Oklahoma tornado relief: Over $15,000 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 $15,320. All contributions have been 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. 

Church musicians: Register for central Virginia LPM classes

The Central Virginia chapter of the Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is currently accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 session beginning September 13-14 at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Richmond. LPM is a continuing education program in church music, worship, and liturgy, and is open to people of all denominations. The organization is sponsored by The Episcopal Church and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Students will meet on one Friday night and all day Saturday monthly for five months (September, October, November, January, and February). Courses offered this year are Conducting, Liturgy and Worship, Philosophy of Church Music, and Teaching New Music. In addition, registered students attend a one-day March workshop at no cost. At the completion of the two year program, students are awarded a Certificate of Church Music from the National Leadership Program for Musicians organization.

Complete details of the program can be found at www.lpm-va.org or by contacting our Coordinator, Nellwyn Beamon, at 757-423-6715 (day) or emailing nbeamon@ascension-norfolk.org AND nadezhda@quixnet.net. A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your space in this year's class.   Classes are $200 each or $600 for all four. Add $50 for late registrations received after September 1.

Tidewater Regional LARCUM Conference on June 24

The Tidewater Regional LARCUM (Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic/United Methodist) Conference will offer "Our Call to Unity" on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Holy Apostles', Virginia Beach. The guest speaker will be James Henderson, Ph.D., instructor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University College of Arts and Sciences. Registration is not required, but appreciated as it will assist with planning. There is no charge for this annual conference, but there will be a basket for any offerings to help with the event expenses. Childcare will be available. For more information call 757-427-0963 or email admin@holyapostlesvb.org. Click here for the event brochure.

Jackson-Feild graduates seven students

The Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Homes graduated seven students on June 7. It was a day that will be forever etched in the minds of the graduates. The ceremony was held at the Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College Emporia campus. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education presided over the ceremony. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Verlander, parents of Goochland County native and major league baseball star Justin Verlander, were the commencement speakers.

Seven residents received either their high school diploma or GED. Two other students received their Certified Nurse's Aide Certification. The Gwaltney School's faculty did an excellent job preparing these graduates for this milestone and providing them skills for future success. This is the Gwaltney School's sixteenth graduation ceremony. To date, 138 residents have received either their high school diploma or GED. 

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.