Sign up now for the Annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders

The annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton. There is no fee to attend. Lunch is provided. Open to all adults who work with youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, this annual event provides an opportunity to network with other youth leaders, problem-solve common issues in youth ministry, and get up-to-date information on resources and programs. There is no deadline to register. So that we can plan for lunch, please contact Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner, at 757-213-3393 or ascruggs@diosova.org.

Junior/Senior High Conference is the remedy for summer boredom

How many teenagers will be saying this in the middle of the summer? Sure, summer vacation is great but around mid-July it can get a little old - for parents and kids. The solution: come to Chanco! Not only will youth not be bored, they will have an opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally and physically. Junior/Senior High Conference is a great week that combines elements of camp with a theme-based program. Our theme this year is "Carry On." We will explore how we Carry On in a world that is often difficult and challenging. There will also be workshops such as Sailing, Ropes Course, Arts and Crafts and other favorite camp activities. Junior/Senior High Conference is open to teens ages 13 through 18 and runs from July 7 to 12. The cost is $300. Please go to www.chanco.org to register. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Rev. Eileen P. Walsh, director for Junior/Senior High Conference, 757-484-5155. We hope to see your teens in July!

Abundant Life Garden Project curriculum for elementary age children

Episcopal Relief & Development's Abundant Life Garden Project curriculum program is an interactive Scripture-based instructional program offered to parishes, teachers, groups, families and others who seek to share the ministry of Episcopal Relief & Development with elementary age children. This resource is a very flexible, low-cost program that can be implemented by any Episcopal parish, no matter its budget.

The curriculum is based on the work and mission statement of Episcopal Relief & Development, along with the Baptismal Covenants of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. The goal of the program is that children will become more aware of the overwhelming needs of others in the world, link these needs to stories in the Bible and work towards addressing the needs of the world, both as individuals and in community.

Episcopal Relief & Development's Abundant Life Garden Project resource program has five segments that focus on Water, Seeds, Soil, Animals and Harvest. Each segment is designed as a one-hour session, with several additional options to be used in extended sessions or as a Vacation Bible School program.

Essential Building Dimensions for Formation leaders

Essential Building Dimensions is a new leadership program offered by Southern Virginia and Diocese of Maryland which equips Christian Formation professionals to be effective leaders in the Episcopal Church through sharing and developing resources, relationships, nurturing and support. If you are a paid lay Christian Formation, consider enrolling in this year long course, based loosely on the Fresh Start program offered to clergy. The first session, which includes an overnight, will be held August 23-24 at Virginia Theological Seminary. The cost is $100 for the first meeting. We have significant scholarship money for Southern Virginia. Click here for more information and registration. Contact Caroline Black cblack@diosova.org for more information.

Safe Church Refresher Course

Safe Church Refresher Courses are now available online. If you have already taken the complete Safe Church Training and three years have passed, we are now able to offer a Refresher Course, rather than repeating the original course. This advanced course builds on knowledge and gives additional information based on experience. 

If you are eligible for re-certification, there is no need to contact the Diocese. The software provider, Praesidium, sends a list to the Diocese once a month advising  who has taken the online training and who is due for renewal. In turn, the Diocese will notify the parish office of those needing to re-certify. If a parishioner has moved, or is no longer active in the parish, the church office can notify Judy Rieken at jrieken@diosova.org to inactivate the participant. In order to be eligible for re-certification, you must have a previous child certification on file with the Diocese. If you have additional questions, contact Judy, jrieken@diosova.org or 757-213-3391.

Funds for Oklahoma tornado relief: Over $10,000 raised to date

Southern Virginia, you have been very generous to our call for funds to help Oklahoma recover from the violent tornadoes. To date, you have contributed $10,245. All contributions are being sent to the Diocese of Oklahoma to directly assist those in need. Contributions are still being accepted and can be sent to the Diocese of Southern Virginia with "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the memo line.

Saint Paul’s College Board Determines to Close While Pursuing Options to Continue Mission

 Following the unexpected termination of a proposed merger with another HBCU (Historically Black College or University), the Board of Trustees of Saint Paul’s College has determined to close the College temporarily to pursue other strategic opportunities consistent with its purpose and mission.  As a result, Saint Paul’s will relinquish its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and implement a plan to complete instruction and transfer student enrollment in cooperation with SACSCOC and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Dr. Oliver Spencer, Chair of the Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees, expressed disappointment on behalf of the Board and the College.  “The time deadlines associated with our accreditation issues with SACSCOC and the termination of the proposed merger require our Board to take this action in the best interests of our students.  This is especially disappointing in view of our very successful completion to the 2012-2013 academic year and the graduation of 51 students just weeks ago.  Nevertheless, our Board is committed to exploring all solutions that will allow the continuation of the historical mission and purpose of Saint Paul’s College on its campus in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  In pursuit of that goal I call on all members of the Saint Paul’s community to come together to guide and support the College in the next phase of its life in service to the many thousands of students deserving of the very special educational opportunities that Saint Paul’s College can offer.”

The Board of Trustees has implemented a plan to preserve the physical and financial assets of the College during the process of exploring its options.