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.

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.

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.

Live conversation with authors Anne Lamott and Nadia Bolz-Weber

The Episcopal Booksellers Association in partnership with Parish Book Store of Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, and its other member stores invites you to a Live conversation with New York Times bestselling authors Anne Lamott and Nadia Bolz-Weber to discuss Anne's new book Dusk Night Dawn: On Revival and Courage. Thursday, April 8, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Ann Lamott's new book will be available at the Parish Book Store and on their virtual shelves at bookshop.org/shop/parishbookstore. Anyone wanting to take part in the event April 8 must register with the Parish Book Store (books@easternshorechapel.org) to get the ZOOM l
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.

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

The James Solomon Russell Chapter of Union of Black Episcopalians invites you to join them on Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. for The Venerable James Solomon Russell Virtual Commemoration. The theme of the gathering is James Solomon Russell: Priest, Church Planter, Educator, College President and Man of Faith. Speaker will be Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Sr., the ninth president of Saint Paul’s College. You are invited to make a gift to: The Saint Paul’s Memorial Chapel. Please send your contribution to: Dr. Angela Parker, Treasure/SPMC, P.O. Box 268, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. Visit diosova.org for log in information for this gathering.

Tee off with Jackson-Feild this spring!

The 26th Annual Go Golfing for the Kids tournament, sponsored by Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. will be held on Monday, May 3, at The Golf Club at The Highlands in Chesterfield, VA. Sponsor a team of 4 for $600 or play as an individual for $150. All players receive lunch, 3 beverage tickets, and snacks on the course. Range balls will be provided, and the driving range will open 90 minutes prior to tee off.

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!

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

Join the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) as we remember, celebrate, and explore the lasting impact the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the Anglican Communion’s first female bishop, has had upon The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. Using excerpts from The Mitre Fits Just Fine!, Parting Words, and Hallelujah Anyhow, as well as personal encounters, our panelists will speak to how this avid support of UBE continues to compel us never to forget “the least, the lost and the left out”. Click here for more information. Registration Required. Register here. To learn more about Bishop Harris and for commemoration resources, click here.

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).