Gareth Kalfas called as Chanco's Executive Director

The Chanco Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Gareth Kalfas has accepted our call to serve as Executive Director of Chanco on the James. Gareth comes to us from Camp All Saints in the Diocese of Dallas where he has served for five years in various roles of increasing responsibility, including Interim Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director. Gareth and his wife, Lynn, are excited to join us in Southern Virginia and he is looking forward to starting officially on February 1, 2013.

Gareth states, "I am very excited to be selected as the Executive Director of Chanco on the James, a camp with such rich tradition and so much support. I understand many of you have had formative experiences at Chanco. I hope you will contact me to share your passion for the camp, and tell me of the experiences that have made it such an important ministry to the Diocese of Southern Virginia. My wife Lynn and I are eager to get to know the area and to make new friends in Virginia." 

Gareth grew up in Jamestown, NY, where he earned his Eagle Scout award and became a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame and earned a second B.S. from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. He proposed to his wife, Lynn, on Christmas day at Colonial Williamsburg. He has continued as a member of the Duke of Gloucester Society ever since and has a special fondness for this area. Gareth is a certified ARC Lifeguard Instructor, a US Sailing Instructor, a Level I Challenge Course Practitioner, a New York State licensed guide, an American Camping Association (ACA) Associate Visitor, and an E licensed soccer coach. 

The Chanco family is thrilled to have Gareth joining our team and we thank everyone in advance for their support and warm welcome for Gareth and Lynn.

Pre-Council Convocation meetings

Convocation 1 - Jan. 27, 5:30  p.m. at St. James', Accomac
Convocation 2 - Jan. 27, 4 p.m. at Old Donation, Virginia Beach
Convocation 3 - Jan. 27, 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's, Norfolk
Convocation 4 - Jan. 30, 7 p.m. at St. Paul's, Suffolk
Convocation 5 - Jan. 29, 7 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Newport News
Convocation 6 - Jan. 29, 7 p.m. at Merchants Hope, Prince George
Convocation 7 - Jan. 22, 7 p.m. at St. Michael's, Bon Air
Convocation 8 - Jan. 26, 10 a.m. at St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge
Convocation 9 - TBD  

Valentine's Day Dinner - 18th Century style - at this year's Annual Council

February 14, 7 p.m. at King's Arms Tavern in Historic Colonial Williamsburg
We welcome you to arrive in Williamsburg a day prior to Annual Council to enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner at King's Arms Tavern in historic Colonial Williamsburg where the ambiance, welcoming service and colonial entertainment will make this a Valentine's Day to remember for many years to come. A torchbearer will meet us at the Williamsburg Lodge and lead the way to the tavern. (Hotel van will transport those unable to make the walk.) Click here for menu and prices.  

Optional Evening Lantern Tour 

You may also take part in an Evening Lantern Tour. You will be greeted by a professional tour guide on the steps of King's Arms Tavern. Your guide will take you into the historical area, telling the eerie stories along the way. As you journey by candlelight through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, you will hear some folklore, stories of the past, a little history too. The tour will last one hour and the guide will escort you back to the Williamsburg Lodge where the evening will conclude. Cost of tour is $12 per person. 

Space is limited, so make your reservations now! Make your reservations by contacting Toni Hogg, 757-635-7402 or tonih68@gmail.com

Ridley Foundation accepting grant applications

The Ridley Foundation will be accepting applications for grants for the spring semester until January 20. Click here for an application form and list of requirements.

Reminder to Fall 2012 grant recipients - To receive the second half of your grant, have your school send your fall semester grades to the Ridley Foundation, 600 Talbot Hall Road, Norfolk, VA 23505.  

Annual Acolyte Festival in Nags Head

St. Andrew's-by-the-Sea, Nags Head, invites Southern Virginia acolytes to join them for their Annual Acolyte Festival, April 26-27. Click here for more information and registration form. This year's festival includes a performance by Sloan River Project. For more information contact Debbie Luke, Acolyte Festival coordinator, lukecrew@hotmail.com. 

2013 Epiphany devotions available

Epiphany devotions for 2013 developed by the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are available here. “These devotions for Epiphany are a mark of our deepening partnership and the common work of our four churches,” noted Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.  “Our working together is another sign of our full communion relationship.”

The six devotions for the season of Epiphany are based on the shared gospels for the Sundays and are appropriate for both groups or individuals.

Sunday, January 6: Epiphany 1, Feast of Epiphany
Sunday, January 13: The Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday, January 20:  Epiphany 2
Sunday, January 27: Epiphany 3
Sunday, February 3: Epiphany 4
Sunday, February 10: Feast of the Transfiguration

The contributors to the Devotions are members of the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee, USA, and the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission (JALC), Canada.

Upcoming free ECF web conferences

As part of Episcopal Church Foundation's on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, they are offering a wide range of web conferences for clergy and lay parish leaders this winter. There is no cost to participate in most of the web conferences (there is a nominal fee of $10 for Fresh Start web conferences) and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate. Topics include vestry leadership (in English and in Spanish), engaging congregations with local communities, capital campaigns, clergy transition, annual giving, endowments, and planned giving. Click here for details and registration.