Scholarships for VTS students available

Hampton Roads Community Foundation is accepting 2013-2014 applications for the Barron F. Black Scholarship and the Hy Smith Scholarship, both of which are for Virginia Theological Seminary students from the geographic area served by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. The Foundation’s theological scholarship application is currently available on our website at http://hamptonroadscf.org/scholarships for interested students to download. The application deadline is April 1, 2013. Awards will be up to $4,000.

LPM Spring Workshop on March 9

Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) presents a special one-day Workshop to enrich the music ministry of your congregation. "The Music of the Spheres: Choral Anthems from Hymnals and Beyond" will be held Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 4819 Monument Avenue, Richmond. Early bird fee: $45 and includes lunch and your free anthem packet. Fee after February 28 is $60. This workshop is for EVERYONE from all denominations who loves the Church's Music and Worship - enthusiastic amateurs and experienced professionals alike.

• Morning session: Using hymns as anthems - Our hymnals provide a wonderful resource for choirs with limited resources-ideas you'll take home!
• Afternoon session: Anthem reading - Unison, two and three part, and simple four part anthems-fun and stimulating.

To Register: Send name(s) and Check to ("LPM Virginia") to Nellwyn Beamon, Church of the Ascension, 405 Talbot Hall Road, Norfolk VA 23505.  

Theologian Dr. Stanley Hauerwas featured at Duke Divinity School Anglican Episcopal Study Day

The Anglican Episcopal House of Studies (AEHS) at Duke Divinity School is excited to announce that this year's AEHS Study Day for clergy on March 14 will feature Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, one of the world's most influential theologians.  His topic is "Preaching without Apology:  Thoughts from an Occasional Preacher and Practical Theologian." Click here for more information. 

2013 Forum for Pastoral Ministries - Caring for the Caregiver

Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care (VIPCare) invites you to the 2013 Forum for Pastoral Ministries. This year's forum is "Caring for the Caregivers" and includes "The Empty Nest is Not Empty Anymore - Special Needs of Dependent Children;" "The Relationship Has Reversed - Caring for Aging Parents;" and "Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First - Self Care for the Caregiver." Speakers include Dr. W. Vic Maloy, Dr. Doug M. Thorpe and the Rev. Kristin L. Francisco.  

The forum is Thursday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at VIPCare (2000 Bremo Road, Suite 105, Richmond) and is open to all parish and specialized ministry leaders. Cost is $35.00 and 0.3 units Continuing Education Credit are offered.To register call 804-282-8332 or to to www.vipcare.org by January 31.

Association of Episcopal Deacons to hold Diaconal Assembly 2013 in Williamsburg

The Association of Episcopal Deacons (AED) Diaconal Assembly 2013 will be held June 13-16 in Williamsburg. This year's theme is "Jamestown: A Mere 400 Years. Weaving a New World View."

Their time together will begin with Liturgy at the Hunt Monument in Jamestown, site of the first Anglican celebration of the Eucharist in the Americas. Over the space of four days participants will explore the various world views (Colonial, Indigenous, and African) which continue to inform our nation and church. The assembly will be led by presenters Eric Law, Sarah Eagle Heart, and Katrina Brown. Bishop Hollerith will give a welcoming address and celebrate the closing Eucharist at Bruton Parish on Saturday, June 15 at 5:00 p.m.  

For complete information, registration, accommodations, go to www.episcopaldeacons.org. Space is limited to the first 200 to register, so don't delay, register today!

Churches step up to the plate to sponsor children at Jackson-Feild Home

Jackson-Feild Homes would like to thank those churches and Episcopalians who provided gifts or funds for the children for Christmas. Thanks to them, all the children were sponsored and there were additional funds left over to purchase recreational and activity equipment and supplies. The girls and boys were overwhelmed on Christmas morning.

A sampling of some of the children's comments:

Kiersten - "I loved it! It was the best Christmas I ever had."

C.J. - "A memorable and fun experience I will never forget."

Tiffany - "I am very grateful for my gifts because someone really cares about me."

Kejah - "I greatly appreciate the gifts I was given. It shows that people truly care about others."

Victoria - "Thankful that people went out of their way to make Christmas special and the staff also made it memorable."

Jackson-Feild is a residential treatment program that serves children who have emotional disorders. Every effort is made to make these children feel loved, appreciated and valued. Each day, we strive to give the children experiences and opportunities that all children have during their teenage years, and the Christmas sponsorship program is just one of them.

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.