Altar Book seeking a new home

Johns Memorial, Farmville, has an Altar Book that has been in service at the church since about 1980 that was recently replaced. The old book has some wear and some marks, but is still very serviceable. If your church or mission is interested in having the Altar Book, please contact Bob Zupanek, Campus Chaplain & Parish Administrator, Johns Memorial Church, 400 High Street, Farmville, VA 23901, 434-392-5695 or  admin@johnsmemorial.org

Your diocesan pledge makes it possible

Chanco on the James Camp & Conference Center  

Chanco on the James, our diocesan camp and conference center, is the home for Christian spiritual formation for many youth and adults from around our diocese. This summer, 446 campers attended summer camp. Last year, 62 conference groups utilized our retreat center.

The conference center is home to youth events such as October Weekend and Happening and to adult events such as the Fresh Start clergy program and Cursillo. Numerous parishes within our diocese host annual parish family retreats and vestry retreats often taking advantage of our ropes course for team building activities. Family reunions, not for profit groups, the College of William and Mary and many other businesses take advantage of Chanco's remote, peaceful and beautiful location to rest and rejuvenate while enjoying strategic planning and/or fellowship.

The camp program at Chanco has been running continuously since 1968 and is accredited by the American Camping Association. In 2012, Chanco enjoyed the recognition of being voted "Best Summer Camp" in Virginia Living Magazine's May 2012 "Best Of" edition. In 2013, in absence of a "Best Summer Camp" category, Chanco earned third place as "Best Outdoor Adventure" right behind Busch Gardens! Residential campers enjoy a range of outdoor activities; traditional camp skits, songs, and traditions; along with a structured chaplain program including small group activities with a camp chaplain, worship and Eucharist. Many youth report discovering God in a different way in our relaxed, natural environment. Breaking bread among old and new friends with a priest who has developed a personal relationship with them through their camping experience can be profound and a different awakening to their spirituality than can be found elsewhere.

None of these programs could exist without the diocesan subsidy that Chanco receives annually. For example, Chanco awarded over $16,000 in tuition assistance to camper families in 2013 and Conference Center Lodges B and C have undergone extensive exterior renovations this past summer, with Lodges A and B renovated in 2011 and 2012. Chanco depends on the diocesan subsidy in order to continue this type of scholarship assistance and needed property renovation while keeping costs low to our camp and conference guests. Thank you for being a part of our progress and our future with your support.

Listen to what our camp and conference guests say about Chanco's ministry:

• "Sending our 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son to Chanco at the same time was so good for both of them - they have a shared experience that I can already see has strengthened their relationship...they are making friendship bracelets together in the back of our van right now! Thank you all!" - Ginger White
• "We had a great retreat! You are our diocesan retreat center! We tell EVERYBODY (all other Canterbury groups) what a great place Chanco is!" - The Rev. John Maxwell Kerr, Canterbury, William and Mary
• "I will always carry the Chanco spirit with me no matter how old or far away I am. Thank you for everything you have done for me. By introducing me to Chanco, my life has been changed. I have met great life-long friends and have definitely been brought closer to God." - Jessica Denomme, Redeemer, Midlothian
• "I am extremely thankful for Christ and Grace's contribution to my scholarship for Camp Chanco on the James. It helped enable me to spend a wonderful twelve days of my summer at a camp where I have made lifelong friends and bonds. Chanco has urged the leader in me to step forward...The lessons I have learned will forever accompany me as I made decisions in my everyday life." - Catherine Poarch, Christ and Grace, Petersburg
• "We laughed, listened and learned all weekend. Thank you for each, every and all things done to accommodate our group. Every year we say 'This is the best' and then the next year it gets better! You are a shining example of hospitality and it is clear that you are being used by God to further His kingdom as you manage and share His resources. - Annette Irving, St. Gile's Presbyterian Church Women's Retreat

Highway marker honoring James Solomon Russell to be dedicated

The James Solomon Russell Celebration Committee has made application and received approval from the Virginia Director of Historical Resources to have a state highway marker placed recognizing the accomplishments of Archdeacon James Solomon Russell. The marker will be located on U.S. route 1 in Mecklenburg County near the place of his birth. A dedication ceremony will be held there on Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 pm. You are invited to be present at this important event. If you plan to attend, please be present at Trinity, South Hill by 1:00 p.m. on that date. Please contact Eugene Roberts if you plan to attend, rchrisgene@aol.com or 434-594-4437.

Mission of the Holy Spirit chaplain honored as Hometown Hero

Keith Josey, lay pastor of Mission of the Holy Spirit in Norfolk, was named a Hampton Roads Hometown Hero recently. Watch it here! 

Episcopal Church live webcast: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America

Live webcast on November 15
Day of workshops, discussions on November 16

On November 15, the Episcopal Church will host and produce a 90 minute live forum in collaboration with the Diocese of Mississippi. The forum will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS beginning at 1 pm Central (2 pm Eastern). It can be viewed here. 

This year marks significant landmark anniversaries in the struggle to end discrimination, provide equal rights and combat racism: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the pivotal March on Washington, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers, the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks.  In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law.

The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori will present the keynote address. The forum will begin with a thought-provoking video. Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: "Racism in America today - why does it persist?" and "Racism in America's future - where is there hope for change?" On November 16, faith leaders and educators will gather to discuss and create curriculum and tools on the topics raised in Friday's forum. The day-long event will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS.  

The live webcast of the forum will be available on the Episcopal Church website here. Questions for the panelists can be emailed prior or during the forum to Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer, at PublicAffairs@episcopalchurch.org.

Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America is ideal for live group watching and discussion, or on-demand viewing later.  It will be appropriate for Sunday School, discussions groups, and community gatherings. Registration is not required to watch the forum.

Resources
Resources such as suggested readings, bibliography, videos, materials for community and individual review, discussion questions, and lesson plans will be available here.

VIPCare Pastoral Ministries Consultation & Support Program now enrolling

The Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care (VIPCare) is currently offering its 2013-2104 Pastoral Ministries Consultation and Support Program.  The Program is a small, interfaith group of pastors that meets twice a month October 2013 through May 2014. Click here for details.  

For information or to register please contact Dr. Sandy Hamilton, 804-282-8332. 

Your diocesan pledge makes it possible

Formation Ministries 

Annual Stewardship Conference

Formation is vital to the life of the church from the very beginning and Formation in Southern Virginia continues to expand to meet the changing needs and challenges of our congregations. Diocesan formation programs are designed in collaboration with liturgists, communication and technical experts, as well as experts in content such as stewardship, to provide a springboard for parishes to continue the work of making disciples.

This past year we were able to produce a video and a study guide for the diocese addressing the sin of racism and that work will continue in 2014 with your support. This venture has touched the lives of a number of our members and our November 2 Service of Repentance will be the highlight of our years work.

Essential Building Dimensions participants

Events such as the CENet speaker series attract clergy and laity, with speakers who address all aspects of formation and the cost is minimal, thanks to your financial support. Bishop's Days and Stewardship conferences are well attended because the cost is low. All Formation events in Southern Virginia are underwritten by the diocesan budget so they are affordable for everyone. In addition, scholarships are available for laity for almost every event. These dollars are bolstered by your diocesan pledge and are being stretched even further by sharing and collaboration among parishes, convocations, and diocesan staff members. The upcoming Liturgical Arts Festival in the spring of 2014, sponsored by Emmanuel, Hampton, is in collaboration with other parishes in Convocation 5 and diocesan Formation ministries. In each event, we strive to model new ways of working together and sharing our resources.

Caroline Black collaborates with other dioceses in the Essential Building Dimensions Professional Leadership initiative, and the Hybrid Faith Formation Initiative with VTS. Both programs have strong participation from parishes in our diocese. EBD, mentioned above, was free to any paid Christian Formation staff in our diocese, again thanks to the financial support of Formation.

The Formation office purchases or provides access to the latest curricula, videos and other resources that are available to all parishes as well as training, consultations and any other assistance with formation implementation. Thank you for your support of the formation work in Southern Virginia.