-- Bishop Susan
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Camp Chanco will be open for 2021 season!
Monday, March 29, 2021
Join the Bishop for Virtual Clergy & Vestry Event on Saturday, May 8
In lieu of our traditional vestry training days, the Bishop invites both clergy and vestry members to a fresh reformulation of annual vestry training. This year, a single Clergy & Vestry Day with the Bishop will be conducted via Zoom on Saturday, May 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30. p.m. The event will include opening remarks by the Bishop, a Vestry fundamentals session facilitated by the Rev. Canon Win Lewis, and a keynote address by leadership consultant and practical theologian Tod Bolsinger, who will join us to explore “Surviving the Pandemic and Thriving After: The Church on the Other Side of the Covid Mountain." Returning to the Diocese of Southern Virginia, Tod will share insights and practices to guide our churches through the process of looking past the pandemic into an unprecedented future. Plan to take part in this three hour session to inform, enrich, and inspire parish leadership in this pivotal season in life of the church! Register here.
Course on Understanding Addiction and Supporting Recovery through Pathways for Baptismal Living begins April 11
The Rev. Jan M. Brown and the Rev. Lauren McDonald, co-chairs of the diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission, will be offering a course on Understanding Addiction and Supporting Recovery through Pathways for Baptismal Living at Bexley Seabury Seminary. Beginning April 11, this 8 week, online course will give clergy and congregational leaders tools to help increase understanding about those predisposed to addictions and to offer them a path to recovery and wholeness in the spirit of our Baptismal Covenant. It also will prepare participants to minister as Recovery Allies and/or Rapid Response Teams, to prepare their churches and dioceses to be Safe Havens and/or Recovery Ready Churches, and to share Christ’s love with those struggling with substance use. Click here for more information and to register.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Sing a New Song to the Lord: A Word from the Bishop about Singing
(and also about Books of Common Prayer and Children’s Formation)
Beginning with Palm Sunday, congregational singing is now permitted for OUTDOOR services. Members of the congregation must continue to socially distance and should wear their masks even while singing. Congregational singing should be limited, when possible, to fewer verses in hymns, antiphons only for the Psalm (while a quartet/octet may sing the verses), and/or a brief version of the Sanctus or Agnus Dei. Singing is still not permitted for indoor services.
It is now also acceptable to move BOOKS OF COMMON PRAYER back into the pews for use. Use should be limited to one service only and if a book is used during one service and another service is taking place that same day, that book should be removed from the pew and replaced with a different prayer book for the next service. However, in churches that have only one service per Sunday, the Books of Common Prayer may remain in the pews from week to week.
Regarding CHILDREN’S FORMATION, the Health Advisory Panel is encouraged by a recent study from the CDC that has reduced the physical distancing requirement for children from six feet to three feet. They still note, however, that physical distancing with adults should remain at six feet. While Children’s Formation is currently on hiatus, the panel will begin exploring safe ways to resume Children’s Formation hopefully to allow for Vacation Bible School this summer. Please stay tuned.
Monday, March 22, 2021
Dr. Catherine Meeks to speak at William & Mary virtual symposium this week
Our diocese is cosponsoring the appearance of Dr. Catherine Meeks, founder and director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, at a virtual symposium this week presented by The Lemon Project, William & Mary's long-term commitment to grappling with its slave-holding past. Dr. Meeks is doing a Friday evening keynote and Saturday afternoon workshop, both connected to the symposium theme, "Four Centuries of Black Women in America: Freedom, Activism and Justice for All." The week includes other keynotes and panel presentations and concludes with a Saturday evening event of dance, music and poetry, "For Colored Girls Who Inspired the World." The schedule and a link to registration (required and free) can be found here, and the full symposium program is available here.
ECW scholarship applications now being accepted
Applications for the ECW Elise Holiday and Beverley D. Tucker Scholarships are now being accepted. Applications must be received by May 8, 2021, to be considered for the fall semester. Questions? Contact Deborah Austin, 757-538-1797. Click here for information and an application form.
Evangelism Matters audioconference, an innovative approach to sharing, learning, and growing evangelism ministry
This spring’s Evangelism Matters conference invites participants to turn off the Zoom screen and “tune in” for an audioconference featuring podcast-style talks on the opportunity and challenge of evangelism today. Read more here (In English and Spanish). Conference launches on April 12, 2021.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Live conversation with authors Anne Lamott and Nadia Bolz-Weber
ink.
Free workshop via Zoom: Praying the Regina Coeli in Eastertide
The Community of the Gospel, a non-residential monastic community of the Episcopal Church, offers educational opportunities free of charge for members, Friends of the Community and the public. As you plan your spiritual and study practices for the Easter season, they invite you to join them for a special CG Learns workshop: Praying the Regina Coeli in Eastertide on Saturday, April 17, from 12 to 1 p.m. via Zoom. The guest monastic facilitator for this event will be Br. Francis Jonathan Bullock, BSG, Indianapolis, IN. Br. Francis Jonathan will discuss the history and theology of this ancient prayer, highlighting its place in the monastic toolbox. The presentation will conclude with Noonday Prayer and the Regina Coeli. The workshop is open to all and is free of charge. In order to receive a Zoom invite, please sign up at this Doodle poll. If you have questions, contact Brother Guardian Daniel-Chad by email danhoffma@gmail.com.
Theological education scholarships
The
Hampton Roads Community Foundation is currently accepting applications
for the following scholarships. The 2021-2022 theological scholarship
application is due April 1, 2021. Students may visit hamptonroadscf.org
to view the list of available scholarships and complete an online
application. Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the
Diocese.
Barron F. Black Theological Scholarship –
For students at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) who are
candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the
geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
Hy Smith Endowment Fund –
For students at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria who are
candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the
geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
Spring edition of The Grapevine ECW newsletter
The Grapevine, the diocesan ECW newsletter, for Spring 2021 is here! Click here for your copy The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter available for individuals and churches to receive via email. Back issues can be found here. If you have news you would like included in The Grapevine, contact Vicky Koch, vkoch@stpaulsnorfolk.org.
Monday, March 8, 2021
Two new book studies from Repairers of the Breach
The Repairers of the Breach is launching two new book study opportunities. We recognize that there are many excellent resources to explore as we learn, study and work towards becoming the Beloved Community. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that individuals are at different points on their journey of learning about and exploring racial justice issues. You are invited to join the book study group that best matches your needs:
Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America edited by Catherine Meeks.
This
accessible collection of essays presents a variety of voices combining
personal stories and theoretical and theological reflection. It includes
examples of the work of dismantling racism and methods for creating the
much-needed “safe space” for dialogue on race to occur. Its aim is to
demonstrate the ways in which a new conversation on race can be forged.
This book is will resonate for all, and is especially relevant for those
beginning to explore racial justice work. The book study group will
meet on Tuesday evenings, beginning March 16 (no meeting March 23) at 7
p.m. via Zoom. Click here to register for this group. Space
is limited to 12 participants. Please note – if you want to learn about
Dr. Meeks work, the Diocese of Southern Virginia is co-sponsoring
Catherine Meeks upcoming virtual speaking engagement at the Lemon
Project Symposium at William & Mary on March 26 and 27.
White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. Jones.
This
book study group will meet on Mondays, 7 to 8:00 pm, March 15 through
May 10 on Zoom (no meeting April 5). In this powerful combination of
history, social science, and heartfelt memoir, Robert P. Jones explores
the unholy relationship between American Christianity and white
supremacy. At this pivotal cultural moment, we need to confront this
painful reality, accept responsibility for the past and work toward a
more just future, reckoning with this legacy for the sake of our own
souls, our faith, and our country. As this is a challenging book, prior
participation in Sacred Ground or other antiracism training or reading
is desirable. Click here to register for this group.
Diocesan Good Friday Service
The Diocesan Liturgists are producing a virtual Good Friday service, which will walk the Stations of the Cross. Like the Christmas video, it will feature different parishes from across our diverse diocese. The Bishop encourages churches to include this as part of their Holy Week services. The video will be available on the diocesan YouTube channel by 8 a.m. on Good Friday, April 2.
James Solomon Russell Celebration
Tee off with Jackson-Feild this spring!
Jackson-Feild
is a safe haven for children struggling with mental illness and/or
substance use disorders. Each year, this tournament raises funds to
support the needs of the residents. To date, the tournament has raised
over $550,000. This year, the proceeds from the tournament will go
towards “building a better future” and funding the construction of new
buildings on campus.
If you have any questions, or would like to register now, call 703-819-2365 or email vfong@jacksonfeild.org. Online registration will be available in the coming weeks. We hope to see you on the green this May!
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Haynes in 2022
Bishop Haynes will be leading a Holy Land Pilgrimage in association with Jerusalem Tours, February 4-14, 2022. Join Bishop Haynes for this powerful pilgrimage experience where together we will walk where Jesus walked and visit places where he lived out his ministry. In addition, pilgrims will renew their Baptismal Covenant at the Jordan River and will celebrate Eucharist on the Mount of the Beatitudes. Click here to learn more about the Holy Land Pilgrimage and registration details. Space is limited to 35 pilgrims. Contact Canon Lynn Farlin at lfarlin@diosova.org if you have questions about the trip.
Repairers of the Breach Speaker Series continues on March 23
March 23 at 6:30 via Zoom
Imagine
working at church only to find out via genealogical research that the
family of the man who founded the church had enslaved your family’s
ancestors! During this program the Rev. Natalie Conway, will share her
story as well as the work that she and the Rev Grey Maggiano have been
engaged in over the past five years, as Memorial Episcopal Church in
Baltimore Maryland, has sought to uncover and process its racist past,
and move forward as a community that seeks atonement, reconciliation and
resurrection. The Rev. Grey Maggiano, rector, and The Rev. Natalie
Conway, deacon, will briefly summarize the work Memorial has done, and
more importantly provide a path for your congregation/community to
process its past in a healthy, holistic and sacred manner that can lead
to real change. Please join us on Tuesday, March 23 at 6:30 via Zoom for
this important conversation. Click here to register for this event and obtain the Zoom log-in information.
Mark your calendar! Diocese collaborates with TENS for stewardship webinar series
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is proud to collaborate with the Diocese of Southern Virginia to bring a four-webinar series on stewardship topics throughout the year. Meeting for 90 minutes on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., this series will bring together church leaders, stewardship volunteers, and fundraising experts to teach and learn classic and innovative approaches to funding ministry in your congregation.
Virtual Stewardship 201 - Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
We learned so much in 2020 about online fundraising in
congregational ministries. Learn from faithful practitioners of
stewardship and gratitude about the best fundraising platforms to raise
money online in your congregation. We will explore practical tips on
formation and education opportunities that cultivate generosity
throughout the year. To see the TENS Virtual Stewardship 101 webinar
from July 2020, please visit the TENS website, www.tens.org. To register for Virtual Stewardship 201, click here.
Mid-Year Mission Review - Wednesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.
Half-way through the year is the ideal time to remind your members
about the impact of their pledges on mission in the community. Learn
some great tips for drawing the line between money and meaning in your
outreach, in-reach, and ministry budgets. Registration opens soon!
Year-Round Stewardship - Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.
Generosity and Gratitude are year-round disciplines and
celebrations, not just reserved for the annual pledge campaign. Learn
best practices and tools to incorporate the theology of stewardship into
your formation, liturgy, preaching, teaching, and outreach for every
month of the year. Cultivate a more generous and grounded
church! Registration will open March 27.
Addressing the Pledge Plateau - Wednesday, August 16, 6:30 p.m.
Learn from fundraising experts about how to help members dig deeper
into their theology and generosity to ensure they’re making their best
gifts to the Church. This webinar is a mix between proven tips and tools
and formation exercises you can employ in your ministry to prevent
donor fatigue. Registration will open July 10.
Safe Church Training scheduled
Two new Zoom-based Safe Church training opportunities have been scheduled. Get more info and register for Safe Church training.
- Universal Training: Wednesday, March 17, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
- Specialized Training: Saturday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 21, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. You must attend both sessions to receive certification.
Celebrating the life and legacy of the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris
Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit for Faith-Based Community Leaders and Organizations
By The Ven. Jan Brown, co-chair, Diocesan Addictions & Recovery Task Force
Click here
for the The Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Toolkit for Faith-Based Community
Leaders and Organizations. It is uploaded on the home page the
SpiritWorks Foundation's Provisions for the Journey
website. We had the privilege of making the request for it to be
developed for our use and for use by the Episcopal Church. They were so
excited by the project that they released it for national use. There are
no hard copies of it yet. We have a request to get them once they are
in and plan to distribute them widely throughout the church. I'd love to
hear what you think of it.
Episcopal Toolkit for COVID-19 vaccination distribution
The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations has developed a toolkit for individuals, congregations and ministries to facilitate and promote COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the United States. This toolkit promotes the ongoing work that parishes and dioceses have already been doing, shares best practices, and offers ideas for ways that communities can help U.S.- based Episcopalians to facilitate vaccination, overcome vaccine hesitancy, and find information from state and local officials. Churches and church leaders (lay and ordained) can serve as an important trusted bridge between public health officials and communities. Read more (In English and Spanish).
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls for Good Friday Offering to support ministry in Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
In
his Good Friday letter, Presiding Bishop Curry asks each Bishop and
congregation to consider providing assistance for the Province of
Jerusalem and the Middle East. Read more (In English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin).
Episcopal Church scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now accepted
Deadline is April 11, 2021
Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2021-2022 academic year. Read more (In English and Spanish).
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Lent: A Season to Restore and Reconnect
A message from Bishop Haynes
In
the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens….then the LORD
God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. (Genesis
2:4, 7)
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 265)
Now,
as the days begin to lengthen, we enter the season of Lent wherein we
remember our mortality. God created humankind from the dust and dirt of
the Earth. At our death, we will return to that point of creation. It is
a good spiritual discipline to keep in mind our connection to the Earth
and the dirt from which we were fashioned.
Normally,
Lent is a time when we “give up” something. Often Lenten disciplines
ask us to give up something meaningful in order to remind us of our
dependence on God. But we have had more than enough of “giving up,”
haven’t we? Over the past year we have given up so much – our church
buildings, our familiar forms of worship, our frequent face-to-face
contact with each other. Perhaps now, as we enter our second Lent during
this pandemic, it seems exhausting to contemplate giving up anything
else. In this state of exhaustion, we are mindful of our own deep need
and longing to be restored and reconnected.
And
perhaps that’s what this Lent should be – a season of restoration and
reconnection. As we contemplate our origin from and ultimate return to
the Earth, perhaps we might be best served to use the 40 days of Lent as
a time consciously to reconnect us with that Earth. Why not spend this
Lent looking for ways to connect with creation and for ways to steward
and care for it? Become mindful of all of the living things God created –
all creatures (animals and insects, plants and trees) as well as that
gorgeous creation of our brothers and sisters. Connect with them by
caring for them – by caring for the Earth and by caring for each other.
Research ways to care for the Earth – to be a good steward of Creation.
(Incidentally, if you Google “40 Lenten observances for care of
creation, you will find some suggested Lenten disciplines along those
lines).
Continue
in your prayers and in your diligent study of Scripture. Let your
chapel be the outdoors as you wonder in God’s creation. Look for safe
ways to stay connected with your brothers and sisters in Christ, caring
for them in ways that you would enjoy receiving care. This pandemic is
not going to last forever. We WILL return from this exile. Even now, we
are seeing hopeful signs of its abatement. Hear the prophet, Jeremiah,
who reminds us, For
surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah
29:11)
Yes,
let us indeed remember that we are dust. People of the dust are beloved
people, connected people – beloved of God and connected to Him and to
each other. Let us use this Lent to celebrate and restore ourselves to
that connection.
129th Annual Council is Feb. 22-27
This
year's Annual Council is completely virtual and will be spread out over
the week of Feb. 22-27. Most of the events during Council Week will be
open to everyone and no advance registration is required. You can see
the full Council Week schedule and the planned live events here.
Complete information about Council Week, and delegate materials, can be found at www.bit.ly/diosova129.
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Way of the Cross free video and reflection guide
The devotion known as the Way of the Cross is an adaptation of a custom widely observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places in that city traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death. This practice is also known as Stations of the Cross. The Department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary is offering a video version of The Way of the Cross and a reflection guide in both English and Spanish (coming soon). Through scripture, art, and music, the video invites us to walk with Christians of every generation on a virtual pilgrimage, meditating on our Lord’s passion and death. Click here for more information.
New resource: Lent at Home in Community
The Diocese of Southern Virginia has purchased a license for a program designed by GenOn Ministries called “Lent at Home in Community” that can be used by churches and households in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. This six-week resource is centered on the Psalm readings for each Sunday in Lent. Each week participants will focus on one of the following concepts: See, Taste, Hear, Smell, Touch, and Give. The program was designed to be a simple, flexible, in-home resource for households of all ages, sizes and stages to use. A weekly virtual gathering component can be added for those seeking additional small group reflection, but it is not a requirement of the program design. If your church community or household is interested in using this resource please email lfarlin@diosova.org to obtain Lent at Home in Community as well as the distribution/use guidelines.
News from Boys Home
Through their Liaison Links newsletter, Boys Home invites you to stay connected with the spiritual life that takes place behind the scenes at Boys Home. This edition includes the Boys Home Lenten Calendar and the annual Quilt Raffle. Click here for the newsletter. Please take the time to read and share!
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
129th Annual Council is Feb. 22-27
This year's Annual Council is completely virtual and will be spread out over the week of Feb. 22-27. Most of the events during Council Week will be open to everyone and no advance registration is required. You can see the full Council Week schedule and the planned live events here.
Complete information about Council Week, and delegate materials, can be found at www.bit.ly/diosova129.
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"Rooted in Love" - Keynote speaker Jerusalem Greer
Everyone
is invited on Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m. for “Rooted in Love: Where
Good News, Spiritual Practices and our Baptismal promises meet” -- How
does our baptism inform our ministries and our lives? What does Good
News sound like? What exactly is the purpose of formation? Join
Jerusalem Greer, Staff Officer for Evangelism for Presiding Bishop
Michael Curry, as she shares about the Way of Love, Episcopal
Evangelism, Discipleship, and why our "why" matters most of all.
Jerusalem
Greer is the Staff Officer for Evangelism for The Episcopal Church in
the Office of the Presiding Bishop. She is also a member of the Way of
Love creation and leadership team and serves on Episcopal Relief &
Development’s Council of Advice. Jerusalem has authored two books and a
host of curricula. She lives with her family on hobby farm in rural
Arkansas, where they are attempting to live a slower version of modern
life. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
Virtual Council includes a Virtual Exhibit Hall
Visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall which features links to some of our favorite Annual Council vendors.
There's still time to be part of the Virtual Hymn Recording!
For Annual Council we’ll be recording Hymn 25, O Gracious Light.
You - and your friends and family! - are invited to be a part of the
recording! Click here for complete details and instructions. Deadline for recordings extended to Saturday, February 13.
Connecting with Jesus across Time and Cul
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we all have those “the Bible is so weird” moments when we are reading or hearing Scripture from our contemporary, Western perspective. This Lent you are invited to join a Zoom class on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m., beginning February 22 and continuing through March 22 to explore some of the ways we misunderstand or don’t understand the ancient culture of the Biblical world. The class is led by The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Soltys, Priest-in-Charge at Good Shepherd, Norfolk. You must register to receive the Zoom link. Please send an email to office@goodshepherdnorfolk.org to sign up. The class will be a mixed lecture and discussion format.
Life Transformed - The Way of Love in Lent
New and updated resources available for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
New
and updated Lent and Easter resources for congregations, dioceses, and
communities of faith are available from The Episcopal Church, with
additional offerings coming soon. Available and upcoming resources
include: Updated Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent curriculum;
Sermons That Work for Holy Week and Easter; a new podcast series,
Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community. Find
resources here. Read more here (in English, Spanish, and French).
Episcopal Migration Ministries offers daily Lenten devotional series
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), in partnership with members of the Episcopal Asylum Ministry Network, is offering a daily Lenten devotional series. Written reflections will be released daily beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17, through Easter Sunday, April 4. Reflections will also be available on the EMM website blog. Read more here.
Guidelines developed for amending church records for identity changes
At the request of General Convention (2018-A088),
The Archives of The Episcopal Church has prepared a set of
recommendations for developing local policy on name and gender changes
to Episcopal Church records. The Guidelines for Policy on Amending Church Records for Name and Gender Changes are available on the Archives Website with Spanish translation and supporting resources and links. Read more here (in English and Spanish).
The Episcopal Church offers a new Global Mission Digital Toolkit for World Mission Sunday
Traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday after Epiphany, this year World Mission Sunday is observed on February 14. Read more here (in English and Spanish).
Care of Creation Grants now available
Application deadline March 26, 2021
The
Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism
is now accepting applications for its 2021 Grant Cycle. An
informational webinar for those interested in learning more about the
grants and the application process is scheduled for February 18th at 3
pm EST. Read more here (in English and Spanish).
Monday, February 1, 2021
Reverend Absalom Jones Virtual Commemoration on February 13
Addictions & Recovery Commission co-hosts Invitation to Change Approach training
The
Addictions and Recovery Commission and SpiritWorks Foundation invite
you to participate in a virtual training in the Invitation to Change
Approach with Dr. Carrie Wilkins and Dr. Jarrell Myers from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. This training requires a
commitment to both days.
This
training will provide access to evidenced-based strategies and tools
for helping families and the community who are affected by addiction.
You will learn to help lead the charge in the faith community of helping
members of your parish/community with a program that is supported by
science and reflects the Christian values of compassion, and a desire to
heal pain. We will be setting up groups across the diocese and church
to use this model and will help you with setting them up in your
context.
Participants
will leave the training with a new way of understanding and approaching
substance use, as well as a set of practical skills and understandings
that will help them better help people with substance use issues.
If you have any questions or if the cost is prohibitive, please contact the Rev. Lauren McDonald at lauren@spiritworksfoundation.org. Click here for more information and registration.
Be a part of the Virtual Hymn Recording for Annual Council
For Annual Council we’ll be recording Hymn 25, O Gracious Light.
You - and your friends and family! - are invited to be a part of the
recording! Click here for complete details and instructions. Recordings must be submitted by Monday, February 8.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
When can we again gather in our buildings for worship?
A note from Bishop Haynes and the Health Advisory Panel
In the recent Town Hall Meeting with the Diocese, Bishop Haynes communicated to those in attendance that in-person public worship will be safe to resume when the percent positivity rate in Virginia has been consistently (for two weeks) below the 8% rate. We are monitoring the numbers daily and are encouraged that case rates are beginning to drop. However, the percent positivity rate for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia is currently 12.6 and decreasing.
Other regional rates are as follows:
- Central: 11.6% and decreasing
- Eastern: 17.3% and decreasing
- Near Southwestern: 12.5% and decreasing
It is good news that case rates and percent positivity rates are decreasing, but they are not in the safe zone yet. We continue to monitor the situation and will keep you advised of our progress. We encourage you to continue to connect with each other virtually, through telephone, internet and cards and letters to each other. The day is coming when the pandemic will be behind us. Remember the love you have for each other and act upon it.
Episcopal Relief & Development focuses on lament in 2021 Lenten Meditations
In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2021 Lenten Meditations share deeply personal reflections on the theme of lament from a diverse group of writers. Many of the authors share experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty. Click here for more information.
We are collecting Lenten (and other) formation resources on the diocesan website here.
Community of the Gospel offers Lectio in Lent
The Community of the Gospel (CG), an ecumenical non-residential monastic community with standing in The Episcopal Church announces Lectio in Lent. Using the ancient monastic method of praying the Scriptures, participants will deepen their paschal journeys by focusing on several texts traditionally associated with Lent. The facilitator will be Br. John Charles Westaway, CG, Deputy Guardian of the CG and long-time member of St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church, Palm Springs, CA. Br. John Charles is the Chaplain of the Daughters of the King, active in hunger ministries, and involved in diocesan activities.
The
Community of the Gospel invites all to join in Lectio in Lent beginning
Feb. 27 at noon. The event is free of charge. Zoom invites will be
issued to those who sign up ahead of time at the Doodle Poll here. Additional information may be obtained from Br. Daniel-Chad Hoffman at danhoffma@gmail.com. See more here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Inauguration resources, virtual prayer events
The church's Office of Government Relations has compiled a list of resources for virtual prayer and participation in the days around the Inauguration. These include:
- Prayer resources
- Advocacy opportunities in the first 100 days
- Civic mindfulness resources
- Social media content you can download and use
Covid-19 National Memorial Event, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C.
Tuesday, January 19, 5:30 p.m. People are “invited to join
Washington, D.C. in illuminating buildings and ringing church bells at
5:30 p.m. ET in a national moment of unity and remembrance.” For more
information click here.
Virtual Prayer Vigil tonight 7 to 8 p.m.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will participate in a virtual prayer vigil on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7 to 8 p.m. organized by Sojourners. The vigil, on the theme of “Peace With Justice,” will include a range of ecumenical Christian voices. Click here for more information and registration.
Prayers for Our Nation
Each day at 5 p.m., Washington National Cathedral. www.cathedral.org
Inaugural Prayer Service Jan. 21
Washington National Cathedral is expected to host an inaugural
prayer service on Jan. 21, as is traditional. More information will be
available at www.cathedral.org.
Online worship in Southern Virginia
Churches in Southern Virginia are offering a wide range of opportunities for online worship - Sundays and weekdays, Eucharist, Morning Prayer, Compline, Evening Prayer, and more. Click here for a listing of online worship opportunities.
Boys Home Liaison Links newsletter
Through the Liaison Links newsletter, Boys Home invites you to stay connected with the spiritual life that takes place behind the scenes there. This month's edition features Epiphany at Boys Home, along with some ways you can help the students. We hope you'll take the time to read and share the news from Boys Home.
House of Delegates Presents Jackson-Feild Proclamation
In
a country not just 250 years old, the 165th anniversary of anything is
an event to be celebrated. It is an especially remarkable achievement
when you consider that only 18 of our 50 states had been admitted to
the union, important inventions such as the telephone, electricity,
automobiles, airplanes, vaccinations, etc. had yet to be invented, and
events that shaped our nation and world had yet to occur.
Delegate Roslyn Tyler recently presented Tod Balsbaugh, VP of Advancement, the proclamation at her office in Emporia.
Jackson-Feild
is grateful to the General Assembly for this document and for helping
to provide essential mental health services to children with severe
mental illness.
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
On the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A message from Bishop Haynes
When those who were around him [Jesus] saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we strike with the sword?’ Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51)
When Judas came to betray Jesus, the disciples who surrounded him knew of no other way to respond than with violence. So Peter struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Jesus, however, had a vision of a new way of responding. He declared that violence was not the answer and reached out with a healing touch to repair the damage inflicted by the violence.
This way of responding without violence was also the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “In spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.” King envisioned a world that hinged on community, harmony and unity; nonviolence, in his view, was the only way to effect such a community: “We adopt the means of nonviolence because our end is a community at peace with itself. We will try to persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts.” Words and actions of peace were the goal.
On the anniversary of his birth, we honor the memory of this man who was a great leader in the civil rights movement but who also appears on the church’s calendar of saints. We dedicate ourselves to his dream that we all become beloved community. And we endeavor to do these things, not through violence which might seem a natural response, but through peace and non-violent actions.
The Episcopal Church is launching a new campaign on Martin Luther King’s birthday. The campaign is a conversation called “From Many One: Conversations Across Difference.” The initiative comes from the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum (from many, one) and hopes to teach, model and foster conversations with those who think differently from us. The conversation starts with the following four questions:
1. What do you love?
2. What have you lost?
3. Where does it hurt?
4. What do you dream?
You can find out more about the “From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference” here.
It is my hope that churches will use this resource as a way to begin conversation within their own “walls.” (I use this term figuratively since I realize that for the moment we are mostly in Zoom rooms or conference calls.)
Until such time as this conversation launches, it might also be helpful to ask ourselves the following questions:
· Are our actions aimed at peace or destruction?
· Do our words and actions comport peace or are they intended to inflict wounds?
· Whose ear are we cutting off?
· Whose ear are we being presented with the opportunity to heal, and are we accepting the grace of God to respond?
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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