Two videos address domestic poverty; appropriate for congregation discussion groups

from Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs 

Circle of Protection, an ecumenical alliance of Christian leaders of which Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is an original member, has released videos from the presidential candidates that can be utilized by groups, congregations and dioceses to discuss the pervasive issue of poverty in the United States.

The Episcopal Church, as a member of National Council of Churches (NCC) and the Circle of Protection, encourages the use of the two videos - one from each of the presidential candidates - in congregational discussion groups and adult forums as an opportunity for congregations to talk about poverty and how it is woven into the discussions of the upcoming national election.

Both videos are available at  http://www.circleofprotection.us/.

Pilgrimage Studies Symposium and the Dalai Lama coming to William & Mary

The Annual Symposium for Pilgrimage Studies sponsored by the Institute for Pilgrimage Studies at the College of William & Mary and the International Consortium on Pilgrimage Studies will be held October 12-14. Highlights include a special guest speaker and a concluding dance performance "Outer Pathway/Inner Journey" to enhance our understanding and interpretation of pilgrimage studies.  Speakers from a broad range of disciplines such as religious studies, anthropology, Hispanic studies, art history, kinesiology, classical studies, medieval history, and sociology are expected. Click here for more information and registration.
 

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, considered one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders and winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, will speak at William & Mary on October 10 at 2 p.m. The Dalai Lama is expected to deliver a lecture focused on the virtues of human compassion. Ticket information is available here.

October is UTO Ingathering month

By Rosalyn Neal, Diocesan UTO Coordinator 

Thanks to all who were able to send in the Spring Ingathering Collections in a timely fashion. Parishes responded generously despite the fact that confusion may have occurred during the change of coordinators this year. Regretfully, I must resign this post after such a brief period because of personal, family and health concerns. I will continue to work with the Diocese in this position until mid-November.

October has been designated as UTO Ingathering Month for the Fall. To this end, I am asking that you work as hard as always, and send your Fall collections to me through the month of November. Checks should be made out to United Thank Offering. Mail collections to: Rosalyn Neal, 4661 Truman Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. For more information please contact me at 757-363-0516 or rmneal@verizon.net. 

Healthcare open enrollment & clergy compensation

2013 Open Enrollment for clergy and lay employees participating in medical and dental plans is October 10-31.  Click here for complete information.

 

The  2013 Clergy Compensation Manual is now available on our website. The Executive Board has approved a 1.7% cost of living increase for 2013. 

 
If you have questions about Open Enrollment or Clergy Compensation, please contact Canon for Administration the Rev. Canon Ed Tracy, 757-213-3378 or etracy@diosova.org. 

Appreciative Inquiry for Vestries & Church Leaders

Saturday, October 13, 2012. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
St. Michael's, Bon Air
In this program you will: learn the essentials of appreciative inquiry; learn how to ensure change is a sustainable blessing and not a curse; discover appreciative strategies for dealing with problems. Cost: $55 per person with a cap of $250 per parish. Lunch will be provided. For more information go to www.clergyleadership.com. Click here to register.

Chanco announces new structure

A Vision for Chanco 

"I envision Chanco being everything it currently is and much, much more. I see it as a place with the potential to be the true spiritual heart of Southern Virginia - a place where people come from all over for spiritual formation, refreshment and worship, a place characterized by Christian hospitality. I see the summer camp as a place for our young people to grow in their spiritual awareness and to begin to find their place in the community of the baptized.   And finally, I see it as a place that draws in people from both inside and outside our Church, giving us an opportunity to share with them God's love as revealed in the beauty of creation." 

+H. Hollerith IV, Bishop of Southern Virginia

In order to move forward towards the Bishop's vision of what Chanco can be, and following recommendations from the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center assessment of Chanco, the Board of Directors has implemented the following staff changes:

• A Full Time Executive Director (Currently in search)
• A Full Time Chanco Administrative Coordinator (Stacey Richards)
• A Seasonal Camp Director (Will recruit in early 2013)
• A Full Time Facilities and Property Keeper (Robbie Matthews)
• A Full Time Housekeeping Attendant (Shanna Matthews)
• Marketing and Development Contractor (Talley Banazek)
• Support staff as budgeted and necessary

Sadly, to implement this decision, it was necessary to eliminate the position of a year-round Camp Director. The off-season responsibilities will shift to the Executive Director, who will also conduct a search for a newly-created Seasonal Camp Director.

The Board of Directors would like to thank Jim Sitzler for his years of service to the camp program, and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

For additional information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions here or on the Chanco website.

Walk and Be Well program begins October 1

From Episcopal CREDO 

Jesus spent much of his ministry walking. From town to town across Galilee, Samaria and Judea, he walked and talked, in the company of his disciples, his followers and God.

CREDO's Walk and Be Well offers a way to follow Jesus both in words and action, with a walking program attuned to both body and soul. For four weeks beginning October 1, CREDO will provide daily Walk and Be Well reflections in both text and audio that can motivate, encourage and educate you on the benefits of walking and help you commit to 28 days devoted to better wellness. You'll begin your daily walk with a reflection from one of three CREDO writers and faculty members: Jackie Cameron,  Elizabeth Moosbrugger or Bill Watson. Each writer starts and finishes his or her reflection with the same scriptural anchors, but along the way approaches walking from a unique perspective. The entire series weaves together a very broad and holistic look at health and wellness.

Reflections can be downloaded as podcasts, streamed from the CREDO website and printed as PDFs; use them while walking solely or share them with your walking partner or group. And if you would like to receive your daily reflection by email, just sign up and we will send it to you in the early morning.

Walk and Be Well begins on September 30, with an introduction from Jackie Cameron. October 1 begins the walking days, which continue through October 28.  The distance and pace is up to you. Walk and Be Well is your opportunity to join other CREDO participants, whether they're in your area or they live far away, in committing to four weeks of walking as a benefit to your physical and spiritual health and well-being.