Diaconal Ordination Exploration Program now accepting applications

The Diaconal Ordination Exploration Program is accepting applications September 1 through December 31, 2014.  Applicants will interview with the Commission on Ministry for postulancy in the fall of 2015. Those granted postulancy will receive formation and training in The Deacons' School. The school is a joint effort of the Episcopal Dioceses of Southern Virginia and Virginia. We expect the instructional phase to begin in the Spring of 2016.  During the two year course, classes will meet one weekend per quarter with assignments in between. Visit The Deacons' School website for more information, www.thedeaconsschool.org.

Save the date! Clergy Conference Nov. 11-12

Clergy Conference 2014 will be November 11-12 (Check-in begins at 9:30 am on Tuesday. Depart by 3:00 pm on Wednesday) with an optional quiet day on November 10.

Keynote speaker will be The Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard. Matthew Stockard has served as Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of East Carolina since 2000. He has worked extensively during this time in the area of ministry development and vocation with several Episcopal Church boards and agencies. He is a member of the vocational faculty for CREDO Conferences. A selection of Matthew's writings for CREDO can be found here.

Watch the eNews and website for more details. Online registration is coming soon, but mark your calendar now and plan to join us!

New online courses at ChurchNext

ChurchNext has new online courses available. Below are just two of them. Visit the ChurchNext website for more information about these and the many other courses offered. ChurchNext is a virtual center where you can learn from expert teachers in Scripture, liturgy, and important Christian topics. Students can interact in a safe, online environment that's convenient, engaging, and affordable. 

 Introducing Christian Stewardship with Kristine Miller - take this one together as a church council and/or stewardship team, this is an excellent course

  

Introducing Church Marketing with Jake Dell - most of us are averse to 'marketing' and faith, with good reason. Here's a conscientious and practical way forward.

Grant funds for churches over 100 years old

The Helen S. and Charles G Patterson, Jr. Charitable Trust Foundation was established to, among other things, to "Provide financial support for the restoration, preservation, conservation and renovations of one or more Episcopal Churches in Virginia that are more than one hundred years old." Grant applications are received between Jan. 1 and April 1 each year. More information and the grant application can be found on the diocesan website on the Scholarships and Grants page. 

Education for Ministry (EfM) groups forming

Education for Ministry (EfM) offers a progressive four year program of study and discussion which affords everyone an opportunity to learn more about scripture, Church history, and theology. Click here to learn more about EfM.  

These are some of the EfM groups in our diocese that are seeking new members: 

• Emmanuel, Hampton - Two groups are forming and will begin meeting on Sep. 15. Both seminars meet on Mondays, one from 9:30am to noon and the other from 7 to 9:30pm. For information call Mentor Boyd Duncan, 757-850-1520 or the church office, 757-732-8144.
• Hickory Neck, Toano - Classes begin Wednesday, September 17, at 7 p.m. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, August 27, at 7 p.m. Contact EfM Mentor Pete Haines for more information, 757-869-3107 or petehaines848@gmail.com.
•  St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach - Openings in Thursday evening EfM group. Call 757-340-6459 for more information.
• Convocation 1 (Eastern Shore) - Contact the Rev. Berkley Ford for more information about EfM groups on the Eastern Shore, captberk@cox.net or 757-787-8335.
• Grace, Yorktown - Please contact John Hoppe (757-229-5113), Janet Stephens (757-898-5079), or call the office at Grace Church (757-898-3261).
• Johns Memorial, Farmville, is actively seeking EfM participants. For more information contact Cleo Shield, EfM mentor at Johns Memorial, cleoshield@me.com or JMC@kinex.net. 

If you are the mentor of an EfM group seeking new participants and would like to have your information included in the eNews, please contact Diocesan Communications Officer Ann Turner, aturner@diosova.org. 

State LARCUM Conference in Norfolk, Dec 5-6

The LARCUM Churches of Norfolk invite you to join us at our annual State LARCUM Conference on Friday and Saturday, 5-6 December 2014. Rev. Dr. John Armstrong, president and founder of ACT 3 Network, a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America and an adjunct professor of mission at Wheaton College Graduate School will present "The New Landscape of Post-Christian Christianity"

• Americans remain deeply religious yet are rejecting organized religion in increasing numbers while they retain deep interest in spirituality. What is really happening? Is this a lasting trend that will radically alter the religious landscape?
• If the older Christendom model of church is passing away how should we respond if we believe that we still have a mission in America? Where is the missional moment bearing fruit and how?
• The next generation wants to belong to community before they can believe anything that is taught. How will this impact our mission and what does ecumenism have to do with this important change in religious behavior?

More detailed information including hotel reservation information will be forthcoming as the brochure is finalized. Mark your calendars and plan to join us!

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Sarah Brockenbrough began as Associate Rector at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, 8/1/2014

The Rev. James Medley, Associate Rector at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, will begin as Rector Time Certain at Good Shepherd, Norfolk, 8/18/2014

The Rev. Bob New will retire as Rector of St. James', Cartersville, 10/1/2014