Volunteer disaster chaplain training course

The Beecken Center at The School of Theology, University of the South, in partnership with National Disaster Interfaiths Network, invites clergy and spiritual caregivers of the Episcopal Church and religious leaders all faiths to take this two-day Disaster Chaplain Training July 31 through August 1.  Emergency managers and disaster mental health professionals may also take this course to develop their knowledge of disaster spiritual care best practices. This two-day training prepares clergy, religious leaders or spiritual care providers to volunteer as disaster chaplains in mass care settings, or to serve as disaster chaplains within their house of worship, religious community or professional institution. Click here for more information.

Seminarian Mark Riley on mission to Tanzania

On May 7, four Virginia Theological Seminary students left for a mission excursion to St. Phillip's College in Kongwa, Tanzania. The team includes Mark Riley from Southern Virginia (Galilee, Virginia Beach) along with Chandler Whitman of West Tennessee; David Tremaine of Florida and Ben Maddison of New Jersey. The students are joined by The Rev. Jaques Hadler, Director of Field Education, Emeritus.

The purpose of their journey is to help teach at St. Phillip's College, to work with local Church leaders, to learn from and be open to the opportunities and challenges of cross-cultural friendships. They have had a twisting road to get to this point, with several changes along the way. If you would like to follow their progress, please visit their blog by clicking here.

Southern Virginia to mark Apolo Kivebulaya Day with prayer for the D.R. Congo

At its 122nd Annual Council in February, 2014, the Diocesan of Southern Virginia passed a resolution that encourages the parishes in the Diocese to support the Church of the Province of D. R. Congo in the weekly Prayers of the People for peace with justice and to recognize May 30

as Apolo Kivebulaya Day in their cycle of prayer in unity with the Anglican Church in D. R. Congo.

       

Who was Apolo Kivebulaya? There is much on the internet about him, but briefly, Apolo was a converted Ugandan Christian who was sent to a region which is now the D. R. Congo to evangelize an area that had previously rejected the faith. Unlike his two predecessors, Apolo withstood difficulty and after several years, prevailed.   Known for rising at five in the morning, Apolo was known to have spiritual gifts including the gift of prayer for healing. Beginning in a small village in 1896, the Anglican Church of D. R. Congo is now composed of nine dioceses and is considering creating two more in a country the size of western Europe.  

The day Apolo died, May 30, 1933, he wrote this final prayer: "O God our Father and the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, may you give me a blessing while in this world while you lead me through the forests, through the lakes and the mountains, so that I may do your work among your people. Grant that I may be loved by you and by your people. Amen."

Prayers and readings for Apolo Kivebulaya Day:

Traditional: 

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant Apolo Kivebulaya, whom thou didst call to preach the Gospel to the people of Boga in central Africa. Raise up, we pray thee, in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom, that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  

Contemporary:

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Apolo Kivebulaya, whom you called to preach the Gospel to the people of Boga in central Africa. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  

Psalm 96 or 96:1-7
Isaiah 52:7-10
Acts 1:1-9
Luke 10:1-9

Liturgical Arts Festival postponed

The Liturgical Arts Festival to be hosted by Convocation 5 churches May 30 through June 8 has been postponed. Organizers hope to announce a new date by the end of the summer.  

Jackson-Feild Homes emphasizes giving back

In 2011, residential counselor Terri Hicks initiated a volunteer program for the residents of Jackson-Feild Homes. She saw that the residents - recipients of so much help from so many people - had a need to "pay it forward" and help others. As the children offered their time and energy to others, they began to feel better about themselves and they began to care more about others. The program - in partnership with Chaplain Robin Jones - has been a win-win proposition.

For the most recent project, the participants wanted to usher in the arrival of spring. Using painted clothespins, they prepared butterflies to signify a new beginning. They also painted flower pots which were planted with seeds that have since have begun to grow. Hicks, Jones and the children will deliver these items to the residents of Emporia Manor.

These volunteer efforts have brought great joy and satisfaction to the residents at Jackson-Feild, and Hicks is committed to developing creative ways to help the children give back to others. Next up... paracord bracelets for Respect for Law Week in early May.

St. John's, Portsmouth, to host 2014 Training Institute for the Catechumenate & RCIA

Go. Baptize. Make Disciples: An invitation to Baptismal living

A Catechumenal Process Training Institute for Newcomers & Experienced Practitioners

September 25-27 at St. John's, Portsmouth

Offered by the North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC)

The NAAC is an ecumenical organization that seeks to promote and nurture the catechumenal process in order that the whole faith community might fulfill Christ's commission to make disciples, baptizing and teaching all people. Member denominations include the Episcopal Church, Anglican Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Presbyterian Church USA, and the United Methodist Church. Go to www.catechumenate.org for more information.

Click here for an institute brochure. Click here for online registration. 

2014 TENS Walking the Way Stewardship Conference

Stewardship is a path of discipleship. Are you ready to take the next step in stewardship? Are you looking for ways to help your congregation and diocese discover the joyful path of generosity and giving? Join guides and meet companions who will walk along side in following the Way.

The theme of this year's The Episcopal Network for Stewardship conference is Walking the Way.  The conference is June 6-7 at Emory University in Atlanta. Access via webcast is also available.

Sister Joan Chittister, The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop Diocese of Atlanta, and The Rev. Canon Charles La Fond, Canon Steward at St. John's Episcopal Church in Denver will serve as keynote speakers. In addition, Karl Travis, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, known for his work in generational stewardship, will lead the pre-conference, a gathering for diocesan stewardship officers and diocesan stewardship commission members on Thursday, June 5 through Noon on June 6.

Click here for complete details about this year's conference.