Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas message

"Love came down at Christmas, because God so loved the world, that he gave," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Christmas Message 2018. The video of the Presiding Bishop's message is here. The text of the Presiding Bishop's message is here. 

Applications accepted for Episcopal Service Corps

Young adults (21-32 years old) are invited to apply to serve as a member of the 2019-2020 Episcopal Service Corps. Episcopal Service Corps is a nationwide network of locally organized and incorporated programs designed to provide young adults with an opportunity to serve others, promote justice, and live simply in intentional communities focused on providing participants tools and resources to deepen their spiritual awareness and discern vocation. Click here for more information and application. 

2019 ECF Fellowship application now available

Since 1964, Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) has awarded 225 Fellowships to individuals pursuing advanced academic studies and special ministries with the aim of educating and equipping future lay and clergy leaders. The application for the 2019 Fellowship is now open. An ECF Fellowship provides both financial support and networking opportunities. ECF has typically awarded three to four Fellowships per year. New awards range up to $15,000 for the first year and are renewable for an additional two years. The selection process for an ECF Fellowship is highly competitive. A strong application requires a significant investment of time and effort and ECF encourages all applicants to begin this process early. Applications are due on March 15, 2019. ECF will announce the 2019 Fellows in late May of 2019.

Letter to the Episcopal Church from the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies have issued a letter to the Episcopal Church regarding Resolution D034 passed by General Convention. The resolution suspends for three years the canon that places a time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against children and youth under age 21. Click here to read their letter. 

Parish Development Clinics in 2019

The Order of the Ascension, an Episcopal Religious Community, invites clergy-in-charge of congregations (rectors, vicars) to two Parish Development Clinics. They are an integration of practical parish issues and Anglican pastoral/ascetic theology and strategy; with a touch of organization development. Participants come having completed a significant course of reading. They each complete some work prior to the clinic. Trainer/coaches will facilitate a process in which the participants engage one another and the coaches around the issues and dynamics of their parishes.

 

There are two clinics which still have open space. The workshop fee is $200.00. Participants arrange for their own lodging and meals:

• Benedictine Rhythms: Listen, Take Counsel - June 4-7, 2-19, Seattle, WA. Register by March 1. Objectives are: 1) To better understand the inner dynamics of self and parish around listening and taking counsel. and 2) To increase our ability to shape healthier and more faithful practices around listening and taking counsel.
• Shaping the Parish Through Spiritual Practice - Sept. 10-13, 2019, Seattle, WA. Register by April 1. The emphasis will be on understanding and living a pastoral theology and strategy. In this clinic we will focus on spiritual practice.

Bishop Magness called to serve as Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore

The Executive Board and Standing Committee of the Diocese are pleased to announce that the Rt. Rev. James B. Magness has accepted a call to serve as our Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tempore, effective January 1, 2019 and until such time as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia is consecrated. Bishop Jay is well known to most of us, having served in an administrative capacity in our diocese before his election as Suffragan Bishop of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Since his retirement from that position, he and Carolyn have been in many of our parishes, as he has served as our Assisting Bishop. The lay delegates and clergy of the Diocese will be asked to affirm this appointment at Diocesan Council in February, 2019.

Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco

  

On November 16-18, the Diocesan Youth Task Force hosted November Weekend at Chanco on the James. Sixty-six participants experienced a spirit and fun-filled weekend centered around the theme "Hold Fast: God Is With You." The Youth Task Force hopes you will join us for May Weekend at Chanco on the James. So mark your calendars for May 17-19!

Annual Council: Youth Delegation & Delegation Advisor applications are being accepted

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council - "Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships" - February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  

  

Youth Delegation & Youth Delegation Advisor Applications

Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. Additionally, two adult leaders will be selected to serve as advisors for the youth delegation to help them engage in and process Council. Click here for more info and an application form.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. James Young began as priest-in-charge at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, on November 1, 2018. 

 

The Rev. Marjorie Holm left as Interim Rector at Emmanuel, Franklin, on November 30, 2018.

 

The Rev. Deacon Bob Gay began at Hickory Neck, Toano, on December 2, 2018.

 

The Rev. Deacon Margery Howell retired from Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, on December 2, 2018.

Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher

Holly Sunderland will present Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 2208 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach. Many organists find themselves leading choirs as part of their duties. Some are singing organists who are quite content modeling and refining both solo and choral singers. Some, however, lack experience and confidence in these endeavors. This is a seminar in which participants will be introduced to the concept of "gradual release" - I do, We do together, You do together, You do. This pattern works well for teaching untrained singers. This seminar will be a good refresher for the trained, or introduction to the novice. It is free and no advance registration required. 

Greensville Memorial Foundation helps Jackson-Feild purchase new van

Recognizing the importance of doing all they can to improve the quality of life and health of the community, the Greensville Memorial Foundation recently awarded grant funding to Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health (JFBHS) Services to purchase a new eight-passenger van.

 

On average, residents at JFBHS are driven 20,000 miles per year for medical and dental appointments. Replacing a 2010 minivan with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, this new vehicle is expected to provide reliable transportation of the children for a number of years.

 

The board and staff of JFBHS are most grateful to Executive Director Jill Slate and the board of the Greensville Memorial Foundation for this wonderful gift.

Recharge young adult retreat

Join us January 4-6, 2019 for an event geared toward young adults featuring an Agape meal, music, a guest speaker, ropes course activities, a nature walk, games, campfires, s'mores and of course, faith, fun and friendship with other young adults seeking to "recharge". Maybe you grew up in the Church but you are wondering what a life of faith looks like as an adult. Maybe you are working hard but you're finding that your faith is on the back-burner. Maybe you are just looking for a time to encounter God, to be renewed, and to find some rest and encouragement. Then, Recharge is for you! Participate in meaningful worship, fun activities, and amazing fellowship. Open to anyone 18 years and older. Click here to register today. Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org.

State Department renews contract with Episcopal Migration Ministries

On November 30, 2018, the Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration announced that Episcopal Migration Ministries, along with the other eight national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States, has been awarded a contract to participate in the Reception and Placement Program for fiscal year 2019.

"We are thankful we will continue to resettle refugees in the coming year," noted the Rev. Canon Charles K. Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church. "We still face the challenge of transitioning to a much smaller resettlement program. This, at a time when there are more than 25.4 million refugees, over half of whom are children. With everyone's support, we will continue to welcome refugees to a place of safety and welcome. Please join us in supporting this ministry of the entire Church by making a gift at episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text 'EMM' to 41444. Thank you, in advance, for gifts that do so much."

Since the 1980s, Episcopal Migration Ministries has resettled over 90,000 refugees through a network of local partners, volunteers and supporters. Episcopal Migration Ministries operates through a network of 14 partner offices to aid with housing, employment training, language services, medical services, and more. 

Presiding Bishop's delegation to attend 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference

An eight-member delegation representing the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will attend the 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, Dec. 2-14. This is the fourth Episcopal delegation to attend the climate change meeting.

 

Called by Presiding Bishop Curry and led by Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California, the delegation will advocate for the environmental priorities named at the Episcopal Church's 79th General Convention and promote the Church's ministries and activities to address ecojustice in both United Nations and public events. Click here to learn more.

Boys Home invites you to their Christmas Spectacular

The students and staff of Boys Home of Virginia would like to invite you to our Christmas Spectacular! The students are putting on a play called "A Christmas to Believe In," along with games, crafts, singing, and dancing. This is a free event, and it will be held in the Boys Home gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14.

 

Registration for Annual Council 2019 is open

"Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships"

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  

 

Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers will be Gannon Sims and the Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh of Fresh Expressions, an international movement of missionary disciples cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations to more effectively engage our growing post-Christian society.

Nominations for Elections at Annual Council

The following elections will take place at Annual Council: Standing Committee (one lay, one clergy); Disciplinary Board (one lay, two clergy); Provincial Synod (1 lay, one clergy). Get more info and the nomination form on the Council web page.  

 

Youth Delegation Application

Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available  here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. 

 

Communicator Credentials

Church communicators are an integral part of connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council. Communicators (volunteer and staff) can apply to attend Council at no cost. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 28, 2019.

Give back to the place you love – Chanco Work Weekend

Come help keep Chanco beautiful and reconnect with old friends at our work day Saturday, December 1st! Breakfast is at 8 AM on Saturday with work to begin at 9 AM. Lunch is provided and Watson Lodge is available to those who wish to stay Friday and/or Saturday night. Feel free to hang out after our work concludes at 4PM on Saturday and join us for a cookout. Projects will range from detailed carpentry to basic property cleanup. All ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt at programs@chanco.org with any questions or to register. Food, fellowship and service – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Prayer for the Bishop Search

Please include the Nomination/Search and Transition Committees, and the search for a new bishop in your prayers: 

   

Almighty and most gracious God, source of all wisdom and guidance, send your Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek and discern a shepherd for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Inspire us with hope, hearts to love you and a desire to serve one another. Grant us grace to entrust you with the future of your Church and all things. We ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.  

 

News and updates on the search process can be found at www.bit.ly/diosovabishop.

Tidewater Ultreya meets Dec. 7

The Tidewater Ultreya will meet at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, on December 7 beginning with a potluck at 6:00 p.m., please bring a dish to share. The Ultreya meets from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (no later than 9:00 p.m.) Please mark your calendars and join us for an evening of music, grouping, witness talk and worship. Musicians bring your guitars and share your gift, leading us in song and melody. Emmanuel Church is located at 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach. 

 

Women's Advent Retreat at Chanco on the James

Join women from all over the Diocese at Chanco's semi-annual Women's Retreat. Come together with meaningful discussions, spiritually renewing worship, and fabulous fellowship. This event is open to woman 18 years and older. This year's theme will be Waiting in Hopeful Anticipation. During the weekend, we will look at the stories of Sarah, Elizabeth, and Mary - three women from the Bible who had to wait. Come Friday and stay the night on Nov. 30 or come just for the day on the Dec. 1. Click here for details and registration.

Shop with an ELF and make Christmas merrier for Mission of the Holy Spirit

Christmas time is nearly here again. Soon we will be untangling strings of lights, carefully unwrapping nativity scenes and trying our best to shine a light on dark winter nights. We would like to invite you to join us at the Mission of the Holy Spirit in helping our families celebrate this Christmas. Last year's program, "Shop with an ELF" was a resounding success - great fun was enjoyed by children and volunteers alike - so we are happy to be presenting the program again this year.

 

We would like to invite churches and individuals to partner with us in this ministry. Volunteer ELFs would be a great opportunity for your ECW, Men's Group, EFM, outreach committee or other church group! We need volunteers (aged 16+) to sign up to be elves to go shopping with a child. We also need monetary contributions so each child will be able to choose exactly what he or she wants for Christmas.  

 

The festivities start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 8 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk (7400 Hampton Blvd.) with a mandatory orientation for volunteers. Afterwards, children will be paired with an ELF (volunteer) and share breakfast together with Santa Claus. Immediately following breakfast, our bus will take the children and meet the volunteers at Walmart, where the kids will make their purchases escorted by their ELF.  

 

Please call the Mission office at 757-858-0010 to sign up to be an ELF (please leave your name, phone number and let us know you want to be an ELF if there's no answer), or send donations (marked "ELF" in the memo line) to the Mission in the enclosed envelope. All volunteers must sign up by November 28, and contributions for ELF shopping must in the office by that date as well. Please join us in "Shop with an ELF" and help make the holiday season brighter for our struggling families.

Bishop Search: Convocation Listening Sessions

The Nominating/Search Committee invite all Laity and Clergy to come to one of our Convocation Listening Sessions. We will share what we are learning from the responses to our questionnaire and we want to hear from you the people of the diocese. These Sharing Sessions will help us to complete a vibrant and living profile of our diocese, one that reflects who we are. There is a meeting planned for each con-vocation. If you are unable to attend the meeting in your own convocation please come and join us at one of the other sessions. Click here for dates and locations.

 

Register now to visit the Holy Land in 2019 with Bishop Magness

	A renewal of wedding vows at Cana during the 2017 Holy Land pilgrimage.

Bishop Magness invites you to join him in the spring of 2019 for the second diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is an incredible opportunity to both renew your faith and expand your knowledge of the land where Jesus lived out his ministry. Walk in the places where Jesus walked, and experience the world that our Lord experienced.

This pilgrimage is limited to just 35 participants. The deadline for registration is November 15, 2018. After that, registration will be open to persons outside of the diocese. Click here for the tour brochure and application form.

ECW holds Fall Annual Meeting

Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach

 

	L to R: ECW Diocesan President, Helen Sharpe Williams, Grace Church, Norfolk; Treasurer, Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach: Parliamentarian, Dr. Renee Escoffrey Torres, St. Cyprian's, Hampton;First Vice President, Odessa Maxwell, Good Shepherd, McKenney; President, Laura L. Manigault, St. Cyprian's, Hampton and The Very Reverend Dr., Ronald E. Ramsey, Rector, St. Cyprian's.

The Very Reverend Dr. Rodney E. Ramsey, rector, St. Cyprian's, Hampton, installed ECW Diocesan Board Members at the Fall Annual Meeting. St. Cyprian's hosted the meeting Saturday, October 20. The following officers were elected by acclamation:President, Laura L. Manigault, St. Cyprian's, Hampton; First Vice President, Odessa Maxwell, Good Shepherd, McKenney; Treasurer, Nancy Smith, St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach; Parliamentarian, Dr. Renee Escoffrey Torres, St. Cyprian's, Hampton;   Church Periodical Club Director, Nancy Sands, Christ Church, Danville; and Student Work Chair, Deborah Austin, St. Mark, Suffolk. The board members take office in January.

 

ECW Diocesan President, Helen Sharpe-Williams, presided at the meeting. She will complete her two-year term at year-end. To commemorate her service, Barbara Taylor, St. Francis, Virginia Beach, ECW Diocesan President 2013-2014, presented Helen with the Past President's Cross. In 1979, ECW President, Barbara Grice, received the first Past President's Cross fashioned by her husband, Alexander Grice III. To make the cross, Alex used wood from a cherry tree located on Jamestown Island, hewn down to make way for the Jamestown Island development. A silver Jamestown cross is superimposed on the wooden cross.

 

ECW presidents are bound together by the cross in the past joy and privilege of serving as ECW President, and, their responsibility to move forward in continued loving service to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to the Episcopal Church Women.

 

During Helen's term, her goal has been to raise awareness about the plight of women and children in our diocese suffering from abuse, homelessness and trafficking. To launch her outreach project, Love Thy Neighbor, she invited the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, to speak at last year's Fall Annual Meeting. Over 200 people attended the annual meeting Love Heals Conference. Helen has shared a wealth of information on who we can help and how we can help them. Many thanks for a job well done.

 

Beblon Parks, ECW President, Province III, keynote speaker at the meeting, announced that Province III ECW will celebrate its 100th Anniversary of founding this spring.  The Diocese of Easton and the Diocese of Pennsylvania will host the meeting in Philadelphia. Watch for details to be announced. Beblon was elected to serve a three-year term in office in 2017. She has served as the Social Justice, Member at Large on the ECW National Board and as ECW President, Diocese of Virginia.

 

Terron Watkins, Assistant Director of Advancement, gave an update on activities at Jackson-Feild Homes. 

Jackson-Feild children hold Breast Cancer Walk

The residents of Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services conducted an annual Breast Cancer Walk for the past five years. This year the event was held on October 30.

 

Students in the on-campus Gwaltney School studied in advance the impact and effects of breast cancer has on women's health. They prepared posters that were posted around the campus on this topic.Some of the children's lives have been touched by breast cancer and their posters were more personal.

 

Residents and staff gathered on a bright, crisp October morning to walk around the circular drive around the campus several times. Funds were raised which were donated to help women who are suffering from this dreaded disease.

Advent resources: Journeying the Way of Love and Preparing to Become the Beloved Community

This Advent, the Episcopal Church invites congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith to await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke.  Luke's gospel provides a pattern for understanding how to live the way of love as individuals, as families and friends, as a community, and out in the world.

 

Journeying the Way of Love 

Journeying the Way of Love is a new, four-week Advent curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Sessions are designed for use during the Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love. Participants are encouraged to read and reflect on passages in Luke throughout Advent and "try on" the spiritual practices of the Way of Love. The Journey of Love Advent Calendar offers daily suggestions for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love. The curriculum and advent calendar can be downloaded here. Spanish language materials will be available Nov. 15. 

 

Preparing to Become the Beloved Community 

Advent is a season of preparation; a time to prepare our hearts and communities for the coming of Christ, the Almighty God who came among us poor and homeless, a stranger and a child. There may be no better time to reflect on how we, as the Episcopal Church, embrace the Holy One who continues to draw near in the neighbor, the stranger, the refugee, or the one who seems the most "other" to you. It is the ideal season to commit to becoming the Beloved Community and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships across the human family of God. The journey is framed around the four quadrants of the labyrinth: Telling the truth about our churches and race; proclaiming the dream of the beloved community; practicing the way of love in the pattern of Jesus; and repairing the breach in institutions and society. Groups are invited to "walk" sections of the labyrinth each week in Advent, engaging in scripture, reflections, and activities. The curriculum can be downloaded here. Spanish and Creole materials will be available Nov. 9.

Church-wide Bible reading initiative begins in Epiphany

Forward Movement, along with partners from across the Episcopal Church, invites all Episcopalians to participate in the Good Book Club, a church-wide Bible reading initiative. The Good Book Club will focus on Paul's Letter to the Romans, with participants reading a section of scripture each day during the Epiphany season, starting on January 7, 2019. 

 

Several organizations are partnering with Forward Movement in the Good Book Club, including the United Thank Offering, Forma, Episcopal Church Women, and The Living Church. Partner organizations are creating resources or encouraging their constituents to take part in the effort.
   
ChurchNext, a ministry of Forward Movement, will offer two six-week live Bible studies, one in English led by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, author of Conversations with Scripture: Romans and director of RenewalWorks, and one in Spanish, led by the Rev. Glenda McQueen, the Episcopal Church's staff officer for Latin America & the Caribbean, and Hugo Olaiz, assistant editor for Latino/Hispanic ministries for Forward Movement.    The Good Book club website lists the daily readings and resources to support people as they read the scriptures. Spanish resources are available at clubbiblico.org.

Cemetery Iconography presentation Nov. 3 at Historic St. Luke's

The design and creation of tombstones is an ancient art with deep meanings behind many of the symbols chosen for each monument. The weeping willow, the cherub, the rose that has not fully bloomed, the eternal circle of the wreath, are all symbols with important meanings, carefully selected by loved ones upon the death of those memorialized. Join Historic St. Luke's for a presentation on Cemetery Iconography by Joanna Wilson Green, Easement and Stewardship Archaeologist for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, this Saturday, Nov. 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and advance ticket purchase is encouraged as spots are limited. Light refreshments will be provided. Details and tickets are available here.

Camp Chanco: Don't miss the Do it Now Discount!

School may be back in session and holidays fast approaching, but at Chanco we are already thinking warm summer days! We have upgraded our camp and retreat registration software for a smoother, more user friendly registration process. With this improvement, all camp registration paperwork (with the exception of the physical) can be completed on line! Even better? If you register for summer camp 2019 before November 30th, not only do you secure your place in the session of your choice, but you save $25 on a two-week session and $15 on a one-week session! Click here for a 2019 Camp Chanco flyer. Do It Now! Visit www.chanco.org and register today! Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Hiring for Summer Camp 2019

Do you love the outdoors and working with young people? We have the summer job for you! Many summer camp counselors report their best summers were spent working at Camp Chanco. Important skills such as leadership opportunities, decision-making, behavior management, creativity and more are all a part of the summer camp counselor experience. As a counselor at Chanco, you make the difference in the lives of young people every day AND you make life-long friends. Become part of the Chanco family and consider applying today.  Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt is now accepting applications for all counselors ages 18 and up as well as our volunteer Eagles (Counselors In Training) age 17. Click here for an employment application. Applications due by December 31 for counselors and due by January 31 for Eagles. Questions? Contact Nathan at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or programs@chanco.org.

Pray Election Day on Facebook

Join us Election Day, November 6, on the Diocesan Facebook page as we offer simple (non-political, non-partisan) prayers for our nation and for peace each hour on the hour beginning at 7am and concluding at 7pm.

John Meek retires as diocesan treasurer

At the October 18 meeting of the diocesan Program Review & Budget (PB&R) Committee meeting, Bishop Hollerith, members of PB&R, and diocesan staff thanked John Meek as he retired as diocesan treasurer.  

 

John has served the Diocese as volunteer treasurer for eight years. During his tenure, John was instrumental in the effort to increase diocesan giving to the Episcopal Church, enabling Southern Virginia to be able to achieve the required 15% pledge in 2019.  

 

John thanked the Bishop and committee members, saying, "It has been my real honor and pleasure to serve with you all for eight years and I wish the Diocese God's blessing as we proceed from this place into the future."

Ordination at Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Your prayers and presence are invited for the Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests of Saul Lars Burleson on Monday, November 26 at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd, Norfolk. Saul is a deacon and chaplain in the U.S. Navy. He will be ordained by The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Hunn, Bishop of the Rio Grande. A reception will follow the service. Clergy: Red stoles. Clergy from other traditions are invited to vest or wear dress uniform and process. Good Shepherd is located at 7400 Hampton Blvd. in Norfolk.

It may be chilly outside, but we are thinking of warm summer camp days!

Don't miss the Do It Now discount!

 

At Chanco, we are already planning furiously for summer camp 2019. We are excited to share a fantastic upgrade of our Camp Brain software and an extension of our Do It Now discount for camp registration! We are very excited about this change and as a result your registration process will be more user-friendly than ever before. Register for Camp Chanco 2019 by November 30th and you will receive $15 off a one-week session and $25 off a two-week session! Chanco has traditional camp sessions for ages 8-18 along with specialty sessions Ropes Camp, Mariner's Camp, and Family Camp! Click here for a flyer with more information and visit www.chanco.org to register today! Remember - refer a new camper who registers and receive $50 off your own tuition - no limit! Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to release book of sermons, The Power of Love

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has collected five of his most notable sermons in a book that will be released on Oct. 30. The book will include his royal wedding sermon and three sermons from General Convention: at opening Eucharist on July 5, the revival on July 7 and the prayer service July 8 outside the Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas.  

 

"To be honest, I wasn't thinking about including those sermons in a book, but when the publisher saw them we all realized that they would take the message of the love of Jesus deeper and apply it to life," Curry said. "I hope and pray that this message of the way of love, which is the way of Jesus, can be a message for our world at this time."

Mission Share Resolution the focus of gatherings

Please join members of the Mission Share Task Force for conversation relating to the Mission Share Resolution to be presented at Council in 2019. These meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend.  We encourage attendance from clergy, vestry members, delegates and treasurers.

These conversations will take place in two locations on Saturday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m.

• Manakin Church - 985 Huguenot Trail, Midlothian
• Emmanuel Church - 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach

For more information or questions, please contact The Rev. Gini DiStanislao, gini@manakin.org.

Register now for November Weekend!

This year's November Weekend for grades 6 through 12 will be Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18 at Chanco on the James. Teens along with their adult leaders are invited to attend this faith, fun retreat. Click here for details and registration. Registration deadline is Nov. 5.  

 

Happening #69 cancelled - Mark your calendar for Happening #70 in March 2019

After prayerful reflection, the Happening Committee has determined the need to take a temporary sabbatical this fall and continue the Happening program in the spring.  This temporary sabbatical will provide ample time to ensure a sustainable program for the long term. The plan is to hold Happening #70 March 15-17, 2019 with Pre-Happening March 2-3 and deadline for applications February 8. We are very happy to announce that Clarissa Harbin has been called, and accepted, to serve as the Rector for Happening #70.

GraceInside prison ministry offers new resources

GraceInside, Virginia's prison chaplain service, has released a new brochure that more accurately and personally shares the powerful impact you can make behind bars. With "GraceInside Graduates" and more pictures from the inside, you are sure to see more of what you are doing on the inside and its impact on those who get out. GraceInside has also developed seven topical fliers to share on specific topics: When someone you love is incarcerated; When someone you love has been a victim of crime; How can I help?; How do I volunteer? For more information about these resources and how you can support the work of GraceInside call them at 804-358-7650. Click here for many more resources available on their website.

Vote Faithfully Toolkit available

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations has developed the Vote Faithfully Toolkit which you can access here. As Christians, we can play a unique role in this election by empowering every voice in our congregations. The toolkit includes actions steps for your congregation and liturgical resources.

 

"We are blessed as a nation to vote. As citizens of this country this is a right, an obligation, and a duty. Go vote. Vote your conscience. Your conscience informed by what it means to love your neighbor, to participate in the process of seeking the common good, to participate in the process of making this a better world. However you vote, go and vote. And do that as followers of Jesus." -- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Young Adult Service Corps applications being accepted for 2019-2020 placements

	Former YASC member Andy Russell, from Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, served in Tanzania.

The Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) offers exciting opportunities to serve, learn, and share while spending a year living and working with communities around the world.

Open to Episcopalians ages 21-30, applications are now available for 2019-2020 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps, the international missionary program of the Episcopal Church. Potential placements for 2019-2020 include (but are not limited to) Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Honduras, Hong Kong, Panama, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, and Tanzania. The application deadline is Friday, January 11, 2019.  Click here for more information and application.

Gulf Coast and Carolinas appeal for support of hurricane relief and recovery efforts

Episcopal churches on the Gulf Coast, including parts of Georgia and North and South Carolina, continue to assess Hurricane Michael's damage, with some in the hardest hit coast areas still in the rescue phase.

In an Oct. 15 interview with Episcopal News Service, Dwight Babcock, diocesan administrator for the Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast said of the recovery efforts, "This is a marathon, not a sprint. We just don't know what we're looking at." Ten of the 11 damaged churches held services "in one form or another," on Oct. 14; some inside the churches, some outdoors in pavilions, he said.

The Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast has created a Hurricane Relief Hub, listing ways to donate to hurricane relief efforts.

Communities in Georgia and the Carolinas affected by Hurricane Michael are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Florence. The Diocese of East Carolina has also issued an appeal for support.

"The local dioceses are continuing to assess the damage caused by the storm," said Katie Mears, senior director of Episcopal Relief & Development's U.S. Disaster Program, which is supporting these dioceses as they begin relief and recovery efforts.

Cursillo 4th Day Celebration at Chanco

The Cursillo Secretariat joyfully invites all of the Cursillo Community for the 4th Day Celebration on Saturday, October 20, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Chanco on the James. Support our new Cursillistas as we continue to orient and educate those who have just completed a Cursillo Weekend and those who are continuing to live out their Fourth Day.  

 

We will begin with fellowship and singing, and Stew Wolfe will give the Witness Talk. The Rev. Susan Grimm will be our Spiritual Director for the day and will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Godly Play training in Williamsburg Jan. 11-13

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will be hosting a Godly Play training January 11-13. Trainer Laura McGuire will be leading the Core Training weekend and all are welcome to sign-up to learn more about this great program for children's ministry. Register here. Space is limited.