Dedication of historical marker for Bishop Payne Divinity School

On Saturday, March 29 at 11 a.m., St. Stephen's, Petersburg, will celebrate the dedication of an historical marker for the Bishop Payne Divinity School. Established in 1878, the school began as the Theological Department of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Normal and Industrial School, and for more than 70 years it prepared black men for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Giles B. Cooke headed the vocational school and was instrumental in developing the divinity school. Later, the school was named for the Rt. Rev. John Payne, first bishop of Liberia. For more information about the dedication and historical marker, contact the Rev. Willis Foster, ststephensepiscopal@verizon.net or 804-733-6228.

New offerings for Jackson-Feild's residents

Jackson-Feild is pleased to announce that they are providing contemporary dance classes, art classes and re-established their choir. All of these efforts are designed to give residents positive outlets for their time, energy and efforts.

Kate Turner, Admissions and PQI (Performance Quality Improvement) Coordinator is teaching contemporary dance classes. She was classically trained in ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance. She further studied ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance at Chatham Hall and Radford University. Ms. Turner is offering a beginning dance class which incorporates ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques. The children are learning basic dance terminology and practice various movements and positions with the intent of building strength and flexibility while simultaneously serving as an outlet for creative expression.

One of the staples of the Jackson-Field campus for many years was our resident's choir. It was an important party of our spiritual program and gave residents the opportunity to get off campus and experience new opportunities. The choir was disbanded several years ago when the choir director re-located and we could not find a replacement. Thanks to the efforts of David Ausby, our choir is up and running. Our children have always loved singing and sought an organized opportunity to express their God-given talents. The choir practices once a week and will be performing on campus and occasionally off campus.

In September 2013 we added an art program for our residents. Ms. Wilder, an art Teacher for the Greensville County Schools for the past 22 years, is running the program. Her objective is to teach the residents how to be creative and constantly think outside the box. Another objective is to allow residents to express themselves in other forms of communication besides verbally. At times they just want to draw, color, sculpt or even write about what they're feeling. Imagery is extremely powerful and our boys and girls are very creative.

NEW at Chanco! Retreat in a Box

St. Thomas', Chesapeake, parish retreat.

Has your parish always wanted a parish-wide family retreat but the idea of organizing and facilitating a retreat is too daunting? We have the answer for you!  Chanco is proud and excited to announce a new program - "Retreat in a Box." Let us do the work! You just show up ready for fun and faith in God's great outdoors! An experienced Christian educator will present material, lead open discussions, train small group leaders and provide age appropriate materials for all ages.  Learning and fun for everyone! A parish retreat creates community building different from any other activity, encourages playing together and is a safe place to explore challenging topics. It is an opportunity for your parish to host a multigenerational event that builds great family memories and offers an opportunity for all ages to interact. Chanco has just had a cancellation for Memorial Day Weekend, so call now for a fantastic parish event at Chanco during a beautiful time of year! Click here for a brochure with more information on Retreat in a Box. Questions or to book your event today, contact Gareth Kalfas at 888-7-CHANCO (888-724-2626) or at director@chanco.org.    

Registration now open for Episcopal Youth Event - July 9-13 in Philadelphia

Registration is now open for the popular Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) scheduled for July 9-13, 2014 at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, PA.The 2014 event marks the twelfth EYE and remains a popular and well-attended event. EYE 2014 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2013-2014 academic year and their adult leaders. Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Officer, explained: "EYE is an opportunity for the youth of the church to meet their peers and church leaders in a richly diverse environment, actively engaging the Five Marks of Mission while in Philadelphia."

If you are interested in attending EYE14, please contact Youth Missioner Ashley Scruggs, ascruggs@diosova.org or 757-213-3393. The application forms for EYE 2014 are available on the Youth Events page of our website. 

Applications for Seeds of Hope Grants now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese. Click here for more information and application form.  

Presiding Bishop calls for Day of Prayer for South Sudan on February 16

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called for a Day of Prayer for South Sudan for February 16. Bishop Jefferts Schori is joined in this call by the Rev. Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian General Assembly and the Reformed Church in America.

"The world is increasingly concerned over the rampant violence in South Sudan," the Presiding Bishop said.  "The recent increase in armed conflict, murder, and mayhem has been fomented in part by inaccurate reports of tribal partisanship.  The new nation needs peace, in order that all its people might thrive. The Episcopal Church of Sudan is partnering with others on the ground in that work of peace-building. The Sudanese communities within our own Episcopal Church have been important and effective leaders in this work. I ask your prayers for peace, as well as your awareness and involvement in the lives of our brothers and sisters across the globe. The Prince of Peace serves the whole world.  As his disciples, may we do no less!"

Click here for prayers and other resources from Episcopal Relief & Development. 

Absalom Jones Service on Feb. 23

A service celebrating the life and work of Absalom Jones will be held on Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Cyprian's, Hampton. Bishop Hollerith will celebrate and the Rev. Willis Foster, rector of St. Stephen's, Petersburg, will preach. 

Absalom Jones was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding a black congregation in 1794, he was the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1804.