Integrity chapter participates in Norfolk’s Out in the Park

Integrity's Susan Pederson & Jesse Woods

On Saturday, August 18, members of the diocesan chapter of Integrity braved the heat and humidity in Norfolk’s Town Point Park to bring a message of welcome to the Hampton Roads LGBT community at “Out in the Park.”  The annual event draws thousands each year. This is Integrity’s third year participating in the event. Volunteers from Ascension Norfolk, Eastern Shore Chapel Virginia Beach, St. Stephen’s Norfolk and St. Mark’s Hampton spent the day talking with festival-goers and sharing the good news that God loves everyone and that the Episcopal Church welcomes you.

If you would like to know more about Integrity, visit them online at www.integritydiosova.blogspot.com or email integrityvb@gmail.com. The chapter gathers the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 at MJ’s Tavern in Norfolk for dinner and a short meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Creating Safe Schools training for day care workers

Ascension, Norfolk, in conjunction with the Diocese of Southern Virginia is pleased to offer classroom training for Creating Safe Schools on Tuesday, August 28. This new session is recommended for all day care workers. The session will be from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will cover the children's safety module as well as key components of the adult prevention of misconduct training. There is no charge for the training, but asking all to register in advance. Click here for online registration.

Safe Church classroom training in Hampton

St. Mark's, Hampton, in conjunction with the Diocese of Southern Virginia is pleased to offer classroom training for Creating Safe Churches for Congregations and Children on Saturday, October 6. These newly updated sessions are recommended for all Vestry members and church employees. Any parishioners, volunteers, clergy and staff who work with children are requested to complete the Child module. The first session will be from 9:30-12:00 and will be the Adult Module. The second session from 12:30-3:00 will cover the Children curriculum. Lunch will be served only to those attending both sessions. The cost for both sessions is $10. The cost to attend only the Adult or Child module is $5. Click here for online registration.

New resources for fall stewardship campaigns

TENS has provided some new resources for its members for fall stewardship campaigns. Go to  www.episcopalchurch.org/page/blessed-be-blessing. Our diocese is a member of TENS and all congregations have access to TENS materials. If you need additional information, please contact Caroline Black, cblack@diosova.org or 757-213-3377. 

Free webinar: Integrating Sex Offenders into Faith Communities

On Wednesday, August 22 from noon to 1 p.m. there will be a free webinar titled "Integrating Sex Offenders into Faith Communities" with Richard Hammar, a renowned church legal expert. The webinar is free and will take an in-depth look at how churches can minister to this potentially high-risk population, while ensuring other members stay safe. Click here to register.

Vergers' Guild National Conference Oct. 11-14

The Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church will host a national conference Oct. 11-14 at All Saints' Church in Lakeland, Florida for those currently serving as vergers or those contemplating this area of service. Participants will attend workshops, exchange ideas and be supported by the fellowship of other vergers. Offerings at this year's conference address large and small parishes; Verger 101 for new vergers; dealing with transition in the church or a verger's service; making your own Eucharistic bread; parish security; and many more. Register before September 1 and receive a discount. Some scholarship assistance is available for first-time attenders, youth attendees, and those with financial need. Go to www.vergers.org/2012 for more information and online registration.

Talbot Hall property update

The Executive Board and Standing Committee of the Diocese have retained Harvey Lindsay Corporate Real Estate Services to address the Talbot Hall property. The proposal by the Harvey Lindsay group is in three parts beginning with an emphasis on historic preservation, appraisal and ending with the marketing of the premises. The firm will also serve as a consultant in the selection of a site for the new administrative offices of the Diocese.

After thorough research and consideration, the Conveyance and Location sub-committees of the Executive Board's Property Committee recommended the engagement of Harvey Lindsay Corporate Real Estate Services. Harvey Lindsay Corporate Real Estate is a highly respected Norfolk firm that has provided real estate services to the Hampton Roads region for over 70 years. Mr. Lindsay, the company's current chairman is a long-time member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk. His relationship with the Episcopal Church in Southern Virginia uniquely qualifies his firm to handle the marketing of the property with sensitivity, understanding the special affection that the members of the Diocese and others throughout the community have come to have for the Talbot Hall property, and with a desire to honor the original gift of the Talbot family.

In accordance with the resolution passed at Annual Council, 2012, historic protection of the Talbot Hall manor house, preservation of the property's shoreline, and respect for the surrounding neighborhood will be taken into consideration. The decision regarding the disposition of the property will be made only after careful consideration by each of the more than thirty members of the Executive Board and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Virginia who are committed to follow the intent of that resolution.