Applications for Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps due January 4

The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to provide service and share their expertise worldwide through the Young Adult Service Corps. Commonly known as YASC, applications for 2013-14 are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30. "YASC provides an opportunity for young adults to explore their faith in a new capacity and to live out the Baptismal Covenant by seeking and serving Christ in all persons," noted the Rev. David Copley, Mission Personnel Officer. "Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment and the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion."

Current YASC members can be found throughout the Anglican Communion. They are working in administration, agriculture, development, education, and technology. They are serving in Brazil, Costa Rica, Haiti, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania. Read their thoughts and reflections on their blogs here.

Possible placements for 2013-14 include Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Mozambique, Panama,  the Philippines, South Africa and Taiwan.

The application for the 2013-14 YASC year is available online here . The application deadline is January 4, 2013. For more information contact Katie Webb at kwebb@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6124. 

New Episcopal Church resources focus on older adults, faith formation

Two new Lifelong Christian Formation resources focusing on older adults and faith formation in the Black context are now available for congregational use, in adult forums, study groups, educational seminars, and discussion gatherings. "Aging is Changing" and  "Stories of Transformation: Worship, Witness & Work in the Black Community" are available at no cost on the Episcopal Church website.
 

Aging is Changing
"Aging is Changing" is a five -part program designed to be incorporated into the life of congregations. Prepared by the Episcopal Church Office for Lifelong Christian Formation and the Executive Council Taskforce on Older Adult Ministries, "Aging is Changing" was developed to help clergy and lay leaders identify issues of older adults, their families, and caregivers, and to identify existing local, state and national resources that might be helpful. It also includes best practices from 60 congregations around the Episcopal Church. "This resource is aimed at changing the perception that older adults become less useful as they age," explained Ruth-Ann Collins, Episcopal Church Officer for Lifelong Formation. "It highlights the potential of this generation and signals us to remember that as Christians, we are called by God. And as a church we have adopted The Five Marks of Mission as a way to answer that call." Aging is Changing is available here. For more information contact Collins as rcollins@episcopalchurch.org.

Stories of Transformation: Worship, Witness & Work in the Black Community
This important offering is a series of stories shared from the personal experience of the writers - a seminarian, theologians, parish priests, activists - and is a direct response to the conversation among the young people about the place and role of storytelling in the family. Prepared by the Episcopal Church Office for Lifelong Christian Formation and the Office of Black Ministries, Stories of Transformation is recommended for congregational use by clergy and lay leaders who want to approach faith formation work in the context of the black community, providing readers the opportunity to go deeper into the stories of the black community. "These stories illustrate the rich heritage of a community with the tension between experiences of deep sadness and the abundance of joy inform how the black community celebrate their relationship with God," noted the Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, Episcopal Church Missioner for Black Ministries "This is not just for those ministering in black community. It is a gift to all Christians giving us a significant opportunity to get a glimpse into the life of the black community." Stories of Transformation are available here. For more information contact Ifill at aifill@episcopalchurch.org.

Jubilee Ministry grant applications now being accepted

Applications for 2012 Jubilee Ministry grants are now being accepted in two categories: diocesan initiatives and health and nutrition. Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to the Episcopal Church whose mission work affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues. Grants to Jubilee ministries are awarded annually. All application forms are available here.  

• Funding diocesan initiatives: due December 1; $1,000 grants to support Jubilee Ministry development plans of the local bishop and the appointed diocesan jubilee officer (dioceses can receive one grant).
• Health and nutrition: due December 1; $750 grants for Jubilee Ministries that respond to the nutritional needs of people living in "food deserts," defined as those communities in which residents have no easy access to fresh produce, and must rely on convenience stores or fast-food restaurants to provide their meals.

Guidelines, additional information, and applications are here. For more information contact Angeline Cabanban, acabanban@episcopalchurch.org. 

Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts get under way

Hurricane Sandy has caused record flooding and left an estimated 6 million people on the Eastern Seaboard without power. Thanks be to God that Southern Virginia came through the storm with no parishes reporting significant damage. As the crisis unfolds, Episcopal Relief and Development is working with affected dioceses to assess needs and to provide critical, life saving assistance, as well as long-term recovery aid in the aftermath. Get more information, and make donations, here.

"Hungry, And You Fed Me" reflections on Lectionary includes priest from Southern Virginia

"Hungry, And You Fed Me: Homilies and Reflections for Cycle C" is a brand new book edited by Deacon Jim Knipper, and includes homilies and reflections from some of today's finest homilists, including Richard Rohr and James Martin. This includes work by the Rev. Penny Nash, Associate Rector for Youth, Children & Families at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. 

"A year ago I launched this project, leading me to eventually reach out to a dozen men and women who are some of the best of the best when it comes to breaking open the Word of God," said Jim Knipper, the book's editor. "My goal was to compile and edit a book that would feed the heart and souls of the readers and act as a vehicle to raise money to feed the hungry and homeless. My hope and prayer is that this book does both."

As Homilists for the Homeless, the book's writers and preachers have generously donated their material so that proceeds from the book can be given to the four charities selected for this volume. This first of three books begins with Cycle C of the Lectionary for Mass, which starts the First Sunday of Advent 2012 (and every three years thereafter).

The book is available at the Bruton Parish Shop and online here. You can also follow Homilists for the Homeless on Facebook.

Jackson-Feild Home admits first boy in 157-year history

On October 16, the first boy in Jackson-Feild Homes' 157-year history was admitted. C.J. is from Southside Virginia, and his placement marks a milestone for Jackson-Feild.

In a special ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 23, Debbie Mehl, Director of Programs, noted that "for more than one hundred years, the Home has provided many blessings to girls. It has provided seeds to plant, roads to follow, people who cared, and inspiration for girls to follow and achieve their dreams. Today, we now offer these same gifts to our first boy, C.J., and eagerly await the hundreds of other boys who will follow."

Much like Jackson-Feild is implementing history-making changes to benefit the lives of children, C.J. is making great changes in his own life. C.J. is at a turning point, and Jackson-Feild is the road that is right for him.

In the next few weeks, Jackson-Feild anticipates the arrival of more boys who - like C.J. - will take the road of recovery that will enable them to become successful, self-sufficient, healthy adults. Since 1855, Jackson-Feild Homes has provided care and hope to girls. The Home now looks forward to offering successful treatment to both girls and boys who so desperately need what they provide - help and healing.

College students in Southern Virginia are grateful for Ridley Foundation scholarships

In July the Ridley Foundation Board met and awarded 44 scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year totaling $87,000. Listen to what some of the recipients have said:

Dear Ridley Foundation,

I can only begin to describe my gratitude for the very generous financial assistance you all have given me. Thank you so much. This past summer I had the privilege of working for Virginia Tech's New Student Programs as an Orientation Leader. Ever since my freshman orientation I had dreams of becoming one. While working in this position, I was able to share my passion, personal experiences and the best advice I could offer with over 250 incoming freshmen. I can honestly say that I have never had a more rewarding job or one that I loved as much. I want you all to know that you have helped me with that dream and I could not be more grateful for your help. Thank you once again for helping work towards my goal of graduating college.

Sincerely,

Peter Gunderson, St. Thomas, Chesapeake

Dear Ridley Board of Trustees,

Thank you so much for helping again this year with my scholarship! Words cannot express how grateful I am. I am very excited for this new school year and I don't know if I could do it without your help! Thanks Again!

Sincerely,

Darby McClellan, Johns Memorial, Farmville

Thank you so much for all of your help. This is greatly appreciated and is very welcomed.

Again Thank You,

Eric Beard , Grace, Norfolk

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to your foundation for awarding me with your scholarship. It made a definite contribution to my education.

Sincerely,

Ericka J Beard, Grace, Norfolk

The Ridley Foundation,

Thank you so much for your support. I will use the money wisely. It is good to know I can find support in the church I love. Go Hokies!

Julie Worley, St. Paul's, Norfolk

To the Board of Trustees for the Ridley Foundation,

Thank you very much for seeing fit to award me a scholarship! The financial assistance provided by you has been a major asset in college, and I feel confident that the education I am receiving will enable me to carry out God's work in the world.

Thank you,

Marcus Starman, St. Martin's, Williamsburg

Dear Ridley Foundation,

Thank you so much for the immensely generous scholarship! My family and I are both very grateful to the Ridley Foundation for helping to make my academic dreams come true.

Thanks again and God bless!

Kerri Kearse, Emmanuel, Virginia Beach