Talbot Hall Property Update

The Talbot Hall Property sub-committees (Conveyance Committee and Location Committee) held a joint meeting on January 5. The committees are engaged in continuing the process of discerning the future of the Talbot Hall property and the location of the diocesan offices. 

What’s happened so far? 

In April 2011, the Talbot Hall Task Force - charged by the diocesan Property Committee and Bishop Hollerith to receive and recommend proposals regarding the property - concluded its work and made its report to the diocesan Property Committee. After reviewing that report, along with prior property assessments, the Properties Committee voted to recommend to the Executive Board the sale of the Talbot Hall property and the relocation of the diocesan offices to a more demographically central location. This recommendation was presented at the Executive Board's June 2011 meeting. 

In response, an ad hoc committee of the Executive Board was then appointed to determine what further information was needed in order to move forward. The committee reported its findings to the Executive Board at its September 2011 meeting. The following resolution was approved: "Be It Resolved that the Executive Board authorizes the Properties Committee to explore* the sale of Talbot Hall and to explore* the most feasible location for the Diocesan Office, continuing to respect the neighbors of Talbot Hall and the history of the property." In response to the resolution, the Executive Board established two new sub-committees, a Conveyance Committee and a Location Committee, to gather further information. 

The Talbot Hall Property sub-committees held an initial joint meeting on October 26, 2011. Bishop Hollerith attended this meeting of the Conveyance and Location sub-committees and gave an overview of the historic functions of the Talbot Hall property, in this order of priority: to supply the administrative offices; to provide housing for the Bishop and one staff person; and to provide a diocesan conference center. The sub-committees were charged to gather information and make recommendations to the Executive Board regarding how these needs can best be met. 

Where are we in the process? 

The committees are now in the process of gathering information. In order to move forward, the Executive Board and Standing Committees have submitted a resolution to the 120th Annual Council which seeks support of their already existing canonical authority to make decisions about Talbot Hall and the possible relocation of our diocesan center. The full text of the resolution will be available in the delegate packets distributed prior to Pre-Council Convocation meetings.  

*Exploring the possible sale of the property will include inquiries into: cost effectiveness, cost comparisons, diocesan demographics, possible locations - including the present location at Talbot Hall, facility use requirements, input from various regions of the Diocese, and other data.

Convocation Pre-Council Meetings Scheduled

Convocational Pre-Council Meetings have all been scheduled. This is your opportunity to get information on nominations, resolutions and participate in the Executive Board elections prior to Annual Council which is Feb. 10-11 at the Williamsburg Lodge. You can get all the current information on Annual Council at our website, www.diosova.org.

Convocation 1 - January 29, 6 p.m. at St. George's Pungoteague
Convocation 2 - January 29, 4 p.m. at Old Donation Virginia Beach
Convocation 3 - January 29, 4 p.m. at Ascension Norfolk
Convocation 4 - January 25, 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Suffolk
Convocation 5 - January 24, 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Hampton
Convocation 6 - January 24, 7 p.m. at Christ & Grace Petersburg
Convocation 7 - January 31, 7 p.m. at Manakin, Midlothian
Convocation 8 - January 28, 10 a.m. at St. Paul & St. Andrew's Kenbridge
Convocation 9 - January 31, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity, South Boston

Mission of the Holy Spirit seeking laptop computers

The Mission of the Holy Spirit is seeking the donation of a few laptop computers for kids who are looking at colleges and applying for jobs. If you have a good, used laptop you can donate, please contact the Mission at info@missionoftheholyspirit.org.

Bishop Hollerith's 2011 Christmas message

Saint Paul's College participates in Project Stop Now!

Saint Paul’s College together with the Brunswick/Greensville Family Violence/Sexual Assault Unit sponsored an informational forum for students and interested persons, titled “Applying the Brakes on Relationship Violence.”  This collaboration and funding was made possible by a grant awarded through UNCF Special Programs Corporation; and Tougaloo College of Mississippi titled, “Project Stop Now!”  “Project Stop Now!” is a program that targets freshmen students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for awareness and preventive strategies in the area of abuse.

The forum was followed up with a dialogue seminar presented by Licensed Professional Counselors and Victim Advocates, Ms. Monique Goodson and Ms. Sharon Hicks of Raleigh, North Carolina.  Student participation was excellent.  These activities were in recognition of Domestic Violence Month.  “This initiative encourages affiliated institutions and others to plan and implement safeguards against abusive behaviors in college companionships,” said Saint Paul’s College Counselor of Academic Support Services and Campus Representative of Project Stop Now!, Mr. Wesley Alston.

PHOTO:

From left to right:  Saint Paul’s College Counselor of Academic Support Services and Campus Representative of Project Stop Now!, Mr. Wesley Alston; Saint Paul’s College student, Kevin Reynolds; Saint Paul’s College Center of Academic Support Services Tutorial Lab Coordinator, Kathy Braden; Saint Paul’s College students Nicole Phifer, Latoria James and Joshua Sexton; Saint Paul’s College Director of the Center of Academic Support Services, Audrey Nelson

About Saint Paul’s College

Founded in 1888 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Saint Paul’s College is a private, historically black, accredited, four-year coeducational and culturally diverse liberal arts institution of higher learning located on a beautiful 183-acre campus in the rolling hills of Brunswick County in Southern Virginia. Saint Paul’s offers baccalaureate degrees in the arts and sciences, teacher education endorsements, professional and pre-professional programs, and the only Single Parent Support System program for degree-seeking single parents in Virginia.  Saint Paul’s offers an accelerated degree program for working adults in four locations across Virginia including Richmond, Farmville, Franklin and Lawrenceville.

Registration open for spring youth & youth leader events

Youth Leader Gathering - January 27-28 at Chanco. Gather together with other adults who work with youth for a time of reflection, resource sharing and refreshment. Try out new activities and worship for use with your youth group and problem solve common issues in youth ministry. Cost is $50. Register by Jan. 16. Click here for more information and registration.  Happening #58 - March 9-11 at Chanco. Happening is a Christian renewal program designed for youth in grades 10-12. The focal point of the weekend is learning and experiencing the love of Christ.  The weekend format includes series of talks, movies, small group activities and worship, as well as opportunities for fellowship, fun and making new friends. Click here for more information and registration. Blackstone 2012 - March 23-25 at VUMAC in Blackstone. At this Spring gathering, Senior High youth come together for more amazing worship, outreach, community-building, and fun in Christian community. We will also elect new members to the EYC Board. The usual favorites like small groups, the dance and the talent show will also be part of this weekend. Click here for more information and registration. April Weekend 2012 - April 13-15 at Chanco. Junior High youth are invited to enjoy a full weekend of fun and faith-building programs. The weekend includes creative worship, indoor and outdoor games and activities, a campfire, a dance and a chance to meet other Junior High youth from all over the diocese! Click here for more information and registration.

Applications available for Episcopal Youth Presence at General Convention 2012

Are you an Episcopal youth, or know one who would like to learn about the governance of the church while providing a needed service? Then consider the Episcopal Youth Presence at General Convention 2012. Eighteen positions, representing two from each Province of the Episcopal Church, are opened to youth to participate in the 77th General Convention, scheduled for July 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana July 5 to July 12. Click here for more information. Interested youth may apply or be nominated by an adult. To be eligible for one of the 18 positions, the youth must:

• be an Episcopalian active in his/her faith community
• be at least 16 years old but not more than 19 years old at the time of General Convention in July 2012
• be enrolled in high school during the 2011/2012 academic year
• have permission to travel to and from the meetings and General Convention on his/her own
• be able to attend training from April 12 to April 15 in Indianapolis
• be able to be present at General Convention 2012 in Indianapolis from Thursday, July 5 to Thursday, July 12

Travel, lodging and meal expenses are covered. Click here for application form. Click here for nomination form. For more information contact Bronwyn Clark Skov,  bskov@episcopalchurch.org.