CE-Net online gathering

It's been some time since CE-Net (Christian Education Network) has gathered. We are trying an evening gathering to provide an opportunity to include not just full time folks, but those who are may work part time and have full time jobs and volunteers. We hope you can join us for an online gathering via Zoom on Monday, June 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. We'll spend just a little bit of time checking in and spend most of our time talking and listening to one another about, "What are you doing this summer to prepare for the fall?"

If you are interested in participating, please email Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org, in the Diocesan Office. She will send you the link you'll need to join the meeting. Whether you use a computer, phone or tablet to join the meeting, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. If you have not used Zoom before, click here for a quick introduction on how to join a meeting. Zoom is very user-friendly and you do NOT need a Zoom account to participate.

June 18 webinar recounts Episcopal Church legacy of welcoming refugees

Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations is hosting a one-hour free webinar, Our 1939 Moment: Continuing the Legacy of Welcome, on Monday, June18 at 4 pm Eastern. Presented as part of the World Refugee Day observance on June 20, the webinar will be a conversation about the history and present of the Episcopal Church's legacy of refugee welcome. Registration is required and available here. The webinar will be available on-demand following the event.

Registration open for Safe Church training

Registration is now open for the remaining Safe Church classroom trainings scheduled for this year. Online training is also available. Click here to register for any of these trainings:

• June 16 - St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge
• September 8 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 15 - Trinity, South Boston
• September 22 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.   

Episcopal Asset Map unveils redesigned site, invites full participation across church

The Episcopal Asset Map, an online platform showing the location and ministries of Episcopal churches, schools and other communities, has been revamped and refreshed with more-detailed information, easier access and ease of navigation.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in a video available here, called the Asset Map "truly a tool, a resource" and points out that it has been "revised, expanded, updated, user-friendly and now includes virtually the entire Episcopal Church from the largest cathedral to the smallest house church."

The Episcopal Asset Map is a join project of the Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development. This innovative partnership tracks local ministries and shows the location and the array of ministries and programs offered by Episcopal congregations, schools and institutions throughout the church.

Because the map is grassroots-populated, local congregations are able to post the most relevant and up-to-date information such as summer worship schedules or special programs that respond to the needs in their communities.    

 

For more information about the Episcopal Asset Map, visit  here. A short video is also available in English and in Spanish. 

Presiding Bishop Curry participates in May 24 procession, vigil to the White House

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will join other faith leaders and elders in Washington, DC to launch the Reclaiming Jesus Declaration at a church service followed by a silent candlelight vigil to the White House on Thursday, May 24.

All are invited to attend the event, beginning at 7 pm Eastern at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC. At the Church Service, Presiding Bishop Curry will join 10 faith leaders and elders in prayer and preaching. Following the church service at 8:30 pm, an estimated crowd of more than 1000 will follow Presiding Bishop Curry and the faith leaders and elders as they process from National City Christian Church to the White House.

"The church service, the procession to the White House, and silent candlelight vigil is planned in response to the moral and political crises at the highest levels of political leadership that are putting both the soul of the nation and the integrity of Christian faith at stake," noted the Rev. Jim Wallis, President and Founder, Sojourners. "The elders call upon all Christians to remember that our identity in Jesus precedes every other identity."

The Episcopal Church Office of Communications will livestream the church service, procession and silent vigil here. 

Hearts, Hands, Voices: Workshop for church musicians

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, in conjunction with the Center for Liturgy & Church Music at Virginia Theological Seminary, is offering "Hearts, Hands, Voices", a workshop for church musicians on June 2 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond. The program will have two reading sessions offering musical selections appropriate for the church year and focused on smaller church choirs. It will also offer effective rehearsal tips to help you bring out the best in your choirs. You'll also get ideas on Psalms and resources to expand your use of the Psalms in worship. Cost is $45, $25 for full time students. Click here for more information and registration.

Clergy breakfast: Care of Creation

Lynnhaven River NOW is hosting a clergy breakfast at the Brock Environmental Center on Wednesday, May 23. The Rev. Cameron Randle, rector of Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, will be speaking on "Care of Creation: Crafting a Theology of Environmental Stewardship." Breakfast will begin at 9 a.m., registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The Brock Environmental Center is located at 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach. RSVP to dana@lrnow.org by May 21. You may send a lay leader if you are unable to attend.

Safe Church training rescheduled

Training at St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge, originally scheduled for April 28 has been rescheduled for June 16. Registration closes June 9. Click here to register. Those who registered for April 28 are automatically registered for June 16.

Training at Trinity, South Boston, originally scheduled for June 2 has been rescheduled for September 15. Registration will be available soon.

Online Safe Church training is always available. Several classroom trainings are scheduled for the fall and registration will be available soon:

• September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 15, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston
• September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

 Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.

Chanco's 50th Anniversary celebration a tremendous success!

There are not words for the gratitude we feel for all of our friends who came from near and as far as Florida, Ohio, Oregon, California and more to celebrate 50 years with us this past weekend. Despite earlier forecasts calling for rain Saturday and Sunday, not a drop fell. Friends of all ages reunited, sang, played and worshiped together. New friends were made; old ones strengthened. It was a celebration many of us will never forget. A full story and photos will appear in the next Chanco Chatter eNewsletter and on the Chanco website. And photos from the weekend will also be posted on our Facebook page very soon. For now, we give thanks with grateful hearts for all of the people - those present and those who could not be with us - that have made Chanco what it is today and what it will become tomorrow.  

In the Chanco spirit,
The Chanco Board and staff

Help Jackson-Feild purchase a new van

Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is in desperate need of a van to transport students from campus to appointments in the community. They are trying to buy a 2017 van to replace their 2010 van which has over 207,000 miles on it. Jackson-Feild needs reliable transportation to support their twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year operation. 

The mission of Jackson-Feild Behavior Health Services is to provide high quality, evidence-based psychiatric, residential, education and recovery treatment services for children who suffer from severe emotional trauma, mental illness and/or substance use disorders.  Their rural location is ideal for a behavioral health program as it discourages runaways and all but eliminates negative influences so that residents may focus on their disorders, come to understand them, and learn how to manage them. 

If you would like to contribute toward the purchasing of this new van, you may mail your check to the Diocesan Office (11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, VA 23606) and be sure to note "Jackson-Feild van" on the check memo line. You may also mail your check directly to Jackson Feild at 4905 Dickens Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23230.

Needed items for Jackson-Feild children

For years the ages of majority of the children served by Jackson-Field has been 15-18 years old. A recent and growing trend is the placement of children ages 11-14. Consequently, Jackson-Feild is in need of "gently used" items for younger children. Heretofore their mental health services were provided in the community. Sadly the acuity of their needs dictates that they need residential treatment services.

 

Their wish list includes age appropriate books (mysteries, adventure, Happy Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Hunger Games, Fangirl, Ask the Passenger etc.) comic books, magazines (teen, Sports Illustrated), art supplies, board games, puzzles, toys and sporting goods. Jackson-Feild is requesting that churches consider holding drives for these items and Jackson-Feild will make arrangements to pick up the items so that they can be pressed into service immediately.

 

If you would like to help please contact the Development Office at 804-354-6929 or email tbalsbaugh@jacksonfeild.org.

Episcopal Asset Map unveils redesigned site, invites full participation across church

The Episcopal Asset Map, an online platform showing the location and ministries of Episcopal churches, schools and other communities, has been revamped and refreshed with more-detailed information, easier access and ease of navigation.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in a video available here, called the Asset Map "truly a tool, a resource" and points out that it has been "revised, expanded, updated, user-friendly and now includes virtually the entire Episcopal Church from the largest cathedral to the smallest house church."

The Episcopal Asset Map is a join project of the Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development. This innovative partnership tracks local ministries and shows the location and the array of ministries and programs offered by Episcopal congregations, schools and institutions throughout the church. 

 

Because the map is grassroots-populated, local congregations are able to post the most relevant and up-to-date information such as summer worship schedules or special programs that respond to the needs in their communities.    

 

For more information about the Episcopal Asset Map, visit  here. A short video is also available in English and in Spanish. 

Time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates & Alternates for Annual Council

It is now time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for Annual Council. Elected delegates and alternates will serve for an entire conciliar year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019. This term includes eligibility to vote at Pre-Council Convocation meetings in January, Annual Council in February, and any Special Council - including possibly the election of our next bishop - or other called meetings that may occur during this period.

Click here for instructions and the form for sending in the name(s) of delegate(s) and alternate(s) elected by your vestry for Council year 2018-2019. Forms are due by June 30, 2018.

Linen ingathering for Jackson-Feild at ECW Annual Spring Meeting on May 19

Help Jackson-Feild refill its linen closet. Bring a package of single bed sheets, pillowcases, towels or washed clothes to the ECW Annual Spring Meeting at St. Francis, Virginia Beach, Saturday, May 19. The meeting topic is domestic violence. Leslie Ludwig, a former student at Jackson-Feild will speak. Registration and coffee at 9 a.m. Meeting at 9:30 a.m. The cost of $20 includes registration and lunch. Please RSVP by May 12 and include any dietary requirements to: Tia Moring, 2031 Indian River Point Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. 757-934-6108 (home phone) St. Francis is located at 509 S. Rosemont Rd., Virginia Beach.

Where to send your church's UTO in-gathering

United Thank Offering (UTO) donations collected during April and October 2018 in-gatherings throughout the Diocese should be sent to: Ronda Toll, UTO Coordinator, 42 Cherbourg Drive

Newport News, VA  23606. Contact Ronda at 757-869-8873 or rtoll@cox.net with any questions, requests for UTO materials, or ideas to share at Triennial. Donations are collected for UTO throughout the year. 2018 donations will be collected until December 10, 2018.

House of Bishops' Pastoral Response to #MeToo invites reflections, offers listening and steps to healing

In an open letter to the Episcopal Church, an invitation is extended to share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. A selection of the reflections will be read at a special listening session during General Convention 2018. The House of Bishop's Pastoral Response will be a sacred space for listening and further reconciliation on Wednesday, July 4, 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Those at General Convention 2018 in Austin, TX, are welcome to attend; those not in Austin will be able to participate remotely via a live webcast.

"Over past months, the #MeToo movement has brought the prevalence and depth of pain caused by sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation out of the darkness, creating a platform of courage and support for women to share their personal stories," states the letter, signed by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, Vice-President of the House of Bishops.

The deadline for submitting reflections is Friday, May 25. Click here for the full letter.

Campus ministry supports parishes

by The Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti,St. David's, Richmond

	The Bimmer Family with Bishop Magness and the Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti, rector of St. David's.

Baptism, confirmation and reception were definitely a family affair at St. David's, Richmond, when Bishop Magness visited on April 29. Many of the eleven baptized, confirmed or received had connections to each other: a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A married couple. A father and son. And an entire family of three, the Bimmers! Richard Bimmer is a sophomore at James Madison University, and became involved in the Canterbury Club there. His enthusiasm was contagious, so his parents started attending St. David's a year ago. Richard and his dad Jeff were confirmed, and his mom Tricia was received. Many thanks to  Laura Lockey for her amazing Canterbury ministry! Supporting campus ministry supports parishes.

Upcoming Safe Church training

Below are the upcoming Safe Church classroom training opportunities. Online training is also available. Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.    

• May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach (registration closes May 8) Register here.
• June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston (registration closes May 29) Register here.
• September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives to host open house

The James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives will host its first open house on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum will display many rare artifacts and pictures of James Solomon Russell from the late 1800s to 2013 when Saint Paul's College closed. The museum is located at 219 North Main Street in Lawrenceville. There is no charge for admission and is open to the general public.  Call 434-848-2173 for more information.

Volunteer opportunities at General Convention

A range of volunteer opportunities are still available at the Episcopal Church 79th General Convention, Thursday, July 5 to Friday, July 13 at The Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. General Convention along with the Episcopal Church Women who meet concurrently, require the gifts and hospitality of volunteers to operate efficiently.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for many skills and talents. Daily schedules range from half-day to multiple shifts over many days. To register to volunteer and select shifts that suit your interest and availability, click here. For more information, contact Anthony Chapple at generalconvention2018@gmail.com.