Karibu sana! (You are very welcome!)

By Andy Russell; Bruton Parish, Williamsburg; YASC Missionary   

Andy Russell, a member of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, is serving as missionary with the Young Adult Service Corps in Dodoma, Tanzania. You can follow him on his blog, Looking Out, Looking In.

Singing and dancing in the church at Mwitikira.

So far I have visited three villages during my time here in Tanzania: Nzali, Chilonwa, and Mwitikira...
While I can hardly claim to be an expert, each village visit followed a similar trajectory. To start, we were welcomed by dozens of people, shaking hands, exchanging profuse greetings the moment we hopped out of the land rover. The rector of the parish then received us at his home for conversation and food. Samosas and these lightly fried doughnut things for breakfast, Chicken in a sort of broth and rice for lunch. Afterwards, we typically went down to the church where we were formally welcomed by the rector.  An opportunity for us to introduce ourselves, who we are and what we do, to the parishioners followed. Gift-giving and performances of song and dance from various church groups rounded out the visits.

These parishes are models of incredible Christian hospitality.  Not going to lie, I felt pretty uncomfortable at first. The overwhelming welcome of a large group of people, getting dance-dragged through the crowd by an older gentleman trumpeting what looked like an antelope horn, being served first before elders of consequence in the life of the parish, receiving simple and elegant cloth as a gift-me, some young adult from the US! At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, this hospitality seems a bit like God's grace: a free gift, in many ways undeserved but completely accessible. Click here to read more. 

United Thank Offering

"Our change, changes lives"

 

United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through United Thank Offering, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. United Thank Offering is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and in invited Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the developing world. "Our change, changes lives."

 

At the beginning of each month, we will feature an article about United Thank Offering, and each week we will include a statement of gratitude and thanksgiving meant to give you a reason to drop a coin or two into your UTO Blue Box. If you need a Blue Box, please contact Joyce Douglas, Province III UTO Representative, amielonie@aol.com.  

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

Grace, Yorktown
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, we pray that you would make us a brightly shining beacon of your love and care. Guide and direct both our hearts and hands to celebrate what is whole and heal what remains broken, through Jesus Christ who with you and the Holy spirit lives and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.

Ascension, Norfolk
Heavenly Father, we give thanks and praise for your presence in our lives at Ascension. May you continue to guide and bless us. We ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Treasurer & Administrator Lunch on Oct. 22

The next Treasurer and Administrator Lunch will be held at the Diocesan Office, 11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. 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.

Registration open for November Weekend and Happening #63

Happening #63 - Nov. 6-8
Happening is an experiential weekend retreat developed by teens for teens. Come to Chanco on the James Nov. 6-8 and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Open to all youth in grades 10-12 and adult advisors who have never attended a Happening program. Click here for more information and registration.

November Weekend - Nov. 13-15

Make new friends at this Fall retreat at Chanco! November Weekend includes music, games, activities, socials, small group discussions and amazing worship! Open to all youth in grades 6-9 and their adult advisors. November 13-15 at Chanco on the James. Click here for more information and registration.  

RVA Talks @ St. Marks - a series on race, reconciliation and healing

October 18 at 6 p.m., St. Mark's, Richmond

As we mark the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown's death it seems the country has lapsed into a tragic cycle of violence - questionable police action resulting in the death of black men, women, and children in Cleveland, New York, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and other cities and towns 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.

Rev. Mike Kinman will be at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on October 18 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. We invite you to join us at 6 p.m. on October 18 for his presentation.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is located at 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA. 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.

Finding Grace in Race, part 2: Cultural Bias

Finding Grace in Race is a public lecture series at Richmond Hill retreat center designed to encourage open and honest dialogue around issues of race and justice.

The second lecture in this series will be "Cultural Bias"  presented by Dr. Allen Lewis  on Monday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. Lewis will explore the definition of cultural bias, how people interface with difference, and steps to manage bias. Lewis is Head of JMU Department of Health Sciences and author of We Are All Racists: The Truth about Cultural Bias.
The 45 minute lecture will be followed by facilitated conversation and group processing time among the audience. The evening begins with worship at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7:30 p.m. The requested donation of $20 includes both dinner and the lecture. To register, please contact DeBorah Cannady at retreats@richmondhillva.org or by phone at 804-783-7903. Click here for more information about the series.

Chanco is not just for kids - Cursillo

Cursillo is a movement within the Episcopal Church and is a method to grow closer to Jesus Christ, build community among the faithful, and strengthen leaders within the church. Cursillo weekends occur three times annually in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.  There is a fall Co-ed weekend (men and women attend, but small groups are single gender); and a Women's weekend and Men's weekend both held in the spring.  All weekends are held at Chanco on the James and are developed by a team of leaders who have experienced the weekend themselves and are excited to share that experience with others. The upcoming Co-Ed weekend is October 15-18 and the time is closing on registering for this amazing retreat.  If meeting new friends, learning more about the Episcopal Church, and sharing worship, fellowship, faith and fun with others from throughout our diocese sounds like it might be for you, visit www.cursillodsv.org for more information or contact the Rector for the October weekend, Richard Toll, at ritoll@cox.net.  The Men's weekend will be April 14-17, 2016 with Rector Joe Jerauld leading team and the Women's weekend will be April 28-May 1, 2016 with Rector Debbie Hazzard. We hope to see you at one of these fantastic adult retreats at Chanco!

Day of Repentance & Reconciliation is fast approaching

 Annual Council Resolution R-1 (2013) resolved that "November 2, 2014, All Souls Day, will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints."

We have just shared our diocesan reconciliation service with a parish in Clay City, Kansas, as they begin a process of reconciliation. We encourage all parishes to live into R-1 and plan a meaningful service during the octave of All Saints. In the diocesan service we used a story format.  "Repentance, Reconciliation and Healing: A liturgical resource for congregations" follows the format of Holy Women, Holy Men. This booklet offers several options for readings and psalms.  

If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org, or a member of the Repairers of the Breach Commission.   

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, Warfield
Heavenly Father, bless your children as they continue this path of life. Bless their feet, their hearts, and their souls. Bless all they come in contact with so they can come to know you. So, Heavenly Father, continue to grace us with your love that sustains us day to day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Emmanuel, Franklin
Lord of all mercy and giver of good gifts, we offer up to you the concerns and needs of our church and community. We are beset by poverty, dwindling economic resources, and educational decline. Our hope is in you, Lord! Lead us into wholeness, prosperity, and renewed health. Enlarge our congregation to the glory of your name. Amen.

Lecture series: Finding Grace in Race

Finding Grace in Race is a public lecture series at Richmond Hill retreat center designed to encourage open and honest dialogue around issues of race and justice. The series begins with "Theology of Race"  with the Rev. Ben Campbell on Monday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. This lecture will explore the theological underpinnings of race in our culture. The Rev. Ben Campbell is an Adjunct Pastor at Richmond Hill and author of Richmond's Unhealed History. The 45 minute lecture will be followed by facilitated conversation and group processing time among the audience. The evening begins with worship at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7:30 p.m. The requested donation of $20 includes both dinner and the lecture. To register, please contact DeBorah Cannady at retreats@richmondhillva.org or by phone at 804-783-7903. Click here for more information about the series.

Virginia Feeds Kids: Addressing childhood hunger

The Virginia Lutheran Synod is hosting an interfaith initiative to address childhood hunger in Virginia. Virginia Feeds Kids is an ecumenical and interagency initiative. Diocesan Canon for Formation Caroline Black attended the meeting in July and the next gathering is scheduled for November 18. Click here for more information and contact Caroline at cblack@diosova.org if you and/or your parish would like to participate. 

Living Waters: An interfaith summit

Living Waters: Wading in is an interfaith day of prayers, music, inspiring speakers, and lively collaborative workshops. it will be held at the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach on October 7, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Regardless of where your house of worship is in its "greening" journey, you'll leave prepared to lead your congregation to the next level of stewardship. Learn how other houses of worship across all faiths have grown in their care of creation. Meet others who share your interest in working together to protect and heal our waters. Get more information and register at www.cbf.org/LivingWaters. 

Keeping in Tune with God: Ecumenical clergy retreat

Keeping in Tune with God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Clergy is an ecumenical retreat for clergy based on the Listening Hearts book. The retreat will be held November 16-18 at the Bishop Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD. The retreat will be led by the Rt. Rev. Robert W. Ihloff.

Silence, song, imaginative engagement with scripture, and contemplative sharing in small groups weave together to help participants see how professional commitments can become more harmonious with their personal life and their relationship with God. Click here for more information and registration.

Call to Action: Healthcare as a Moral Imperative

Today, nearly 400,000 Virginians all across the across the Commonwealth are unable to access affordable health insurance, while their neighbors across the border in Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington, DC can.

Virginia Wesleyan College invites you to join them for A Call to Action: Healthcare as Moral Imperative on October 8 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Blocker Hall auditorium on the VWC campus. The event include screening of a film about the work of Remote Area Medical, an organization that provides medical and dental care in Appalachia and other underserved communities, followed by stories from local residents impacted by the health insurance coverage gap. A panel discussion with representatives from the Catholic, Jewish, Muslim & Protestant faith traditions, and an opportunity for questions and a call to action, will conclude the evening. Our panel will articulate how each faith tradition makes healthcare access a moral imperative. We will end with a Call to Action, inviting you to act on behalf of your neighbors throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia who are currently unable to access adequate healthcare.

This event is free. Click here to register.  

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

Trinity, Gretna
Lord, raise up in your church more leaders after your own heart to guide us with courage and wisdom. Give your church joy in spirit, and guide us in your ministry. Grant us your peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge
O Lord, the giver of all good things. We give you thanks for your many blessings you have showered upon Emmanuel Church. That we, in turn, have been able to be a blessing to our parish and its community. We ask that you bless us with your continuous grace in this coming year. May prosperity of faith and spirit enrich our church members and leadership. That we may be a blessing to others this coming year. This we ask in Christ's name. Amen.

Ticket information for Nov. 1 Presiding Bishop installation service at National Cathedral

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

Saturday, October 31
All are invited to join a Vigil Celebration and Eucharist, sponsored by the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) in honor of the 27th Presiding Bishop on Saturday, October 31 at 11 am Eastern at the Armory, 2001 E. Capital St. SE in Washington, DC. The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society will sponsor a live webcast of the Vigil Celebration at www.episcopalchurch.org.

Additional information is available here. Ticket applications for the October 31 event are available here.

Sunday, November 1
The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon Eastern at Washington National Cathedral. The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop will be live webcast available here.

Applications for tickets for available seating for the November 1 event at Washington National Cathedral will be distributed by lottery. "This selection process was adopted as the fairest way to distribute tickets to the general public, noted the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, chair of the Transition Committee. "Demand for tickets far exceeds the capacity of Washington National Cathedral."

Please note:
* Only one ticket per person, and each person must fill out a form here.
* There is no charge for a ticket.
* Applications will be accepted until 5 pm Eastern on Monday, September 21.
* Selections will be conducted by random drawing.
* Those allocated tickets will be notified on September 22, with further information.

Presiding Bishop's statement on refugees; ways congregations and individuals can respond to the crisis

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued this statement on the current worldwide refugee crisis:

"The children of Abraham have ever been reminded to care for the widow and orphan and the sojourner in their midst, who were the refugees and homeless of the time. Jesus charged his followers to care for the least of these and proclaim the near presence of the Reign of God - in other words, feed the hungry, water the thirsty, house the homeless, heal the sick, and liberate the captives. We cannot ignore the massive human suffering in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, nor in Asia and the Americas. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and our lives are bound up with theirs. The churchwide ministry of Episcopalians has included refugee resettlement since the refugee crisis of World War II.  It continues today through the leadership of Episcopal Migration Ministries, and I urge your involvement, action, and support. Read about their work below, and share these opportunities with friends and co-workers. You will discover anew the power of good news in the face of the world's tragedies."

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church

Responding to the crisis

The Syrian Civil War, now in its fourth year, has unleashed a humanitarian emergency in which severe war crimes - including indiscriminate massacres, persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender-based violence, and other humanitarian abuses - have become widespread. According to a recent UN report, more than 4 million people (through the end of 2014) have fled their homes to escape the war in Syria, adding to a worldwide total of nearly 20 million refugees, half of whom are children. This is the largest and most widespread refugee crisis the world has known since World War II. While record numbers of people are being forced to flee, powerful images of refugees fleeing Syria are compelling the world to action.

Click here for resources and suggestions on how congregations and individuals can respond to the crisis, including:

• Prayer for Syria
• Episcopal Migration Ministries
• Episcopal Public Policy Network
• UNHCR toolkit for teaching young people about migration and refugees

Treasurer & Administrator Lunches in Virginia Beach and Newport News

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. 

The next Treasurer and Administrator Lunch will be held at the Diocesan Office, 11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. RSVP to Nancy James, njames@diosova.org.

New issue of Diocesan Connection newsletter available online

The July-September issue of the Diocesan Connection newsletter is now available. The newsletter offers a digest of stories from our weekly Parish News and Diocesan eNews. Please print and share a copy with church members who do not have email, post a copy on a bulletin board or in your narthex.  

 

This issue includes:

• Bishop Hollerith's report on the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
• Dos Santos ministry on the Eastern Shore
• Seeds of Hope Grants help churches develop and expand social justice ministries
• Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage
• United Thank Offering distributes over $1 million in grants

You can also download the Diocesan Connection from the News & Publications page of our website.

Learn more about how Women to Women is serving the Congo and how you can help

Women to Women serves the women in the Congo Church who are making a huge difference caring for their victimized sisters. Known as the 'worst place on earth to be a woman,' D. R. Congo has known war brought on by 20-30 militias, especially in the east where the Province has 5 of its 9 dioceses. The decimation of families and villages has been a weapon of war for close to 20 years.

Women to Women raises money to help the Mothers' Union teach catering, tailoring, literacy, and support small enterprises through micro-loans. Our group (not limited to women) will kick off the year on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at 1323 Lafayette Blvd., #1. Please join us! Call Susan Broaddus at 757-623-0205 for directions or more information.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

Trinity, South Boston 

Lord God, be with your people in this parish as we seek your guidance in doing your will in our lives, in worship, outreach in our community, in our Diocese, and in our world. Guide us always in your ways. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.  

Christ Church, Smithfield  

O God, we ask your guidance as we seek to find a new priest. Show us how to work in unity with each other as we walk with Christ in our spiritual journey together. We ask your guidance, O God, as we work in our community of Smithfield to spread Christ's love to those hurting in our area. We ask your guidance, O God, as we work in our community to bring others to Christ and become disciples with us. We ask your guidance, O God, to encourage us in our stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Amen.  

Register now for Fall Camp at Shrine Mont!

Fall Camp is an annual event hosted by the Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging. This year's camp will be Oct. 26-29 at Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, VA. Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but we don't have an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states. The Camp takes seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people, and challenges participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another. Click here for this year's Fall Camp brochure and workshop listing.

Only one Safe Church classroom training remaining this year

Are you a new vestry member? Then be sure to enroll in Safe Church Training, if you haven't already done so. Our final Safe Church classroom training will be held Sept. 19 at St. Cyprian's, Hampton. Click here for more information and registration. Registration deadline is Sept. 11.

All recommended Safe Church courses can be taken online as well. Click here to learn more. Current policy requires re-certification every three years.

YASC Missionary Andy Russell blogging from Tanzania

Twenty-seven young adults representing 21 Episcopal Church dioceses are serving as missionaries in the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) for the 2015-2016 term in locales throughout the Anglican Communion. Andy Russell, from Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, is serving in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Tanzania. Andy is in Dodoma, Tanzania with The Carpenter's Kids program, which provides education to children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. There are an estimated 40,000 of these orphans within the diocese. He's sharing his experiences via his blog, Looking Out, Looking In. You can read his latest post, a visit to the diocesan vocational school, here.

News from the Diocesan ECW

The quarterly ECW Grapevine is here! If you have news you would like included in the next issue, or would like to be added to the email list, contact Nancy Smith, nsmithwtr@aol.com. Deadline for the next issue is Oct. 31 for distribution in November. This issue includes:

• President's Letter from Nancy Sands, Diocesan ECW President
• October is UTO Ingathering Month
• October 17: Diocesan ECW Fall Annual Meeting
• God Bless the Children wish list ingathering
• Program: American Cancer Society - Bring a scarf as a gift for a cancer survivor.
• Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Says "Love Wins"
• Women-to-Women Update