office is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 to 3 (but call first to make sure someone is there: 757-858-0010), or you may drop them off on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm. Thank you for supporting the Mission, and God bless you!

Thank you for your support of Episcopal Relief & Development!

By The Very Rev. Dr. Keith Emerson, Diocesan Coordinator to Episcopal Relief & Development   

Allow me to express my thanks to the following parishes and organizations that contributed to Episcopal Relief & Development between April and June of 2015. During this period congregations and groups from Southern Virginia made more contributions than any other diocese in Province III ! All told, 233 gifts were made by congregations, groups, and individuals from our diocese totaling $47,094.27. Thank you for your incredible, on-going support of this outstanding ministry.  

Undesignated Gifts

$200.00 - St. John's, Hopewell
$259.53 - St. Stephen's, Newport News
$1,000.00 - Old Donation, Virginia Beach
$855.08 - Emmanuel, Hampton
$74.21 - Christ and Grace, Petersburg
$357.16 - St. Michael's, Colonial Heights
$109.85 - Christ Church, Amelia
$520.13 - St. Paul's, Petersburg
$526.91 - Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach
$75.00 - Good Shepherd, McKenney
$790.37 - All Saints', Virginia Beach
$600.00 - St. Simon by-the-Sea, Sandbridge
$437.00 - Emmanuel, Hampton
$2,005.33 - St. Andrew's, Newport News

Disaster Relief

$810.00 - Christ Church, Smithfield

Nepal Earthquake Relief

$60.00 - Our Savior, Midlothian

$2,091.00 - Grace Church Women, Yorktown

$437.50 - Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach

$472.70 - St. Martin's, Williamsburg

$40.00 - Old Donation, Virginia Beach

$1,000.00 - St. John's, Hampton

$1,000.00 - St. Mark's, Hampton

$5,000.00 - Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

$510.00 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach

$50.00 - St. Cecelia Guild, Eastville

$294.00 - Merchants Hope, Prince George

$1,000.00 - All Saints', Virginia Beach

$142.50 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach

$570.00 - St. George's, Newport News

$200.00 - Christ Church, Smithfield

$316.00 - St. Mark's, Hampton

Multiple Funds

$435.00 - St. John's, Hopewell

$100.00 - Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach

Boomer Church: New models for ministry with older adults

September 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mark's, Richmond

We are an aging nation. Currently 13% of Americans are 65 or older and by 2030 this number will double. The leading edge of the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have marked their 65th birthday, and every day another 8,000 or so turns 65. These "young old" adults will redefine retirement as they have redefined social norms at every stage of their lives. The church needs to be ready to engage and - perhaps, re-engage with this vibrant adult group.

We are an aging church. The good news is that aging is changing. Despite the disease and disability focus of many aging programs, only 5% of adults 65 and older reside in nursing homes - the majority live independently in the community.

Knowing this, it is all the more critical to re-shape our ministry with older adults. To persist in a passive adult ministry model will drive the Boomers away as it does not meet their needs, abilities, and most importantly desire to contribute in tangible ways to the broader social good. The church has a chance, perhaps a second chance to capture the imagination and energy of this idealistic and socially motivated group of older adults.

St. Mark's, Richmond, invites you to join them on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a seminar designed to impart information on optimal aging and the spirituality of older adults coupled with practical ministry ideas and tools to take home to your congregation. Presenters: Dr. Ayn E. Welleford, Chair, VCU Dept. of Gerontology; Ms. Dorothy Linthicum, Program Coordinator, Virginia Theological Seminary Center for the Ministry of Teaching, and the Rev. Dr. Melissa Fallen, Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond.Cost is $10 (covers lunch). RSVP to Malinda Collier, dre@stmarksrva.org by September 9. St. Mark's Episcopal Church is located at 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Margery Howell resigned from St. Christopher's, Portsmouth, 6/28/2015

The Rev. Bob Gay retired from Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, 7/19/2015

The Rev. Earnest Graham will leave Hickory Neck, Toano, to accept a call to Diocese of North Carolina, 8/31/2015

The Rev. Shirley Smith Graham will leave St. Martin's, Williamsburg, to accept a call in Diocese of Virginia, 8/30/15

The Rev. Michael Stone will retire from Manakin, Midlothian, 11/1/2015  

Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop on November 1 will be webcast live

The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon at Washington National Cathedral.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, was elected and confirmed as the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church at the 78th General Convention on June 27. According to the Canons of The Episcopal Church, he becomes Presiding Bishop on November 1. Bishop Curry is the first African-American to be elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop will be live webcast. The service will be reflective of the comprehensiveness of the Episcopal tradition and community. Bishop Curry will preach at the service.  

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, Newport News 

Almighty God, we ask for your steadfast guidance as St. Andrew's church seeks a new rector. Give us discerning hearts and open minds. Inspire us to carry out our mission knowing that we are supported by prayer and love. Unite us as a parish during our journey together and encourage every voice to be heard in this time of transition. lead us to that person who is called to minister to our church and day school as we go forward to spread the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

St. Luke's, Powhatan  

Loving God, you call us to spread your kingdom through praying, serving, healing and teaching, send you Holy Spirit to fill us now that we might be your healing hands and feet, drawing all people to a saving knowledge and love of you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Boys Home annual quilt raffle

Would you like a chance to win this beautiful quilt? Or maybe 10 chances?  It's time to get your raffle tickets for the annual Quilt Raffle at Boys Home of Virginia. The quilt being raffled was hand-made and donated by Phyllis Gibson. It is queen sized with an "around the world" stitch pattern. it is made of batik materials and is machine stitched and hand hemmed. Tickets are $5 or 10 tickets for $45. A winner will be drawn on September 12. Get more information and an order form for your tickets here.  

Digital organ available for donation

1993 Wurlitzer classical digital organ (manufactured by Viscount) available free to a church that will use it.  It is self-contained and meets AGO-standards with a baroque specification, and sounds quite good for it's age.  It is early digitally sampled pipe sound, not computerized, and includes adjustable digital reverberation.  The internal speakers are enough to easily fill a medium-size room, and this instrument formerly served a Methodist church on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  The computer board was recently replaced by a Viscount-authorized technician, so the instrument works without any problems and has plenty of life left in it. The organ is located at a residence on Roanoke Island, North Carolina as is/where is, however delivery might be able to be arranged.
 
Anyone interested in accepting this charitable contribution should contact: Christopher Rusk, Organist & Choirmaster, St. John's Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. 757-777-6939.

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. John's, Portsmouth

God our Father, you see the children of our world growing up in an unsteady and confusing age: Bless our parish efforts to "move into the neighborhood" as we intentionally advertise the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria to our local community and financially and prayerfully support the development of the "Who are you, Jesus?" app for young, English-speaking children throughout the world. Through your grace, may our efforts draw a new generation to hear and follow the Good Shepherd who calls us each by name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Trinity, South Hill

Most heavenly Father, the giver of life we come to you asking you for guidance and direction. We ask you for a life pleasing in your sight that we may live a life worthy of your calling bearing fruits and growing in knowledge and wisdom. Father, we ask you for the coming year to show us the fruits of the spirits, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray that our vestry show these fruits and that they handle business in these godly manners while handling the affairs of the church. We pray that the outreach committee bridge the gap in our community that enables us all to come together as children of God. Lord, we ask that the advisor of the youth group, instill godly leadership values in our young boys and girls that they may be able to give back as adults. We pray for their safety and that they make good and wise decisions. Father, touch our hospitality committee that they may serve with unconditional love and support for church organizations. Father help us in our stewardship to be responsible, godly people and good steward of what we have been entrusted to do. We pray that you open up our understanding and increase our wisdom. We pray that the altar guild committee train our acolytes in serving with all the fruits of the spirit that they will be seen in them at all times. We pray that they understand the important of the service they are providing for our church family. Father we ask, that home comers will return to their roots in person, in finance and in love. For those who have moved away that, we pray they will feel the love of returning home. We pray for those who have sinned, be restored that they return and be welcomed just like the prodigal son returned home. We pray for our Trinity Church Sunday is a spiritual success. Trinity church began when three churches combined: St. John, St. Matthew and St. Mary, meaning three in one. We pray that we continue to remember our foundation and the faith on which we stand. We pray that our building and grounds and cemetery committees keep our property beautified and in good working condition. Lord we ask that our Christian education meets the needs of the parishioners and guide us into all truths that we may live by your word. We pray that we grow in unity, love and our membership increase. Father we thank you. Through Jesus Christ our lord, who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.

Bikes and ice cream on a hot summer night

Twelve members of the Colonial Heights Rotary Club traveled to Jackson-Feild August 22 to deliver 16 brand new bicycles. With help from several of our residents the Rotarians worked tirelessly in the hot sun assembling all the bicycles. The bikes are Road Master bicycles with large tires which are needed to ride the gravel roads around the Jackson-Feild Campus.

The funds to purchase the bicycles were provided by a grant from Rotary District 7600. Local Rotary Clubs can request grant funding for needs within their communities. A grants committee within the District must approve all grant requests.

After the bikes were assembled residents, guests and staff gathered in Robinson Gym for an old-fashion ice cream social. The Rotarians provided ice cream and all the toppings which brought smiles to the faces of residents. Everyone had a great time.

Rotary International is an organization consisting of 34,282 service clubs with 1,200,000 members world-wide. Colonial Heights Rotary is one of 62 Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 7600. Their club members embody the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self".

Upcoming Cursillo Weekends

Cursillo is defined as a movement within the Episcopal Church designed to help us grow closer to Jesus Christ. For more information and application go to www.cursillodsv.org.    

Cursillo Co-Ed Weekend - October 15-18, 2015,  Chanco on the James. Rector: Richard Toll

Cursillo Men's Weekend - April 14-17, 2016, Chanco on the James. Rector: Joe Jerauld

Cursillo Women's Weekend - April 28-May 1, 2016, Chanco on the James. Rector: Debbie Hazzard

Addictions & Recovery: First Fridays Recovery Eucharist; Sundays@7

The next First Fridays Recovery Eucharist will be on August 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg.  Hosted by SpiritWorks Foundation, First Fridays is a service with readings and prayers related to the theme of recovery and is particularly appropriate for individuals and families healing from addiction, co-dependence, mental illness, trauma, and abuse.  Our preacher and presider this month is the Rev. Lauren McDonald.  All are welcome to join us as we pray for healing and wholeness in the candlelit sanctuary of Bruton Parish.  Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester Street during the service.  For more information contact Lauren at 757-903-0000.

The Center for Spiritual Recovery, a SpiritWorks Foundation Community, continues to host Sundays@7 this summer.  The purpose of Sundays@7 is to gather to bear witness to the disease of addiction in all its forms, to pray for healing and reconciliation, and to celebrate the joy of recovery.  The service includes prayers, singing, drumming, silence, and scripture and recovery readings.  Homemade ice cream follows during the fellowship time.  All are welcome to join this intentional community as we pray for healing from addiction.  The service will continue every Sunday evening until August 30 at 7 pm at the SpiritWorks Pavilion at 5800 Mooretown Rd. in Williamsburg.  (We meet inside if there are heat advisories or storms!)  Please contact the Rev. Lauren McDonald at 757-903-0000 for more information. 

Seeds of Hope Grants deadline extended to August 15

Seeds of Hope grants of up to $2500 are available to congregations and diocesan groups to begin or expand for social and economic justice causes. In the past, the grants have helped fund a variety of ministries across the diocese such as launching food pantries, providing programming for seniors, creating empowerment, health, and educational activities for inner-city and rural youth, job training programs, and many more. The August 1 deadline for 2015 has been extended to Aug. 15. Grants will be awarded in September. Applications and more information can be found here. Contact The Rev. Canon Jeunée Godsey for more information, 434-603-1782 or JGodsey@diosova.org.

A season of bread

Over the next few Sundays, the Lectionary readings from the Gospel of John will focus on Jesus' miraculous feeding of the multitude and what it means that he is the "Bread of Life." This "Season of Bread" coincides with a time when local food banks are starved for donations. With people away for the summer, food drives tend to screech to a halt. Perhaps your congregation might consider collecting non-perishable food items during the month of August and donating them to a nearby food bank. Let's make this a "Season of Bread" that gives food to the hungry while feeding us spiritually.