Task Force on Study of Marriage releases study guide, discussion resources

The Episcopal Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage has released Dearly Beloved, resources for conversation and discussion. It can be downloaded from the task force's website here.

The resource may be used in a variety of settings, and it consists of three different formats, which may be used independently of each other: a 90-minute event (which can be divided into three 35-minute sessions); a variety of 45-minute forums; and a lengthy article for a study group. All three formats cover theology, history, scripture, current trends, and more, with guidelines for presentation and questions for group discussion. 

Access the complete public website for General Convention's A050 Task Force on Marriage here.

Annual Summer Sale benefits Westminster-Canterbury Foundation

Westminster Canterbury will hold their annual Summer Sale August 14 through 16. This gigantic flea market features only the highest quality merchandise for sale by the the residents of Westminster-Canterbury Retirement Community. It will be held in the Cox High School cafeteria (2425 Shorehaven Road, Virginia Beach) August 14-15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on August 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The sale includes just about everything you can imagine - books, china, kitchenwares, linens, clothing, CDs, and much more.

The Summer Sale is the largest of many sales volunteers coordinate throughout the year to raise funds for the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation which provides confidential need-based financial support for future and current residents. These volunteers have been recognized for their efforts by the Virginia Beach Mayor's Commission on Aging and are recipients of the "Aging Award" for demonstrating exemplary service to senior citizens. 

Stewardship resources for your church

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) membership benefits are available to all parishes through our diocesan membership. Benefits include formation and training resources, webinars, giving campaign materials and the new Walking the Way program (see below). For more information on stewardship resources from TENS and other organizations, visit the Stewardship Resources page of our website. 

2014 Walking the Way Stewardship program

All congregations throughout the diocese have access to TENS' 2014 Walking the Way Stewardship Narrative Series and Annual Giving Campaign. The Walking the Way series is designed to help your stewardship ministry team lead their congregation step by step through a six-week annual giving campaign. This year, eight contributing writers reflect on the Gospel lections, beginning Sunday, October 5 and continuing through Sunday, November 9, weaving in a stewardship principle or practice that invites the reader to reflect on their own journey of giving and their walk with Christ.  The Walking the Way series includes:

• Eight Bulletin Inserts to include Worship Bulletins, E-Newsletters, and E-Blasts beginning October 5 - November 9.  Each reflection includes discussion questions that can be used for adult formation gatherings.
• Pledge card and proportional giving chart
• Prayers of the People to be used in liturgy over the course of six weeks
• Introductory and thank you letters 
• Template to Evaluate Campaign
• And much more!  

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

By Keith Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit 

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

I greet you with glad tidings and thank you for all of your support throughout this year. The Mission of the Holy Spirit continues to impact the lives of many families here in Norfolk, Virginia. This is only possible because of contributions from partners like you. "Being the blessing" is what we are called to do in the world and when we live into this, lives are changed. One such life changed is a young man who dropped out of school several years ago, and through the work of the Mission returned to school. He will join our four other seniors who are graduating this June. Also, with the support of Rev. David Davenport, we will baptize twelve new members into the body of Christ.

But, with joy we must endure sorrow. The Mission of the Holy Spirit is a ministry that strives to offer hope and healing for the hurts that bind so many of those in our communities. When you look at our ministry through the lens of trauma, you are better able to understand how we function so differently and why your assistance is so valuable. Recently, we have had to deal with the impact of multiple murders in Norfolk that directly touched our lives. The children from the Mission are greatly affected by trauma in many ways. Through our work at the Mission, these children can get the sense of safety and consistency that they need in their lives. Tough economic times continue to impact how we are able to provide quality services. As summer begins, many of our young people will be in need of new experiences that we will not be able to provide without your help. Each one of you holds the key to turning on that sparkle of joy that our families need. Please consider giving a gift that can help the Mission of the Holy Spirit effectively change lives. Thank you for all that you do!

Click here for more news from Mission of the Holy Spirit.

Biking for a Better World event to benefit Chanco and Episcopal Relief & Development

Chanco on the James and Episcopal Relief & Development are working together to create a fundraising bike ride event in the Williamsburg area on Saturday, September 13. Registration for the event, called "Biking for a Better World", will begin in early July. Funds raised will benefit Chanco and Episcopal Relief & Development.  

If you are interested in helping to organize the ride please contact The Rev. Keith Emerson (Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development) at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org.

ECW Scholarships awarded to 13 recipients

This year the Elise Holliday fund produced $10,000 for scholarships to students in our Diocese.We are happy to report that Steven Oakes, St. Aidans, Virgina Beach, was awarded $1,100. Clair Davis of St. Christopher's in Portsmouth, Courtney Hardy of Emmanuel in Hampton,and Robert Schofield of St. Aidan's in Virginia Beach, received $1,050 each. Emily Reed of Eastern Shore Chapel of Virginia Beach, Imari Viney of St. Augustine's in Newport News, Taylor Worrell of St. Luke's in Powhatan, and Owen Wright of Good Shepherd in Richmond received $750 each. Finally Ashley Coles of Grace in Norfolk, Erica Cooke of Emmanuel in Virginia Beach, Wren Thomas, Cabell Thomas and Vincent Thomas all from Good Shepherd in Norfolk, each were awarded $550. Congratulations to all of these promising young people!

Opportunities to support Boys' Home

Do More 24 Fundraiser on June 19

On Thursday, June 19, you have an opportunity to bring forth a positive change in your local community. A fundraising endeavor led by the United Way of the National Capital Area will be taking place, called Do More 24. This fundraising event encourages donors to give to programs that are meaningful to them. Last year's event was able to raise over $1 million which allowed participating programs to address their various needs.

Boys Home will be participating in this online fundraiser. Boys Home is eligible for this program because it serves young men from Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern Seaboard. The Boys Home focus is to help raise funds for summer school and education, summer activities and medical needs. The URL for Boys Home in Do More 24 is http://www.domore24.org/#npo/boys-home-inc or you may call 540-965-7714 for more information. For information on the program itself, visit www.domore24.org. The website will show you how to participate, keep up with the events of the fundraising day.

Tea, Quilt Show and Silent Auction on June 27

On June 27, the public is invited to a tea & quilt show & silent auction. The show will take place at the Boys Home campus from 3 to 5 p.m. This event was organized by Lisa Cole from Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Covington, Boys Home Chaplain Connie Gilman and Sandra Scruggs, Boys Home Development Coordinator. All guests are able to enjoy tea and refreshments, see quilts of all kinds on display. A sample of smaller quilts made for the cottages will be displayed in Whitehead Cottage and take part in a special Longaberger Basket silent auction. One lucky individual will receive a basket as a door prize. A unique quilt handcrafted by Ms. Phyllis Gibson, sister of Boys Home Executive Director Dr. Donnie E. Wheatley is being raffled off. Tickets are going at $5 per ticket or you can get 10 for $45. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Boys Home of Virginia. The drawing for the quilt will take place during this event.

The quilts that have been given to Boys Home are a wonderful way to personalize the cottages here on campus. Also, these quilts can make each resident's cottage area their own unique space. Piecing together friendships is a theme at Boys Home and quilts are a way to share the warmth and care for others. For tickets or information, contact Boys Home of Virginia at 414 Boys Home Road Covington, VA 24426. You may also call 540-965-7714 or to to www.boyshomeofva.org.