Changes on the Jackson-Feild campus

For 162 years, Jackson-Feild has been helping children. Throughout every change in focus, Jackson-Feild has adapted and modified not only its programs, but its physical campus as well.

Over the summer, two one-time staff houses that had until recently been serving as classroom space for the Gwaltney School have been reconfigured to serve more children for a variety of treatment programs now and into the future. In order to replace this physical space as well as support the continuing needs of the Gwaltney School, an addition has been built onto the administration building providing two classrooms and a multipurpose room.

 

Families, placing agencies, donors, and the community can rest assured that Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services will continue to provide high quality evidence-based psychiatric, residential, educational and recovery treatment services for children who suffer from severe emotional trauma, mental illness and/or addiction.

Data from 2016 Parochial Reports available

The Rev. Canon Dr. Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer of General Convention, has announced that data from the 2016 Parochial Reports of the Episcopal Church is now available here. At the same time, he has released analysis of the data, available in a variety of ways available here. Canon Barlowe noted, "The 2016 data reflects a continuation of recent trends, although rates of decline in such key figures as Average Sunday Attendance have decreased." He also observed, "Overall, congregational income through pledges and other offerings has remained constant," even as overall number of congregants has decreased. Read more here.  

CE-Net: Digital Formation Part 2

On October 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Christian Education Network (CE-Net) will continue our exploration of digital faith formation that began early in June with a more hands on approach to the topic. CE-NET has partnered with Jared Rendell, Partner for Digital Strategies, at Vibrant Faith to take us one step further in exploring this topic. Utilizing a recent news event and one social media platform, Jared will demonstrate how social media might be used from a faith perspective, to engage individuals. This session will be offered via Zoom so there is no need to fight traffic or tunnel congestion to be part of the experience.  

 

Given the news headlines, we are finding that our communities are searching for ways to make sense of and respond to the community and world events with a faith lens.  Unfortunately, the time needed to plan bricks and mortar programs often means that a window of opportunity to engage people has passed. Digital media produces an instant platform to connect faith to what is happening in the world.

 

Click here for more details and registration. Webinar is limited to 25 participants. 

Diocesan Connection newsletter available

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, and post a copy on a bulletin board or in your narthex. You can also download the Diocesan Connection from the News & Publications page of our website. 

Clergy Continuing Education Grant applications due Oct. 1

The purpose of Clergy Continuing Education Grants is to support programs that are essentially theological in emphasis. Programs designed for training in special ministries, or those which would in other ways enhance the effectiveness of an individual in his or her ministry are also welcomed. Applications are due by October 1. More info and application form are here. 

 

ECW: Fall issue of The Grapevine newsletter is here

The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter of the Diocesan ECW. Click here for the Fall 2017 issue. If you have news to share, or know of someone who would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Nancy Smith, nsmithwtr@aol.com. The next deadline is October 31, 2017.  Many thanks for your help sharing the news! 

School is back in session at Boys Home

 

August 16 was a red-letter day at Boys Home. The first day of school is always met with excitement, but this year began differently since all of the residents are now being educated on campus. Each school day, the entire student body meets in the gymnasium of the Greer Education Center to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, take attendance, and pray. Students who wish to participate in sports are able to join teams with the local county school system if a particular sport is not offered through Boys Home. The move to educate all students on campus enables class sizes to be smaller and creates an environment where students can receive the academic assistance they need to succeed.  

 

Associate Director Chad Whitmer says that the progress so far is "as expected." He reports that the school is "right on target for where we thought we'd be at this point."  

 

When it comes to how Boys Home Liaisons and their churches can pray, Chad asks that "we be given the insight and understanding as to why boys do what they do and that the staff be given the means to help the students realize the value in developing a Christian worldview."

 

Visit  www.boyshomeofva.org to learn more about Boys Home and how you can support this ministry.

Jackson-Feild goes fishing

An annual rite of fall for the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is a trip at Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier in Hampton for a day of saltwater fishing. Old Point Trust and Financial Services sponsors this event in conjunction with the City of Hampton Roads Parks and Recreation.

 

Seventeen young anglers - most of whom had ever been saltwater fishing - arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, reels, tackle and bait provided by Old Point. Don Lancaster and Matt Smith with two other fine volunteers helped the children.   Don provided brief "Fishing 101" instructions where he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks, protect their hands from the fins, and release the hooked fish. The kids had so much fun that many did not want to leave. One young man who never had been fishing was so excited and happy he was beside himself.                                                      

 

When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing."

ODU Canterbury welcomes students

 

Old Dominion University Canterbury welcomed new students at a Fall Fair last week. Kuma, Chaplain Wendy Wilkinson's therapy dog, was there to encourage students to stop and talk at the Canterbury table. There was also a cookout with the "Archgriller of Canterbury" and the first Candlelight Eucharist of the semester. If you know anyone who is a student, faculty or on staff at ODU, please encourage them to stop by the Canterbury Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bible study is offered at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Noonday Prayer and lunch are offered on Thursdays beginning at 12:30 p.m.  

Register now for Fall youth events

10% of the proceeds from all of our Fall Youth Events will be donated to help the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma through Episcopal Relief and Development.

 

October Lock-in at Chanco - Oct. 13-14, 2017. For grades 6-12. A lock-in for all teens in grades 6-12 at Camp Chanco.  This event will include a campfire, icebreakers and games, camp activities, chapel, and a party. Register here.

 

Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - Oct. 28-29, 2017. Staff application here. 

 

Happening #67 - Nov. 10-12, 2017. For grades 10-12. Happening is an experiential weekend retreat for teens that may just change your life.  Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love!. Register here.

 

November Weekend - Nov. 17-19, 2017. For grades 6-12. November Weekend will feature large group games, small group discussions, camp activities, creative worship and music, and a dance. Register here.

 

December Lock-in at Chanco - Dec. 8-9, 2017. For grades 6-12. This event will include a campfire, icebreakers and games, camp activities, chapel, and a party. Register here.

 

Youth Delegation to Annual Council - Feb. 16-17, 2018. For grades 9-12. Application here. 

ECW Annual Fall Meeting features Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms

The Diocesan ECW invites you to join them on Saturday, November 4 for their Annual Fall Meeting and Love Heals Conference at St. Francis, Virginia Beach. The keynote speaker will be Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms, the largest social enterprise in the US run by survivors. She has been featured in The New York Times, ABC World News, NPR, PBS, and CNN. In 2011, the White House named Becca "Champion of Change" for her work against domestic violence.  

 

The ECW meeting will be 9 to 11 a.m. Becca Stevens will speak from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Lunch served at 1 p.m. Everyone - men and women - are invited to attend. Ticket for lunch is required; cost is $15. Deadline to purchase lunch ticket is Oct. 20. Contact Helen Sharpe-Williams, 757-487-8183 or helen.sharpe-williams@earthlink.net. Click here for a flyer you can share or post in your church. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Warren Hicks will begin as Priest-in-Charge at St. Mark's, Hampton on October 9.

 

Special Cursillo Fourth Day at Chanco

Cursillo is an opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality, share a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus, and belong to a continuing community that gives support and encouragement to help Christians carry out our baptismal vows. We are blessed to share in this community with one another and are excited to welcome our newest Cursillistas, those attending upcoming Cursillo #163, to our community!  

 

During this special Fourth Day gathering on October 21, 12 to 4 p.m., at Chanco on the James we will share in a potluck lunch, hear a message from our Lay Director and a witness talk, and will hear a presentation on the upcoming capital project plans for Chanco and how Chanco's future plans will support Cursillo's continued ministry with improvements to make Chanco a more accessible, comfortable and vibrant place to do God's work.

 

We hope you'll join us for fellowship and to rejoice in music and share in worship together. Questions? Contact Ronda Toll at  rtoll@cox.net or 757-869-8873 or Talley Banazek at talley@banazek.com or 804-399-4019.   

A reflection from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: "It may be that we cannot solve everything, and we cannot do everything. But we can do something, no matter what."

Whether it is the pain of the events of August 12 in Charlottesville, or Hurricane Harvey, or Hurricane Irma, or wildfires in the West, or an earthquake in Mexico, there's been a lot of pain, a lot of suffering and hardship. In times like these, it's easy to grow weary. It's easy to be tired.  And it's easy to be downcast, and to give up. What can I do? Click here to read or watch Bishop Curry's reflection. 

ECW reception Sept. 24 at Chanco on the James

You are personally invited to a unique event on Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. created especially for the ECW to learn more about how you can be a part of the future of Chanco's ministry.

 

The purpose of the ECW is to empower the women of The Episcopal Church to carry out Christ's work throughout the world. Our common denominator is our love of God and the desire to do His work. Come to Chanco to enjoy fellowship and refreshments while we hear about how Chanco's future plans will support the ECW's continued ministry with improvements to make Chanco a more accessible, comfortable and vibrant place to do God's work through programs that minister to women, families and children.

 

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about Chanco's bright future and how it can support the important programs of the Episcopal Church and the ECW.

 

Questions? Contact Ronda Toll at  rtoll@cox.net

 or 757-869-8873. Chanco is located at 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA.  

ECW Annual Fall Meeting features Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms

The Diocesan ECW invites you to join them on Saturday, November 4 for their Annual Fall Meeting and Love Heals Conference at St. Francis, Virginia Beach. The ECW meeting will be 9 to 11 a.m. Becca Stevens will speak from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Lunch served at 1 p.m. Ticket for lunch is required; cost is $15. Deadline to purchase lunch ticket is Oct. 20. Contact Helen Sharpe-Williams, 757-487-8183 or helen.sharpe-williams@earthlink.net.   

 

The keynote speaker will be Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms, the largest social enterprise in the US run by survivors. She has been featured in The New York Times, ABC World News, NPR, PBS, and CNN. In 2011, the White House named Becca "Champion of Change" for her work against domestic violence. 

Annual Council: Nominations for election; Communicator Credentials

The 126th Annual Council will be held February 16-17, 2018 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center in Williamsburg, VA.  

 

Nominations for election 

The following elections will take place at Annual Council:

• Standing Committee - one lay, one clergy
• Discliplinary Board - two lay, one clergy
• General Convention - one lay alternate (young adult)

Go to www.bit.ly/diosova126 for a Nomination Form and information about the positions up for election.

 

Communicator Credentials

Church communicators play an important role in connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council while it is in session and afterward. To help facilitate this work, the Council registration fee is waived for church communicators who apply for Church Communicator Credentials. Go to  www.bit.ly/diosova126 for more info and an application form.

Response efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

Episcopal Relief & Development continues to provide technical support and emergency assistance following Hurricane Harvey, as diocesan partners assess damage and respond to critical needs in the affected areas. The storm has claimed at least 42 lives, forcing over a million people to evacuate their homes after torrential rain, devastating winds and widespread flooding.

 

Currently, Episcopal Relief & Development's US Disaster team is closely coordinating with the Episcopal dioceses of Texas, West Texas and Western Louisiana to provide urgent support. The slow-moving storm devastated coastal communities, leaving them without basic infrastructure. In many of these low-lying areas, there are major power outages and extensive damage to homes and other property. Episcopal Relief & Development is sending direct support to help the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas provide gift cards to vulnerable individuals and families on the westside of Corpus Christi, four inland communities and three coastal areas including Rockport and Port Aransas. These gift cards will enable people to purchase food, water, basic hygiene products as well as cleaning supplies and power tools.

 

Please continue to pray for impacted communities and contribute to the Hurricane Harvey Response Fund to assist local church partners as they respond to urgent needs.

 

Congregations can use downloadable bulletin inserts to raise awareness  and support in the aftermath of this major disaster.

Pilgrimage opportunities

May 2018 pilgrimage to Scotland and England

A Pilgrimage to Scotland and England is being organized for May 2018. After a time for quiet and reflection on Iona, the group will travel to Melrose. At Melrose, they will walk the Way of St. Cuthbert, approximately 70 miles, to Lindisfarne.  After completing the Way of St. Cuthbert, they will visit The Shrine of St. Cuthbert at Durham Cathedral. Pilgrims will conclude their time with a visit to Edinburgh. For more information, contact Doris Custer (CusterDD@gmail.com) or Dale Custer (rdalecuster@gmail.com).

 

May 2018 Pilgrimage to Ireland

If you're interested in a 12-day tour of Ireland, the Friends of Bruton invite you to join them May 1-12, 2018. Click here for brochure and registration information.

Employment Opportunities

Parish Administrator
St. Cyprian's, Hampton, is seeking a Parish Administrator (18 hrs. per week). This administrative position oversees and manages the day-to-day operation and functions of the parish under the direct supervision of the Rector.

Director of Shared Ministry
All Saints Episcopal Church in Richmond is currently looking to fill the Director of Shared Ministry position. This is a part-time, 25 hour/week job. The main responsibilities include: managing and growing the annual and planned giving, communicating with the parish through newsletters, emails, and phone calls, connecting newcomers and current parishioners to All Saints, creating and managing a volunteer team, event planning, and attending Sunday services as well as other All Saints events.

For more info on these positions, go to the Employment Opportunities page of our website.