Diocesan Partnership representative visits Southern Virginia

Bishop Hollerith and the diocesan staff welcomed Katie Conway - Immigration and Refugee Policy Analyst from the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations - to the diocesan office on March 11. Katie is Southern Virginia's Diocesan Partnership representative from the national church. 

Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer Bishop Stacy Sauls announced this innovative missionary program in July 2013. The program is designed to connect dioceses and staff in a collaborative manner. "Our Episcopal Church yearns for connection," Bishop Sauls explained.  "Our people want to be connected.  Our leaders are looking for opportunities to be connected. Through the Diocesan Partnership Representatives, the DFMS (Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society) staff can assist in connecting and offering resources to our dioceses and congregations."

The purpose and goals of the Diocesan Partnership Program are twofold: to make resources available at the local levels; and to build networks and partnerships to connect people across geography. The Diocesan Partnership Representatives are DFMS staff members who will work together to connect the Church across a vast geographical area in 16 countries through Virtual Regional Offices. The Virtual Regional Offices, Bishop Sauls said, "will consist of representatives of DFMS staff from Formation, Diversity, Congregational and Diocesan Ministries, Global Partnerships, Government Relations, Episcopal Migration Ministries, Development, and Communications."

A Diocesan Partnership Representative has been assigned to each diocese in The Episcopal Church. "The Diocesan Partnership Representatives will connect the dioceses and provinces within their regions with mission efforts at the most local level in partnership with the local bishop, clergy, and lay leaders," Bishop Sauls noted.  "They will be ambassadors, consultants, links, and colleagues in mission with those on the ground, bringing a global perspective to local action, visible reminders that all of us are connected, that each has need of all the others in the service of Christ's reconciling mission in the world."   

CE-Net Speaker Series: Confirmation

Join us on Thursday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hickory Neck Church, Toano, for the next installment in CE-Net's Speaker Series. Jenifer Gamber, author of  "My Faith, My Life", and Director of Christian Formation at St. Anne's Church in Trexeltown, PA, will lead us in an honest conversation about the challenges of providing Confirmation instruction for young people. The cost is $15, which includes lunch. Click here for more information and registration.

Register now for Administrative & Financial Best Practices Workshop on May 15

Join us on Thursday, May 15, at Grace Church, Yorktown for a day designed especially for parish administrators, treasurers, and anyone (staff or volunteer) involved in the financial or administrative functions of your church. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, share your experiences, and connect with your colleagues in other churches. Topics will include: compensation, audits and internal controls, health insurance, electronic giving and more. Watch the eNews and our website for more details coming soon.  

If you missed last year's workshop, listen to what participants had to say:  

• "I learned so much ...great handouts for future reference"
• "I look forward to the next workshop!"
• "Loved it. Great info & awesome lunch"
• "very informative"

If you did come last year, this year's workshop offers new topics and speakers. Don't miss it!

Registration fee $20 (includes lunch). Click here for more information and online registration.  

Clergy, mark your calendars for these important events

Renewal of Ordination Vows

Renewal of Ordination Vows will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 10 a.m. at St. John's, Hampton and at 2:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas', Richmond.

Spring Clergy Conference

Registration for the Spring Clergy Conference opens soon. Mark your calendar and plan to join us on Tuesday, May 13 at Chanco on the James. 

ECW Annual Spring Meeting: How to transform your ECW - the Redeemer success story

Two years ago, the ECW at Redeemer, Midlothian, like many ECWs in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, struggled to survive. Then, they decided to transform their ECW program. Today, meetings are well-attended. Volunteers gladly help with outreach and service projects and enjoy enriching fellowship. 

 

What inspired the women of Redeemer, and how did they accomplish this transformation? 

Come to the ECW Spring Annual Meeting at Good Shepherd, McKenney, VA, May 17 to hear first-hand how they did it. Redeemer ECW board members who drove the ECW transformation will share their success story. To RSVP, contact Louise Boss, 757-678-5331, louiseboss@exede.net by May 5.

Mission of the Holy Spirit flowery fundraiser

The Mission of the Holy Spirit has partnered with Flower Power Fundraising for this season's fundraiser. Flower Power offers top-quality flower bulbs for purchase. All orders ship directly to purchasers and Mission of the Holy Spirit gets to keep 50% of every dollar sold. How can you help? Just go to the Mission's Flower Power web page to place an order. Invite your friends. Share it on Facebook. Click here to get started! 

New website offers ways to assist Navajoland

from The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs  

Opportunities abound to assist the self-sustaining ministry of Navajoland, a regional district in the Episcopal Church.  Ideas to help sustain Navajoland by volunteering or donating are offered at a visually engaging new website, www.navajoland.org. The website was produced by the Episcopal Church Office of Communication in collaboration with the Navajoland Area Mission and the Development Office of The Episcopal Church.

Bishop David Bailey notes, "More than half of the Navajo people in the United States live in Navajoland. There are a significant number of homes without plumbing, heating or electricity. As a church it is important for us to have a witness to the Navajo, and to take steps for the area to be self-sustaining."

The Episcopal Church Navajoland Area Mission encompasses more than 26,000 square miles in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.  While it began its work in 1889, the Episcopal Church Navajoland Area Mission was established in 1978. As stated on the new website: Yet today there is a new spirit and energy in this land - exploring sustainable farming and aquaponics, expanding retreat opportunities, and working to heal addictions. Donations of time, talent and treasure through this website will help to further the work of The Episcopal Church in Navajoland. That work involves healing the wounds of the past so that new beginnings may emerge - leading to an indigenous clergy, economic self-sufficiency, and a deeper appreciation of the unique gifts the Navajos bring to The Episcopal Church and to the world.

How to help
Check the website for opportunities to help sustain Navajoland. Volunteers are needed, especially carpenters, experienced roofers, licensed electricians, licensed plumbers, and painters. Listed on the website are various levels to assist with donations. The items range from household needs and doors to computers and paint. Essential repairs to buildings mean that the facilities can be used for programs, such as afterschool, computer training, or for rental income to help pay for clergy salaries and program needs. For more information contact Elizabeth Lowell, elowell@episcopalchurch.org.