Register now for Vestry Training Days

Healthy, skilled vestries who understand their role in the life of the church and their relationship to the clergy and congregation are essential in creating and maintaining vital congregations. This workshop is designed for all vestry members, and will include: Presentations on the role and duties of the vestry; Best practices; Discussion of common challenges that vestries face.

Saturday, February 28 at St. Stephen's, Petersburg - Click here for details and registration
Saturday, March 7 at Ascension, Norfolk - Click here for details and registration 

Diocesan ECW hosts Time for Reflection Feb. 14 in Williamsburg

The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Southern Virginia cordially invite you to a very special Time for Reflection on Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center in Williamsburg. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 - "the greatest of these is love" - this prayer and worship conference for women focuses on valuing, loving, respecting, and caring for God, for others, and for ourselves in a healthy, well-balanced way. Through interactive workshops, reflection, and worship, we will explore love, God's greatest gift to us, and learn to intentionally spread love, know love, and live love. Facilitator will be Cynthia Gossman, an author, trainer, motivational speaker, and Joy Restoration Coach. With over 15 years experience in bereavement aftercare, Cynthia's training incorporates proven techniques and practical skills for making positive changes. Cynthia uses both her personal experience as a young widow and her professional expertise to offer individuals a healthy, unique perspective that finds peace by integrating life, loss and love.  

The Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater will be a special part of our conference. Please bring a scarf or hat to donate as we remember and honor those who have battled cancer. Cost is $25 (includes breakfast, lunch, and all conference materials) 

Please R.S.V.P. by February 1 with your payment in full to Ronda Toll, 42 Cherbourg Drive, Newport News, VA 23606, 757-869-8873 or rtoll@cox.net. Make checks payable to ECW. Fort Magruder has reserved rooms at a special rate for overnight guests. Please book by February 1 by contacting the hotel directly at 757-220-2250. Identify yourself as a participant in the 2015 Episcopal Church Women Prayer and Worship Conference.

Acolyte Festival in Nags Head

The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina invites you and your acolytes to participate in the 2015 Acolyte Festival on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at St. Andrew's By the Sea in Nags Head, NC. All Acolytes, young, and young at heart, acolyte directors, youth ministers, and acolyte parents are encouraged to attend. Click here for more information.  

Hampton Roads Community Foundation scholarships available

Hampton Roads Community Foundation 2015-2016 theological scholarships applications are due April 1, 2015.  Students may visit www.hamptonroadscf.org to view the list of available scholarships and follow the steps for applying through our new online application process.  Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the specified geographic areas rather than those temporarily living in the area to attend school.

Barron F. Black Theological Scholarship- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia. 

William F. Miles - For a student from Hampton Roads who is preparing for leadership in a field of religious service.

Hy Smith Endowment Fund- For students at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Clergy Transitions

The Rev. Ronald Ramsey began as Rector at St. Cyprian's, Hampton, 12/1/2014

The Rev. Steve Cowardin retired from Redeemer, Midlothian, 1/4/2015

The Rev. Gwynneth Mudd will retire from St. Stephen's, Norfolk, 1/31/2015

Save the date: Vestry Training Days scheduled

Vestry Training Days will be held on Saturday, February 28 at St. Stephen's, Petersburg and on Saturday, March 7 at Ascension, Norfolk. Watch the eNews and check our website for more details coming soon!

Save the date: New Camino Hispanic Ministry Conference

Mark your calendar for the New Camino Hispanic Ministry Conference that will be held May 8-9 at St. Barnabas', Richmond. Learn how your church can begin to effectively minister to the multiple generations of Hispanic people in your area. Learn the differences between various Latino cultures needs our churches can begin to address. Conference will be led by The Rev. Anthony Guillen, Episcopal Church Officer for Hispanic/ Latino ministries, and a team of current Hispanic ministry practitioners. It is sponsored by Convocation VII Mission Initiative Grant and The Mission Network of the Diocese. Registration will be available soon. For more information, contact The Rev. Canon Jeunée Godsey, 434-603-1782, JeuneeGodsey@gmail.com.